Dandy's World: The I.C.H.O.R. Factory - Rainbow factory AU - Chapter 1 - Anonymous (2024)

Chapter Text

[ September 14th, 4:30 pm ]

Footsteps paced the dimly lit halls of the factory as Dandy rushed with a furrowed brow. He was dressed in long latex gloves and boots that went up to his upper arms and thighs, alongside the outer layer of baggy charcoal gray sweatpants and white sweater to cover the rest of his body. A long dragging lab coat was also attached to his body, as well as gray goggles to shield his eyes from just how much color was in the facility. Small droplets of fresh paint fell from his petals as his three stone pups followed behind him. Pebble, Opal, and Bismuth; the only "people" he truly cared about in this god-forsaken building.

Dandy was just a minute behind schedule; having to paint your petals to look good in front of new "Donors" was important! but it took quite a while when you have so many... especially in such lavish colors!- The whole spectrum of light, All to his beautiful self... The blossom smiled as he fueled his ego in his head. He only snapped out of it when he saw his two favorite guardsmen standing by the entrance of the south corridor, the entrance of the building.

"Goob. Scraps."

He called with a small smile, gesturing with his hands for the two to follow behind. Goob looked towards his sister with a lively tongue-out smile as he followed behind his boss - his large hands dragging behind him. Dandy passed under the doorway, his arms crossed behind his back as he gazed at the 7 new "Donors".

7 toons, all in rainbow order: Cerise, Brown, gold, lime, mint, cyan, and lilac. It wasn't a perfect rainbow, but who cares. Dandy eyed each and every little toon with the cyan one catching most of his attention. Cyan was a rather popular color, and this toon... this bright, moon shaped toon... had more than enough of it. Every toon in the rainbow row wore cuffs in front of them and sat on their knees. On either side of the moon, though, were two subjects: a minty green Tv with her head hung low, and a pastel purple butterfly staring forward with a face of woe

A small hum escaped the flower up front as his dogs circled around each of the toons, sniffing at their ankles and sometimes pouncing on their knees, searching for any weapons or substance. They only stopped once Goob made a quick whistle... They all ran besides the cat-like guard, sitting beside her in a row from smallest to biggest. Dandy cleared his throat and took a step forward with a sickening smile.

"Greetings, Donators, to the ICHOR Factory! It's an absolute pleasure for you to be here with us today, and we plan on making your stay as welcoming as possible..."

His voice trailed off with a sinister chuckle as his lips cracked and twitched... You could see his gums from where you were sitting.

"If you wish to stay long, it's highly advised to listen to the rules and the word of our protectors.. as well as your overseer!"

His hands gestured to either side of him, showing off goob and scraps before gesturing to himself. He was fluid with his movements, almost robotic in a way... as if he didn't know how to properly act or was too animated.

"Scraps and Goob here are my highest guards, if their command is to fall onto you, you comply. If I, Dandy, personally command you, You Comply. As simple as a game!"

His eyes gazed over them... waiting... Usually by this time of his monologue, someone was bound to pipe up.

The cat-designed guard stared among the row of toons with her hands behind her back, folded. Her tail swayed behind her as her eyes darted at each toon, all distracted by their colors. Her eyes then turned back to the dogs who had joined at her side, each a different type of rock as interesting as books. Though she wasn’t a fan of dogs, she stayed professional and collected as she stood there to await any kind of orders her boss commanded. She knew the game Dandy instructed very well. She was a complete pro at it!!

And then there sat the cyan colored toon, dressed in a sleet gray uniform with a night-time cap hanging over his face to cover his star-like eye. His hands sat in his lap, on both knees while he kept his eyes locked with the floor. He didn’t have the energy to listen to such a painfully-bright voice.

The masked moon wasn’t nearly as preppy as the guard, but may have been the most ALIVE of the lined up toons. They hadn’t even seen the full factory yet, and the colors of their souls had already vanished. The moon’s was only slathered with the paint of anger and frustration, but he knew better than to make a scene. Anyone with two brain cells would’ve known how bleak this place of hue really is, and yet it seems that he along with many others were still completely colorblind to it. Being put in HANDCUFFS as a greeting isn’t very welcoming…at least he thinks it isn’t. The trip here was too exhausting for his brain to be allowed to fully function afterwards.

As he listened to the head of the factory, his head lifted from its hung position to glance at the two beside him. They seemed just as hopeless as he felt. Good to know he was in good company. He hadn’t taken much time to look at the other “donors” here, sleeping has had most of his attention. His eyes then followed the dogs, staring at the patterns of each stone and trying to recall what the origins of all their types were. He was barely paying attention to the doctor at this point. There was a bismuth…a pearl…? …and a rock with rainbow…puke. yeah.

The toon snapped back to the instructor as they came to a slow in their monologue. He opened his mouth for a moment to say something before feeling the grip of fear sew his mouth shut and pull him back by his esophagus. He was suffocated before going out for a second attempt. This time, he managed to get out his question.

“And what if we want to leave?”

His voice was quieter than he had intended, it caused embarrassment to shake through his spine, straightening his posture for a moment while looking up at the blossom. His eyebrow kept furrowed, but it quivered. Simply being acknowledged of his existence by the eyes of the cat guard made him want to vanish into dust. It was an uncomfortable, terrible feeling.

A gentle snapping sound - much like a pencil breaking in half - escaped the overseer. Dandy stared with a poker-faced smile, one large enough to pierce through each mint-colored cheek on that cream-colored face of his.

Step. step.. step... step....

Dandy crouched down in a Russian squat, his hands cupped his knees as he was just inches away from the cyan toon. He kept that joyful blank slate grin stuck on his face like a mask as his eyes widened at his question.

"And why would you ever want to do that?"

His brows finally curled up as his eyes grew heavy. He tilted his head to the side as he spoke, looking like a curious dog... makes sense for the dog person he is. With him this close, you could practically smell him... it was overstimulating... Yet said overstimulation didn't bear a name. The closest you could get was strong lead paint mixed with floral growths and soap chemicals. Something a bootleg product would put in a candle. And yet, it was so muffled out by the dust and almost-dead air... You'd rather suffocate than have him near you.

Then, after nothing but silence, a gloved hand suddenly shot out and gently cupped the underside of the moon's mask. His thumb grazed along its baby blue surface rather gently... It was extremely unexpected.

"Your name. What is it?”

He spoke with a much flatter, quieter tone. One of pure curiosity... his expression didn't change from that uncanny smile.

Upon the reaction to his question, the snapping made his shoulders tense up. He felt like he had to go into fight or flight, but all he could manage was a freeze. He could think of numerous reasons to leave. To go home, to go back to his family, to be somewhere he’d be loved, to be treated WITHOUT being ON THE FLOOR approaching DEATH ROW. But he kept silent.

He couldn’t muster out a single word, finding his voice had completely fleeted from his throat and sunk somewhere in his stomach. He wanted to move away from him to regain the distance he now missed, but he felt glued to the floor. His pupil unlocked itself from Dandy’s sharp gaze, looking back down at the ground before he was grasped.

His head was lifted back up, his hands darting upward to grab at Dandy’s arm, but didn’t even reach his sleeve. His breathing had quickened, though he was trying his best to control it. His hands lowered back to his lap, the chains clinking with the movement. He had caught Scraps out of the corner of his eye who was more than likely eager to tase the first person that got aggressive. He did NOT want to be that first person.

“A—…Astro.”

The toon wrestled a stammer to say. His head lifted slightly upwards to try and lift his face away from the blades attached to Dandy’s palms. His hat had fallen from his face, the star eye that previously hid behind it sparked with a warning. Though, attempting the following consequence would end up hurting Astro more than the doctor.

Scraps stood protectively in the back, her feet outstretched while her tail snapped behind her. It served as a quick warning to Astro, for his fears about her were undoubtedly well placed. The end of her tail sparked electricity, an odd taser more like a beast than an item. She expected the dogs to be just as on guard as she was.

All three dogs were up on their paws- Goob was the last to react, having his tongue stuck out as he kept eye on the others. He loosely swung his head over to stare at the cyan one... 'oh!- something happened?...' was the only thought that passed in that silly head of his. Dandy responded soon after the room sparked with an on-guard presence.

"Astro..."

Dandy spoke his name like a snake, hissing out each and every letter like a trance. He eyed down at the moon's cuffs; his hand breaking away from his face. He paused in the air for a moment before snatching up the chains and tugging him forward. The overseer stood, taking a step back as he proceeded with the motion- which could cause Astro to fall over onto his elbows.

"What a pretty name for such a pretty face! A shame you ask such a foolish question, though..."

He brushed his hands on his lab coat as if Astro had some infectious disease he didn't want on his gloves.

"None of you get to leave, which, I thought was obvious... If you plan on escaping this facility, you'll be shot dead where you stand!"

He then pointed two fingers at Astro's head, mimicking that of a gun before "firing" with a small "Pew!" escaping his lips... the whole scene ended off with a trailing chuckle escaping the bloom's maw.

"Any other questions from the crowd?..."

While the name slithered out of Dandy’s lips, Astro’s face scrunched up like it had become a slur against him. He barely followed Dandy’s movements, trailing too late as his chains were tugged, and he was sent onto his stomach and elbows. He winced, the cement ground lightly bruising his ceramic. He grunted, lying there while Dandy went on with his threat.

He only looked up again at the end of the answer, overreacting due to not fully seeing that the man was in fact holding up two fingers and not an actual gun. When he had heard the stupid little “pew”, he felt more embarrassed than ever, simply laying in between his laid out arms like a corpse. ‘Way-to-play-the-character, Astro! Ugh.’

While Astro remained in his new position, glances were traded amongst the row. Each looking to the other as if they would be the next to pipe up. After that display, they’d all rather go in blind than to trade a word with that flower. They all looked up to Dandy separately, one shaking their head after the other. It seemed nobody wanted to pipe up.

Scraps’ menacing grin did not help curiosity either. She was eagerly awaiting someone to pipe up in defense for the poor moon, but nobody did. Damn!!!!!! She’ll just have to keep an extra eye out and pray for escapees or rough housers for later. Meanwhile, the lilac butterfly kept her eyes on Astro, wanting to nudge him to get up, but didn’t have the courage to do so. Oh well.

Dandy's smile only grew- which seemed impossible at first glance... the eyes only added to the expression. He looked manic with those tiny red dots deep within his pupils. He LLLOVVEEED those who play along. Even if at first they didn't think he was joking. He couldn't help but snicker, already finding a liking to the moon... albeit in the worst way possible for Astro..

"Up!"

Dandy commanded the group as he gestured with his hands for them to stand.. All three pups waddled over to him in a protective manner on queue with his word. After just a few seconds of shuffling and quiet mutters- Dandy spun on his heel and began marching down the hall.

“You heard the boss!”

