AN: Well here it is... the next chapter. Foxy was last because he was the closest to Mikey and is also my favorite. I hope you will like this chapter as much as you liked the others ;) Please let me know in a review.
Disclaimer: Scott Cawthon is the owner/creator of FNAF. There is no way I will ever own it.
Mike looked up, a sad smile on his face, and stared at the bear beside him.
"I'm not sure I believe that robots tried destroying the pizzeria." He said quietly. "though... I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I don't really know what to think, you've never lied to me before... I have no reason to believe you would now".
"It will be made clear in the near future." The lead animatronic said cryptically as he got to his feet. "I am truly glad that you have returned Mikey. You are our light, without you we have been lost in this darkness for far too long".
The guard blushed, unsure what he could say to that. As the minutes ticked by Mike decided that he didn't mind the silence. It wasn't uncomfortable in any way... in fact it felt warm and friendly. It was like those moments you spend with the ones you love. The times where you sit together quietly, offering silent support after a particularly hard day.
"Are you guys gonna be okay?" The blue eyed boy asked worriedly. "I mean... you just found out a couple days ago that you've been killing innocent people. How are you going to deal with that"?
"We'll do what we can." Freddy said solemnly. "It's all we can do. Not only did we... kill... many people, we nearly destroyed one of our own as well. No matter what we do it will never be enough to make up for that. But we will go on, we will make sure you and the children under our care are safe from harm, and we will never forget. That way, we can begin to redeem ourselves of our wrongs and work towards a brighter future".
Mike nodded in awe, the respect he had for the leader increasing ten fold. He had always known that Freddy was more serious and responsible than the rest of the group but this was beyond what he could have imagined.
"Freddy must have been thinking about how he and the others could repent for their crimes ever since I told them that the guards were human." The man speculated, shocked that the bear had thought it so deeply.
"Now, it's about time for you to leave for the day." Freddy proclaimed, his paws resting behind his back. "Is it not"?
Glancing at the clock, the brown haired man saw that it was only five minutes till six.
"Oh you're right!" He said, quickly gathering his stuff before turning back to the bear. "Thank you for everything Freddy. I was scared and nervous... I didn't know whether I could trust you guys not to turn on me".
The lead singer winced slightly, knowing the lad had every right to assume the worst.
"But now that I'm beginning to understand why you did what you did, it's a little better." Mike continued. "I'm sorry for doubting you but I still don't feel fully comfortable being near you guys. I know in my heart that I have nothing to fear from you or any of the others... yet my head tells me that you're dangerous and I should be careful. I hope you don't hold that against me".
"You have every right to feel that way lad." Freddy reassured. "It's only natural after what we've put you through. None of us blame you".
Mike turned to leave, the hidden meaning of the lead animatronics words echoing in his head. "We blame ourselves".
Freddy watched as the boy walked through the doors. They had made great progress and now that the child knew their reasoning he was more open to them. The bear hoped that the day would soon come when he would once again see the brilliant smile that had once been so prominent.
After the pizzeria closed and everyone had gathered Freddy began to talk about his time with Mike. As he neared the end the bear showed the remaining three what had caused him to become so concerned.
"We will have to tell him the truth. If not..." Freddy paused looking seriously at the others as he threw the newspaper onto the table they were currently gathered around. "I fear the past will come back to haunt us".
Fear and anger clouded each of the robotic animals eyes as they thought back on what had happened nearly thirty years ago. It had been the darkest moment in their history and one of the reasons that the owner had decided on closing the business. Sure it hadn't been their fault, in truth they had been the ones to prevent the near disaster, but being animatronics no one believed that and gave the credit to the police.
"I'll tell the laddie that we be wanting a word with him." Foxy declared as he skewered the paper on his hook. "Maybe after he be spending time with us all separately Mikey will be ready fer a group meeting".
"Yes, I believe you are right." The bear decided. "Foxy will you please ask Mike to meet with us tomorrow night"?
"Sure thing ya old landlubber." The pirate replied, winking. "Tonight, though, be my turn with me little matey".
The robotic fox laughed at the thought of being reunited with his friend. Foxy had actually wanted to be the first to meet with the boy, though he didn't say anything and he'll admit that Bonnie was the better choice. He had waited so long for this moment, it's hard to imagine that it's really here. The pirates ears perked up as he heard the purple rabbit began to speak.
"Freddy..." She stated solemnly. "We all know that he will return. What do you plan to do"?
The leader thought for a few moments, gathering his thoughts, before turning his hardened face towards the others. They shivered slightly at the unforgiving expression on the bears normally amiable face.
"Whatever we must." With that Freddy turned away, heading for someplace quiet were he could think.
