((Y/N)'s POV) Age: 6

My parents and I had been trapped in their secret workplace for weeks when the dumb war started. I hated every second of it because I couldn't play video games or anything that takes powers even if we had so much of it, the toys got boring really fast when I was the only one that played, and Mommy and Daddy kept on working. They keep on saying that every last bit of power we don't use is going to be another step for us. What was so special about it anyway? Everyone is shooting each other for some reason outside which makes me think about my parents, teachers, and other adults in my life saying that violence is never the answer. I was sitting on my big when all a sudden my parents were celebrating and now, I was in some kind of weird bed.

(Y/N)-What is this?

Daddy-It's a Cryo tube. Basically, it's gonna put us to sleep for a long time and when we wake it, we should be in a better world.

(Y/N)-So... No more war and big booms to wake us up?

Mommy-Nope. Just sunshine and whatever the future makes.

(Y/N)-So are we going to sleep for a few days... a week?

Mommy-Don't worry about it, Sweetie. You are very lucky that you get to do what many can't do. Just lay down, get comfy, close your eyes, and you might feel a little chilly at first.

I did what she said and they closed it. When I got comfy, I closed my eyes then I felt that it was freezing for a split second before I passed out.

(No POV)

After their son was taking care of, they looked inside the cryo tube and smiled at his sleeping form.

Heppy with their progress that diverted all power to the tubes, and freezer for the food and water before getting the back up generators ready for the door and lights when they wake up.

(Timeskip 6 Years)

A nuke was dropped somewhere far away and many other nukes hit areas of the globe, leaving most of Earth uninhabitable. It will take years for radiation to go down and life to continue where it left off. Meanwhile, the blast managed to cause most systems in the lab/shelter to malfunction. Both cryo pods shut down from overloading, the freezers went out, and half of the lab. The only Cryo tube left functioning was (Y/N)'s and the few systems still working were the timer, the backup generators, the water cooling system, and the ventilation system.

(Timeskip ??? Years)

((Y/N)'s POV)

When I woke up I saw fog leaving my weird bed thing and felt cold. I got out of this bed to go curl up in a warm blanket or something but then I noticed some of the lights were off. The only thing I could hear was the sound of the lights buzzing and flickering. Mommy and Daddy's beds were still closed but I did go in first... Maybe they are on a timer. I heard a noise and it sounded scary. When I turned to see what it was, I saw the big exit doors opening a little before they got stuck.

(Y/N)-Um...

I knocked on Mommy's tube bed and tried to wake her up but nothing so I got a stool to help me look inside... I SAW A SKELETON!!!

(Y/N)-*GASP*!!!

Tears were coming out of my eyes, so I went to check to see Daddy and there was another skeleton in his clothes! I fell back and hit my head on Mommy's tube bed which finally made me cry!

(No POV)

Freckle-Would you stop crying, please? People are starting to stare.

Rocky-*Sniffle*Th-They were just so young and fluffy and coated in syrup! Now, they are being swept and mopped into the dark and empty abyss where my dreams of a good meal went to parish as well.

Rocky put his head sideways on the table while the waitress cleaned up the plate that was dropped and had a new plate of pancakes being made. Ivy leaned into Freckle which made him tense up shyly and his fur stuck up a little.

Ivy-We got plenty of time before the job tonight.

Rocky-From one wasteland to another, said the fluffy plates of pure goodness.

Freckles-*Sigh* Would extra syrup and coffee make it better?

Rocky-Only if the coffee has extra syrup too.

Ivy-Huh?

(Timeskip To Night)

((Y/N)'s POV)

The power was going out and I was scared so I tried charging a tablet with my shows and games on it, but mostly to use the flashlight for the dark tunnel. It was covered in dust and stuff so I had to clean it before I packed up some water in a bag with some clothes. I wanted food but they were all moldy and smelled gross. Soon, the power went out so I grabbed my tablet and quickly turned on the flashlight before I looked for monsters. My breathing got faster while I tried to pack up the charger in the bag before running to get out of here. There were rocks and stuff I had to climb over When I made it outside it was night and I saw a city where a town was supposed to be. I checked the battery life to see it was at 92% before I followed the river. After a little bit, I saw a bunch of things that I didn't recognize. The road was curvier, there was a bridge now, and the river looked a lot bigger than when we went into the bunker the last time did with my parents... 

