Before The Dark Times
By
End Of Grace
Chapter 5: Nest, Studio and Mall.
She wondered if children could go mad, not angry mad, but crazy mad. She was trapped in this crazy odd house with no one to talk to except her dolls who never answered back, Butler who never said anything except when necessary and those odd gnome things that she was forbidden to interact with. Every day was the same, same outfit, same meals, same stupid dolls, same stupid everything. The only time she seemed to have a break from the norm was when she was able to escape out the front door while the Butler was out the back dealing with the laundry. Then she could sit in the garden or by the cliffside and enjoy a few spare moments of freedom before the Butler dragged her back to the house. She sat at the edge of the cliff now, enjoying the wind in her hair, trying to enjoy the small amount of peace from the noises of the house. How long had she been here? She didn't know, it had been a long time she was sure. She wasn't even sure how old she was, she was a child...she was...right? Maybe an older child? She didn't what they were called. She looked down at her green dress, it was the same green dress, she wore it every day. She had lots of dresses...but it was just copies of the one dress. Everything was the same day after day and she was fed up with it! The wind picked up, leaves and sand-swept up, making it hard to see so she raised her arms to protect her eyes. Something blew on to her arms before fluttering to the ground. She looked down and gave a small gasp before scrambling to the floor to grab the flier before the wind could take it. It was bright and colourful and filled with odd creatures.
"Come visit Freddy and family at Freddy Fazbear Pizzeria, we have games, music and most importantly Freddy and the crew, Chica chicken, Bunny and Shadow bunny, Sooty bear and our new friend Tiny. Foxy the pirate and his wacky crew and family are waiting for you at The Cove. Shows every hour. Prizes to be won. Up for being scared? Want to prove you are brave? This is the place for you. Games and screams await you with Big Daddy and the Nightmare gang. If you like fun and hugs then our Sister location is the place for you. Large garden to play in, music to dance to and all the hugs you can want. The Sister is also specially designed to help children with special needs, with wheelchairs swings, the soft room for those needing a bit of quiet, our staff and animatronics are all able to sign so no one is left out"
By each quote was a picture of what she guessed were the creatures that ran the places the flier was talking about. Bears, foxes, music, games, it sounded amazing and what was the pizza? Who cared! It wasn't fish fingers! It sounded like a magic fun land.
"Misstress?"
She froze for a moment and then quickly looked over her shoulder. The butler was calling her from the door, he hadn't seen her yet, good. She folded the flier carefully and then slipped it under her clothes so that the Butler couldn't see it. If he found it, he would take it away and destroy it, as by her mother's orders she was not to have any contact with the outside world. This would be her little secret. She smiled happily for the first time in a long while before skipping back to the house.
-Line Break-
Mike sighed angrily as he screwed up another piece of paper and threw it at the overflowing bin. Damn it all, he needed a fourth animatronic design but could he think of one, could he hell! He already got Monty the crocodile, Galm Freddy and Chica but he did not want to put another bunny or fox into the mall. They had too many of them as it was, ok you might say that about the bears too but Freddy was the icon and logo of the business so a version of him had to be there. So what could he build? A dog? No. He couldn't see that going down well with the cats' animatronics at the sister. Maybe a guy hippo so Matron wouldn't be lonely? Nah, he couldn't see it working plus rumours were going around that the pretty hippo had a crush on someone at the sister. So what was left? A beaver? Toad? Pig? He got up and decided to have a break as he walked out of his workroom, through the living room to his small kitchen. While walking over he glanced over at his front door and smirked a little at the new locks he had placed on it. Sure he had to carry around extra keys but it was worth it to have peace of mind. Plus he got his own back by setting up his camera outside his door.
"Take that bitch" he muttered, thinking of the odd woman that was his new landlord. He had knocked on her door to introduce himself but every time he went over there, she wasn't in, either that of she was ignoring him. She had introduced herself to everyone else in the building and everyone said she was sweet if a little odd. A little odd, that summed up in Mike's books as probably psychotic, a stalker or even a murder, as his luck went. Well, until she tried to murder him, he would just have to keep his guard up. Oh dear lord, he WAS starting to sound paranoid. They were both probably busy people and they were just missing each other. It happens. Plus all the neighbours agreed they felt a lot safer now with all the cameras in place, so it was a good thing...wasn't it? Mike groaned and grabbed a four-pack of beers from the fridge and dropped onto his sofa with a thud. He lifted his foot to rest it on the coffee table but accidentally kicked a lot of the papers he had on there off.
