Springtrap doesn't stay behind Freddy's for long. Not only is he paranoid that all that hard work will come crashing down in an instant, but he also shouldn't be spotted again, if he can help it. Rotting animatronics aren't commonplace just yet.
He slips through the darkness of the night easily, his movements still slow from his soaked suit, but the umbrella helps. It also protects his identity from anyone looking out their windows at him.
It takes nearly an hour for him to reach his destination, but eventually, he makes it to his own backyard. He knows the code by a miracle alone. Really, it's probably just muscle memory at this point. But now he has shelter and a good eye on his main target: William Afton.
There's no real way around it. If he takes out his past self, then it eliminates nearly every problem caused. He can't kill those five children or create Circus Baby. Elizabeth will be safe without him. She'll be able to live a full life. What kind of person will she be? And Evan too. Who will he become?
Springtrap has to stop himself before he starts to spiral. He probably won't be there to see it anyway and thinking about it too hard will do nothing but hurt him. So, he focuses on what he does need to change. What killing William Afton won't accomplish.
How is he supposed to stop Michael from killing his brother? Sure, he could prevent the event itself, but that only stops it from happening once. He can't just watch the two of them for years -though, a part of him wants to. He needs a sure way to stop Michael either from bullying Evan, or from Fredbear being in the picture. But there's nothing he can really do about Fredbear. He can't close the business himself. Not anymore.
As Springtrap sits behind the house, he's startled by a sudden shout. It's faint and he can't quite tell who it comes from, but it's close. He stands with all the aches and pains existence gives him and he carefully looks through the closest window. It's dark inside, but he can see a flashlight turn off and on occasionally. It's strangely patterned and Springtrap watches for a while, not sure why someone is running all around their room with a flashlight.
The child -he's narrowed it down to one of the kids- finally stops by the bed. They flick the light back and Springtrap finally sees it. Miniature Freddys jump away from the bed, hiding underneath it. They leave the Fredbear plush as the only occupant of it and then the child goes back to checking the halls and closet.
It's Evan. He's hallucinating.
The sound discs are complex things, only showing someone what they think they should see. When William set it up in Evan's room, he intended for it to show him and his wife coming to comfort him after nightmares. But this isn't comfort. This is so much worse. How did he never know this was happening?
Springtrap almost moves to open the window, to interrupt whatever horrors his son is going through, but he stops. He's reminded of his own appearance and that added with the disc's effects, he'll only look worse. It takes all of his will to move away, to let the horror continue, but he doesn't have another choice. He's powerless against his own creation.
Springtrap is left feeling hollow and betrayed by...well, himself. His own stupidity. Of course the disc wouldn't be so kind as to let Evan get comfort. Of course he wouldn't see his absent mother and twisted father. He would see the animatronics from the diner. He would see the things from his nightmare and no one was willing to chase them away.
He sits in sorrow for a long time. He can't think of anything but his son. His baby. The child he never really paid attention to. The child he was too tired to listen to. To help. He forced Evan to go to Freddy's every day despite how much he cried. He left Michael take out his anger, the anger William -and Springtrap- deserved. At the time, he thought he was trying his best, but it's so clear that he wasn't. So obvious that he never truly cared about what happened to his children. And now, he's being forced to see it in full.
What he would give just to hold them one more time. Just to look Evan in the eyes and tell him how much his father loves him.
The backdoor swings open and Springtrap throws himself to the ground, only slightly regretting the pain it causes. He watches from behind the bushes as someone comes walking down the steps, a big rubbish bag in hand. He knows it's Michael when the loud music begins filtering in from his headphones. The boy sings along softly, his head bobbing from side to side. He turns away to throw the bag into the bigger bin.
An idea trikes Springtrap at that moment. He could make Michael scared of the animatronics as well. It wouldn't take much. All he'd have to do is step out into the light. His appearance alone should be enough. If Michael doesn't want to go around the animatronics, then he won't shove Evan's head inside Fredbear's mouth. It's easy.
But just as Springtrap readiest himself to move, his heart begins to sink. He...he can't do that. How can he sit there feeling sorry for what he's done to Evan, just to turn around and do the same to his oldest son? Michael's only thirteen now; barely even a teenager. Springtrap can't do that.
He watches Michael play the air guitar for a moment before stomping back up the stairs, slamming the door behind him. He's gone. Good.
Springtrap doesn't know what to do about the bite, but he can't do this the way William would. There has to be another option. He can save everyone, he knows he can. All he has to do is find the right formula that will let him succeed without hurting others in the process. It's fine. He has more time until the day of the bite. He'll think of something by then.
The day is here and Springtrap's lost. He's thought through different outcomes and nothing both feels right and will succeed long term. He has a back up plan, which is just destroying the Fredbear suit, whether anyone sees or not, but it's not a good idea.
He thought of warning himself before it happens. It wouldn't take much to fake Michael's voice and get William into the right room before disaster strikes, but that would also leave Michael with whatever punishment William gives him. He was never physically abusive, but Springtrap also doesn't fully know this version of himself either. He doesn't know how pent up William is after what happened with Charlie. He could do something stupid and Springtrap can't let that into the equation.
