So I just found out that it’s pretty a popular headcanon in the fandom that DrRETRO was placed in solitary confinement/a padded cell while being blindfolded and shit
So I’m gonna TRY and include that into the story the best I can
Erm yup! Any who!!!!! Forgive me if I mess something up, I did a bit of research on this before deciding to write (and while writing) so I hope this isn’t dogshit 💔💔
Anyway enjoy! Or don’t you do you idk
Everything had gone wrong.
Everything was overwhelming despite nothing being around.
She couldn’t see.
She couldn’t move.
She could barely speak without cold and sharp metal poking her mouth.
The silence was deafening. She could hear everything and nothing at the same time.
And it scared her…
Every few blind steps she took she was met with soft, padded wall.
She felt like a caged bird, desperate to spread her wings and fly only to be met with the bars of her small enclosure.
Her breathing grew laboured as she struggled to keep calm.
What had she done to deserve this? Why was she being punished like this? She followed the rules, did what she was supposed to, and yet she was still forced to endure this cruel fate.
She wanted to cry, to scream, to lash out, but that would only extend her time. She didn’t wanna spend any longer in this plushy hell, she refused to stay longer.
She hated it here. She was innocent! Why was she being punished for something she didn’t do?! She felt a twinge of frustration itch beneath her skin, her ears flattened as she let out a guttural growl whilst leaning against the wall.
She wanted revenge, to get back at those who lied about her. She wanted them to feel the same way she did.
But how could she?
She was the one trapped within a rubber cell. She was the one stuck in pillowy prison. She was the one who had been locked away…
An overwhelming wave of emotions washed over her, drowning her within its currents. Despair, frustration, sorrow, anger, all mixed into a depressing cocktail that she was forced to drink.
Before long she found herself crying silently, weeping as each breath became more irregular than the last. But there was at least one plus…
No one would be able to see her state of weakness… At least not yet…
DrRETRO let out a groggy meow as her alarm clock went off, jerking her from her painful nightmare into the real. Time to get up already?! She swore just went to bed! Then again, staying awake would probably be the best decision for now… But GOD that constant beeping was more annoying than Poob’s party horn. If it weren’t for the fact that they were so darn friendly, she would’ve definitely done something about that now.
The katball swatted the clock with her paw, sighing as it was finally silenced. If it was broken, she’ll suffer the consequences later, for now, she was too tired to deal with it.
Rolling out of bed, she trudged to her bathroom, physically and mentally preparing herself to get ready for the long day ahead of her. She could only assume what the others would get themselves into…
Once ready, she put on her coat and grabbed an energy bar for breakfast. She had no clue what time it was, but assumed she had no time to sit down and eat. Besides, she’ll probably stop by the RedBall Diner or somewhere for a proper meal in the afternoon. She carefully descended down the machine’s spiral before approaching the elevator, humming quietly as she pressed the button and opened her snack.
Before she could even get a bite in, the doors had opened revealing an overly curious robot who smiled politely at her.
"Woah! A giant cat! My sensors are telling me a lot about you!"
"…"
"Based off the information I have received from my database you are apart of a species known as Katballs correct? Oh! And you speak a language similar to that of regular domesticated felines!"
"Mrrow…" «Uh, yeah…»
"This is wonderful! BZZT! Ah! Pardon me, a large stone man taught me that it is considered impolite to engage in conversation before introducing oneself. My name is Prototype!"
"Meow…" «Hello… Prototype…»
"Hm, I can’t properly translate your message, perhaps, if you don’t mind, I could stay with you for the time being and learn it? Or maybe you could teach me as to avoid language barriers in the near future!"
The katball stared at him, he was sickeningly sweet and clearly eager to learn, she wasn’t sure she could deal with that right now, especially after going through that horrible nightmare. Just thinking of it made her fur rise.
"Is everything alright? I am detecting an elevated heart rate and body temperature. Was my request too strange? I apologize for intruding! I’m just so excited!"
"Meoww…" «No you’re fine. Ah wait, you can’t understand me… Oh well.»
She signalled to the robot that it was okay with her paws, nodding as she stepped into the elevator and sighed.
"Ah… So is that a yes..? Everything is alright?"
She nodded.
"Does this mean I can stay with you for now?"
She hesitated before reluctantly nodding.
"WONDERFUL-! Oh sorry! I did not mean to shout. I was also told that shouting is impolite!"
She already regretted her decision…
The two ascended together within the elevator, Retro eating her energy bar and Prototype watching her with intrigue.
"Is this what your species eat for nutrition?"
