Again, thanks for your continuous support.

This chapter is rather short and it's dedicated to Phone Guy. This one has the Night 4 Tape and we all know what happens during that night. Also, I suggest to everyone to listen to Open Up by Muse of Discord, which lyrics I used for this chapter. It gives you an eerie feeling and it's an interesting conversation between Freddy/Murderer Child and the Murderer (whom Freddy thinks to be Mike Schmidt).

Speaking of said song, the chapter is also named Open Up simply because both 'bots and Night Guard start to open up to each other. Also, if you notice that the Animatronics have a similar personality to their counterparts in Survive the Night, that was purely intentional.

Enjoy!


Night 8:

Camera 1 and 2 and 3. I swear to God, they're after me.

I see their faces on the screen, but nowhere they are to be seen.

Lock the door and keep it shut, don't let them in no matter what.

No power left, an empty cup. Don't let those doors open up.

xXxXx

Skylar knew this night's gonna be different. Y'know, Night 4. And 4 is Death. She nervously waited for Phone Guy's call, hoping he'd provide her with more knowledge. After all, he probably survived this. She almost jumped out of her chair as the phone rung.

„Hello, hello?"

Finally!

„Hey!"

Hah, I'm so glad to hear from ya.

„Hey, wow, day 4. I knew you could do it."

Yeah, I'm also glad I managed to get through. The previous night was particulary nasty since Freddy was active as well. So, do you have any wisdom to pass down?

„Uh, hey, listen, I may not be around to send you a message tomorrow."

Why not? *worried*

She heard banging sounds coming from the recorded message. It was similar to the one Foxy makes when trying to enter the Office.

„It's-It's been a bad night here for me."

Skylar was now worried. Her usual knack for sarcasm disappeared.

„Um, I-I'm kinda glad that I recorded my messages for you *clears throat* uh, when I did."

What's going on here? What do you mean?

„Uh, hey, do me a favor."

Umm, sure I will.

Skylar again heard the banging sound, knowing Foxy was at the door when Phone Guy left the message. She had a bad feeling.

„Maybe sometime, uh, you could check inside those suits in the back room?"

You mean the Backstage. O-okay. I'll check it.

She again heard Foxy banging.

„I'm gonna to try to hold out until someone checks."

W-what do you mean?

„Maybe it won't be so bad."

No, no, no, no... Please don't tell me what I think it's gonna happen...

She heard Foxy banging again.

„Uh, I-I-I-I always wondered what was in all those empty heads back there."

No...

Skylar was struck. She gulped as she heard Toreador's Theme playing. She knew it was Freddy's theme.

„You know.."

She suddenly heard some sort of moaning, which she attributed to Bonnie and Chica.

„oh, no –„

She closed her eyes, listening to a roaring screech and static. The roar probably belonged to Golden Freddy.

She now knew Phone Guy didn't make it.

He had been dead for a long time.

...

Skylar was in her room at her apartment, listening to Phone Guy's last call. Last week, when she heard it, she was on the edge of freaking out. Not only did she hear Phone Guy getting killed by the Animatronics, the 'bots were insanely aggressive that night. That is where the night got brutal; Freddy was be very difficult to understand and predict. Also, when Bonnie and Chica appeared at the West and East Hall Corners, their heads started to violently twitch and robotic mumbling sound could be heard, the same sound heard when she experienced hallucinations.

It was a nightmare.

The hardest part was how to deal with Freddy. He became really unpredictable and his movement pattern confused her. He totally ignored any set of rules Sky learned the previous night and made his own. However, there was a way to counter this. Freddy always took one path to her through the building: Show Stage → Dining Area → Restrooms → Kitchen → East Hall → East Hall Corner → The Office. Each time he moved, he'd let out a demonic laughter, making it a bit easier to deal with him, as he wouldn't backtrack (except when he got locked out from the Office once he reached the East Hall Corner). Also, monitoring him slowed him down. Still, hearing his laughter was still hard when Chica and Bonnie reach their corners, as their moaning made Skylar lose her concentration.

