Before the Dark Times
By
End Of Grace
Chapter Seven: Eyes on you.
Mike yawned loudly as he typed away at his keyboard. He was in the warehouse where he was working and building the glam rock animatronics. His workshops at the stores or even his flat were not big enough for four large animatronics while technically five now. Plus it was hard to work on them when the other animatronics kept interrupting and offering their ideas or wanting to chat to the new bots. His human employees were not that much better but at least they could always take a hint when to leave, the animatronics did not even if you put it on a four-foot sign in capital letters.
"You seem tried Doctor Mike"
Mike smiled at the bear animatronic that was laying on his workbench. Glam rock Freddy was lighter than the original Freddy but still had the signature top hat and bow tie. He had red shoulder blades and his lower leg servos were the same colour. He had painted a blue lightning bolt on his chest and shaded parts of Freddy's faceplate the same colour, as well as giving him an earring and cool spiky leather accessaries. Mike had wanted Freddy to be the cool leader of the group, yet when he booted up he discovered that Freddy was overly polite and quite timid, which suited the bear better.
"I'm fine Freddy. Just putting in a lot of hours. The Mall is nearly ready and I want you guys up and running before then and maybe have a little experience in one of the stores before going to the Mall. Plus we have the whole press thing as well, then there is introducing you to your guards and…so much to do and so little time"
"You sound as if you need a break. I don't mind waiting"
Mike chuckled and gestured to the other three animatronics "That's nice of you Freddy but I'd only sit there and fret over everything else I got to do. Roxy still needs a few upgrades, Monty needs to have some software put on and don't get me started on Chica…"
"I see," said Freddy soft as he looked over at his friends and stage mates "Do you think we will work well together?"
"Well, I hope so. That's why I want you guys operational before the Mall opens so we can iron out any problems. Besides with you in charge, I'm sure there won't be that many"
Freddy made a straining noise "I'm not sure about that Doctor Mike. I'm sure we will all be friends but I think Monty might be the better leader"
Mike looked at the downcast bear and thought for a moment "Well… let's see what they have to say, shall we?"
Freddy tried to protest yet Mike typed away at his keyboard issuing the command to boot up the others. There were various loud hums as each animatronic woke from its deep sleep, blinking their optics and stretching out their servos.
"Morning Doc. What's happening?"
"Morning Doctor Mike. I hope you're ok!"
"Morning. You missed me?"
"Morning Everyone. I'm fine Chica thank you for asking. I miss all my animatronics when they're powered down Roxanne. As to what is happening Monty, I want your opinions are on two things. The first is ae you guys ok with Freddy being the leader of your group?"
"I've got no problem with it. I think Freddy is the best for the job" said Chica sweetly.
"I think I'd be the better choice," said Roxy as she fluffed up her hair "but I ain't got a problem with Freddy either"
Mike looked at Monty expectedly. Monty had been the first of the glam rock animatronics and had automatically assumed he would be the leader since he was first and technically the oldest. He had been a bit snippy before he built Freddy but no sooner had Freddy come online, Monty had started to act like a team player and seemed to adore the bear animatronic but did that mean he had given up on being a leader?
Monty stepped up to Freddy and took his servo in his "You're our leader, Freddy. We don't want anyone else"
"Thanks, Monty, everyone, I'll do the best I can" Freddy gripped Monty's servo tightly as he pulled himself up from the workbench. "Doctor, you said you wanted to discuss two things with us, what is the second please?"
"Right. I have some news for you" said Mike nervously as he rubbed his neck "It was bought to my attention that the Mall doesn't have rabbit animatronics or a Bonnie as it were. So after some consideration, I've decided to add one to the team. Now he is not going to be part of the band but act more of a manager slash support animatronic. He is the one that is going to organise things and be available to kids when you guys are on stage. Any questions?"
"None here. Just means I've got more people to be better than" said Roxy as she looked at her claws "You know since I am the best!"
