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a-crash-in-time-collection · 9 months

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Chapter 41: Remembrance and Reason

The early noon sun was already shining down on the city block. Creatures, mostly penguins, go about their lives as the day passes on. None of them were even aware of the trapped alien in the metro, the one the whole planet claimed to care so much about. Not that they would be able to do anything if they were aware. No one even dared to look at the entrance to the cat's domain. Sure, most of them were fine. But when you consider the strange happenings involving the Empress.. it was better to turn a blind eye.

None of that was an option for Platinum and Adalyn as they raced to the gate, Adalyn grabbing onto Platinum's sleeve to force him to stop. Platinum let out an annoyed huff as he turned to the cat, but then took a sigh when he saw her catching her breath. Right, she couldn't run this long and just be ready to hop right into the metro. If he acknowledged it, his systems were heating quickly from the use and his internal fans were working their hardest to keep him from breaking on the spot.

He slowly walked up to the stairway into the metro, sitting down on the first step as he stared into the dark. He could see hints of the neon and cat-face-everything his sister would tell him about... He slowly looked down at his hands and pulled them closed. His sister. He was made for her, he needed to find her now. Not just to keep following his program's purpose, but because she didn't need to be hurt. Or killed, if the Empress dared try that. Platinum hadn't met her, but he wouldn't be surprised if that was her goal.

What would Platinum do if he got down there and his sister was a bloody mess? He.. didn't want to learn the hard way. He slowly stood up and glanced down the stairs, looking at the world below. He heard Adalyn's breath slow, and he waved her over. He waited until he heard her footprints beside him, briefly glancing over. There was a small gulp in her voice as she glanced down the stairs. It seemed she wasn't as ready as she thought she would be. He wasn't either. Breaking in sounded easier before they were here.

They couldn't just stand here. Not when they already made the trip. Platinum wasn't expecting to ever be allowed to leave the station after this. If he came all this way for nothing- no, came all this way only to find her... He refused to think on it any longer. He just began to head down the stairs, a little slow, some hesitation still in his systems. He wished he could just shut that part of his emotions off. He needed to get there now, and every little second they waste could be-

"Ok, that enough you two." The voice almost made Platinum jump out of his metal skin. Adalyn turned around with claws out and Platinum turned around with a fist. They were met with the ghostly train conductor, and Platinum let out a small sigh. They were so in trouble, but they weren't in danger. "Yo' lucky I managed to keep you in my sights. Yo' not-"

"If you were following us the whole time why didn't you grab someone to help?!" Platinum snapped, Macbeth raising a brow in surprise at the robot's anger. Platinum took some breaths, going through the physical motions as he calmed down, and glanced down at the metro. He tighten his grip with his hand as he looked at it, before feeling a ghostly hand on his shoulder. "I messed up.." He turned to Macbeth. "I found something from here that belong to Hat Girl. A rumbi that broke during her ships crash."

"The factory with the parts to repair it is here. And she wasn't in her room when we checked this morning..." Adalyn finished Platinum's statement for him. Macbeth brought a hand to his head and ran it down, letting out a sigh. Of course something like that would happen eventually, he should've known. But no one was up to catch her before she had left the station. "We didn't tell anyone because... well I honestly don't remember. We just wanted to get her back safely."

"Look, I'm sure you weren't thinking rationally when you ran off, and I can't be mad considerin’' the circumstances." Macbeth began. However, he was pulling out his phone and Platinum had an idea where this was going. "But I need to let your fathers know you're ok first. I'll help you find her, don;t worry. I just feel this is important." Platinum gave a small nod and took a step back, covering his ears as he was sure whatever happened next wouldn't be pretty. The phone was answered. "Chief-"

"Macbeth, where are you?! Do you know where Hattie and Palty are?!" Reginald's voice came from the phone so suddenly and so loud it was almost like a siren. Macbeth whined a bit as he rubbed his ears and Platinum glanced to the side. He didn't want them to worry. "We been looking everywhere for them but it's like they vanished into air!"

"Chief, I need you to be quiet and try to be in the right headspace for what I'm about to tell you." The voice on the call went dead silent at Macbeth's words. "Platinum is fine, I found him. But apparently Hat Girl snuck out in the middle of the night to try and get parts for her old Rumba? And they think she's kidnapped and in this 'metro' place." The line remained silent, but the silence felt angry. "That's why Platinum ran off. He should have gotten us for help, but, I can't judge since I didn't think to call until now."

