Hey, once more guys! Apologies again for the wait but wow... over 100,000 views on this. It really is amazing that so many folks enjoy this story. Truly, thank you all for this. I hope I continue to entertain you awesome readers. Also, I'm a bit late on this but thank you Spacebear87 for even having the thought of doing a comic version of this. That warms my heart to no end. If you ever did, I'd love to see it as well. Thanks man and extra to all the new reviewers, favs, follows and views this last month. And with all that said and done, shall we?
I do not own Five Nights at Freddy's. All rights go to Scott Cawthon.
Enjoy Chapter Six "Monty" {Part 2}
My Racingstar Chapter Six
It was now past 03:00AM in the Mega PizzaPlex of Freddy Fazbear's and in the East Arcade also known as the "SuperstArcade" which boasted a huge variety of arcade machines though at first, you'd think they all looked the same, it was like any normal night for the area powered down due to being out of order. In that however, a lone figure concealed in shadow was making their rounds, moving unawares by the security bots patrolling the complex.
The figure made their way over to one of the central area machines and noise could be heard of the sound of metal being opened and closed along with the familiar sound of screws being loosened and the arcade screen glitching on and off, which the other machines close and far around, followed in sync but then stopped. In moments, the figure had already finished their business and made the machine exactly as it was before, acknowledging another concealed person at the central elevator and both left without making their presence felt.
Alternatively in the opposite Arcade, Gregory and the Music Men were still continuing their search for Monty to no avail. The search went on for a few minutes, while occasionally Gregory made small talk with Lil' Music Man. Getting to know what vent maintenance was like and how exactly the smaller animatronic looked more worse for wear than most and also, how he would sometimes say hi to his fellow Glamrock mates when he was going past some of their rooms. Though he didn't get much time with them, he knew they were all still really close, especially with his big brother.
Gregory was also stunned, when he learned that the Music Men were not the only two models made but it was a very harrowing tale.
"See, Me and DJ used to have many brothers and even sisters in fact but... I guess you can understand why we don't talk about it much around here… It's just the two of us now. Sorry for bringing it up and being a bummer. I shouldn't have-"
"No, really, it's okay." Gregory quickly comforted.
Lil' Music was relieved and warmed by the child's empathy. "Hm… You're the first person I've told this to too."
"I hope talking about it helped?" Gregory asked.
"Yeah, it did. Thanks kid."
More minutes then past and they were now at the sort of oval section near to the entrance, next to the spiral staircase leading upstairs. Gregory took account of the neon stalagmite looking props hanging from the ceiling at the staircase and rolled his eyes. "This place loves neon colours doesn't it…" He said to himself but Lil' Music picked up on it and chuckled.
"Not much for the neons eh kid? I get you man. The makers did go a bit overboard with the aesthetic theme but hey, makes the place stick out and gives it its own charm dontcha think? Also, it is supposed to be funky."
"Can't argue there." Gregory agreed.
As they went on with their search in the section, Gregory took notice of the rather large holes located all around the area and remembered back to DJ climbing into one of them. It was very curious.
"What are those tube holes for?" Gregory pointed to one, perplexed.
"Those? They're for big bro to travel around the Fazcade more efficiently, since he's you know, as big as a house. Be really awkward for him to try in walk in here normally. He can't really crawl too fast since it might hurt things around but to avoid that, the engineers' custom made this place just for him so he can watch over, clean up and interact with the kids better! Ain't it neat!" Lil' Music responded happily.
"Yeah, it's pretty neat actually." Gregory replied in a light tone.
Lil' Music then turned to a familiar noise and saw his brother climbing out of one of the nearby tunnels above. He motioned for his bigger sibling to come close and DJ spotted the two of them and did just that, being careful not get too close less he hit something. "You manage to spot him yet?"
"No luck down here." Gregory replied.
"This is getting us nowhere. I dunno... Maybe he might just be expecting us to look for him. We can't do much like this." Lil' Music remarked.
"Well, we can't very well let him go, can we?" DJ replied.
"What if," Gregory spoke up. "I look for him alone while you two keep back?"
"Gregory, you're a brave kid but you gotta understand man, Glamrocks are no joke. Especially since Monty is not in a good state, you'll be gator bait to him." The smaller music man reminded.
"Maybe that's the point." DJ eyed Gregory and the boy nodded back to him. "Very good idea Gregory." Lil' Music soon caught on but still wasn't completely sold.
"It'll be dangerous but then this place isn't exactly child friendly. I'll try my best to lure him to you guys and then we can catch him and turn him back." Said Gregory.
"IF the Force Stop does the same trick as it did on Chica. I don't like this. What if this is exactly what he wants?" Lil' Music replied.
"It has to work and don't worry; I've been in a few sticky situations already. I'll be fine." Gregory said seriously and then glanced to the upper floor. "I'll start there."
"Very well. Me and my brother will be close on standby if you need us. My connected tunnel tubes have a motion trigger connected to my database, so I'll know which one you're near if something happens." Gregory nodded back to DJ.
Lil' Music held out his cymbal hand for a hive five, which Gregory gave a small one.
"Good luck kid."
"Thanks Lil' Music." Saying that he set off up the spiral staircase while both brothers watched him disappear out of sight around the side.