Skylar focused only on the Hall Lights, Freddy, the Pirate Cove and the sounds she heard. Although the moaning freaked her out, it was easier for her to locate Bonnie and Chica. Freddy, despite his new movement pattern, could also be monitored and she has already learned how to deal with Foxy. It was also a good thing she didn't have to deal with Golden Freddy, as she couldn't focus on the West Hall Corner even if she wanted. Also, when she saw Freddy at the East Hall Corner, she learned how she mustn't look at him as it would keep him longer there. If she heard his laughter, it was a sign the corner was free.

Also, she noticed something else that night. As she checked Freddy's location, she saw Bonnie's paw coming through the door and reaching for the door and light buttons. She quickly shut the door down.

After re-listening to the tape again, Skylar wondered why the Animatronics acted differently. Foxy had his usual bum and rush pattern, but this time it could be triggered more easily. He probably really hated the camera. Chica and Bonnie seemed (as showed by Bonnie) to have the ability to disable the door and hall lights. If Skylar hadn't shut the door, the left door would've been disabled, leaving her at Foxy's and/or Bonnie's mercy. Also, their moaning and twitching heads indicated that there was something supernatural indeed. Something which caused the 'bots to become like this. The biggest evidence for the Animatronics being sentient, or at least smarter than their usual AI was Freddy. He totally changed the rules, driving her crazy.

Oh, and Goldie appeared once again in her Office, along with the hallucinations.

„No, thanks." Skylar groaned.

Poor, poor Phone Guy. After making it to 6 AM, Skylar checked the Backstage, but didn't find anything. She was disappointed.

What did she hope for to find? Phone Guy's remains? Com'n, he told her that the management cleans everything up after the night guard dies. They probably did the same to Phone Guy. Also, Skylar had no idea how old those tapes were.

After she examined them, she realized they were probably years old, not weeks. She tried to analyze the calls as well.

It was obvious Phone Guy had been at Freddy's for a longer time, probably longer than she was. Or he had been a fan of Freddy's and later applied for the night guard job, until he discovered what the 'bots do to the night guards. He probably witnessed one such kill, but remained. Skylar could only assume why – perhaps he loved the place too much and stayed there. Or, he was aware of the consequences and decided to stay there so nobody else would get harmed. Maybe it was both.

All in all, Phone Guy was probably a veteran night guard and was able to control the situation to the best of his knowledge and abilities, though his efforts were futile in the very end. He probably knew he'd get killed, so he left the messages for the next night guard. Maybe creating the messages even drained his power down to zero, if they were all made at the same night. Talking about sacrisfice...

She was simply glad the company didn't delete the messages. They probably left them, thinking they're a sort of tutorial for new night guards.

Skylar sighed.

If he was that long at Freddy's, just how could the 'bots get him?

Or, maybe that was the problem.

He was too long there and the Animatronics figured out his strategy and tag teamed him. It would make sense.

It was obvious the Animatronics probably tag teamed in some way to get him. However, who exactly got him, Skylar had no idea. Freddy and Foxy would be obvious ones, but she heard also a roar which she attributed to Golden Freddy. Also, she heard the moans which Chica and Bonnie emitted. Maybe he was killed by one of them...

Or maybe, he was killed by all of them.

First, she heard Foxy's banging. He banged on the door for a long time and probably drained a good chunk of Phone Guy's power. She now knew that, when the power goes out, Freddy comes, plays his chime and attacks. However, Freddy wasn't the only one inside. There were also Bonnie, Chica and Golden Freddy. Also, the power totally didn't go out because she didn't hear the familiar hum when it goes out. Also, the call would've cut off much earlier.

Skylar assumed that Foxy banged on the door several times, draining Phone Guy's power. Phone Guy was short with power and left both doors open, not noticing that Bonnie and Chica sneaked inside as he was probably too busy with Freddy who was maybe at the Kitchen (the only place he plays Toreador's March during the night) and disabled the doors and hall lights and remained there. Then Freddy probably got inside, scaring him with his chime. (Apparently, all Animatronics had a habit to taunt the Night Guard before killing him/her). Phone Guy, who still had some power left, probably lifted the monitor, trying to buy some time (maybe he was close to 6 AM and hoped that'd give him more time), only to summon Golden Freddy inside, who then lunged at him.

All in all, it was teamwork which killed him, probably all Animatronics going at once at him.

