Chapter 1: What are you going to offer me now?
Chapter Text
Moon stared at the vastness of space around him, almost a little shocked. "That bitch actually just dropped me in space." He angrily sighed to himself, looking around. Bit difficult to do when he was floating, and it wasn't like there was much to look at anyway.
"What can I do to get back? What can I do to get back.." Because by the Astrals did he have to figure something out. He couldn't stay here forever, and he didn't plan to stay here forever.
He paused his thought process after a moment. Stars, the Astrals. "Well those Astrals aren't going to be happy with me. That's going to be annoying."
Now obviously he didn't really care about them too much, but after what he'd just done, they definitely would pester him for it. Maybe even outright kill him for "misusing" starpower. That'd be an issue if that's what they were going to do to him. And he still needed to get back.
He played a sound reminiscent of a human clicking their tongue as he continued to try and figure out how he could get back. "Honestly, I might be able to teleport back. I don't know though. Take awhile to figure out, I don't even know where in the cosmos I am." He kept looking around to the best of his ability, not like it helped him much.
"I need a rough idea of my exact.. Geographic location, and uh, geography doesn't work too well when you're floating in the vastness of SPACE!!" He yelled out. Not like that'd do much. Couldn't hear anything in space, so it's not like anyone would be able to hear him either. If there was anyone out here, which he heavily doubted. He was quite literally in the middle of nowhere in space, no one could be here. That wasn't important right though.
Nothing was coming to mind on how to get back. It'd take days, weeks, maybe even months on figuring out how to teleport back because he couldn't currently figure out his current location. Puppet probably wouldn't bring him back either, not any time soon. They didn't really have anything they needed from him, he wasn't of use anymore. Well, not unless they were still trying to figure out how to bring the old Moon back, like Monty was trying to do. And he'll be damned if he let them kill him like that. He wasn't going to die just so they could try to bring the old Moon back, that wasn't fair to him. He swore he was just trying to protect his family-
Except, he didn't do a very good job at that though did he? He stayed relatively quiet, although muttering to himself, "What'd you do to Earth- Shut up. Who cares. You hurt her- Who cares? Stupid-"
He honestly couldn't think of a worse time to be stuck with his own thoughts. In space, alone, with nothing to distract himself. Being forced to come to terms with what he's done by his own head. A wonderful time, really.
"You did break her." Moon sharply inhaled, letting out a forced laugh at Sun's sudden voice. God, was his "brain" really that adamant on making sure he suffers while he's here?
"Oh, hahah- No brain, we're not doing this." Of course, he stayed turned away from where the voice came from, knowing it wouldn't do him any better if he looked at it. If he didn't pay attention to it for a while, it had to go away. He didn't want to deal with that right now, not while he had nothing to distract himself from it.
But the voice came again. The most condescending he's admittedly ever heard it. "It's not your brain talking to you."
He wanted to turn towards it. His curiosity was strong, especially since it didn't feel like it was in his head. His.. Hallucinations of Sun, didn't sound like how this voice sounded. But if that was so, how could he hear it? Who was it?
His curiosity got the better of him in turn, and he started to look around for whoever was here. Or, did his best to. It was kind of hard to do so. But either way, it had to be a Sun, based off the voice. Where were they- Another turn, and he was face to face with "Sun". Dark Sun, by his guess. He was still startled by him and let out a "Jesus-"
Dark Sun seemed to be amused by that though, continuing on. "Nope, very much real." He tilted his head ever so slightly as he watched Moon. "Do you want a bit of physical evidence that I'm actually here?"
He didn't need any "physical evidence" though, he knew this wasn't in his head. "No, even my brain Sun's not this condescending." He was glad it wasn't, he felt that'd be much worse.
Dark Sun let out a pretty quiet "ah" before chuckling. "At least you can tell the difference. And I see that you've managed to find yourself in a.." He trailed off and looked around. "Place far between everything else."
"Yeahhh.." He definitely was, due to his recent actions. "I pissed off some people." Not too shocking to him either. Their main solution to their problems was to just get rid of them, wasn't it? They sure were just "great" at that.
The sun hummed, still looking at their surroundings. "Puppet's really outdone themselves here, haven't they?" For a brief moment, Moon wondered if Dark Sun actually found this amusing. They probably did, he didn't see why they wouldn't.
He, after a couple moments, continued. "People are real mad." And he didn't think he regretted it. Maybe that was just the insanity though. "Not gonna lie, it's kinda fun!"
Dark Sun had closed his eyes during the silence. "Well-" And soon after, opened them to look at him more clearly. "Understandable, I mean, given everything that's happened to.. Them."
Moon couldn't help rolling their eyes at that. Anything involving them just.. Oddly irritated him right now. "Mhm. Yeah, they just need to get over it, the big bunch of babies."
The sun just seemed to sigh in response. "When you snap, you kinda just stop caring." Moon mused, barely hearing whatever the sun-themed animatronic floating a bit away from him said.
So, Dark Sun played a sound similar to a human clearing their throat. "Mhm. So. I guess the question there in lies.. What are you going to offer me now?"
Admittedly, that caught Moon a little off guard. But he wasn't surprised. Of course that's why he was here, there was no other reason to be here. But, maybe he could get out of this in that case? Moon tilted his head as he stared back at Dark Sun. "Whatcha want?"
If their mouths could move, Moon was almost sure the sun's smile would be a bit wider by now. Or maybe they'd be smirking. "Ohh.. There's a lot of things I could ask for." Dark Sun clears his throat before going on. "But, I think the, uh.." And then he trailed off. He just assumed he was contemplating on his words, so he stayed quiet.
A moment or two later, he picked his sentence back up. "Before I begin my little bargain here. I will get you out of this place, and bring you back to my home. I, highly doubt you're going to be welcome much in yours."
The lunar animatronic almost laughed at that. "I'm gonna be honest, I don't care if I go back to mine! I don't think I have one." Of course he didn't. Why would he after what he-
He stopped his thoughts in their tracks. There was no point feeling guilty now, there was no point thinking about that. It was stupid to continue thinking on that, and he should really stop doing that.
He heard Dark Sun hums, and decided to just continue. "I kinda just wanna do whatever I want." Especially if it occupied his damned mechanical brain. But he wouldn't mention that.
