Hoo boy, it's been a hot minute since the last update huh? Really sorry about that guys. A lot of stuff happened, namely a family death and me catching Covid right after and having to start College and I'm still in the middle of work for that. Fortunately, I'm in a much better place now physically, mentally, healthily and I have found the time to get back to the story! Once again, thank you to all the new favs, follows and reviews I've received. With that, let's get back to it!
I do not own Five Nights at Freddy's. All rights go to Scott Cawthon.
Enjoy Chapter Nine: All Together
My Racingstar Chapter Nine
Stirring but still slightly dimmed, Chica awoke to find herself laying on the ground and taking a look at herself, noticed her pink and white plating had come off even more to the point from a far distance you'd think she was all metal and she had a small crack in her beak due to the clash of endos previously, giving her a more worn state than before. Hopefully her voice box withstood the force, she wouldn't want to go through the tedious process of having it replaced.
Quickly making sense of her whereabouts and seeing the almost caved and stacked neon green panels to the right of her where she guessed the others tumbled, the Glamrock chicken swiftly recovered, finding that she could still walk, though with a slight impairment. Despite that, she made all haste, she had to know if her friends were alright.
Not knowing if this was another world or not, Roxy's eyes opened and quickly saw Monty covered by one of the neon panel's and finding out she could still move along with getting her bearings, rushed over to her friend. In spite of the risky situation, she didn't receive any major damage from the fall and tumble, despite everything else. "Monty! Monty! Are you okay?" She scrambled to push off one of the many panels.
Movement was heard and the mechanical gator moved the closer fabric off his now even more damaged plating and looked up at Roxy, giving a small smile. His star shades were surprisingly unharmed too. "…I'm… more worried… about you..." He said, rising up. "But… I'm alright." He reassured while making sure his body was okay. "Man, even after all that, you still have all that energy. You're somethin' else Rox." He lightly complimented.
"We're made of metal, right?" She grinned at her bass mate and he returned it.
Before anything else could be said, "Roxy!" Roxy turned to see Chica running over to her with a slight limp that couldn't help but make the Glamrock wolf want to tear up slightly at the sight.
Now reunited, all three embraced one another. "Thank goodness you're not hurt." Chica said in relief.
"I look hurt all over but you can't tell what it's from." The silver wolf joked which got Monty and Chica to hug her even more.
"At least we look mostly identical now." Chica joined.
"Could start a whole show." Said Monty, as all three chuckled.
The laughter was cut short, when Roxy remembered. "Wait! Greg!"
At that time, Chica on chance, noticed another falling form, this one skinnier and sleeker than the rest, she quickly shouted for Monty to look and just in time, the green gator leapt in the air and caught the falling form of the Daycare Attendant: Moon Sun.
Due to Moon Sun having a much lighter and more flexible endo, it made him almost as light as a feather despite the metal in his body but still… it might have not been enough to save him.
"That was close… Good save Chi'." The Glamrock gator sighed in relief.
"Good save to you man. But… What's he doing here?" Roxy looked down at the broken Jester in Monty's arms who held him cradled and slowly looked down in dismay. "Why did we have to meet him again like this…?"
Like the words had almost brought him back, Moon's blank eyes suddenly glowed red once more as he looked up to see the Glamrock Gator's face. "Mon..ty…?"
Monty's brow raised in surprise. "Moon…! Are you-"
"Is… he safe…?" The jester managed out.
"Gregory?" Roxy asked.
Moon turned to the silver wolf and nodded for as much as he could.
"Yeah, yeah, he's safe…" The Glamrock gator reassured. He didn't know if the child was but he couldn't let that perhaps be the final thing Moon heard.
"Good… That's good…" Moon's head turned back in relief as he said carefully, "Nice… children.. mu..st be… sa..ved… I'm… sorry… guys… I'm just… glad… I could… help… some…one…" As the jester said those words, the light in his eyes dimmed and soon faded out.
"Moon, no, stay with us!" Chica reached out but it was too late, as Moon went limp in Monty's arms and they heard a small mechanism shift from inside the jester's body.
"Servos have gone into full safety mode. Dunno if he enabled it himself as he fell, or if it was done automatically…" Monty muttered. "He came to save Gregor too… The kid must have made an impact on 'em." The green gator's head fell in condolence for his friend as did the others who followed suite.
Before, they didn't get to see much of the clown animatronic due to their conflicting schedules and also Sun Moon's personality was a bit much for them to handle sometimes but again, it was just the way he had been programmed and at times, you could really see he was trying to be friendly. He was a friend all the same and now, he was another victim just like them...
"What happened as well Rox? We got your message and then the next thing we see is you falling." Monty asked concerningly.
"Freddy - happened… He… pushed me off the catwalk. Well, more like I rushed him and he just stepped outta the way…" The others reacted in shock and slight anger. "Don't blame him guys… I sure don't. Remember, we three were just like him too…"
"I wasn't getting angry at him man, just this situation." Chica said.
"I just hope Gregor, helped him, like he did with- Roxy!" The green gator stopped when he saw the silver wolf breaking off from the group seeing her rush to the spiral stairs.
"He might still be in danger! I-" Her words turned to silence when she saw a familiar brown bear jump over and down the banister from the lower stairs.
Meanwhile the newcomer looked down at his abdomen. "Sorry for the bump there. Hope you're okay?" Roxy heard from the bear and then, "Good good."
"Freddy..." Roxy looked on in relief and slight shock from the familiar tone of voice from her friend.
