My own little AU dump

List of AUs:

Critters' Perspectives (AU) -

In this AU, YOU (Y/N (short for Your name) or The Reader) will get to be one of the Smiling/Nightmare Critters in a cartoon world. (Requests AND crossovers are allowed) (Oh, and as bonus, you'll get to be your own critter (like either an OC and such))

Pov list

Steam Operators (AU) -

This is basically like the Smiling and Nightmare Critters in the Steampunk universe. They go on adventures to solve mysteries in order to find someone who's named Angel, a kitsune critter. (You can send asks here)

Childhood Angel (AU) -

This is like a name for "What if (instead of a worker/ employee) the protagonist was an orphan?" But, in this AU, the protagonist is no ordinary/average person.

Character Sheet

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3 (Part 1)

Chapter 3 (Part 2)

Chapter 3 (Part 3)

Chapter 4 (Coming soon)

Derek enters the office building, where some rooms were wrecked, messy, and/or filled with Red Smoke.

During the search, he finds a VHS tape that plays an emergency tutorial to avoid the "unknown hostile force", only to see the words "The Hour of Joy".

Derek: *Mind* That explains the blood and destruction throughout the factory. I figured the staff and other people were killed, but guess I found the reason.

Shortly after, he was about to around the corner, but stopped. He can tell someone's waiting for him.

But not just someone. It Catnap.

Derek: I know you're there, so don't bother try to do a sneak attack on me.

Catnap can't believe what he just heard. How can/does this man know he was there without seeing or even hearing him?

Derek: If you really want to kill me, how about we settle this at the Gas Production Zone? Just you and me.

Catnap would find it funny at first, but he remembered the cages at the Playhouse were ripped right off.

He decides to leave and let the human do whatever he's doing.

After finishing up the office building, Derek later heads to the Gas Production Zone, where Catnap is waiting.

But due to wearing the gas mask, Catnap doesn't know who he's looking at.

Catnap: I don't know who you are, but it's quite bold of you to try to face against me like this.

Derek: You'd be surprised if I show you my capabilities.

The fight ensues. Catnap tried and failed to land a single attack against Derek, who simply dodged and countered until Catnap eventually gave up and got beaten.

Catnap doesn't know what this human would do next, but unexpectedly, the guy takes the mask off.

Before he can see his face, the Prototype appears. Catnap though he's gonna help, but Derek used his grappling hook, wrapped around Catnap, and pulled him away before the Prototype gets to strike him. Derek then shot Prototype's arm with a gun, causing him to flee.

Catnap, shocked by what he had witnessed, slowly looks at Derek, who's face he can now see.

Catnap: ... You-

Derek: Yeah, I know. I came back, but let me tell you something: Do you remember what the others said to you about the Prototype? Well, here's what I can tell you about him.

The others came in, but stayed quiet.

Derek: Even though you're free from those workers who tortured you, you're still trapped in this artificial hell. And he'll make sure you don't escape because the outside world has NO idea of what was happening here. But, since I'm here, I can get you guys outta this factory and bring you to my place without anyone else knowing.

Derek: Sure, he may have helped you, but if he no longer sees you as useful minions, he'd use you for parts for his own personal gain. Believe me when I say this, he's starting to remind me of someone who wants nothing more than power and conquer places that don't belong to him while deceiving and tricking others in the process.

Catnap then remembers about what the others said a while ago, combining that with what the Prototype almost killed him, and that with what Derek said.

Derek and the others were right the whole time.

He trusted the wrong individual the whole time.

Catnap: ... What.. have I done...

Catnap was about to breakdown, but Derek gives him a hug to let him know he's not alone.

The others joined in, making a group hug on Catnap, who deeply apologized for what he had done and not seeing the truth sooner.

After rerouted the Red Smoke at the Gas Production Zone, they get to the elevator that leads further underground. However, there's not enough room for everyone to fit.

Poppy explains to Derek about The Hour of Joy, and where those victims' bodies were dragged into.

After the explanation, they both get on the elevator.