"Don't worry so much bro. The kid is durable. You've grown fond of him quite quickly, haven't you?" DJ asked his brother.
"The kid listens. A lot more than most kids his age. He's a likeable little guy too." Lil' Music remarked.
"Keep positive little bro. It'll all work out alright." DJ reassured.
"I hope it does."
Just like how it was down below, Gregory turned up no such luck above ground in the West Arcade either. He was starting to really believe Monty wasn't in this part of the PizzaPlex at all anymore. Maybe Vanny really did send him on a wild goose chase. What if by doing this, she did it to separate him from the others so she could corrupt them again… The thought made Gregory feel ill but he tried his best to keep positive.
Now making it all the way to the opposite end of the 2nd floor section, away from the spiral staircase, Gregory recognised the place he was at. Walking past the wall that had the words of the area etched into it and noticing the arcade race games which briefly reminded him of Roxy, Gregory came to a red door that read "Staff Only" and he remembered this was one of the places he chose to hide in escaping from Vanny during the early day.
Making his way inside, he quickly addressed the office to his left in the linear entrance section with and after making his way around the corner just past the office, Gregory was now in a very large storage area. It was linear horizontally but made up for it for how long it was vertically, with all sorts of props, machines shelves and merchandise for the PizzPlex. Gregory also noted the large tunnels and after making his way all the way to the back to a dead end, he noticed a switch located on the right side of the wall too but his focus was more on the huge hole in the wall. "So, there's one in here too... Is this to stop criminals from stealing?" Gregory murmured to himself.
The idea of a burglar trying to run away with their tail between their legs, while DJ just chased them from up top almost made Gregory chuckle at the mental image.
He still couldn't believe that he hadn't noticed this until now and speaking of noticing, he saw the arcade right at the end which read "Princess Quest Two". Another Princess Quest game… Yes! He played on it to pass the time and there was another one in the Salon, next to Roxy's Raceway that he'd played on too. But wait… There was one in Vanny's hideout before also and he hadn't played on that one at all and picking back up on the thought he had back in Fazerblast, the theme of those games made him wonder about something…
His thoughts were quickly interrupted however and the youth froze on the spot, as the door he'd opened to get into the storage area had been opened and now slammed shut and he could hear very familiar metallic footsteps. He was trapped now.
"Just you... and me now, Gregory... I know... you're here.." A familiar stuttering voice called out.
Thinking quickly, Gregory ducked down next to some machines and boxes which covered his form respectively. Lil' Music's hunch proved to be correct, as Monty scanned the area, watching for any sudden movements.
After silence followed, Monty began taking small steps looking all over and to make sure the child couldn't run past him without the green gator being ready for him.
Gregory, didn't know how he'd get out of this one. There was no way out other than the way he just came in, well... apart from the obvious large hole in the wall but he didn't have a clue how he'd be able to get up to that height. He could only hope that the Music brothers would figure something was wrong but… maybe not.
And as if this wasn't enough, suddenly a familiar voice was heard, coming from a familiar location on his wrist.
"{Greg… Greg! Can you hear us?}" It was Roxy! Gregory quickly pressed the communication button and replied.
"Roxy! Are you guys okay?" He kept his voice down as to not alert his green hunter. His mutter however, came out hoarsely. He seriously needed a drink of some kind soon. Been a while since he last drank or ate anything. He'd prefer the former though.
"{Yeah, we recharged just fine but more importantly are you alright?!}" The concerned tone Roxy had, made Gregory very relieved.
"Yeah, I'm good. I met the Music Men but don't worry! They're not affected by Vanny and are really friendly!"
"{Man, that's good at least. Weird how they're not affected though... But anyway Greg, me and Chica can't enter the elevator up to the West Arcade for some reason.}"
"Vanny must have locked you guys out. She lured me up here before and must have only wanted me here."
"{She's crafty I'll give her that... Good thing she didn't block out the Roxwatch's connection.}"
Just then Gregory could faintly hear another voice in the static and then it became more clearer as Chica's surprised light voice popped in.
"{But Roxwatch? You mean-}" When Chica noticed what was going on, she gasped. "{Roxy, you didn't give him one out the wazoo did you! You did mention the rights and notice-}"
"{Yes, yes. I did.}" The silver wolf interrupted, annoyed. "{Why are you bringing this up now? Literally you used the thing with Greg earlier!}"
"{Well, yeah but I didn't know the details on it that's why!}"
"{Oh, for- Don't you start, otherwise we'll both be yapping our beaks off about it for another ten minutes.}"
"{But Roxy you don't have a beak...}" The chicken stated.
"{Don't be smart Chi Chi.}"
"{Just making an observation.}"
"Uh, guys? I'm still on here." Gregory blinked.
"{Oh, right! Sorry short stuff. Have you got any other scoop?}"
"Monty's… here too and the Music guys are helping me find him. I'll be back down with Monty hopefully back to normal. I wish you guys were here with me..." Gregory stated sadly, looking up to know Monty's current location and thankfully he was still quite far at the entryway section.
