Third shift and Saphira felt nervous as she arrived at the pizzaplex car park. She did not receive any calls from Darren or Cliff today, which meant they might be waiting for her to arrive to speak with her regarding Roxy. And Saphira was very nervous about that. But she could not hide forever, so Saphira got out of her care and approached the pizzaplex nervously. It was fifteen minutes until nine so she had time to go to her office anyway. Stepping inside, the warmth of the building engulfed her and she glanced up at the gold statue in the lobby, smiling for a moment as she approached the entry barriers. She glanced around to see if Darren was near, he was not thankfully. Although, she did wonder what suit he would be wearing today, that was the most fascinating quality he had was his fashion sense. She walked up the stairs to the elevators and pressed the button to head to the atrium. She hummed the tune of the elevator music and stepped out of the doors when they open.
As she walked towards the stairs to head to the bottom floor, Saphira did not see the map bot approaching her until it appeared in front of her suddenly. "AHHH!" Saphira jumped back, staring at the map bot holding out a map. "Oh…fuck my life…you're an asshole!" She pinched the map from its hand. "You know I am a night guard!"
"Have a nice day," The robot responded, turning away and rolling towards the elevators to wait for it's next target.
"Sheesh! I thought they would ignore me completely!" Saphira breathed in and out deeply, shaking her head and approaching the stairs to walk down them.
She did wonder if she would have to deal with the map bot almost all the time if it keeps jump scaring her randomly. Even though she already has a map in her Fazwatch that was on her wrist right now. She was not going to get over that, she could forgive the animatronics more than the bots. She hoped someday she could access the programming to do something about it. She approached the blue door of the security office on the bottom floor of the atrium and stepped inside, only to jump when she saw Darren sitting in her chair wearing a dark, pink suit and gold tie.
"Darren! You scared me!" Saphira exclaimed, placing a hand on her chest like her heart was going to jump out. "I did not expect to see you here." She frowned a little as Darren's face held a stern expression. "Is…is everything okay?"
"If you put your stuff down and clock in early, you need to follow me down to Parts and Service," Darren responded in a calm, yet stern tone. "We need to discuss something with you." He stood up and walked towards the door, Saphira stepped aside as she knew what this was about. "I hope you are aware of why we need to talk to you."
Saphira did not respond and walked into the office quickly, her heart was racing as she was scared of what was going to be said. She placed her stuff down and logged into the computer to clock in, but she hesitated to go down to Parts and Service. She thought about making a coffee, but she instead fixed up her hair to tie it back into a neat bun and walked out of the office to find Darren waiting for her with his arms folded. She wanted to say something, but as he turned to walk towards the stage, Saphira decided it was best to keep her mouth shut. She hoped the animatronics don't feel guilty, she knew they would not want her to be fired…well, except for Monty of course. Stepping onto the lift, Darren pressed the button and remained there silently as the lift takes them down.
Saphira was breathing very loudly as she was nervous and shook her head for a moment. "Darren…look…Monty told me what happened to him months ago. I am not going to do anything to endanger the animatronics or guests here."
Darren said nothing for a moment as he was thinking, but once they reached the bottom and stepped off the platform, he glanced at Saphira for a moment. "That might be true, but you are not a technician here Saphira. You are only here to help with general maintenance."
"I know, I know…I just wanted to help that was all," Saphira said in a guilty tone as they approach Parts and Service. "I hope…am I going to lose my job? I hear not many guards pass a week…I would rather break that cycle."
He sighed deeply and shakes his head. "No…you are not losing your job. But need to know that you cannot just do something to the animatronics without Cliff being present. At least for now. What you did was unsafe."
She did not think she was in any danger, but that was because she had experience working on robots. If she had no experience, then she would agree. Plus, the animatronic's endo was not twitching badly to the point of needing to deactivate the bot. "I guess that means I am not helping with the maintenance tonight."
"Freddy made it clear he wants you to help, so I think we have no choice but to allow you to help…but Cliff needs to talk with you about it Saphira. I do appreciate that you wanted to help, but until Cliff gives you full approval to do that, refrain from doing it again." That was going to be difficult. Saphira doubted they knew about Foxy's hook as well given it was an easy fix. "It might take a couple weeks to get his full approval if I am honest."
