Mable: Well, Sister Location was finally released and properly scoured! What do I think?... I think I can use this. I think I can use all of this in the evilest of ways. Though perhaps not too evil. XD So while this chapter doesn't actually apply to Sister Location, the next one starts the arc, so brace yourself! Make sure to preorder your exotic butters (I hear they're going fast) and Enjoy!

Can't Go Home Again

Chapter Twenty-Six

To say that Marionette was excited was a direct understatement. Even with another agonizing night's sleep, he was awake and alert in the morning, eagerly awaiting what was coming in the near future. After the night beforehand, Marionette expected to feel more anxious and worried, but instead he found that his eagerness was a lot more positive. He couldn't wait to be working back in the prize corner, and for an actual birthday party as well. He was absolutely ecstatic about the entire ordeal and patiently waited to leave, already having finished the birthday cake.

Mike called down the hall from the bedroom as he stepped out from it, "I'm dressed, so if you're ready then we can get going." The puppet perked and spun around, "Alright, let's-!" His voice cut off abruptly. Suddenly he was staring at a lot more purple than he expected to be seeing. Mike had this confident look on his face, as though he was expecting some sort of reaction. Of course he was going to get one; Mike went ahead with wearing his old security guard uniform from Freddy's. Somehow Marionette was still surprised.

"What do you think?" Mike asked. When he didn't get a response, he got a playful smirk. "Remember, you're the one who suggested it." Marionette regained his ability to speak, "I know, it just… Caught me off guard." Mike's amusement only lingered, "I'm hoping literally. That's the whole point." He then headed into the other bedroom to get the box. The animatronic continued to watch him. Oddly, he felt a little twitchy, felt a little warm, but recognized it being the color itself affecting him. Or that it was the anticipation getting to him.

The drive to Freddy's was uneventful; Marionette stayed in the back and Mike didn't yet ask questions about the house they were going to find. Once at the restaurant, there was only a short time to set up. Thankfully, the work they had done before showed, and the Prize Corner looked mostly complete with decorations, shelves, and the box. The shelves had been lined with the repaired Foxy plushies to give the illusion of being stocked; however, Fritz was still unable to get ahold of the old supplier of party supplies.

One of the most important additions that Mike had work on was the track on the roof of the Prize Corner. The track was merely a ruse of sorts. Marionette would attach his strings, and cross, to the track and then move around the Pizzeria as though he was on a set course. This allowed Marionette to leave the Prize Corner, though not very far yet, and disguised the fact that he could move on his own. Mike's first job was to string the cross and hang it on the track. Unfortunately, halfway through the action and he was interrupted by Jeremy.

"I-I think they're here. A couple of SUVs stopped outside and kids are pouring out," Jeremy alerted. Mike quietly swore and scrambled to set it on the track. Marionette seemed a little more amused about the whole thing, "Oh, are you sure? Just because there's twenty children outside doesn't necessarily mean they're for the birthday party." He then tried to assist Mike in stringing everything together. Seeing that they were busy, Jeremy straightened himself with an inhale, "I'll just… Let them in. Don't worry."

He headed out of the Prize Corner and started to head towards the front door, glancing over at the stage as he went. Foxy was peering out from behind the curtain, watching him go. "This is it, Foxy. The show's about to start!" he called over encouragingly, his voice wavering. He could tell why he was so anxious, but as he opened the front doors and saw at least a dozen children he had a suspicion why. Though he knew this time was different. "Come on in, Guys! Captain Foxy is waiting! And you don't want to leave him waiting too long, or he gets out his plank."

The kids bought into the act immediately and responded with eagerness as they were guided inside. A couple of chauffer parents entered as well, and Jeremy entered back into the front room. Right as he did, Foxy let himself out onto stage and began to immediately act his role. "Yar, welcome to my ship! The adventure's gonna be long and filled with danger-." The kids continued to eat up Foxy's promise of adventure and Jeremy felt a sort of relief at seeing them crowd the stage and knowing that Foxy wouldn't hurt them...