Derek tells the rest to find another way down, but also told them to be careful and remain on guard while doing so before he and Poppy start descending deeper to the lower levels.

Derek: *Mind* I hope the... Nightmare Critters are doing okay. I'll do what I can to save them if they're in danger.

As soon as he heard those voices, he can already tell who they are.

The Smiling Critters.

Derek: *Mind* What has Catnap done to them?

He gets to the hall where the cells were on each side.

Then, he can hear what they're saying.

Hoppy: Dogday, I don't think anything we'd say will change Catnap's mind.

Kickin: Yeah, he nearly ripped my arm off.

Dogday: *Sighs* Then, what are we gonna do if we escape this place?

Bobby: Remember the Safe Haven?

Picky: How are we supposed to get there without being seen?

Derek didn't want to wait any longer and decided to walk into the hallway. And the critters get to see him.

But due to having a gas mask on, they don't recognize him. He'll reveal himself later.

Dogday: You.. You're-

Derek: No need to say anything yet. I'm getting you guys outta here.

Bubba: How are you gonna get us out? It's not you-

Derek grabs the cell door, where Hoppy was locked in, and rips the door open.

The others were quite shocked by that, but decided not to question it as Derek frees the others.

(By the way, the Smiling Critters didn't lose any of their body parts)

Derek: Let's go now.

They soon get to safety, which is the room under the statues.

Dogday: Thank you so much for saving us, Angel.

Derek: I have a name, actually.

Crafty: Oh, then, who are you exactly?

Derek: ... I think it'd be better if I show you instead because.. I'm not sure if you'd believe me if I use my words.

Kickin: Oh come on, it's not like we know you.

Derek: I wouldn't say that.

He takes the mask off, so they can see what he meant.

At first, nothing happened. But then they noticed the scar on his face. That's when the realization hits them. Hard.

Hoppy: ...Derek? Is.. Is it really you?

Derek: .. Who else would I be? I'd never lie to my friends.

Tears start to appear on their eyes as they give Derek a group hug of the reunion. They missed him deeply.

He came back for them.

After they finally pulled away from the hug, the others arrived as well.

Kissy Missy and Bunzo recognized Derek and they both missed him too. Another group hug such.

Later , MLL and Poppy came, and the critters were cautious of MLL, but Derek explained the story. So, that helped.

Poppy: We need to get to Safe Haven, but Catnap is in the way.

Derek: I'll deal with him.

The toys froze as they looked at him. They don't want him to do it, but if Derek can get Huggy and MLL to turn good, then he can get Catnap turn good as well.

Right now, Derek needs to activate the generator inside the office building in Playcare.

Meanwhile, Catnap decided to check on the Smiling Critters in the Playhouse, only to find empty cells and its doors torn off.

He wasn't sure how this happened, but he is NOT happy.

Derek decided to look around before going deeper into the train station, and it was a good idea when he heard a phone ringing from a room with a locked door.

Derek: I don't have time for this.

He knocks the door down, finds the phone, and answers it.

???: Hey, can you hear me?

Derek: Yeah, clearly. *Mind* Something's not right. He sounds like a little kid.

Ollie: My name's Ollie, nice to meet you.

Derek: Derek.

After the phone conversation, Derek looks around and finds another VHS tape about a mother complaining about her child's condition due to the Red Smoke.

After the tape ended, he sees a... Bubba Bubbaphant cutout. Derek didn't say anything, but didn't bother touching it either because he feels like it might not help.

(Yes, he got the purple hand, grab pack 2.0, and more during the search)

He heads back to the train station, gets the transporter powered up, and gets inside.

During the trip, the message starts playing the introduction of Playcare. Then, Derek can see the inside of the Playcare dome, which was empty and abandoned.

After the trip, Derek steps out and sees how quiet it is.

Derek: *Mind* I need to look around to see if there's a single sign of where they've gone to.

After a bit of investigating, Ollie called and told Derek to go reroute the Red Smoke at the Gas Production Zone, only for the power to go out.

