1 Day Later…
It is Sunday, and that means it was attraction testing night! Saphira was extremely excited for tonight! Saturday was a very busy night, busier than Friday and she ended up spending as much time as she could in the office to keep her feet up. Even when there was another round of maintenance on the animatronics, and Saphira ended up oiling Freddy's joints on her own, she still put her feet up most of the night. Freddy himself hoped Saphira would not dislike working at the pizzaplex now that she knew how hard Friday and Saturdays could be for a night guard. But being Sunday, it was a breeze. It was not busy tonight at all. Saphira arrived at the pizzaplex thirty minutes before her shift, and she actually thought the building was closed because there was almost no guest in the house. Being that it was a school night and most people go back to work on a Monday, it did make sense that it would be quiet. But dead quiet was definitely not expected. Well, not quite. There were still a few dozen guests, and they were spread out through the facility so Saphira hoped they would not be a problem when it was time to do her round through the facility.
Saphira smiled when she spotted Darren, he was wearing a near blinding, fluorescent blue suit right now with a green tie. He was speaking with Carol at the customer service desk currently and Saphira walked over to him. "Evening. How was today?"
Carol scoffs and rolled her eyes, she seemed to be very tired and ready to go home. "Sundays are so busy during the day! So many whingers!" She sighed and glanced around with a smile. "And look…" She gestured to the empty lobby and Darren chuckled at the woman's dramatic gestures. "You would not even know how busy it was today!"
"Yeah, Sundays are busy." Darren nodded, agreeing with the woman. "But it was a good day today Saphira. You get the fun tonight. Testing the attractions if by far one of the best perks of the job for the night guard and technicians. However, Cliff and Dave are the only ones on with you tonight." Fantastic…Dave is on tonight. Surprise, surprise. "So make sure you follow their directions. Testing the attractions is a necessity here."
"Don't worry Darren, I am definitely looking forward to it. Too bad we can't start sooner than twelve. I have no idea which attraction we will be starting with tonight though. I was not given any kind of hint honestly."
"Usually Roxy Raceway, those go-karts need to be maintainced regularly because they can crash easily. So that is likely the first thing to test, followed by Fazerblast and Foxy's Pirate Adventures. Bonnie Bowling is usually last because it's just a bowling alley at the end of the day."
Saphira did not really view it that way considering bowling alleys needed to be maintained regularly anyway. But she did not comment on it. "It will be fun. I've never had to test attractions before."
"Then it will be a whole new experience for you. I am sure tonight will be a treat after the last couple of nights. I know it was rough for you. But you handled it like a pro. By far the best security guard we have had, even better than the day guards." Saphira smiled, she was glad to hear from Darren that she was doing a very good job. "I hear from Cliff you have permission to check out the staff bot system. Have you looked at it yet?"
"No…I am honestly scared to look at it. I did see the room where the bots are built and maintained in the Fazcade though. I am surprised that it is not in Parts and Service. Why is that anyway?" It made more sense to have that in Parts and Service. At least to Saphira it was.
Darren thought on the question with a frown, moving his lips slightly in a way that said that he did not actually know the answer. "Honestly, that is a question for the big boss. He wanted the system separate from the animatronics, so that is the reason why it is not in Parts and Service. But for the actual reason as to why…no idea. And you're right, I've seen some of the system for them and the coding for it is a headache honestly. I think you'll be overwhelmed when you see it for the first time."
"Yeah, that is what I thought. I might have a look at the main frame system at some point, but I have no real reason to yet." Saphira did wonder what she could really do other than attempt to fix the map bot's aggression. "Anyway, I better get my stuff put away. I am glad for a much quieter night."
Darren nodded as Saphira entered the barriers to head to the stairs of the lobby. "Very well. Oh! And another thing! Cliff approved to have the Freddy Karaoke Lounge and Bar built in the atrium. It will be on the bottom level in the space by your office. It has been used just a washing kitchen there anyway for a while."
"Oh nice, when does the renovations start?" Saphira asked curiously. She has never done karaoke herself, but she was sure she would get to test it out when it was complete.
"In two weeks I believe. It should take at least a month or two to complete, considering it will just be a place for people to sing badly and drink the sodas. You might get to taste test them soon too. They are not like the Fizzy Faz drinks at all."
She looked forward to it, she smiled and tried to picture what it will look like once complete. "I look forward to it. I shall see you…tomorrow night I suppose right?" He nodded with a smile. "Okay then, have a good night. And get a good night's sleep Carol. You look like you need it."
