By the time I reached Rich's trailer, I was completely out of breath. I tripped over my feet, stumbling up towards their front door. I could see the window curtains shift slightly, signifying someone was watching me. I pounded on the door, bracing my hands against my knees. The door opened slowly.
"What do you want," Mr. Waters spoke, answering the door. Mr. Waters was normally somewhat kind to me, so his agitated tone was uncomforting.
"Is Luke here?" I asked.
"Luke? He hasn't been here all day. Rich has been home. Please leave our property now," Mr. Waters spoke, closing the door. I stuck my foot in the door beginning to panic.
"Where the hell is he then?" I shouted. Mr. Waters grunted, slamming the door against my foot. I retracted it as it locked in front of me. I began to breath heavily, trying to decide where else Luke could be. I bounced into the next neighborhood, avoiding coming into the view of Chris's trailer. The sky was beginning to darken, and the working porch lights were beginning to flicker on.
"Oh, Vicky Vic Vic" A voice chided.
"What," I grunted, trying to run faster. I was completely exhausted, and my eyes were beginning to water.
"Might I remind you what happened the last time you tried to interfere with my business?" Jerry spoke. I tripped, sending my body tumbling into the midst of the tall grass. Unable to move my arm in time, I screamed in pain as it took the full weight of my body. I flipped over quickly, trying to survey the damage. My eyes were clouding over, and I was beginning to lose my hearing. I tried to get to my feet, but everything began to spin. I sat in place, trying to reorient myself. Several images flashed before me, telling me this was another hallucination.
"I don't have time for your mind games," I whispered, feeling sick to my stomach.
"You have all the time in the world with me," Jerry replied. Jerry's hallucinations had become extremely life-like. I could see myself very clearly. I was in Willy's Wonderland...inside the vents. My body was on all fours, and I was trying to run away from Arty, who was gaining speed rapidly. I looked terrified, and was screaming loudly for him to stop. In an instant, he grasped my leg, pulling me back to his teeth. We made contact for a brief moment, before I was no more. I screamed loudly, trying to cover my eyes, something was forcing me to keep watching. I saw myself standing in the main dining room, staring into a shadowy spot. All was quiet, until my neck was quickly grabbed by Ozzie's beak, then pulled back into the shadows
"Get lost, Jerry," I grunted, trying to figure out how to make the hallucinations stop, "The robots won't hurt me like you will,"
"Oh, we'll definitely be seeing about that,"
I saw myself in the arcade room. I was surrounded by both Cammy and Sara. Sara danced around me, keeping me from escaping. Cammy's tongue roped around my neck, instantly breaking it. I tried to regain my composure, feeling greatly discomforted at the sight of myself dying. I then saw myself being crushed inside the ball pit by Tito. The deafening crack of my body was enough to cause me to scream again. I saw myself being restrained by Gus, right in front of Kknighty, who impaled me with his sword. I breathed heavily, feeling my chest. My heart beat loudly. I saw myself in front of Willy. I seemed too happy to see him. He had leaned towards my ear, and whispered: "I've been saving the best for last" before using his powerful jaws to rip my shoulder from its socket.
"That's not what happened," I spoke, trying not to cry.
"We're not saying it won't happen, though," Jerry replied. In a sudden wave of heat, the sickness was gone. I breathed heavily, getting to my feet. I was beginning to believe I'd be alright, when an earth-shaking boom sent me tumbling to the ground. Several trailers shook in their places, and suspended decorations fell to the ground. A blinding streak of purple light shot up from Willy's Wonderland.
"Oh no," Was all I managed to say. Jerry was back.
Luke's POV (10 minutes ago):
"Did you get everything?" Robbie asked as I rounded the corner of the backside of Willy's Wonderland. I couldn't see him still, as he promised that once this was over, he'd show me what he looked like.
"Yeah," I whispered, checking over my shoulder to make sure Vic wasn't following me. I had lied to her for the first time ever, and it didn't feel right. Going to Rich's house seemed believable, and, just like Robbie said, Vic fell for it. I'm sure if she still wasn't a wreck from last
"Good. Now, as long as you keep quiet, I can sneak you in here unnoticed, you just have to do as I say," Robbie spoke. I nodded my head, clutching the Walmart bag. "Now, enter the same way you did last time; down through the hole in the roof,"
I grunted, holding the Walmart bag between my teeth. The cold metal of the rusted ladder stung my hands, as the desert air tried to whip me off balance. I reached the top, doing my best not to tumble backwards. The sky was darkening, making it hard to see. I hadn't seen Dad since Vic's arrival this morning, so I could only assume he was still at the house. I wanted to stay with Vic, I really did, but Robbie said she needed a bit of help first.