She shrugged.
"So it varies? That’s so interesting!"
While he was a bit more active than the others, she found their enthusiasm adorable in an annoying way.
"Does this imply katballs do not have the same carnivorous diet as domesticated felines? Would this not make you omnivorous?"
He asked a LOT of questions though…
Before she could properly answer, the elevator came to a stop, letting out its iconic ding as the doors opened, before she knew it, an exhausted lamp stepped onto the elevator along with his sickly friend.
"W04H! h3llo R3tR0!!! :D"
"Good morning…"
The doctor only gave the two a curt nod, she knew that Lampert would possibly try and pester her about Infected, per usual, but as she mentally prepared herself for his questions, Prototype had spoken up.
"Oh! Are you also a robot? You seem to be artificially made! Just like me!"
"What-"
"My scanners are so far confirming my theory as well!"
"Don’t do that.."
"Huh? May I be mistaken? Are you not artificially made?"
"I am, but I don’t appreciate being scanned. It’s weird to do that without at least asking first."
"So would it be considered… impolite?"
"Uh yeah I guess."
"It seems I have many things to learn about the mannerisms of this elevator and its riders. I apologize for my impoliteness. I should have asked."
"It’s fine. Anyway… DrRETRO-"
"Meoww." «If you’re asking what I think you’re asking, I already told you there’s nothing else I can do.»
"You didn’t even let me finish."
"Mrrw.." «You’re very predictable.»
"You’re rather growly today…"
Lampert was tempted to question her, but didn’t bother pushing his luck. There weren’t a lot of things he knew about Retro but he knew enough to know not to press her buttons. So instead, he sat quietly, listening as Prototype and Infected interacted with each other.
"s0 y0u’r3 l1k3… 4 r0b0t??? y0u’r3 n0t g0nn4 try 4nd t4k3 0v3r th3 w0rld r1ght?!?!?!?!!!!"
"Uh no, I don’t think so. I don’t understand why you would think that. I want to learn about the world! Not conquer it!"
"0H!!!! th4t’s s0 sw4g br0!!! XD"
"I don’t understand this terminology, however I am assuming ‘swag’ is a good thing right?"
"h3ck y34h m4n!!! y0u’r3 4ctu4lly 4lr1ght!!! :]"
"Thank you!"
Lampert glanced back at DrRETRO, watching her quietly from the corner of his eye. She was staring at blankly ahead, her expression was difficult to read but he could tell something was troubling her. As he opened his mouth to speak, he was harshly stopped before her could even get anything out.
"Hisss…" «Lampert… Don’t…»
"Well excuse me for wanting to ask if you’re okay."
"Mrrraow.." «It’s none of your business.»
"You’re acting like a cornered lion. I think making sure you don’t lash out at anyone is my business."
That was most definitely poor wording, he swore he saw her flinch before snapping her gaze towards him. He noticed the slight pinkish tint in her pupils, growing nervous, anyone could tell you what that meant…
"HISS?!" «ARE YOU CALLING ME A THREAT?!»
"Wh- N-No! I was just making an analogy. Not trying to offend you."
He took a step back. By now Infected and Prototype had stopped talking and were instead watching the two with questioning or concerned expressions.
"… Meoww…" «Just stay out of it..»
He nodded, watching the pinkish tint die from her eyes as she looked away. An uncomfortable silence filled the elevator before being disrupted by its doors opening.
"Ah… This is our floor, come on Infected."
"1c3 cr34m f0r br34kf4st!!! s0 epik!!! >:D"
DrRETRO watched as they stepped out, being left alone with the curious robot as the doors closed.
"… Are you okay..?"
She nodded.
"But-"
She let out a warning hiss, glaring down at him with annoyance. He may have not understood her tongue, but he understood that hissing typically meant anger or annoyance within cats.
"Okay… My apologies for pestering.."
The elevator was filled once more with heavy silence. As they stopped at floors, prototype would either enthusiastically greet people or watch DrRETRO do her work. He had no clue that she was skilled in the medical field. Perhaps he should’ve done a deeper examination of her. Perhaps he should do it now. But it’s impolite to do so without asking… He’ll just ask now!
"Uh… DrRETRO? That is your name right?"
She turned towards him.
"I was wondering if you could allow me to scan you one more time? Just to add some extra information to my database!"
She stared for a moment before nodding, though she relaxed slightly as she noticed his excitement.
"Thank you!"
There was a lot he had missed about her now that he took a deeper look. She was Brazilian and had a medical license! How interesting! Her birthday is in October, specifically the 10th of October.