The cat rasped out, beckoning up the line of toons. Each got up to their feet, some paying an eye to Astro while others began following Dandy in the row they were ordered in. Each toon showed fear to the cat, one Toon stumbling back for a moment before scurrying to follow Dandy. Scraps gave nasty looks to those who were even an inch out of a perfect line.

Astro slowly pushed himself up from the ground, wavering as he did. He only got to his knees before the lime green TV Toon lowered to help him. She pulled him up by his upper right arm, helping him onto both feet. He traded a whispered ‘thank you’ with her nod, and then followed the rainbow flower behind her. Behind him, the butterfly followed behind.
Goob followed once everyone began marching down, being the back-end support in case anyone was to try and turn around to flee.

The hall that greeted the toon's eyes was lined with a rainbow edge that reached a quarter up the wall from the floor up; Painted against dark-gray wallpaper. if you were to look closer at said wallpaper, crosses and bones were decorated in with a lighter gray.. Some spots even had clear old graffiti that were painted over: Arrows pointing in certain directions were clear to see under the poorly done wash. They pointed back where the toons had just exited... Other spots on the walls were messages: "Hell on earth" and "Hope will get you nowhere" were just barely visible. Focusing down on the floor, thin red tattered carpet blanketed the cold concrete ground just enough for bare feet to stand comfortably. The edges of the long carpet were lined with fake gold trimmings long aged from tripping and mishaps, as well as normal day to day use.

Things only got interesting the second you were to look up. It looked to be about three or so stories tall with a large cross intersection meeting the center. The floor above could be seen straight through, as the floors were metallic with jagged railings and tiny holes. White coats all rushed from place to place... some holding capsules of bright glowing colors, others held clipboards and one doctor passed by with two horrid looking toons.

Exiting from the left hall was a toon with a tooth for a head, wearing a long white lab coat and wearing almost the exact same outfit as dandy. Except, instead of black gloves and boots, they were a soft teal color. A small tie poked out from his shirt and hung loosely out and about. The two toons behind him were a pale-ish gray with small spots of color left on them. One was a strawberry looking toon with greenish spots on their leaves and stem. The other was an ammonite shell, weeping as she hugged herself... Dandy looked with disdain, his smile falling off his expression as if he was mildly inconvenienced.

The bloom took a right turn, following the small group ahead with his arms crossed behind his back.

Astro kept his eyes on the walls, trying to decipher each message when he had realized there was writing. Each word was more disheartening than the last. Why didn’t they cover these up better? The entire place is built to extract and deliver color, so they SHOULD have enough to spare just to keep their own place intact, right?

While he looked around, he had noticed the line he was a part of didn’t do the same as he. They all kept their heads low, staring at the ground without a word while some held back tears. The sight was baffling. It only pulled his heart back more to the entrance they came from. He WANTED to run out right now, find his way home and never look back. But he knew he couldn’t. He kept his eyes forward until the two patients came by.

He watched the two terrified patients as they crossed in front of their group, showing sympathy to the ammonite crying to herself. Holy gemini, what are they doing to people here to cause looks like that? They looked like they had been bleached clean, but didn’t have enough to finish the job. This was the first time the Toons in line had looked up, some were shocked and others were scared. Some seemed to be expecting this. Astro respectfully looked away from the scene, focusing upwards instead at the second floor ahead. He wouldn’t want to be watched if he had endured whatever they were going through. The Golden Rule of respect is all it is.

The line wavered with Dandy’s guidance, turning with him along their color scheme that only had a few days left of allowance to exist. From Magenta, Scarlet, Gold, Lime, mint, and lilac, it would soon turn into black, gray, white, gray, and gray. How thrilling! A great shading scheme to look forward to! Maybe their shades would even be used later on. What would they be then? Hard to tell. This is all narration thoughts though, nothing that the toons would know about…mwahhahahahahahahha evil evil evil!!

The doctor in front quickened his pace, leading the drained toons back to their chambers the mere second he noticed Dandy. Nonsensical whispers caressed the ears of those who tried to tune in.

Once the main group hit the entrance of the east wing, the overseer ordered Goob and Scraps to line up the rest against the wall shoulder to shoulder. Goob gave a loose salute as he gently pushed the lilac butterfly along. Which accidentally made her run into Astro, who was then forced to bump into Vee in front of him. A toon sandwich!!...
y a y. Goob made a small "oop" noise before he cooed out an apology.

"My bad!”

Out of everyone here... he seemed the most kind. Hopefully.

"Mush! Mush! I don't have all day."

Dandy called out impatiently, tapping his foot against the cold concrete floor in a rapid rhythm.

The East Wing looked exactly like a prison. Cells lined the walls that stacked about two stories high. it was enough rooms to fit maybe 100 people, assuming roommates were a possibility. Scattered around the first floor were navy blue tables with chipped paint and ceramic seats. The lights were dimmed... only the faded rainbow on the wall that continued from the corridor was the truest pop of color. You could easily mistake it for a black and white TV channel if the colorful decal wasn't there. To the left of the group on the same wall was a large window with a single foot gap at the bottom. The inside was a dirty white kitchen with shockingly quite little grime on the tiles. Plates were stacked high on the countertops and at the veeery back was a toon working hard on cleaning them. She was a baby blue tissue box with a deep blue bow on the back of her pearly white dress. You couldn't exactly tell if she worked there or not by looks alone.

Scraps hurriedly shoo’d the other toons against the wall, very choppy and impatient with her leading. She ushered the toons against the wall, making sure to keep color coordination and yelling at a poor toon when they were in the wrong spot. At least she was protecting someone’s OCD?? Each of them pressed their backs against the wall, some uncomfortably squished for a minute before finding their place.

Astro as one of these uncomfortable toons grumbled to himself as he was literally sandwiched by the foolish guard. He shuffled out of line for a moment so the TV and butterfly could have some space to move until he was allowed back in his spot.

“Heels against the wall!!”

Scraps shrieked. Postures were straightened and heels clicked against the wall. Scraps may have been overbearing and treating them more like prisoners than donors, but it was effective. Astro clawed at his cuffs, paying attention to his butterfly companion again who uncomfortably leaned against the wall. Because the toon didn’t have arms, her wings were bound instead to her back. It took away her ability to fly. Astro realized this and was taken by concern, scooting closer to the TV to give the butterfly a bit more room. Even if the TV wasn’t happy with their new closeness.

“Back up.” >:(

The lime technology spoke. Astro reluctantly moved back, but the insect had noticed his attempt and appreciated it. If she could smile, that’s how she would’ve given her gratitude.

"NOW THEN!"

Dandy raised his voice slightly, grabbing the attention of everyone in the row.

"This is your new home! You will be assigned rooms and a cellmate! Yaaayy!!! buddy.. system.."

Dandy made some jazz hands as his smile became more.. forced.. it also grew a bit more quiet before he eyed two MORE guards to step over. One was a sunny toon with black shades over his eyes and the other looked like the back of a picture frame...

The sun guard stared at Astro for a solid second before looking away at the rest of them... his expression looked off putting. As if he was sympathetic and trying to hide it with an angry shell while shaming Astro internally for purely existing. How dare another galaxy themed toon step in here! was... probably what he was saying. The other looked indifferent with heavy eyelids and a toothpick at the side of their mouth.

"You're free to walk around anywhere in the room before 7:00 pm. If any of you are seen wandering the halls of the factory without permission from a higher up. I have no guarantee what might happen to you!... I personally wouldn't risk it."

His happy go lucky attitude sparked again. God, this dude LOVES threats, doesn't he? or just being overall weird. He placed his hand on his chest as he talked, as if performing for his audience of seven.

"Now, Uncuff them! And please, don't try to squirm. This actually benefits you."

Buddy system? Great. The cerise toon peered her head forward to get a good look at the line of toons. She was only curious about who her new partner would be. She only caught a glimpse of a darker brown toon in line beside her with orange highlights and red rays. He quickly shoo’d her back with the back of his hand, but she was late to understand. A ‘CRACK’ of Scraps’ tail made her quickly jump back against the wall, sweating profusely as she kept in her spot.

“Your HANDS will be freed, NOT YOUR FEET.” Scraps called.

The lamp of a toon hurriedly nodded, looking back down at the floor with her hands in front of herself. The guard’s ears twitched with irritation, stepping forward to slowly grab the woman’s cuffs and began unlocking them. Soon, the shackles fell into the guard’s palms, and she hooked it onto her tool belt. Then she went on with the next toon, then the next. She covered the warm hue side of the rainbow.

Astro was busy picking out Dandy’s numerous threats. His hands were out in front of him, and he didn’t even notice when his cuffs were eventually taken off by the softer guard. Bro is just so gentle… the cyan toon was completely zoned out, thinking of the numerous possibilities that awaited for them at night. Of course they’d have to be in bed by SEVEN. Sleeping was going to be annoying for the first few nights with the weird sleep schedule he had…aka sleeping 18/7, but those 19 hours normally resided during the day…not night. He’d have to figure out something to entertain himself for a bit until he got that sleep he had now screwed himself over with.

In Astro’s coming consciousness, he looked back up to the guard that eyed him. Uncomfortable by the expression he couldn’t decipher, he only squinted back as a “what????”. His attention soon returned to the environment, looking up at the second floor. ugh those stairs would be a bitch to climb every night if he’s placed up there. But the view would be nice. Getting food would be quicker though if he was on the bottom floor. He’s calculating the whole f*cking facility in his head.

Once all cuffs were collected and Goob returned to his spot with his sister, the two other guards pushed the group along, no longer caring for the rainbow order that was once set in place. The picture frame cleared their throat and took the tooth pick out from their mouth. They unclipped a small clipboard from behind them - which had been connected to their tool belt. They cleared their throat before a sassy, slightly scratch fem voice erupted from their maw.

"Names, everyone?"

They raised an eyebrow, looking at the group before them. Dandy followed from behind, eyeing them all with goob and scraps just a few feet away.

Meanwhile, all three pet "rocks" waddled around, looking in the rooms and running up the stairs. One specifically though was eye catching. Pebble, the second biggest out of the bunch, ran over and placed his two front paws on a cell's bars. His painted tail wagged side to side vigorously before the donator inside crouched down and slipped their gray hands out to pet him. It was that same strawberry guy as before... His face looked different. The only thing that seemed non-colored were his hands and feet that poked out from the gray and charcoal outfit he was forced to wear.

How odd... At least the dogs were somewhat nice. Maybe they aren't as scary as one might think! Key word might.

Astro’s eyes slowly followed the dogs, watching the hand that peered out of the darkness of the cell with the kind face of the strawberry. That visit from the dog seemed like medicine to the donor. He was completely distracted by this for a moment, directly staring at the donor.