And the sun simply nodded. "I see. Given everything that's happened."
God, he was awfully short and simple huh. "Oh yeah, with everything that's happened, why should I care?" He had no reason to. Not anymore. He lost all reason to care. About his old home, about his life, about his "family".
"I see." Dark Sun seemed to be pretty disinterested. And he probably was disinterested in this. He guessed he couldn't blame him for that though. They weren't exactly on "friendly terms".
He squeezed his own hands, almost glaring at them. "I wanna build things.. For me. Something I should have been doing a long time ago."
"I doubt you'd find much to do, like that." Sitting here in space, floating around like some junk. That's what he was assuming Dark Sun meant. The sun went on. "But perhaps there is some things you can do. Unfortunately-"
He was getting tired of this, and didn't want to go through anymore of Dark Sun's riddles and games. So he cut him off. Or "cut to the chase", as some may say. "So what do you want?"
The solar animatronic looked a tad bit surprised by it. "What I want?" Must've been expecting to go on whatever tangent he was gonna go on.
He didn't want to do that right now though, or they'd be here for hours. Probably a bit of an exaggeration, but they sure as hell would be here awhile. "Yeah. What do you want?"
He stared at the moon for a good minute or two, before speaking as if that hadn't happened. "I'd like to remove a chip from your head."
Which.. Confused him. "That's it?" That couldn't be all, what did he have to gain from taking a simple chip out of him??
The other seemed to be amused by causing him some confusion. "That's it. That's all." And yet, he still couldn't believe that. What did the chip do? What was it?
With those questions plaguing his mind, he asked, "By chance, can I know what the chip is?" At least a hint if that's all Dark Sun wanted to give. Even then, he didn't think he would.
And as he figured, he replied with a simple, "No."
Least surprising thing to happen. He did want to know what it was he wanted. Dark Sun would be reaching into his head and taking out stars know what. But he couldn't do that much even if he wanted to. The sun seemed to move around more efficiently than he knew how to. He wasn't in much position to argue.
He didn't think he cared to either. So in return, after about a moment or two, he replied with, "Rip it out."
And the dark sun laughed in response, sounding shocked by how quick he seemed to agree to it. That was certainly nothing he expected, that was for sure. "Just like that?"
Moon almost scoffed at that. Almost. "Why do I care? I'm floating in the middle of space." He wanted to mention what he was thinking, how he was in no position at all to argue, but he didn't. It was already obvious enough.
"Fine." The other animatronic floated over, going specifically behind him. And he, in Moon's opinion, sounded sort of, nonchalant. Maybe not necessarily caring, would be a better term.
And the lunar animatronic wondered how he could just act so nonchalant with all this. Didn't he hate him too? He was a Moon, and Dark Sun has said he hates all Moons. He was no exception. How did he seem so oddly calm with all this? It was most likely to be a facade. That's all this was, and they both knew it.
Although, while he looked for, whatever he was looking for, Moon decided he'd continue on with his sentence. "Either you kill me or you're going to do whatever you say." There wasn't anything else he could do. Maybe besides leaving him here, but he obviously wanted something. It couldn't be that easy.
But the other seemed to briefly stop what he was doing, floating back into view. "Kill you? No no no, I'm not in the business of killing people anymore. I just.. Well I shouldn't spoil the surprise." He simply sighed before he went on with his thoughts. "Very well, I'll remove the one chip, leave it here, and then you and I can go back to my.. Home. New home."
Moon laughed as Dark Sun floated back out of view and grabbed the back of his head. It wasn't one that held any sort of joy though. Not when he could tell the sun was scheming something. "Oh you have plans for me, don't you?"
"I can not tell you." His tone seemed to carry some mischievous delight in it, but Moon doubted it was anywhere near good.
The solar animatronic took out that little chip he was talking about, and just simply tosses it away, into the vastness of space. And he just watches it as it floats away from the two of them.
And the counterpart to the sun let out an "Oh-", his machinery practically trembling from whatever it was that he had taken out of him. And while he didn't know what it was, it definitely was not a bad feeling. The opposite, actually.
Dark Sun ignored the animatronic that was basically shaking, letting go of his head now that he was done with doing that. Though not taking his eye off the chip floating about. "And there it goes."
Although, Moon ignored that, yelling out into the void, "That feels GREAT." It felt like every gear in his body was free from some kind of weight, something holding him down. For a moment, he almost thought that they were working smoother than they'd ever worked before. Or maybe they were working twice as hard? He had no clue what kind of chip that was, or what it was for, but he absolutely loved the feeling he had now that it was gone. It was probably the best he'd felt in, well. Possibly forever almost.
But, he couldn't lie, that was a shock to Dark Sun. He'd never done this before, but he knew the consequences if he didn't replace that soon. Him feeling "great" was something he'd never seen coming though. "Great? Hm, well I'm going to need to make a replacement chip anyways. You know, your systems will start to fail without that little thing in your head."
And the moon laughed in return, looking toward the sun. "As long as I keep feeling like this, I don't care!" If he got to continue feeling this? Fuck whatever he could possibly do, this was absolutely amazing. He craved it, he almost felt high like this. No wonder humans liked that feeling so much.
And still, Dark Sun seemed like he couldn't care less, continuing on with his little speech again. "It'll just act as a substitute, nothing too drastic."
A substitute. That would make sense. Any part that was gotten rid of would have to be replaced in some way. Especially if it would cause complications. And he couldn't die yet, not this soon. But that could always be dealt with later.
He felt especially twitchy now though barely able to keep himself still. While those complications likely weren't showing now, he could tell that his systems were at least going to run themself dry with this energy that he suddenly had. "Oh whatever you got rid of, I feel as- I feel zippy! Ooh!"
The other simply hummed while watching him. "That'd be entertaining to watch after a while. Unfortunately, there's a lot of things happening around here. And I-" He stopped himself, glancing away from Moon and upwards into the void. "Oh. I see you've made a couple "friends"."
And of course, that drew his attention from how he was feeling to whatever Dark Sun meant. Friends? "What do you mean?"
"Oh, the Astrals, they're on their way here, traveling at about 3000 light years." Moon had no idea how he could possibly know that. Could he sense them? Track them at a certain range? See something that he obviously couldn't?