"Bonnie?" Chika asked, unusually subdued. "Do you really think he'll come back here after all that happened"?
The bunny nodded gravely. "I'm certain of it. He will be back... and he'll want revenge".
"She be right lass." Foxy agreed. "We best be being careful. Keep a close eye out ya hear"?
"Don't worry Foxy." The chicken declared boldly. "Nothing's gonna get by me".
The buccaneer rolled his eyes as he headed toward the door, anxiously awaiting the stroke of midnight.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Mike nervously waited for the light to turn green. He was a block away from Freddy's at the same intersection where his parent had died, yet all he could think about was the animatronic he would be seeing tonight. Foxy had been like an older brother to the shy child for nearly the whole time they had known each other and had also been the first to realize that it was him and not just some endoskeleton or robot. The light turned as the boy wondered if he and the pirate would get along as they once had... or if those days were left far behind them.
He arrived at his destination a couple minutes later and quickly headed towards the building. Mike was surprised when the door pushed open before he had even touched it and soon found himself drawn inside while being enveloped in a tight, emotional hug. All he could see was the red fur of Foxy's chest as the other refused to let go.
"I've been missing me little matey fer so long," the fox cried. "Just let me be holding ya for a bit Mikey, if ye don't mind".
Tears came unbidden to the guards eyes and rolled down his cheeks. Foxy was the same as he had always been. Protective, brash, a bit gruff at times, yet still so caring. Even if he was still unsure, the blue eyed boy couldn't help but feel as if he had finally found his way home.
The red animatronic released him moments later and smiled softly. Mike slowly moved around the fox heading to the office to grab the tablet before Foxy had the chance to drag him off somewhere. Once that was done the pirate swiftly took hold of the brown haired mans hand and led him to the cove where they could catch up in private. Mike glanced around reminiscently... pirates cove had been out of order ever since he could remember, but even still... it held some of his greatest memories.
"Foxy?" He asked shyly.
"Hmm?" The swashbuckler replied, moving to sit on his treasure chest. "What be the matter lad"?
"I was just wondering if you still remembered all the things we did together." Mike admitted, a hesitant smile finding it's way onto his young face.
"That I do matey." The pirate fox declared, his eyes misty as he continued. "I be remembering them all like it were yesterday".
Foxy ran from the room, fleeing to the only place he knew would offer the solitude he desired. Usually no one besides the other animatronics ventured into his cove, so the pirate was free to let his mind wander over the events mere minutes earlier. Sure this wasn't the first time something like this had happened... yet each time felt as if someone had stabbed a knife through his mechanical heart.
'Maybe it be fer the best if ol' Foxy be staying in his cove from now on.' The animatronic sobbed silently, his mind in turmoil.
The party had started out as normal with Freddy, Bonnie, and Chika doing their thing onstage. The problem had begun when it was time to crown the birthday girl. Foxy had made his way from backstage to join the others, noticing that Mikey was among the party goers, and together they approached the group. The four had located the child and were about to start their little ceremony when the girl screamed. She had turned around, noticing the fox for the first time when it happened. The girl cringed back in fear while her mother rushed forward. Upon seeing the pirates hook and sharp teeth she stepped between her daughter and Foxy, glaring daggers at the robotic animals.
"Get away from my child!" The woman snarled, looking directly at the pirate. "I don't want you anywhere near my daughter or her friends! What was this place thinking letting something as dangerous as that near the children"!
The red animatronic turned tail and ran, the woman's irate words chasing after him.
The fox sighed as black tears fell from his sorrow filled eyes. He couldn't understand why he had been made with such sharp features. The buccaneer had used his teeth once in an emergency and had vowed never to do so again... he couldn't bear witnessing the effects it had upon the fragile humans.
A small sound alerted Foxy to something behind him and he half turned... trying to see what it could be. His mouth fell open in shock, for standing there... tears trailing down from angry blue eyes, was his little matey. Mikey walked straight up to him and wrapped his small arms around the mechanical pirate in a fierce embrace. The boy stood there unmoving and after a short while the swashbuckler rested his head against the child's, letting his own arms wind around his small frame. The two stayed that way for a time, letting the tears fall, while taking comfort from each others presence.
"Why was that woman so mean?" The four year old eventually asked. "You're one of the nicest people I know".
The pirate thought for a few minutes, releasing his hold on the youngster in the process, as he rubbed the back of his head questioningly.
"I guess it's because I... look scarey." He breathed sadly. "I be having these sharp teeth and hook, a lot of people think it be too dangerous".
"I don't think you're scarey." Mikey said, crossing his arms defiantly. "You're my best friend and I don't care what others think"!
"That be mighty nice of ya Mikey." The animatronic praised.