"{Me too Greg... And about Monty... please don't hurt him too badly... He's not a bad guy... Despite what he did before… He's confused like Chica was...}"
"I know. I'll make sure he won't get hurt." He'd have a harder time trying not to get hurt by Monty, let alone the other way round…
"{Thanks Greg. We'll see you when you come down. Gives me and Chi Chi a chance to maybe look for Freddy down in the Atrium but if not, we'll be waiting right at the entrance elevator to the Fazcade. Be safe.}"
"You too." And communications ceased.
"I know you're here... You really think… I won't find you…?" With that bringing him back to his current situation, Gregory scurried across the floor and hid behind another couple of machines just a bit more aways from Monty, who was just now getting closer to his location before he moved.
"Give up..." Monty growled in an almost sing song voice at first but it degraded as he went along all the while he stalked carefully around the open arcade section.
Gregory could feel himself starting to sweat. He'd never been more afraid for his life until now. So this is what it was like when he didn't have the reassurance of Roxy or any of the other friendly animatronics with him. But he couldn't start to think of the worse scenario, he had to be optimistic but then that was drowned out when words hit close to his ears.
"Hey, little guy..." Gregory didn't even turn and simply ran from his spot. A good manoeuvre from the child as the green gator leapt down on where Gregory was just at. Gregory couldn't believe the strength of Monty's pounce. He almost got him right there.
Angry, Monty smashed into some of the many arcades growling in annoyance that he missed the child but quickly redirected his gaze to Gregory and began running at him. "You can hide but you can't hide Gregory!" The Glamrock gator snarled while making another leap to his location.
Thinking fast, Gregory tried to shoot his fazberblast laser at the green gator but he barely flinched and the youth realised that Monty's shades would protect him from getting blind. With that quick thought out of the way, Gregory focused on the most important part of saving Monty... Surviving and ducked and rolled out of the way and hid behind one of the shelves.
Silence became the norm once again for a few more moments, apart from the heavy feet of the green Glamrock. "Don't be scared..." Monty tried to reassure the youth but Gregory wasn't buying it and it proved correct when being spotted Monty made a leap for him again and Gregory continued to evade by dashing around the corners of the arcades and giving Monty the runaround.
"Run, run, run! Don't matter! You're mine!" This method did not last, for in a surprising turn of events, Monty just point blank charged through the barricade of machines and was with Gregory before he could blink.
In quick fashion, Monty grabbed Gregory but right after growling in his face, violently threw the boy to the floor who fortunately didn't have far to fall but still was hurt slightly by the tumble and gave a yelp of pain.
Gregory almost didn't have time to react as the Glamrock gator was suddenly standing above, arms now raised like he was about to smash him. Gregory was petrified with fear at what was happening and almost wanted to cry. But… Monty's arms didn't move from their spot and the confused youth looked at green alligator's face and saw a horrified but struggling expression. His body was twitching and stuttering. "N-N-No...!"
"M-Monty...?" Gregory muttered. The Glamrock gator's expression turned sour but the child did not expect what would be said next.
"M-OVE!" Monty just managed to shout as his arms finally came down but fortunately his cry, got Gregory to snap out of his momentary trance and did as he said.
Hiding once again, Gregory peaked and saw the green gator searching for him in a close proximity. The youth was shocked at what had just happened. Monty was trying not to hurt him... He fought against the control... Was the corruption starting to wear off? He didn't see this happen before but it showed that the Glamrocks truly didn't have control over themselves with this thing or whatever it was. It warmed Gregory that Monty didn't really want to harm him and it hurt the child so that the Glamrock Gator was in so much pain. But... he would help him!
"I… just… wanna... help…" Monty stuttered while baring his fangs. Seemed the momentary goodness was gone but Monty was still in there!
However, even with this. This gator and mouse game could not last forever and Gregory knew he'd eventually be caught but as if to prove him wrong, right on the opposite end of the hallway the youth saw a silent form of a familiar spider animatronic crawling out from the huge tunnel.
DJ Music Man noticed the situation and put a finger to his mouth and crept stealthily along the ceiling while Gregory nodded back and knew they had only one chance at this and carefully made himself actually closer to Monty who was still searching in the opposite direction from what was happening behind him. If he looked behind at all, Gregory knew that would be it.
DJ was now almost directly above the middle area where Gregory and Monty were and timing it just right, Gregory pushed a poorly structured shelf that got Monty's attention immediately.
"There you are!" Monty charged the youth and was just about to get his claws on him, when from above, a hand shot down and caught him in its hard grip and out of nowhere, something leapt right onto Monty's back and pushed his jaw wide open.
"Quickly kid, flip the switch!" Lil' Music Man shouted and Gregory ran right for it, not letting hesitation stop him this time, as both brothers tried their best to hold the furious animatronic in place.
But now, Monty showed off his incredible strength as he was starting to slowly get out of DJ's hard hold on him but it was a chore and also trying to snap his jaw down to make sure the child would not flip his Force Stop switch… But isn't… Wasn't that a good thing…? Wasn't it?
As that was happening, Gregory climbed onto the gloved hand of DJ and tried his best to reach inside Monty's mouth but due to Lil' Music's strength waning, the mouth was very close to being closed and it was getting very dangerous, Gregory tried with all his might to get his arm inside and push backwards but it seemed pointless.