Derek: Seems like someone is sabotaging and trying to slow me down, or stop me altogether.

Ollie: Maybe, but I'll give you the key that's gonna be at the center of Playcare.

Derek: The door under the statues?

Ollie: How did you know that?

Derek: I know this place when I was young.

Derek soon gets the key and reaches the Home Sweet Home. He opens the door and soon sees the room completely filled with the Red Smoke.

Derek: *Mind* Is he the reason Playcare is like this?

After dealing with the Red Smoke, he manages to find a gas mask and put it on.

Derek: Now, this will be useful.

Later, he finds a VHS tape that plays an audio of Stella talking to the couple who were planning to adopt a kid. But then, he hears the part where Stella said "testing".

Derek: *Mind*... What kind of secrets does this factory have?

After getting the generator turned on, he heads out of Home Sweet Home. Suddenly, he dodges the tackle from Kissy Missy, who tried to do a sneak attack behind him. Derek still has the mask on, so Kissy doesn't recognize him yet. Poppy, MLL, and Bunzo arrived.

After the conversation, Derek gets a key for the school. So, he goes inside after unlocking the doors.

The inside of the school was a complete mess, like chaos had ensued. Desks knocked over, lockers are down, damaged lights, and more.

While he's going through the school, he hears the familiar voice on the speakers, which was Miss Delight, who's acting like nothing bad ever happened here, which Derek can tell something was wrong with her.

And he was right when he found a VHS tape that plays an audio of Miss Delight going insane and Catnap knew that she'd hurt or even kill the other orphans if he hadn't locked her in this school.

When he turned on the generator, Miss Delight appeared and would've wrecked that generator if Derek hadn't stopped her in time.

She tried to attack him, but she was WAY outmatched by Derek's strength. He ends up killing her, knowing how much of a psycho she had become.

Afterwards, he decides to go to an alternate route to reach the Playhouse.

He gets the orange hand that shoots like a flare gun, then he sees another VHS tape about Ritch receiving a new position from someone who was planning on retiring.

After the tape, he sees... Catnap, who was standing in front of what he called the shrine, which was meant to be a replica of the Prototype himself.

By the time he reached the door, Derek noticed that Catnap was gone before entering the Playhouse.

He finds another VHS tape, but this time, it plays an audio about Leith having an interview with Catnap.

As soon as the tape ended, he violently tore the TV apart with his own hands. A mini critter, who was about to plan a sneak attack on Derek, got so scared it ran off.

As soon as he heard what Leith said in that tape( which was Catnap's real name, saying this place is a prison, and more), Derek. Was. LIVID.

After getting his composure, he decided to go deeper into Playhouse, of course it was like a maze, but it didn't take long.

Then, he reaches the cellar area and... he hears.. voices.

Not just one. There are multiple voices. Familiar voices.

Poppy: You.. opened my case.

Derek: Yeah, but no need to explain how you ended up in there. Because we need to get going.

Derek picks up Poppy from the case and heads down the hallway.

Poppy: Oh, okay, but why the rush? Are you desperate to find your coworkers?

Derek: No, I never worked here.

Poppy: Really? Then, why are you here?

Derek: I'm here to find and help my friends.

Poppy: Wait... who are you exactly?

Derek: I think it's best if I show you.

Derek takes his mask off, which Poppy can see his face. And then she can see his scar.

Poppy: You're that...?

Derek: Yes, I am that kid from Playcare. I received a letter, which came from here. So, knowing the unknown threat in this factory, I decided to bring what I have with me.

Derek: *Puts the mask back on* But let's not waste time. We gotta reach the Game Station, and get to Playcare.

Poppy: Right. Oh, and I have a train code, so we can get to Playcare in no time.

Derek: Great, but I feel like it might be too easy. So, we gotta be on guard.

Later, after some investigating, they both reach the room where there's a big hole on the floor. Instead of waiting for something to happen, they both jumped in the hole, which leads to a slide.