"Wow, another member of the group. Awesome! I hope they like pizza" Chica cheered, clapping her servos together.
Monty growled "What the hell Doc! We don't need no stinking manager or extra help!"
Mike frowned and crossed his legs "I disagree. The Mall is one of the biggest pizzerias that the company is investing in and by rights should have the most animatronics due to its size. Each pizzeria has more the five animatronics in them, I do not see why the Mall should be any different. Secondly, it is not up for debate. I have made my discission Monty. If you have a more stable argument I suggest you voice it now"
Monty's growl became louder and more intense and if Mike was scared of being attacked he did not let it show. He was starting to think giving Monty a bit of a temper was a bad idea but it was too late to change it now since Monty was now fully functional. It was a policy of Mike's not to change the personality of the animatronics once they were online unless it was necessary for safety reasons and he had the bot's permission. Freddy noticing the change of atmosphere tugged Monty's servo to get the gator to look at him rather than continue to glare at Mike.
"I'm sure the Doctor is thinking what is best for everyone Monty. The Doctor says he is not going to be part of the band, he is just there to help when things get hectic. Plus we will be making a new friend as well"
Monty sighed and let go of Freddy's servo so he could cross his arms. "Alright. But make sure it's known that I ain't down for this idea"
His processor was hot and his pump was pumping hard, he was so angry and frustrated, he did not like arguing and certainly not with his creator but he did not want to share Freddy with anyone else.
—Line Break—
The room was dark, save for a few candles and the light from the ever-present Eye, ever watching over them, as they took their seats around the long table that had seven seats around it. They didn't have names, they had titles, jobs and that was all. They had a purpose and have held their positions for many many years. Of course, there had been others before them, some had fallen from grace while others simply wished to cease being and returned to the ash. The only thing that mattered was their cause, their purpose and more importantly their reward. The Teacher took her seat and sat neatly as others took their places around the table. The Hunter and The Doctor looked uncomfortable in their chairs, their somewhat twisted bodies no longer suited for sitting as The Janitor took his seat as the Butler used his mind powers to hand out tea. The door to the small room opened as the Lady quietly slid in and took her place at the head of the table. She took a cup of tea from the Butler and waited until he was seated before speaking.
"Why have there been no results? Did I not make it clear that we needed more "stock" her voice was calm but the others could sense the burning anger beneath her tone.
"Things are different now," said the Hunter "You have not been on the land enough to understand…"
"Do I need to? What is it I need to understand Hunter?" The Lady asked as she twirled a strand of hair around her finger "As I understood things, I gave you an order and you found the ways and means to fill it, has something changed in our agreement that I was not aware of?"
"Our agreement stands my Lady, but children have become harder to catch, they have gotten smarter. Also, they have protection now, everyone is watching, whistleblowing, one small step and our contacts can be exposed…"
"It sounds to me like your making excuses Hunter," said the teacher with an unpleasant smile.
The Hunter slammed his fist down on the table "I don't see you bringing in any children old hag!"
The Teacher stretched out her neck across the table until she was just a breath away from the Hunter's sacked covered face.
"I have done more than my fair share Hunter and under the eyes of parents and governors. What is your excuse?" she hissed through her teeth.
"Teacher, return to your seat" ordered the Lady who waited until the Teacher returned to normal before turning her attention back to the Hunter. "Well, Hunter? Do you have any other excuses?"
"The Fazbear Company. They are getting stronger. They have placed iron and salt around each of their buildings"
This was met with a chorus of hisses and mutterings making the Lady tap on the table with her fist to bring them back to order.
"The Fazbear company have always been a thorn in our side but they are but mere children themselves when it comes to the arts of magic"
"But now they have barriers and I have heard that the new leader has got the "eyes" as well," said the Doctor. "It may suit us well to be careful my Lady"
The Lady nodded but continued to glare at the hunter under her mask. "Hunter, we expect results, do not let us down"
"Yes, my Lady" growled the Hunter as he slumped in his seat.
