Promise

Feet slapped against cement loudly as I ran for my life. Or... Well the bus. But in my mind there was no difference. I'll save you baby, I sent out a promise to my car which had sat lonely for far too long in that crappy parking lot. I could see wide headlights creeping up the street towards me, the last bus. It was a race against body and machine. Come on, I willed my legs to move faster, glad that I just had to deal with flat terrain instead of hills. The bus beat me to the stop. Big surprise. But the driver must have seen me waving my arms like a maniac, because he waited. I wanted to collapse as soon as my foot hit the first step up into the bus. Paying my way I opted instead to sink into the closest filthy seat. Thank God that's over. I thought as my heart continued to race and my body acted as if I hadn't exercised in days. I relaxed slightly once the bus was in motion. Everything seem to be going to plan. The bus driver didn't speak, occasionally I'd catch him looking in the mirror at me with a dirty glare. He clearly wasn't happy I had slowed down his last shift. I didn't care to be honest. My mind was elsewhere. Vincent was quitting in a few days, and I didn't have a job. Sounded like a prime opportunity to spend time together. Oh and breakfast tomorrow. I remembered. If I really did upset him with that dream he wouldn't ask to hang out again, right? I still questioned why he ran out like that. I mean I knew he was always kind of weird but seriously, what was so urgent. I didn't have any more time to think about it because out the window appeared Freddy Fazbear's pizzeria. And of course, my sad little car parked in the corner.

I stood letting the driver know I was getting off at the next stop, which happened to be across the street from my destination. I said a quick thank you as I plotted down the steps, the doors closing as soon as I was through. After the bus rumbled away I made my way down the crosswalk. Before I knew it I was standing next to my baby.

"Oh I'm so sorry I left you here…" I patted her hood hoping she understood. " Never again. I swe- " my mind went blank for a second as it tried to process what I was seeing. There across the parking lot was Vincent's car. What is he doing here? I walked to the car to see that it was empty. His voice rang in my memory. I don't have work tonight.

Why? Why would he lie about something like this. I didn't understand. Maybe they called him in or... Maybe he- my train of thought derailed as muffled noises erupted from inside the restaurant. I froze, holding my breath as I listened. There was a series of bangs, metal against metal. Beneath it an indistinguishable sound. Like someone scraping a knife against a chalkboard. It almost seemed...Alive. what the hell, nothing was making sense, but my gut told me to go figure it out. What if Vincent was in trouble? What if the sounds I was hearing was- the more I thought about it the faster my legs carried me to the entrance. My hand shook as I open the door. The only thing I could think of was foxy lunging at me. I hesitated when I heard a crash followed by another rapid set of bangs. Vincent was in danger, those things were after him. Any fear for my own safety was overruled. I had to help him.

The building was pitch dark, a lingering smell of candy and sweat hung in the air. I crept in not sure how I wanted to go about this. If he was hurt I had to hurry. Yet if I was too loud they would come after me and then we would both be screwed. Maybe I could distract them. Give Vincent a fighting chance. He was better at handling them after all. First I had to find him, see what was going on. With that, I snuck past the check-in counter. When I got to the party room I didn't see anything. Everything was in order. Despite it being picture perfect for my future nightmares, nothing seemed to be wrong. I peeked into the Kids Corner, same story there. That leaves the back rooms, I thought as I began to move towards them. That's when something moved between the tables to my right. I froze not knowing yet who it was. The figure moved closer slowly weaving in between the tables, not making a sound. It was too short to be Vincent or any of the animatronics. Maybe another employee? Any presumptions I had dropped as soon as its face moved into the light. It was him. From my dream. I could see him in focus now. His hands and feet ended in stumps, his body twig like with purposefully designed layers. He was a puppet. He tilted his forever laughing and crying face as if considering me. I didn't dare move. How. how was this thing real? Why did I dream about it? There were way too many unanswered questions. It moved, reaching a hand out towards me as if I was going to take it. My mind was in a frenzy. What the hell was I doing? I needed to find Vincent. The creature dropped its hand as slowly as it had offered it. I knew what it wanted. The same as my dream. My instinct told me to follow it, trust it. In my dream I had ignored it for Bo. Now I had a second chance.

I nodded once to it, still unsure if I was doing the right thing. It responded by bringing a hand to its gaping mouth. Keep quiet I practically heard it whisper. Nodding again I took a step forward as it headed towards Foxy's Cove. We crept by the purple curtains, I cringed slightly at seeing the dent I made. In fairness Foxy had repaid me in full so I didn't feel too bad. Passing by undisturbed we heading into the hall. Crossing the checkered floor into the women's restroom he instructed me to crouch at the entrance just out of sight of anyone in the hall. Watching silently he brought a hand to the side of his mask, tapping twice.

"You want me to listen. Listen for what?" I whispered he nodded only answering my first question.

Wait. Listen. Look

I did as I was told poking my head out halfway. At the end of the hall I could see the spare room Vincent brought me too when I was injured by foxy. No lights were turned on tonight so it was difficult to see. I looked back at the puppet.

