Chapter Two

"A Bit Quirky"

It was strange how easily repressed memories could come back in new, far more terrifying forms. A familiar dream returning after twenty years with the added terror of a new threat stalking your mind's halls had set Jennifer on edge, but she refused to let it get the better of her. In the days that followed her near drowning incident, Jennifer had dedicated herself fully to her work for the people of the city. Several people had come to her with problems, and it didn't matter how grand or minuscule they were; be they car issue or something far more complex. She found joy in her work, and a distraction beside. Roxy – as she was want to do – sat silently at the side of whatever she was doing that day and watched. Roxy found an immense pleasure in watching her work, watching her hands breathe life – even a facsimile of it – into old electronics. The smile on Jennifer's face was all Roxy needed to see to know that she, too, found great pleasure in her work. She had found a place where she was comfortable... a place where she was needed, but a place where she could have the solace she wished.

Roxy was more restless then Jennifer was... sometimes her old programming acted up and she found herself craving the sounds of children at play... the need to be where they were and to entertain them. Jennifer couldn't fix that without fundamentally changing who she was – a clear design queue hinting at Roxy's original function – so they had both decided to leave it in. Sure, it was annoying for Roxy to sometimes just... get the random urge to move around... but Jennifer took it in stride. She was always remain in the same place with the television – or perhaps a radio – running to provide an audio clue for her. Today happened to be one of those days were Roxy found herself restless. Jennifer looked up from her book and smiled to Roxy.

"Too quiet for you?" Jennifer and Roxy both enjoyed the quiet life... but Roxy's innate urge to be where there was sound frustrated her some days. She knew she was where she always wanted or ever needed to be... but the programming was not something she could easily break.

"Mm." She nodded. Jennifer picked up the remote from her couch's arm rest and turned the volume up on the television. Roxy closed her eyes and took in the sound of the actors on screen (some soap opera that provided the right amount of shifting sound cues for Roxy to relax. Neither of them actually watched it.) before settling back down on the couch. "...thank you."

"Any time, love. One of these days, I'll figure out how to block those routines."

"It's no hurry. The television solution works just as well." This may have been the case, but Jennifer didn't like to see Roxy uncomfortable, nor did Roxy like her own pre-programmed restlessness. She had tried to get in contact with Fazbear Entertainment about finding a work-around for it, but their answer was pretty grim. The only people who knew anything about the programming were either sworn to secrecy... or are dead. Micheal had callously suggested at one point she could go speak with the original designer of the Animatronics... but then added in 'I don't think he's allowed visitors'. When asked why, Micheal wouldn't give an answer other then a name.

For now, Jennifer would have to be content with what she had. Roxy could be placated with a simple soap opera, and that was good enough for her. "Too bad we can't have you just rage-break your own programming, last last time." Jennifer smirked over her book, causing Roxy to groan.

"We've been over this. That was a special occasion. I was desperate... besides, I wouldn't wish that fate on anyone... being trapped in your own mind as you watch your body do terrible things to people..." Jennifer reached over, lowering her book and patted Roxy's thigh.

"Hey... I appreciate it." She placed the book on her own lap and looked at the cute little Faz Watch she wore, the time blinking at her. "Mmm... we better get going. C'mon." Roxy blinked at her and stood. Jennifer placed a bookmark in her book – a strange little number she bought off Amazon called 'Ghosts, Spirits and other Denizens of the Heretoafter' – and placed it on the seat she was once in.

"'Go'? Where are we going?" Jennifer just smiled.

"Don't worry. We won't be long, and I think you'll agree with the result. It's a surprise." Roxy chuffed at this. She didn't like 'surprises' on the best of days... especially considering her 'surprises' in recent days had included Jennifer nearly drowning in her own bathtub and what could only be described as disembodied laughter... No, she wasn't a fan of surprises at all.