Skylar shuddered. She felt really sorry for him. During the calls, he sounded nonchalant, but he was probably on the edge of his sanity, making the messages to keep himself calm and to warn his sucessors. He probably tried to find a logical explanation for the Animatronics' behavior and clinged to it until his death.

4 is Death, indeed.

...

Tonight, Skylar decided she wouldn't let anyone inside. Clutching the recorded message with Phone Guy's last call, she opened the monitor and decided to try to survive an another night. She felt better tonight, after the good, long sleep she had previous night. She was surprised the Animatronics didn't try to kill her and was surprised when she found herself wrapped up in blankets, lying on the floor. Her head hurt, but she was fine.

She had no idea what to expect from the Animatronics tonight, but she wouldn't get herself tricked this time. She again played the tape, simply feeling the need to listen to someone, no matter how short or how horrifying it is.

She noticed how Chica moved first from the Show Stage, just like always she'd do that on later nights. Bonnie followed. Sky flashed to the Pirate Cove cam and then back to the Show Stage. Freddy was gone as well. However, the Dining Area and Show Stage were faintly lit, indicating the 'bots (or at least, Freddy) wouldn't go after her tonight.

She turned the monitor down and closed her eyes, listening to the steps of the 'bots.

„Another night in the trenches.", she sighed.

...

Bonnie narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Dining Area cam. He got approached by Chica.

„What's your plan?", she asked.

„I want to get inside the Office of course." Bonnie turned to her. He looked at Freddy. „How about that?"

„Leave me out of whatever you plan." Freddy replied. He was already busy enough and didn't want to get involved in whatever Bonnie planned.

„Oi, Foxy!" Bonnie looked at the Pirate Cove.

„No!" Foxy replied even before Bonnie could ask him. Bonnie looked at Chica.

„So, it's just me and you.", he said. Chica shrugged.

„What about Goldie?", she asked. Bonnie waved with his paw.

„Nah. He'll be our last option.", the bunny replied. „At first, we need to see if she'll let us inside on her own."

Chica nodded.

The two went into their respective hallways, but as both approached their respective corners, the hall lights turned on.

And Skylar looked angry.

Chica was the first one to get there and as she rose her wing to knock on the window, Skylar shut the door. She turned to the left door, turning the hall light on only to see Bonnie peeking inside with a cheeky smile.

And the door getting closed right in front of his nose.

Bonnie pouted.

„So, that's how you want to play.", he muttered.

He returned to the Dining Area with Chica waiting for him.

„So, now what?", she asked. „She won't let us in."

„You shouldn't be surprised that she's so careful now." Freddy told them, holding a chair. „She probably assumed that we'll go once again after her and decided to hold her guard."

He narrowed his eyes as he looked at the camera. It was turned on for a brief second before it turned off. He was surprised the girl actually listened to him for once and stayed inside, not letting anyone inside till 6 AM. She probably learned her lesson. Smart girl.

Freddy shook his head and continued cleaning the Dining Area, leaving Chica and Bonnie to wonder what they should do next.

„She probably won't use the power until somebody appears at the door." Chica said. „Maybe we could stay there until it drains out."

„Nah, it'll take too long, even if we stay there together. Besides, attacking after the power drains out is Freddy's thing." Bonnie crossed his arms, pondering what to do. He then grinned. „Wait, maybe it'll work."

„I have no idea what you're talking about." Chica said. Bonnie grabbed her hand.

„Oh, it'll sure work." Bonnie pulled her towards where the main power lever was, towards a room which wasn't on the digital map of the pizzeria. Since Skylar wasn't watching them, they could easily get inside and mess around with the power.

„I don't like this idea." Chica said as Bonnie approached the lever.

„Oh, it's fool-proof, I assure you!", the bunny grinned widely. „We turned the power off in the whole restaurant and she'll either get out or we'll go inside. It's perfect!"

„Maybe it is." Chica frowned. „But Freddy will be angry at us for turning the power off inside the whole pizzeria."

„Don't worry, we'll turn it on once we get Skylar out." Bonnie said, struggling with the lever. „Ugh, this one is pretty rusty. Could you help me here a bit?"

Chica rolled her eyes and went to help Bonnie. She still didn't think that this was a good idea. Still, the two managed to pull the lever down, making all lights go out.