The matter seemed too urgent to press on now. "Oh. Well we should probably go soon then, shouldn't we?"
Dark Sun finally turned his gaze back to him, briefly nodding his head. "Oh we should. Fortunately, they don't have any say upon other dimensions, especially ones that aren't technically supposed to exist."
That made sense, they'd definitely be a lot safer there than anywhere else. Nonetheless, it still felt odd knowing it was just that easy to escape them. Well, easy if you knew a way to escape your dimension. "Yeah, I'm not gonna lie, they're kinda just a bunch of pushovers."
Dark Sun scoffed, shocked. Though, almost everything this Moon did baffled him in some shape or form. He was certainly one of a kind, especially with his sheer audacity to call some god-like beings that. Maybe he just wasn't used to this though. "Pushovers."
He tilted his head, seeming proud of himself. He wasn't, but that aside, it was kinda funny to see how much he could surprise someone like Dark Sun. "Oh they can still kill me. I don't question that."
He could see the other briefly rolling their eyes, not finding it as amusing as he did. "Next time, to be very careful when you use that starpower stuff.." And that was a warning he'd at least try to heed. Starpower wasn't particularly something he wanted to use anymore. Not after that. Not after..
Well nevermind that, the past was in the past. There was nothing he could do now. He had another question to keep his mind off that. "Before we go.. What does this make us? Allies? Friends?" He paused for longer than he probably should have. "Brothers?"
The sun hummed, while wanting to get out of there, decided to indulge on his question. He still had some calibrations to set up. "Hm, more of acquaintances." And he suddenly paused himself, realizing what he'd said. "Brother? I'm-" Moon laughed as he saw him get annoyed, and probably potentially disgusted, at such a bold question like that. But, he also just waved it off. "We come to terms at different points, for now, a well known acquaintance."
The solar animatronic knew that if they could, the moon's smile would be much wider as he replied. "Oh yes, very well known. I guess, to future business." And anything else he wanted to know? He could just ask when they were in a safer place.
Dark Sun nodded in return, finalizing the calibrations and stretching his arm out to set the portal down. At least near Moon, so it was easier for him to come through. "Future business will come. Now, eventually, something's going to happen. But for now, we should make way. They are approaching very rapidly."
"Well then say less. I want to see what this little place of yours looks like." And with that, Moon stepped into the portal, going through to whatever Dark Sun had waiting on the other side.
Although, said animatronic lingered back. Things were going according to plan, and he finally had that Moon with him. "Well you'll see soon enough."
All he had to do was bide his time. He still had things to do, make sure he had things continuing to run smoothly. And that would definitely come in time.
Chapter 2: The dark matter dimension
Notes:
Yippie, new chapter☆
Yeah, technically the second half to "Moon's new partnership in VRChat". Anyway, this takes place at about 6:06 of the episode by the way! Hope you enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Moon stepped out of the portal, looking around at their current surroundings. He took a few steps forward as he observed the area, in awe at the state of the world before them. They were on some rocky cliffs, cracks of magma showing in the rock, but not enough to be that risky.
His gaze was drawn to the indigo sky, and towards the giant structure that lie atop the cliffs. He slightly tilted his head in curiosity, before he looked back towards the animatronic who followed after him from the portal. If his smile could widen, he's sure it would have.
"Boy oh boy, so this is what a dimension made from dark matter looks like, huh?" He had asked, as Dark Sun walked towards him, glancing around as well.
He wasn't going to sound as enthusiastic when he spoke, as he had no care for it. "Yes, it's not very appealing. However that little force field around there has plenty substantial life that can sustain itself."
The lunar animatronic laughs at that, starting to make his way up the cliffs. "You say it's not very interesting to look at, this is all beautiful." It certainly was to him at least. Intriguing, may be the better word, but he figured it worked either way.
Although something in his tone told him that Dark didn't agree with that. "It's magma and rock. I would save your terms for beautifulness for something else. You'll see something far more.. Beautiful, to your terms, in there."
That definitely interested him, he couldn't lie about that. Something that'd interest him more than the world they were standing in? What did Dark Sun think would intrigue him more than this? And would he be right about it?
He put those thoughts aside as he stared at the giant structure that they seemed to be headed towards. It looked.. Odd? "What's the egg made out of?"
Dark Sun turned to look at him. Despite their expressions being unable to change, Moon could tell he was confused by his question. "The egg?"
Which, that was understandable. He didn't know what else to call it, he just knew it looked like and egg. So he gestured towards the structure and looked at Dark Sun, probably equally as confused.
"Is it an egg?" It was a valid question, probably. It did look like an egg. Maybe it just some kind of beacon to keep the world stable? A building perhaps, since they were headed towards it. The second option seemed more likely.
The sun turned to look at the structure the other seemed to be talking about, and scoffing when realizing he meant his home. "Sure, call it an egg." Dark Sun paused, recalling the question Moon asked. "High fiber dimensional metal. The sort of stuff that is, way between places. Very, very, uh, unstable, if misused." Moon just stared at it as Dark Sun walked forward. And he momentarily lost track of the other before he realized he was heading further up, so he quickly followed after him.
A little awkward, he would admit. Dark Sun seemed to ignore it, so he decided not to bring it up. "Fair enough!"
As they walked towards it, and he got a clearer view of the egg, his questions grew. Maybe this was one of the things the sun meant, when he said he'd find something else more beautiful. "Let's see, is that magic, or is that some weird uh.. Science?"
"It's magic." He wasn't shocked by the sorta quick response. Dark Sun didn't seem like the type to enjoy answering questions. But he did see how the solar animatronic noticeably tilted his head. "Science, magic, both are practically one in the same at some point."
That's definitely a take on it. He probably wasn't entirely wrong though. "Use any starpower in this whole shebang?"
The other just laughed at that question. "Oh, no no, there's no starpower here."
That made Moon stop, and he stared at Dark Sun briefly. "Right, can't exist in a dimension that doesn't exist huh? Hm." He simply continued walking after that, thinking more on it. Couldn't have a natural essence like starpower when you were in an artificially made universe. The only way that was possible was if one was able to wield that kind of power. Even then it couldn't manipulate the space around them.