"I’ll have to get something for your birthday!"
She shrugged in response.
As he continued, he found some… questionable information. A warrant for arrest. Perhaps she could answer a few questions of his.
"Excuse me? Were you perhaps arrested in the pa-"
Before he could finish, she let out a hiss.
"Huh-? What’s wrong? Is that an uncomfortable subject?"
She snarled, tail lashing as she glared at him.
"I’m sorry! I don’t mean to be intrusive!"
She snorted, turning away from him. Guess that meant leave her alone for now…
As they progressed, he watched her quietly and subtly. They had eventually made it to his floor of which he gave a small goodbye and left without another word.
DrRETRO was left alone, and she was pretty glad that. She just wanted to get her rounds done and go home, maybe even take a small nap. Who knows?
As she continued to ascend, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease and fear. She felt like she was being watched, as if something were going to happen. She felt vulnerable and she hated it…
Each floor she stopped at, each person she treated, she felt worse and worse. Her fur had begun to rise as she rode the elevator, nothing she did could distract herself from that nightmare. Maybe she just needed someone to hang out with, just talk to! Yeah! That could help..
As she reached out to press the button to pick a floor, the elevator stopped, its doors opening to reveal a familiar caterpillar holding a small bag of apples.
"Oh… Hello!"
Pilby gave her a nervous smile, waving with one of their arms before stepping onto the elevator.
"Meowww." «Hello Pilbert."
"How are you, doctor?"
"Meow." «I’m fine as usual.»
"That’s nice! Have you been doing your rounds?"
"Mrrow." «Just finished.»
"That’s good! Where are you going now?"
"Mew…" «I was going to go see Mach..»
"Golly! Is something wrong?"
"Miau." «Just… wanted someone to talk to.»
"I get that. Mach is a great listener! But gosh, if you’ve got a problem she’ll sniff it out faster than Wallter can drink a can of grey stuff! I wonder what’s in those cans anyway… I don’t see the appeal but everyone’s got their own taste, right?"
"Meow." «True.»
Pilby nodded, falling quiet as they hummed quietly to themselves. It was rather ironic, DrRETRO was the one stressing out and panicking internally while Pilby wasn’t as much as a nervous wreck as they usually were. Perhaps it was due to the fact that the feline was aboard as well, they had gotten used to being around her after all, she typically defended them from Gnarpy when xe got aggressive or Bive when she went on her rants and rambles.
As the elevator dinged and its doors opened, the two looked outside at the floor, though Pilby was the first to exit.
"Mew…?" «What’s this..?"
"Mach’s office."
"Mrrrew?" «Since when did she get an office?»
"She’s always had an office!"
DrRETRO followed after them, the doors closing behind her as she remained quiet and glanced around. She tilted her head as she stared at the pedestals, confused by what she saw. There so many strange objects, most of which glowed. Did she like glowy things? Was she part moth or something? At least she knows the qualifications to meet to get her gift in the future; make sure it glows.
"Meoww..?" «So uhm… Where is she?»
"Probably up- Oh there she is!"
The doctor looked up, staring at the deity who watched them from, as it was called beneath the window, the living quarters. It was ominous in a way, her top-hat left a shadow on her face as he red eyes glowed dimly, her face was its usual neutral expression as she gripped her hammer in her hands.
Retro swore her heart had skipped a beat for a moment, it truly was terrifying, even though she knew she had nothing to fear. She gave a small wave, forcing a nervous smile as Mach repeated the action. Within a blink of an eye she appeared in front of the two, staring down at them as she tilted her hat upwards.
"Hello."
"Meow." «Hi..»
"Hi Mach! Uh… I got you a snack from the shop!"
"Thank you Pilby, sit it on my desk for now."
The caterpillar nodded, hurrying over with the bag and placing a bag of mini donuts on her desk before leaving the two alone. To be honest, the feline would’ve preferred if they stayed, she’d prefer more than just one other person around. It’d make her feel a bit safer and less exposed. Her tail lashed as she lifted her ears, forcing her fur to lie flat for the time being.
"What’s wrong?"
DrRETRO was jerked back to reality as Mach spoke, tilting her head ever so slightly to the side as she questioned her.
"Meow! Mrrow." «Nothing! I was just bored and wanted to just talk with you.»
"Are you sure?"
"Mew.." «Yes..»
"Are you lying?"
"Mrraow!" «No!»
"Alright. What do you wanna talk about?"
"…"
"Mw.." «I didn’t think this far ahead..»
"Tsh.."