(Y/N)'s mind-How long were we asleep for?

I kept on walking to look for help and I was so scared. The trail was different too because it was getting covered in more and more grass so I didn't have it anymore but I just wanted to get to the city and find a police officer to help me... I found a sign that said something weird but there was an arrow carved into it pointing somewhere.

(Y/N)-*Sniffle* Mommy, D-Daddy.

I wanted them so much and missed them but I need to go find help. Maybe my other family will help me if the cops help me find them. I found more signs with arrows on them until I made it to some kind of junkyard.

(Y/N)-... Hello! *echo*

I saw a rat run by the light of my flashlight on my tablet and I wasting not to cry and just walk. The city was getting closer... I got lost in the junkyard and started running to try and get out of her faster. My tears ran out when I saw the exit and tried to get out of here but then I saw a car coming. It looked weird... Like it was really old. When I saw it park someone came out so I turned off my flashlight to see who it was first because Daddy said I need to be careful around strangers. I got a good look and... I don't know if that was a costume or not because it looked so real.

???-Alright, let's see. *echo*

???-Are you sure this is the right entrance for the map? No arrows or nothing leading us here on a secret path like we were told.

???-Are you doubting my sense of direction, Ms. Pepper? Besides, we know what the client put our liquid gold in. How hard can it be to find if we know what we are looking for?

???-You mean the one thing in an entire junkyard?

???-Precisely. Now, let's shake a leg and we can make it back before Ms. M hits the hay.

Two more came out and they were real cat monsters! Is the whole city full of cat monsters?!

(Freckle's POV)

I just wanted a simple night. Be at home, work on some things, read, and go to sleep but here I am at a junkyard this time. Ivy got the map from Rocky and to no surprise, we came in the wrong way. Now, we have to cut through to find the right entrance left open for us and go from there with the map. Rocky already tried to climb on piles of junk to play his violin which is just going to cause unwanted attention. I wanted to say something but I thought it would be too harsh and then Ivy stepped up thankfully.

Ivy-Hey, Mr. Lookout why don't you stay in the car and keep an eye on it?

Rocky-And deprive my two best chums of a magical musical theater performance?! I could never.

Ivy-Rocky... You remember what happened last time you played while on lookout duty?

Rocky-So we got shot at, wrecked the car, and caused a few firecrackers to go off. Who hasn't done that from time to time?

Freckle-A lot of people. A lot of people, Rocky.

Ivy-Just stay with the car and keep watch while Freckle and I go get the goods.

Rocky-How about a quick love recital for the two love birds then?! ~

(Rocky's POV)

They were walking away and I didn't get to play a song for them to ignite the night with beautiful music and poetry. I guess some of us just have no love for the arts the way I do. Well, they can take away the audience but they can't take away the music!

Rocky-Ladies and gentlemen! Put your hands together for a callback to a tragic tale of a lonely clown in a dark world!

I played and recited for the rats, insects, and spirits that may be fond of these items from a forgotten past. After my song was finished I took in the applause of crickets and the soft night breeze. That's when I heard something being knocked over. My ears perked up and I turned to where it came from. Must be another rat angry I am trespassing on their turf. All it does is scurries and hides though so not to worry. I walked over to it to see if it was a fan of my song but then I saw something bigger run away into the shadows... There might be another kind of rat here.

Rocky-Uh oh... Hey, wait!

I put down my violin and had to catch whoever here with us to make sure they didn't rat on us to the cops or a rival gang! Ms. M would be displeased! I kept on getting glances of the figure and it looked odd. They must be hiding their ears and tail but then I got the little bugger cornered because I heard them crying. Sounds like a kid.

Rocky-Alright, Little Whiffet let's have a little talk about secr-.

I finally saw them clearly when they turned and they were holding some kind of weird square thing... I don't even know what I was looking at.

Maybe a bad haircut... and fur cut... and ear cut... and tail cut... and nose job. Weird clothes too.

???-AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!

I covered my ears then they started throwing random junk at me! I fell back and screamed myself while he kept on going. Soon, he was about to throw something else!