Freddy looked up and his eyes turned to warmth as they dimmed slightly. "Roxy… Please forgiv-" But he didn't get to finish as the silver wolf had already enveloped him in a hug which he slowly returned.
The other Glamrocks, who were silent themselves, did the same and all four came together in a group hug. "Chica, Monty, Roxy... I'm so happy to see you again." Freddy's tone was like he had been lost for so long and was glad he was home.
"We're finally back again..." Roxy uttered.
"The four of us…," Said Monty.
"Together…," Said Chica.
"Yes." Freddy finished.
"Uh, guys. It's getting a bit hot in here?" A voice came from Freddy's chest.
Chica quickly stepped back in shock. "Freddy, I didn't know your chest could talk?!" She squawked but was then smacked on the head lightly by Roxy. "Ow, Rox!"
"Oh! Sorry about that. If you could make a bit of room, please." Freddy asked and the others obliged. His chest cavity then opened and Gregory hopped out of it, rubbing his back from the heat.
"Jeez, felt like I was being turned into a burger. Roxy!" As soon as he saw the silver wolf, Gregory's angst turned to joyful enthusiasm as he ran and hugged her.
"I'm alright sport. Just a bit damaged." She grinned down at the youth, carefully letting him down.
"Like a few of us over here." Monty quipped in which got Gregory to look over in his and Chica's direction.
"Monty, Chica. It's great to see yous! Happy you're safe."
"Likewise, Greg Greg, glad you're alright." Chica beamed at the child.
"Freddy, was able to break free without the Force Stop, just like you Roxy." Gregory said happily which got a few perplexed looks from the others on how it was possible for the brown bear and silver wolf but before anything could be said, the deep thoughts were interrupted.
"Chica." Freddy addressed his bandmate. "I remember you running over to me when I glitched out on stage before. Thank you for that."
"It's no problem, Fred. We always look out for each other." She replied warmly.
"That we do." Freddy smiled but it faded when he turned his gaze onto his reptilian bandmate. "Monty." Everyone else went silent and let both have their space as the atmosphere changed.
Both said nothing at first until…
"Freddy… I… I just-" Monty began but he was stopped when the Glamrock bear gently placed his hand on the green gator's shoulder.
"It's okay I should have been there for you more. Mont. You were in pain just as much as me. I'm sorry." Freddy's eyes dimmed down some.
Getting over his shock, Monty shook his head. "No, please man. I should be apologising to you."
"No apology needed. He always looked out for us, so let's continue his memory by looking out for each other. I think he'd want us to do that." Freddy walked closer.
"Yeah." Monty slowly smiled back meeting Freddy's warm gaze.
"Bonnie wouldn't want us to grieve about him too. I know you did your best and you're still my friend." Freddy hugged the Glamrock gator who returned it almost instantly.
"You're still my friend too Freddy. Thanks man." The Glamrock gator's voice quivered that held a tone of him possibly crying but he held it in. Both Glamrocks held the embrace for a bit before breaking it and afterwards Freddy turned his attention back to Gregory.
"And Gregory. As a thank you to you. May I... oh, this is more difficult to ask than I thought it would be..." The light bear's eyes shifted some.
"Uh yes...?" The youth still found it a bit awkward after what transpired minutes ago.
"May I... give you a hug as a thank you? It's the least I can do for you."
"A hug?" Gregory blinked.
"A hug."
"Is that it...?"
"Well, a hug is a very important and lovely thing. It-"
"Alright Fred, hold your horses. Let the kid process." Roxy chipped in giving Gregory a small smile as she glanced at the youth while he contemplated what Freddy said.
Silence was the norm when the child spoke up.
"Sure. A hug sounds nice." Gregory nodded.
Freddy beamed and made his way over to Gregory. No hesitation. Both then embraced and surprisingly Gregory felt warmth like he'd never felt before. It was almost being hugged like real bear but the Glamrocks were all metal... it was weird... but he wasn't complaining. There was kindness and comfort in the hug too... It was nice...
Breaking it, Freddy looked down at the boy with a slight innocence. "I hope you liked the hug?"
"Uh... yeah, it was very nice. Thank you, Freddy." He said back, flustered.
"It was my pleasure, Gregory." Freddy smiled happily. "Usually, kids have to pay in order to get one but yours is a special case."
"That's... cool..." Gregory sweat dropped. "But really thanks. You're free now and safe with us. I'm happy you could be reunited with your friends." Gregory spoke earnestly.
"And you too."
"Huh?"
"You're my friend too Gregory. You've done so much for us."
Gregory was at a loss for words but he almost felt his eyes tear up… But it wasn't from what Freddy said, it was something else he had been keeping from them… He knew Roxy and Chica knew, the latter suspecting more but… after all this, it was eating him up inside not to say anything.
But before he could say anything, Freddy had turned his sorrow and knelt down to one knee, holding the heavily damaged Moon Sun's hand in his. "I'm sorry Moon... I'm so sorry... Thank you for saving Gregory and finally me as well..." He then addressed the others, "How damaged is he?"
"I don't know Freddy... it's too hard to say. His system has gone into full safe mode to save any excess data and suppress the damage to his core. He's holding on but just barely." Replied Monty sadly.
The Glamrock bear's eyes closed in repentance but slowly in the moments that passed, the look was changed and his eyes opened now with only anger and justice in them. "I have had enough of this." He rose up and the others looked on in slight fear and admonishment. They had never seen Freddy this enraged before but one Glamrock shared his sentiment.