"Ok, Ok.. I'm trying my best." Reginald said, the slight hint of a sob in his voice. Platinum lowered his hands as he glanced at the phone. Oh, he really messed up, huh? He wanted to punch himself but now wasn't the time. He needed to be in the best physical condition as possible if they got into a fight. "Platy.. Platy are you there? Have you seen any.."

"No, I haven't seen any signs of sis yet. And, I'm sorry. I should have told you but, you would have told me to stay behind and it's my fault she..." Platinum trailed off before he went on a ramble. He glanced around, looking up at one of the rooftops nearby. He recalled the parade, the night they first found themselves on this planet. "Do you remember when you met Snatcher and the movie directors?" He didn't wait for an answer. "The entrance to the metro is there. Dad, if we wait for you..."

"She could be hurt, or worst..." Reginald let out a sigh, and Platinum could practically see him bury his head in his hand despite not actually being there. "Macbeth, you have a gun or something on you? If not, I suppose you have your powers.. take them into the metro. Be careful of both, especially Adalyn if she's also there. I don't want to get into more trouble then we're all in. And.. be careful. We'll be there soon."

"I love you, Dad.." Platinum said, as Macbeth hung up the phone. The group was silent for a moment, Platinum turning and beginning to head down the stairs. Quickly at first, but Macbeth caught him by the hood of his jacket before he slipped and went crashing down. They couldn't afford to be noticed, at least noticed much. They had to be careful. And falling face first down the stairs would be the ticket of getting noticed. "Sorry... come on. Let's get her back so we can... try and laugh this off at home."

"You guys must have some strange form of humor if you even think you might be able to laugh this off." Adalyn said with a head shake as they stepped further into the dark. She turned back for a moment, glancing up at the light. She never thought she would actually be heading down these stairs one day. Her father once said he never expected to go up them.. she shook her head. There were more important things to focus on at the moment. "I only know a bit of what to expect down here."

"That's more than I know." Macbeth commented, glancing briefly at the pocket he had sewn onto his shirt. He did bring a gun with him, he didn't know why he did but he had it on him when he left. But he wasn't too used to using normal guns anymore. It's been months since he properly held one at all. And just the idea of holding one again, he didn't know why but it brought a chill down his spine. "Just, try to avoid conflict. I don't have many bullets on me and I don't think takin' lives will help."

"It will only make things worse..." Platinum took a breath as the neon light began to glow. "There's no heading back now."

With only a second of hesitation, he ran straight forward, into the unknown.

Once he stopped running forward with the world around him a blurr, he took a small breath to let the others catch up. As his eyes adjusted to the environment, he was surprised by how... cool he found the place. There was neon everywhere, but it worked well against the black floor and walls. Food carts were lined around, and there were tracks above him, seemingly being held up by nothing! It all felt more... calm then what he was expecting as well. Then again, he faintly recalled hearing the upper levels didn't have as many issues.

As Adalyn and Macbeth came up to him, he could see hints of awe in their eyes as well. Adalyn's practical sparkled, but there was a guilt to the sparkle. As if it was wrong for part of her to be excited. Which was, arguably true.

"Wait-" Macbeth said as he glanced up, them all hearing the rush of what seemed to be a train above them. The carts they saw on the track above all belong to train. But, there was no locomotive. There was a large, orange cat just pulling the carts along, glancing around as if being careful. Platinum couldn't help but crack a small smile at the sight, but Macbeth's eyes were twitching slightly. "That.. That doesn't make sense. You have ninety percent of the train there, how do you not use the most important part-"

"Wow, I didn’t know this would be something that would get on your nerve." Platinum chuckled, before shaking his head a bit. "I can scan my memory of this place later. We need to find where Hat Girl is."

"Assuming the Empress does have her, she will be in her jewelry store most likely. Which..." Adalyn paused as she glanced around. "Is, down somewhere?" Is all she could think to say. She had no idea how to navigate, and something told her that the toppats hadn't had the foresight to bring enough pons for passes and tickets. They could always climb on a train. "We could climb on the train?" She asked as she turned back to them, but Macbeth shook his head. "Well, I guess we start walking."