"Jeremy." Jeremy was taken out of his thoughts by a voice outside the security office's door. He looked upwards to see his boss standing there and looking a bit distressed. This was, after all, the last party before their 'renovation'. Jeremy still didn't know what happened, but he knew that he felt a lot more comfortable watching during the day than at night. That was, until now. "The Mangle's out of Kid's Cove and is scaring people. Get that this back in its room, alright? We already got enough problems as it is." Then he turned and left.

Jeremy wasn't as frightened of Mangle as he was of the others. It had never gotten into his office, unlike the others, and unlike the Puppet its appearance was less unnerving. Mangle was always a sympathetic character in the night guard's, or day guard now, eyes. Why kids destroyed it was unclear, how was even more unclear, but Foxy couldn't survive being kept together very long. Jeremy stood and headed out, passing through the birthday party that was occurring. Something felt off in the room and he tried counting the children.

Once he lost count he gave up and continued into the next room. There was Mangle, dragging itself along the floor. A small group of kids stood nearby and stared, looking a bit frightened, and one adult parent watched in concern. "Alright, it's time for Foxy to head back to bed," Jeremy spoke in a lighthearted tone to cover his uneasiness. He then started to approach the mangled remains. "Foxy, go back to Kid's Cove," he tried to command, hoping that the animatronic would do as he said. It lethargically sat there, so Jeremy moved closer.

He brought out his flashlight and flickered it at Mangle's eyes. "Sometimes this works. They get a little confused, so we snap them out of it. Like when a doctor shines a light in your eyes." The kids were relaxing; that was good. Mangle didn't move; that was bad. "Okay, uh… I guess I have to try to move it myself… Stand back, kids." He had said those last three words without any knowledge of what was about to happen. He had no idea what was about to come the second that he came to a crouch in front of Mangle. He had no idea that its lethargy was an act.

Suddenly Mangle sprung forwards and Jeremy was knocked onto his back. Before he could attempt to do anything, it clamped its teeth down on his arm and shoulder. He could feel the sharp points tearing into his back and chest as he struggled to pry it off. He wasn't even screaming; he couldn't even scream. The kids were, though, and he could hear them run out as he thrashed with Mangle, trying to kick it off. He felt his arm pop out of place as Mangle tore at it, trying desperately to take his arm with it. Its second head did nothing but watch.

Then footsteps returned once more. Fredrick and a technician struggled to get Mangle off. When it wouldn't release its grip, the technician gave it a small jolt with his taser, and it finally released. Once it was back away from Jeremy it was tased again. Jeremy felt the pain lowly start to intensify; the adrenaline still there but no longer masking the pain. Suddenly a man was above him, trying to assist him. Jeremy recognized his voice from the night calls. "This, uh, this isn't good. We're going to have to get you to the hospital, can you walk?"

Jeremy mumbled out some sort of response. "Alright, just… Fredrick, I need help. I can't move him alone." Fredrick was back over to Jeremy, swearing to himself. "Just… Let's just move him to the back of the Freddy van. One of us can drive him." He turned his head towards the door. "Fritz, calm down the kids, try to explain this off." He then looked back towards the other technician, "Dave, watch that thing and make sure it doesn't go biting anyone else." Then he moved to start lifting Jeremy.

At some point Jeremy noticed all the blood on himself and started to feel even more lightheaded. He started to dip out of consciousness. "Hey, come on, stay with us," Phone Guy coaxed. "He's really out of it. We need to-." Then his voice was gone and the world went black. Jeremy briefly woke in the back of the van, but only returned fully to consciousness once at the hospital. The Phone Guy stayed with him. Jeremy suspected that it was less out of concern and more that he was afraid to return to the Pizzeria and see what the condition was.

Jeremy only realized he was gritting his teeth when he entered into the kitchen. Fritz was checking the pizza, murmuring out a quick, "We really need to get someone in here that can cook." He then noticed something and straightened abruptly, "Is Foxy alone with the kids?" Jeremy shook his head, "Mike stepped out. I just came to check on the pizza." Fritz checked it again and grumbled. "We've got a few more minutes… I think. I'm starting to see why Fredrick barely made any fresh pizzas. At least the cake's done."