"You've got my vote on that Fred. I'm sick of this hide and seek crud. We've been taken for fools, given the runaround and treated like clowns. I'm done playing around. We find Vanny and we end this now! Speaking of, any luck on your end?" Roxy asked her two band mates.
"Have to responded in a negative," Monty shook his head in dismay. "apart from the spare endos down in the tunnels. Gave Chica a scare a few times."
"Hey, for good reason! They're creepy as all get out! But more importantly, this is really eating me, how have you two been able to come back without flipping the Force Stop?" The pink and white chicken looked back and forth at Freddy and Roxy.
"Maybe the virus is starting to get weaker?" Monty chipped in.
"How does a virus get weaker? Also, it's more than just a virus… It's a force… A presence… I could feel it… I'm sure you guys felt it too…" Roxy said grimly.
"It's more than just Vanny as well..." Freddy mused.
Gregory thought back to the arcade game... could that have been the cause but then, he didn't finish it... and Roxy also was able to come back after the whole ordeal with her trying to get him. "Maybe the more guys that broke free, the weaker it gets?" The child stated.
"Hmm perhaps cause I was still able to get back control. Roxy what about you?" Freddy asked the silver wolf.
"Yeah... After talking to Greg in that - bad state I was in... And after I got my eyes back, it was completely gone. I don't know why."
"Regardless, we're here now and back together." Freddy smiled happily.
"And it's all because of you Greg. You brought them all back to me." Roxy knelt down to one knee and put her paw gently on the young man's shoulder. "You got us together again. Thank you, Gregory."
Gregory tried his best not to get flustered but replied with. "I'm just glad you guys are together that's all..."
"Greg, I'm the one that's supposed to get flustered here, not you." Roxy teased him as she stood on both feet again giving his cheek a gentle pat.
"With all these hugs, surprised you're not reeling from cooties Rox." Monty joked.
"Oh, put a sock in it man. I'm not made of stone... I really am happy we're all together. Really. For a while I thought I wouldn't see any of you again. "
"Ah, I'm sorry Roxy. I didn't mean to-"
"It's cool man. But your hugging sucks."
"Hey! It's a first time for me too with this hugging people stuff! I'll get better." Monty sulked.
"You better. No claws included." The silver wolf joked.
"Yeah, well... I'm not good with this stuff either... I'm a kid!" The youth spoke up.
"Now, now Gregory. That's no excuse for not being courteous, is it?" Freddy said in a friendly tone which made the youth regret what he said. The Glamrock bear being so nice he still wasn't used to.
"Well... no..." He agreed in a cute manner.
Monty then gave a cheery laugh. "Nothing wrong with getting them feels Gregor!" The green gator them picked the child up and put him on his big shoulders. "There we go. Shouldn't be so embarrassing now, now that you're bigger than us, eh?"
"That's... not really what I meant..." The child replied but Monty gave another laugh and the others joined in as they made their way over to rest. With all four them now together it certainly made things a whirlwind with their personalities.
However, the laughter was ceased when they could now hear slight whimpers coming from the child above Monty's shoulders. In quick action the green gator placed him down on the floor once more, fearful he might have done something to upset him. "I'm sorry kid. I hope I wasn't too rough or are you still not used to being around me still? I can always-"
"No… No… It's not that…" Gregory interrupted carefully through sniffs. He then addressed all four of the Glamrocks.
"Greg. What's wrong?" Roxy knelt down to the youth's level to give him comfort. Tears dripping down from the boy's face.
"I need to tell you guys something. I've been keeping it from yous but... I want to say it now... I'm... I'm... homeless..." For two of the Glamrocks they were stunned into silence though for two others they slightly lowered their heads from the sad memories of finding out in their own way, as Roxy stood back up also.
"This actually… wasn't the first time I visited this place. I've snuck in a few times in the past but had to build up my confidence. First it was finding a way in, getting in and finally just staying in the place. I heard – so many great things about it. Other kids telling their parents they loved it and wanting to come back cause you guys just changed their world for the better… I wanted… to see if it was true… and it was…"
"Greg... I... I'm so sorry... That's absolutely horrible you poor thing." Said Chica.
"You shouldn't have had to fend for your own like that…" Monty brow lowered.
"To be honest… After this whole thing started, one of my first thoughts was to… scrap you guys… Like you know… destroy you… I know crazy thought for a kid to have… But… I was just so scared and I thought everything was out to get me. That was before…" His eyes turned to a certain silver wolf, "I met Roxy…" Roxy smiled back at him as he continued. "And then meeting the rest of you guys and getting to know yous… I saw that you guys were more than just happy go lucky mascots. You guys have thoughts, feelings. You can laugh, joke and even cry… and… I'm… sorry…" The tears continued to flow. "I've been terrible to keep this from you and I don't deserve forgiveness for keeping you guys at bay so—" But before he could finish, he could feel the warmth of all four Glamrocks hugging him.
"You've got no reason to feel that way Greg." Chica spoke.
"You've helped us so much since you came here. We probably wouldn't have been the same if you hadn't stayed over like you did..." Monty reassured.
"We're here because of you Gregory. Never forget that." Freddy comforted.
"You... You've helped us Greg... More than just physically and mentally... You've touched all of us... And we're all better for it." Roxy looked right into the child's tearful eyes and smiled sweetly.