"Now then, Butler, do you have anything to report on the Pretender?"
The Butler glanced for a moment at the Teacher who had gone stiff in her chair before turning his attention back to the Lady.
"She is getting stronger with each passing month but she is also growing very restless. I have often found her outside simply looking over the cliff and she often refuses to come back inside. I fear Dolls will soon no longer be enough to appease her"
The candles in the room flicked violently with the furniture shaking as a dark aura suddenly surrounded the Lady.
"She is not to ever leave the island is that clear Butler. I do not care what you have to do but keep her in the house, I do not care what tantrums she throws and what she breaks, but she is to never leave. Fail in this and it won't just be your arms that will be locked up is that understood?"
"Crystal clear my Lady. I will not let her out of my sight" said the Butler trembling, his arms twitching against the golden prison.
"Maybe I should visit her my Lady," said the Teacher "I can talk to her and…"
"No. I need you on the mainland. We have several banquets coming up so we will need more supplies. As for…"
A ringing bell from the old telephone rang out repeatedly causing the Lady to pause for a moment before giving the Butler a meaningful nod. Using his gift, he levitated the phone to the table and the Lady gracefully picked up the receiver.
"Yes?"
"My Lady. It's Purohit. I apologise for calling but I have an odd development here that might need your attention"
"What is it?"
"It's about this young Lady I have hired or well came to me with an offer to help with our operation. She has no "Eye" on her that I can see but she seems to know a lot about us and well…"
"What?"
"She is well…not one person. I'm sure there is someone else there"
"A split personality is nothing to be concerned about…"
"Oh, I have met the other personality, quite mad and more the willing to help us, no, this is something else, my Lady. Another person, with their agenda I think, as I have nothing several things have gone missing as well as areas suddenly boarded up that were not before"
"You think it someone wanting their own "supplies" from our stock"
"I believe so…"
"I will make time in my schedule to visit them. If they are a threat I will deal with them"
"Very well my Lady. Thank you"
She sighed as she placed the receiver back and looked around the room before clasping her hands together.
"Everyone. I need you to work hard over the next few months, we are short of supplies and that means we will get fewer customers and fewer customers mean less money. Less money means you do not get paid for your services. Is that understood? And remember my invisibility spell only works if you do not get caught. The moment you are physically grabbed breaks the spell but also breaks your contract with us. You will no longer be welcome here."
"What about him? He has not appeared for some time" said The Hunter pointing to the empty seat.
"The Tall Man is none of your concern," said the Lady with a mocking cheerfulness to her voice. "You know better than to interfere with his work Hunter, isn't that why you have to wear that sack?"
The Hunter bristled with anger as the others laugh at him. The Lady stood up and with grace walked out of the room leaving the fools to themselves as she retired to her rooms. She sat down at her dresser and slumped ungracefully before slamming her fist down on the flat surface. Why? Why was she surrounded by idiots! Why can't they follow simple orders? Why was it suddenly so hard to get children? Was Fazbear really behind it? She sat up and looked at the photos scattered around her desk. They were of the various staff members of the Fazbear company but most of the guard was called Jack. She gazed at his picture, running her finger along his face.
"Why? Why have you captured me so?"
—Line Break–
Gregory sat in a classroom style room with twenty other children, most of them he would call his kind of people, the trouble makers. The others were a mixed bunch, the quiet ones, the weirdos but they all had something in common, they were all unwanted troublesome kids. When he was first called here, he assumed someone had ratted him out for swopping Ms Hannigan gin for toilet water, but it was odd that there was so many of them. He was always wary of when Hannigan called people together, mostly because they were never seen again and even when he asked about them, she would say he was imagining things and that no such person existed. It wasn't just kids either, a lot of adults seemed to go missing too, some he was sure were fired for one reason or another, like pissing the Hag off but still, something just wasn't right about this place. Hannigan came into the room and stood in fount of them all.
