Roxanne Wolf inspected her appearance in the mirror of the girl's bathroom. So far everything seemed fine… fine enough at the very least. No paint scratches as far as she could tell, none of her joints had locked up, her face still had a full range of emotion. Still, all of this did not preclude the possibility of something going wrong.
"Get a hold of yourself Roxanne," she shook her head, looking dead center into her own eyes, "you can't be that weak link. You're too loved for something like that." It was times like these she really wished that she had her own dressing room, or at least something comparable. If the renovations on the pizzeria were taken a step further, and the place had been made into a full blown pizzaplex, then it might have been a different story. As things currently were, however, she would have to manage with what she had. That being, a dingey old bathroom.
She stepped away from the mirror, a bit dismayed. How could she be expected to live up to her full potential in a place like this? She knew there were kids out there who loved her, but could she truly say she deserved that? Was she a valuable part of an ensemble, or just a cog in a machine?
Her thoughts were then interrupted by a knock at the door. She looked up to see Chica, poking her head in.
"I um… didn't mean to interrupt you, but Freddy just called a meeting."
Roxanne nodded, following the chicken out of the bathroom and to the place where they most often gathered when it came time to have a meeting, the area right in front of the stage. Freddy and Monty were already waiting for them.
"With all four of us here, I think the meeting can begin," Freddy said.
"What exactly is this meeting about?" Roxanne asked.
"It's about Michael."
Monty rolled his eyes, "Don't tell me you're going to over react on us again. Just because we were kept in the dark as to why he wasn't here today, doesn't mean there's anything to worry about."
"That is actually not what I intended for this meeting to center around," Freddy said, "but I will admit that Michael's absence is what sparked it. When we were told he was not coming in tonight, it got me thinking about all he does for us."
"He looks at the cameras every night, big deal," Monty said sarcastically.
"It's a lot more than that," Freddy rebuked, "just think of all the little things. Like how he leaves us on every night instead of turning us off like he's supposed to, or how he always helps fix any malfunctions we have. The only reason Vanessa lets us stay on is because he set the precedent."
"He has had a tendency to clean food out of my joints from time to time," Chica admitted.
"More than 'from time to time' by my estimate," Monty rolled his eyes.
"Look, the point is, he does a lot for us that most other security guards would never do, and I think he deserves some form of acknowledgement for it," Freddy lowered his voice, "just look at Vanessa. She's nice, and she does her job, but that's all she does. Can you honestly see her taking care of Gregory the same way Michael agreed to?"
"What are you all talking about?"
The animatronics practically jumped, each looking over to see Vanessa staring at them.
"We were just talking," Freddy said, just barely concealing his nervousness.
"Just talking?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Is that really so weird?" Roxanne asked.
"Well, I suppose not," the security guard shrugged, "I'm just used to seeing you guys perform during the day, so I don't really know what to expect in your free time."
"Well, if you're that curious then I can show you how much pepperoni I can cram in my beak at once," Chica offered.
Vanessa winced, "I uh… I'm good. Just keep an eye out for anything, and let me know if you need any help." With that she left. After a moment, Freddy stood up, checked around the corner and then turned back to the others.
"Ok, I think she's back in the office."
"If you're referring to the office which allows me to listen in on almost every room, then yes, I am," a voice boomed on the speaker system. All the animatronics jumped from the shock.
"Vanessa, it is quite rude to startle people like that," Freddy said to the nearest camera.
"It's also rude to talk about things behind someone's back… well, depending on the circumstance at least."
Roxanne placed a hand on Freddy's shoulder, "Look, if you want my two cents, then I say we just let her listen in. It's not as if we're planning anything malicious here."
The bear nodded, "I suppose you are right," he turned back to the camera, "we will be continuing our meeting. Whether you wish to listen in is up to you." He expected a reply of some sort, but none came. He turned to Roxy, who merely shrugged. The two headed back to the meeting spot in the center of the room, where Chica and Monty were still sitting.