Saphira did not mind, so long as her work was approved. Darren pushed the doors open into Parts and Service, she saw Cliff sitting at the console, none of the other technicians were present here. However, Roxy was standing there, she looked furious. She softened her expression slightly when she saw Saphira, but returned to glaring at Cliff with her arms folded as it was clear she was unhappy about this.
"I assume Darren has already told you Saphira?" He asked in a calm tone and Saphira nodded. "Good, then I will not bother repeating what he said. However, while I am very impressed with the work you done on Roxy, it was not your position to do that. I know Monty has told you about the incident that nearly had him decomissioned permenantly, so you can understand why tampering with the animatronics is taken seriously."
"Of course I understand," Saphira responded in a small voice. "I would never do anything like that. I like the animatronics…I just wanted to make her time more comfortable. Is that so wrong?"
"No, it is not, but when you are given more access to what you can do for the animatronics it won't be a problem. But your first job is a night guard, and you need to focus on that before anything to do with the animatronics. I am not sure if you offered or if Roxy asked you for help…but that does not change that fact." Saphira was relieved Roxy did not tell what actually happened, but she was still upset about this. "So, this is your first warning Saphira. Don't do it again okay? Leave it to us. I don't want to let you off because you do such a good job already."
"I won't screw it up, you have my word," Saphira promised, she smiled slightly as she was still very nervous about all of this. "I will take this second chance seriously. You will not be disappointed."
"You better keep your word Saphira. I know the animatronics really like you, so I don't want to take you away from them either. Now go and begin your rounds of the facility, the general maintenance won't begin until close anyway." Darren gestured towards the door and Saphira nodded and turned to leave. "Oh, and also, make sure when you are told to keep an animatronic in their room. Do follow that order as well. It is for your own safety that is requested. So don't be so confident around them."
Saphira did not respond, only giving a nod as she left the room. Roxy said nothing, but she had listened to this whole thing and it frustrated her. She was upset that Saphira was in trouble, and she was forced to stand and endure listening to all of that.
"Don't listen to them Saphira," Roxy said to Saphira through the Fazwatch, startling the girl as she approached the lift. "These idiots are just sour that you did such a good job. I'll make sure they understand that firing you means I am going to get very mean to them."
She smiled slightly and shakes her head. "Sorry Roxy…I know you mean well, but they are managers. Which means they're by bosses…I have to listen to them. Or I lose my job. I really don't want that, I need this job. I know you don't understand…but please don't make it harder."
"Alright, alright, I promise to stay calm…but if you get accussed of something you did not do by them, I am not going to be so nice. Even for a twerp like you." Roxy had her own way of being kind it seems and Saphira could not help but smile more. "You are part of us now…there is no way we are letting you go without a fight."
She giggled a little and pressed the button of the lift once she reached it to head up. "I appreciate that Roxy. It is nice to know you be there for me if things get tough. Honestly…it is always me who has to fix things. No one else does it for me."
"At some point, someone has to help you with that. And that someone, is gonna be me. And now I am being forced back into my room again! This isn't fair!" Roxy was frustrated, she wanted to be out among the guests. "I might get to go out tomorrow though. I am glad, all my fans miss me and I want blind them with my glory."
Saphira hoped that would happen, Roxy definitely hated being locked up. She did not really blame her, especially since it was out of her control. "I am sure they will be blinded by it Roxy." She glanced up as the lift got closer to the stage. "I gotta go now Roxanne, I have to go around making sure people are behaving now. Although it is very empty tonight."
That was true, when Saphira had arrived, it seemed like the pizzaplex was almost completely empty. She thought being the middle of the week it would be busier, but it was not. In fact, it felt like it was eleven-thirty due to how empty the pizzaplex was. In a way, it would be easier, but also there was a chance of someone hiding somewhere.