They drove farther out of the city then they had ever before. Roxy was secretly glad that she had that secondary battery installed... she wasn't sure how long they'd be away from a reliable way to charge (and she wasn't too hot to test the jump-start theory Jennifer had). Jennifer seemed content to keep her little secret, so Roxy didn't push the matter much, resolving to just enjoy the ride and hope that the surprise at the end of it all was a nice one. Throwing herself into the passenger's seat, Roxy watched Jennifer climb in with the biggest smile on her face. "I get nervous when you smile that wide, and I don't know the reason why."

"Oh, relax, will you? I promise it'll all make sense shortly." Roxy just shrugged and settled in as Jennifer turned the car's engine on and pulled out of the driveway. They drove away from the city, through the countryside for the better part of an hour before a building came up on the righthand side of the road. Jennifer turned her blinker on and pulled into the turn lane as Roxy glared at the building. She didn't even have to look at the sign by it; the high fencing – three layers deep – topped with more barbed wire then she's seen in a good long while told her everything she needed to know about this building.

"The county prison? Why are we going here?"

"We need to talk to someone." Jennifer pulled into a parking spot near the front and nodded to her. "Trust me, you'll find this particular visit worth our time." Shrugging, Roxy figured they were already here... what's the worst that could happen. The pair strode up to the front of the prison and pushed through the door with no issues. Roxy's heavier then normal footsteps drew the attention of the woman working the counter, and it was clear by her expression that seeing a nearly eight-foot tall Animatronic saunter into the country prison wasn't something she saw every day... or ever, for that matter. The woman adjusted her glasses and sat up just a bit straighter.

"Can I... help you?" She addressed Jennifer, who placed both hands innocently on the counter.

"Good afternoon, I spoke with someone about visiting a prisoner here today?" The woman downturned her gaze to her computer.

"Can I get your name, please?"

"Jennifer Simpson." She responded gently. The woman typed the name in and stared at her computer for a moment. "Is it a friend or family member you're visiting today?"

"Neither, actually... we've never met."

"I'm not allowed to allow non-family members or close personal friends to visit any of our prisoners without a viable reason."

"A-ah!" A male voice called from Jennifer's left. "Marisa, leave her to me, please!" The woman behind the counter turned to face the male voice, blinking.

"Sir, I-"

"It's quite alright, Marisa. Ms. Simpson is expected." Marisa pushed her glasses up and nodded.

"Yes, Assistant Inspector. I trust you'll deal with her in a timely and proper manner?"

"I always do, Sergeant." He motioned Jennifer and Roxy forward.

"Miss, you can't bring your... uhm..."

"I'm an emotional support Animatronic. I don't go anywhere without her." Marisa glared at Roxy's response, clearly not believing it for a moment before chuffing indignantly.

"Fine. But stay close to her." Roxy nodded and began to follow suit. "...emotional support Animatronic my ass..." Roxy caught her mumbling to herself.

"Ms. Simpson! How pleased I am to see you and Ms. Wolf in high spirits... I'll admit, when I got your request I was... concerned." Jennifer smiled to him.

"Come on, Stan. You can call me Jennifer, you know that." Jennifer beamed. "But yes, I suppose it would be quite random... I can't imagine he's had many visitors in the years he's been here."

"No, he hasn't. Not even his son visits him... which while sad, I can't say I blame him for." He lead the pair through several sets of doors and into a holding area. "Most of my comrades aren't too keen on letting the old man out of solitary but... You won't mind if your meeting is overseen by some of the guards, would you?"

"No, of course not. I've heard of his crimes, so I can understand the precaution." Jennifer was offered a seat in a small room with only one other door. Roxy stood stoicly behind her and waited for the big reveal of who this prisoner was they were here to talk to. Assistant Inspector Gotts nodded to the young man by the door, who quickly exited only to return a minute or so later with three other men all escorting a frail, crippled old man into the room. He must have been seventy or eighty years old... he looked like the kind of man you'd have as a grandfather.

"Well..." The man mused, taking his seat. "...isn't this a surprise..." He gave a raspy chuckle which devolved into a cough. After clearing his throat, he looked back up. "...forgive me. Body's not what it used to be."

"Of course." Jennifer nodded to him. "...you know... spend so long being compared to someone, and it's all you can do to contain your joy from actually meeting that person..." She had a strange reverence in her tone.