There's also Henry, but the effort it would take it too risky. He would have to lure Henry to the Pizza place first, since it's his day off. So, Springtrap is stuck just following the Aftons as they go to the diner, hoping something presents itself.
It's tricky, but Springtrap manages to keep himself hidden in the trunk during the whole ride. The door isn't completely shut thanks to his hand blocking the latch. Every bump in the road nearly cuts his fingers off, but it's fine. He's been through worse. He just needs to be at Freddy's when everyone else is.
"Don't get into trouble, you hear?" William's voice is strict as they get out of the car. "It may be your birthday party, but if I hear about any complaints, then there will be hell to pay."
Springtrap winces at the tone. He remembers how frustrated he was that day. Henry was still grieving over Charlie and the company was trying to cover up her death from the press. He's not quite sure why William is upset now, but it could be a number of reasons that have no real justification. No child deserves to be threatened.
Only once he's sure everyone is gone, Springtrap opens the trunk door and climbs out. He shuts it quickly and limps to the backside of the building, moving as fast possible, which isn't much. It's before opening, but if anyone sees him, he'll have a very hard time doing his job.
The back door is closed again, but he's stolen the keys this time. It takes a bit for his fingers to pick the right key and line it with the door, but eventually, he gets it open. From there, he discards the keys and gets as close to the main party room as possible. He ends up stuck just around the corner, his eyes scanning for somewhere else to hide.
Before now, Springtrap had never regretted opening so many chains of Freddy's. He only thought about the business and profits -first money, and then remnant. But now? Now, he hates how many layouts they had. He can't remember the differences between this one and the next. He can't remember if there was a security room behind the stage, or down the hall. He can't remember if the doors close either.
Someone walks close to the corner Springtrap is hidden behind and he goes into a panic, trying to cover himself with literally anything. They don't turn down the hall, thankfully, but it's a near thing. He really needs a better spot.
"I can't believe you invited us to your dumb brother's birthday party."
The voice isn't familiar, but Springtrap still knows who it is. One of Michael's friends, and they're all seated around the middle table. Evan's nowhere to be seen -he's crying by the door- but it's only a matter of time until the teens start their little plan.
Elizabeth is out at a recital and will be coming to the party later, with their mother. This time, he hopes she makes it.
And Sprintrap still has no plan.
"Well, you didn't have to come." Michael says defensively, sounding all the moody teen he was back then. Before he was given the crushing guilt of Evan's death.
"Yeah, because you promised free soda and shit. There's no way in hell I'd willing come here for that crybaby's birthday."
Springtrap can see Michael's eyes turn down before he snickers a laugh. William never saw it because he wasn't watching, but it's obvious now. Michael's uncomfortable. He doesn't like the topic, whether because they're insulting his brother, or because they're considering him a loser. Either way, it makes Springtrap defensive for his children.
"Where is he anyway?" One asks, the one with the Chica mask. The question alone is nerve-wracking.
"Let's go find him." The one with the Freddy mask says, a wicked smile on his face. One by one, they all stand up, Michael being the last. He looks unsure, like he wants to protest but he just slips the mask over his face and goes along with them.
No, this needs to stop. They can't already be here! Springtrap doesn't even have a weapon yet! He can't-
He looks around for a moment and grabs the first thing he can find. It's not much, just a stick to hold piñatas, but it'll have to do. He stands in the darkness, eyes searching for the group again. They're in the back, right where Evan is. The poor boy's surrounded and Springtrap knows he doesn't have much time.
"No!" The scream rings out loud and everything seems to stop. All except for the mocking laughter of the teenagers as they begin lifting Evan into the air. They hold him tightly, his soft skin likely pinching. He could get bruises. He'll be worse off soon if Springtrap doesn't move now!
He goes to walk out, no longer caring if he's seen, but then he spots a hidden door. The security room. It's close, and with the teens all focused on Evan, he should have a clear shot. This could be his chance. It can work, if he's fast enough.
Without another second of hesitation, Springtrap rushes to the security door just inside the party room. He's been dead for a long time, but that doesn't stop the dread that washes over him. He can feel his heart beat painfully fast, almost as if he were alive again. He stumbles to the control panel and brings it to life with a press of a button.
"Stop! Please!"
He can see them on the screen. They're getting closer, just a single table away. Their mocking laughter comes in through the door and Springtrap is all too aware of the seconds ticking away. Of the time he's losing.
He pulls up another set of controls, the ones that move the animatronics manually, and he presses the first button he sees. Springbonnie stops it's pre-programmed actions, now fully in Springtrap's control. He hisses in frustration and looks at the other row of buttons. He needs to shut Fredbear's mouth.
"I think he said he wanted to get closer!"
He presses another button. Fredbear stops his song, but no one notices. He needs more. More movement. A clear sign that he's malfunctioning. That will stall them.
The buttons don't work. They just make Fredbear cycle through movements. Natural movements. His head rises, then closes. His hand goes up to his mouth, then back down. It's not enough, but the damn thing is bolted to the stage. There are too many buttons and he's starting to forget which ones he's already pressed. It's too late for the backup plan.
"-wants to give Fredbear a big kiss!"