"Just our luck.." Macbeth sighed as he began to scan around, leading the group, trying to find somewhere darker so they could hide easier. As he approached an alleyway he paused, turning the corner. There looked to be a fight going on between two cats, one of which was wearing a gray mask on their face. He put his hand out as he backed up, glancing at the kids. "You know anything about cats that would wear a gray mask and beat someone up." They both nodded. "Well, there's one down this alley. Maybe we can follow them around and get a better-"

"Let me try talking to them. I'm mostly metro in appearance, maybe they'll think I'm just lost." Adalyn said, watching the other cat run away once they slipped free of the mask wearing cat. Macbeth let out an annoyed sigh. It was the best chance they really had. If they got caught following, they just be lead the wrong way. With a breath, Adalyn began to walk in a way that seemed confused as she turned to the cat, as if she just noticed them. "Oh, excuse me! I think I took a wrong turn from the station-"

"Gah, you saw nothing, right?" The cat said, sharpening their claws and facing her. Adalyn raised her paws carefully, and Macbeth and Platinum glanced at each other, both having reach to try and pull the other back if they ran off to interfere now. It hadn't gotten violent yet after all. The cat then studied Adalyn, a curious look in their eyes. That made Adalyn tilt her head. "Do I know you. Or should I say, do I know your parents. I recognize that look in your eyes."

"You may have seen me and my father around. We're from the lower levels like you! I just..got on the wrong station then made a few wrong turns before I realized." Adalyn said, trying to keep a smile on her face, but didn't appreciate the tone from the cat. She didn't know she could be so bothered by the smugness of someone, but this guy had nothing to be smug about. They sharpened their claws on her. "My..mother is from the skylines. So that's why I have the white patches and outfit-"

"Oh, you're lying. Your Samuel's aren't you!" The cat said, Adalyn unable to hold back the glare as they leaned against the wall, taking a moment to examine their sharp claws. "Yea, that guy? Always a pushover in the worst ways. Was fun to use as a body bag to practice attacks on. Not like the boss stopped it." They chuckle, and Adalyn slowly glanced back at the toppats. Macbeth did not like the look in her eye. "No wonder he went crawling to those weak Lazy Paws in-"

They didn't get to finish, before they could Adalyn slashed at their mouth with her claws, tearing the mask and causing it to bleed. "Don't talk about my father like that." She hissed, tail raised as she looked ready to pounce. Platinum and Macbeth began to move forward to help, but the cat pounced in relation before they could get there. Luckily, Adalyn had turned invisible and stepped aside, leaving the cat to just fall on the ground. "Oh, and what were you saying about 'weak' Lazy Paws."

The cat growled and kept attacking, or at least kept trying to find Adalyn in the air. "Should we, do something?" Platinum asked as he turned to Macbeth, who brought a finger up to his mouth and made a quick 'shush' nose. He was ready to go in and get between the two when it called for it, but Adalyn was fully capable and doing quite well. He wanted to see how long both could last. "huh, alright then. Seems irresponsible knowing you but I also know how much you hate backtalk."

"I know what you three want, I won't allow it!" The cat hissed as they kept swiping at the air. After a few seconds of not hitting anything however, they just turn to run down one of the halls. Unfortally, Adalyn reappeared, just to smirk as she kicked them into the wall. She turned invisible as they groaned. Platinum began to race forward to block one of the exit paths, but the cat gave the faint hint of a smirk. "Lets see how strong metal really is!" The cat went for the dumbest move possible... and drew blood.

"Ow!" Adalyn shouted, kicking the cat back as Macbeth raced up to grab them, pinning them against the wall. She went to grab them but Macbeth shook his head. He held the cat in place with one arm and reached for the bloody spot with another. A faint green glow began to come from the one on his arm, but it also appeared on the mask cat, bringing back some energy. "I'm fine. And before you say 'It was dumb I am metal' Platinum, I don't care." She turned to the cat. "Where is the Empress's store? Where is Hat Girl?"