"Crap" he bent down to pick them up. He had thought they were bills but upon looking at them they were the scrap pieces that Mr McBear senior had kept. With a shrug and a glub of his beef, Mike sat back and looked over them. They were mainly stories of missing children and of a supposed cult called "The Eye" that was behind it. There was always an eye graffitied where the children were kidnapped and if by some miracle the children were found, they would be almost empty like husks only capable of doing one thing...drawing the eye. Some children were interviewed saying they had seen monster-like people haunting them. A large man with a sack on his head, an old woman with a long neck and a weird doctor and crawled along the ceiling. Yet the adults, parents and doctors, claimed it was simply the way the children were trying to cope with the loss of their friends and a way of explaining the horrible fact that their friends had been taken. Yet Mike knew that children were a lot more sensitive to the supernatural and usually saw things as they were not the dull normal world that most adults were used to. A man with a sack on his head...that sounded like the man that had tried to kidnap a kid outside of Freddy's. Could it be the same man?
Suddenly his mobile rang out loudly in his quiet apartment making him jump and almost knocking his beer to the floor. Mike felt his heart thump hard and his face glowing hot as if he had been caught doing something naughty as he scrambles for his phone, Freddy's warning of looking for trouble ringing in his ears.
"Hello?"
"Micheal? Are you alright?" it was his mom. "You sound out of breath"
"Yeah...yeah, I'm fine. Just couldn't find my phone. Is everything ok? Is there something you need?"
"You got two people wanting to be interviewed for the security job. Is tomorrow alright with you?"
"That's fine. What are they like?"
"An older dark man has the army and security experience and a young girl, going to college and wants the job, she was very excited on the phone"
"Sounds promising. Might have to hire both anyway as both Jeremy and Mark need some time off at the end of the month"
"Ah, Jeremy going to get his uncle things right? I have written out a few legal papers so he won't get into any trouble should this Mr Drew try calling the local police or even his lawyer"
"Good idea. Henry has almost finished his cartoon, will you want to come to the first showing? Everyone is coming to Freddy's to watch it"
"Sorry, sweetie. It's divorce season here and we are all snowed under with the paperwork. Poor Gwen is working so hard I'd swear there is steam coming out of her ears. Speaking of animatronics, I had that greasy Purohit on the phone again, he wants an update on the animatronics, I think he wants to use them to prompt that mall of his."
"I've got three ready...just have no idea about the fourth one yet"
"I thought it was going to be a dog or something…"
"Thought against it. Not a good combo with the others"
"Well...maybe something like a dog then? A wolf or something. Whatever you pick, do it quick! The less I have to deal with that man the better"
"Ok mom, I'll get right on and thanks again for sorting out the new employees"
"Your welcome dear. Have a good night and don't stay up too late"
"Sure mom. I'll do just that. Night" Mike muttered as he hung up. He opened up another beer and took along swing. A wolf? Could he make that work? He couldn't see it as a male...would a female be better? Yeah...a female wolf. A good singer. A mixture of pink and blue...blue being the primary colour with pink highlights. He groaned loudly as he struggled back to his feet, his mind filled with new ideas, the paper cutting forgotten.
Mark walked quietly into Freddy's, a good few minutes before midnight, so the animatronics were fast asleep. He was glad about it, he had been avoiding Freddy for ages, he wasn't too happy about it since it meant he didn't get to spend any time with Tiny. He had really missed the kid. He had wanted for Tiny to live with him like Shadow had with Mike and have him follow him to whatever store he was working in. Yet with him making his videos and Tiny needing a lot of upkeep, it was decided that it was best that Tiny stay at Freddy's where Mike and the other animatronics could keep an eye on him. He quickly walked down to the hallways he knew by heart before slumping into the tatty wheeled chair in the small cubby hole of an office.
"Seriously!" Mike grumbled as he turned on the monitors "After all the remodelling you would have thought Mike would have made this room bigger with some air conditioning" Glaring at the small metal fan. The cheerful bell rang out announcing it was midnight and Mike watched through the screen the animatronics waking up on the stage one by one. He watched them gather around Freddy as he handed out the chorus for the evening. Wait a second...where was Tiny? He wasn't there. Mark clicked on each of the monitors trying to find his small friend. Suddenly something pulled on his pants, causing him to jump in his seat and almost knock off his glasses.
"TINY! Jeez kid, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Mark panted as he leaned down and picked up the small animatronic and placed him on his lap. "Damn, you've got heavy! All those upgrades must be doing you some good. I bet all your friends at Critter County would be jealous"
Tiny chirped happily as he snuggled into Mark's chest. He had missed his human. He didn't understand why he hadn't been around, it had upset Freddy too, hopefully, this meant his human was going to be around a lot more.