"I'd ask why you're here but..." His gaze turned to Roxy, who shifted in place uncomfortably. "...she answers that question... doesn't she?" His gaze fell fully on Roxy as he eyed her up and down. "You're not one of mine, girl... Too... punk rock for my taste. And that hair... ugh, who gave a robot hair...?"

"You're one to talk about hair, old man." Roxy resonded with a pointed stare. The man let out another laugh which was equally quickly marred by another cough.

"Ah, and this one can talk back! Definitely not one of mine... Tell me... who built her?"

"A dead woman. I was hoping their would be design similarities between her design and your own."

"You come all this way... be my first visitor in almost forty years... to ask me for technical advice?" He leaned back in his chair and laughed. "Aaaah, that's not what I'd ever thought I'd be remembered for but... I suppose it's a step in the right direction."

"Mr. Afton-" Roxy instantly recoiled.

"Jen! You drove all the way out here to talk to William Afton!? What are you thinking?!" William threw his head back and let out another laugh, a cough following suit.

"Aaaah... girl's got good reactions... she one of Fazbear's? Are they even still a thing?"

"They are, and she used to be but... now she's privately owned. I was hoping... I might learn a few things from you?"

"If you're looking for advice on how to murder a bunch of brats and not get caught... well, you're barking up the wrong tree, girl." Jennifer shook her head. "So it's mechanical help you're looking for?" Jennifer nodded. "I can help... but please. Call me Will." He leaned forward in his chair. "What do you want to know?"

"How can I disable her audio pathfinding? She's managed to work most of it out, but she still sometimes gets restless in the quiet."

"A quiet pizzeria is a dead one. If your 'dead woman' took any design queues from my old Animatronics, there isn't a way to disable it... but it can be over-written."

"Would you be willing to do that for me?" His eyes fell on Roxy, and she instantly took a step back.

"I don't want him anywhere near me."

"You heard the lady." He smiled a little at her, stroking his chin. "Hmmm... wordy young lady, isn't she...? She can't be a normal Animatronic so... tell me..." He leaned forward and grinned a decidedly evil grin. "...is she an AI?"

"Of a fashion." Jennifer answered, causing William to throw his head back and let out a gut-busting guffaw which – of course – was followed by a hacking cough.

"I knew it!" He choked out towards the end of his cough. "I knew it! Melissa always was a smart young girl!"

"You... knew Melissa?"

"Only by name. She used to write me letters and ask me all kinds of questions... most of them were about Animatronics but... our correspondence in recent years had dipped into subject matters that... well... we were both quite happy to share. Haven't heard from her in a few years, sadly. Pity... I was looking forward to more of her stories." Jennifer stood from her chair.

"Mr. Afton... as one technical prodigy to another, I respect you immensely. All my life, I've been compared to you, told that I followed in your footsteps..."

"Thank you, that means a lot to me."

"-but in regards to your other pursuits... I'm ashamed to be associated with you."

"Why would you be?" He asked with a genuine tone; as if he couldn't understand her words. "Why would anyone ever be ashamed to be likened to me? People like myself... like Melissa... do a great service to the world. A great sacrifice that lesser men and women would never be able to make." Jennifer blinked at him.

"...what 'service' is that? To take lives? To shatter countless families for... what? A laugh?"

"Balance." He answered. "You and those like you... those who style themselves as 'good' people... I have nothing against you. I never have, and I dare say neither did Melissa... but you see... it's because men and women like myself and Melissa exist... that allow men and women like yourself to exist. I imagine if all evil were to vanish off the face of all creation tomorrow, most would herald it as a miracle. Label it a 'utopia'... short sighted fools. Do you know what would happen if all the evil in the world disappeared over night? Life would no longer have it's spice. You'd just exist... in a constant state of mediocrity. To call that existence a utopia is mendacity; plain and simple. You'd while your days away and never amount to anything."

"I don't think that's the case-" Jennifer began.