"Ok, settle down…settle….GET IN YOUR SEATS YOU BRATS!" she snapped as kids ran to their seats. "Right is everyone here? Good! Now I suppose your all wondering why I have called you all here. Well, since you have all been such good boys and girls…"
Hannigan smile became stiff as she showed all her large teeth. "You are going to the grand opening of "The Mall" that is about to open. There are games, golf, cart racing and all the pizza and garbage that you kids can eat"
The kids cheered and started talking loudly that Hannigan pulled out her whistle and blow on it hard.
"Alright listen up! A minibus will take you there and once you are there you'll be given these special bands to wear. These will get you everywhere in the Mall as well as allow you to play the games for free. DON'T LOSE IT! If you lose it, you will not be given another one and will be punished upon your return here. Is that clear? Good. Any questions?"
A small girl holding a Huggy Wuggy doll raised her hand "Do we have to go? Can we swap with someone else?"
Hannigan's force smile was back in full force as she slowly walked over to the girl. "And why would you want to do that sweetie? It's a fun day out and your…" Hannigan leaned down as she reached out and squeezed the girls face with her hand. "One of the lucky ones that get to go. So be grateful, understand?"
The small girl nodded as she clutched her doll tightly, trying not to cry as the woman released her face and turned her attention to everyone else.
"Honestly, you ungrateful little beasts are having a full day out expenses paid trip and all you can do is complain? There are kids here I'm sure would love this opportunity but you were the ones that were picked and you have the nerve to complain about it. Well, suck it up buttercups, because your all going and that's final!"
With that Hannigan slammed out of the room, the slam rattled the wall making the pictures fall, as a couple of the younger children burst into tears.
"Well, at least it's a day away from this place, right? Maybe it will be fun?" said one of the older boys.
"I heard there is a lot of things for kids to do there. It should be a blast" said another. "Don't you think Gregory?"
"Yeah…fun" Though Gregory was not so sure. He had a really bad feeling about this, the way Hannigan said they were "picked", it didn't sound as if by random.
—-Line Break—
Mike wiped the sweat from his forehead and smile proudly at his newest work. Alright, it had been a bit of a rush job but he was pleased with the results. The new Bonnie was a bit more streamlined than his original, He had a red star painted on his faceplate and chest. He had red shoulder pads with matching lower leg joints.
"So what do you think Doc? Do I look ok?" Glamrock Bonnie asked excitedly his ears wiggling.
"You look fine Bon," said Mike as he walked over to his laptop and pressed a couple of keys "Let's wake up everyone else and introduce you"
The four sleeping animatronics jerked awake, Freddy woke first and looked right at Bonnie and gasped loudly as he walked towards the purple and red bunny.
"Are you Bonnie? I mean Glamrock Bonnie…my Bonnie?"
"Your Bonnie?" Bonnie tilted his head slightly.
"I mean OUR Bonnie! The group's Bonnie!" panicked Freddy waving his servos around.
"It's fine. I don't mind being your Bonnie" said Bonnie shyly as he held out his servo "It's nice to meet you, Freddy"
A high pitch giggle made them both turn around to see Chica and Roxy both trying to hide their amusement but failing.
"Bonnie and Freddy sitting in a tree, k.i.s.s.i.n.g…" sang Chica as she giggled.
"Wow you move fast Freddy, he hasn't been online for a few minutes and you're already to jump his endoskeleton" mocked Roxy.
"It's not…it not like that!" cried Freddy "I was just excited to meet him is all"
"He doesn't look that special Freddy" grunted Monty looking down at Bonnie from his glasses.
"Enough Monty. I want you all to get along, like it or not, you are all one big happy family" snapped Mike as he sat down, suddenly feeling tired.
"Er hi, all. My name is Glamrock Bonnie. It's a pleasure to met you" said Bonnie as he waved.