I don't see anything. I mouthed. He nodded his head, urging me to keep watching. I complied. My left eye peered down into darkness once again. My site already adjusting to the light. There in the shadows something moved. I body peeked out first checking to make sure they were alone then quickly lifting something from the floor. It had to be Vincent, and whatever he was dragging into the room with him was heavy. He struggled a bit before I saw the bulky item disappear into the safe room. What are you doing Vincent? My heart tightened in anxiety. Why was he here, what was going on that I didn't know about. More questions. No answers. Dammit.

Maybe Vincent didn't tell me because he knew I'd worry... Maybe. My guesses would have to wait because something was heading towards us. Footsteps clacked down the hall, those of which I had no doubt in my mind who they belonged to. I held in a gasp and pressed myself against the wall, out of sight as Foxy passed. His animatronic cranks and noises sending a chill up my spine. My heart rate jumped.Vincent. he was headed straight for him. I tried to stand and go after him when something pulled down my shoulder. The puppet shook his head, pleading that I stay hidden.

Wait. Listen. Look

But Vincent. Foxy will hurt him. I have to- The puppet forced me into a crouch again.

NO he rapidly tapped where his ear would be. My gut twisted in two directions. I knew I had to help Vincent. And I also knew I had to listen to this thing. He had tried to warn me in my dream and he was trying to warn me now. Against my better judgement I stayed. Waiting as Foxy's footsteps halted. Hesitantly I shifted the hallway into my line of sight once again. I could feel my pulse jump as I took in Foxy's form. He stood motionless except for his head, which clicked from side to side as if looking for something. Apparently he didn't find it because the next moment his glowing eye was facing my direction. I felt the puppet rest a hand on my shoulder telling me not to hide as he began making his way towards us. I was sure he hadn't seen me otherwise he would have charged. Suddenly the shadows behind foxy shifted. Vincent shot out slamming into him with alarming speed and precision. I stiffened in shock as the impact sent the animatronics sprawling, his body splitting the tile as it slammed against the floor. Vincent was quick to recover, rushing forward and planting a foot firmly on Foxy's back as the shaking machine tried to stand. Then without even realizing he had it I watched as he pulled out a long crowbar. My eyes widened as the metal bar slammed into Foxy's skull without hesitation. Flinching I watched as Vincent brought the crowbar down on his head again and again, the metallic skull exploding into bolts and wires. Garbled chaotic wines admitted from foxy as Vincent destroyed him, a hard grin on his face. I covered my ears, the noises that screeched out of his muzzle were almost...Human. Vincent only stopped when every limb lost its twitch and the eyes flickered out cold. Everything happened so fast. One second it was an animatronic, the next it was a heap of scrap metal. I felt a tug in my heart seeing it destroyed first hand. As if a wave of anger and fear had passed through me, surprising even myself. The air felt colder as I shrunk back behind the wall slowly, trying to calm down. I could hear Vincent breathing heavy and the sounds of metal being dragged away. I looked to my side. The puppet was gone. It however was the last thing on my mind, I had to find out what was going on. Leaving my hiding spot I crept towards the safe room, freezing when I heard Vincent yelling,

"No...Not you. G-get back! Stay away from me!"

I hurried to the entrance, my hand catching the frame of the doorway. In the room stood another animatronic, one I didn't immediately recognize. How the hell did it get in here? Where's Vincent?! The animatronics stood as frozen as me, it's rabbit ears twitching slightly.

" Penelope?" Suddenly it wasn't in it anymore.

" Vincent? Vincent what the hell is...going…" my brows crunched as I looked at the animatronics suit. It was a muddy yellow color, faded after years in storage. No. My mind flooded with memories, impossible to forget. I remembered the article like it was yesterday.

Five Children are now linked to the incident at Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria, where a man dressed as a golden mascot lured them into a backroom...

Another memory hit me, the thing. The person who saved me from foxy. He's worn it before. Denial swept over me. I was jumping to conclusions. There. There could another suit. Someone else. Anyone but him.

"Vi-Vincent…" this couldn't be real. My eyes roamed the suit trying to make sense of it all. Trying to accept the truth as it unraveled before me.

Something caught my eye in the corner of the room. At first I thought they were lights but as I stared they begin to take form. I didn't know what to think. My brain wasn't Computing what I saw before me. Standing rigid were five children. Their bodies made of thin air emitted a soft glow. They stared blankly at Vincent, hovering like- gasping my hands flew to my mouth.

"Bo" saying his name out loud didn't make it feel any more real. He stood in the middle, turning his head at the sound of his name. His sickly pale skin glimmering with tears.

"Bo... ." Tears clouded my vision, my head shaking back and forth in denial. My heart was suffocating, an invisible hand tightening around it. He didn't speak. Didn't move. His eyes were so sad, full of pain and hate. His mouth opened in a muted cry. I choked on a sob, warmth rolling down my cheeks. This wasn't real. This couldn't be real. I only looked away when Vincent moved, take a small step towards me.