He felt the other glance toward him, before he'd looked back towards the path. "I'll warn you now. When we get in there, it might be a little, overwhelming."
"Ohhh, I've learned to like overwhelming!" It was something he often had to deal with anyway, how overwhelming could this possibly be compared to everything he's been dealing with?
"Not like this." Not with what they were dealing with. Moon just didn't seem to understand that yet. But he knew he would, one way or another.
The two stop, and stare up at the egg-like structure before them. And both let out a breath of air, taking this all in, in their own ways. Dark Sun letting out a sigh, and Moon a breath of amazement. It looked all the more magnificent up close. This is the type of stuff he makes?
"If this is the type of things you make." He turned to look towards Dark Sun. "I'm gonna like working with you." Said solar animatronic looked at him in turn for that. But the other animatronic only ended up looking back up at the structure. Could it count as a building? He should really ask at some point.
Dark could definitely tell he enjoyed it. A perk to testing it out like this, he knew this would catch his eye. "I imagined as much."
Moon chuckled, looking at Dark, "Let's go in-" He was trying to say, except he was cut off by the sun, accidentally he'd assumed, "Once here, you will have a limitless supply of.. Whatever you may need. Without uh.. Discounting starpower, unfortunately."
He didn't need that though. He didn't want to bother with.. That stuff. "Oh that's fine, I don't need that garbage."
Dark Sun only hummed in return. So the moon continued.
"I just did it 'cause I think it- Well I thought it was going to give Bloodmoon the most painful death I could give him." He momentarily paused, before scoffing. "I should have gotten that kill. I wanted him dead by my damn hand."
Again, the sun was quiet. Pondering what to say. Or not listening maybe. It was always one or the other he assumed. "I see."
What else could he say, right? Moon wouldn't know either. Can't dwell on it for too long, he had other things he wanted to do. So he stares back up at the sky. "I've got some things I want to test."
And that seemed to minorly pique Dark Sun's interest. "Such as?"
"Oh, I think it's more fun to show than tell!" If he could smile anymore than his stagnant face did, he likely would be. He looked back towards the Solar animatronic.
And Dark Sun only seemed to shrug. "Very well. You have layway of the land surrounding the.. "Egg". Just don't mess up the ramp."
Moon looked out at the land surrounding them, walking towards the edge of the cliff they were on. "Oh I won't." He gestured a finger towards the trains in the distance. "What's with the trains by the way?"
The lunar animatronic heard a hum from the other animatronic. "The trains?" Moon looked back over at Dark again, waiting for an answer. "Well, sometimes I must make some rounds and mine out some things."
And with a nod, Moon looked back towards the trains in the distance, humming to himself. Mining out things huh? Guess he did need materials, it made sense. "Can you not make false life?"
That only got a scoff from him. He didn't exactly like that idea. "Make false life.. That'd make me a god. I'd rather not be that. Be in charge of a whole little ss.. Cult, or whatever."
Huh, interesting. "What, you don't want to have some mechanized workers?"
For a moment, Moon was sure Dark Sun was going to say something. But instead, he let out an "eh.", and then continuing speaking. "Doesn't interest me. Being a leader like that."
Hm. He supposed that wasn't surprising, didn't he want to stay out of drama? But what would he be against him doing then? "Would you be opposed if I made some?"
Dark Sun shrugged, not looking back at him. "If you so wish, but keep them in line."
"Oh, trust me, they won't have AI!" Moon laughed, looking back towards the trains. "Ah.. Things having self-awareness has only led to problems, look at my computer and Jack!"
All Dark Sun did was let out an "Ah."
Moon growled, glaring at the trains with his fists balled. "Stabbed me in the back, filthy rats."
It was quiet for a moment or two, Moon just glaring off into space with Dark watching. And he wasn't sure he wanted to listen to him go on about this. So he decided he may need to divert Moon's attention.
"I think.." As Moon started talking, Dark again cut him off. "Shall I lead you inside now?" This is already taking really long, he'd prefer to continue talking inside.
And thankfully that got his attention, the moon's eyes looking curious as he turned to look at the sun. "Oh inside, shall we? Of course! We have been out here for quite a while."
Dark just silently turns, going over to a small floating orb. Considering they were heading inside, Moon follows after him. Would that orb take them inside? Was it made of some sort of magic as well? He would ask, but he assumed the solar animatronic didn't want those questions right now.
So instead, he just stared at the orb and spoke. "I think from now on, it's just you and me."
The other paused and turned to look at the lunar animatronic. "Good."
A moment or two passed, and Moon decided to continue with, "Friend."
That admittedly caught Dark Sun a little off guard. He was still desperate for any sort of connections it seemed. Just tricking himself into thinking he still has some sort of connection. Or maybe he was wrong and it was something else. But whatever.
Dark waited for Moon to continue towards the orb. "I will meet you up there shortly. I may take a moment out here, if you don't mind. Don't wander far, I would prefer to show you around."
Moon turns to look at Dark Sun for a moment before shrugging. "Alright, I'll go up and wait. Don't worry, I won't go wandering around."
Moon touches the orb, it glowing brighter as some orange particles started floating around him before he disappeared. Inside his home.
The sun waited a moment before mentally opening a screen containing some lines of code, remotely getting rid of the virus he had put in Eclipse. That wouldn't be needed anymore, and he needed Solar to be fixed soon, especially now that he had Moon. Just a few more things, and he will bide his time for it.
But for now, he had a guest to entertain. So he also touched the orb and watched as the particles surrounded him, appearing in the same room Moon was waiting in.
Said animatronic looked towards Dark Sun. He probably would've raised an eyebrow if he could. "There you are. Had your little break?"
And Dark Sun let out a scoff, but answered back nonetheless. "Yes, yes, I've had my time outside. Now, why don't we go have a look around?"
A chuckle came from the other animatronic as he turned, gesturing for Dark Sun to take the lead. "Don't mind if we do, let's get going then."
Notes:
So uh, kinda went through it during the last two months. I just wanted to say that, among other things, is why this has taken so long. Could not write or think much about this story unfortunately. (I did get an idea for a different story though, except it's not linked to this one. Maybe one day I'll write it and put it on ao3 as well, I kinda like the idea for it. I want to get through more chapters for this first though.)