"As if I would tell you-" Macbeth just forced them closer to the wall. He would have pulled out the gun to threaten them, but that could cause more of a scene. Besides, Alex was poking their head out of his hat, and they didn't need to see more than what they were. The cat coughed for a bit, but Macbeth just glared. Adalyn began to reach over with her claws, and the cat panicked. "Ok- OK- There's a secret elevator we use in one of the tunnels. There's barely enough room to get past the carts. Look for the white station!"

"There, now run." Macbeth said as he let the cat go, the cat running off without a second thought. He glanced up at Alexsandra, who was looking down at him confused. The confusion turned to worry when they spotted Adalyn's arm, Macbeth reaching over to focus on his healing magic again. He needed to be careful. He didn't use magic much on anyone, even himself. He tended to pass out when he tried. "I'm sorry Adalyn. I should have gotten in the way sooner."

"You are the adult here." Adalyn said, a faint smug tone in her voice as Macbeth rolled his eyes, eventually pulling the hand away. The fur was still torn on where the slash was, but it would regrow with time. "I'll tell my parents I fell down from a tree..." She rubbed her arm before heading out of the alley, the other two following her. She began to scan around the area. "I think I can see the white station, or at least a sign for it. Let's go, if we're lucky we can catch the place while the Empress is gone."

"Oh hang tight sis, we're gonna get you out soon." Platinum whispered as he began to race to where Adalyn had pointed, tears slowly forming in his eyes at the mere thought of being too late. "I'll make this all up to you, I promise."

"You don't need to be that hard on yourself, Platinum. You did nothing wrong." Macbeth stated.

Platinum shook his head. Maybe Mr. Macbeth had a point. But he couldn't help but wish he never dared enter that storage room.

-------

It had to have been hours at this point, sitting here, watching her captive struggle against the mental torment. It wasn't really anything that bad. Just showing some memories. Memories that the hat alien had clearly forgotten. Ones that seemed to pain her now. Oh, the Empress could spend days watching this. Or at least, could have if eventually Hat Girl didn't just... stop. There were still tears going down her face, but there was little more reaction. It was as if, at a certain point, everything just turned off.

With the Empress deciding that she had her fill, she turned off the machine. Hat Girl was instantly removed from the world of vague fog and smoke and back into her body, so to speak. She actually let out a grone as her mind adjusted. She blinked a bit as the machine was removed from her head, finding the Empress in front of her. She didn't say anything, just watched as the Empress turned the cause of her torment in her hand, like a toy.

"Your kind really do know how to make a good few things. It's a shame I rarely get to use these, since so many ask where I get them." The Empress chuckled as she sat the VR-Headset-like device down. Hat Girl didn't respond. She figured out halfway through that must be what was happening, after a faint memory of her learning about the machine in school. She didn’t.. want to think much of the friends who faces she didn't remember. "Oh, is it that surprising that I managed to do trades with them?"

"You already hurt me enough, you don't have to rub it in." Hat Girl was aware that a response like that was what the Empress wanted, but she couldn't help it. Not saying anything might only make things worse. Forcing her to think about the people she would never get to see again. Both of her original planet... and of the clan. Her fate was sealed. She didn't want to believe it, but it was the truth. "I'm not surprised they came into contact with this planet before me. I'm just surprised they would work with someone like you."

"Weren't you the one bragging about your fathers criminal clan... oh, but they aren't you Dads, are they?" The Empress asked, a chuckle to her voice as she began to sharpen her claws. A bit of anger showed on Hat Girl's face there. They might not be related by blood but they were still her Dads. After all, her Dads saved her and cared for her. And she wished they were here to save her again. "Oh, but surely that would have found you by now. Looks like they didn't care enough for you..."

"I don't want you to kill me, but if that's your goal, get it over with." She saw the Empress flitch a bit. Maybe it was the way she said it or the fact she said it at all. Maybe Hat Girl would have had the energy to fight if she hadn't had her lost memories shown to her…Her greatest mistake shown to her... but it had been shown to her, and her confidence was drained. In her ability to fight, even the smallest bit. "I just ask you..don't let them find my body. They would-"

"You think your kind cares for you after your treachery? They would have long since found you by now if they wanted you alive." The Empress said with a laugh. Hat Girl drifted her gaze slightly to the side. That fool, she couldn't help but think. Couldn't she tell she was talking about her family. She... didn't want to know what her Dads reaction to her body would be. "And oh, don't you know of the game of the cat and the mouse?" The cat smirked. "Why should I end the game so soon?"