"Pleased to meet you, Bonnie. I'm Glamrock Chica, I love music and pizza. I look forward to working with you" said Chica as she walked up to him and hugged him.
"Yeah, well I ain't a hugger, I'm too cool for that, but yeah welcome to the team," said Roxy as she walked up to him to shake his servo. Monty simply stood there with his arms cross growling. Mike waited to see how Freddy would handle this because he had had enough of Monty's temper tantrums, when he noticed the bear was still gushing over Bonnie he poked him with his walking stick. When Freddy turned to look at him, he jerked his head towards the sulking Monty and mouthed deal with this. Freddy seemed to panic for a moment, glancing at Monty and then back to Bonnie. Then he straightened up and made a coughing gesture.
"Excuse me, Bonnie, I'd like to introduce Montgomery "Monty" Gator, he is our double bass player. Monty, this is Bonnie, he going to be our new friend and manager"
Monty glared at Bonnie and then at Freddy while Bonnie stood nervously.
"Please Monty" Freddy pleaded, placing a servo on his friend shoulder.
Monty sighed dramatically and held out his servo "Welcome to the team"
Bonnie smiled as he took it "Thank you, Monty. Looking forward to working with you"
Monty snatched his servo away and stomped over to Roxy muttering something about tuning their instruments. Freddy looked over at Mike and gave him two thumbs up with a large smile. Mike rubbed his face to hide the fact that he wanted to facepalm but he guessed it would do for now. He will have to alert Willson and Vikki about Monty and have them contact him if they have any problems with him. He jumped when he heard his mobile starting to ring. He patted himself down before remembering that he left it in his coat pocket in the small room he used to relax. He groaned and got to his feet.
"I've got to get that, you guys hang out and keep out of trouble please," he said as he struggled to get to his phone before it cut off.
"I'm glad your part of the team Bonnie," said Freddy "You're going to be a big help"
"I'll do my best Freddy but I think Monty doesn't like me"
"Oh Monty just doesn't like change much and you were the last moment addition. Please give him so time to get used to you and I'm sure you two will be the best of friends"
"If you say so Freddy" Bonnie smiled and wiggled his ears.
Freddy felt his pump speed up and his insides began to get hotter. Was this normal? Should he tell the Doctor?
"Hey, Freddy can you come here a sec?" Chica shouted "I want to go over the song order with you"
"Shouldn't I do that?" Bonnie asked.
"Don't worry I'll handle things for today, you have only just been activated, after all, take it easy for today and get used to everything?" Said Freddy as he patted Bonnie on the back before heading over to Chica. Bonnie looked around the room and was about to walk over to the workbench to look over some paperwork when Monty suddenly appeared in fount of him.
"Oh Monty how can I…?"
"I'm just going to say this once bunny so gets it through your processor. You are just an extra! A spare! Not needed! Remember that and keep out of band business"
With that Monty turned around and waved to Freddy as if the exchange hadn't happened, leaving Bonnie stunned and wondering if the Doctor made the right choice in inactivating him.
Mike staggered into the room, grunting in pain as he reached over and picked up his mobile.
"Hello?"
"Hello? Mike is that you?"
"Oh hi, Mama Markiplier. Is Mark driving you crazy already?"
He then heard a sob and suddenly the voice on the other end was going at a hundred miles an hour.
"Woah, just a sec, I can't understand you…." exclaimed Mark "Take a deep breath and tell me what is wrong"
"Sorry Mike, it's Mark. He's not here"
"What? But I talked to him when he picked up Tiny before going to the airport. He left days ago"
"I know. I talked to him too but he never turned up at the airport. I tried to call him but his phone is off or not working. The people at the airport confirmed that Mark left but they lost contact with him. His last message is so badly garbled that they could only make out that he was in trouble…they say they are going to look for the plane wrack…"
The poor woman began to cry again and Mike felt his heartbreaking. Mark was like a brother to him and his mum was like a close aunt so it felt like he had been punched in the balls.
