Overdue Check-Up (Poppy Playtime)

(Chapter 4) Part 12: To the Safe Place

Dogday jogs ahead to the gate and looks out as Doey says, "There's some nasty falls in this place, but I can get you across. Oh yes, definitely."

The canine grabs at the bars and rips the whole thing out before following the toy out, "Come on guys, we're almost there!"

The other three follow Dogday out the open passage and see the new area they entered. Which is a large cavern with a metal wall ahead of them with two sets of writing, the first set read, 'SAFE HAVEN: SECTOR 4D à' the second set is written in blood, which crosses out SAFE and replaces it with 'But for How Long?'. A rock path standing out amongst the unstable rocky surroundings. There's a large gap between where they stand and where they need to go, which is bridged by Doey, who made a small bridge for the across by stretching his body, which Dogday is using.

The three look at the odd phenomenon, glance at each other, then back at Doey, "Well, what are you waiting for friends, walk across! I promise not to fall apart on ya!" he giggles.

Dan glances up at Dogday, who's already crossed, "You'll be fine, come on!"

Nearic shrugs with one shoulder and starts walking over, being carful of the toy's slight give from his material but thankfully makes it across. He turns around with a smile and gives a thumbs up. Dan chuckles as he shakes his head, then follows after his brother, Catnap following once he's crossed.

They follow the path hopping over a few small gaps, Catnap carefully carrying his nephew across them as to not aggravate his already sensitive injuries. The family of four approach another large gap and see Doey had stretched himself apart again to make a platform for them to use to get across.

As they walk over him, Doey then asks, "So... have you seen Poppy anywhere? Ollie said she was around... somewhere," his tone a mix between curious and hostile.

Dan nods, "Yeah, we saw her."

"Really?!" his tone becoming cheerful and excited, "Where?!"

Nearic bites lip, "Well... last we saw her was back at the elevator that brought us down here, she was helping Kissy and Hoppy after they were-"

"Hoppy, she's alive?!" Doey asks in surprise.

The brother's look between themselves as Dogday nods with a smile, "Yeah, she's alive," the smile wavers, "but she and Kissy were attacked by something as we were coming down, and the lift wasn't allowing us back up. Poppy said she'd help them while we found you guys."

"Hm..." Doey hums, "Well, I guess that's about as much as I could've hoped for when it comes to good news."

Catnap looks back at Doey as he says, "We're sorry we couldn't give you better news, or more of it."

The toy scoffs in annoyance, "You're part of the reason why there isn't much around."

Catnap looks away while Nearic glares at Doey, who was receding, "Stop that, he's trying to make amends, give him a chance at least!"

Doey grunts in the background before he replies, "I'm... sorry, that slipped out. I'm willing to let you change Catnap, just don't make me regret it, okay?" his tone soft and apologetic.

Catnap looks up at the ceiling, "I promise."

"Good, now keep moving down the path, you should reach one of the former workyards," the name making the toys shiver, "I'll meet you there."

Nearic reaches up and pulls Catnap's collar down, forcing his head towards the boy and eliciting a yelp of surprise, before scratching at the feline's jaw, prompting a purr of satisfaction, "You're already helping out a lot, don't forget that."