"I mean, the longer you keep me as your mouse, the more likely someone is gonna find out. This planet cares for me, even if you don't." That was another reason she didn't want her body found. Her mere disappearance would cause havoc on this planet. If they found her body, and were able to piece together who did it.. It would be a nightmare she wouldn't wish on anyone. Even the Empress. "I would just finish it. After all, all I came in here for was parts."

The Empress glared. "Well, I suppose I'm getting tired of your tone." She said as she came up to the tied up alien. Hat Girl struggled a little bit with the arms tied around her back, but if she was honest, she wasn't putting up much of a fight. It wasn't like her to give up like this but... her mind wasn't in the best space after what she was reminded of. "Now hold still..." She felt a claw reach for her throat...

There was a large, sudden crash that shook the area. The Empress glanced around with a glare, and then eyed the captive alien. Hat Girl simply tilted her head, it didn't seem like something her clan would do if they wanted to get her back. Then again, knowing her Papa... Suddenly a mask wearing cat burst through the door, taking some breaths as the Empress glared at him. "Miss Empress. Something broke one of the tracks near the store. No one was hurt, the cat ran away. But it could cause issues."

"How does a track even get broken?" The Empress hissed, the cat gulping and quickly leaving the room. She let out a sigh of annoyance as she looked back at the Hatted alien. She couldn't take any enjoyment doing it now, she would just have to wait til later. She dusted off her coat with a huff, heading to the door. She paused briefly, and dragged a knife that was laid on a desk further from the captive. "In case you got any ideas. I'll be back." She said, slamming the door.

Hat Girl let out a sigh. "I'm sure you will be." She said, looking to the side. She glanced at the nearby table, maybe if she struggled enough she could get the chair to fall and it- no. That makes no sense... was there even a point? She would probably bust her head open with anything she tried. No one exactly taught her how to get out of these situations if she had ever been kidnapped. "Sure my home planet would’ve taught that eventually..." That numb feeling set into her again.

Everything was still blurry, but she had friends there. Mothers. A... little sister. A sister she hated at first but grew to love. A sister who got sick... a condition that was similar to what seemed to happen to the Badge Seller. Only worst. The only cure was a dust made from the gridded plant of another planet. Only that planet had been dying, quickly. And going to it was banned under any circumstances, no matter how much her mothers offer their lives for the chance to get it..

"What was I supposed to..." Her thought got interrupted by a small bang from above, before hearing some shouts as something crashed to the ground. She tried to give a smile, but she couldn't get one to last more than a few seconds. It was funny... it was almost like everything got muffled and fuzzy as Platinum raced in front of her, waving his hands and asking something her mind just, didn't want to make out. "Hey Platy... I should have stay home." She sighed as she looked down.

"What did she do to you..." Platinum stated quietly as Macbeth grabbed the knife, slowly breaking the ropes once he got over to them. Platinum was mad, Macbeth looked furious despite the blank face he wore being there. Adalyn was looking around, and grabbed the bag Hat Girl had once she spotted it. Once Hat Girl was free, Macbeth gently pulled her up from her shoulders. She was almost limp, like a ragdoll. Despite no physical damage. "Sis.. we can talk about this when we get home." He hugged her. "I'm just happy your... alive.."

"There's no way we'll be able to get out of here quickly without being spotted..." Adalyn said as she peaked out the door. She still wasn't sure how they managed to break the track, she was on the train lookout at the time. Hat Girl slowly walked up and took a peak out, and let out a small shiver at the sight of the outside. Adalyn glanced at her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hattie, do you think you can run?" She asked. Hat Girl thought for a moment, and shook her head. "OK, we can figure something else out."

"I can try, at least." Hat Girl got into her backpack and brought out her sprint bow. Seeing how slowly and... unnaturally she tied it into her hair, it almost brought a chill to Platinum. He knew she wasn't going to be well mentally after being kidnapped, but he wasn't expecting this. It was almost like she was a robot. Going through the motions without much thought... "Lets go. I want to get home." She looked at them. "Platy, can you get the bag with Rumbi.."