"Ok, I'm sure they will find him, Mark is resourceful and he has Tiny with him, I'm sure they will be fine. For all, we know they could have crashed on one of the many small islands out there and are waiting to be rescued"
"You think?" Her voice wobbled with the hint of hope.
"I'm sure…" Mike lied as he felt his gut wrench threatening to throw up his lunch. "Just hang tight. I'm sure in the next day or two the cops will be delivering Mark to you. Now is there anything you need? Do you want us to come down and wait with you?"
"Thank you dear but no. My other son and husband are with me. I will keep you informed of any news ok?"
"Yes, please do, thank you for calling me"
"Yes, goodbye Mike"
Mike clicked the off button and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. His phone slipped out of his fingers before he slumped into his chair and buried his face in his hands.
—-Line Break—
"Good Evening. This is the six o clock news. Reports are coming in of the terrible accident that has happened in Aperture Science Enrichment Centre. It was meant to be a joyous day with fathers taking their children to work and showing off their science projects. When poison gas was accidentally released, killing all those inside as well as set off their emergency lockdown preventing anyone from entering or leaving. The police now are building a barrier several miles away from the building in case of poison gas escapes with most of the residents being asked to evacuate. It is thought by experts that it will take decades for the gas to clear and for it to be safe for anyone to adventure into the building. In happier news, the long-awaited opening of Critter County is soon to be a reality. Mr William Dahl has released a statement that the park has been fully transformed from its original design and is to date with the latest of technology bringing more thrilling rides and family attractions. When asked about the animatronics, Mr Dahl promises that the new animatronics have all been upgraded and looked over by Mr Mike Schmidt owner of the Fazbear company who specializes in them. No animatronic has been placed in the park without the Fazbear seal of approval. This comes as a great relief to families as the original park was closed down due to many of its animatronics being deemed unsafe. I'm sure we are all looking forward to the grand opening"
—Line Break—
It was about half eleven at night when Mike came out of his apartment with his backpack draped over his shoulder. He was tried. It had been awful calling everyone to tell them that Mark and Tiny are missing and now he had to break the news to Freddy and the gang and he knew the old bear was not going to take it well. Jeremy and Connie both suggested going down to be with Mark's mom but he assured them she was fine with her family there but he knew they probably call her themselves anyway. Even his mother had no doubt called and probably was even now pulling strings and using her connections to find out what the hell had happened. He walked the streets, taking care to stay on the main roads where most of the lights worked since even though the area had cleaned up didn't mean there wasn't any danger. In the distance, he could hear a young child or possibly a toddler crying. No, wait…make that a couple of toddlers…no…a toddler and an older child…maybe more. He looked around, the houses were all in darkness but the cries did not seem to be coming from any of them. Then the hairs on his neck went straight up and a tingling sensation made his eyes itch as he looked down one of the many dark side streets. He took a few steps closer as the cries became louder and hid in one of the deeper shadows. A man wearing a sack over his head, wearing a large trench coat was walking slowly hunched over by the large moving sack on his back. He seemed to be out of focus but Mike put that down to the magic that he was using to make himself invisible hence why his eyes were itching. He recognized the man from the security footage at Freddy's. The one that tried to kidnap a child and from the way his sack was moving Mike could easily assume that he had done so elsewhere. He followed from a distance, flinching when the man slammed the sack down hard now and again to silence the children inside, trying to formulate a plan in his head and call for help when he noticed the way the man was going. He was going to Freddy's.