"Oh, is that so? Tell me, Ms. Simpson... tell me one good story that does not have some... driving force behind it? Some book, some movie, some video game that doesn't have a villain." Jennifer fell quiet as she thought, the silence stretching on for a while. "You can't think of one, can you? It's because the very idea is madness. You cannot have a good story without a villain. If you tried, you'd just have words on a paper. People like me... like Melissa... like Mary Barrows..." Jennifer did her best to hide her surprise. "...we're necessary so that people like you can exist. You don't have to like it... but you have to admit it."

"You're mad."

"Of course I am! That's the only way a man stays lucid in this mad, mad world!" He laughed at this before slowly getting back to his feet. "Guard... I think I'm done here. Take me back to my cell, would you? I'd like to have a lie down." He took a few steps before turning his head over his shoulder. "Tell me, Jennifer..." Jennifer blinked up at him. "...what would you give... what would you do to live forever? Maybe not physically... but to become so famous or... perhaps infamous... that you haunt the hearts and minds of men forever?"

"Not my morals, if that's your question."

"Everyone's morals have a price... I just need to find yours." He waved gently to her. "Good bye, Ms. Simpson. Drive safe on your way home, it's going to be raining shortly."

Jennifer had only ever left a place as fast as she left that prison once in her life. Not even Melissa's insane ramblings had driven her quite as far as quickly as Afton's mad ramblings did. Perhaps the scariest thing about the whole encounter? She agreed with him. As they got closer to her car, thunder rumbled in the distance and raindrops began to patter Roxy's chassis. It unnerved both of them that he could have been so omniscient about the rain, when it was clear the man has probaby never seen the sun in twenty years... who knows, maybe he's got a tv. He struck Roxy as the kind of prisoner who would be on his best behavior and be given all sorts of amenities the rest don't... she doesn't know why that made him scarier...

"You look pale." Roxy muttered as they drove away from the prison.

"...I'm... okay. I'll be okay."

"...You should have told me we were going to see that psychopath."

"It wouldn't have made much of a difference."

"I know... but I still would have liked to know. Part of that whole 'discussion' things that couples need?" Jennifer gave a laugh at this.

"Someone's been reading Life magazine."

"Or, someone's just perpetually connected to wifi after someone else installed a router in her ass." She scoffed. "...which I still say is a weird place for a wifi router."

"Only place it would fit." Jennifer shrugged. She fell silent for a moment before sighing, putting a hand on her head and resting that elbow on the window sil. "...but yeah, I probably should have... you might have been able to talk me out of it."

"Regretting it?"

"I had hoped there would have been a... shred of remorse in him for what he's done... he's killed... so many kids, Roxy... so many... and he just... doesn't care. He acts like it's a service he's provided! Like he's sacrificing for us! He's..." She let out a sigh. "...you're more human then he is." Roxy looked over at her for a moment before smiling.

"I choose to take that as a compliment."

"Good. 'Cause it was."

They fell silent as they drove, Jennifer keeping her eyes and concentration on the road as the sky poured down water in buckets; thunder rumbling in the far distance. Roxy wasn't too worried about the rain. Thankfully she was designed to operate well enough in a downpour... so long as she wasn't say... dropped in a pool or something to that effect. So long as she wasn't completely submerged, she could function. "What're you at?" Jennifer asked rather suddenly, knocking Roxy from her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Your charge level. What are you at?"

"Oh! Uh... yeah sorry... seventy four percent." Jennifer nodded at this.

"You can afford to be out for another few hours, right?" Roxy nodded.

"I've got another five hours and six minutes before I'm at critical power." 'Critical Power' was seven percent. It was enough for her to get back to the car, enter sleep mode, and then get back in the house and into the charge pod. "What did you have in mind?"

"Figured..." Jennifer mused, smiling to her. "...I'd take you out on a date."

"Oooh, a proper date?" Roxy grinned. "You've not done that before."

"Well, it's kind of hard, 'cause you only get to enjoy half of the standard 'dinner and a movie' formula." Roxy shook her head.

"Not true. I get to spend time with you. That's enough for me."

"...you're a huge flirt, you know that?"