They reach to the door that only requires a red hand. Derek decided to wait because he knows they're being watched. Poppy was confused until...

Derek: *Looks up* I know you're there, so don't bother keeping us waiting.

Mommy Long Legs, who was a bit annoyed, started to appear from the shadows above.

MLL: No fun. But at least we another play thing.

Derek: Why are you here? You seriously want me to do those games?

MLL: Exactly, but before we-

Derek: No, she stays with me while I do play those games. Besides, there are other places I need to look around.

MLL: Fine, but you're better not lie to me about this.

Derek: When do I ever lie?

After the conversation, Derek heads to Musical Memory, but not before he gets the green hand.

Poppy: That explains why you meant by look around.

Derek: Yeah, which is why I believe that anything can happen.

They reached Musical Memory, watched the tutorial, which Derek already knows about it, and he manages to get the same score from the last time he did this: a perfect score.

MLL: How did you... No matter, but since you already have the code..

Derek: Then release Bunzo, and we'll go to another game.

After releasing Bunzo, who was grateful for the rescue, they went through an alternate route, found Kissy Missy, found a VHS tape that shows a guy (you know who) explaining about seeing PJ, made it to the station, and started going to Wack a Wuggy, but not before Derek told Bunzo to hide somewhere safe until he returns.

Derek was able to get a perfect score on Wack a Wuggy just like last time.

Mommy Long Legs decided not to question that and let him go to another game, Statues.

However, while Derek was going through the game, he noticed that the end was blocked by a pile of ruble. So, when PJ got to him, Derek quietly, yet calmly decided to explain himself, which made PJ no longer the enemy.

Derek soon reached the alternate route, but an angry MLL gets in the way. She was accusing him for "cheating" (despite the finish line in Statues was blocked), but Derek decided to show his face, which MLL can see, including his scar.

MLL: Wait.. Derek? Is that you?

Derek: Yes, who do you think I'd be if I'm not?

They have a little reunion before they head back to the station, but first, Derek finds a VHS tape that talks a bit about the Prototype.

Derek: Something tells me he's the unknown threat.

MLL: Yeah..

Now that they reached the station, Derek gets in the train while Poppy, Bunzo, PJ, and MLL stay behind, so they can go find Kissy before finding another way to reach Playcare.

Poppy: *Radio* So, you're not really gonna leave?

Derek: No, it'll be pointless and selfish if I do. After all, I made a promise to someone 10 years ago, and I'm not gonna break it.

Poppy: *Radio* A promise? Well, we'll meet you there soon.

The train started to speed up, which Derek had to use the emergency brake to at least slow it down. However, the train starts tumbling over, causing it to crash. Derek turned out to be okay, but his mask broke, so he had no use of it now.

Derek: *Breaks the train door open* Great, I bet there's a gas mask somewhere on this level.

Then.. he finds out where he is. A train station that leads to the place he needed to go to: Playcare.

Derek: ... I hope you guys are still alive.

After checking on the letter. Derek had decided to head to that factory, but not before he brought some "stuff". Because he knows he won't be alone in there.

The lobby/entrance area was empty and quiet, not a single person on sight. Derek finds a VHS tape and puts it in the VHS player.

One driving trip later, Derek had reached the factory. He looked around before putting the mask on, got the main door open, and went inside.

Derek: (Mind) Alright, this is it. I hope... they're still alive.

It plays with the voice of Leith Pierre, who was talking about trespassing and such, which Derek didn't find it interesting. So, he looked around to find the doors that require a color code, which he (somehow) knew. He got the code in, found the Grab Pack, equipped it, and got to the room where Huggy Wuggy was in.

Derek later gets through the generator room to get the door working, but noticed that Huggy was gone, which proved his point of him not alone here. Despite that, he wasn't even bothered. At all.

Later, he reaches the room called "Make a friend", dealt with Huggy, who survived because Derek had saved him, and explained why he's here. Huggy is no longer the enemy, but the two had to separate to find anymore surviving toys.

Derek finds another VHS tape that explains a bit of the Prototype, who he believes was important. So he kept that in mind.