Anyway, as you can see, I changed the last bit at the end instead of us seeing Eclipse. That's because, you know, this revolves around these sillies! Some of these chapters will have these minor differences, but promise, once we get to a certain point, it'll start to diverge from canon. Some might know when, some might not (if you're new to the fandom or haven't been keeping updated haha), so I'll say when we're starting to in the end notes! Other than that, hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I will see you when I get the next one done! Happy holidays if you do celebrate anything in December!!
Chapter 3: Welcome to your new home
Notes:
Omg, guys? Chapter 3? It's finally here???? Let's go💥
This takes place during, as you may have guessed, "Welcome To Your New Home, NEXUS in VRChat". Things may go slightly more differently compared to the other chapters. Perhaps.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
This place was definitely big, Moon could say that much. It felt like they've been roaming around for hours now. But time is an interesting thing. Never know if it truly has been that long or not. Especially when the lunar bots internal clock seemed to be messed up. Though he could only assume that was because he was in a different dimension.
Some of their time differed to others after all. It was probably throwing his clock off. Did time even pass here actually? The animatronic was curious about that. They've talked enough, surely the sun wouldn't mind if he asked. "Does time pass in this place?"
Sun looked toward him as they walked, a questioning hum coming from his voicebox. Yeah, he should probably clarify. "I mean, some dimensions time is different compared to others. Some go at the same period of time, others pass by slower or quicker. But where does a dark matter dimension stand from that viewpoint?"
It was quiet for a couple minutes, before Dark Sun let out a sound reminiscent to a chuckle. Moon's, always quite the curious ones. "I should have figured you'd ask a question like that at some point. I'm certain time does pass here Moon. At what speed, I could not tell you. The day and night cycles are a lot longer here than on earth, and even that doesn't tell us if it's quicker or slower compared to other dimensions. I would have to look into that more to know how long it's truly been."
The sun couldn't miss how the moon's eyes lit up as he talked about the dimension and its cycles. He knew it was just right up his alley, learning about stuff. Even if he wasn't as smart as the old Moon, he shared that same curiosity and craving to learn.
It irked the sun. But he refused to acknowledge his emotions on that. He didn't need to after all, there were much more important things to do.
The silence between them stretched, before Sun caught Moon staring around at the architecture. That was something he didn't mind talking about at least. "I was always interested in.. I suppose fantastical architecture."
The moon looked toward Dark Sun, neverending smile eternally etched onto his face. A hint of glee in his eyes. Dark Sun didn't care what it was there for. Moon spoke up not a moment later. "Oh I can tell. Blue fire is a nice touch."
It was bound to happen, that Moon would comment on that. He seemed particularly intrigued by it. "Blue fire. Yes, wasn't enough to light up the place unfortunately. So there's little things lighting up the whole of the area."
And the moon hums in response. Figures it wouldn't. While fire was a decent light source, it wasn't the best for large buildings. Especially when it was so high up. Obviously for aesthetic purposes over anything else.
"But as we pass every single room imaginable, I would like for you to keep in mind whatever you want." Moon looked back towards the sun as he kept speaking.
It particularly caught his interest when he mentioned keeping in mind whatever he wanted. What did he mean by that exactly? "Oh, what do you mean whatever I want?"
Dark Sun continued to explain a moment after he asked his question, keeping that cheerful tone in his voice. He didn't entirely know if he could call it cheerful. "Oh, there are a great many spaces for you to explore and to use at your leisure, if you so wish to. A lab for you to concoct and make your own creations, again at your own leisure."
That he definitely enjoyed the sound of. His own area to do whatever he pleases, make whatever he pleases. Obviously he's had his own lab before, but those were still the old Moon's. And it wasn't like he could go back anyway, they'd find him and try to kill him again.
Dark spoke up again, picking up where he left off. "But you will have to choose at some point. Won't just let you run around making lab after lab and then forgetting that you have another lab."
And the lunar bot scoffed at that. He wasn't the one who did that, and he didn't entirely like being accused of doing something like that. "Oh don't worry, that was never something I did. That was the other- Creature in my head."
That made the solar bot laugh this time. "Right. Right. That one certainly di- Kept forgetting where everything he placed down was going."
The two entered a new area, and the moon hardly realized they were in a completely new area. Not when he was, more or less, more focused on their conversation.
"Oh no, it was backups and backups and backups and backups and who CARES about a backup??" It almost irritated him, because who needed THAT many labs? Perhaps backed-up codes, he could understand. But he didn't really do that either, Eclipse was the only one that did. That also really irritated him.
"One of the reasons why you lost." Certainly a way to switch the topic, but Sun didn't entirely want to hear him end up going on about that right now.
That did make Moon laugh though. "No, I lost because of Puppet's power."
And the solar bot hummed in response to that. "Oh, right. Correct, Puppet's power. I don't know what that thing has too much, but I can hazard a guess." Dark Sun pauses. He could switch the topic back. Not like there was much there anyway. "But, I'm not taking you all the way down here for you to just.. Choose rooms as well. I wish to show you something, beautiful."
The lunar bot remembered Dark mentioning that before. Him seeing something more beautiful. He was still really curious, what was it? "I don't suppose you're going to tell me what it is you want to show me?"
The sun only chuckled at that. "I wish for you to see it yourself instead, before I explain what it is. I'm sure you'd be fine with that though."
"Sure. I assume we're almost there anyway." It wasn't that he minded, no. He was just really curious about it. "What could possibly be here anyway?"
The solar animatronic knew he'd ask that eventually. Not that it mattered much. He stopped, turning to look toward Moon. "What could be here.. Oh, something so magnificent, I could never really have fully described to you yet. Words would not be enough. Come."
The two stood upon a platform, a red diamond in the middle of it. Moon stared at it for a moment, but seeing Dark Sun disappear the moment he stepped on it, he could only assume it was a teleport. Smart, an easier way to get around this place. Maybe he should have that for his areas, if he didn't feel like walking.
He followed after him. It definitely felt weird, but he couldn't quite describe how it felt. It worked though, that's all that really mattered. He turned to try and spot the sun, which didn't take long.