Each toon began listing off their names, a new voice with a new tone along the same wavelength of anxiousness emitted from the coordinated line. Cerise, “Brightney” in a kinder, more eager voice. Gold, who spoke in a more professional voice, “Teagan”. A stupid f*cking bitch ass lime with the most disgusting voice known to man that it made everyone close their ears, “Limey!!!!! >:)))”, what a disgusting foul creature. The bright green TV then spoke with a laggy, dreadful voice, “Vee”. Then a pause as Astro was distracted. He was broken out of his trance when accidentally making eye contact with the donor he was staring at in the cell, snapping towards the line.

“Astro” He said as physically quick as possible, now EMBARRASSED because he couldn’t simply pay attention for two minutes.

When the line had gotten mostly through, Brightney looked to her right where that familiar toon had been. Except, he wasn’t there anymore. Now, she was beside a golden toon…where had he gone? Did she imagine him? What did he even look like?? Oh well.

Then came Flutters’ turn, to which she was unable to speak.

“Pipe up, insect!” Scraps shrieked, commanding Flutters to which she received no reply. Quite hard to do that without a mouth. It was clear that Flutters was PANICKING because she had no way of communicating.

"The Purple one's Flutter! Found a small I.D. Card on her when we went through the quick search! Forgot to tell ya, sorry..."

Goob chimed in before he took the card out from his pocket. He waddled over to the picture, passing them the card and waddled back. Dandy gave a side glance as his smile faltered from his face. The wooden guard gave him a small nod before going out with the rest of what she was going to say.

"Brightney, room A-3, first floor. Teagan, room A-5, first floor. Limey... room A-7, first floor."

The sun guard gave each a small nod, allowing them to step away to find the rooms.

"Vee, B-3, second floor. Astro-"

The guard paused, glancing at him then back down at the list.

"B-4. Second floor. And Flutter, B-8, second floor. Last cell on the far right."

Dandy peered over his shoulder once everything was assigned and done. 4:46 pm. Almost time for supper! He jingled his head side to side in joy as watched the toons flee to their rooms.

"Let's go."

He murmured to Goob and Scraps as he took his leave...

Astro stepped out from the line as he was given his room number. The pausing did not help his current situation with multiple eyes now on him from being in 2 separate scenes. He’s not having a great first day. He’d rather attempt to vanish from the scene entirely and hope everyone forgets his face, but that may not be an option now. Great, thinking of the stories people would tell. ‘Hah! Then there was that one guy who got sent onto his stomach in front of everyone!! what a loser!!!’ Good grief.

The buzzing in his head refused to cease, watching everyone else go to their rooms, he figured he should find his own as well. He looked up at the second floor, frowning at the fact he’d now have to climb the stairs no matter how tuckered out he’d be. Hell, the stairs might look just as comfy as his bed now. He made his way to the metal staircase, climbing onto each step while trying to pick out the silver lining of the situation. He likes heights, it made him feel closer to the sky. The sky is nice. That may be his singular coping mechanism of a thought through-out this hell hole.

He found his cell, B-4 marked on a plaque above the door in printed out black on white writing. Gently pulling the door open with one hand he stepped inside. The entire room was painted one singular color of light gray, and the furniture inside was white. The floors and walls had built in mats you couldn’t get hurt falling onto or against. It made him think of what people were doing in here to cause these installations.

There was a small, older TV to the right side of their room on a small white rectangle drawer. It had only one holder, and clearly wasn’t meant to hold much. There were a few handful of games and toys, things you’d give to kids to make them shut up for a few hours. Things like legos and Uno or Monopoly…a coloring book or two. There was probably more variation in other people’s cells. A noisemaker was around too, something to blur out the senses of the most paranoid of patients. How thoughtful…Astro would definitely be using that, he loved those things.

He was now standing in front of the TV, watching some dumb cartoon rerun. While he had been exploring, he had failed to notice the secondary toon lying on the bunk bed behind him.

On the bottom bunk laying under the covers was a pillow-headed being with small rips covering the right half of their face. The fluff on their head was a tannish orange color with a pastel complection. The toon only made their presence known the second they turned their body.

"Oh... Hello there."

They curled up their hidden body under the blanket and gave their new cellmate a small welcoming smile. Their voice sounded shy, sleepy, and overall slow - not like that's a huge problem, though.

"Who are you?”

The pastel toon beckoned with a quiet mutter.
Astro jumped in place, quickly turning to meet eye to eye with the cellmate in their bed. He didn’t see them coming in, but now he could assume why. The pillow had simply blended in with the bed. His two upper arms folded over each other in front of him while the two lower ones hid behind his back, a comfort he wasn’t granted all day.

“You scared me… Hello… I think I’m your new cellmate. My name’s Astro, you?”

He gave a small wave with a lift of his front hand that didn’t leave the hold of his other. He took a step closer, allowing himself to be seen better. He spoke gently with the assumption the toon was napping beforehand, and he was the last man on earth to be loud around someone who just woke up…or in general. The last thing he wanted to display himself as is some weirdo that barged into the cell.

"Call me Pillbow!.. You look pretty."

The toon's expression didn't change- it seemed like they had JUST woken up and were just spewing out whatever came to mind first without thinking. To back up this, they sat up and yawned, rubbing their face with.. see-through sketchy hands.

"Sorry- Just woke up. Everything's so tiring here."

They muttered to themself after 30 seconds of making the comment..

"How long have you been here? a day? Maybe two? I've been struggling to stay awake, haha."

No wonder they were so slow... Their body was decaying all the way down to their sketch layer. the last stage of life before death. And yet, despite their physical state, mentally they seemed more at peace than ever.

His face lit up at the compliment, forgetting for a moment they were in a dark room. His Ichor seemed to glow from the inside of it. It made him appear as a small nightlight, and he was bound to be brighter in a fully dark room. It made him calming to look at though, not super heavy on the eyes but a nice source of safety to look for.

His self reassurance in being placed with someone sweet melted in his chest as he caught a glimpse of the hands rubbing Pillbow’s face. He recognized the state, but had never seen it first hand. It was an unmistakable sight. Taking the heavy fact in his lungs, he observed the rest of the toon and realized that they seemed to be in pretty bad shape anyhow. There was a pair of crutches placed up against the bed as well…he was worried.

However, he came back to the question, not wanting to space out for too long like he had in the line.

“I just arrived…the ride took all day though, if that counts.”

“How long have you been here?”

He took a seat in front of the bunk bed, crossing his legs with each of his arms in his lap. He looked prepared to listen to anything the pillow toon wanted to spill, and was ready to hear all of it endlessly.

"oh no, not too long.. feels like it's been a good few weeks, maybe a few months. I don't remember..."

That tiny smile kept on their face as they talked. they swayed side to side as time went on, shutting their eyes as they spoke with a calming tune.

"Goob's been helping me out after extraction. He's such a sweetheart."

Pillbow leaned more to the right side of them before their hands crept out from their own lap and settled them right back down on their mattress.

"He told me my family has been sending me letters and has been reading them to me. They're so nice…”

Pillbow eyed the moon in front of them, their eyes slowly closing before opening back up again to fight off sleep.

"Do you have a family? Maybe Goob can read you letters too!..."

“Oh, uhm…”

Astro paused.

“Yeah, I have a family. I don’t know if they plan to send letters, though. I didn’t know there was an inbox here.”

He softly hummed, his right hand trailing up to his hat as he messed with the end piece. He twirled it in his fingers, thinking back to his mom and dad. He missed them quite a lot, even before he got here.

“Goob is the guard with the longer hands, right?”

The masked moon spoke, genuinely curious. He wasn’t great with keeping track of names and faces, more of behaviors and quirks.

"Mhm! That's him.. His sister on the other hand is one tough firecracker! Not that that's a bad thing. I'm sure she's just as sweet deep down... dohh, I'm rambling again aren't I? Sorry..."

The dying toon chuckled with a breathy undertone - as if that thought was a mere inside joke, or a lie they told themself.. They laid on their back as their hands gripped the sheets and pulled it over their body.

"My old cellmate always complained about my rambling. He complained about everything, really. You don't mind it, do you?-"

He was somewhat captivated by listening, hearing other people’s thoughts that he wouldn’t even dare to think about. Especially when someone had been here for this long, they would know far more than he would. When they had stopped themself from rambling, Astro immediately sat up. He shook his head as if the question was the most offensive thing he had ever been asked.

“No, no not at all! …listening to people is a comfort of mine. So, please, ramble about anything for as long as you want.”

There was no doubt he was being sincere. He slouched back down into his unhealthy posture, looking up at the now tucked back in toon.

“I am genuinely curious of what it’s like here…I imagine we’ll probably get taught schedules soon, but we weren’t debriefed with anything but threats when we first stepped in.”

He gave a soft chuckle. It sounded like a joke, but it WAS the truth. Not the kindest greeting if you ask him.

"Was Dandy the one who gave you the tour?"

The pillow piped up from their resting spot.

"I'm so sorry... He puts on such a show and barely tells people anything they ACTUALLY need to know. I'm shocked he's not performing on a grand stage... He'd be such a good actor.."

They muttered as their smile fell from their face... Then, they thought for a moment, opening their tired eyes and glancing over at Astro.

"Usually lights go out at 7 pm on the dot. Then the hour after the rocks get ready to roam. By morning, if no one's caught, we have breakfast at 6 and then start Runs at 7 am. There's a list near the guard's room that tells us who goes up. If you're lucky, maybe you won't have a Run that day. ah-haha.."

They turned their head, looking up at the bunk above them.

"I've never been lucky, though... Most of those who are blue aren't either... But maybe you could be the exception. That'd be nice, wouldn't it?.."

‘Runs?’ Like cardio? That wouldn’t make sense though. Putting 2 and 2 together, he would assume that’s their “donations” or whatever, being donors and all. But calling them “runs” wasn’t anything he expected. So, curiously, he asked:

“Runs?”

A simple word to get the question across. His head turned with different ideas, trying to figure out how their donations would even work. His eyes followed theirs, looking at the bunk above. During this, he realized he’d have to climb TWICE every night to get some sleep. Though inconvenient, he’d deal with it. He wouldn’t dare ask someone with CRUTCHES to switch bunks with him.

Pillbow opened their eyes, staring at Astro for a moment with a worried brow.

"I’ll… tell you about those later… I don’t really-... uhm- tell me when dinner hits and wake me up, alright?.."

The toon turned in their bed, facing the wall as their hands curled up in front of them.

Astro gave a small frown, he still had plenty of questions. Not to mention his asked one was left unanswered. Like what did being blue have to do with “runs”?? Or what the rocks roaming was all about?? The messages on the wall were something else to ask about as well.

He emitted a deep exhale, content for the time being. He pushed himself up with his knees, getting up to his feet while returning a nod to the pillow.

“I’ll do that. Sweet dreams.”

He stepped back from the bed, staring at the ground momentarily to think to himself while Pillbow returned to sleep.

As Astro looked down at the floor, something had appeared that seemingly wasn't there before: Red-ish orange footprints, faded against the concrete. It wasn't like blood, not in the slightest! In fact, it was almost like water colors painted onto the floor. the pattern looked webbed- almost like some fish creature was here before...