"Alright, now lower yourself down," Robbie instructed. Robbie had been my friend for the past few days. He was relatable, and a great listener too. Even Rich wasn't as good of a friend as Robbie. Vic's annoyance with Robbie made me irritated. She doesn't understand what it's like to have good friends, and the friends she does have, she always pushes away.
I tried as quietly as I could to lower myself through the gaping hole in the roof, not having much luck. I slipped, falling directly into the ballpit.
"Now, you need to go to the Super Happy Fun Room," Robbie spoke as soon as I stood up. I looked around quickly, making sure I hadn't woken the animatronics.
"The Super Happy what?" I replied, trying not to trip.
"The Super Happy Fun Room. It's where you found Vic last," Robbie answered. I didn't quite remember how I had found Vic, it was a bit of sheer luck. After threatening the animatronics with my Nerf gun, they seemed to get the idea. Now, I had no Nerf gun, and was relying on Robbie.
"Are you sure I'm not gonna die?" I asked, hoping the answer was no.
"Of course not, I promise you safety this entire night," Robbie replied. I was silent for a moment, making completely sure I wasn't being followed by anyone other than Robbie.
"Alright, let's get this over with," I whispered.
The Super Happy Fun Room did not look like a super happy fun room. I hadn't the chance to get a good look at it since trying to get Vic out. From what Dad had told me, this was the place Jerry Willis used to murder people. The decorations were all over the floor, and I could see faint blood splatters on the wall.
"Uh, why here?" I asked, feeling a cold chill shoot through my back.
"This is the most centralized location in the restaurant. Now quickly, before the animatronics wake up," Robbie ordered. Following his directions, I pushed the tables away from the center of the floor, and set up my chalk display.
"This looks a little familiar to be honest, I think I've seen this symbol somewhere before," I started, examining the odd chalk art I finished with.
"We don't have time for that, light the candles and place them exactly where I tell you," Robbie continued. I trusted him, using Vic's lighter to ignite each of the candle wicks. The entire scene seemed a little too familiar to me.
"Isn't this kind of like the thing Jerry Willis did? You know, with the ritual and-"
"No, this is completely different, Luke, do you think this has anything to do with Jerry?" Robbie interrupted. I shook my head, not wanting to make him upset. "You're the only person I trust with this task. That's how much you mean to me. You're going to save all of Hayesville,"
"I just want to save my sister," I continued.
"You have such a kind heart, Luke, always caring for others. That's what makes you such a great friend to me. Without you, I would still be lost wandering around this place alone," Robbie spoke.
"You really think I'm that important?" I smiled, feeling happy Robbie thought so highly of me. I never received any compliments from my friends, as their parents usually didn't like them hanging out with me anyways. Vic's fault.
"You're my best friend, Luke," Robbie cheered, "And in honor of this, how'd you like to join a club I have?"
"A club?"
"Yeah, me and some of my friends have it. You'd fit right in,"
"I thought you were alone?"
"There are other souls roaming this restaurant other than me, you know,"
"I'm not dead though,"
"You don't need to be dead, we'll always be connected through friendship," Robbie stated, seeming to trip over his words on the last sentence.
"Sounds pretty fun," I smiled. I'd never been part of a club before, as Vic wouldn't ever drive me anywhere.
"Amazing! I need you to say it," Robbie ordered.
"Say what?"
"Say you want to join us,"
"I want to join you,"
In that instant, I felt a cold pain rush through my left arm. I winced, clutching my hand. Looking at it, a small engraving appeared, resembling a circle of some variety.
"Dude," I whined.
"Don't worry about that, that's just a little code we have,"
"Is Vic gonna-"
"Vic will be fine. Now, we need to act quickly," Robbie started. I stared at the strange display on the ground. The candles projected strange shadows onto the wall, reminding me of people. Something didn't feel right about this, "Repeat very slowly and carefully after me. It's important you don't mess up any of this,"
"What happens if I do?"