Finally, he reaches the room where the doll named Poppy, who was locked in a case, which Derek decided to open.

Poppy: You.. opened my case.

In 1990, a 4 year old boy, Derek, was sent to a place called Playcare after his parents died in a car crash. He was able to understand what happened to his parents, so he was heartbroken.

By the time he got to Playcare, he was greeted by those he had heard of/seen on TV, the Smiling Critters and the Nightmare Critters. He was also greeted by the orphans in Playcare.

Overtime, he got to know more about the orphans as well as the critters. All while the workers were observing the new kid to see what he'd do.

But Derek was unlike any orphan, to say the least. He'd help/comfort the critters who were hurt, getting the best scores/grades at the Playcare's school, and telling the bullies off without violence.

In 1992, there was an accident at school that caused Derek (6 years old) to have a scar over his right eye, which was covered in bandages. The critters were helping him get better after that, but the school ended up getting additional safety equipment and security.

In 1994, an 8 year old Derek was tested by playing at the Game Station. To the workers' surprise, the results were unlike the rest. Derek got a perfect score on Musical Memory, got perfect aim and reflexes on Wack a Wuggy, and got through Statues quicker than the rest.

They never had an orphan who got perfect score/grades at school AND Game Station. Because of that, the plans for experimenting on Derek were on hold until further notice.

In July 1995, the day has come, a 9 year old Derek getting adopted (NOT "chosen to be experimented on" adopted), but before he gets to leave, he was giving Dogday a promise.

Derek: Hey, Dogday.

Dogday: What is it?

Derek: Will you.. still be here if I return here as an adult?

Dogday: Hmm... I don't know, but I hope so.

Derek: Well, I'm gonna promise you about it, ok?

Dogday: Sure, I hope.. we meet again once you return.

After the promise, Derek had left Playcare with his new adoptive parents. The orphans and the critters were a bit heartbroken that he was gone, but he did give them the same promise that Dogday was given.

Of course, "something" happened while Derek was away.

8/8/1995

Meanwhile, in the outside world, Derek was in a new home with his adoptive parents. And things have gone well.. maybe too well.

Over the years, Derek managed to make friends, graduated at high-school around 11 because of his abnormally high IQ, got to help people who later thrived, and done many things.

However, in 2005, a 19 year old Derek had suddenly... received a letter.. from the very factory he once stayed in.

Name: Derek Underwood

Gender: Male

Date of birth: May 1986

Age: 4-9 (1990-1995) 19 (2005)

IQ: ?????

Height: 6' 10" (2005)

Eye color: Gray

Hair color: Brown

Appearance (outfit): He wears a customized crimson letterman jacket (with no logo) with a dark gray t-shirt underneath it. He wears customized jeans for multiple environments. He wears custom-made dark military boots.

He has a scar on his right eye. Not bad enough to lose eyesight, but enough to have it visible. He wears a custom-made mask that mostly hides it.

Has a backpack for weapons, tools, and extra gear. Along with custom-made gauntlets, which are part of his gloves.

Abilities:

Can sense someone's presence before he can even see/hear them

Superhuman reflexes (Can sense something before it even happens)

Superhuman strength

Superhuman speed

Enhanced durability/endurance (He's tougher than ordinary humans)

?????

Capabilities/skills (has multiple due to his IQ):

Has multiple fighting styles/skills

Can invent/create/build items, vehicles, electronics, and machines that would normally be made in the future

Can do bioengineering

Has skills of a tailor (making clothes/outfits)

Has detective skills

Multilingual (can speak many languages)

Medical skills

Sharpshooter

Hacking skills (Think of Watch Dogs games)

Parkour

Weapons/gears:

Electro hidden blades under the gauntlets

Modified/custom-made firearms

Custom-built firearms on top of gauntlets

Customized grappling hooks

Custom-made tools

Personality: He's a type of guy who observes, studies, and memorizes before doing anything. He's wise, honest, very fast learner, brave/fearless, determined, patient, selfless/caring, calm/chill.