Dark turned back around as Moon looked at him, walking to another door and standing before it as his hand rested on the door frame. "Once we step through this door, you'll see it. And I warn you now." The sun turned to look at the moon, his gaze serious as he spoke. "Uphold your breath. And do not disturb it as it slumbers."
Now Moon, his nerves were a little racked as he stared back at Sun. What was he getting himself into here? He wasn't going to back out now obviously, but he couldn't say he wasn't the slightest bit nervous. His intrigue was probably too high to avoid whatever Sun wanted to show him anyway. "It? Slumber??"
Dark only turned back to the door, gesturing for him to enter first. "After you."
And of course, Moon had to enter through the door, inching towards what he was talking about. If he could breathe, his breath would definitely be caught in his throat. Dear stars, Dark Sun was not wrong. It was an absolutely magnificent sight to look at.
He saw the horns, those large crystal-like horns, before anything else. They couldn't see much else from where they were standing, so he wanted to get a closer look. He needed to see what this was. He could be wrong, about what it was, but stars, it was absolutely breathtaking.
"What do we have here?" Of course, he walked up the staircase, just staring at what was just.. Laying there. A dragon, but absolutely covered in some.. Crystal-like substance, he assumed. Its horns and claws were made of it, even its tail. But it was absolutely majestic.
As Moon stared at the creature before him, Sun followed not too far behind, simply stopping beside him. "It took a long time to procure."
The lunar animatronics gaze was fixed solely on the dragon, and he laughed in bewilderment. "Is that what I think it is?" After he asked that question, he finally turned to look at Dark Sun.
And the solar animatronic was pleased with his reaction, but did see it coming. Finally, someone else to appreciate it in all its glory. "A wither storm. A baby version of it still but, slowly being cultivated."
Moon's gaze turned back toward the dragon as he spoke. That seemed almost impossible. How'd he even get one? There was no way he could've without dying, surely. "How??"
Sun just walked closer to it, and Moon followed not too far behind once he realized he was getting closer.
"Remember when I,, talked to you and was asking about how to make a star that worked in any dimension?" He knew it'd probably click for Moon eventually. Hopefully especially with that comment.
It took a moment, maybe two, before he replied with, "Oh, that's what you meant."
So he was using the wither storm as some sort of star? That.. Wasn't actually a bad idea, if you could get one without dying.
That aside, he seemed proud when he responded in turn. "I found it. Wherever we go, now, that thing will drag with it negative energy. I have not taken the time to go to many other dimensions, but at the current moment, I don't think it's necessary."
He swore he was listening, even as he stared at the massive creature before him, but the thought just wouldn't leave him. "How long?"
Dark Sun made a confused hum and looked at him in confusion. "How long have I been making it?" Stars, Moon never could clarify what he meant until questioned on it. He'd hope he would eventually work on that. It wastes needless time. Though, it wasn't like it would be worth anything in the end.
The lunar animatronic seemed to quickly catch onto what he needed to clarify on and made a sound reminiscent of clearing his throat. "I mean how long until it matures?"
He could have just said that with his question in the first place. But nevermind that, the solar animatronic replied in return. "Depends at the rate we go at things. If I wanted it to mature early or as fast as possible, could be taking less than.. Less than a month. But, I'm in no hurry. So, I'd say a year."
Finally, Moon looked over at Sun once again. "So what's your plan with it?"
Sun thought for a good moment or two. Technically he didn't quite need to explain his future plans with it. Moon didn't need to know that quite yet. Perhaps there would be a time where he would tell Moon about it, but until then, he didn't fully need to know.
So he simply replied with, "Right now? Guard dog."
The other almost seemed disappointed with his response. "Seems like a waste." For all the things he could've chosen to do with a wither storm of all things, he chooses guard dog? He probably had other plans with it, but surely he could find a better purpose for it other than that, right?
And he could hear Sun chuckling at his response. Maybe it was just how he responded, but something told him that it was his reaction as a whole that was making the sun laugh. "Of course I have more plans than just a simple guard dog Moon. Just some things I'd rather not reveal yet."
It was definitely his reaction as a whole. He decided to ignore that, and stare back at the dragon. He was silent, but there was something plaguing his mind. That damn name. He hadn't entirely realized he'd hated that name until now.
He knew he hated the individual with the name, but the word itself? Moon was starting to realize just how awful it felt being called that now. It was only a reminder of everything bad that had gone on in his life. Waking up with it and having to fix all his problems and essentially being treated like he was him.
Why was it only now that he was actually thinking about it? Because of recent events? Actually no, the recent events probably made it worse. Maybe that's why he was starting to think more on how he felt about it.
..He could almost feel someone watching him. And seeing as Dark Sun was also admiring the dragon, there was a big possibility that it was something he didn't want to confront now. So that was probably enough thinking, it was way too quiet for his liking.
Moon let out a hum, to try and get Dark's attention. "You know.. The name "Moon" almost disgusts me."
It definitely got the sun's attention. As hard as he was to read sometimes, he almost seemed shocked by his statement. "Disgusts.. You? What?"
"It's not me." And it never was him. Thinking about it, he was essentially acting as a dead man to help Sun cope with the loss of his real brother. It was.. Awfully weird if he thought back on it. He never got the chance to think on what he wanted to be, he was just immediately thrown into caring for Sun.
The solar animatronic stared at him for a moment, before actually responding. "Then what.. Word, or name, would you like to use instead?"
And Moon would be lying if he said he'd expected that question, especially from him. He'd only expected to mention it and neither of them would do much about it. So he squinted, and his gaze shifted toward the ground.
What name did he want? Not Moon. Probably nothing Moon related either. But maybe he'd change his mind on that. That wasn't his worry right now. What felt like it'd fit him?
He couldn't think of anything for the time being. So after a bit more silence, he sighed and responded with, "Give me a little bit to think."
Dark Sun nodded his head after he said that. "Wait I shall. Until then, I shall refer to you as Moon. Is that alright?"
As much as he hated the name, he had nothing for him to call him instead. So it'd just be better to stick with it until he thought of something. "That's fine for now."
The sun only replied with a "Very well". If he didn't mind it for the time being, he could stand to be called it a little longer. It was still surprising to the Sun. Never had he met a Moon who despised the name they had.
'Moon' continued with what he was going on about before. "I won't say it doesn't spark a light amount of anger in me."