"Penelope." His arms we're half extended, palms facing me as if trying to keep my calm.

"You...when he-it was…" My throat tightened as I tried to speak.

"Penelope wait. Please." More sobs escaped as I met his gaze under the mask.

"God. oh my god. You. Your-ah." I couldn't say it outloud. "Why is this happening?!"

"No. I-I didn't-Penelope," He stepped again, my body flinched in response. Am I afraid of him? I could see his eyes widen, his metallic hands moving to hold his head as if it might roll of his shoulders.

"...You were never supposed to know." He took a step back and I heard a something I wasn't expecting. One I would never sound of his foot sinking into a puddle.

Vincent went ridged a high pitched whine filling the room. The squeal of metal tearing itself apart. Through the mask I saw a face of pure terror,

"No-" He whispered then SNAP

The suit shook violently, Vincent's screamed, his wails joined by a sound like teeth snapping a carrot. My stomach twisted realizing it was bones breaking and muscles tearing themselves apart. the suit spasmed sections caving in while others popped loose. The mask popped open suddenly as if to laugh, revealing Vincent's contorted face. He made an gut wrenching noise as his body fell back, slamming into the wall. A red smear stained the cement as he slide to the floor. I stumbled forward finally able to move, my hands pressing against the blood that seeped through the crevices of the suit.

"Vincent?! Vincent wha-what's happening!" I wailed choking on my fear. I palmed the suit trying to find a lever, a switch. Anything.

"No. No! Please. Please" I begged as blood sludged down his chin, his eyes darting around in a panic.

"Somebody help! Please. Somebody!" My eyes locked on the kids who still hovered in the corner, surprise written on their tiny faces. They didn't move an inch, just watched. Could I blame them?

"No...no…" My hand came away covered. "So much blood." My voice and hands shaking, all I could do was stare.

"Pene-" Vincent coughed roughly more scarlette dripping from his nose.

"Vincent. I'm here! I'm right here." I didn't want to be. I didn't want to see his insides soak the yellow fur.

"I'm" He hacked again, letting out a whimper as tears slide down his skin.

"How do I get it off you! Help me get it off." I yelled frantically pulling at the joints, my hands too slick to keep a grip. A wheezed breath escaped him, his hand shaking as he tried to move it. I understood, quick to put my palm in his.

"Y-you can't...Too la-te."

"Don't say that! Please. You can't just- please Vincent. You have to stay with me." He smiled, teeth coated in red. The bulky hand tightened around mine.

"Listen...Listen." His voice weakened, his focus drifting. I sobbed leaning closer.

"I am. I'm listening Vincent."

"You have to-leave. Please." My eyes widened.

"What? No. Vincent I'm not-"

"Lock the door."

"You'll die if I do." I knew even as I said it there was nothing I could do. "I..I need to get you out because...because this is all my fault. If I didn't come here. If I didn't follow you." He grunted painfully as he tried to sit up straighter. His body stayed slumped refusing to listen.

"Never say that Penelope. It was me, I killed them. I deserve this…"

"Vincent…" I whispered, what could I say to that.

"But…" He let out another wet cough. I didn't want to think that he was choking on his own blood. "You're not me. You'll get blamed if they find you here. "He shut his eyes tight forcing the stream of tears to stop. "I don't want that. I never meant-to get you involved. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." His sobs returned in full force.

"I-" I started unable to finish. You killed my brother.

"D-don't say it. You don't You- can't" His speech became broken as he tried to fight a losing battle. His body was giving up.

"You've given me everything. L-let me protect you...please leave."

"You'll die.." He tried to laugh only to cough up more fluid.

"I-it's okay. At least now, I have something to cry for." I bit my lip hesitantly for a moment before doing the only thing I could. Slipping my hand out of his grasp I cupped his face through the mask. He watched half conscious as I leaned forward, meeting his blood soaked lips. I held the kiss letting the taste of iron fill my mouth, not wanting to give in. I pulled away when the muffled sound of police sirens echoed outside, drawing closer. Vincent grunted painfully as he turned his head staring out the door.

"Help her." He whispered. I didn't understand.

"You got what you came for." I turned to see the puppet silhouetted against the entrance.

"Help her get out of this mess...Please Thomas." It nodded, I met Vincent's eyes and I knew everything was said. My fingers brushed through his bangs and trailed down his cheek before pulling away. Shaky legs carried me to the entrance where the puppet waited. Lock the door. Vincent had said. There inbetween the walls was a sliding metal door I hadn't noticed before. Drying my bloody hands on my jeans I began to pull the heavy metal door. It squealed harshly as it slid. The gap shrank, inside Vincent forced a small grin on his face. Then there was nothing.

My body and mind were numb as the puppet snuck me out the back, vanishing at the door as if he never existed. I turned and faced the long hall, not being able to see more than a few feet. Standing there I closed my eyes and pictured Vincent with his stupid grin. His wide eyes and a piece of toast hanging out his mouth. The Vincent I knew before this. Nothing would ever be the same and yet as I gazed down the hallway I couldn't help but whisper,

I forgive you.