In that moment, Monty's eyes looked at Gregory and the green gator's vision was suddenly starting to change. He saw yellow on his screen. Why was it now that? He didn't understand but his view and mind were starting to become clear now… Noticing that Gregory was reaching to press his Force Stop switch.
Gregory meanwhile, was about to lose hope at his one chance to press it but was shocked when he felt his hand being helped upwards and almost on instinct feeling the metallic cold fabric, he flicked, heard a clicking sound and next he was on his side, after rolling off, knowing that the green gator had gone limp.
Gregory got back up and looked over, seeing the immobile Monty eyes closed from what he could see of through the Glamrock gator's shades.
Hoping it would be like Chica, Gregory and the Music Men waited with patted breath, as in a few moments Monty rose up as best he could, still in DJ's grip and looked right at the young youth.
"Monty?" Gregory asked, sounding hopeful.
"Gregory..." The green gator with an able arm, was able to wriggle free before taking his shades off to reveal his calm hot pink eyes. "Thanks, little guy and you guys too." Monty addressed the Music Brothers and the child, as DJ let Monty out of his grip and all three sighed in relief. Despite this, Monty did need a moment or two to get his bearings, after not being in control and DJ kept his hand down to catch the green gator if he fell, along with Lil' Music keeping his balance.
"Keep steady but glad to have you back in the meantime Montgomery." DJ smiled.
"Got the motion back big guy?" Lil' Music asked.
"I think so, yeah. Thanks." Monty replied as he felt the dimness start to wear off his interface.
Lil' Music nodded and jumped off and then looked up at the green gator. "Man, did you ever give us a scare at the end there."
Monty's head fell low. "I'm sorr-"
"You helped me press your switch, didn't you?" Gregory interrupted his sulk, which got the green gator to look down at the child in surprise.
"Ye-Yeah I did... I was able to get some control back then..." Monty replied.
"It really helped." Gregory smiled.
"Oh... cool." There was an awkward silence that had fallen over both but then, out of nowhere, Gregory almost fell backwards from exhaustion but he was quickly caught by Monty.
"Whoa there. You alright man?" Monty asked carefully.
"Yeah… Just-Just tired."
"Well, we did just go through a big ordeal a moment ago." Said DJ.
"You deserve to chill for a bit man." Added Lil' Music.
"Yeah, just take it easy little man." Monty reassured the child with a small pat and set him down gently on the floor, while Gregory nodded back.
Now that he was up close to Monty though, Gregory then felt a bit of hesitation return, especially from what he'd heard already but remembering his conversation with Chica before, the youth was reminded that the animatronics were not bad, especially with the lengths Monty went through to try and hold back and the young man then held out his hand.
"Just to start over. I'm Gregory." He introduced with a small smile.
Monty stared at the kid's hand but returned it with a grin and happily took and shook his hand gently. "Montgomery Gator but just call me Monty. I like your style kid. Thanks again. Don't let the mohawk scare you too. Wasn't my first choice." He joked which got a small giggle from the child but after the handshake, Monty's expression turned a bit flustered for a moment. "I... um... This might be a bit sudden kid but... you're tired and... I don't wanna let you pass out from bein' tired, so… if it's cool with you… You mind if I carry you?"
Already this was the Monty Gregory could see before in those little moments with Roxy and Chica and when they had their small tussle. He really was just trying to look out for him.
Thinking the best of the green gator, Gregory replied with, "Um... sure..."
"Oh, cool. Um... are you alright for me to put you up on my shoulders. If you want to of course! It's... the least I can do after what you've done for me..." Seriously, Monty's personality didn't match his look at all. Gregory would never get used to this. Chica was enough!
"Yeah... a shoulder ride sounds nice."
"Awesome man!" Monty smiled and carefully lifted the child onto his back and gently plopped Gregory onto his shoulders. "Everythin' okay? Not too rough up there?" Monty asked.
"Nope. All good. Oh, also here..." Gregory gave Monty back his shades, which he caught after Monty had taken them off.
"Thanks kid. Nice shoes by the way." Monty complimented which got Gregory to blink but then chuckle back.
"Thanks." He really needed to get used to the normal personalities of the Glamrocks.
Afterwards, all three apart from DJ Music Man, who would join the rest after going through his connected tunnel, then made their way out of the storage area.
Little did they know when they walked out, that they were secretly being watched by someone.
"He... did it..."
"{He did? Yes! I knew he would! Right, get out of there fast and don't be seen alright?}
"I... don't...understand... I have to find... him... yet... I feel I must listen to you... Why is that...?"
"{You really are amazing. Even in this state you have the clarity to question. I wish I could tell you now but... I can't... But soon everything will come right but for now, find a place to seclude yourself and wait for further instructions.}"
"I understand..." The figure took one last look at the happy child below and then Monty, before slinking into the darkness and as it did, it seemed the figure wasn't the only one enveloped in shadow but whatever this was, was gone before you could even acknowledge it.
Making their way down, Gregory with a heavy heart, had to unfortunately part ways with the Music brothers. Protocol withstanding.
"Sorry kid. Can't leave our posts unchecked and DJ isn't allowed out without clearance from S.T.A.F.F. so this is goodbye but not for good. Once I've finished up my business clearing the vents up here, I'll try my best to help you guys still." Lil' Music assured him.