Platinum nodded as she pushed open the door, Hat Girl grabbing Adalyn's and Macbeth's hands as she rushed out of the room. She could already hear the Empress's shouts...

-------

Everything was a blur. A confusing, chaotic blurr of black and neon halls. It didn't take long for the Empress to speak over the loudspeaker. And it was only then that the group realized how many cats in the metro worked for the killer feline. For Hat Girl, it brought back bad memories. It was almost funny. You think her fights with Snatcher or Mu would have been what haunted her nightmares for a long time. But something here... that she was reliving, it brought a different type of paralyzing fear that wouldn't go away.

Eventually, they lost the cats. Probably not for long, but they lost them. The only issue was they couldn't keep going the way the Hat Girl used as her escape route in the past. Nor could they use the hidden tunnel, as the cats had been guarding it when they headed that way. With little energy left in Hat Girl and Adalyn, they were forced to stop and rest. Macbeth was mumbling as he looked at the gun, he used all the bullets as distractions while running away. They didn't hit anyone.

Maybe it would have been better if they had. Could have taken out that Empress... but he couldn't let them see that.

"Alright... don't get comfortable. We're gonna need to run soon" Macbeth said, glancing at the teens. Platinum nodded as he dusted off the bottom of his feet, so many new scratches on the bottom of the steel. Adalyn had taken her bandada off, and was using it to wipe sweat away. Hat Girl, was looking at the bag filled with what she came here from. "Hat Girl." She looked up at him as he came closer. "I understand wanting to bring your friend and memories back. In that sense, I think you did a good thing."

"But you're all here... getting hurt." She sighed as she looked at her lap. "I know Rumbi.." she sighed.

"Guys. I think I hear footsteps." Adalyn said, glancing into the dark. Platinum quickly raced up to his sister, blocking one side of her as Adalyn turned invisible to attack. Macbeth glanced around, he heard footsteps from both ways, and could see the hints of cat eyes in the dark. He wasn't the best at physical fighting, but he could dang well try. He saw one cat fall as the groups charged for them. "You leave us alone!" He heard Adalyn shout. He tried to keep track of her as he began to toss cats to the side.

Hat Girl was silent. She couldn't see the Empress clearly, but she knew she was there. "Like a shadow.." she commented quitely, glancing to the side as Platinum kicked away a cat. "I can't just stay here while they fight.."

"Hattie-" Platinum started as Hat Girl just suddenly grabbed her umbrella (Platinum wasn't even sure how she got it, it was like it appeared from thin air which wasn't normal) And began to fight back. Her eyes were still numb and hurt, but there was some anger as she scanned around. "Hattie, please rest you aren't in... in.." He paused. He wasn't sure what happened but... he was sure that faint star in her eye wasn't there before. "Hattie please." He grabbed her shoulder as he kicked a cat behind him away.

"I'll be fine." She raced into the crowd, before spotting the Empress. "You!" She shouted.

"Oh, did the mouse get a bit of-" She had to cut off her comment as she focused on blocking the incoming attack from the Hattied teen. She was quick, and it didn’t feel like it was because of the sprint bow. She had this look in her eyes, like she saw every tiny movement the Empress made. She tried to trip her with her tail, but Hat Girl simply stepped away. The Empress growled as she tried to attack again. "Why do you suddenly got fighting spirit?! You still look like roadkill!"

"Roadkill?" Hat Girl said, as the Empress managed to trip her for the brief moment she was distracted. From there she grabbed her shoulders and dug her claws in them. The look in her eyes faded. "You can't... get away with this." She looked at the others. "You can't get away with hurting them. They always have each others back. That's what makes our clan-"

It got silent around them. Silent except for the faint, almost robotic humming sound that suddenly shot through the hall with a hint of red. "Hattie!" A voice called from the hall, the smaller group taking note. Macbeth quickly garbed Platinum and managed to find Adalyn, pulling them close while Hat Girl managed to kick the Empress. Not enough to break free, but to show her location. "Let my daugt'er go." The voice from deep in the hall said. It was then the Empress noted the burn marks.

"What on this-" She didn't get to finish, as something charged at her. Hat Girl took a breath as she looked at where Right had the Empress pinned, Reginald racing up from behind and pulling Hat Girl away.