"Then we won't be able to stop the animatronics from foraging Hayesville and killing everyone," Robbie spoke quickly. I nodded my head. I wanted Vic and Dad to be proud of me. I wanted that more than anything.
"I'm ready,"
There was a slight shuffle from a different room, as I began to hear other voices,
"Luke? You're not supposed to be in here, are you?" Sara spoke, her voice getting closer.
"Repeat after me," Robbie began. Word by word, I echoed the strange chant Robbie spoke to me.
"Aye, Willy, Luke is here alone, and he's doin' something in the Super Happy Fun Room," Arty shouted. I whispered quickly, following Robbie's instructions.
"Oh no, he ain't in there alone, I knew freaking Jerry-" I heard Willy began. I finished the chant, and a grisly glow filled the room. From the center of the chalk symbol on the floor, a blinding beam of light blew through the roof. I stumbled back, catching myself on one of the tables. A deep laugh echoed through the room.
"Robbie?" I asked quietly. I heard several metallic clanks, then robotic whirring. Willy appeared in the doorway.
"Willy, what is going on," I breathed, hoping Vic had convinced him not to hurt me.
"Willy isn't here anymore, Luke, and for the record, my name is Jerry,"
I gasped.
"Wait, no, that's impossibly, Jerry is supposed to be-"
"Dead? Well, I'm back, and much, much stronger now," Jerry spoke, stretching his arms, "Welcome to the club, Luke,"
Back to Vic's POV:
I knew I wasn't going crazy, as several neighbors stepped out of their trailers to see what all the commotion was. The scary beam stretching into the sky was enough to get everyone's attention. That worked out in my benefit, as everyone was too busy gawking than to notice me panting like a dog, trying to get back to the police station. The Mustang would be much quicker than my running. I knew Robbie manipulated Luke, there was no doubting that. To the extent of the manipulation, however, I was unsure about. Upon reaching the police station, I didn't see Deputy Evan's car, signaling he was still at the hospital with Sheriff Lund. I fumbled with the key fob, almost too exhausted to hold it upright. As soon as I had the engine going, I reversed full speed, and floored it onto the highway. The tires squealed loudly, leaving two dark skid marks in their wake. I manipulated the steering wheel quickly, careening down the road. With Lund out of order, there was no one to stop me from speeding. I liked it like that. Willy's Wonderland was obviously a much quicker drive at 90mph than forty. However, by the time I arrived at the restaurant, it was too late. I flung myself from the car, hoping Luke hadn't left yet. Using my arm strength, I hauled myself into and around the restaurant, looking for any signs of them. So that's what the little brat wanted candles and chalk for. I decided to leave the symbol on the floor, as it might be useful later. There was no way I was going to let Jerry run this town. I was going to send him and his cronies right back to where they belonged. I'd have to find them first, and they definitely weren't in the restaurant. Neither were the animatronics, which was even more concerning.
"Willy?" I screamed, almost completely out of breath. My cracked voice echoed through the restaurant. If there was ever a time I wanted Willy's comfort, now was it. I was terrified. Wasting no more time, I quickly exited the restaurant. It was much more difficult without Willy's help, but I managed. Several stitches ripped loose, causing me to grope my arm in agony. Falling to the ground, a singeing pain shot up through my legs. I sprinted towards the Mustang, glancing around to make sure I hadn't missed them. As I pulled myself into the Mustang, I completely missed the turn and belted through the intersection. There weren't many places for Jerry to go in Hayesville. I figured if there was one place he'd want to start, it'd be my trailer. I hoped that wasn't the case, but the happy reassurances soon faded as I pulled into the driveway and saw the lights were off. Dad should've been ready to leave by now, and beginning to fix Luke dinner. I tried to displace it as something else, but my fears became reality as I stepped into the kitchen, and shut the door behind me. The place had been trashed. All of it was completely destroyed. The counters had been ripped from the walls, the table and chairs had all been smashed, the T.V. was shattered, and the sofa had been ripped to shreds.
"Who's here?" I shouted into the darkness, knowing very well who it was.
"You know exactly who this is, girly," I heard a familiar voice speak. Willy, or what appeared to be Willy, emerged from the darkness.