Gregory couldn't speak though the sobs he was making which made the four Glamrocks deepen the hug even more, as the child felt the warm embrace of his heroes. After a bit, they let the youth have some space as he recovered from all the emotions...
"Gee, I'm starting to know how Roxy feels..." He joked. "Too much kind stuff can be bad for you..."
"You feelin' better short stuff?" Roxy grinned at him.
"Yeah. I'm good. Thanks guys. Really..."
"Good!" Roxy lightly smacked the kid's back. "Cause Mont, you were right. I'm about to get serious symptoms from all this happy crud. Let's get outta here and chill in the Atrium."
The others after sharing a smile at Roxy's not so convincing angst, agreed and all five of the company made their way out of the neon game arena.
But once again, still under the watchful gaze of two interlopers. Waiting for their moment…
Relaxing at the show stage for a few minutes, Gregory and the Glamrocks were finally trying to piece together the tedious and confusing puzzle that lay before them. Time was of the essence and they knew that had to strike back soon before Vanny and this mysterious force tried anything again.
Retracing their steps, they turned back to the first incident that started the domino effect for the entire night with Freddy's malfunction during their last show of the day.
"-And again, after you rebooted your system and you were put on lockdown in your room. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, apart from your vision getting blurry which of course was Vanny sneaking past, the sneaky rat that she is and then… you turned… What happened to you after that?" Roxy backtracked and then asked her friend.
"I remember... I was at different... areas... but I... My memory is still too fuzzy." Freddy clutched the side of his head.
"Take your time man. It'll come back to you." She put a paw to his shoulder for help.
"What I can tell is, it appears… that this virus has had a different impact on each of our own core personalities." Freddy said seriously.
"Like the irregularities that gave us our own identity in the first place?"
"Correct Chica."
"If you wanna talk irregularities, just ask the intercom you. That hardly ever seems to actually play when it's supposed to during the first bits of Fazerblast…" Roxy blurted out but quickly covered her mouth and gave a small glance at her friend, giving Freddy an apologetic look. "Ah… my bad Fred… My programming is still a bit iffy… sorry…"
"I… uh… Gregory, please don't try and find out what I sound like there…It's a recording and… I sound annoying… Not that you would think I am… I hope I don't…" The Glamrock's head slightly tipped downwards.
"Oh, no, no Freddy! You sound cool. Nice in fact!" Gregory replied lightly which got Freddy to give a small nod in appreciation.
"Uh… Guys, the irregularities?" Chica spoke up which got the other three to focus.
"Yeah. Speaking of those, remember Chi, her voice before it went black for us. Vanny mentioned some sort of cult?" Said Monty.
"Cult? Aren't those things supposed to be nonexistent now?"
"I wouldn't be so sure Roxy. Most have just gone underground. Same could be said for this one." The others then gave Freddy surprised looks on what he said. "Oh, ah, I apologise if I know a bit more than I let on, on this subject. You'd be surprised how much you can hear from the S.T.A.F.F. members. Folks are into some weird stuff these days." The Glamrock laughed hesitantly.
"Don't blame you being cooped up in your room." Monty remarked.
"Right, right but cult means like a society of members?" Roxy asked
"Yeah and you guys were roped into it... Now that you guys are free, does that just leave Vanny?" Gregory asked.
"Perhaps Gregory. But from any cult that has members, there's always someone at the top." Freddy surmised.
"A... Patriarch?" Chica surmised carefully.
"Someone's been doing their homework." Roxy observed.
"Or acolyte." Monty added.
"Make that two." Roxy corrected.
"The very thing. Maybe a bit lower for the acolyte part but the patriarch yes, or leader at least, if we want to be simple on it." Freddy nodded.
"When did this turn into the "Freddy Fazbear cult band?" Roxanne addressed the weird terminology which made Freddy chuckle.
"Well, we are highly advanced pieces of machinery, so it's no surprise we're well versed in a variety of topics. It's like this you see-"
"That's great and all Fred but I think we should stay on track." The silver wolf interrupted her friend.
"Oh, right sorry." Freddy replied flustered, which got the Glamrock wolf to give him a light toothy smile, while the other three chuckled. He did want to mention Roxy making a pun just now but he would save it for a later time.
"Right, so all this means that Vanny is working for someone then! Unless she's the one in charge herself?" Monty mused.
"Could be. But with everything that has happened in these last months, I really doubt that she could have done this all on her own. No... Vanny is taking orders from someone. You think that too don't you Gregory?" Freddy addressed the youth.
"Yeah... She mentioned someone to me. "He". So did... Roxy... and then you… Freddy." Gregory gave a glance at the silver wolf and brown bear from what happened previously. "I didn't know if what was being said was just trying to scare me but it all adds up to what you guys are saying."
Freddy put his hand to his chin in a thinking sort of manner and at last seemed to come up with something. "Hmmm… Hold on! When the virus corrupted us, it took full root inside our programming!"
"Meaning?" Eyed Roxy.
"It's a long shot but something that is this powerful, must emit some kind of tough pulse stream, which I'm sure they're remnants of in the air. Also, it must have originated somewhere in this very Pizza Plex, it being so strong. If we concentrate, we should be able to trace the signal trail back to its source."
"That is a long stretch, Fred." Chica stated. "But it might just work. Guys?" She eyed the rest of her bandmates who nodded in agreement seriously, Freddy and Chica following back suite in reply.
And then, all four Glamrocks shut their eyes in sync and simply stood there, absolutely stoic.
"[Look beneath the Raceway...]"