That didn't surprise Sun. A Moon would get upset over such a thing. So Dark Sun quietly scoffed at that. "Then use that anger appropriately." The solar animatronic paused, to see if he'd continue on with anything else. When he didn't, he changed the subject. "If you come down here, on your ownsome, I warn you now, it will be very dangerous for you."
The lunar animatronic chuckled, looking back at Dark Sun. "Oh what, does it only listen to father?" The thought of such a thing seemed to amuse the Moon.
And it, admittedly, did amuse Sun as well. So he decided to, minorly, play along. "Oh yes. Don't disturb it when it sleeps. I can not protect you otherwise. These little columns here keep it contained.. And happy. But!" The dark Sun turned around, and walked towards 'Moon', hand now rested on his shoulder.
"We're getting off track now. Let's focus back in. You have full range of this.. I suppose the word would be castle, abode, or home. Just the only warning I give you." He turns back to look at the dragon and gestures towards it. "Is that."
And 'Moon' also turned to look at it. "I won't touch your pet. As much as it fascinates me to the deepest parts of my core." He understood that could potentially cause some problems for him.
That didn't seem to be much of a problem for the Sun though. "If you wish to research it, you'll have to have me there with you."
Which.. Did sort of shock 'Moon'. He was allowed to with him around? That'd be something he'd be interested in learning more about. "Maybe at some point. With the energy it expels."
The Sun hummed, looking toward 'Moon'. "It does not expel energy."
What.
'Moon' looked towards Dark Sun, a little bewildered. "Really?" How was that possible? All witherstorms expelled energy, how did this one not?
His question wouldn't go unanswered, as Sun replied after he questioned him. "Unlike other witherstorms that slowly die out, the star that I made keeps it within."
The lunar animatronic hummed in reply to that, staring back at the dragon. "Now that.. That's tantalizing."
Dark Sun let out a little giggle as he looked back at the dragon as well. "Technically immortal. But of course, you know that's not truly the case either. It can die eventually."
"Oh, of course. All things must die." Nothing would ever truly be immortal, everything had to inevitably die. Yet that felt like a dark way to look at things, despite it being true.
The Sun mostly ignored his comment, continuing on the topic before. "Now, you have layaway of all the rooms here. Is there any that truly interested you?"
'Moon' thought for a moment, before replying with, "Oh, I think just a couple floors up will suit me just fine." It was a nice area, he certainly wouldn't mind having it.
Sun nodded in return. "Very well. Do with it as you wish. And I think you talked about, uh what was it, making robots to do mining or something?"
Oh yeah, that whole thing. He corrected the Solar animatronic. "Mechanized workers take away the dirty work for us." It'd be useful, take care of stuff so they didn't have to do it.
"Ah. Well if you so wish, be my guest. I'll have your room set up eventually, or you may set it up yourself." He didn't care which he wanted to do. One would save him more time, but he could set up if he so wishes for him to.
Moon changed the subject rather quickly though. "Why do you go by "Sun" still?"
Which, he didn't entirely understand. "..Why do I go by Sun?" Most of his.. Questions, didn't entirely make sense to him. He didn't get why he cared to know either.
"You know we called you "Dark Sun"."
As if that made it make any more sense. Not like he'd reply like that though, not if he wanted to gain his trust. "Ah yes, Dark Sun. I think a uh.. Well a ridiculous name, but I can go by it if you so wish."
Despite that, the lunar animatronic continued. "No. I just wonder why you haven't picked something else."
Ah. So that's what this is about. Questioning his own identity must be making him wonder about others and their identity choices. At least he assumed that's what this was about.
But he didn't mind answering that. It was a simple curiosity. "Because Sun is my name. Not everyone else's name." He stepped closer towards 'Moon', "And though you hold resentment for your name and whatever you're so called, I don't hold the same resentment."
'Moon' only hums, seemingly.. In thought. Sun waited for a moment or two, to see if he'd like to say anything. But when he didn't, he continued himself.
"While I do not hold the same resentment as you do, I did not go through the same process, of becoming you. I am just Sun. And you are no longer Moon."
If his face could move, Sun was sure he'd be frowning and his brows would be furrowed. His silence almost gave off that energy, somehow. But he did speak eventually, it didn't take long. "Right. I just need to change this body. And I'll figure out a name eventually.. In time I suppose."
"And that can be a low priority, as it's still functioning. But, it is your priority to make it how you wish." Just as long as he prioritized the right things when they needed to be prioritized, he cared not for what he did with his body and himself.
And the lunar animatronic nodded in reply. "I'll do it on my time, don't you worry. It won't take up any useful time."
And of course, that pleased the sun. "Very good. Now, would you like me to set up your laboratory, or would you-"
He didn't want him to. He didn't even let himself think about getting help from the sun. He didn't need help, he could do it himself. "Oh no no no. I have a process."
"Very well! You'll find instruments available in waiting for you in storage. Make use of them how you see fit." Clearly, the solar animatronic wasn't looking forward to the possibility of having to help either, with how "joyful" he seemed knowing that he'd do it himself.
He didn't care about it. It gave him more time to himself, more time to look around the place by himself. He only needed himself now anyway.
"You need to stop wishing for something that'll never be there."
Stars was he GLAD his face couldn't move. He nodded, keeping a, more or less, "cheery" tone of voice. "Oh I will! See you soon!" Now would be the best time to leave, much rather than later. He just left as soon as he could, only briefly sparing a glance back.
Despite how.. In a hurry 'Moon' seemed to be leaving, the Sun waved in his direction. "See you soon, Moon." Whatever that was, he knew he wouldn't stay away for long. Either he would have to go to him, or the lunar animatronic would eventually visit him.
Otherwise, he simply watched as he exited the room, making sure he was gone, before turning to the dragon. Yet again, a magnificent thing it was. "You will grow up to be a fine beast yet. Soon enough. Soon enough.." And it would help with many things in the future he was certain.
The solar animatronic was quiet for a few moments, before looking up toward the ceiling. He knew a...Certain someone was watching him. So he hummed and spoke, "Do you usually stalk like that by the way?"
He heard a tiny voice stutter out its answer, fear evident in its voice. "Uh. W..What, no?"