"Hey Foxy?" The shy boy asked. "Will you tell me a story about your adventures"?
The pirates mood immediately brightened as he sprang up and turned to open his chest. When he spun back around a small play sword was grasped in one hand while the other held a small piece of cloth. The fox quickly approached the boy, who had been watching curiously, and tied the bandana around the child's head. He then strapped the plastic sword around his waist, making sure it stayed in place.
"I have a better idea." He announced, stepping back to admire his work. "We be going on an adventure of our own".
"Really!" Mikey exclaimed excitedly. "We can do that"?
"Of course we can me matey." He assured the lad. "All ye be needing is a bit of imagination".
Foxy led the child onto his pirate ship stage, laughing at the look of wonder that filled the boys face. The two spent the next hour or so playing pirates. Foxy, of course, was the captain and Mikey his first mate. They pretended to fight mighty sea monsters, find buried treasure, and outwit the infamous captain black-beard himself. By the time someone finally realized the boy was missing from the party Foxy had forgotten all about his insecurities. He held his little matey close in a warm hug before guiding him back through the curtain, an affectionate smile lighting his face as the lad turned back to wave.
Foxy smiled at the memory. Somehow, no matter how bad a mood he was in, Mikey had always been able to cheer him up.
"I'm glad that you still remember." The brown haired man said. "I was worried that you had forgotten".
"I would never do something like that to ya." The fox asserted. "Our time together is a treasure more precious than any other in all the land and I wouldn't be giving it up fer the world".
"That means a lot to me Foxy." The young man spoke gently. "But I was wondering... is it okay if I ask you something personal"?
"Sure laddie." The buccaneer answered somewhat confused. "Ye can ask me anything, there be no need to go seeking permission each time ya want to know something".
Mike hesitated, gathering his courage, before looking the fox dead in the eyes.
"The former guard, you know... the one that kept calling me, said something about the bite of '87?" He began haltingly. "What exactly is that and what did he mean about... being able to live without the frontal lobe"?
The guard waited tensely, noticing the animatronic flinch. This thought had been troubling the boy since he had first heard it. To anyone else it would be pretty straight-forward... one of the robotic animals, probably Foxy seeing as pirates cove had been shut down, had bit a human. With how sharp the foxes teeth are it's not really a stretch to assume that the damage would have been pretty severe... but to rip someones frontal lobe off? What could have caused such a reaction from his best friend? Mike's swirling thoughts quieted as the robotic fox began to speak.
"The bite, eh?" The swashbuckler relied uncomfortably. "That be a bit of a touchy subject. I'll just tell ya that it be fer the best to keep an open mind regarding that event".
"But why?" The boy cried, upset that the pirate was avoiding his questions. "I don't understand why you feel the need to hide stuff. I won't judge without hearing the whole story, I know that you would never do anything like that without a tremendously good reason"!
Mike took a step forward, reaching out to place a hand on the foxes shoulder. He could see that whatever had happened was still bothering the animatronic and even though it had been before he was born, Mike found himself wanting to help. The desire to support his friend outweighed the unease that had been residing in the boys heart since first agreeing to give the robotic animals a second chance.
"If ye be wanting to hear the full story..." The fox began, continuing upon seeing the youth nod. "Then meet with the four of us tomorrow night. We'll tell ya the truth about the bite of '87 and everything that has come from it".
"Wait... all of you?" Mike asked, his voice trembling slightly. "You want me to go to a meeting where the four beings who have previously tried to kill me will be surrounding me on all sides?! Where I'll have no chance of escape should one of you decide I'd look better stuffed in a metal suit"?!
Foxy flinched, before wrapping his arms tightly around the panicking boy. He knew that this was a hard step. They had traumatized him and that kind of psychological damage doesn't disappear over night. That's why they had been working so hard to prove to the lad that they wouldn't hurt him.
"Shh... there be no need fer ye to worry." The pirate soothed, calmly running his good paw through the mans brown hair. "I promise you'll be safe. I won't be letting any harm befall ya... especially not from the others. We all feel the same way Mikey... we would rather have our circuits pulled out one by one rather than risk losing ya again".
The guard sniffled, his panic subsiding due to the reassuring words and soothing rhythm of the paw on his head.
"Will ya trust me on this, little matey?" Foxy asked, tears of his own falling from his golden eyes. "Will ye trust me to keep ya safe"?
The boy merely nodded, too choked up to say anything, and buried his face into the red fur of the friend he had missed so badly.
AN: So the Building Trust ark is done... on to the rest of the story ;) I hope you liked this. Foxy is my favorite animatronic so I wanted to make his chapter have extra feels! Next chapter will feature my version of the bite of '87. I love hearing what you think about mt story so please review.