"Huh…?" The child just managed to not make his gasp heard amongst the concentrated animatronics. Thinking it was nothing but then.
"[Look beneath the Raceway...]" The voice… The voice he'd been hearing all night… It was in its head… Directly in his mind… But…
"(The raceway...?)" Gregory concentrated in his head. Hoping he'd gotten this right...
"[Where agony is restless and sleepless. That is where you must go...]" The youth would take that as a reply from whatever this was but before he could inform the others and they could concentrate fully; a familiar voice then came through the intercom.
"{Hey, guys. Not to spoil the reunion party with the little man or anything but you might want to check something at "Roxy's Raceway". I'm sure you guys will know what I mean by that. Good luck.}" The intercom then stopped.
Gregory waited quickly for the voice to speak again but nothing came and then looked around at the Glamrocks. "Who was that?" Though the child slightly did know who it was.
"…Vanessa… I don't know the specifics but we do really need to get down there." Roxy said seriously. She wouldn't say but she was relieved that the security guard was still around, as much as it was.
"But what about Van'?" Asked Monty.
"I think it's best we deal with her after this matter is settled. Who knows, perhaps she is where she just mentioned?" Freddy stated.
"What's there?" The youth hesitated to ask as the Glamrock bear still stared almost into space.
"Something… But not at the area or above. When we concentrated briefly, we located a small source. It's below, deep down. That… force." The child was getting scared by the way Freddy made out the circumstances and along with what he was already told.
"Don't fret short stuff." Roxy patted the child on the shoulder. "We'll have this all sorted in a jiff."
"But um…" Gregory replied but stopped a bit, flustered to say.
"Something wrong man?" Monty asked.
"It's just… with the way things are… You guys don't exactly look… uh… ready all that much… since you are pretty roughed up." The child referred to their very worn appearances.
The racing wolf inspected herself, "The kid's gotta point." Roxy chuckled. "We look like we could get into an actual punk concert." The others smiled at the joke but Freddy's expression then turned back solemn.
"Adding to that, I can probably tell with the number of dangers we've faced today, that below the PizzaPlex won't be just a cakewalk and we should prepare ourselves to get involved in some very rough situations."
"Uh, Fred. Hate to burst your bubble but we ain't exactly brawlers." Said the green gator.
"Well, you are a bit, Monty." Roxy pointed out.
"Not by choice! Only when I get mad… Ain't my fault." His voice got quieter at the end and he was given a comforting pat by Chica.
"Hey but don't you guys each have special abilities like Roxy's eyes or Monty's strength?" Gregory asked.
"Sorry to say Greg but my eyes are just back to the basic settings now." Roxy replied sadly.
"Yeah, like Chica's Valley Girl mode..." Monty snorted.
"Hey, hey, hey! That is private information and let me just say that was a design flaw that was fixed just like my voice box making me sound not as nice singing on stage!" The Glamrock chicken declared and folded her arms in a huff.
"Like totally." Roxanne imitated the stereotypical voice.
"Rox!" Chica whined.
"Payback for the hug missy." Roxy shot back.
"Ah, don't fret Chica. I had that weird glitch where I would only say "Hey Little Guy!" for a time remember?" Monty comforted his fellow bandmate.
"Guys. Getting' back on here?" Gregory got all their attention. "Monty's strength is still a really big plus and your unique design too Freddy."
"Ah, yes, yes! Also, Chica's enhanced voice box!" Freddy chipped in.
"Yeah, right on, Gregor! We can maybe use those to our advantage!" Monty beamed happily.
"Um, that sounds cool and all but with the way our "attributes" are now, especially with the damage we've taken… Your fists and my voice do squat!" Chica squawked.
An air of disappointment took over everyone, when Gregory then remembered a very important location, he'd heard mention of countless times throughout the day and thinking about it now, made him slowly smile in realisation. "But not if we upgraded it it wouldn't, would it?"
There as they took the main elevator from the show stage down into the utility tunnels to get to their destination, the five companions were now down in the lower industrial sections of the Pizza Plex. The Glamrocks and Gregory took notice of how empty the dark steaming corridors were in contrast to before, most noticeably the lack of endos and security bots. Chica and Monty's mention proved even more correct and it was unsettling that the stationed bots were no longer there but even more so was... Where did they go?
It was a question that would have to be solved later, which would be sooner rather than later but after a few more turns into the corridors, they made it to a double red long handled door with glass windows showing the inside of the large complex.
A particular area that was actually just below and connected to the Green Rooms of the Glamrock Animatronics via corresponding elevators and then corridors all which with a light push, the two doors parted to reveal their destination. Parts 'N Service. A place that said what it did and very well at that too with Gregory taking in the whole wide room.
With the previously described doors above that showed silhouettes of each of the Glamrocks, there were stairs leading up to them on either side in an almost circle and in front there was a massive cylinder like structure, with blue vented pump tubing connected all around it. Inside it was protected by glass windows which held an operating table, for what was probably repairing the Glamrocks when they got damaged. A small table desk was just outside the main door of the structure with an old-style computer on top of it also with barricades on either side of the cylinder too.
To the left, there were holding cages that most likely were for the endos, along with cases and trunks for spare parts and lockers just behind the cages and on the right, there were three compressed rooms covered at the front with glassed windows, almost looking like holding cells. The whole place dimly lit and looked to be almost steam punk in its aesthetic which Gregory would take as a plus and a break from the neon colours.
