Can't Leave

by Chironex27

Prequel to Don't Leave the Office. In the games, the player sees through the perspective of the night guards, but this focuses on the perspectives of the spirits in the animatronics throughout the years. Big thanks to Reading a Pulse for help in characterization (especially with the Mangle) and advice on story. Rated T for implied violence against children.

26. Invitation

The withered Freddy animatronic stood over the Mangle, which had curled and curved away from it like a snake. Balloon Boy was watching the two from behind the doorway, holding a party hat in its spare hand. Withered Freddy stole a glance towards Balloon Boy, who retreated away from the two. The Mangle rattled its gears, getting Freddy's attention again.

The horse left Goldilocks' picnic basket at home. Jharā.

Hi, I'm Freddy.

The Mangle only rattled some more.

Your porridge is soft.

The spare head on the Mangle suddenly twitched.

Will? Is that you? Where's the rest of me!?

The head became stiff again and resumed staring at the withered Freddy.

I wanted to know if you want to play with us.

Jharā. The chair is too cold.

Whatever "Jharā" meant, Will thought that it didn't mean anything good. The Freddy animatronic turned its head again to Balloon Boy, who had peaked out at the two animatronics. As soon as the Freddy animatronic looked at Balloon Boy, the Mangle had pulled itself up onto the wall and swung over towards the doorway, hanging off of its rim. It was between the withered Freddy and Balloon Boy.

Jharā! Wolf burns stuffing in house! Jharā!

Will made Freddy back away from the Balloon Boy.

I didn't do anything!

The Mangle's Foxy head twisted in a circle on one of its extended arms.

There is no hike if there is no bed. Jharā.

I have a little brother too.

The Mangle stopped twisting around. Both of its heads were focused on the withered Freddy now.

Is there a horse in the house that Goldilocks is sleeping in?

He…He…the Purple Man…

The Mangle recoiled like a snake.

Bad…bad…bad Barney…jharā. Jharā!

He…he hurt…The Purple Man hurt Robbie! He hurt him! Robbie hasn't been right…he doesn't say anything anymore…he just stays in that suit.

The Mangle dropped to the floor, looking up at the withered animatronic.

Doesn't the burglar want to dance?

And so…so…I wanted to know if you wanted to play. We're going to play a game with the Purple Man.

The Mangle dragged itself back up the doorway. Gripping the door hinge with two arms, it dangled in front of the Freddy animatronic.

The Rubics cube twists Barney?

It's going to be like hide-and-seek, or maybe red light-green light. Do you want to play?

…The house falls on the plum tree. It makes juice.