Likes: Helping/supporting/protecting his friends and other people, inventing/creating stuff to help improve the environments.

Friends: Some orphans in Playcare, Smiling Critters, Nightmare Critters, some people outside of the factory.

Unlike Kickin Chicken, you'd be more than just good looking as Simon Smoke.

You can do many things such as flying due to having wings, breathe fire, and other stuff that Simon would/could originally do.

If you're not a jerk like Simon, then that's okay, you can do your own thing.

As a fire breathing dragon, there would be some habits, like having a hoard of whatever stuff you like, purring like a cat when it comes to comfort, and other things.

When it comes to the strength of a dragon, you'd be expected to be VERY powerful. So, try not to use it for trouble if you're not (or don't want to be) the bad guy.

Oh, almost forgot to mention that your body temperature is higher than others because you're a dragon that breathes fire.

But the downside is that if you get a fever, your body temperature would rise even more to where others might not be able to touch you without risk having any burns.

However, despite all that, these capabilities are something you should be careful with: Make sure your tail and wings don't hit anything or anybody, watch where you aim before/while shooting out fire, try to control your strength while interacting with friends or stuff, and watch where you're going while flying because you never know what's in the air/sky.

You have tough scales that can help protect you from getting hurt.

When it comes to Halloween, you can be a knight or anything that fits you.

When it gets cold outside, you can help keep others warm with your fire by making a furnace, campfire, or even give them warm hugs/cuddles.

When it comes to sweets, you might like cupcakes, muffins, cakes, cookies, and more as Maggie Mako, a cute shark in the group.

You can breathe underwater, which is a great advantage while exploring deep below the surface.

Using the tail can help you swim much faster than others. Just make sure it doesn't get in the way.

Gotta be careful with the sharp claws if you wanna interact with friends and such.

With sharp teeth, it can make things easier when eating foods that are normally hard to bite.

At school, you could be a member of the sports club, or a member of the cooking club when it comes to sweets.

Or you could even be a swim coach to help/teach others how to swim.

If you like sweets, but not selfish, then you can share the sweets with those who want some.

If you end up eating too many sweets or that has too much sugar, you might go sugar crazy, which may not be fun.

If sharks are meant to be strong, then you can do some exercise/workout to improve your strength.

We have heard about people being lazy while relaxing after work and such, but if you're someone as lazy as Allister Gator, then you could change that in your own way.

Normally, alligators need to fill their lungs with air to keep floating on water, but since it had shown that Allister doesn't always do that, and the fact that it's just a cartoon world, then you don't have to worry about that.

You can use your tail to help you swim faster (if that's how it works) on and underwater. Speaking of which, you can hold your breath for 2 or so hours. So, don't stay underwater for too long.

You'd have sharp claws, so try not to hurt anybody on accident. You'd also have sharp teeth, so it's easy to eat food that are normally difficult to bite.

If you like it this way, you'd have great strength, which you can use it to move objects that would be too heavy for others and stand up to those who are being hostile towards you or your friends.

You could do some workout to get stronger and faster, if you choose to.

You can be in the boys sleepovers and, hopefully, have a peaceful night with them.

Ok, originally, Touille goes to get whatever he finds in dumpsters, trash cans, etc. But you can change that if you want to.

You'd have a great sense of smell and hearing. So, it's easy to do scavenging when trying to find old scraps while avoiding anything dangerous.

You'd probably like cheese 🧀, but you could choose which cheese you like most.

Gotta watch your tail in case someone tries sneaking up on you, even if it's someone like Catnap (if he's not hostile towards you)

If Touille is/was originally the smallest critter of the group, then you'd have to be on guard and have your stuff ready.

If you're the type of someone who wants to stay clean, then that's okay. Mostly because the others chose the same.

If you would choose a proper home rather than what Touille normally has, then you can because you get to choose.

If you'd like to, you could be one of the garbage collectors who put trash bags in the garbage truck, which is another way help clean the environment.