Well... he isn't here now so that probably wouldn't be too much of a problem. Suppose it's best not to dwell on that…

Moving along to the outside area, Vee, the TV headed gal from before, looked over the railing of the second floor with dead-ish eyes. She was fiddling with her fingers and watching a few doctors waddle in and out from the corridors. She eyed Astro the second he stepped out and quickly looked back down - as if refusing to make eye contact with him... or- any interaction for that matter.

He paid attention to the melted color on the ground for a moment, lifting a foot to step off of one of the prints left by someone. When he lifted his head, he was met with the Vee that quickly looked away from him. It was quite rude, but he brushed it off. It wasn’t his business to care. He looked up to the top of the bunk med, moving to the end of the bed. There was a white wooden ladder built on the end of the bed to reach the top. He moved over to it, grasping the edges as he mounted the ladder. He pulled himself onto the top. He was rather light, so he didn’t shake the bed or anything. But the natural old creaking may have bugged Pillbow a bit. To which, he internally and repeatedly apologized.

He sat halfway on the bed, turning his front facing off the furniture as he looked over the mattress. There were still things here. The bed itself was a mess, and there were food stains on the bedding. Whoever was a roommate before hand clearly needed a lesson on messy eating. Fortunately for him, he vaguely remembered being told along the ride here when the others discussed dorms, that there may be leftover items from previous roommates and that they shouldn’t worry about it. Just move it out of the way and someone will come clean up their mess by the end of the day.

He grabbed the edge of the blanket, curling it up and setting it at the foot of the bed at his side. He brought himself further along the mattress, looking through the items left here. It was just a bunch of trash, really. Open chip bags and empty stained plates. But, underneath the pillow, barely peeking out from the bottom of the soft headrest was a small wooden piece. It looked like a frame to a picture.

He reached his upper left hand under the pillow, wrapping his hand around…TWO objects, actually. They both felt the same inside and width, but different in texture. One was wooden, the other leather. Slipping the two into view, it was as he thought. A picture, and a book. The picture had been faced down, the support on it hanging onto the back by a singular screw, the other one was removed. The frame felt loose too. This frame only at a glance had clearly suffered some turbulence. But when Astro turned it around, “turbulence” was an understatement.

Astro stared in shock as he recognized the face behind the shattered glass that covered the frame. Spider web cracks spun through the edges, and the middle of the frame was missing glass entirely. The boy in the photo was a sandy-sunset palette shrimp with two taller shrimps at his side. They seemed much older, near the ends of their own lives. A grandmother and grandfather instead of a mother and father. They seemed like a lovely couple, happily smiling at the camera while the child in the middle had his arms crossed and the worst “I’m going to throw a tantrum” face known to man. It would make you almost sympathize for the elderly couple.

Astro had seen this kid before, at this exact age. He used to go to school with him, and he was a complete and total brute. A bully that couldn’t keep his thoughts or fists to himself. Causing fights and ended up picking on Astro more than anyone simply because he didn’t fight back, or didn’t give the reaction the shrimp wanted. The memories with the happy couple staring back at Astro only made him think. How did they get such a bratty child like this? But this WAS based on the cover, maybe it was far nicer at home in their everyday lives…but knowing that that kid was more than likely sent here…and now gone…probably not.

Holding this thing without protection wasn’t a smart idea, but it’s not like he had any gloves or a broom with him. He’d have to search for extra glass later. Or whoever would come by would, he’d have to give them a heads up first. He doesn’t want anyone getting cut up here. For the time being, he rested the picture frame in the gap of the wooden support, solid wooden railing, and the mattress. Then, his eyes drifted to the second object in his hand.

A book, or rather…a journal. His two upper hands slowly wrapped around the cover, feeling the beaten leather that covered who-knows-what inside. Ramblings of the angry, curses, and hatred. Those were a few of the ideas that came to mind. His pointer finger rested on the collapsed pages inside, and his thumb pushed open the book cover to reveal the inner contents. At a first glance, he seemed to be right. The handwriting was messy, chicken scratch filling up page to page without bothering to stay on the lines the paper provided. The aggressive wording from sentence to sentence passed by Astro’s eyes as he skim read through the first page. Though reading through it felt wrong, he couldn’t deny he was curious to what someone filled with so much rage and hatred was thinking. Especially if they’re put in a place like this.

“I HATE IT HERE I HATE IT HERE I HATE IT HERE! EVERYONE SUCKS AND I WANT TO GO HOME! I WANT TO GO HOME TO MY STUPID HOUSE AND YELL AT MY STUPID PARENTS FOR SENDING ME TO THIS STUPID PLACE! EVERYONE IS HORRIBLE AND EVERYTHING SUCKS AND I HATE IT ALL!!”

This was the most eligible of the writing on the first page. The rest was nearly incomprehensible, but predictable. Everything anyone would expect knowing who this guy was. It seemed he never grew up, even being placed at a literal correction facility like this one displayed itself to be. Already drained from what he saw, he closed the book…but if everything would be cleaned up later, this would probably be taken too. Though he already knew what would lie inside the rest of it…or if it was even fully used, he was still curious.

He traded the book into one of his lower arms, lifting the pillow one last time for any other small findings, but there was nothing. He pushed back to grab the edges of the bed’s ladder and climbed down, hopping off before the last step. A faint thud came from both feet as he made contact with the soft mat below. The sounds began to trace much quieter as he made his way back to the TV. He fell onto his knees, opening the singular drawer to place the book inside for safe keeping. The book was only accompanied by the collecting dust inside, and the oncoming darkness as the furniture slid shut.

Astro got back up to his feet once again, turning his body to look at the open door that showed a ray of artificial light inside the dim room. Right, dinner. It was probably around that time anyways. He gave a quick look up to the clock to the left of the door. It was as if a digital clock had been built into the wall, red digits glowing “4:58 PM”.

He walked to the doorway, a hand grasping the frame as he looked over the railing to where he had left the TV’s presence last in his mind. Seems that everyone else was lining up for dinner as well…he should probably wake up Pillbow before he leaves.
Astro went to kneel by the bed where Pillbow rested. He set a hand on their shoulder to wake them, being as gentle as possible.

“People are lining up for dinner, Pillbow.” He slowly spoke to inform them.
The pillow headed toon slowly opened their eyes as a tiny groan escaped them. they shuffled, looking down at themself under the covers of the sheets. They forced a small smile as they tried to sit up-

"Ahh- AUGH!-"

Their body tensed as they forced themself back down. Their face scrunched up from the sudden ache their body stabbed their brain with. Their sketchy hands darted for their face as they tried to cover their pain filled expression... Sadly, anyone could see right through them. Tears spilled from the edges of their eyes as their fingers curled and dug into their soft forehead.

"Ougghhh- Could..."

Pillbow shook on their deathbed, slowly moving their left hand away from their face.

"Could you fetch me something small?.. just a single plate... I can't-"

They took a deep inhale.

"I can't walk well.."

They forced their voice out of their throat as they shifted their body to face away from Astro. It came out as a raspy whisper, one holding back what felt like a world of agony. Their arms curled around their stomach as they pulled their covered legs close to their chin.

"Please.."

Sudden fear had washed over Astro, his hands extended to catch Pillbow in case they fell. His eyebrow curled upward with worry, giving a “mhm”.

“Is there anything specific you want? I don’t know what there is…but I can get it.”

He sat up properly on his knees to gain a little more height while keeping a Pillbow’s level. He gave small glances to Pillbow’s legs underneath their blankets, but tried to keep his eyes away. It was rude to stare, and he didn’t want to seem judgey or too-overbearing with his WELL JUSTIFIED worry.

"Anything warm... I don't mind."

They whined slightly from their bed and gently moved their legs under the covers with their arms. It was specifically their left leg they were grabbing- pushing and pulling at the muscle gently to stretch it out.

"Just take your time.. Take care of yourself first, Astro.."

Their voice slowly turned into a muffled whisper as they stopped moving all together. Only their chest moved up and down to signify that they were still alive.

Vee peered into the room, curious but also not wanting to fully intrude…

Astro had held in his breath, the slow exhale Pillbow emitted was his only relief from his self influenced asphyxiation. He focused on Pillbow for a few moments who had returned to sleep. He was left to ponder on why they weren’t just sent back home or taken care of in their last remaining days. Because— let’s be honest with ourselves here— Pillbow’s situation clearly wasn’t good. Maybe…talking with that Goob guard would be a good idea. But, first:

He lifted himself again, holding onto the top bunk with his upper right and gently settling his lower right hand on their shoulder. His star eye swayed for a moment, expanding into a brighter azure star with a gap of his black Ichor in the middle. There was a sudden wash of comfort over Pillbow, allowing them easier sleep and better dreams to accompany them. Dreams of home, family, whatever Pillbow desired. A completely Lucid Wonderland Astro has been taught to provide.

He took his hand off of them after a few seconds, returning his palms to his chest to hold the dread sinking in. Every other worry this place had brought that drowned in the back of his body whenever he looked at the toon in bed. How many others like them were there here? His thoughts were cut off when he turned to see Vee at the doorway.

“Can I help you?”

He greeted from his stance, awkward and hoping that Vee hadn’t just witnessed that whole thing.

Vee was WIDE EYED. She in fact DID witness that entire thing. how g r e a t...

"You-..."

She paused, clearing her throat as static displayed on her screen for a quick second. As her screen flashed back to her face, a large smile was presented for the moon in front of her. She even repositioned herself; her hands crossing behind her back while her microphone tail swayed side to side. She then spoke with what sounded like an 8-bit effect layered over her vocals.

"You're Astro, yes? I do hope you don't mind my sudden appearance.. I'm simply curious, and I may have a way to help you out with your little side quest here!"

EUGH SHE'S BRITISH- GET OUTTA HERE-

Vee took a step closer inside without actually entering. She gave her head a tilt as her antennae bobbed with her movement. She stared at the dying toon who was already fast asleep due to the spell.

"Do you know them personally?"

She eyed Astro, straightening her posture.

Astro took a second glance at the new friend he unexpectedly made. Turning his head forward again, he made his way out of the room, lightly grasping the doorway.

“No, I don’t.”

A lower hand had drifted to the doorknob, turning the knob before the door shut. The door made less noise because of this, and he slowly turned it back to its resting position to keep it that way.

“I just don’t like seeing people in pain.”

His eyes kept on the television, his more expressive eye was squinted. He was prepared to judge the other donor in case they were to pull up with some snarky remark about his idiotic selflessness.

"Hardly anyone does, besides Dr. Drugs And Rainbows who- Absolutely destroyed your ego! I must say it was quite a show.."

Vee held in her laugh as she started walking to the stairway.

"But moving on- I'm, again, willing to help out your cellmate. You need a meal, I could grab you two! No need to eat when you don't have a mouth."