"And if anything happens up here, I'll be sure to let you know." DJ added.
"Thanks guys." Gregory, would seriously miss the two brothers, despite the little time he'd gotten to know them.
"Monty, take good care of him you hear me?" Lil' Music lightly called after.
"Loud and clear bud. Thanks again. And DJ, Save a funky tune for me too." Monty nodded back and looked up at Gregory, giving him a toothy smile.
"You got it man." DJ replied happily.
And with that, Monty walked into the elevator after they both said their last goodbyes to the Music Men for now.
However, as the doors closed and they went down, Monty was feeling uneasy. "I dunno about this Gregory... I did some really bad things… Will they forgive me?" In response, Gregory gave a small pat to the Glamrock gator's head in reassurance.
"It'll be okay. Again, it wasn't you in control back then and they know you tried your best to fight back at it. They're really worried about you."
"Really?"
"Yeah. You're good friends too, so I'm sure they'll forgive you."
"I appreciate that kid… Thanks." With that, Monty was assured and waited for the elevator to open with high thoughts and with that, the elevator stopped and the doors began to open and they were greeted with…
Chica and Roxy standing with anticipated expressions outside, which then turned to amazement and wonder.
"Monty…?" They both gasped.
"It's me guys… Hey…" Monty gave a shy wave.
There was silence for a second but then both Glamrocks erupted with cheer at the return of their bandmate and walked closer to both.
"Monty you…" However, now noticing the small child plopped on the green gator's head, Roxy in particular, stopped midway. "Have Greg on your head…"
Monty looked up to Gregory who was just as confused as he was. "Uh… yeah…?" He replied.
"Greg... You're riding on Monty's shoulders…? But I thought..." Roxy tried to find the words.
The youth then realised the image and the grave ramifications of it. "Oh! No! No! It's not what you think! I was tired and Monty offered to carry me was all!" Gregory quickly replied and nodded to Monty, who carefully picked the child off and gently placed him down on the ground.
Almost not hearing what Gregory said on purpose, Roxy began muttering to herself. "I was embarrassed… But I thought I was the only one you'd want a piggyback ride with… And now it's not even been a bit… and already Monty's one upped me."
Chica gave her friend a comforting pat on the shoulder. "Roxy, calm man. Calm."
"Uh... did I do somethin' wrong?" Monty looked around, confused.
"You're fine love. Roxy's just upset that she didn't get to give Greg Greg a piggy back ride." Chica gave a sly smile.
"Oi! You hush! And Monty! This means war!" Roxy declared and dramatically pointed at the green gator for effect.
"I still dunno what's going on..." Monty confusion continued ever more and was starting to make a timid expression, which made Chica chuckle and Roxy soon joined in on it.
"Com'ere greenie." Roxy teased and both she and Chica opened their arms and Monty walked over and hugged the both of them.
"It's good to have you back man. Glad you're safe." The silver wolf remarked and gave him a gentle pat to the back.
"I'm... sorry for throwing that table at you..." Monty apologised hesitantly.
"You better be." The silver wolf gave him a small smack to the head which Monty took willingly but Roxy returned the hug once more. "It hurt me seeing you do stuff like that."
"Sorry." Monty replied again.
"We know you tried your best not to hurt us. Don't worry about it." Chica reassured the green gator.
"I... thanks..." Monty didn't know how to reply to the kind words his bandmates gave him and the group hug broke with Monty then turning to Gregory. "Hope you're cool now little man?"
"Yeah. I feel better now." Gregory replied and Monty gave him a small pat in response.
"How do you feel Monty?" Chica asked.
"Aside from a little hurt on the head," Monty joked and looked at Roxy who rolled her eyes but with a smile, "pretty good."
"I hate to ask you this when you've just come back man but is there anything you could tell us on Vanny? Any info would really be a big help." Roxy interrupted the good vibes.
"Her..." Monty growled as he thought back to what happened earlier. "That good for nothin'... I remember when she snuck up when me and Chica were searchin' for the kid in here at the party tables but the rest is a blur... I... felt different towards the end before I went back to normal... I felt almost like I had control back right before Gregory..." Monty paused for a second before addressing the child. "Hey, little guy. You cool with me callin' you Gregor?"
"Gregor?" Gregory blinked on processing the new nickname but nodded back in confirmation. "Sure."
"Gregor huh? You have some interesting nicknames goin' on Mont." Roxy joked.
"Hey, the kid's name sounds cooler like this anyway and you're one to talk! But uh... yeah, I got control back just before Gregor flipped the Force Stop switch."
"You too?" Chica replied a bit surprised on the revelation. "That happened to me too!"
"Really, Chi, you too? That is weird..." Monty stroked his chin, musing.
"Vanny, also told me where to go when we got separated before to find Monty. I thought she was maybe playing with me since I couldn't reach you guys before but then I could later on." Gregory added.
"What's her game?" Roxy snarled at the thought of the elusive white rabbit but it turned to a lighter look when she walked over to Gregory and gave him a hug which he returned. "I'm glad you're safe too sport."