"You know," said the gator, "she'd probably be a better security guard if she just stuck to that office and kept an eye on things."
"If we are done with the distractions, I would like to get back to my point," Freddy said to the group. The three other animatronics all nodded, giving their approval for him to continue. As he was about to do so, Vanessa appeared in the corner of the room, leaning against the back wall. Freddy paused for a moment, unsure if she was going to say anything, before continuing, "I think we should do something nice for Michael, to show him that we appreciate what he's done."
"I'm not sure if you've noticed, but outside of playing music, there isn't much we're good for," Monty groaned.
"Not to mention how little free time we have," Roxy added, "think about it. We can't plan anything during the day, with the staff everywhere and the customers to entertain, and we can't do anything at night, because Michael will see us doing it, it won't be a surprise."
"We could just play him a song. A private show maybe?" Chica suggested.
"That doesn't seem particularly special," Freddy lamented, "besides, we don't even know what kind of music he likes."
"Oh no, you're right! What if we play something he hates?" Roxanne looked between the others, her confidence beginning to slip.
"I say we just forget the whole thing," Monty shrugged, "no point in trying something if you know you can't do it."
"We cannot give up that easily Monty," Freddy said, "all we need to do is take a moment to think this through."
"Uh, I know I was technically only invited to listen to the meeting, but can I chip in here?" All eyes turned to Vanessa, who seemed to stiffen as the attention shifted to her. She stood up straight, stepping away from the wall, and closer to the square the animatronics had formed.
"We are open to suggestions," said Freddy.
"You guys really are packed with more personality than given credit for, huh?" she smirked, "Look, I'm not going to pretend I understand this, or am even on board with it, but I have to admit it is kinda cute."
"Cute?" Monty stood up, to which Freddy immediately held out a hand for him to stop. The gator clicked his jaw back and forth, before sitting back down.
"Please, continue."
"Right, well, I can't really pretend I know this guy you're talking about. Mike, was it? The regular night guard, right? I don't know if I'm ready to help you with whatever it is you settle on, but I think there's a pretty big factor here you're overlooking."
The animatronics all continued to stare at her, waiting for the answer.
"Well?" Chica leaned forward, "Don't leave us in suspense here!"
Vanessa sighed, "Me! I'm the factor you were overlooking!"
A collective "Oh," was shared among the four.
"But you just said you were unsure if you were willing to help," Monty pointed out.
"I did, but think of it like this: you were worried you wouldn't be able to plan anything because this Michael guy is here during the night, right? Well, that's not exactly true, now, is it? I mean, whenever I'm filling in as his replacement, you guys have free reign to do what you want without him knowing."
The animatronics glanced to each other, seeming to ponder this information in silence. Freddy glanced back her way.
"There is one issue with what you have brought up," said the bear, "your schedule is far too chaotic. The only time you are here is when Michael is unable to come."
"Hey, it's better than nothing, isn't it?"
"Would you be willing to take a few more night shifts, just until we're able to put something together?"
"Sorry, but I barely put the necessary amount of time into my job as is," Vanessa said, "no way am I volunteering to do more than I need to. Although, the night shift does seem to have its charm."
"If that is the case, then I would like to thank you all the same," Freddy nodded, "in the meantime, I believe it would be best for us to return to brainstorming options."
/
The warehouse was farther out than Michael had anticipated. He knew that it was a long drive, but going so far into the country really cemented how remote the location felt compared to town. It was well and truly dark now, with the only light being that of the headlights at the stars and moon above. Trees draped over a gravel coated dirt road, pot hole after pot hole popping up under the tires.
"You sure we're in the right area?" Michael asked.
Henry nodded, "I'm certain. It's been a few years, but I remember the route clear as day." It was true that any conversation had been non-existent during the drive, but the old man had still provided directions when needed.
Before long, they could make out what appeared to be a toll booth off in the distance, just barely illuminated by the headlights, surrounded by a chain-link fence. Michael was able to just see a man in the familiar purple security outfit of Fazbear entertainment leap up as they came into view. It was probably safe to assume that he did not get many visitors, especially not anyone unannounced. Henry rolled down the window as they pulled up to the booth.