Rocky-NOT THE WAFFLE IRON!!!

*WHAM*

???-AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!

(Timeskip 1 Hour)

Rocky--and then they threw the waffle iron before running off then I couldn't find them!

Ivy-... Why did you include the spilled pancakes at the cafe? We were there. We also didn't need you to replay your whole song and dance.

Rocky-But what about the last part?! You weren't there for that!

Freckle-So that screaming was a kid with their ears in the wrong place, completely shaved, no tail, and in weird clothes.

Rocky-Attaboy, Freckle! Now, if we load up we can go find the creature of the night!

Ivy-Um, are you sure you didn't just see things or had too much pancakes and syrup?

Rocky-*Gasp*!... You don't believe me, do you? Do you take me for a sap?!

Ivy/Freckle-...

Rocky-... And too. Freckle.

Freckle-Listen, we got what we came for and nobody has come to shoot us, pull us over, or try to kill us. Can we just leave while everything is spiffy?

Rocky-Only if you can name one time I did anything to make you doubt me after our long-term friendship.

(Flashback Start)

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https://youtu.be/iSzwcrDO-Mc

(Flashback End)

Rocky-I have matured since then... Maybe there was a minor incident... Incidences. But I know when one stands alone. I will stay and bring the creature back to clear the air.

Ivy-Rocky, this is a bunch of baloney.

Rocky-I know what I saw and if I can't catch this creature alone and you both don't believe me, I know someone who will!

(Timeskip 1 Hour)

Rocky-WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME?!?!?! Don't you have a sense of wonder and imagination when you plan for a building?!

We made it back to the Speakeasy and if there was anyone with a sense of imagination and wonder, it would be the man that runs a construction business. His response was...

Wick-Because... it sounds rather far-fetched. Don't you think? Also, I make mines for stone and material.

I turned to my next choice.

Rocky-Surely, you believe me!

Zib-Not. At. All.

I turned again and leaned over the table.

Viktor-*Grumbles*.

Rocky-Was that a yes or no?

Viktor-Take campfire story elsewhere.

My last hope. I turned.

I just looked at her waiting for an answer and she was thinking it over while looking conflicted.

Mitzi-Um... Honey, I-... Let's pretend for a moment this creature that hit you with a waffle iron was here with us right now. What else was there about it?

Rocky-It had a rectangle or square thing and a bag with them. I am almost sure the thing it was holding had light coming from it.

Zib-Like a flashlight or lantern?

Rocky-A rectangle and flat one.

(Ivy's POV)

Everyone was looking at Rocky like he was crazy and weird but that shouldn't be new. I even think he likes the attention but this time he won't let it go. Ms. M was just indulging this for him but I could see she was a little annoyed about this. That's when Rocky came up with an idea.

Rocky-A wager!

Zib-Huh?

Rocky-I wager that the creature I saw was real. I will bring the beast here alive as proof!

Ivy's mind-Wager?... As in he is willing to put out the dough? ~

I went to his side before the others gave their answer because this was going to be easy money.

Ivy-A wager, you say? How much are you willing to bet?

Rocky-Hmmm... If I win, breakfast is your treat.

Ivy-I wage the same but you pay for me and Freckle.

Freckle-When did I become a part of this?

Ivy-When it became a whole day for us to date. Does anyone else want in on this?

They didn't want to join the game so me and Rocky shook on it then I pulled Freckle to my side with one arm. Rocky went to get the car ready and Freckle just looked at me.

Freckle-You do know this might take all night, right?

Ivy-And after a day's rest, we will have a whole day after to have a date.

((Y/N)'s POV)

I tried to find my way back to the lap and see if I could get the power on and hide in there but the woods were too dark and scary and the junkyard was dark and scary. The lab was dark and scary too. I felt so lost and alone that all I could do was sit and cry next to a broken car. I kept on calling for my Mommy and Daddy or anyone of my family members in between my cries, tried drinking water to calm down but it felt like monsters were watching me from everywhere. I thought about the city but it has to be filled with monsters. Soon, I heard another noise but this was not a rat, owl, or something falling over... This was a car so I went to go look... THEY'RE BACK!!! I ran into a building to hide.