"I'm going on a trip soon. It's only a small one, just to go and visit my mom and spend time with Chica my dog" said Mark as he stroked Tiny's hair. The small animatronic sat up and looked shocked up at Mark with sharp chirps.
"I know you would like to come with me kiddo, but I need you to stay here and keep an eye on that grumpy old Freddy for me"
"Excuse me? Who is old and grumpy?"
Mark swore under his breath as Tiny turned and smiled brightly at the large brown bear who was standing in one of the doorways. Freddy looked at Mark before smiling down at Tiny.
"Tiny, Chica has asked for your help to fill the party bags for tomorrows parties, think you can do it?"
Tiny's optics light up and he jumped down from Mark's lap and ran off to the kitchen to help while leaving Freddy and Mark alone. Mark continued to look at the monitors, ignoring the bear animatronic, as Freddy fidgeted on the spot.
"How have you been Mark?"
"Fine thanks"
"We've missed having you here"
Mark snorted with disbelief "Sure you have"
His chair was abruptly turned and he came face to face with the old bear animatronic. Although Freddy's face showed the simplest of expressions, Mark and no doubt the others could read them a lot better and Freddy was a mixture of sad and frustrated.
"Mark, are you still upset with me?"
"I don't know what you mean," said Mark pretending not to know what Freddy was on about.
"You know I respect you…"
"Don't you dare say you respect me when we both know that is a lie!" Mark snapped leaping out of his seat. "Not after all the snide remarks, mocking and piss-taking over the years"
Freddy learnt his large head to the side and narrowed his optics. "If I or any of the others truly did not respect you, you would have never have been our security guard. Do you think the five-night test is a joke? Cause it's not! You failed the first time true but you came back while many others have refused. You earned our trust and respect. If you don't believe me don't forget you are one of only a hand full of people that we trust our lives and protection to"
Mark's face glowed red as he rubbed the stubble on his face. Freddy had a point, other than himself, there were only about eight or so people that truly knew the animatronics real nature and were trusted to protect them while they were in sleep mode. Yet.
"Then why have you been giving me a hard time? Always saying I need the help"
Freddy chuckled "Wasn't it you that would dress up the cubs as guards and have them help you around the place?"
"That's a totally different thing and you know it!" Mark spluttered feeling his blush going down his neck, he must look like a stop sign he was so bright. Freddy sighed and pulled Mark by his shoulders into a tight embrace. "Let go"
"Mark...I've missed you and meant no disrespect to when I teased you about needing help" Freddy stroked Mark's hair with his large servo, feeling the human softening in his arms. Mark wanted to rip into Freddy, to tell him off, he was going to as he raised his head from Freddy's chest section and looked up at Freddy's faceplates and gulped. Freddy's blue optics seemed to be staring into his soul, his stare was so intense it felt impossible to look away, It was also hypnotic. Freddy leaned in closer and pressed his mouth against Mark's roughly before opening slightly to push his large tongue into Mark's mouth. Mark moaned and opened his mouth wider for Freddy's tongue to get in and wrestle it with his own. One of Freddy's servo slid down Mark's back before cupping and squeezing his butt cheek. Mark's eyes widened as his heart leapt to his throat. What the hell? He was supposed to be mad at Freddy! He wasn't supposed to be making out with him or whatever this was. It was too much! Too fast. He tried to pull away but Freddy was not letting go.
"Hey, Freddy?" came the voice of Bonnie as he peered in from the door Freddy came in by.
Freddy pulled his face away and pushed Mark's burning face into his chest plate so Bonnie could not see him.
"Yes, Bonnie? What is it?" Freddy said calmly turning only his head to look at the purple bunny.
"We're ready to practise our new songs when you're ready. The kids have everything set up for us" Bonnie looked a little concerned "Is everything ok in here?"
"Everything is fine Bonnie. Me and Mark are just having a quick chat and then I'll join you"
Bonnie nodded and quickly left while Mark, leaning against Freddy's chest felt like he was about to combust from embarrassment, he pushed himself up enough to glare at the bear.
"Freddy what the…"
Freddy slapped his large servo over Mark's mouth and watched the human struggle and curse.
"Calm down Mark. I know you are confused and I admit I have been also. Maybe I still am. Yet the one thing I do know that these last few months without you here have been very lonely. Not just for Tiny but for me as well. When you come back from your vacation I want you to come back here, to your...our home. We'll talk about the future when you get back"
With that the bear released Mark and turned quickly and left, leaving Mark dumbfounded. He slowly sat down in the seat and rubbed his face with his hands. What the hell was that about? Why had Freddy kissed him again? Why had he kissed back? And why did the horny bear touch his butt? He knew Freddy swung that way but he didn't. Right? He wasn't homophobic in the least, he was the best man at Mike's wedding and he had no problem with the animatronics paring off, so why was this freaking him out so much? One thing was certain though.