Mach couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh, sitting in her swivel chair as Retro sat on the crates.
"Seriously?"
"Miauuu." «You try thinking of topics on short notice.»
"I will. Here’s your first one: seen that stupid rock recently?"
"Mew… Meoww mow merow." «Okay firstly, screw you… Secondly, surprisingly no. I thought that it’d be bothering me eventually today.»
"Hopefully it’s gone for good. I hated it, really annoying honestly.."
"Meow! Mrrw…" «Yeah! Plus it makes my job harder, if you only knew the amount of burn scars I’ve had to treat…»
"I can only imagine.."
DrRETRO purred, feeling better from before as she forgot of her early morning reminder of the past.
"Meow! Meew." «Oh! Met some new robot today.»
"A new robot?"
"Meowww. Merrw mwww." «Yep. Called himself Prototype. Very sweet actually, just way too impulsive as well as asking a lot of questions.»
"What, did he bother you?"
"Mrraw." «No. Not really. Not on purpose at least.»
"What do you mean not on purpose?"
"Meow." «It’s nothing don’t worry about it."
"That just makes me worry more..."
"Mrrw." «Aw, you really do care.»
"Retro.."
"Meow?! Mrroww?" «What?! I can’t joke anymore?»
"Is something bothering you?"
"Mew.." «As I said before, don’t worry about it..»
"Doctor RETRO Katball…"
"Maow…" «Uh oh full name…»
"What’s wrong?"
"Meow." «Nothing.»
"I know you’re lying and I swear I will use the hammer on you if you don’t fess up.."
"Mrrew." «Such an empty threat.»
She purred quietly before falling silent as she saw Mach grip her hammer tightly.
"How much are you betting?"
"…"
"Exactly."
"Meeow…" «Really, darling, you don’t have to worry about it. I’m fine…»
"The last time you said you were fine you collapsed on the floor from exhaustion while coughing and dry heaving."
"Meow.." «Well I was fine until then..»
"You had a fever and stayed hunched over the toilet for the next two hours!"
"Mrrow." «It was certainly an unpleasant experience…»
"Retro…"
"Meow?" «What?»
"I’m being serious about this. What’s wrong?"
"Mrraow." «You wouldn’t understand.»
She shrugged, trying to push down the swelling emotions in her chest. Unfortunately for her, Mach was persistent, gently cupping her cheeks with cold hands. Perhaps she should’ve heeded Pilby’s warning from earlier…
"Then help me understand…"
The katball pause, placing her own paws against Mach’s hands as she held her gaze. Even with her neutral and cold expression, she could still see the concern that glittered within her eyes.She let out a shaky breath, swallowing hard as she struggled to find the words.
Since when was talking about your problems so difficult?!
"It’s okay. Take your time. I’ll be here when you’re ready…"
"…"
"Mrrow…" «I… had a uhm… dream, well nightmare, last night. And it’s… It’s been bugging me all day…»
"What happened in it?"
"Meow… Mrrowww Miau." «Just… Uh… Reminded me of prison ya know? Just kind of… relived one of the worst moments of my life."
"Oh, Retro…"
"Mrrw! Mreow…" «I mean at least it’s over! Don’t understand why I’m worrying over it so much…»
Mach stared at her, her concern growing as she went on. She couldn’t even begin to comprehend how the katball felt right now. She had never been herself but she imagined it was a traumatic experience.
She sighed before pulling her close, holding her tightly as she took a deep breath.
"I know you’ve been through a lot, and I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve any of it. Just know, if you ever need anything, I’ll be here…"
The katball fell quiet, her ears flattening as she took the time to process her words. She let out a shaky sigh, her grip onto the other tightening as tears slowly streamed down her face.
Mach continued to hold her, gently caressing the doctor’s head and back as she tried to comfort her to the best of her ability.
"Mrraoh…" «Sorry for bothering you with my issues while being a giant crybaby...»
"Don’t apologize. Cry all you want, you’re not bothering me…"
"Miauu…" «Okay…»
She fell quiet, tears continuing to flow as she trembled slightly. Despite her earlier feelings of vulnerability and fear, she felt safe at the moment. She felt as if nothing could harm her, not here at least. She liked that..
"Mrrow?" «Mach?»
"Mhm?"
"Mew…" «Thank you…»
"Don’t worry about it.."
RAHHHHH YURI!!!!!!
I started falling asleep (it is 3:30 am here) towards the end so sorry for any mistakes and stuff I’ll fix them when my brains not silly and thinking of croissants. Hope you enjoyed Schmiles
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