He noticed how quiet Jeremy was. "…Something on your mind?" The younger man gave a dry chuckle, "It's, uh… It's nothing. I was just remembering some things..." He shuffled around a bit. "Hey, do you remember the day I got- I was bit? That was pretty rough." He rubbed his shoulder and Fritz exhaled sympathetically. "It was, for you. How are you holding up?" It had been years, but Fritz wasn't sure whether or not an injury like that would give lingering issues. Jeremy became defensive, "I'm fine, I was just thinking about it. I guess with the kids and the party… But I lived, right? That's better than some. I got out pretty unscathed."

"Still, nobody thought Mangle was going to do it. I knew something was going on with the animatronics, but I didn't actually think-…" Fritz trailed off and Jeremy peeked in the oven. "I think that's done. Here, I'll take it out." Now Fritz was the one who was standing there awkwardly. Jeremy got the pizza out with an oven mitt and cut it, moving it to a cool tray. "I… Guess I'll take the pizza out. The plates are already out there." Fritz agreed and stiffly followed out into the dining room.

Fritz flicked on the light switch and stepped into the parts and service room, then promptly stepped back in alarm. A cold feeling settled on his shoulders as he stared at the sight waiting for him. Slouched on the other side of the room was a suit that he himself moved in a few days before. It was still relatively unfinished, but even now he could see gaps in between the arms, the legs, and the torso that revealed something underneath. Then he noticed some blood coming through the facial holes. He already knew what had happened.

Taking a step closer, Fritz shined the light over the mascot's face. He knew who it had to be and felt the coldness spread to his throat. He knew who was working the night shift tonight; he knew he wasn't even supposed to be on the night shift much longer. Then he noticed some sort of faint sound that came from the direction of the body. He moved in closer and crouched down, listening against the suit. There was a dull wheezing coming from inside the suit. "He's alive…" Fritz gasped out. He turned his head towards the door, knowing Fredrick was nearby.

"Boss! You need to get over here! He's alive!" He knew Fredrick wouldn't know what he's talking about until he got there. Then Fredrick arrived at the door quickly and stared at the suit in shock. Fritz, meanwhile, made a dash towards the hall. Fredrick caught his arm, "Whoa, whoa. Wait." The technician looked back to him in alarm. "I need to call an ambulance. Isn't that the plan?" He was shocked that he was staying so calm, but he almost lost that calmness when Fredrick continued.

"New plan…" he began slowly. "You try to get that off of him first. We're not going to be able to move him with that on and you're the best at working with the animatronics." The mere suggestion was unbelievable to Fritz. "Boss, I can't- He could bleed out if I try to get him out of that! I don't think-!" Fredrick turned on him; calm, but firm. "And you think a bunch of paramedics with no idea on how to get him out are going to do better? If you can't get him out, then they can't get them out." Fritz had a feeling that he didn't have a choice.

Fredrick wasn't sounding like he was going to change his mind and didn't seem like he was going to let the technician call anyone just yet. He sort of got it; after everything, Freddy's couldn't handle another accident with its reputation, and Fredrick's focus was probably on that. Even though one of his most loyal employees was trapped before him bleeding, Fredrick was focused on the business. He had worked here longer than Fritz had and, frankly, it startled the technician that their boss was so apathetic about the situation.

"…I'll try…" As uneasily as he could, he crouched in front of the trapped body and tried to start working the suit off. Fredrick just watched him.

Even today that memory unnerved Fritz. He had never told anyone about it, and didn't even know why he was thinking about it, but it still hung on his shoulders. He had lived, but Fritz still believed that Fredrick was reckless, and that bothered him more than he could've ever anticipated. He, like Jeremy, pushed it into the back of his mind and entered the dining room. The children had now started to cluster around a very flustered Jeremy who was simply trying to serve them. It was certainly an amusing scene.

Finally, Fritz went over to assist. Now both were swarmed with children while Mike watched from by the Prize Corner. He had receded into 'Security Guard' mindset and was currently keeping an eye out for any dangers. He knew how important it was that the kids stayed safe; not that he didn't trust Foxy or Marionette. It was just a precaution to make sure everyone, including the animatronics, would be kept safe. With the pizza being served, Foxy briefly disappeared into his curtain to grab a prop, and the kids didn't notice. He wasn't gone long.