The woman waved at Saphira as the girl walked away. Saphira wondered if the animatronics know about the new attractions being put to Cliff. They had not yet mentioned them, so maybe they did not yet know until they are either approved or completed. The construction of the areas probably will be obvious though. She hummed the theme song after stepping into the elevator and tapped her feet a little to the tune. She felt very refreshed today aside from just feeling excited. She fell into a very deep sleep after ending her Saturday shift and she was well rested for tonight. It was going to make the night so much better. The door dings and she stepped out onto the balcony, smiling as she breathed in the aroma of the atrium.
However, her eye caught the map bot speeding towards her and jumped back, pointing an accusing finger it. "Don't you dare!" She snapped at it, holding up her wrist with her Fazwatch. "I already have a damn map!"
The bot was holding a map and tilts its head slightly. It seemed to realize she had a map and the head twitches before turning away. "Free map."
She glared at the bot and stepped around it quickly to avoid it in case it would try again. She was glad it did not get in her face and shove a map at her this time. It almost did. She did wonder why it would when the staff have a map of the facility. She would have to see if there was a glitch in the system regarding that if she ever checked the bot system. She did not want to since she technically was not a technician, so messing with the system could do something that she won't mean. So, as much as she wanted to improve the staff bots, it might be better to not touch it. For now.
"Evening Saphira." Saphira widened her eyes when she heard Freddy's voice through the Fazwatch. She blinked for a moment, it was twenty minutes before her shift starts, so she was surprised he spoke to her. "I know you are not clocked in…but I hope your night will be kinder to you. I know last night was hard on you super star, but you did a great job."
She smiled hearing his voice. Freddy's voice was so calming, she could listen to him all day. Saphira glanced around to make sure no guest was nearby as she walked down the stairs to the bottom floor of the atrium. "Thanks Freddy. From what I see, I think my hands are clean for tonight. I am more excited to test out the attractions later."
"Oh yes, Roxy and Bonnie are very much looking forward to it as well. It is a shame I cannot accompany you into Fazer Blast. If those lazers did not affect me so horribly, it would be a lot of fun to participate." If their eyes could be altered a little, then it would be a lot better for them. "And yes this pizzaplex is almost always this quiet on a Sunday. When school is not on, it is different of course. Especially around Christmas and Halloween. You will probably find that the pizzaplex will be empty by ten."
That was just over an hour away. At least she could do a round of the place and the utility tunnels before twelve. But she did not know if she could take Freddy along with her. "Are you in your room?"
"Yes. I cannot leave until the doors close. I am sorry. I know you probably want me to accompany you. I dislike being in my room. I would rather be with you." She felt butterflies in her stomach upon hearing him say that. She grimaced at herself. Knowing that he might like her more than a friend did not bother her like she thought it would, but him being able to affect her troubled her slightly. "Perhaps, if you complete your round, you could come and see me in my room."
"That sounds like a plan." Saphira pushed her office door open to put her things down. "But I cannot give you that promise Freddy. There could always be something in the facility that needs my attention."
"Yeah, that is the worst part I suppose. However, I look forward to seeing you again super star. And I am sure you already know, but there is a new lounge coming to the facility. I hear it will be a karaoke lounge and bar, it sounds like fun." Ah! So he did get told! Good. "I hope you get to test it out at some point. I have heard that night staff will get to use it after close."
Night staff? More like a night guard, she would be the only one to get to use it. But she did not see a reason as to why other than to get distracted and waste time. But…she also did not know how she felt singing in front of the animatronics. She was not good or bad, but she has never actually sang in front of people before. Let alone animatronics.
"Darren hinted that I will get to test it. But that is at least a month away Freddy. We need to be patient." Saphira walked over to her coffee machine to make a mocha for herself and takes a seat at her desk. "To be honest though, I am not thrilled about another area I need to check to chase guests out. Karaoke will be an annoying one I think."
"Oh yeah, I never thought of it that way. But you handle people well. So I think you will do just fine. We have never had more than a single night guard here at the pizzaplex at any time. I doubt it will change." A second night guard might not be a bad idea…but Saphira did not know if she would want to share the attention of the animatronics unless she liked the other night guard. "I hope you don't get bored with this kind of routine."
"What do you mean by routine?" Saphira asked curiously, she clicked through the cameras to look at Freddy's room. She saw Freddy was not in his room and she frowned slightly. "Hey, I can't see you in your room."
"Oh, I am recharging. You know that part of our room has no camera." She breathed out, relieved Freddy was not pulling her leg about being in his room until the pizzaplex closes. "And what I mean by the routine is that what you went through last week, will be the same this week. I hope you don't get bored."