Astro’s squint had turned into a glare, ready to throw hands if she allowed that laugh to escape. He followed along with her, tracing his hands along the railing while his eyes followed down below. You could see the whole room from up here. There were cells along the wall up to a small second floor where they stood, but the floor was filled with cafeteria tables. The kitchen window sitting at the far back-right to where that same tissue box lady was working. Everything was lit by bright rectangular lights built onto the ceiling above. But there was quite a lot of room between the floor and the ceiling, it made you dizzy looking upwards from the first floor.

“I think I’m fine on my own, thanks.”

He forced the “thanks” through gritted teeth.

“I don’t really need any help simply asking for a second one.”

The remark Vee gave had instantly destroyed her chances at persuading a relationship between the two. He had marked her as some asshole in his head, and was going to stick to that as long as physically possible. Astro was very quick to hold grudges like that.

"Suit yourself, Glitter face."

Vee continued down the steps, rolling her eyes with a muffled 8-bit chuckle. An appalling and heinous sound in all honesty; A chalkboard to the ears at most. She crossed her arms and swayed her tail side to side, simply watching from afar with that stupid grin on her face.

Everyone was lined up from the left side of the room, where the group had first entered. It was just starting to get long so Astro better hop to it if he wants to get a plate.
Astro hurried over to the line, sliding into the back of it where he waited. Actually asking for things was going to be a pain in the neck. He doesn’t like talking to other people, especially for favors. He lightly flailed his lower hands, stretching out his fingers to get the anxiety out of his system.

There were about 4 people in front of Astro, 3 of them being partly gray-ish and tired. Some had speckles and spots of color while others had full body parts with maybe a spot missing here and a chunk there. The toon in front of Astro was a rather large lady that was in the freshly arriving group. Teagan. A lovely shade of gold and ceramic white. She seemed nervous, and mildly distressed; constantly fiddling with her fingers. She looked behind herself the second she heard Astro waddling closer. She looked away after a moment of simple staring.. She was the only one /not grayed out/... and it seemed she noticed it too.

She quickly inhales, turning to whisper her thoughts to the man behind her.

"...Do you know why they all look like that?”

Astro’s attention was following the other grayed toons. He was studying the patterns and wondering the same thing Teagan had just asked. He tilted his head to her before slowly shaking it back and forth. He hadn’t a clue. What was worse is the idea that whatever was going on with them would happen to him too. He’d prefer to stay curious as to why everyone’s going emo, thanks.

Teagan looked away, hugging her arms as she stared blankly forward. The smell of rather decent food lingered in the air and - by simply looking to the side - the metallic counter began piling up with trays of mashed potatoes, casserole, and some grilled cheese... as well as a basket of individually wrapped corn breads that were clearly made in a different factory... at least they looked warm? The steam that gathered inside the wrappers looked promising.

A small cough came from above after about 30 seconds of looking at food.. Watching from a small balcony on the second floor was that same tooth headed Doctor... He seemed like he was looking for someone in particular. Muttering could be heard up there if you tried hard enough.. a familiar voice.

Astro watched the doctor, catching onto the realization the doc was looking for someone. Astro tensed up, hoping it wasn’t him. He was conflicted on hoping if it was his cell mate or not. He didn’t know whether to trust doctors here, and even if they could, what could they possibly do for Pillbow? Their state seems terminal. He didn’t want them to be taken away to some uncomfortable doctor’s office before they died. It could be for the better, though.

What fully caught his attention was the familiar voice. Though he tried to blend in with everyone, paying attention to the line rather than the doctor, he tried to eavesdrop on the conversation he was hearing from the blind spots of his ears.
He then noticed Astro and perked, tilting his head slightly. He looked over his shoulder, gesturing for another to draw closer to the balcony.

That petaled covered BITCH then came into view, staring down with a snicker. Dandy took a long look before snapping his gaze to the doctor, who was clearly frowning. The two began chatting- just barely being able to be heard.

"-What if it mixes with the rest of the vat?"

Dandy gave a shooing wave to the other.

"I'll label it! and if it mixes with the vat, I'll cut someone's head off."

By the time their short-lived convo ended, the line was already gone, and people were starting to walk up behind Astro to wait for food. Better go get it, Astro.
Astro stumbled forward when he realized the line was moving faster than he was thinking. He moved ahead with only more questions stirring in his mind. He felt as if he should…hide…or something. Food first, then he can try that.

His attention quickly turned to the lunch lady in front of him who was delivering the food to others.

The tissues lady stepped forward, staring at Astro with a sunken, saddened face. Raccoon eye bags surrounded her lidded midnight eyes and her cheeks were pale and white. Pale freckles darted her skin and she was WAAYY shorter than when Astro first saw her.

"Only one plate, please."

She beckoned softly with an empty gaze. All the joy she had ever had in her life looked sucked out of her... in all honesty she looked worse than the gray toons here. She spoke with a hint of a southern accent in her voice.

"Can't have all the meals be taken for greed, so..."

She silently sighed with a spatula in her hands.

“I’m actually trying to see if I can deliver an extra one to a friend in my cell. They’re not well enough to get up.”

Astro chimed, hoping this dull place had some kind heart in it to indirectly give a dying person some f*cking food…maybe thats not a kind heart, it’s just standard decency.

He tried to come off as genuine as possible, not that he WASN’T, but he had a hard time getting a tone across with his tired voice. It almost made him sound annoyed at everything. Sometimes it gave folks the wrong impression, but he had a grip of it this time.

"Oh... And who might that be?"

The chef tilted her head to the side- though you could tell with her expression that her patience was thinning. About two other toons grabbed a plate from behind Astro and walked off, not caring for whatever was happening and just wanting to go throughout their day.

“Pillbow.”

He spoke nonchalantly, a little insulted by the pushy tone the chef gave. They were still severely hurt in their room and all people can do is throw attitude every which way.

“A pillow toon with a tear on their head. They’re resting in our room right now.”

"Well, if you can get them out here then I'll gladly give you both a dish! But I can't just trust you on your word... I'm sorry..."

She tilted her head to the other side and forced a small smile. Her hands folded in front of her white pleated, slightly puffy dress while still holding onto that spatula of hers..

She only moved once she was done talking, going into a deepened tray holding more casserole and digging a square out to put on a plate. The dish steamed like it was fresh out of the oven, mist rising into the air as the smells filled the kitchen like a gas leak.

Another toon soon came close, gently nudging astro to scoot a little more to the right so others could grab their meals and go. they didn't bother sticking around to hear whatever the two were chatting about. Nor did they care.

Astro stepped to the side from the nudge. his brows furrowed as he took one of the plates and removed himself from the line. The plate held steaming hot snow white mashed potatoes with cheese clearly baked into it. Astro’s stomach growled looking at it, but he resisted.

He stopped by an empty table, carrying the tray in his left arms while grabbing a cup and filling it with water from the pitcher that were both placed on the table. As a few ice cubes plopped from the pitcher and into the cup, he set the dish down. Readjusting the meal in his arms, he rotated to meet face to face with Vee with the stupidest sh*t eating grin known to man.

"Not to say I told you so, buUUuut-"

She rolled her eyes and snickered a tad while her tail lashed. Static erupted from her mechanical maw after her pig-like excuse of a laugh. She uncrossed her arms, settling them on her hips.

“It’s fine. I’m just going to give this one to Pillbow.”

He spoke, shrugging off the whole thing. He wasn’t going to start shaming himself for not knowing things, everyone else was taking care of that just fine. He didn’t really care for eating tonight anyways, he was tired enough to sleep the hunger off that churned in his stomach. At least, he hopes he is.

Vee scoffed slightly, eyeing down at the plate.

"I can still get you something."

She seemed rather instant, almost begging him to give her the green card to fetch him a plate of food. She dropped her left hand from her hip as she stared at him up and down, slightly judging his posture and extra set of arms just smacked onto his character.
Astro’s eyes narrowed at Vee, giving her a judgmental glare as he turned his body away. His arms hid themselves from view, not appreciating the looks she was giving him.

“I’m fine without it. I don’t need your help.”

He spoke with irritation spotting across his voice.

"Suit yourself."

She rolled her eyes once more, waltzing away towards the tables of toons now gathering about and getting in line for food... it was 5:05 by now, just two hours of free time before the lights went out... at least, that's what was to be expected. Hopefully nothing random pops up.

Thanks, foreshadowing! Astro’s eyes followed Vee’s exit for a moment more and allowed himself to relax. He soon turned and started going his own way. He took his time going up the stairs, using two arms on his tray and one for the cup. He was diligent in making sure nothing spilled or fell into a wasteful mess. He’d feel like the most incompetent toon in the world if he allowed that. It might even justify his reason for being sent here…that’s what his head believed, anyways.

He finally reached the second floor, calmly advancing to their room. With his only free hand, he opened the door to his and Pillbow’s room. He pressed his back against the door when he was inside to close it once again. He only lingered on Pillbow’s sleeping state for a moment. He had decided to just leave the food by the bed and to not wake them up. He didn’t want to ruin a good dream. Besides, Pillbow needed this sleep more than anything.

The food and plate were settled an inch above the head of the bed, this way they wouldn’t get up and accidentally kick over or step on the meal he fetched. Pillbow would wake up on their own time, or maybe when they smelled the food. When it didn't matter to him, as long as they did it on their own terms and weren’t awakened by someone else.

He hiked up the bunk bed ladder once again, plopping onto the messy mattress with the talkative yowls of his stomach. His head rubbed against the pillow as it rolled to the side. He looked at a half empty chip back he had noticed before. Barbecue Lays chips. Not his favorite, but good enough. He used his upper arms to support him upwards into a sit, and began picking at the contents of the bag little by little. He popped a few chips into his mouth, crunching them while he sat in thought. What was he going to do? He has a small objective for the time being, care for his roommate. But other than that, he was lost. How was he going to spend every day without going insane in this colorful yet empty building?

One day at a time, he thought.

One day at a time.

After 10 or so minutes passed after the whole cafeteria mishap happened. The room was quiet and filled to the brim with the savory scent of creamy mashed potatoes, melted salted butter, and a sprinkle of American cheddar. Although by now, the smell was a mere memory in the air conditioning "wind"... or- so one would think.

Three knocks came from the cell's metal door. As well as a familiar wishing tail seen on either side of the door's long windows... It's that green gal again. She knocked again, 3 times in a row, seeming rather impatient.

Astro was face first into his pillow, smothering himself in the hopes he’d wake up somewhere else. Granted, if he did that would mean he would’ve died of suffocation, but…would that really be so bad? He groggily lifted his head at the sound of knocking. He was on the brink of sleep after the longest ten minutes of his life only to be interrupted by the familiar figure outside. He pushed the empty bags of chips finally finished away from him, still starving but managing himself.

Astro shoved himself to the ladder, slowly stepping down as the knocks quieted for a moment. He grabbed the door handle and quietly turned it and opened the door to prevent unwanted sounds from waking up his sleepy head. He rubbed his eyes with one hand, barely managing a greeting to the toon.