"Same here." Gregory replied but when he took a look at the Glamrock's appearance, he winged slightly at how different she seemed. The purple lipstick she usually had on had almost completely faded. He didn't notice it before as well but it seemed the silver wolf's jaw was a bit dislocated too.
Immediately, Roxy took notice of the child's look. "Oh, yeah, it's from the table I took point blank to the face. I did manage to stop it before it reached my face but it still got me some. Don't worry, it's an easy fix. I just have to keep snapping it back into place for now." Saying that, she did just what she said. Gregory tried his best to get used to it.
"Sorry again." Monty quickly chipped in.
"You're cool dude. You weren't in control before." The silver wolf reminded him and he gave a slight head nod.
"Have you guys managed to charge up meanwhile?" Gregory asked, changing the subject.
"For sure Greg Greg. I feel a lot better now." Chica gave a perky thumbs up. "Man, I almost feel like I could run a marathon through the whole PizzaPlace!"
"Yeah, then you'd get distracted by the pizzas and eat yourself into knock out." Monty snickered.
"Word, there my man." Roxy joined in.
"Hey, not cool guys." Chica wined.
Watching this unfold, Gregory could see how close the three of them were… He almost felt like a fourth wheel here… Getting caught up in his thoughts, he just managed to hear the tail end of the conversation the Glamrocks were having.
"Reminds me of when we did Safety Dance. Remember, we all stood in a line and danced at the same time?" Monty laughed.
"Yeah and we almost fell off the stage because we got too into it. Some of our best choreography, I won't lie though." Roxy joined Monty.
"Then that old fart with his grandkids saying it wasn't interesting enough. I just managed to hear him say that when we were doing the birthday party thing too." Chica snorted.
"Hey, let's not forget the older folks have different tastes than the kiddies, we gotta remember that." Roxanne added in.
"Keepin' sayin' that and you'll end up becoming one yourself Rox." Monty joked as the conversation shifted to teasing the sliver wolf.
"Yeah. Where's your pipe and dressing gown man?" Chica snickered.
"Oh, give it a rest." Roxy folded her arms but in that small moment, Gregory glimpsed a moment of discomfort.
"Still, the guy was sweet in apologising. He even liked the song you sang man. FM was a hit with a lot of the older folks, along with the kids." Chica stated and gave Monty a encouraging expression.
Monty grinned in response. "For sure. He even wanted an encore. Despite being a bit cranky, he was a nice guy!"
"They always did warm up in the end." Roxy nodded in agreement.
"And then Bon…" And as if the word was magic, everything died down the moment it was said, as Monty stopped mid-sentence along with the other two Glamrocks laying their heads low, Gregory watched all this in slight bewilderment.
Both Chica and Roxy then gave each other hesitant expressions and the former tried to reach out to her bandmate. "Monty… it's…" But she stopped before it even got to the midpoint and silence fell again. They were afraid of this happening but didn't expect it would slip out like this.
Moments later, Monty looked up; his bright expression replaced by a complete static face. "I'm gonna go charge myself up and chill in my course for a bit. You guys should chill for a bit too. I'll catch you guys soon." Saying that, Monty didn't even look at his friends as he walked away and down the right escalator.
Roxy was about to say something but dropped it and the remaining three stood in even more silence, apart from the small sounds of Monty's feet echoing up.
"What's wrong with Monty?" Gregory finally broke the silence.
"He… gets like that when… Bonnie is brought up... He doesn't like to hear about him..." Roxy replied who sounded dejected herself.
"Is it because he had something to do with Bonn-" The child's face was quickly covered by Chica.
"You should watch what you say Gregory." Chica gave him a stern look, which surprised the youth but she soon redacted her hand gently, letting Gregory speak.
"Sorry but… I've heard things from people around the PizzaPlex, logs..." He didn't want to bring it up in front of Monty but a lot things had been said about the green gator.
"It isn't that simple Greg... You can only get so much from hearsay." Roxy shook her head.
"Well, what happened then?" Gregory asked.
"It isn't our place to say... I wouldn't do it but if Monty is feeling up to it, maybe he'll tell you... He's the one that most blames himself for what happened..." Chica then walked away and down the escalator herself, while Gregory was wondering if he'd said too much.
Roxy noticed Gregory's confusion and sighed. "You really need to watch what you say kid. We're not made of stone. We have feelings too. All of us. Don't just judge a book by its cover…"
"I'm sorry." He looked down but he felt a gentle pat on his shoulder.
"It's okay. Just as long as you be respectful of others." She smiled down at him.
"Okay." Gregory felt a bit better after hearing those words and Roxy then gave him a gentle tap on the cheek with a warm expression to comfort him.
A few minutes later, both Roxanne and Gregory then joined Chica outside of Monty's course and waited for the green gator to emerge but after fifteen minutes, he still wasn't coming out and all three were starting to get worried.
Gregory, feeling guilty about what he said before, volunteered to see what was up, despite the reluctance from both Roxy and Chica to be separated again and thinking they should be the ones to talk to Monty but Gregory promised to contact them through the Roxwatch if anything was wrong.
After going in the entrance, a ride up in the elevator and now, in Monty's course, Gregory did as he said and Roxy and Chica gave him the all clear.