The Hunter grunted and snarled under his breath, the little beasts consent weeping was getting on his bloody nerves, the sooner he had finished his rounds the better. There was another child around here. He had been tracking it for the last month. It always headed to the Fazbear place to check out their dumpster for food before the night guard turned up. Of course, he would not be able to cross the car park due to the barrier that had been placed so he would have to wait for the beast to finish its hunt for food before he nabbed them. With the back of the restaurant insight, he hides behind some parked cars to wait. He slammed down his sack unnecessarily hard and chucked at their pathetic cries. It was only a few moments later that a small child raced over to the restaurant bins and started to rip open the large black sacks and pulled out half-eaten pizzas and smashed cupcakes. It quickly stuffed its face before gathering up as much as its arms could carry before running out of the car park. The child had barely taken a few steps out of the barrier when the Hunter pounced. He picked the child up by its neck and covered its mouth to prevent it from screaming out for help. The child wiggled desperately and kicked but it was nothing he couldn't handle as he made his way back to his sack. Suddenly a hand grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. A young man with glowing white eyes was glaring at him before he lifted his cane and bought it down on his head hard. It stung like hell as he fell to the ground clutching his head as his prey ran behind the taller man who instructed it to release the other children from the sack. No! He was not going to go back empty-handed again. He got to his feet and pulled out his hunting knife only for the man to knock it out of his hand just as quickly with his cane.
"Who are you? Who do you work for?" the younger man demanded standing between him and his prey. He didn't reply but lunched himself at the man tackling him down to the ground. They rolled for a while before he got the upper hand and pinned the young man down with his body and proceed to punch the young man in the face. Had he been paying attention he would have noticed the children grabbing the man's fallen cane and tossing it to him. The man grabbed it and there was a clicking sound and suddenly something sharp stabbed him through his abdomen. The bastard had a blade hidden in his cane. He rolled off of the man clutching his bleeding gut. He had to escape. He got to his feet and was about to run when two very heavy hands grabbed his arms and held him. He looked left and right into the black optics of Freddy Fazbear and Bonnie Bunny. How the hell could they see him? Then he remembered that once his cover had been blown the spell the Lady had given him would no longer take effect. It was a way to protect herself if he was caught he would have to escape or commit suicide as he would no longer be accepted into the organisation. Another rabbit was helping the man to his feet while a chicken and bear were carrying the crying children into the restaurant.
"I'll ask you this one more time. Who do you work for?" the man demanded, his face already turning purple from the beating he had given him. He spat in the man's face only to scream out in pain a moment later when the purple rabbit punched him in the ribs, no doubt breaking some of them. The man wiped away the spit with the back of his hand and then reached up and pulled at his coat sleeves, relieving his wrist where the Eye had been tattooed, it glowed in the dark, glaring up at the man who sneered back.
"I have seen that symbol before. It's always connected to rich and powerful people which I'm guessing you neither. What I don't understand is where the children come into it? Why do you need so many?"
"Why should I tell you anything? Mister big man thinks just because he has the sight he can do and say what he wants? Don't make me laugh. You think you can protect children from us?" He laughed but suddenly the man's eyes glowed brighter and an aura so powerful that even the Lady's would seem frail in comparison. He would have been sent flying back had the animatronics not been holding him but even they skidded slightly across the street. The man walked over to him and placed a finger against his forehead, his magic crawling over him like little insects invading his body and crawling under his skin. He could only tremble and shake as the man glared into his very soul.
"You have lived too long and its time to give the devil its due"
Fear gripped him as his life played before his eyes, his young childhood, his loving wife who became sick, meeting the Lady and all the horrors that she bought along with her. The hundreds of children he had bought her, not once caring for their fates, caring only for his payment. He wondered briefly what would happen to his wife's body, still sitting there watching the stars, what would happen to her? The bright white light engulfed him, swallowing him whole and then reducing his body to dust and a pile of old worn clothes.
"What do we do now Mike?" Freddy asked as he looked at the clothes.
"We'll hide the clothes in the dumpster for now and call the police. We'll tell them we saw a man and fought him but he ran off leaving the kids behind. I'm sure the kids will agree to follow our story"
"What did he mean by us though? And about us not being able to protect the children?" Bonnie asked his voice box crackling with concern.
"I don't know Bonnie. I feel like we have just poked a hornet's nest and are about to get stung" said Mike as he and the animatronics walked back to the restaurant.