"Here again..." Remarked Roxy. "Never thought I'd be glad to be back in this joint."
"We should get started." Said Freddy, who gently placed Moon Sun at the side of the entrance door in a sitting down pose.
"Yeah, just take me in there and set me down on the chair. The others will get my spare plates and attach them to the arms up there and then all you have to do is match the colour coordination."
"Um... with how high tech everything is?" Gregory asked puzzled.
"You'd think it be faster, wouldn't you?" Roxy chuckled. "Manually is the best and quickest way. Hey, just because we're animatronics doesn't mean we can't appreciate the old ways." She grinned as much as she could while stepping into the circular chamber.
It was here that the Glamrocks to their surprise learned that Gregory was actually a very capable mechanic and did most of the repairing almost singlehandedly with how he handled the colour coding to replace certain parts of their plating and endoskeletons, "So, this is what you meant by fixing things being a hobby eh? You been holding out on us Greg." the Glamrock wolf teased.
"Yeah... well... sorry..." The young man apologised hesitantly.
Roxanne merely waved it off to show she was pulling his leg. "You're cool sport. That's a pretty cool skill to have. I guess... you learned this from being on the streets?"
The other Glamrocks expressions turned slightly sad at remembering the child's circumstances.
"Yeah..." Gregory replied looking away.
"Well, at least you can put those big skills to use here." Chica patted the child's shoulder gently as she went over to help Monty with his plating. "Trust me Greg Greg, you're a big help to us for this."
"For sure man. These repairs to us would take even longer without you." Monty chipped in, as he got help taking the front plates off his arms and chest.
"Be proud of your own abilities Gregory." Freddy added.
"You heard the band." Roxy grinned and Gregory began to smile again. "That's what I liked to see. Now, let's get this stuff all sorted. Hate sitting in this chair. I'm gonna get metal rust at this rate!" The others chuckled at Roxy's small outburst.
"By the way, is it okay to keep the door open like this?" Gregory, motioned to the sliding door above which they had set to the fully open setting.
"Ah, don't sweat it. The way this cylinder room was built was to make sure if any of us went haywire, the blast door and glass windows would protect the mechanics outside. But since we're all cool, there's no reason to keep it closed, plus makes it easier for us. Well, unless one of us went rouge again." Roxanne flashed a toothy smirk.
"Please don't joke about that man..." Chica sighed while Roxy merely giggled joined by a few chuckles from the others.
They had all agreed Roxy should be first considering that she was the most banged up out of all of them. Chica and Monty would soon follow and then finally Freddy.
The Glamrocks explained that most of their removal and adding parts stages were mostly done through a colour coordination followed by matching the wires to their corresponding circuit. Each animatronic having a different sequence to follow, which Gregory found confusing at first but soon got the hang of it considering his street abilities.
The child then gave Roxy's spare endo and plate parts a clean using a special type of oil polish. The silver wolf chose it specifically since, "It gives me that extra shiny feel." Gregory didn't question it but made sure to have a small chuckle over it, while Roxy gave him a flustered look as the others grinned over at their exchange.
After that Gregory was told to step back as Roxy's body did a tiny bit of a spasm, "Systemrebootengaged... Yeah, don't worry about the fast computer voice I do. It comes with the hardware. Hey, my voice sounds a bit better now!" Roxy stated cheerfully, noticing the difference. There was still a slight undertone of a second pattern but it was mostly gone now thankfully. Her eyes needed to be readjusted too along with the specific part at her snout being repaired. Difficult but not impossible.
After, Roxy stepped out looking much better overall, her plating was mostly fixed along with the polish bringing her to her normal look. There were still a few dents off colouring here and there but it was a much better state than before. Gregory then got started on Chica.
"Greg your shirt!" Chica quickly acknowledged the tear in his stripped clothes. "Ah... This was... Roxy... when she was not in a good state." As he spoke, Roxy kept quiet as she looked away in shame. "But she's better now and it wasn't a bad scratch. I'm okay really." He reassured. "The worst thing that happened to me is still the small cut I got on my arm but I managed to patch it up."
"Gee, you're very self-sufficient!" The pink and white chicken stated in surprise.
"I'd expect nothing less from Gregory." Freddy complimented the child.
Gregory smiled sheepishly at the praise but then met Roxy's gaze. "Don't feel bad Roxy. At least we kinda match in a hardcore way now." Roxy gave a small smile at the irony. "True, short stuff. Thanks."
"Hardcore... reminds me of Livin'…" Freddy muttered.
Roxy's ears picked up on it and she grinned at the others. "You remember guys?"
The other three returned Roxanne's knowing grin. "Oh, yeah. Whooooaaaaa! We're halfway there!"
All four then let out a shout and sang, "Livin' On A Prayer!" and air guitared. Gregory only watched in wonder as the band laughed afterwards and Chica and Roxy high fived. "Uh, is that a good idea?"
"Probably not but we need to let loose sometimes. We won't do it that often, trust me." Roxy smiled a reassuringly at the youth.
"Man, I really wanna play that song now. But I know there's other stuff we need to do first." Chica lamented.
"I just hope this helps…" Gregory was still unsure.
"Do not worry Gregory, even if the upgrades don't work fully, we still can use Roxy's good keen eyes and Chica's sound improved voice box!" Freddy replied happily.
"And Monty can run pretty fast and leap too!" Chica chipped in.
"Hey, I'm a reptile not a wolf! Who do you think I am?" Monty snorted.