"Can I um… help you?" the guard asked.
The old man took out a card, showing it to the man in the booth, "I'm just here to check up on things." There was something different about the way he presented himself. Physically he was the same, but Michael could not help but to take notice of the shift in his demeanor. He was used to seeing Henry Emily, the friendly man who would visit from time to time, but this was the polar opposite. It was not off putting, but there was nothing warm about it. It was like he had switched from family mode to business man mode. Michael had seen him act like this a scant few times in his childhood, but they were few and far between.
The guard squinted, looking at the card, then grew flustered, "Oh! Mr. Emily sir, of course, go right ahead. I didn't know you were still with the company."
"I'm no longer involved directly, but I like to keep an eye on things. You don't mind my chauffer tagging along with me, do you?"
"Not at all sir. I'll just uh, open the gate for you," the guard reached over in the booth, pressing a button, raising the barrier. Henry gave a professional smile and a nod to the man as Michael pulled in and parked. The space inside the fence was not massive, but it was certainly big enough to fit a few cars. There was only one other, which presumably belonged to the guard at the booth. The only sources of light in the place were that inside the toll booth, as well as one hanging above a rusted door leading inside.
As they stepped out, Henry called back to the guard, "We'll be needing the keys by the way."
"Yes sir," the man nodded, rummaging around for a moment before producing a key ring with very few keys on it. He ran up to them, handing the keys to Henry. He glanced Michael, but either from the darkness, or sheer fear, he decided not to say anything before hoofing it back to the booth.
Henry led Michael over to the door, sifting through the keys to find which one would open it up.
"Uncle Henry," Michael whispered, "you said this was the warehouse with the animatronics inside, right?"
"Yes."
"Well… I realize this is a bit last second, but they tend to get a bit… aggressive. We're not going to be… unprotected, are we?"
"Don't worry," Henry said, now having returned to his more personable demeanor, "we won't be getting quite as intimate with them as you have in the past."
He unlocked the door, opening it up in all its squeaky glory. Looking inside, all Michael could make out was a void of darkness, the light from outside revealing only a little bit of concrete floor ahead of them.
If Michael had a heart, he was certain it would be racing. He had grown used to the idea that the danger was finally behind him, yet here he was, entering a building with Freddy and the other classic animatronics once again. In truth, he had never grown fully comfortable with his circumstances. There was always an inkling inside of him that something could go wrong, that the danger would never truly pass, but he had still grown accustomed to not having to fight for his life in spite of this. He would have to trust that Henry knew what he was doing. Even then, he needed to stay on his toes. Assuming one's own safety was the greatest mistake one could make.
Henry fumbled around on the other side of the door, eventually flicking on a switch. After a second or two, the lights in the warehouse shuttered on erratically. The two stepped inside, the rusted door swinging shut behind them. The inside of the warehouse was fairly large, with the ceiling stretching up at least two stories. From where Michael was standing, all he could make out were crates and disregarded animatronic parts, some draped over with cloth, others exposed. There was a strong mustiness to the air, and Michael had the feeling that mold was not out of the question. The lighting above left much to be desired. It illuminated the place well enough, but there seemed to still be a plethora of shadows creeping about and around the crates and machines.
"This way, I think it best we check and make sure the animatronics are still here before settling in," Henry gestured to a ladder, just off to the side. It was a frail thing, but the old man climbed up it without much worry. Michael was concerned he would have so trouble making it to the top considering how he was getting up there in years, but Henry managed to reach the platform above just fine. Michael was quick to follow, not wanting to stay on the same level as any animatronics which posed a possible threat.
The platforms, which were suspended from the ceiling, weaved above the ground floor of the warehouse in an even spread. Michael didn't care much for being so high up, but he had to admit that it was a good way to avoid the animatronics. With the ladders being so small and frail, there was no way one could climb up without it breaking.
"Do you know what area they're being stored in?"