„Hey, what's goin' on?" Foxy peeked out of the Pirate Cove, his golden eyes shining in the darkness. Freddy put down the chair he was holding and looked around, his bright blue eyes shining as well due the LED lights in his endoskeleton.

„The power went out." Freddy frowned.

„Already?"

The two heard an another voice and noticed Golden Freddy floating next to them.

„I thought the power goes out this way only in the Office.", he said.

„Me too." Foxy exited the Pirate Cove. Freddy went to the Show Stage, trying to turn on the stage lights. They didn't work.

The Animatronics knew that the Office used an old power source, a temporary one with limited power, different than the one at the Dining Area and the rest of the restaurant, which was much stronger and had limitless power. That's why the Office power (with the fan draining some of it) would go out, but if the Night Guard walked outside and turned any other light on, it would stay on. That way, the management wanted to prevent using up too much energy (by giving the Night Guard limited power) and the normal lights couldn't get accessed due the Animatronics preventing the Night Guard from going outside.

„Somebody must've turned off the main generator." Freddy said. And he had some idea who did it.

And speaking of the devil, the two culprits walked inside, seeing the stern looks on Freddy, Goldie and Foxy's expressions.

„I guess we're in trouble now." Bonnie muttered. Chica just gulped.

...

Skylar was startled when the power suddenly turned off. But when she checked the monitor last time, she had more than 90% left. She had no idea what the Animatronics were up to and she didn't like it. She listened carefully, in fear to hear the familiar steps and expecting Freddy to show up on the left.

He didn't.

In fact, nobody approached the Office. It was a bit strange, but it gave Skylar some time to calm down and think about it.

Even if Freddy tended to change the rules during their deadly game, they were still fair to her and leave her with the doors, lights and power to fend them off, knowing well they could get her easily sooner or later. They didn't break the rules, they just bend them to their own benefit.

Skylar took out the flashlight from her bag and turned to the East Hall Corner, gulping as she thought about what she intended.

She didn't want to wait and get caught inside the Office. Maybe it was better for her to find a place to hide until 6 AM chimes, since she couldn't use the Office. Being mobile was sure better than just sit there and do nothing but wait for your own demise.

She stepped into the East Hall Corner, turning on her flashlight, and went towards the Restrooms.

...

„What were you two thinking?!" Freddy hissed.

„It was all Bonnie's idea!" Chica freaked out, pointing at Bonnie. The bunny narrowed his eyes.

„Thanks for the support, Chica.", he said in a deadpan tone.

„I want you two to turn on the power right away!" Freddy said.

The only thing which illuminated the room were the lights coming from their eyes. Or in Golden Freddy's case, the faintly lit dots in his eye-sockets.

„Yeah boss." Bonnie muttered. Freddy frowned, crossing his arms.

„I heard that.", he growled.

„Oi, guys. Somebody's comin' in." Foxy hissed. The five went quiet, hearing steps coming from the East Hallway. And a female voice.

„Stupid flashlight.", they heard shaking and knocking sounds. „Please don't die on me now."

„Turn the eye-lights down." Freddy hissed.

With their eyes closed, no light was emitted from the 'bots, making them invisible in the pitch black darkness.

Skylar, who was too busy with her flashlight which batteries were close to giving up their lifes, didn't notice she walked right inside the Dining Area. Nor did she notice the Animatronics.

„Turn on!", she shook the flashlight a few times, trying to turn it on. Finally it did, with the girl smiling.

Until she was greeted with the sight of 5 frowning Animatronics.

„Turn off, turn off, turn off!", she rapidly shook the flashlight. It instantly turned off, making the situation only worse.

Now, the 5 'bots were staring at her with their eyes bright lit. Skylar gulped.

She was doomed.

...

Freddy shook his head after Bonnie came back, his eyes narrowed and arms crossed as he looked at the bunny. Bonnie responded with a nervous grin as he joined the other 'bots. The power was back on and all lights at the Dining Area were turned on.

He then looked at their Night Guard, who was sitting on the stage, with Chica on her right and Foxy and Goldie on her left, watching over her so she won't escape. The girl played with her fingers, looking down at her lap. She rose her head when she noticed Freddy stepping in front of her, with a defiant expression on her face, staring at the animatronic brown bear.