Foxy's head poked out of the curtain. "I see you, Foxy. Don't even think about it," Mike muttered as he stared at the screen. He reached off to the side and grabbed his soda, not taking his eyes off of the screen. It was only Tuesday and yet Foxy was already starting to be difficult. Though it was already four o'clock, so it wasn't too out of the realm of possibility. Mike checked the power and felt slight exasperation at how low it had gotten. He knew he could waste any extra power and turned off the screen, making a mental note to check it in the near future for Foxy.

Kicking off of the office desk, he rolled his chair to the left door and checked the lights. Nothing; Bonnie and Chica were still off somewhere else, and this gave him plenty of time to relax for the moment. It felt good being back. After the last time Fredrick 'fired' him, he genuinely thought that the job would be over. Instead here he was again. It wasn't like anyone else was so willing to come back, but Mike had found out quickly that it was pretty difficult to stay away from Freddy's. He just couldn't resist coming back to the night shift.

It wasn't the money. In fact, Freddy's barely paid enough for him to get by, and that was only with a second job assisting it. It was just the thrill of it. The delight of going somewhere where he would fight like his life depended on it, which it did. The joy of not having to go home to a sub-standard house more than he needed to. When outside this restaurant, he was just the average guy in a dead end job. Inside the restaurant, he had accomplished an enormous feat and was one of the only ones who survived.

Mike checked Foxy again and noticed that he hadn't moved any further. With a hum, he quickly flipped through the other cameras. Chica seemed to be in the kitchen, Bonnie was back in the parts and service room, and Freddy had yet to leave his stage. With an exhale, Mike flipped through the rest of the cameras. He would've just turned off the monitor there, but something stopped him from doing so. In one of the hallways there was clearly some sort of change. It took him a few seconds to realize that it was a poster on the wall that was different.

It appeared to be Freddy, but not exactly. With more yellow fabric and empty eyes, it looked more to be a different model of Freddy. "Has that always been here?" he mentally questioned. "…Couldn't have been. Maybe Fredrick put it up?... Nah. The place is scary enough without the posters." He wasn't sure what the scenario was and simply lowered the monitor. It was at that moment that his eyes locked onto the same form as the poster. For an agonizing moment, Mike was staring at a slumped animatronic that looked remarkably like Freddy.

It was a knee jerk reaction, but Mike suddenly dipped behind the monitor, as though hiding from the bear. He expected it to lash out, to grab for him, but there was no response. He slowly raised again and stared across the office. The thing, whatever it was, had vanished without a trace. He shivered and checked the monitor. The poster had returned to normal and the yellow bear was nowhere to be seen. The only thing that had changed was that Foxy had moved further out of his curtain. The looming animatronic had vanished, but Mike still felt unsafe.

He wondered if Phone Guy had felt this way before whatever became of him. The thought was quickly shrugged off as Mike buckled down to keep watch of the monitor. He couldn't be too careful…

Blue eyes watched as the children were quickly ushered towards the Prize Corner. Anything to distract them long enough for the pizza to be served, he supposed, and he kept watch in the Prize Corner. The kids had approached the present box before the lid popped open, revealing the puppet himself. He looked so calm and collected, so poised and ready, and maybe this was why, even though the kids jumped a little, they didn't seem afraid. Maybe they felt the joy and confidence coming off of the slender animatronic.

Though underneath this front, Marionette was a little less collected than he seemed. He was able to work, to smile, and eagerly started to hand out Foxy plush toys to the eager children. Yet there was always concern; mostly the fear that someone would get spooked and there would be an event. He couldn't imagine what he would do if any of them started to cry. Thankfully, they really weren't worried about him, and he continued to pass out Foxy plushies. He trembled in delight at every motion, feeling like he was truly back at work.

Jeremy had left, but Mike was still watching from the doorway. This was probably better; Marionette had always felt uncomfortable performing for children while being watched. Though Mike had seen him in a multitude of embarrassing positions as it was, so he was much less bothered. It wasn't as though Mike could do anything more than fuss with his music anyway. Meanwhile, Marionette did what he was meant to do; entertain children. He chimed, he spun, and he silently performed for them.