"Papa... don't kill her... it wouldn't be..." Hat Girl felt drained, she glanced away. The cats nearby had no idea what to do. Sure, they weren't the strongest alone but they were strong in numbers, right? Yet, why was there this sudden chill down their spines... Reginald led Hat Girl to the others as the cats began to flee, despite their leader's protest. "Dad.." Hat Girl looked at Reginald, who was examining her for hints of harm. "Don't blame Platy. It was my fault. I should have told you, let someone come with me."

"You... should have. But we can discuss that better at home." Reginald said. Part of him wanted to grill into her for running away and getting herself into this mess. But, he couldn't. Because the look in her eyes, the tone of her voice. It didn't seem like she was physically harmed outside of that fight, but mentally? It was clear as day something happened. He gently hugged her, and she allowed it. "Don't you scare me like that again, please. I can't lose you."

"It's gonna be ok.." Platinum glanced to the side even as he said that. If he was honest with himself, he wasn't sure it would be. Sure, their father was taking care of the Empress now (they were all trying to block the sounds of the one way fight) but clearly she left her mark. He just needed to get his sister home so he could... try and get his sister home. "It's gonna be ok... Right Macbeth?" Platinum turned to the Conductor. "She can get through whatever happened to her, right?"

Macbeth didn't answer. Didn't even shrug, just glanced to the side. Eventually, they heard a hiss of some mumbling, and footsteps running away. A faint hint of a limp to the beat. Right Hand Man walked over. "Is s'e?" Platinum shook his head. Right didn't say anything else. What could he say?

"Come on... we should just be getting home..." Platinum dusted his jacket off, before pausing and unzipping it. He took it off and wrapped it around Hat Girl, his sister giving him a confused look. "I know your not cold but, figure you might want some comfort." He said. His metal heart almost lept a bit when she gave a small smile in return, bringing the jacket closer and squeezing one of its sleeves for comfort. Adalyn found Hat Girl's bag and brought it over. "Sorry to get you dragged into this mess."

"I mean, I always wanted to see the metro. Just hated that it had to be under..." She shook her head as she gave Platinum the bag. "I'm probably gonna head home as soon as we get out. It's gonna be late by the time I get home, I don't want my parents thinking it's more than I lost track of time." She sighed as she glanced to the side as the group started walking again. She glanced at Hat Girl, who leaned into her fathers side. "You guys are lucky. I'm not sure the Lazy Paws would have raced here to save one of us."

"If they're all like you, they would in a heartbeat. But, be more careful kid." Macbeth said as he glanced over.

She gave a chuckle. "Who says I should be?"

Reginald glanced back at the ones behind them, before glancing down at his daughter. How could he have let something like this happen to her?

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Things were a bit of a mess once they got back to the station. It felt like everyone saw Hat Girl, no matter how much she bothered to hide from sight. And they could all tell something was wrong. They tried to talk with Reginald, Right, Platinum, or anyone they could about what happened. The response was just 'it's not your business'. It was ruder than other responses they could have given, but they didn't care. Right now, they just had one thing to focus on. And that was her well being. That was everything at that moment.

She didn't want to leave her room once she got in. They had one of the nurses come and cheek on her wounds, thankfully none were major. As night fell, Platinum had to leave to charge, but Reginald and Right stayed with her. As long as she wanted them there. She didn't say much during that time, and they didn't make her. Reginald got to work repairing Rumbi at long last while there. Maybe in a different timeline he would have waited, but he needed every measure to try and bring his daughter back to her happy self as soon as possible.

"I feel like an idiot." Hat Girl said with a sigh when she finally spoke. Right shook his head while Reginald glanced over at her. She glanced to the side, looking down at the floor, then at her closet. She stood up and walked over to it, slowly, carefully. She opened it and opened the box inside, beginning to go through it slowly. Right and Reginald made eye contact as she pulled out a small box. "I feel like I should be recovering from this by now. I feel bad for making you all upset because I'm not... me."

"Hattie, no one is goin' to be upset because ya don't feel like yerself right now." Right Hand Man said. "They may be a little down about it. But you shouldn't try to just, go back to normal like a switch."

"Your father has a point Hattie." Reginald said as he began tightening a screw on Rumbi.