Freddy realized that, whatever would happen next, she wouldn't go down without a fight.

„Soooo, now what?" Skylar frowned. „If you plan to kill me, then do it quick. I hate slow deaths."

„Change of plans." Freddy said. „We won't harm you."

Skylar wasn't surprised at all. She jumped on the ground, crossing her arms and looking at Freddy with a firm expression.

„Okay, Fazbear, what's the deal now?" Skylar asked. Freddy bowed to her, his face being right in front of hers.

„The deal is, Winchester, that if you cause any trouble in my restaurant, you'll be done." Freddy then rose to his full height, being taller than Skylar. „Otherwise, you're allowed to roam through the pizzeria during the night and we won't harm you."

„Fair enough." Skylar said. „I won't cause any trouble. However, all I want to know is the past of this place. That's all."

„Good, that's your decision. But you should be aware of the consequences." Freddy said.

„Believe me, somebody warned me already on my first night here. And that weren't the staff members nor the management." Skylar replied with a confident expression. „I still remained."

She then turned to the West Hallway, walking away, but stopped for a bit. She turned around, sighing and her frown turning into a smile.

„Still, thanks for trusting me."

With that said, she went to the Office. The Animatronics looked at her, until she vanished.

„Woa, that was easy." Bonnie said.

„Lass has no idea what she's gettin' into." Foxy remarked.

„When you think you saw everything..." Golden Freddy shook his head.

„I think that she's nice." Chica said, earning surprised looks from everyone. „What? That's just my opinion."

„I wonder whom she meant when she said that somebody else told her about us." Freddy said.

„Well, I was a few times near the Office and I heard her talking with someone. But there was nobody inside." Bonnie said.

„You mean the male voice we heard before?" Freddy rose an eyebrow.

„I heard it too. But before. I mean the time before the pizzeria closed years ago." Chica said.

„Well, there's a phone in the Office. Maybe the lass is talkin' to someone who knows 'bout us." Foxy said.

„And who's that person?" Goldie asked.

„Why don't you ask her then?" Freddy said dryly, rolling with his eyes. „As Chica said, Winchester is nice. If you're lucky, she'll tell you."

„Why are you so distrustful of her?" Bonnie asked.

„All I can tell is that this girl means trouble." Freddy growled, leaving the four. He had enough problems and the girl was just an additional. However, he made clear he wasn't responsible for what happens to her.

It was probably the best for all of them.

However, Freddy was still curious. Despite not being happy with the Night Guard still being around, he was curious how she'd react to what she learns about the history of this place. Also, he wanted to know who this mysterious person is who calls her every night and probably gives her instructions on how to deal with the Animatronics.

He slowly came to the realization that it maybe would be worth it to find out more about their Night Guard.

...

Despite now being allowed to visit the Night Guard and vice versa, the Animatronics didn't do anything for the rest of the night. There were no visits. They still needed some time to think about the situation and Skylar was fine with it. She also didn't know what to expect from their newly-formed relationship.

She re-listened Phone Guy's last tape. She realized she managed to achieve something no other Night Guard did – convince the Animatronics to not kill her. The conditions and the basis was still shaky and she didn't know how to behave, but she was sure that the Animatronics would soon get used to her.

It was 5 AM and nothing happened. Yet.

Did they wait for her to make the first move?

Skylar slowly counted the minutes. Half an hour passed. Nothing happened.

She saw Bonnie and Chica on the Show Stage, talking about something, probably her. Freddy was cleaning the tables at the Dining Area. Foxy was inside the Pirate Cove. Goldie wasn't anywhere to be found, but Skylar speculated he was somewhere near.

She looked at the tape with Phone Guy's call. Whoever this person was, he saved her life with his advices and gave her some hints about the past of the pizzeria. Also, the changing posters helped as well.

Sky wondered if it were the children's spirits who wanted to tell her about the history of the place as well. After all, she heard cheering every time she made it to 6 AM without getting caught, especially during the first 4 Nights.

Finally, 6 AM arrived and Skylar's shift finished. One last check and she saw the 'bots in their usual places. She sighed, standing up and putting the tape into her bag.

She was about to leave as she suddenly heard bells chiming and children cheering.

She smiled.

Well, maybe 4 isn't Death after all (at least for her).