"I heard that." Roxy called back.
"Sorry Rox. Love you lots hun!" Monty said back sweetly.
"Yeah, love you to Mont." Roxy replied sarcastically but with a hint of lightness while the Glamrock gator slightly grinned as Gregory polished his nuzzle after moving on from Chica.
"Man, what I wouldn't give for a nice hot oil bath… Would really make the gears flexible after…" Monty groaned.
"Very tempting but we are pressed for time." Replied Freddy.
"Yeah, you're right on that. I just hope we can finally get to the bottom of this..." Monty had a serious expression going on but saw the others almost wanting to snicker. "What?" The green gator was confused but then rolled his eyes. "Bottom. Ha-ha, funny guys. Let's get back to focusing."
"Monty is right. Even with his humorous choice of words." Freddy replied and chuckled at Monty's flustered look who smiled to himself after.
Things became a bit quiet again apart from the mechanic and wiping sounds of the Glamrocks and Gregory repairing their damaged endos and plating.
As this was happening, Roxy looked on in amazement at Gregory's skills at handling the delicate devices, well delicate was a strong word since most of the refitting required colour coordination to allow for maintenance on their endoskeletons and attachments. Still, it was quite a feat for a child to be able to handle it.
The little boy had done so much for them and didn't ask for anything in return. He really was a star… It made Roxy smile without her thinking it.
"You're very fond of him, aren't you?" Her daydreaming was interrupted as she turned to see Freddy observing.
The Glamrock wolf gave a very shy look. "Well… I… Yeah, I guess I am…" She replied timidly.
"No need to feel bashful. I feel the same way." Freddy looked over to see Gregory laughing with Monty and Chica at the green gator's leg moving back and forth in an out-of-control way. A tranquil feeling fell over the Glamrock bear. "Children like him is what keeps us going."
"Yeah." Roxanne agreed lightly.
Meanwhile, Gregory merely looked on in silent happiness at the interactions all of the Glamrocks were having. He could really see that they really were like a family and now that they were back together, they could confide in one another and relax…
However, a very particular thought then entered the child's head… What would they do after this…? He couldn't see them taking him in… a complete stranger… despite what he'd done for them but… Would he have to be out on the streets again… Would he be alone…?
"Greg? What's up? You're making Freddy look like a fairy God mother with how shiny you're making him." Roxanne's voice broke him out of his trance and the youth noticed that he hadn't stopped scrubbing Freddy's head.
"Oh, Freddy! I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking straight…" He apologised quickly while setting down the wipe. Compared to the rest, he wasn't too badly damaged apart from having the worst paint job until now. There were still a few adjustments to be made however.
"No harm done Gregory. A most excellent job meanwhile! An extra shine never hurts anyone!" The Glamrock bear replied enthusiastically, which couldn't help make the child chuckle at Freddy's cheerfulness. In a moment that passed he could now see the brown bear giving him a serious look however. "You probably have a lot of doubts after today."
Gregory wasn't expecting the question and his expression shifted but he soon nodded.
"Don't fear it. Doubt is good Gregory. You can re-examine your ideals and with that the journey to get there makes the trust even stronger."
"Roxy was right. You really do like to get into things." Gregory said lightly as he removed Freddy's lower arm plating.
"A side effect of my little hijinks and quirks." Freddy chuckled but his expression then turned sullen. "But even with that I... I feel it doesn't help matters."
"Like... Do you feel you don't help enough?" Gregory asked as he pressed the coordinated colours on the panel to connect Freddy's new wrist gauntlets.
"Y-Yes... I am supposed to be the main mascot. I don't think of it as a way to be above the others but... a way to be there for them... I should know and make sure nothing is wrong but... I feel like I don't help at all with the others' problems... Bonnie... He... He was always good at doing that... If only I had that connection, he had with Monty..."
"Aw, Freddy... But you and Monty are better now than before. You guys made up!" Gregory reminded the Glamrock enthusiastically. "And Roxy and Chica? They've got nothing but praise for you! I think you do a really great job with helping them. You might not think it but in the smallest ways, they think a lot of you just like you do for them."
Freddy's eyes closed gently as he felt his new plating being connected to his lower arm and his eyes opened with comfort. "Thank you, Gregory. Perhaps I was just too blind to see what I really had in front of me."
"Well not blind enough to see it now." The youth joked which got the animatronic singer to laugh seeing as how he had just had his eyes polished as the maintenance continued.
Roxanne picking up the conversation slightly though, did pick up on something being not quite right in that moment but she wouldn't bring it up at the moment.
Soon with help from the others after the critical work in the chamber was done and after Gregory had moved to the polishing phase of cleaning up the worn plating a good thirty or so minutes more of washing the animatronics and making sure the new parts were fitted correctly, all four Glamrocks stood. They all still didn't look brand spanking new but they definitely were much better looking than there worn appearances before. Roxy in particular resembled her old look almost to a T apart from a few scratches here and there on her endo and slightly darker look but they were barely noticeable.
"Oh, just one more thing." Chica began to make her way over to Gregory as he was seated on the small stool and asked him to close his eyes. He then felt his two bandages being removed on his cheek and knee respectively and then replaced by something else.
When he opened them next, he felt the fabric and looked down at the one placed at his leg. She'd replaced his bandages with new stripped ones of Glamrock colours.
"There we go. New and improved. The old ones were getting a bit worn and tacky…"
"Thanks." Gregory blushed and looked away flustered.