She took a small breath. "Lifda." Reginald and Right Hand Man turned to her, confused. "My... real name is Lifda. Or at leasts, that's the closest I can get to it in English. I..." she let out a chuckle. "I.. didn't even remember until the Empress put that, machine on my head."

"Machine?" Reginald and Right both said, before Right stepped closer. "Hattie, s'e didn't-"

Hat Girl shook her head, slowly walking back to the bed and sitting by Reginald, staring at the box. "She didn't do anything to mess with my memories, she just.. brought them back... She wanted to hurt me with what I had left behind and forgotten."

Reginald carefully placed Rumbi to the side, looking over at Hat Girl. He watched her slowly open the box, only two things were inside. A slightly crumpled drawing, and a bag.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, and she glanced up at him. "You don't have to tell us, but.. what did you remember?"

Hat Girl took a breath. "I lived on another planet, one of white and blue that seemed to snow a lot. I had two friends, Bow Kid and Timmy… O at least those are the code names I remember" She reached for the small cloth bag. "I had two mothers... I had a little sister. R-Ristrub.." She reached up and wiped a tear. "I hated her at first but grew to love her. We were playing once and, something happened. I can't remember but it got her sick. So sick it was like she wasn't a part of reality anymore, at least completely. There was a cure but... It was on a planet that was doomed to collapse on itself, one we were banned from going to..."

"...Ya stole t'at ship we found ya in to get t'e cure, didn't ya?" Right asked after a moment of silence.

"It was mine, just, wasn't supposed to actually have it until I was older... not that it matters now." Hat Girl glanced at the bag, a tear going down her face as she held it. "The sickness could be survived, just, would never go away. My Moms may not have been the ones in charge, but they were hire up in our society. Ristrub... has to be alive..."

"Hattie, Lifda, Look at me." Right said, gently tilting his daughter's face towards him as he sat beside her. "Look, things didn't go perfectly for ya or for 'er. T'ats just 'ow life goes. Ya did your best to fix t'ings but... T'ere are many people in your situation that wouldn't try even a tenth of what you did."

"I'm not sure this is helping much, Papa.." Hat Girl quietly said.

Right just sighed. "I'm not good at puttin' t’oug'ts into words. 'aven't been since before I met yer Dad." Right shot Reginald a knowing look, and Reginald gave a small nod, a tiny spark of hate in his eyes before he reached for Rumbi again. "Just.. know I'm sure your family out t'ere is alrig't."

Hat Girl give a slow nod, a small smile on her face. "Maybe.."

"I just don't understand how that cat even got something that technologically advanced." Reginald said, bringing attention to him as he shrugged. "Not saying this planet doesn't have impressive stuff, but I thought I would've heard about a device that can bring back memories sooner."

Hat Girl looked uncomfortable for a moment. "Well, considering how Rumbi was from this planet, yet my Moms gave me his box before I ever left our home... maybe..." She decided not to finish, instead shrugging. "Who knows?"

"Well.. I guess that's one mystery that doesn't need solving." Reginald gained a smile as he placed the screwdriver down, before handing the vacuum to Hat Girl, watching her slowly take him in her hands. "I... can't promise how well he'll actually work. But he should be able to be powered on."

Hat Girl was quiet. She slowly reached for Rumbi's power switch, and pressed it. The first few seconds of silence felt so... dead. But then, she felt the systems running inside his body, and his pink eyes blinked back to life. He glanced around a moment, before spotting her. He let out a confused beep, before turning to a happy one as he jumped in her hand.

Seeing him, a piece of her past she could never return to…alive and well again...

It made everything she went through during the past two days felt more worth it.

"Hey Rumbi." She said with a chuckle as she lifted him up, some tears going down her face. "It's so good to see you again. It's... been awhile.."

Rumbi bounced up, almost falling out of her hands but she got a grip on him and chuckled. Reginald quietly gesture for Right to leave the room.

She needed some time.

#a hat in time #the henry stickmin collection #hat girl #hat kid #henry stickmin oc #right hand man #a hat in time fanfic #henry stickmin mr. macbeth #henry stickmin fanfic #reginald copperbottom #copperright #ahit empress #topbot #ahit rumbi #tw fighting #tw kidnapping #this chapter gets dark

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