(Freckle's POV)

Can't believe I had to call Mom and lie to her again... Sort of. I told her I was volunteering at the junkyard for some money but no. I get to spend the night on an imaginary monster hunt Rocky might've seen during a sugar rush. It wouldn't be the first time he has done this, like when we switched from oatmeal to pancakes and then back to oatmeal. The most ridiculous part was that Rocky had a plan to set traps. It might sound good but what he was doing now... He was putting cheese on a mouse trap after he said this creature was the size of a child.

Ivy-You go look over there and Freckle and I will go over here.

Freckle-Wait, did you point Rocky to where they keep heavy machinery?

Ivy-On second thought, we're swapping places.

Rocky-Aces! This creature won't know what hit them!

Ivy just took me behind a building and instead of looking, she pushed me against the wall. She had a smile on her face and I didn't know how to act from here or maybe if I do something wrong.

Ivy-Looks like we got a night off and a free breakfast tomorrow. Where do you wanna go? There is more than just the Little Daisy Cafe.

Freckle-Um... I mean, I wouldn't mind the Little Daisy. 

Ivy-Come on, Rocky is treating. Go big and he will just ask for a loan... Let's talk it over while we neck each other in the closet. Come on, let's get inside.

Freckle-U-Um, ok. Maybe let's just keep it professional tonight and just talk about breakfast. Please.

I'm mainly worried about Rocky going crazy and somehow setting this place on fire. We just went inside a building and planned to watch Rocky from a window but then we saw something move under the table and heard them whimpering. When we got closer and the figure turned to us...

???-*Whimper* *SOBBING*!!!

Ivy/Freckle-...

I had no idea what I was even looking at but I felt my head getting dizzy and lighter while I couldn't even move from shock.

Ivy-Freckle... *echo*

*Thud* 

I think she fell over but I couldn't look away then I heard her scrambling back.

Ivy-R-Rocky! Get in here! *echo*

Rocky-*Muffled* *echo*!

Ivy-NOW!!! *echo*

Finally, I got movement back in my feet when the creature tried to make a run for it crying with all of its stuff. I had no idea what would happen if I tried to grab them but I did try and ended up flinching when I touched their arm then...

???-AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!

That high pitch sound was annoying but it was just very loud while I was still trying to figure out what was happening.

((Y/N)'s POV)

He tried to grab me, he tried to grab me, HE TRIED TO GRAB ME!!! I tried running out of the building to just make a break for that exit and find another place to hide but the girl was by the door which made me try to climb up a table to open up a window and get out that way. On my way up I was grabbed so I screamed again then they let me go. 

(Y/N)-LEAVE ME ALOOOOONE!!!

The girl dashed the only way out of the building and closed the door to lock me in. I just went back under the table to hide and cry. They already know I'm here, so what's the point of holding it in anymore?!

(Y/N)'s mind-I JUST WANT MY MOMMY AND DADDY!!! I WANT THIS TO JUST BE A BAD DREAM!!!

(Ivy's POV)

This has to be a bad dream! My head was spinning and I started to think I just fell asleep in the car or maybe I did it and we were still on our way to get the liquor our supplier left for us... I pinched myself and I wish I have not done that... This was real.

Ivy's mind-What is that thing in there?!

Freckle was up against the door while Rocky peeked in through the window and started cheering! This could be a bloodthirsty monster and he is cheering?!

Rocky-Hahahahahaaaaa! HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! I WAS RIGHT!!! HAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!

Just then Freckle grabbed him by the coat and had a crazed look in his eyes before he got a hold of himself. He calmed down, let Rocky go, and fixed his coat.

Freckle-Sorry!.. Sorry... Now, what is that thing in there?!

Rocky-That, my hard-boiled friend, is what discovery looks like... They didn't have a waffle iron in there, did they?

Freckle-Um... I didn't see one.

Rocky-Aces! Wait here, and I'll get something figured out to get the creature in the car without any problems. Just need a makeshift rope. 

The boys left and I just propped myself on the door to make sure this creature didn't sneak off and I could process everything that just happened. I just wanted to neck and cuddle with my boyfriend. This was supposed to be an easy free meal that I could milk for a fancy breakfast somewhere expensive! After I calmed down and took deep breaths, I focused on the crying coming from inside.

Ivy-What... are you?