"This, Vic," He spoke, looking down at himself, "This is what I've been after,"
"Jerry?" I asked.
"That's right. Not so much in the flesh anymore, but this is so much better," Jerry replied. He sounded very similar to Willy, but I could discern the two voices.
"You're inside my friend," I said, trying not to make it awkward.
"Duh, I've taken over your little lover boy's body. And I must say, he's just as powerful as a remember," Jerry roared, adjusting his stance.
"You don't belong in this world anymore, you had your chance," I hissed, backing up slightly.
"I've waited for so long to finally come back, I don't think you quite realize how agonizing this process has been," Jerry replied, continuing to move in his place.
"Something you deserved,"
"Let's not be too hasty now, sweet stuff, I've had fun pretending to be Robbie,"
"You lied to my brother and I,"
"Well, technically, it's lying by omission. I've held up to what I've said,"
"You're a liar,"
"I'm many, many things. A liar is one of them,"
"What did you do with Willy,"
"Well, technically, since he is a self-sustaining life force, he's trapped with the other seven,"
I paused in confusion, feeling my heartbeat rising. "All the souls I take tonight will be temporarily housed in my mind, until I can convert them to energy. I've been drained over the last few years, and quite unfortunately, I don't have the power to take it all right now,"
"So, they're stuck in your head?"
"Something along those lines. Willy is powerful enough to destroy just about anything he tries at, so you're in for a fun time tonight,"
"You're not gonna try anything on me, are you?" I sneered, trying to get Jerry to keep talking. The longer he talks, the longer I stay alive.
"Eventually, yes. Ever since that day you escaped me, I vowed to hunt your soul down and do what I may with it," Jerry growled.
"Word that a little differently, please," I snickered.
"Oh-Vic-damn it, you teenagers. You're going to join me as I destroy everything you hold dear. Then, when it's all over, you're going to feel the suffering I've wished for you for the last eleven years,"
"I'm not about to let that happen,"
"Luke!" Jerry shouted. My eyes shot to Jerry's side, as Luke emerged from the shadows. His eyes were red and puffy, and he held his head down in shame.
"What did you do to him?" I shouted.
"I gave him what he wanted. He wanted to help the poor souls I've trapped here. I was a soul trapped here. My crew, as well. Do you know how awful it is to roam around that place day in and day out?"
"What did you do to my brother," I growled. Jerry sighed loudly, swaying his arms gently.
"Care to explain what you did, Luke? Vicky obviously doesn't want to listen to me,"
Luke was quiet for a moment.
"V-Vic?" He sniffed.
"Luke, what happened?" I asked in a quiet voice.
"I'm so sorry, I just wanted to help everyone, I know how much you hate it here, and I figured that since you like Willy's Wonderland so much, I could get the animatronics to stop killing people to stay alive, and free all the trapped souls, a-and make you happy, and make Dad happy, and-" Luke tried to explain. He broke down crying.
"Luke, angel, please don't cry," I whispered, crouching down to his level, "Jerry manipulated you like he did with everyone else,"
"Robb-I mean Jerry told me to say the ritual spell, and I did, and now he and his friends are back,"
"And?" Jerry impatiently spoke. I shot him a rude glance.
"And I joined their group,"
"You what?" I asked, trying to understand.
"Robbie invited me to his group. I promise I would've said no if I would've known Vic, I'm so sorry," Luke cried.
"Why are you doing this to him?" I asked Jerry.
"For you, Vic, I told you I wanted you to suffer. I wish you'd enjoy it a little more," Jerry replied. I gagged.
"Just leave him alone, I'll do whatever you want," I offered.
"Um, no, that's not how it works. He's been binded into a contract, and his soul is now connected to ours,"
"Ours?" I asked. No sooner had I asked, then we were joined by the rest of the seven animatronics.
"We missed you, Vic," One of them spoke.
"Each of the Willy's Wonderland animatronics is now inhabited by one of my original crew members. I designed these things to be serve as killing machines, and now, it's finally a reality," Jerry laughed.
"There's no way you can get away with this," I spoke. I had been so fueled by my adrenaline burst from the run, that I nearly forgot my life was in very grave danger.
"Now, without further ado, bring out the birthday boy," Jerry called. Siren Sara reached behind her, shoving forth a very disheveled looking man. He cried in pain, hitting the ground.