"Don't mention man." Chica patted his head gently and gave him a wink.
Finally, Freddy who had carefully moved his body on a nearby stretcher bed that was in the corner gently placed Moon Sun in the oval capsule for him to be left in the automated repair mode. Thinking it would at least clear him up a bit more since it was the only thing they could do for him.
Freddy laid his head low once more. Upset he couldn't do much for his friend but a gentle pat from Monty was comforting.
"He'll be fine. We're more durable than we think." The green gator said cheerfully.
The Glamrock bear nodded in response and took one last look at the Daycare animatronic before joining the others walking up the left stairs to the elevator. However, what the gang did not notice, was a slight twitch of the hand from the robot they had left to rest…
"Welcome to the Mega Pizza Plex!" Said a sudden intercom Freddy.
"Grab a slice of jumbo pepperoni!" Continued intercom Chica.
"And top it off with an ice cold FizzyFaz!" Said intercom Monty.
"Enjoy our super games and attractions!" Intercom Roxy continued still.
Their voices were very uncharacteristically high on energy and enthusiasm. It was weird...
"Don't forget to stop by Rockstar Row and get to meet me and the rest of the gang in person!" Said Freddy with the opening part glitching slightly
"Have fun and have a Faz-errfic day!" The entire Glamrocks finished in unison.
After the elevator ride up to Rockstar Row had ended and they stepped out into the backstage area, the band were silent and made glances towards Gregory, as they walked out and stood still as the young man looked back.
They all had embarrassing looks on their faces. Particularly Roxy and Freddy.
All four gave glances at one another and then, "Gregor... uh..." Monty began.
"That was not us..." Said Chica…
"That was a recording..." Chipped in Roxy.
"We want to make sure you're not confused..." Finished Freddy.
Gregory shook his head and merely laughed. The others thought he was laughing at them but the youth waved at them that it wasn't what they thought. "Sorry guys but trust me. I know what you guys' sound like and it's definitely not like that."
The Glamrocks had relieved looks on their faces. "Of course, the stupid thing would have to play now of all times... Why don't they get that glitch fixed already. It plays at the entrance for crying out loud!" Roxanne remarked, annoyed.
"Add that to a list of things they need to fix." Quipped Chica.
The company then began their way through Rockstar Row and a strange sense of foreboding had taken over the group. For them Roxy's course was like any other but with the added knowledge of something being there… It was unnerving.
Roxanne noticed that Gregory in particular was suffering the most from it and she slowed her pace as the other three walked forward a bit. "You alright short stuff?"
"Not sure… I just… Don't know if I've got the stuff to go with you guys into whatever we're facing."
The young man couldn't see but Roxy herself appeared to be having doubts but she replied, "You're a confident little guy already, so I know you can do it man. Hey Wetty." she acknowledged the wet floor bot that they had just past on the right of them.
Gregory blinked at the floor bot beeping in acknowledgment… Wonders would never cease…
A bit later, they were now just about to enter the raceway. "No splitting up this time got it? We're a team in this." Roxy said seriously.
"Well, even if we did split up, we've got Gregory's handy Roxwa-"
"Mont!" Chica facepalmed.
"Roxwatch..." Freddy suddenly stopped on the spot in confusion and Roxy shook her head at what was about to be said next, "What about the rights?!"
"Oh for- Freddy. Cool it. I already went through the thing with Greg already."
"Oh, okay... it's just I thought he'd want an automated Fazwatch... Do you not like the term Fazwatch Gregory?"
"Of-Of course I do Freddy. It's just that Roxy gave me hers that's all but... you can give me one yourself if that helps?"
Freddy's eyes lit up when he said those words and nodded happily while the other three just shook their heads.
However, all of the shenanigans ceased as they walked into Roxy's Raceway and through the staff only red door, using their senses of tracing the link from before and walking down the metal plated worker section they now found the blocked off section in Roxy's course, barred by security metal gates. Normally it would have just been a simple renovation section since the area was getting repairs but this had been here for far too long… It was out of place.
Shaking slightly but still undeterred, Monty used his strength to smash through it and it only got creeper with each step.
This place hadn't been renovated at all.
It looked like an abandoned building you'd see in lower sections of cites but yet here it was in the PizzaPlex of all places. Roxy's décor could be seen piercing through the wreckage above but it was eclipsed by the grey and dark rubble all around them.
Walking through and under a diagonal piece of scaffolding that almost blocked off continuing, the company of Gregory and the Glamrocks found another barred gate with what looked to be an elevator behind it. There was also a button on the gate which Roxy pressed and it opened with an unnerving hiss that no gate normally made.
A button could be seen on the lower right of the elevator since it didn't seem to be like the others in the building. The other gate they had passed by close to this one didn't seem to lead anywhere but this… This was the real deal.
Pressing the button, the elevator opened eerily and they stepped inside.
"Gregory, be careful. This elevator does not appear to follow any safety protocols. I do not think it can survive more than one trip." Freddy spoke.
"And if it does?" Monty eyed the Glamrock bear.
"Let's find out." Said Roxy unafraid while Chica gulped.
Pressing the button, the doors closed and the eerie atmosphere was turned as a creepy version of the Freddy theme drowned out their descent into the depths of the unknown.
"Gregory… It's Me…"
What shall they find below? What they expect or something else? Hope you guys enjoyed the interactions with Gregory and the gang, it was fun writing for all five of them! Planning something really special for the next chapter so stay tuned, review at your leisure and have a good one!