“What do you want…?”

He was clearly eager to get back to bed.
Astro's lower two pairs of hands were suddenly met with a shove of a slightly warm plate. Looking down was a familiar meal: mashed potatoes, still warm and buttered.

"Take it."

Vee spoke sternly, her eyes staring directly at Astro's star.

"Take it and eat it. Don't starve yourself."

Was she- shaking? This whole scene felt like it was ripped out of an anime. it was really weird in all honesty.
He was quickly awoken by the tray meeting his hands, the smell of food was like a call to heaven itself. He brought himself back from the salivating trance before it could kick into full effect, and looked back up to the toon with clear confusion.

“Why?”

He tried to meet her stern tone, but was too tired to be much louder than he normally is.
"Because I-"

She paused, pulling her hands towards herself and tugging slightly at her antennae.

"I saw what you did with that cellmate of yours. You put them to sleep, didn't you?"

She tilted her head, eyeing in the room and staring at pillbow once more. She muttered once more after a short second of silence.

"God this is so stupid- There's no charger port in my room, and the cellmate I'm stuck with refuses to let me use the ONLY outlet in there. I physically can't sleep without that..."

She huffed.

"So... I thought since you have sleep magic, I can get you food and info while you grant me good sleep. Simple?"

Astro’s eyes lifted with surprise, this was probably the last thing he expected. Sure, he assumed Vee wanted some kind of benefit in return, but he thought it’d be more like an escape goat whenever Vee pulled something stupid. Some simple magic-made melatonin was…not on his list of possibilities. He thought he was going to get outed on, at that.

“That’s all?”

He hummed, more than compliant.

“Yeah, I can do that.”

"OH THANK STARS-"

She exhaled, slouching over and covering her screen with her hands. She then dropped them and stood right back up in her more posh pose. She even made the extra effort to fake clearing her throat just to make the scene more humorous.

"Are you able to stop by my room at-"

her screen checked to static, showing the time: 5:15, which then sped up about an hour and a half to display 6:45. She tilted her head to the side, her arms crossed behind her back.

His eyes followed the screen, somewhat fascinated by the changes Vee could do with her head. He gave a slow nod when it hit the frozen time, slightly turning away with his tray of delight.

“6:45? Sure. Which room’s yours?”

Her screen buzzed with static as a bright shining smile lit up on her screen. She pointed with both hands to the room on the right (Astro's pov).

"Door B-3. Just next door! Meet you there, Glitter face!"

She waved him off, waddling over to her cell with a giddy smile across her face...

The second Vee moved out of the way at the entrance of the east wing was a sight dreadful for the eyes. The tooth doctor from before was staring directly at Astro, his hands behind his back. From far away, you couldn't tell if he was talking or just... staring..

A small wave messaged Vee goodbye, and Astro’s eyes followed her departure. He stepped back from the door, retrieving the handle. The door croaked at a halt from Astro’s force on it, as Astro locked eyes with the doctor over yonder. He gave an unwelcoming glare before clicking the door shut.

He quickly brushed off that small, unimportant interaction and sat down in front of his door. Absolutely diving into the food delivered to him. Each bite was a text from god that the things he was doing was worth it. Any mediocre food to Astro was a 5 star restaurant, and this was 6 stars. Off the board, amazing! Ignoring that it’s clearly pre-made, there had to be at least MINIMAL effort in here! And Astro savored all of it.

Minutes passed, and homey smells disappeared. The plate was empty and Astro was satisfied, licking up the excess. He sat the plate aside and crawled forward a few inches to get a better look at the clock overhead. 5:25. He had so much time to waste. Maybe a nap would pass some time…he’s normally pretty good with internal clocks and taking power naps vs sleeping for 14 hours, so hopefully it wouldn’t be a bother this time.

He didn’t bother getting back up to his bed, as the floor was just as comfy as his mattress. Whether that says more about the floor or mattress is up to anyone. He sprawled out on his back, staring up at the red digit clock for a little while longer. His eyes began to blink for longer and longer until they eventually closed for a small nap.
There were no knocks on the door.

No taps on the glass, no rattling from the handle.

Nothing but the quiet creek of the hinges gave way to someone being there.

Footsteps... Footsteps surrounded the blue body on the floor before a chuckle broke the air.

"Fast asleep at 5 pm, couldn't have made it annnyy more easier! Carry him."

Astro could feel hands wrapping around his shoulders and under the pits as his body was lifted off the ground.

It took a minute for the toon to process the voice entering his head and disrupting a forming dream. When he felt hands upon him, that was when he immediately reacted. his eye snapped open while the dimness of the star on his face relit with panic and awareness.

He struggled in their grip, using a lower-left-unattended arm to elbow the nearest person holding the adjacent arm to it. Managing to catch the figure off guard, he freed that same arm and continued to flail and pull from the hands of the people around him.
Two guards, one being Goob and the other being a strange music box, were the ones holding onto Astro. The one who was hit was the newish guard who immediately got the air knocked out of him from getting elbowed in the stomach. When Astro's other arm was freed, a sudden volt of electricity surged throughout his veins and f*ck did it hurt. It would leave him paralyzed, but still awake enough to see where he was being lead.

Dandy couldn't help but snicker, standing with two other doctors behind him at the doorway.

"Embarrassment after embarrassment, When will you learn?"

He tilted his head to the side, his rainbow petals dancing back and forth as if they were blowing in the (non-existent) passing wind. Another muffled laugh came out from him as he pivoted on his heel and gestured for the other two doctors to move out of the way. I swear, this guy CANNOT stop laughing at every little thing-

Goob adjusted Astro in his arms as the other box-headed guard got to his feet with a huff. With his long arms, he went ahead and tied up the wrists of all four of Astro's for the sake of safety. He looked behind himself, glancing at Pillbow who was left on the bed before whispering to the moon in his grasp.

"This won't happen again if you comply next time..."

... Thanks Goob …

Astro had let out a pain congested scream before he had lost the ability to react entirely. He had gone completely limp within the guard’s grasp, muscles twitching with pain from the lingering shock the tasing had given. Tears had infested his eyes, trying everything he could to dull the ghost of the pain that haunted his every movement, whether it was by his own force or someone else’s.

He furrowed his eyebrows at the flower above, disgust and hatred filling his throat but was unable to vomit any derogatory speech against him. All that came out were the panicked inhaling and exhaling his body forced to keep him steady.

He let his head fall back, his chest shakily rising and falling like the rest of his body. He was trying his best to recover, even resorting to his own magic to nullify his own senses. It was hard to do so when he couldn’t focus in the first place. He was dazed and confused, and now in a sh*t ton of pain. His best bet was to wait it out.

Out of hopeless curiosity, he only lifted his head occasionally to see where he was being taken. His eyes were unable to reach Pillbow, but he only hoped they were alright…hopefully Vee wouldn’t mind waiting a little longer either, depending when or if he comes back.

The team of five dragged Astro along down the stairs and towards the open corridors. With everyone now being in view, the two doctors from before weren't so anonymous. One was the Tooth toon - the damn spy - and the other being yet another stranger to Astro. It was a twinned masked being, one being a pale cream color, the other being a dark gray. The only shade of color actually on them was a red "scarf" that acted as a neck for the two conjoined heads. Dandy skipped as they made their way down the corridor to the west wing... He couldn't stop giggling.

"Oh, how fun this will be! Are you excited at all, Astro?.. Surely you were since you hit Boxten in the gut."

Dandy looked behind himself, eyeing Astro up and down while his body was dragged across the carpet.

"Your first ever extraction. I wonder how you'll do!"

The blossom smiled, his canines peeking out from the corners of his lips before he spoke once more, swapping his attention entirely.

"Dr. Cavit."

Dandy's head snapped to the doctor beside him.

"Could you run up ahead and make sure everything is in order? I wouldn't want technical difficulties to get in the way of our guest."

The tooth headed toon gave him a worried nod, running up ahead and making a right down the next exit.

Astro tried numerous things, he tried to dig his heels into the cement to slow him down. It did absolutely nothing, there wasn’t a single crack in the ground to hopelessly hook onto. He tried to kick at the ground and jostle himself or try to stand, but he only dropped again, being led in the same direction.

He stopped his struggles for a few minutes, in this position he couldn’t do anything. Even if one of his futile and rather effortless attempts did work, he was still surrounded by guards. He watched the passing walls, along with the hallway to the entrance. The only way in or out of the factory. Getting there should feel so easy, and yet it was harder than it looked.

His eyes traced back the writing on that hallway, now with the growing truth in his head that allowed him to see the origin of those messages. He twisted his head to look at the back of Dandy. He spoke crudely.

“Do you run out of paint that fast, or do you like giving your ‘donors’ a five minute head start?”

He referenced the very messages in the entryway.

"PSSHH- Oh you silly sally! We don't make just any normal paint! Especially ones to paint the walls.."

Dandy rolled his eyes, knowing exactly what Astro was referencing. f*ck sake, had no one had time to paint over those before their new Donors arrived? GOD. RUINING THE SURPRISES. Dandy's hands crossed behind his back as his smile faded away, being replaced by a snarled, scrunched up grimace of an expression.

"It'd be such a waste of material! Plus, I HATE extracting such DULL colors out of you folk. eugh- Waste of time, personally... Though I suppose there are some people out there who may need the color. OOP! Off I go rambling! Silly me..." <3

God, the way he spoke felt like biting into rotten cotton candy. Sickly sweet and full of food poison you couldn't help but vomit…

Astro only felt more confused. His head drifted back to its resting position as he tried to give the messages one last look. They were all out of view. He exhaled softly over his own shirt, trying not to start downright freaking out. All of these subliminal messages were not helping that cause.

Though he was getting a picture of what was about to happen, it felt so blatantly obvious and in other words insane to be a possibility. He was going to find out one way or another anyhow…no use dwelling on predictions.

As the group waddled on, they passed by a crossed intersection with the left and right halls turning north. Neither hall had any windows or doors, at least, from Astro's point of view. Once they passed the odd split - heading specifically down the middle branch - Astro could spot two strange, locked metal doors with misted out windows just above the handles. Above those doors were plaques, reading: "Storage ROY" and "Storage GBP". Odd names for a couple of storage rooms. Things only got more interesting the second everyone took a left.

To the right side of Astro were three doors, each looking highly technological and secure - futuristic almost. They entered the first door on the far left with what seemed like a key card beep allowing them in. Dandy entered first, then the strange twin mask doctor(s?), then the rest of the party. Astro was continuously dragged along, slow enough to give him time to see the room.

It was still gray with that rainbow pattern painted along the walls. looking left was an office with darker walls, a few small chairs, a table hugging the left wall and a large control panel covering the bottom right wall. Alongside that same wall was a large glass panel one could use to see into the next room- which... was less than pleasing to the eye.