"Afraid not," Henry shook his head, "we'll have to keep our eyes peeled from up here. And be careful. Hold onto the railing, and be sure not to fall off."
The two crept along, eyeing the animatronics below. It seemed an easy enough task at first, but with the sheer size of the warehouse, compounded with the poor lighting, it made things far more difficult than anticipated. There were moments where Michael could have sworn that he saw an old Chica in the shadows, or a Bonnie, or any of the others, only to be disappointed upon seeing that it was clearly a different model.
Eventually, at the other end of the warehouse, Henry paused, holding out his arm as a signal that they should stop. At first, Michael was confused as to what exactly had been spotted. The old man quickly pointed down to one of the animatronics.
"Is that what I think it is?" Mike asked.
"I believe so."
There, just below, was propped an old Golden Bonnie spring lock suit. The type which had doubled as both an animatronic, as well as a suit which the employee could wear. It had been ages since Michael had seen one in person. Just the mere sight of it brought back memories of that day. The day he wished he could redo so badly. Then again, considering his profession, it was hard not to be reminded of it. The suit itself had clearly seen much better days. Its once golden fur had changed to a gross yellowish-green, with wires and other metal bits stuck out everywhere.
"We haven't seen many vintage ones like that around. Do you think the others could be nearby?" Henry asked.
"Not sure," Michael said, "but it's possible. On the day they were moving the animatronics out for the renovations, that Golden Bonnie was one of them, at least I think it was. Apparently, it was in some sealed off back room. They didn't even find it until they began tearing stuff down."
Henry stroked his beard, pondering this, "Interesting."
The two crept closer, trying to make out if any others were nearby, still sticking to the platform. The shadows draping from the crates around it make it difficult to scope out.
"It's no good, we'll never be able to check properly unless one of us goes down there," said Michael.
Henry looked to him sternly, "That's not a risk I'm willing to take, and it's certainly not a risk I'm willing to let you go through with."
In truth, Michael was of a similar sentiment. They needed to check and make sure that those animatronics were still in the warehouse. This, of course, was all just a precaution based on the possibility that that attempted robber was really his father. They had no evidence that the man was, nor was there any sign that he had even broken into the building. Not to mention, if he was just coming back tonight, then going down there to check would be pointless anyway. Still, the only way to properly check was to go down, there was no denying it. Even with a flashlight, from this high up they just wouldn't be able to properly survey all the spots the animatronics could be.
Michael rubbed the back of his neck nervously, thinking over the pros and cons. As pathetic as his life was, it wasn't worth throwing away. He had a kid to take care of now, meaning he couldn't play things as loose as he had in the past. On the other hand, it wasn't as if this was new territory for him. He had been locked in with these things' day after day for weeks on end, and he had managed to get out of that unscathed, so who was to say this wouldn't be a piece of cake?
"Look, I know it's a bad idea," Michael began, "but I'll be real quick. I'll just run down, look around, then run back up. It won't even be enough time for one of them to catch me."
Henry wrinkled his eyebrows, clearly concerned for Michael's safety, "I don't like it, and I don't advise it, but I suppose I can't stop you."
"Just a quick up and down, less than a minute," Michael said aloud, mostly to himself. Moving past Henry, he climbed down the nearest ladder. It was unnerving being on the same level as one of the animatronics again. The Golden Bonnie stood a bit taller than he did. There was something about it that set Michael on edge, as if it could spring to life at any moment. Out of curiosity, he edged a bit closer, tapping his knuckles against it. Hollow. That was at least one animatronic he wouldn't have to worry about.
You're back.
Michael whipped around. That voice, there was only one person it could be.
You abandoned us.
Whether the voice was out loud or in his mind he was unable to tell, but it was definitely nearby. He could feel it, an itching on his skin.
"Michael, what's wrong? Do you see anything?" Henry called down.
Michael looked up then back to the shadows around him. It was there, only just visible but still clear enough. It leaned limply against the crates, sitting on the floor. Michael was face to face with Golden Freddy.