"{Again Greg. Just… watch what you say around him… He does have a bit of a temper if you anger him… despite his nice personality. But don't hold it against the big guy.}"
"I won't say anything bad. I just want to apologise." Gregory replied.
"{I get you. Forgot to say earlier but great job meanwhile, Racing Star. You brought him back to us. We can't thank you enough sport.}" Roxy thanked him.
"{You're a special kid Greg Greg. No doubt about it.}" Chica did the same.
"Thanks guys." Gregory laughed lightly at the compliments. He wasn't used to this but his face turned serious when he spotted the Glamrock alligator sitting down next to one of the first holes near the entrance head and expression both down. "Right. See you guys in a bit."
"{Okay, be safe.}" Said Roxy and communications ceased.
Gregory noticed the music and sound effects had been turned down to a lower volume, giving it more of an ambience feel. Certainly made it more nighty, instead of the bombastic tone Gregory got from it during the day. In only a few seconds of getting nearer to Monty's location, the youth was eyed from approach.
"Why the long face slugger?" Monty joked as Gregory was now only a few feet away from him. "It's cool. Come join the pity party. Plenty of room in 'ere." The animatronic then waved it off after regretting what he just said. "…Sorry kid. I sometimes need to cool off for a bit by myself. The others have gotten used to it…"
"I… wanted to apologise…" Gregory stuttered.
"For what?" Monty blinked.
"I thought stuff about you that was wrong… though I don't know the whole story. The other two said I shouldn't judge a book by its cover."
"Judge a book by its cover…" Monty repeated and chuckled apathetically. "Well, I guess there's truth to that."
"Before… earlier in the night at one point, I heard you hitting the walls and stuff in your own room… and it made me nervous I won't lie, even after we got you back to normal… There's a lot that's been said about you…"
"You mean to do with Bonnie, right?" Gregory shifted slightly with the mention. "And I suppose you've come to me for the clear up?"
"Y-Yeah… I want to understand what happened to you… Why you're so angry… all the rumour but even with that, I mean, you stopped yourself from hurting me and the others. I know you're not bad…"
Monty gave a genuine light laugh. "You really are an unusual squirt, aren't you? I can see why they like you…"
Silence then became the norm, as Monty adjusted his sitting position after taking off his star shaped sunglasses and giving a deep sigh, Gregory sitting beside the Glamrock gator in that time. "So this is you close up without the haziness…" The green gator joked which lightened the atmosphere some but soon silence filled the area once more and Monty looked ahead but in this particular moment, he didn't see his course… All he could see was the stage.
"I was the new guy… Still am compared to the others… and I was to be the new edition to the four-piece band to make it a five piece."
"Five-piece band?"
"Yeah, not many know but all five of us performed together at one point. It's kinda become something of an urban legend, spread by S.T.A.F.F. to help with sales 'course but yeah, to get me ready for the big time, I had to watch 'em perform a few times. I didn't have to always go but I did anyway. Never missed a show I did… Thee Freddy Fazbear band… Freddy, Chica, Roxy and… Bonnie…" Monty paused briefly.
"He... was my idol... Ever since I watched from behind the curtains, seein' 'em perform. I wanted to be just like him... I've always had trouble due to my weird personality chip but Bonnie... It always was all natural to him... every time… Him and Freddy. What a pair those two made but Freddy always thought Bonnie was the guy that kept us together... and he was... He made time for everyone. I'll admit I was... jealous at first... I felt ashamed... I didn't have any confidence even after I joined full time. Felt like I dragged the others down... and wouldn't you know it, Bonnie noticed this. He knew that I had bad stage fright more than the others 'cuz... I kept it to myself mostly… but you couldn't hide things from him. He was a sharpy. Sharper than my teeth even but man... I felt pathetic. I mean, what kind of animatronic made for entertainin' kids gets scared on the job!" He bellowed but seeing Gregory's afraid expression got him to calm down. "Sorry kid. I never used to suffer from these quirks when Bonnie was around..."
"And… did he help…? With the quirks you had?" Gregory asked, still wanting to hear Monty continue.
The Glamrock gator was silent before he spoke up again. "It happened after a show one day. He came up to me and said I shouldn't be scared of the crowd. That they wanted to like me... He always loved giving pep talks to the group... but me... he started givin' me more advice... Got to the point I'd go to his room and we'd talk about all types of stuff. It's gone now but... hours we spent talkin'… It helped... Felt cathartic for me… I still don't know the exact meaning of the word but my programmin' has it for me anyway." The green gator joked which got Gregory to almost chuckle but he kept silent.
In a moment, Monty's expression turned back dim as he continued. "When it was finally time to get out on stage, the nerves were all there but I'll never forget that look Bonnie gave me before it started. He knew I could do it... and we tore the plex down man. The kids, oh man, the little guys. They loved me... I couldn't believe it! And then, soon, I got over my stage fright and was actually able to enjoy myself! Not worry about muckin' up. Eventually even, I got to actually sing a song that fit me! You ever see us play "FM, No Static at All?" Monty asked cheerfully, his demeanour completely different. It reminded Gregory of Chica and Roxy briefly.