"That is not a surprise, most people are waiting for the big show. Yeah, that is not tomorrow night, but show days are the most popular and most people, from what I hear, have other plans in the middle of the week anyway." It was a surprise to Saphira given that most people are usually paid Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so it should be busier. "I'll let you go now anyway. I can't really bother you until the technicians leave…which I believe will be three or something again."
"I promise to talk with you after they leave before the end of my shift. Do not worry." The lift reached the top and Saphira moved to step off the stage to head to her office to scan through the cameras. "Although, technically, you could keep talking while I check through the cameras."
"Nah, I'll just distract you. Get to it twerp."
Roxy cuts off the connection and Saphira chuckled softly. She felt a lot better hearing Roxy speaking with her. She just hoped she would not get on Darren and Cliff's badsides, she felt so much pressure right now that it was upsetting her. Entering her office felt like a relief and she walked over to the coffee machine to make herself a mocha. She really felt she needed it, but nature was calling at the moment. She stepped into the office bathroom and sat on the toilet to do her business. She looked at her Fazwatch to begin going through the cameras to ensure people were behaving. She was surprised to see how empty the attractions were as she clicked through the cameras. The animatronics were all back in their rooms too, it seemed their days have ended fine. She did notice Bonnie was with Monty right now though, Monty's curtains were drawn and they were kissing each other, she smiled as that meant they worked something out.
"Evening Saphira," Freddy's voice purred through the Fazwatch gently, almost startling Saphira as she heard his voice. "I hope Darren and Cliff were not too hard on you. I am sad that was I not there to be by your side."
"Don't worry Freddy, I am not losing my job. I just received a warning and I will be helping with the maintenance tonight." Saphira was still flicking through the cameras, it felt a little awkward to talk to him while on the toilet, but he could not hear anything as far as she knew. "I see you are all in your rooms already."
"Yep, we had a very busy day today. It is nice the building is quiet tonight." He did sound a little tired, but he was happy right now too since he could hear Saphira's voice. "And we still have more to do tonight. But I am glad you are here. I am looking forward to it. Although, I usually do not have any issues."
"I am sure I will find out anyway. I am not sure what the order will be, but it does not matter anyway. As long as the maintenance is done properly." Saphira sighed as she felt better and grabbed toilet paper to wipe herself. "Anyway, I am just going through the cameras. Most of the guests are finishing off their food, the attractions are all empty. It's so weird to see."
"Yeah, I am sure, but you will be used to it on the quiet nights. Friday and Saturday is the busiest. I hope you get the chance to see the show. You should come in early to see us perform. I am sure you will have a blast dancing to it." That did sound like fun. Saphira wondered what time the performance was on. "We always perform at eight, so you can be here an hour before we begin."
"That sounds like a good idea," Saphira said with a smile. "I have never been to a concert before, so that will be a good experience. I hope Darren will let me come early. I'll at least have front row seats."
"Oh definitely! I look forward to seeing you soon super star! I am a bit lonely waiting in my room." Saphira believed that, Freddy thrived on company. She hoped to not be as afraid of him when she sees him soon, but that was going to be difficult. "And maybe it will be a step closer to giving you a hug."
"Oh, ha, ha! That's going too far," Saphira joked sarcastically. She sighed and stood up as she finished and flushed the toilet. "But we will see Freddy, we shall see. I had a lot of thinking to do last night so…we shall see."
"I hope your thoughts last night were all good." She glanced at her watch to see Freddy looking at the camera with a hopeful expression. She was getting better at reading his face given the fact their faces were not fluid like human faces. "I am sure yesterday was playing on your mind a lot."
"Yes…but also a lot of other things…but nothing you need to worry about Freddy." Saphira washed her hands and dried them before stepping out to grab her cup from the machine as the coffee was done. "Tonight will be a better night. I can tell." She sat down at her desk with a sigh and began to go through the cameras with the controls of the monitors. "I unfortunately can't do any extra help for you guys if something happens though. Otherwise…well…I lose the job."
"I had guessed that, and I am truly sorry super star. We will do our best to avoid being damaged, we do not want to put you in a position like that. Unless it is something that can be done outside of Parts and Service…even though that is highly dangerous."