And Sun turned to look in the direction of the small voice, looking around to try and spot the little bot, watching as the little head popped up from the stairs. "I know you, Neptor."
Neptor floated over to Sun, stopping in front of him and nervously clasped his hands together. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stalk like that."
The sun only watched as he floated over. He was curious though, "What are you doing Neptor?"
Neptor tilted his head. He was just.. Here. He didn't have much of a reason at the moment. "Uh.. I dunno."
Sun sighed in reply. Of course, he wasn't surprised. Neptor was much like a kid, he didn't expect him to think of a reason for coming here. "He didn't see you, did he? Moon?"
He could see Neptor's expression change into a more gleeful one. "No, I made sure!"
Good, he didn't need Moon knowing about Neptor. Not yet, at least. He moved forward a bit, towards Neptor. "Good. Now, you've proven yourself to be very helpful Neptor," He crouched down in front of the smaller bot. "And I very much appreciate that. Right now, all you need to do is just stay.. With being friends with them."
Neptor knew who he was talking about. It was part of his purpose after all. "I can do that! I like Jack and Dazzle!"
That amused the sun, and he may have laughed a bit. "I know you can. And you'll do a very good job at that. How have they been, ever since Moon's gone away?"
Neptor held one of his hands up to his face, seemingly in thought. "I don't think most people know. Uh. Except maybe uh, Monty? Because they tried to find the body. And then, it's not there. So now they're just trying to, make a new, Moon?? I think?? I don't know."
That was certainly something he could use if the subject ever.. Came up. For his plan to work, he needed Moon to stay with him. If he found out they were already "replacing" him..
He let out a small laugh. He could think on that another time. "I suppose it doesn't matter." Sun sighed and stood back up before continuing, "Thank you Neptor."
Sun turned to walk away, but Neptor raised his hands and spoke to try and get the sun's attention. "Uh uh! I have, quest..question?"
In reply, he hummed and turned to look at him. "Yes Neptor?"
Neptor momentarily moved forward and then back, trying to figure out his wording. "Uh, why did you, let, them.. Bring Solar back? Or dis.. Un-? Undisabled- Un.. Unhurt Eclipse? Unhurt Eclipse!"
Ah, that. He tilts his head. "You mean why did I disable the,, clogging of Eclipse's processors and allow them to bring Solar back?" He needed to make sure that's what he was talking about.
The tiny bot paused for a moment, thinking, before exclaiming, "I.. Yeah! Yeah that!"
Certainly an entertaining little individual he's made. Sun chuckled at his reaction. "You are an interesting creature Neptor. But, you don't need to know that, do you?"
He stumbled over his words and shifted in place, hands clasping each other once again. "Uh, I'm, I'm sorry. I, I didn't mean anything by it." While he was speaking, his metal antennae lowered, and he backed up the smallest bit.
Sun could tell, he was afraid. Not simply nervous, no, his movements didn't carry that. And that's not what he wanted. If this was to work, he'd need the tiny bot to trust him. He couldn't get him to do things out of fear alone, that never worked out well for.. Some others in the past.
So he decided to lighten his tone, immediately replying, "No Neptor. I built you to be like this, questioning." He saw Neptor's antennae raise after that. Good, that's what he needed. "After all, it's your whole purpose. If you so really want to know, I don't suppose you'll tell anybody, will you?" He walked closer toward him and crouched down in front of him.
And that got Neptor to lighten up, so he exclaimed cheerfully, "Never! I will not tell a soul! Uh, wait-" But got confused mid sentence because of his own wording and who he mostly hung around. "Animatronics, don't technically have souls, do they? I, I don't. Huh?"
Certainly had the mind of a child. It had its amusing moments, but he couldn't get carried away now. "They don't have souls, Neptor. I understand what you mean though, just don't tell anybody. Okay?"
"Yeah!" He exclaimed once again, nodding in reply. He was really curious, and wanted to know why he did that. He wanted to understand.
And Sun knew that. That was part of his purpose after all. "I allowed them to bring Solar back, because Solar is still part of this grand scheme of mine. And Eclipse needed to bring him back because no one else would have the ability to do so. And if they brought him back too soon, well.. We wouldn't have a new friend here, would we?"
The little bot tilted his head to the side, before saying, "Oh, I see. Okay. Thank you for telling me, I- I'm sorry," Neptor's metal antennae lowered again out of nervousness. "I don't want to seem like I'm, you know, uh, questioning your orders, sir."
"You're not questioning my orders." The solar animatronic finally stood upright, looking down at the smaller robot. "You're just doing as you're told. Now, run along. Do your thing, spy on them, tell me of anything of interest." That was all he needed him to do for now. He still needed other parts of his plan to go smoothly. He had to get them going first though.
"Thank you!" The small bot said and rushed off afterward, leaving the solar animatronic alone with the large dragon.
Once Nexus was finished setting up his lab, familiarized himself with his surroundings, he could move on with what he planned on doing next. Yet for the time being, he could scope out some other dimensions, get some parts he may need.
Sun just hums to himself while in thought. "Soon, everything will come together soon enough. Soon enough." That time would come eventually, one way or another. For now, he turned away from the storm, and headed back towards the halls. He had stuff he needed to do in the meantime.
Notes:
Augh.. I'm so bored of reciting this I think./silly
(Although I do love seeing n making Nexus and Solstice interact<3)
Guys, I'm so sorry this took so long. I am trying to get back to it though, I promise.Bits and pieces are different here, I'm still trying to figure out how I want it to start going off differently. I also have a plan for what I want to do with Nexus' name that I'm hoping to write in soon.
Other than all that, I REALLY want to write E!Earth (Terra), so she might be next instead of Ruin?? We won't see her too soon, but I think it'll be more interesting with her here. Especially writing wise, I love my unstable queen<3
AcidicClown on Chapter 1 Fri 15 Nov 2024 03:17PM UTC
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Infinity_Trinity on Chapter 1 Mon 18 Nov 2024 09:45AM UTC
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Infinity_Trinity on Chapter 1 Sat 16 Nov 2024 08:30AM UTC
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Infinity_Trinity on Chapter 1 Mon 18 Nov 2024 09:45AM UTC
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Infinity_Trinity on Chapter 3 Wed 30 Apr 2025 05:09PM UTC
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