Gregory pondered for a moment. He knew that it had been mentioned in conversation before but it still didn't ring any bells. He felt bad that he couldn't think back to it but then, the youth remembered the other song he'd forgotten he'd watched before due to trying to hide. He remembered seeing Monty singing lead on one but his memory seemed to just forget it until now. "Yeah, earlier in the Morning, I got a glimpse of you playing it. "The girls' don't seem to care?" That's how it went didn't it?" Gregory briefly reprised the lyrics.
"Yeah!" Monty replied happily. "We sang it on the 70s themed day but the little guys and then the big guys seemed to really like it so much that S.T.A.F.F. gave the okay and we performed it from time to time after. Ain't that just awesome?"
"Totally." Gregory replied with a light expression.
"That was when I realised all of Bonnie's words were right. I play it to his memory now… It was such a nice time back then…" Monty's nuzzle relaxed as he smiled. Gregory could see the Glamrock gator was almost in another place and felt himself smiling alongside him.
"I owed it all to Bonnie and when I wanted to thank him with some of my special gifts from the golf course, he declined 'em. Said it was all me, he just helped me along... That's the type of guy he was..." Monty's now shaking smile then began to quiver into a sad one. "But then... management began to take notice... My merchandise sales and popularity poles were starting to pass Bonnie's. It came as a shock to all of us because we all got the same consistent votes. On top of that, we heard down the grapevine that 'cuz Bonnie wasn't being at his duties as much in Bonnie Bowl, it was startin' to become less popular. The guy always made time for us... but because of it, he didn't put time out for himself... Then in the evening one day, he came to my course. It was extra busy that day and we had extra shows on but Bonnie wasn't gettin' any visitors and wasn't gettin' put on stage much, so he just waited for us. He-He'd wanted to have a game... Just the five of us… Maybe he knew what was comin'... Always sharp… But before we could even get there... he was taken away and decommissioned... In the middle of our show... We didn't even get to say a proper goodbye to him..."
Gregory couldn't even respond to what he was hearing. Just listened intently to every word.
"Kids then began asking questions about where he was... That sent a message tellin' the big guys up top that maybe he wasn't as least popular as they thought he was..." Monty growled. "And then the rumours started... Talkin' about how we'd been spendin' a lot of time together before, sayin' that I done him dirty by sabotaging the poles and merch. They spread... All everyone heard now was how Bonnie was last seen headin' to Montgomery Gator Golf. That I did the deed myself... One joker even tried to modify my attraction to make it look like I wanted Freddy's place… " Monty put his hands to his face.
"Monty... I had no idea... I'm so, so, sorry... I didn't mean to think you'd done it..." Surprisingly the animatronic gator put a hand to Gregory's shoulder to reassure him but then his expression changed once again, as his mouth began to quiver in anger.
"They always love to talk smack and don't care about the feelin's they hurt... Bunch of posers... I didn't really want to get more popular than him... I just... I just wanted to be seen... To be... loved... That's what we're made for isn't it...?" He looked at Gregory almost seeking an answer. "To give the love and get it back...? Why couldn't we all have gotten the same...? It's not fair!" Monty swiftly stood up and kicked a nearby trash bin which went flying almost hitting the banister but then calmed himself after he realised he was still next to Gregory.
"...Worse part is Freddy. I feel terrible every time me and him are in the same room together... They were inseparable and... I broke their friendship... If I didn't suck so much, he wouldn't have had to put his time to helpin' me and we'd all still be friends... Friends are supposed to be forever..."
"Monty…"
"You know… sometimes I think about bein' able to be like this, talk the way I do, have these thoughts, speak with you like this… Wouldn't it just be better if I was a normal mascot?" Gregory's eyes widened. "I just… feelin' like this… It just hurts… it hurts man… and if I was normal… I wouldn't have to feel this way…" Monty's voice was completely toned serious.
The alligator noticed that had made Gregory look away and Monty quickly regretted what he had just confessed. "I'm sorry little guy... You probably don't wanna be next to a gator with issues..." Saying that, Monty turned to go back deeper into his golf course but then, he could feel the sensation of his hand being held and it kept him in place as he turned around to address the young child.
"Please… Don't think that way Monty. Everyone has problems... You're just misunderstood and… your personality, the way you talk and speak with me and others… that's what makes you unique. Bonnie saw the good in you and I see it too. Please don't feel like it would be better if you were a normal animatronic... Roxy, Chica, Freddy and me… we like you just the way you are."
Monty's face plates caved in almost like his face was trying to shrivel up in flustered gratitude… "You sound... just like him... I miss him so much..." The green gator then fell to his knees and held onto Gregory, being careful not to hurt the youth and in return, Gregory gave the green gator all the comfort he needed, as Monty continued to silently cry.
Bit of a heavy one this time guys and hopefully not too heavy. I thought it was important to show the effect Bonnie had on the group, both before and after. Very interested to hear your thoughts on Monty's personality too, hope you like what I did with the mythos surrounding him and enjoyed this two parter! We're back to the regular chapters in the next and we're getting into the home stretch! It's sure to be a doosey! Just to add by the way, Mekhane, that was totally my bad man. I accidently updated the wrong chapter when making some small fixes before, so don't worry about it and thanks for the continued support! In the meantime, review at your leisure and have a good one!