"Good, because I need to wait until I am given the green light to do anything more than general maintenance so we need to hang tight." She sips her coffee and sighed deeply, licking her lips as she felt the warmth of the coffee spreading through her body. "Hmm…you know, when you are get your ability to smell, I think you'll enjoy the smell of coffee."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, coffee has a warm, inviting aroma that anyone can enjoy even if they do not like the taste of coffee. I used to avoid coffee until I took a chance and now I can't seem to not have it now. I love the smell the most, even if the taste is very bitter."
"Hmm…now that is something I look forward to smelling for the first time. The description of coffee like that makes it sound very special. I am glad that you were able to describe to me…even if I do not understand how it helps to keep you awake." Saphira chuckled a little, his little understanding of food was totally normal. "Though I am sure there is a lot more food out there I will never understand. Like Chica's obsession with pizza."
"Yeah, I don't get it either since she is an animatronic…buuuut, it makes her happy, that is all that matters." Saphira stopped when she noticed two women arguing with each other at Glamrock Gifts. One of the women was holding a large, Foxy toy and the other woman was yelling at her and trying to grab it. "Sorry Freddy, I have to go. There's a commotion happening in Glamrock Gifts. Looks like a Karen has been spotted."
"I've heard people say that before, what does that mean?"
"I'll tell you later Freddy." Saphira cut the communication off as she stood up and left the room quickly to head to the lobby.
Saphira felt bad she had to cut Freddy off, but when she was needed, she was needed. In fact, as she was brisk walking to the elevators, she received an alert on her Fazwatch about the commotion. She was glad she was already heading over to the store as she did not want to delay on her job. Even as she stood in the elevator once she was inside, the music tempted her to dance, but she focused. She looked at her watch to keep an eye on the situation and saw the woman who was yelling at the other woman holding the toy begin to try and grab the toy while hitting the woman.
Not in my pizzaplex!
Saphira ran out of the elevator doors once they open and over to Glamrock Gifts. She entered the top floor and ran down the stairs, she could hear the yelling from upstairs and she saw the women hanging onto the Foxy, yelling at each other.
"LADIES!" Saphira yelled loudly, startling the women and their children who were crying. "What is going on?"
"This has nothing to do with you girl!" The brunette woman seethed, clenching her teeth as she spoke and spoke flying from her lips. "This woman is trying to buy the last big Foxy in the store! My son wants it, so he shall have it!"
"I am the security guard here, so I have every right to be here!" Saphira stormed over to them and yanked the toy from both women's grasp. "Now I am going to hang onto it while we get to the bottom of it." She glared at the brunette, pointing at her. "And you! You will not assault another person in this store! I don't care if your son wants this toy, you will not hit another person over a toy!"
"But my son wants it!" The woman snapped back. "I will fight anyone who gets in my way."
"We will see what the police has to say about that." Saphira lifts her wrist to click a few buttons. "Luckily, I can go back through the security camera footage to find out what really happened. So go on, tell me what your story is."
"Well…we had such a good, long day here at the pizzeria!" The woman began with a dramatic well and wide eye look. "My son loved spending the day with Foxy at Kids Cove, and all he wanted at the end of the day is a big Foxy toy. So I promised him that. We spent a lot of time at Fazer Blast, Bonnie Bowling and Roxy Raceway as well, my son has had such a great day that he deserves this toy! Not that woman!"
"Uh huh…" Saphira nodded and used a tone that said she did not believe the woman. She was seeing messages in her Fazwatch warning people about a woman who was complaining so much to try and get refunds everywhere. She glanced at the younger woman with dark skin and brown eyes. "Ma'am, what is your side of the story?"
"Like this woman here, we spent a lot of time at the pizzaplex because we are from Florida and we are spending a week here in the city," The woman explained in a much calmer manner, though she still seemed very nervous about the other woman. "We actually came into Glamrock Gifts ten minutes before the woman showed up. This is the last Foxy on the shelf…" She gestured to the Foxy in Saphira's arm. "And my son also likes Foxy, and we were the first to grab it."
