°•.◆DogDay

The factory was enveloped in a thick silence, barely broken by the distant echo of the wind that filtered through the cracks in the rusty walls. Some were stained with dried blood; others were still damp. The air smelled of old dust, metal, and something rotten.

DogDay moved forward with a firm step, although his body betrayed his fatigue. His fur stirred with every movement, while the belts hung from his waist, arms, and wrists.

In his right arm, he carefully held CatNap. The small feline was motionless, his expression serene, almost innocent. His large eyes shone, but showed no...malice.

This CatNap wasn't the terrifying shadow everyone knew. It wasn't the Prototype fanatic. It wasn't the one who had fallen for it. This CatNap was different: perhaps a clone or something more of the Original CatNap.

Turning the corner, DogDay found Kissy Missy and Poppy on her shoulder, who frowned. Her eyes instantly widened, reflecting a mixture of fear and confusion. She took a step back at the sight of the feline. Kissy Missy, on the other hand, didn't make a sound. She remained silent, as always, her gaze fixed on CatNap with a cutting intensity.

"Don't worry. It's not the same. This CatNap could be a clone of the original that perhaps never participated in or knew about the Hour of Joy and the Prototype.

DogDay said calmly and gravely, still holding the little one. Meanwhile, CatNap raised his paw and waved gently. Then he winked at Poppy, not really understanding the weight of what she represented to them.

Poppy gulped. Her eyes couldn't leave the feline. Kissy Missy took a step closer, her gaze still fixed on him. DogDay silently watched their reactions. He knew this wasn't going to be easy. And yet, he kept walking with CatNap in his arms. Because, deep down, a part of him wanted to believe that this time... things could be different.