"Dad?" I spoke, instantly being restrained as I tried to run towards him, "Let him go!" I screamed, thrashing between Arty's and Cammy's grasps.
"Vic?" Dad asked, obviously in pain.
"Dad, please," I spoke, beginning to feel tears welling up, "Do what you have to with me, just please leave my family alone,"
Jerry approached me, taking both my arms from Arty and Cammy.
"You see, Vic, your family is the eyesore of Hayesville. I don't think anyone is gonna be sad to see any of you go," He sneered, moving behind me to keep my arms restrained. I tried to pull free, but Jerry's grasp was very obviously strengthened by possessing Willy.
"Please don't hurt my dad," I cried. Jerry nodded his head, and both Ozzie ad Gus approached him.
"Vic, what is going on," Dad asked, trying to get his bearings.
"Dad, I promise I can fix this, fight your way out, please," I sobbed.
"I know what's going on, they're going to kill me" He spoke, wiping his hair from his face.
"Fight back," I called, panic welling in my voice. Jerry positioned his jaw over my head. I was completely immobile, and my head was locked on Dad.
"Luke, do something!" I screamed. Luke stared at me in horror, as he continued to cry.
"He can't move, he's under my control right now," Jerry spoke. In a sudden flash of movement, Gus tackled Dad to the ground. I couldn't tell if Dad or I screamed louder. Gus's massive weight was crushing him, as Ozzie repeatedly pecked at him, creating gashes. Dad tried to put up a fight, but his weight was no match to Gus's.
"Vic," He panted, trying to speak.
"Stop, Jerry, I'll do anything you want, just please stop," I cried, trying to move.
"I've already made up my mind. It's not like you're going to miss him, are you? He's been nothing but a humiliating abusive sad-sack for your whole life,"
"He's still my father," I retorted, choking on my tears.
"Vic, I-I'm so-sorry," Dad breathed, trying to speak still. I shook my head, my mouth open. I couldn't speak. "If this is how it eh-ends for me, please know I'm sorry. I lov-vvv you, I'm sor-ry I wasn't there for you when I shouldddd've been, Victor-hh-ia,"
"You're hurting him!" I screamed as loud as I could, thrashing violently, "Look away Luke," I begged, Luke shut his eyes tightly.
"Looks like it's the end of the line, say bye bye," Jerry spoke in my ear. In a splatter of blood and a loud crack, I screamed as loud as I could. Sobbing painfully, I felt my senses begin to cloud. I was covered in blood, and so was the rest of the trailer.
"See? I took care of that problem for you," Jerry spoke.
"You killed him!" I screamed, my throat horse. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I continued to sob.
"Consider it a gift, girly," Jerry mocked. Through my teary eyes, I could see Luke, who was also crying. His eyes were still shut tightly.
"Leave us alone," I begged, falling limply. Jerry's grip stayed firm.
"I don't have any use for your pathetic self right now, so I'm going to keep you with me 'till I need you again. After all, your nineteenth birthday should be one to remember, and I'm going to make it the best, and last birthday you'll ever have,"
Crying loudly, I continued to thrash as violently as I could. My arm stung, and so did the rest of my body, but I couldn't think about that. I couldn't focus on anything. Everything was falling apart.
"I want my Dad," I cried softly.
"Aw, is Vic gonna go crying to her boyfriend?" Jerry taunted.
"I hate you so much," I screamed, buckling over in agony. I was beginning to smell the blood, and it was making me nauseous.
"Please bring him back,"
"You and I both know that isn't a possibility anymore," Jerry replied. I looked up at him.
"Get out of my house,"
"We'll all be leaving as a team,"
"I hate you! I hate all of you! You and all your stupid crew mates" I screamed as loudly as I could. My heart kept trying to find the least bit of comfort at the sight of Willy. But my mind knew that Willy was somewhere else. I need to get him back.
"We all hate you too," Sara spoke, moving towards me.
"How about you go to time-out so you can think about how your actions have consequences," Jerry lectured, stroking my cheek. I tried to jerk my head away from him. "I'll let you out when you're needed again,"
In a sudden flash of movement, Jerry's hand shot from my cheek to my neck. I choked, trying to pry his hands away. My vision was quick to cloud, and I passed out soon after. When I woke up, my neck was still in a great deal of pain. My entire body was in a great deal of pain. I was still covered in blood. I was in a dark room, though, which was somewhat comforting.