"I really need my vacation!"
-Line Break-
Joey wheeled himself quickly to the machine room, the book heavy in his lap, he could hear it, it was close. Damn it all to hell! All his dreams, all his plans, everything was gone and only a nightmare remained and it was out for his life. He didn't know why, he never gave the monster any reason to hate him let alone kill him, ok he might have had him locked up but that was it. It all started the night he announced Bendyland to his investors and employees. That idiot Thomas for reasons, probably the skirt Allison, had gained a conscience and started to demand his rights to the machine claiming it was his. Then he gets to the studio and finds the monster has escaped and killed the kid Buddy. He used the ink to bring the kid back and he became the perfect Boris. Instead of being grateful and obedient, the little shit ran off and was now in hiding. To make things worse, people were disappearing, not the people that were MEANT to disappear, but his employees like the artists, musicians and quite a few of the GENT people too. At least he was able to finally get rid of the egotistical Bertrum, the ink had happily swallowed him whole before disappearing somewhere in the fairgrounds. Yet now the police were snooping around, asking questions, it was only a matter of time before they came to search the studio and then the shit would hit the fan. He quickly blocked the door as best he could and once he was sure he was safe he started to flip the book as quickly as he could. There had to be something! If it can teach you to remove souls then it should tell you how to trap everything as well. He was near the end of the book when he noticed a spell that should do the trick. He needed six items that were linked to the studio and Bendy. He searched everywhere his wheelchair could let him but after what felt like forever he found a gear, a Bendy doll, a book, an ink jar, a record of Bendy music and a wrench. He placed them on the pillars that surrounded the main Ink Machine's switch. The pressure was fine for once, he wouldn't need to deal with it, but he could see the ink was already dripping down the walls from the pipes. He had to be quick. He opened the book quickly flipping to the page he needed when a scream made him jump. It was the monster, its twisted smile and overly large bowtie, as it slowly walked towards him.
"Joey..." it hissed, its voice sounded so inhuman.
"You can speak? Since when? How?" Joey shook as his eyes glanced down at the book and back at the monster.
"Give. Him. Back!" the monster snarled as he raised his gloved hand pointing at Joey.
"Wha...who? I've never taken anyone from you"
"Give. Him. Back. Give. Me. Henry!"
"Henry? What's Henry got to do with you? I made you! You were my idea, my creation…" Joey shook with anger. How dare this...this thing...ask for Henry.
The creature's smile seemed to widen as if he was mocking Joey while he shook his head slowly. He placed his inky hand over his chest and sighed with what sounded like a happy sound.
"Henry. Our. Henry. Want. Him. Love. Him"
Joey's face twisted with rage. He was the boss! He was the creator of Bendy! He was the GOD around here.
"Well, you can wait for Henry in hell you monster!" he snapped as he rattled off the incantation. Bendy roared and started to run towards Joey just as the man flipped the switch. The room shook violently, sending them both crashing to the floor, as the machine howled and grinding to life. Yet it wasn't pumping the ink this time...no this time it was sucking it all back in. Joey held on to the switch tightly as the wind around him rose and sucked hard trying to pull him into. The Monster had dug its claws into the wood but it was still sliding back towards the machine. Behind an ocean of ink flowed towards the machine as it sucked it all up, images of Alice Angel, Boris the Wolf, The Butcher Gang, and a host of inhuman inkblots followed unable to save themselves from their inky fate. The monster growled as it glared at Joey with deep hated.
"You. Will. Pay" it hissed as it let go of the floor and flew back joining the river of ink as it joined the machine with a final scream. The wind died as quickly as it had appeared and Joey slumped to the floor panting for breath. He crawled into his chair and ever so slowly wheeled himself over to the machine. Steam rose off of it as if it had burnt itself out. It gurgled and clanged as if there was something inside of it trying to break out and he knew there was, just as he knew there was no way for it to escape. He took a deep sigh and pulled out his mobile and quickly put in a number.
"It's me. Yeah I know, I know, you're a busy guy but listen I need one final favour and….no. No, I'm cutting my losses. I need your guys to come quickly and move the machine to my place. No, not my main place, I have a small apartment out of town, take it there. No doubt the police will search my home. Yes, yes, thanks, old friend. I'll call you when the heat has died down"
Joey patted down his hair and straightened his tie, before turning his chair around and decided to inspect the studio himself. There wasn't a drop of ink to be found in the whole building. Even the lower floors that contained Bendyland and the...others...were gone. Like they never existed.