The room was a blinding white, tiled, and ice cold to the touch - yet oddly smooth like marble. The air was freezing, far more than the cold ground could ever wish to be. It reeked of death and sulfur, as well as motor oil and a hint of sweetness. What that sweetness was exactly was hard to pinpoint, but it didn't really matter. On the floor just a foot away from the door was yellow and black striped tape that boxed the entrance more into its corner, as if to say the whole room was a danger. In the center of the room was what looked to be a metal electric chair with leather straps for the wrists, ankles and torso while missing the head piece all together, although remnants of one were left behind. With all the prison cells, outfits and food, it was like Astro was being put on death row sooner than he thought.

Above the chair connected to the ceiling was a spaghetti mess of wiring and gears- and a speaker in the far-left corner just above the door. great, he gets to be talked to. That's lovely, isn't it? The Speaker itself roared to life as Goob settled Astro in the chair.

"Out. Out! Let me do it myself."

That scratchy voice squealed in an annoying fit. Goob huffed, gently patting Astro's arms onto the chair's arm rests and seeming drained of life- absolutely done with his boss. He left the room and swapped places with Dandy, shutting the door with a slam.

Astro settled in the chair but kept his hands and feet as far from the restraints as possible; compressed into himself to the point his body tried to consume itself. He eyed the chair more than anything else, giving the tangled mess above a paranoid glance like it was going to come down and murder him at any moment. f*ck “staying calm”, he was freaking out under wraps.

His eyes locked back up to Dandy who approached him, his expression hardening with terror still piercing through his eyes. The star-like one shaking like a wounded dog.

“You’re not going to KILL me, are you!?”

He demanded answers, his face scrunching up with everything except calmness. He felt sick, he was scared he was about to get electrocuted to death like some inmate prisoner who killed someone. He had never done anything wrong, defective or not. He had been morally well aligned his entire life, this was unwarranted. His death was completely unnecessary. All of this just because maybe he wasn’t BORN RIGHT?? It was clear he was suffocated by oncoming hysteria.

"WhHHA-HAHAHAT?! WHAT?!- NOO!! Why would I kill you?.. You're not going to die, Astro. Besides I-" Dandy's head twitched slightly as his face scrunched up. "-I Hate. Hate. HATE Blood. I DESPISE THAT COLORLESS SLUDGE- Eugh!”

His entire body crinkled up like a piece of paper. his arms scrunching into him and his gloved fingers curling up and flailing out in odd, twisted angles. He even stuck his tongue out and rolled his eyes for extra effect... drama queen. "You're simply being extracted of your paint! Your color! Just like the rest of the donators here!" He stepped closer as he spoke, his lab coat trailing behind him as he reached out and grabbed Astro's top two pairs of arms by the wrists.

"If you do die, which I'll make sure WON'T happen, I suppose I'll keep that glittery blue all to myself! These petals don't color themselves, y'know!"

He looked down at Astro, his smile falling from his face as he raised an eyebrow... oh- right he has four arms. The Chair only has two straps for the arms. Hmm-

"Well, that's a predicament."

Dandy muttered through his teeth.

Astro found himself stuck staring back up into Dandy’s eyes, somehow feeling frozen just by being acknowledged by him. It made him feel sick. The way he spoke, the way he acted, it was all nauseating. His throat had tightened to silence out cries for help he wanted to make, but part of that was because he had the funny feeling he knew he wouldn’t be heard.

As Dandy’s smile faltered, Astro followed his attention to look at his own arms, and then the straps. His lower arms pushed up against his chest to silence the rapid beating of his own heart. He wanted to push his arms somewhere Dandy couldn’t reach them. HE wanted to be somewhere Dandy couldn’t reach him. He wanted to consume himself into nothing so he wouldn’t be able to be caught again.

Even with his terror, he needed to know what was going to happen to him before he was jumped by surprise. He didn’t want to go in blind, he wanted to prepare himself. He struggled to peel his lips apart to speak again, his voice was a boulder he had to push through the steep hill of his throat.

“How do you extract color?”

Not only was the concept bewildering, but unheard of by outsider’s ears. It sounded like something only a psychopath would say…judging by everything so far, that may be the correct label to put on Dandy. While asking this, he’d hope it’d distract him from his arms, but he knew it’d end up being useless anyways.

"Oh, you'll see! I can't just spoil the big surprise!- I'm not a psychopath! HAHA!... Mostly."

Dandy slammed down Astro's top two arms on the chair's rests before adjusting his hand work. He freed Astro's left and quickly smacked on the strap, clearly having some experience in restraining toons down (ooc note: That wasn't weird to type out at all /sarcasm /j). He did the same with the other arm before aiming for the Torso strap.

"Scooch your legs."

Dandy huffed in annoyance. He pressed his palm on Astro's left kneecap, forcing it to lower and touch the floor. He forced the other one down as well before wiping his hands on his coat and pushing away his disgust. He grabbed onto Astro's bottom pair of arms and situated them to stick tight along the blue body. Once he was correctly posed, Dandy tightened the torso straps around his forearms and just below the chest cavity... But Astro could still easily slip through. ugh.

Dandy stared with frustration before a lightbulb sparked to life in his head. He stuck his thumb up between the lenses of his goggles and swung them off. He slipped them around Astro's bottom left wrist, gave it a few twists by the plastic strap and slipped the other wrist through.

Astro gave as much resistance as possible without even realizing it. His body worked against Dandy to be irritating. With no logical reasoning, he subconsciously hoped it would keep him safe. It did not. The second his arms were restrained by the torso’s wrap, he had slipped them out on instinct. His upper wrists were struggling against the leather he was tied down with, trying to pull it up from the screws that kept it attached to the chair.

He couldn’t help himself from crying as a few silent tears dripped down his face. The poor thing was traumatized before the trauma could start. He was acting like a child, though he tried to keep his sobbing quiet. His lower wrists tugged back a few times from the goggles they were being tied up with, but were bound within moments of Dandy’s quick handiwork.

The moon’s only hope was to keep his legs as far apart from the lower restraints as he could, the last puzzle piece to the puzzle unstoppably being solved. He sulked against the chair, his head lowering to cry to himself.

"aww now, Don't cry..."

Dandy pouted slightly, watching the tears drip from Astro's face as he crouched down. He pushed the moon's right leg down, pressing the ankle against the strap as he rolled up his pant leg. It stopped rolling the fabric just above the knee before tightening the strap around Astro's ankle. He snickered to himself once he finished the other leg.

"We haven't even started! at least you're saving your wails."

Another stupid chuckle escaped his maw as he reached for Astro's face, cupping his cheeks and lifting his gaze. He wiped away the moon's tears away with strokes from his thumbs. If he could rub the color off of Astro's moon mask entirely, he would within an instant. Sadly, Toon anatomy doesn't work like that. "Now, Mask or No mask?" Dandy took a step back with his smile widening. The light above shone his canines like glistening pearls. What kind of sickening question is that!?-

Astro’s legs still shimmied against the restraints, doing nothing but causing discomfort to himself. The tears Dandy brushed away were only followed by a waterfall of more. He sniffled back some of his tears, pausing in Dandy’s hold before pulling his head away from him. He wasn’t thinking straight, but was in a situation where he knew he needed to.

Astro originally thought Dandy was referring to his own, whether he’d remove it or not. He didn’t know WHY he’d ask that, since that was the most colorful thing on him, but he didn’t want it removed. He kept his sights on Dandy, pushing words through his cries.

“Mask?” An answer more than a question to Dandy’s ears. His tone didn’t fully come through with such a whiny sob covering it.

​​"Mask it is! I knew you liked surprises! Just give me onneee second!" Dandy talked with his hands, performing his sentences like the toon he was before spinning on his sole and heading towards the door, leaving Astro completely alone. From the window in front of Astro, he could see what was happening behind shut doors. Specifically, Dandy waltzing in, pushing Dr. Cavit into view, yelling at him to get out of his way, and then diving down under the control panel to look for said "mask". It was an odd sight and both(??) doctors gave each other a rather confused and worried glance.

It took around 30 or so seconds for Dandy to grab the mask and enter right back into the extraction room and- Jesus f*cking Christ. The thing looked like it was built entirely out of solid rock with the black elastic straps being the exceptions. There were no eye holes carved into its face, only what looked like a speaker replaced the mouth and a diamond shaped nose with no breathing holes on the bottom.... g r e a t.

Dandy stepped closer, turning the mask around with both of his hands before his left took the back strap and lifted it over Astro's head. The mask slid over him like a tight glove, easy to put on, hard to take off. Dandy gave Astro a snicker as the sounds of his footsteps grew distant.

"Y'know, I was hoping you'd put up more of a fight... but at least I know now you're nothing but a coward." His words slipped off his tongue like the hiss of a snake. "Have fun, Astro. Try not to scream too much." <3

While Dandy was retrieving the mask, Astro paid Cavit a final glance. A face stricken with fear pleading for someone’s help. And yet he knew he wouldn’t, it pained him to get no reply or sympathetic glances back. His heart ache as he sat in the gravity of the situation that grew only more intense when Dandy brought out the mask. f*ck, not the kind of mask he thought of.

As it was adjusted onto him, his vision was completely blocked by the darkness that awaited him in the mask. The faint glow of his shaking star lit the inside of the mask, but it was a completely dark slate of rock. A few scratches along edges from the corners of his eyes, likely originating from being tossed and banged around.

Dandy’s words played tricks in his mind, swinging his mood from anger and despair. God, he felt so stupid. He was useless to help himself and wanted to reach for anything to change that. But every part of him was bound, and there was no hope in wishing. His sobs had finally slowed for a minute in the brief intermission he had, focusing on himself and his own breathing. He tried to think back to home, to his parents. He missed his room, he missed napping and being dragged outside every once in a while to do stupid things with his friends. He even missed that stupid shrimp bully that always failed to land an emotional hit on him. He missed seeing his mom and dad. He missed everyone he knew.
Seconds felt like eternity, every moment that kept the air still felt agonizing. Anything to break the ever-growing tension would be a mercy to Astro's soul. If only mercy was painless.

A sudden jab went into the side of Astro's left arm. It felt like a thick needle digging deeper and deeper into the layers of his skin. Then, another jab at the leg, then the side of the torso, the lower right arm, his chest, his shoulder. Everything crashed wave after wave after wave until it finally shot to his neck.

Veins collided with the point of the needle as Astro felt his life get sucked out of him. Death was his only salvation at this point.

A fresh scream left Astro at every hit. He tugged at his restraints, his hands balled up into fists. He tried to rip his body away from the thick tube-like blades that sunk into his skin. Doing so caused more pain to him, tearing up the edges of his skin and causing some wounds to form. Tears began painting the inside of his mask as he shrieked, only silenced as the last needle hit his neck. His head hit the back of the chair, and he was momentarily silenced.