"Vic?" I heard Willy say.
"Willy," I cried, not moving from my spot. Willy bumped into me.
"Oops, sorry girly, it's hard to see in this lighting," Willy said, backing up from me. I was quiet, my mouth still open slightly, trying not to scream and cry. The other animatronics were quick to join, all staring at me.
"We saw what happened," Willy spoke softly. In an instant, I embraced Willy, beginning to sob again
"They killed him," I screamed, holding Willy as tight as I could. Willy didn't respond, but rather hold me tightly with both arms. His strength was like Jerry had mentioned. But unlike Jerry, Willy's strength was comforting. I choked on my tears, doing everything I could to stop crying.
"What happened to me," I breathed, finally pulling away from me.
"You're here with the rest of us. We're in a temporary confinement inside Jerry's wrecked mind until he thinks it's a good idea to kill us," Ozzie spoke.
"Does that mean my body is still out there?" I asked.
"See for yourself," Arty replied, pointing to a very hazy projection. We were viewing things through Jerry's perspective. My body was sprawled out on the ground.
"Well that's just great," I sniffed, drying my eyes.
"You know we're gonna get you out of here," Willy spoke. I nodded, trying to believe him.
"C'mere, bestie," Sara spoke, hugging me. I hugged her back, resting my face on her shoulder.
"We're so sorry about your Dad," Cammy stated, joining the hug.
"We all are sorry. So very sorry," Gus joined. Before too long had passed, all the animatronics had joined.
"I'm sorry I'm making this such a big deal," I spoke.
"I don't think an apology is necessary. You've been through a lot these past few days, I'm here to take whatever you throw at me," Willy spoke.
"Thank you," I spoke, trying to smile.
"You sound like a sappy soap opera," Gus teased.
"I'm tellin' her the truth," Willy replied.
"You're a strong girl, Vic, it takes a lot to break you down. Jerry thinks he's done that, but he couldn't be more wrong. We're all here to support you," Cammy stated, breaking from the hug, followed by everyone else.
"I wish I could offer you guys the same," I shrugged.
"You did, trust me," Willy replied. I stared up at him, trying to see him through my watery eyes.
"We'll leave you two alone for a minute," Arty called, backing up into the darkness. I tried not to smile.
"Is there anything you need to get off your chest? Anything at all? Just crying? I'm here for it, girly," WIlly comforted. I hugged him tightly, trying to decide how to feel.
"There's so much going on right now, please just don't let me go," I whispered holding Willy's hand on my shoulder. Willy obeyed my request, embracing me in another hug. I held him tightly, trying to slow down my breathing. My teary eyes stuck to his fur as I tried to stop hiccuping.
"I don't often make promises, but I'm gonna make one with you right now," Willy started, stroking the back of my head, "I promise on my own existence that I'm gonna get you somewhere safe,"
"You don't have to promise me anything, I don't think I'm gonna make it out of here alive," I replied, wiping my eyes dry again.
"Don't say that. I am going to get you out of this place even if it's the last thing I ever do,"
I let Willy say that, and didn't respond. I wanted to believe that promise could be upheld. It was rare anyone made promises that they could keep with me, and this promise seemed far fetched.
"I'd be okay if Jerry finished me off,"
Willy quickly grabbed my shoulders, staring at me.
"Vic, don't say that, please," He started, "You've got so much to live for. I want-no-I NEED you to live. Just because Jerry is somehow back doesn't mean he gets to ruin everything for you,"
I paused, feeling the tears well up in my eyes again.
"You're right Willy, I'm so sorry," I cried, burying my face into Willy again, "I'm sorry I'm confusing you,"
"What you're feeling is natural, all of it is. You're a human. A strong one at that. You're probably feeling thousands of emotions right now. You just gotta breath, Vic, let me hold you for a moment so you can rest,"
At that moment, I let myself cry. I forgot about everything that was going on, and embraced what was going on inside me. Sadness, anger, frustration, confusion...there was a lot. Willy didn't seem to be too fazed, as his hold around me didn't falter.
"Thank you," I hiccupped, closing my eyes.
"You're my birthday girl and I am going to protect you with my existence," Willy replied.
"You're the best,"