—Line Break–
The Lady was watching her guests from her balcony when she stagged and fell to the floor when the backlash of magic hit her. The Hunter had been around for many years and of course, had acquired a lot of shall we say magical maintenance. She used the wall to help herself to her feet and clenched her fist. The stupid fool! He not only been caught, he had been killed, but by who? It couldn't be? The new owner of Fazbear? No…he was too green, she was sure. Something else must have happened. Could it have been the girl that Purohit had told her about? The one that was possessed. She slammed her fist against the wall. Why was she surrounded by idiots? Why was she doing all the work? Damn it all. The sooner the Mall was open the better and when she found out what had happened to The Hunter she will have a nasty little revenge in mind. Once in her room, she summoned the Janitor to come see her. He entered the room and held his hat politely and waited for his instructions.
"Send a cleaning crew to the Hunter's home and have them burn it down. They are to take only what is necessary or needed but there must be no evidence left behind. Is that clear?"
"The Hunter's house? I don't…"
"The Hunter is no longer alive"
The Janitor's jaw dropped. The Hunter was dead? How? Did he decide to end it all after all these years?
"No he did not end his own life, he was killed, we do not know by whom," said the Lady as if she had read his mind. "I understand this was a normal occurrence when you and your wife ran the place"
The Janitor bowed slightly, his face heavy with shame "It was in the early days, people were too rash, too quick to make a buck, not like The Hunter or The Teacher. It's been years since anyone has been caught"
"Which means this needs looking into. We need to know who did this. I'm going to visit a possible lead, send a message to our agents about what has happened and for them to take extra care. If they bring me the one that killed Hunter there will be a bonus in their pay"
The Janitor nodded and quickly left the room leaving the Lady to her thoughts. The next morning she had her driver take her to the Mall where Purohit was waiting anxiously.
"My Lady" he bowed as he helped her out of the limo "I was not expecting you so soon"
"Recent developments have caused me to be concerned. Take me to this girl"
Purohit could feel the dark power surrounding the Lady who was usually so in control and tried to keep his distance, he did not want to be on the receiving end of her wrath, whatever happened he wanted no part of it. Vanessa was sitting at a computer in her private hidden room when they both came in. The Lady stopped and glared at the woman in fount of her as Purohit tapped on her shoulder, unaware that the Lady had stopped.
"Vanny my dear, this is My Lady and patron, she would…."
"Purohit! Get out NOW!" snapped the Lady who was suddenly trembling with rage.
Purohit looked confused as he looked back at her and then at Vanny who had turned and was sitting with crossed legs and arms looking oddly calm. "But…I…She…"
"It is best to do as she says Mr Purohit. She is not in the mood to indulge you" said the young woman in an oddly deeper voice. Purohit looked at both women and decided it was best to run and have someone else clean up the mess later. He ran from the room and shut the door behind him. As soon as the door was shut, The Lady stormed up to Vennessa and bore down on her.
"Oh all the stunts, of all the places, Why? Why the HELL are you here Afton!" she snapped. The ghostly shape of the late Afton appeared over the top of Vennessa's body, smirking at the Lady as he watched her rant.
"After everything that happened and then your little stunt at Critter County…"
"Are you jealous that you hadn't thought of it?"
"As if I would ever be jealous of you and your little toys. I have some dignity and class remaining as well as pride in my work"
"Yes," said Afton in a bored tone as he looked the Lady over. "I never pegged you for the geisha type, though I must say it suits you very well, too bad about the mask"
She froze and raised a hand to touch the fine porcelain that covered her face. "You always thought I was beautiful…" she said in a small voice.
"That was a very long time ago my dear when we were both two very different people"
The Lady sighed as she took a seat next to him/her and looked at him with sadness in her eyes.
"We're not so different now"
"No, I guess we're not, but it is good to see you again, My Elizabeth"
To Be Continued…
Please Review…