He choked with agony coating his face, his eyes succumbing to pain for only a second. It felt like all of his skin was a tattoo in the process of being removed. Almost like his very soul and personality was being ripped into the needles to leave him as a blank slate. His skin was starting to become discolored, the areas around each hit point were surrounded with a gray that seemed to eat away at his other colors. The tubes were filled with the corresponding colors they were connected with.

Astro’s hands outstretched for a moment, a faded glow kicking up from them and threw Astro into a second wind. He once again fought for the rights to his own body. His second pair of arms — only restrained at the wrist with the goggles— dived for the needle in his chest. He grasped onto a thin tube that connected the device to the ceiling, and completely ripped it out of him.

He gave out a croaked gasp, the needle in his hands still dripping with a cyan blue that used to belong to him. His hands shook with pain as he held it with a death grip, trying to strangle an inanimate being to focus out the rest of his pain.
The tube "screamed" with a hiss-like sound as it flailed and twisted about like a panicked snake. The color dripped from the needle, falling back down on the man it took from at rapid pace. Rapid enough that all needles ripped away at once. Some even took skin with them on accident from how they were pulled.
The speaker crackled to life as a screech echoed around the room.

"WOW! Couldn't even last round one! "

Is someone having too much fun or what? f*cking asshole flower...
Dandy cleared his throat as the smell of motor oil thickened in the air, as well as the sweetness. it drowned out the lingering death and sulfur a lot more than before…

"Suppose it's time for round two! And I'll try avoiding the chest this time, got it?" <3

“Round TWO!?”

Astro heaved, pushing away the second sentence like an unwanted child. He slouched forward while audibly wincing from the ripping of blades from his skin. His covered face followed the voice towards the intercom inside the room, then stared forward where the window would be. His hands shakily released the weapon it held, hearing it whip back up into the ceiling. His being twitched with pain, tears still streaming down his face, but now fueled with anger.

If he could get his hands on one, he could probably do it again. The extraction points across his body were beginning to bleed with how much they were tossed around in his skin. An inch deep of metal was no joke.

The whirring from the ceiling started up again, giving Astro little to no time to prepare from what Dandy said. The needles descended from their tangled mess, looming over Astro like serpents ready to strike. I swear these things were so much like snakes you could confuse them with real ones... almost.

Tension lingered in the air, Dandy was waiting on purpose, trying to scare Astro more than he already was. The needles only moved closer, more so getting near his (non-existent) ears to dig into his head. Astro could at times - feel them slither along his shoulders and around his neck. Professional dick move, Dandy.

what felt like 15 seconds passed before stabbing finally took place. Jabbing injections all across the body began piercing the skin once again. it felt like there was a needle for each limb, maybe two. The last one wrapped around the captured toon's neck before reaching back up and stabbing against his skull - albeit, less deep than some of the other needles. don't want to KILL THE GUY!

Astro could hear the winding and whirring from above, he knew they had unsheathed once again, and the following anticipation nearly killed him on the spot. His upper hands gripped onto the chair’s armrest to ground himself and to prepare for the oncoming onslaught of pain. The slow traveling tube around his shoulders caused him to shiver, his shoulders lifting while trying to pull away from them. This f*cking dick of a flower, dude…

The second round of sudden stabbing came less painful than the last, but still tore his skin open nonetheless. He screamed out as one after the other plunged back into him. It felt like his body was dying, but his organs and mind were more alive than ever. The last one coiling around his throat lifted his head back momentarily before shooting him back down with a jab to his skull. The tube connected to it began filling with a midnight blue, while the area around his head was drained to black.

His screams withered to shaky groans through gritted teeth. His jaw clenched until it became sore. The pain he caused himself was nothing compared to the anguish inflicted on him. He was faring much better the second round, now somewhat familiar and expecting of the pain ahead, but it didn’t settle his thrashing. His arms and legs still violently jolted in his restraints. He tried to reach for another needle, but couldn’t get his hands close enough before another spike of pain would hit, and he’d compress himself immediately. It was like the thrill of a rollercoaster, but the only thing going up and down was the levels of shock he endured.

His head hung low, tears and sweat dripping from the bottom of the mask. His stomach threatened to vomit, but the rest of his body physically couldn’t.
Seconds turned to minutes, minutes turned to hours, hours to days, days to weeks, weeks to months. It felt like a never-ending cycle of agony, draining the life out of Astro, being criticized on his performance, and then repeating. Every stab in his body, every moment of movement, everything was piling up...

Only an hour truly passed, and by the time Astro had stopped moving all together was when Dandy stopped the machine. The blossom gave a sigh, one of pure disappointment. He eyed the two doctors behind him, giving a shrug, as if this number of rounds was to be expected in an average Run. Nonetheless, Dandy pushed himself away from the control panel, making his way to the doors.

The doors opened with a click, before Dandicus entered the main room with Astro. His hands were crossed behind his back, that common posh pose he always defaulted to. He tilted his head, trying to peer under the mask that covered the moon's face.

"We're all done... No more extraction for the day. It's already pretty late for you anyway..."

He muttered into the thin air. He took slow steps, walking towards Astro as he stared at his weeping body. Dandy gently undid the ties on Astro's hands and took back his goggles, brushing them off with the tail of his lab coat, as if grime coated the whole thing. He loosened the restraints on Astro's torso and ankles before finally darting for the mask. His gloved fingers slowly slipped under the bottom of the object, lifting it up to reveal Astro's expression.

"Peek-a-boo!" He smiled ear to ear with slits for eyes.

Astro’s body had stopped reacting to sound entirely — instead of relief, there was nothing. He didn’t speak, he didn’t cry, and upon inspection, he wasn’t even breathing. His eye was sealed shut by the salty aftermath of the extraction and his mouth was shut without an emotion. It would seem that his life was taken before his colors were. A rare occurrence, but possible. Maybe Astro was just a weak one, he didn’t necessarily seem “strong”.

His entire body was splotched with grayscale and color. It looked like his skin had endured a paintball fight with only one color. There wasn’t a single solid territory throughout him. It’d be a cleaner job if he hadn’t given up so soon. However, a heavy amount from his limbs had been taken up to his fingers. Though unnoticeable at the moment, the color on his fingers were moving at the same pace as the sun, along with the colors splotched on his face. But the movement was almost…restrained. The star on his eye had switched to an azure blue, and opened into a bigger star. But it was dim, like the glow behind it was on low battery. It only made him look more deceased, and it was just a resting eye. Not like Dandy knew his eye anatomy anyways.
Dandy's smile faded, though in all honesty he had to see it coming.

"Dawhh.."

He pouted, sticking his bottom lip out. He slipped the mask off of Astro, holding it in his arms. He stared longingly with a half-lidded poker face, blank and empty of any true emotion. He got what he wanted, that's all he wanted.

"Didn't last a single Run. A shame... and truly pathetic. I betted on you lasting longer than this... Suppose that's just the game of life, eh?" Dandy spun on his heel, turning to face the door.

Astro’s one expressional eye shot open. Astro darted up from the chair and gripped Dandy with his upper right hand, latching onto the back of the founder’s coat and throwing him back onto the ground. The next thing Dandy knew, Astro had climbed onto him and started strangling the life out of him as merciless as he could.

Parts of his body were still bleeding, but it only fueled Astro’s awareness. His eyes burned with a vengeance, his mind silenced so he could get this job done as fast as possible, nobody else in the area existed to him, nor the environment. Nothing else MATTERED more in the moment than trying to behead this cursed flower. His hands were rough, squeezing Dandy’s throat like a stress toy without the intent of letting it go to re-inflate. He wanted the damn toy to pop.

His lower arms slammed Dandy’s wrists to the sides and as far away from the violence as possible, leaving Dandy practically defenseless against his own murder.
All the air in Dandy's lungs escaped him as he was slammed into the ground. He struggled and flailed, kicking at Astro's gut and legs in hopes for some form of freedom. He desperately tried to push Astro off, to get him to let go, but fighting 4 arms against 2 was a lot more difficult than he first thought. He coughed and gagged, shaking and thrashing his head side to side. What's worse is that he's making skin to skin contact with a person - Something he absolutely despised. He had this look on his face, a look of fear that was forced to bear a smile. He struggled to laugh, trying to distract his brain from the sense of skin around his neck.

"let- go- HHHH- NOW.”

He rasped out with what little oxygen he had left as tears threatened to spill from his eyes. No. No, He can't show weakness. He can't show how scared he actually is in this situation. Show how scared he was of this- this- COWARD. This bumbling EMBARRASSMENT of a toon. If only he hadn't made the dumb mistake of turning around... It was a problem of his. Constantly being impatient.

“your turn.”

A whisper left the disoriented toon, his star eye seeming to…disconnect? from his face. An explosion of color spread from his eye across his mask once more, regaining its glittery blue as this happened.

It left like an ice cube out of a mold, the star on his face was still there, but now there was a disembodied one. It levitated up to the mess of wires, forming a transparent hand that glowed the same familiar blue that shone through Astro’s magic. It ripped through the needles in the mess above. When it had grasped one, it tore it down towards the two again.

The hand raised over Dandy, ready to stab out his left eye. Astro’s sanity was hung by a thread, now disconnected. He was too drained from the pain that still rung through him to bring that clarity back. His hands experienced the same rush of color his face had, the cyan scratched up his hands and reclaimed his wrists. Astro was trying to put Dandy to sleep. It was harder to accomplish with such resistance.

Thankfully (or Sadly for Astro's case), The guards swooped in RIGHT on time. Volts of electricity ran through the moon's body, causing him to free the extractor's pipe and have him collapse. Boxten ran in, running to help aid Dandy in getting the f*ck away from Astro, pulling him by scooping him under the pits and dragging. The founder gasped and gagged, shaking slightly as he tilted his head down. He wanted no one to see his face, and his petals helped him quite a bit to cover up his expression.

Dandy tried to speak, his voice gagging back words while he twitched and writhed in pain from his neck- which was visibly bruised into a black-ish bruise... he's gunna /love/ seeing that in the mirror…

Astro burst into one last scream to fill the room, a lot more authentic than it was just hiding behind the muffling glass and with the inhumane mask on him. Astro collapsed to the side, and the hand in the sky returned to its star form before retreating to Astro’s body.

He writhed on the floor, nearly passing out on the spot from the rush of excitement and pain to his head. Everything was spinning. He shouldn’t be making harsh movements fresh out of the machine like that. His plan almost worked, though…shame he didn’t have enough time to see it all the way through.

Astro had given up — for real, this time. He was a mess on the ground, unable to get anything out of him. He accepted that he had failed, that he had messed up again. Not that he TRIED to kill Dandy, but that he failed doing so.

His last sight was of a small panel above the viewing glass, a digital label similar to the clocks around the building, but this one listed how long runs lasted. His eyes creaked closed once again, influencing the rest of his weakened magic just to put himself to sleep. He only got to round 15.