Overdue Check-Up (Poppy Playtime) [On Hold]

(Chapter 4) Part 30: Just the Beginning

"Thank you."

A simple statement, but the collective voices within them an obvious testament to how much Doey meant it, it brought a smile to Nearic's face.

"We're here to help," Dan said as he waved off the appreciation, "This was kinda part of the plan..." he looks off to the side, "Never thought we'd have to go this far though."

Doey chuckles, "Still a think you is the least I can do for... everything you did for me. For them."

Nearic nods, "Right."

Doey looks back down at the radio before looking back at Nearic and returning it, "Here, so you can keep in touch with them."

Nearic scoffs and pushes the hand back, "Keep it, they're in your hands now. We don't know if The Prototype knows what we did, or how long it'll take if he doesn't... they'll need you Doey."

"But I-" he starts.

"But nothing," Catnap interrupts, "You're strong, fast, smart, and if you can distract The Prototype without a scratch, I'm sure you can keep them safe just fine. Besides, we haven't seen any Liquid Nitrogen canisters anywhere above this place. So there'll be nothing to stop you."

"On top of that," Dogday starts, stepping into the room, "without the Doctor, no more traps will be made with you in mind. I bet The Prototype expected us to take you out."

"Too bad we're better than that," Dan smirks as he crosses his arms, "Keep the radio, you'll need it to catch up to them and keep them safe."

"Are you sure?" Doey asks uncertainly.

"Yeah," Nearic nods, "They need you more than us now, and this is easier. Besides, we may be able to reach them if we go any deeper down than we have or if they reach the surface."

"And take this," Dan tosses Doey his car keys, "Those are the keys to my car, the food we brough into Safe Haven was only to tide you guys over while we brough you outside. We have several coolers in there, burner ovens, water bottles, juice boxes, the works."

"You all deserve a big meal and then some after... everything," Nearic explains, "Just find the cleanest blue car, that'll be the one.

Doey looks down at the keys, then smiles, "You got it!" he says merrily.

Catnap steps aside, "You should going before they wonder why we went silent," he says gesturing to the radio still in Doey's hands.

"Oh! You're totally right!" he then runs out of the room, "Good luck, we'll be waiting for you!" he says with a wave.

As soon as Dan couldn't see Doey anymore, he sighs in relief and slides down the wall to the ground, "Fuck, that was exhausting!"

Dogday's eye twitches, "I'm never really going to get that out of you two," he looks at the two brother, "Am I?"

"No," they respond simultaneously, making Dogday groan as he sits down and Catnap snicker while he lies down.

Before the family could enjoy the peace and quiet, Doey pops back in, "Heya, but I just wanted to warn you that uh..." he looks behind him, then back to them, "The gate closed."

Dan groans as Nearic whacks him without looking, "Thanks Doey, we'll figure something out, we always do."

The Doughman nods with a sheepish smile before retreating finally.

As the four finally take the time to catch their breath, Nearic remembers something, "By the way, I saw you grab something while we were being chased, what was it?"

Dan groans again as he hits his head against the wall, "It was another VHS tape, I just saw it and grabbed it without thinking."

"Why is that a bad thing?" the teen asks.