No, it's too soon! He needs more time!
"One..."
Another button makes the hand turn slightly. It's not the right one. He needs to close the mouth! He needs it closed!
"Two..."
Springtrap loses all coordination. He hits the panel with both hands, breaking the plastic off of some. He watches the camera and Fredbear spins rapidly for a moment, but no one's looking. They're focused on Evan. He's screaming fully.
They have to stop!
"NO!" The word rips it's way out of Springtrap's throat, making him cough right after. He doesn't look away from the cameras, though. He has to watch himself lose He needs to know exactly how he's failed Michael. How he failed Evan. He needs to see it, even if it hurts.
He prepares for blood, for hell to return but it doesn't. Instead, Michael looks away from Evan, all motion stopped. The little boy falls to the floor and he runs away as quickly as he can. The teens are all frozen, most of them staring at one corner.
It takes Springtrap a moment to realize that it's where he is.
"Uh, I'm going home!" The teens scatter, leaving Michael alone next to Fredbear. The boy just stands there for whatever reason, his eyes never moving.
Then, "Father?"
Oh. Oh! They thought William had shouted. It makes sense, now that he's realized it. Springtrap may not be alive, but he was once William. He still has the same voice and Michael wouldn't know to listen for the hoarseness.
It's not a long-term plan, but at least it's saved Evan for today.
Springtrap sinks to the floor, relief flooding in. He takes a long moment to just exist, knowing he hasn't failed yet. It was too close, though. He can't let himself get that close ever again. He can't improvise anymore. For the children's sake, he needs a full plan. He needs to ensure they'll survive.
"What happened?!" William's voice comes echoing into the party room now, as well as Evan's crying. Springtrap doesn't need to look on the camera to see how furious he must be. This punishment isn't something he can get Michael out of, but he can use it to keep Evan alive, as horrible as it is.
Springtrap looks out into the party room, watching for an opening. He gets one when William finally makes it to Michael. There's shouting and it's not right, but there's nothing to be done. So, Springtrap shuffles out of the security room and makes his way to the study William just came from. The computer's already on, thankfully. He's not sure he can remember the password to it.
He pulls up the email tab before thinking better of it. If he sends this to Henry, then William will see it. Instead, he turns to the landline and dials Henry's number. Hopefully he isn't preoccupied.
Thankfully, it's not as dreadful of a call as it originally was.
"Hello?" Henry's voice comes in clear as day and Springtrap listens for the shouting in the other room. William's still at it. Good -kind of.
"Henry." Springtrap hopes he doesn't sound as sickly over the phone. He also hopes he can keep this brief for his own voice's sake. "Fredbear had...a malf-function." He winces when a flare of pain reaches his throat. He really wishes he didn't have to get revived in this body.
"A malfunction? How so? No one got hurt, did they? Are the kids okay?"
Oh, if only he knew what almost happened.
Springtrap thinks of all the excuses he could use, but he ends up with a simple, "Just come." With that, he hangs up and listens for William again. Now, he has to figure out how to get out of here without being spotted. Great.
Springtrap doesn't go back with the Aftons after the "party". He stays in the diner, now that he's sure his work is done between Michael and Evan. With Michael getting grounded for two months -thankfully, nothing worse- and Evan likely never returning to the diner again, there shouldn't be a reason to worry for them. But even still, Springtrap made sure to destroy the interior of both suits before Henry arrived.
"Yep, it's busted alright." Henry sighs as he sits back. He's not really talking to anyone, something William used to find annoying. Now, Springtrap finds it interesting. Another quirk his old friend and partner had that he never bothered to appreciate.
He really was a complete shit person, even without the murder taken into account.
"I'm sorry, Buddy, but it looks like you're going into retirement for good this time." Henry pats Fredbear's shoulder almost lovingly.
"Don't be sad, Daddy." Charlie's voice rings in, so sweet and loving as she rushes to her father's side, her own eyes watching Fredbear. "He'll be with Bonnie, right? They'll keep each other company."
Henry laughs and hugs Charlie close, planting a kiss on her head. "You're right, Sweetie. They'll stay together no matter what." With that, Henry moves to stand up, his hand finding Charlie's easily. Springtrap watches them leave the room from where he's hidden behind the other suits. He blends in well, surprisingly. He worried that his green tint would make him stand out. That, or the smell.
Just as they begin walking out of the room, Charlie makes eye contact with him. She seems startled at first, but them smiles and gives him a small wave. Springtrap freezes, but upon confirming that Henry hasn't spotted him as well, he waves back. Her smile brightens, even as Henry turns off the lights and shuts the door behind him.
Now Springtrap has to walk himself all the way back to the Afton house so he can watch William. He needs a solid plan before Cassidy's party and maybe even before William runs over Susie's poor dog. Today was a near disaster and cutting it so close won't work again. He needs to study William closely and to ensure that once he goes for the kill, that he succeeds.
Another chapter?! Yes, because I really wanted to show my idea for how this part would go. And now that I've written this, I have to finish! I'm just going to thank everyone who's read this so far, because you guys really are amazing! I'm always pleasantly surprised by the feedback on my fnaf fics