"Yeah…you were…" Saphira said as she watched the footage of the security tape and glanced at the brunette. "And then you waddled into this store, saw the woman lined up at the register and launched yourself at her." She placed a hand on her hip as she glared at the woman. "Now what planet do you think you are on that you think you can come and nearly destroy a toy for you child. They had it first."
"It does not matter that they had the toy first, my son wants it!" The woman snapped with a hiss in her voice. "You had better give it to me now girl!"
"Not gonna happen. There were other Foxy toys in the stores in the atrium, why didn't you buy one from there?" Saphira smirked as the brunette seemed shocked at her question. "Sure, this store is convenient as the exit is right outside. But, there are a lot of merchandise stores here with the same toy. You could have bought it from there."
"But this is the store we want the toy from!" The woman growled suddenly. "Give it to me!"
The woman launched her hands to grab the toy from Saphira's hand. Saphira stepped back to keep it from her, but the woman's long, pointy nails connected to Saphira's skin on her cheek as the woman thought it was good idea to try make her let go.
"Ahhh!"
Saphira was shocked that the woman even dared to attack her. She kicked the woman's legs, knocking her onto her stomach and grabbed her arms to hold them behind her back, she gave the other woman the toy to pay for it as Saphira held the woman down.
"Let go of me bitch!" The brunette screamed and shrieked as she saw the other woman paying for the toy. "Don't you dare leave this building! Do you hear me?!"
"Shut up!" Saphira snapped, pressing her knee into the woman's back and causing her to gasp uncomfortably. "You are going to wait right here! The police will be here in any moment and you will be charged for assaulting that woman and the security guard here."
"She assaulted you?!" Saphira glanced up to see Darren walking in, he was bewildered seeing the woman on the floor, and it was a sight to see as the woman was kicking her legs like a child to try and get Saphira off. "Ooh! Your cheek looks like an animal scratched it."
"An animal did scratch it," Saphira responded casually. "Oh Karen, this is my manager by the way."
"You're the manager?! Order your girl to unhand me now!" The Karen snapped, glaring at Darren as more spit spills from her mouth. "And get that other woman to give me that toy NOW!"
"No can do," Darren responded calmly. "I saw the footage myself. You assaulted two people tonight, you are going to get into trouble." He turned to the young boy who was crying. "Your father is on his way son, you will be home in your warm bed tonight."
"How did you get my husband's number?!" The woman demanded in disbelief. "He'll divorce me over this! You can't do that!"
"It is custom policy to fill in both parents' phone numbers when you bring a child to the facility, unless you are a foster parent, and you ended up putting your husband's number in. Thanks to you, we were able to contact him." Darren glanced out of the store for a moment and smile. "Ah, the police are here. Wonderful!"
Darren walked out to meet the police while Saphira held the woman down. The Karen began to thrash to try and get Saphira off her, but the police were quick to grab the woman after Darren led them into the facility to deal with her. They handcuff the woman and Saphira was able to get off the woman. She placed a hand on her cheek and look at her palm to see the blood on her skin. She grimaced a little and Darren gave her a first aid kid to use. Saphira took a chance to clean the blood, apply some ointment and band aids to her scratches. The woman was charged and the police were given the video evidence of the assaults. And the boy's father arrived shortly after to take the kid home.
"Well, that was not how the night was meant to go was it?" Darren said as he watched the police leave with the woman as he and Saphira stood behind the barriers. He turned to look at Saphira with a kind expression. "You did good, I did not know you could do that."
"I learned that a long time ago," Saphira smiled at him. "And besides, being a night guard would totally boring if I didn't have to deal with someone like that every once in a while. I am going to check the rest of the facility before I go back to the office and finish my coffee."
"You do that. And take it easy."
Saphira walked away from Darren to head back to the atrium. The lobby emptied quickly thanks to the Karen, but there was still a few people left in the atrium who were eating. So she had to check the area first anyway. Saphira stood in the elevator, humming to the music. She had no idea how the animatronics would even react to the injury to her face. She looked forward to telling them the story though, especially how she learned self defense years ago.