Mike eventually called the kids out to the dining room once the pizza was ready and most of them had plush toys. The children headed out, save a few remaining children who needed their toys. The birthday girl received hers with an eager smile; missing front tooth and all. He took a step beyond and affectionately tussled her hair, then fixed her party hat and sent her off. It was watching her run out that led him to noticing the child standing meekly by the doorway. Normally he would beckon the girl, coax her over, something along those lines.

Yet instead Marionette struggled to keep himself composed, because the second he saw the girl he recognized her. Out of all the kids in town, the one girl who spotted him from her bed just happened to be at this party, and from her hesitance she obviously still remembered him. The puppet didn't know what to do at first. He stiffly handed out a few more dolls before he was alone with the girl. There were a few dolls left, she didn't have one, so it was obvious that he had to give her one. He took one from the set and fiddled with it, thinking over his options.

Then he held it out in an offering motion. The girl stared at him, then the doll, then him once again. There was clear hesitance and Marionette leaned a little further over the box. The girl now moved in just a little bit, tentatively reaching out and taking ahold of the plush. Once she had ahold, Marionette released the toy and watched as she clutched it to herself. She looked so uncertain, so torn, and he lowered himself down a bit more. Now leaning on the front of the box and no longer towering over her, the girl seemed to ease just a little bit.

"Thank you," she spoke out quietly. She clearly was still cautious around the animatronic and backed towards the door, keeping her eyes on him. Marionette continued to smile as she exited towards the door. He gave her a wave as she reached the door, attempting to be friendly. The girl gave a small, "Bye," before vanishing once again. Marionette almost collapsed once she was out of view. That went better than expected; no tears, no screaming, and no questions. Of course the girl could possibly tell her parents, but he wasn't worried.

It was okay. It had all been okay. He had made a good first impression and held everything together. Foxy could do the rest; all Marionette had to do now was stay alert in case any children returned. Confidence started to return; by time they were fully opened he would have everything he needed and would be ready. As for the girl… He had dealt with worse.

"They were scared of me," Marionette quietly admitted as he closed his box lid above him. It felt so strange to speak without moving his mouth. Then again, everything was strange in this body. He huddled in his box and stared blankly into the dark. "I didn't think… They would run from me," he was ashamed to even say it. The answering voice was more of an echo in his head than coming from outside the box. He understood why; it probably was not safe for Goldie to come into the Prize Corner. Some of the employees were possibly still sitting in the building somewhere.

"You know how kids are. Don't take it personally," Goldie insisted. "You're new, you're unfamiliar to them, so they're going to be afraid." Marionette briefly raised his head. "…It didn't really help that you jumped out at them, but still." The puppet dropped his head again, covering his porcelain face with his desperate hands. This wasn't how he expected it to go. This wasn't how he wanted it to go. "You're not crying, are you?" Marionette didn't respond with any audible noise. "You know I hate it when you cry…" Goldie murmured, a bit more sadly.

"I'm not crying," Marionette insisted. "I don't think I can cry anymore." Indeed, there were tear-like stripes on his face, but he had yet to cry since the incident. Unless he didn't remember it, which he truly doubted. "It's for the best. You don't need to cry anymore," Goldie insisted. The puppet agreed, and not just because he usually agreed with whatever he said. Goldie had always just managed to say what needed to be said. "Give them time. They'll get used to you. If they don't, they won't be able to exchange their tickets, right?"

"Right," Marionette agreed. He managed to honestly smile again and relaxed against the wall of his box. It wasn't a strong smile, but there was a little more hope. Goldie continued, "Just rest tonight. You've had a long day." The puppet didn't argue and instead turned his body until he managed a proper fetal position. "Will you stay with me tonight, Goldie? Just one night?" There was a short while of silence and he thought this meant a positive was coming. "…You know I can't. I need to be out there tonight, but I won't be far." It wasn't much of a comfort at all.

At least, Marionette supposed, he could look forward to something different than a night alone in a box. Or a night of waiting for the music box to unwind. Maybe it was still a night shared with a security guard, but it had much better implications than past ones. Except for the nightmares that were most likely still awaiting him, but he had almost become familiar with them. The thought of not going home to an empty house was enough to make him happy, and Mike helped. It felt good to be able to do something for someone again.

And he would do anything for Mike. He already knew this well.

Mable: So the next chapter will be posted as soon as I finish it! I hope everyone enjoyed!