-Line Break-
Mr Purohit sat at his desk looking over Mike's designs, asking questions and speaking of how he saw things with the mall. Mike looked over the designs for the mall, trying to mask his concern and partly wishing he had brought someone with him.
"So you're planning to have a mini-golf course and a roller coaster ride as well as shops and a movie theatre," said Mike as he looked over the papers.
"That's right. I hoped that we could use one of the animatronics to promote each section. Like Monty here with the golf and Roxie with the roller coaster. There are also meet and greet rooms for each of the animatronics as well as a stage for their shows"
"Yes. I have no problem with them looking over certain areas as well I was going to suggest it, but I have noticed one small thing. There is no resting room for the animatronics"
"Resting room?"
"Ah, It's a place where the animatronics can go and freshen up. Kids tend to get sticky and have accidents. So it's just standard practice at the pizzeria for the animatronics to have a place to clean up and rest for a while so they don't overheat or anything"
"You almost make it sound like their employees but I guess if it is necessary then I'm sure we can fit it in somewhere"
"This is quite a large place but even backstage seems overly big as well" Mike commented, "is there a reason for that?"
"Well delivers are going to be made throughout the day and night, plus stores are going to need room to hold their stock as well, not to mention needing many freezers and such for all the restaurants we have there"
Mike frowned slightly when he noticed that the man would not meet his eye. Something was off.
"Well that being said I would like to be in charge of the staff of the pizzeria area as well as two or three security guards"
A cold sweat seemed to suddenly foam on Purohit's forehead "There will be no need for that. We have the most advanced technology and a great system to watch over everyone. There will be no need for guards"
"I'm afraid I must insist. Cameras can only do so much and are no good if there are blind spots. Not to mention what is the point of having a camera when a kidnapping or something happens? No, I must insist on guards or I will have to pull out of this" said Mike firmly.
"Now, let's not be hasty. I said there was no need for guards and I meant it as I have had another individual party create some for the mall. They are highly skilled and I think you would be impressed but if it makes you feel better, I'm sure a guard during the day and one at night won't hurt, plus I think it might make people feel a bit more comfortable having a human to talk too"
"A skilled builder you say? Anyone, I may know?"
"They are a very private person so I doubt it but I'm sure you will approve of them when you see them"
"Very well. I think that covers most things" said Mike as he held out his hand, Purohit smiled and shook it. When he went to pull away Mike turned his arm slightly showing off his wrist that was covered in a tattoo of an eye. "You don't seem to be the type to have tattoos Mayor Purohit"
The man laughed nervously "Foolishness from days of my youth. The great eye is a great protector according to legend"
"Really? Interesting. I've seen that eye design before but can't place it. Must have read it somewhere"
Sweat dripped down Purohit's neck, what did the man mean by that? Did he know about the cult? He had to end this meeting quickly.
"Well I don't mean to be rude Mr Schmidt, but I have a lot of meetings today, if there are any problems don't hesitate to call my assistant with them"
"Yes, very well, I'm looking forward to working on animatronics and seeing the mall when it's finished," said Mike in a friendly voice but his eyes were cold as he shook Purohit's hand again and quickly left the office with his copies of the mall. Purohit pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow. That man was dangerous, he could practically feel the power rolling off of him as he did with the Lady. Only she knew how to use it, he didn't, he wasn't sure which one was worse. He walked over to his more private rooms where the Lady was looking over several files she had asked him to bring to her.
"I think asking Mr Schmidt for his help in the mall is going to be a mistake, my Lady. He already seems suspicious of the place and maybe of me too"
"Mr Schmidt can not be everywhere at one time, neither can his employees, everything will be fine. Besides with our new ally, Mr Schmidt will have his hands quite full I think, she will led him a merry dance"
"If you say so my Lady"
"Incidentally I overheard Mr Schmidt saying about putting his guards in...by chance did he say which one?" The Lady asked, her voice tried to sound as if she was asking an innocent question.
"No my Lady, he didn't mention anyone by the name," said Purohit with some confusion.
"Oh, no matter, please keep me informed of whoever is placed here," said the Lady as she pocketed a picture of Jack into her kimono.
-Line break-
Joey was being pushed to his limousine when several police cars surrounded it. A large burly looking man came up to him holding out a piece of paper.
"Mr Drew, I have a warrant to search your studios for the missing members of your staff, I also have to ask you to come with me down to the station to answer some questions"
"Of course officer, I will call my lawyer to meet us there shall I? Though I don't know why you feel the need to ask me anything, I'm just as in the dark about them as everyone else is. And by all means please search the studio to your heart's content. I promise you. You won't find a thing"
To be Continued….
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