"Hmm…I doubt I will. Each day has been different, so that keeps things interesting. Plus, for the most part, it has been very good. Aside from a few hiccups of course." Saphira sniffed the air as the aroma of coffee filled her room. She turned to see the machine had finished filling her cup and she stood up to grab it from the machine. "Hmm, at least I hope Monty will be nicer."
"Uhhh…yeeaahhh, I am afraid not. He's mad you're still here. I do not know why." Monty was still giving Saphira the cold shoulder. She had yet to go actually speak to him on her own, but she considered doing that if she had time. "I think he might try to scare you more now. He's not happy you have access to the staff bot system."
"I understand, but I really don't want to touch it. It seems a little scary, even for me. Even though one of the map bots tried to shove a map in my face again tonight. I swear I am going to kick the shit out of them one day." Saphira sipped her coffee and licked her lips a little, feeling the hot liquid in her mouth and swallowed it. "I am not sure losing my job is worth that satisfaction though."
"I dislike the map bots the most too if I am honest. But yes, doing that kind of damage would result losing your job and more. I would hate to see that for you. Maybe if you get the chance to deal with deactivated bots you could take your frustration out on them. They get thrown out anyway, so you are not doing anything that would cause you lose your job." Saphira was a little surprised by the suggestion Freddy just gave her. She did not think it was something he would actually recommend. But that actually seemed reasonable, even if she might not do that.
"Nah, still could be risky. I'll just have to put up with them." Saphira ran her fingers through her hair thoughtfully, she had left in out for the moment and she would tie it up in a ponytail soon. She did not feel like putting it up when she dressed for work before driving to the pizzaplex. "At least I am getting used to the floor signs. I still jump when they turn so suddenly, but they're harmless."
"Oh yeah. I was surprised when we passed by one on your last shift when we checked the daycare hall and you nearly jumped right in my way. Good thing I caught you. They are the most harmless thing here. But I understand, they are meant to startle people away from slippery surfaces. It works like a treat."
"Yeah." She took another mouthful of coffee, thinking about tonight. "Hey, does Monty go to the bowling alley by any chance?"
"Yes, he does. He and Bonnie often visit each other in their respected attractions during the day. Monty and Bonnie have also been pitted against each other in those games. Why do you ask?"
"Will Monty be there with Bonnie for the testing tonight?"
"I think you know what the answer to that will be Saphira. Monty would rather intimidate you than be friendly right now." Saphira did not think that was a good enough reason not to invite him. She wanted him to join in the fun. "But I will put it to his mind about tonight. I think Bonnie already has, but don't expect him to be there."
"Hmm, well we can only try Freddy. We can only try." Saphira tapped her finger on the desk for a moment before smiling. "I am going to finish getting ready now Freddy, give me a few minutes and I'll talk to you again."
"Very well. I look forward to hearing your voice again Saphira."
Saphira cuts the contact with Freddy before pressing a few buttons to reach out to Monty. She first clicked on the cameras to change to Monty's room. Monty was sitting on his lounge in a relaxed positon with his arms resting on his knees. "Good evening Monty, I hope today has not been too busy for you. I know you had your first performance in Monty Golf today. How was it?" She saw Monty flinching visibly after she had addressed him. He folds his arms and leaned back, seemingly to be irritated already upon hearing her voice. "Well, I hope it went very well. I hope to get to hear it at some point. I have been told I should. Anyway, I was wondering if you will be participating in any of the testing tonight?" No response. Monty was giving her the silent treatment, or he was waiting for the time to tick over to talk with her properly. "Alright, well, if you were considering it I would definitely like it if you came to help Bonnie and I with the bowling alley testing. More hands, means less work."
Monty said nothing at all. His posture did not change at all. He was annoyed at Saphira. But she extended the invitation at the very least. It was there for him to take or not. She smiled and stood up to use the bathroom and pull her hair back into a ponytail, making sure no strand was loose. Once that was done, she sipped more coffee and saw she had a few more minutes to go. She takes a seat, preparing to do her security camera round.
"Okay Freddy, sorry I took a bit longer than I expected. I really needed to use the bathroom." Saphira relaxed in her chair with a smile. She saw Freddy was staring at the camera now. "I see you've finished your recharge. That took a bit longer than it should."
"Oh, I remained in the station while talking with you. It is harder for other staff to detect me communicating with you while I am inside it." That was a surprise, and yet made sense due to the electrical interference. Although, at the same time, it did not make sense since he spoke to her clearly. "Now you are about to start your shift. There are no guests in Rockstar Row now, the staff at the convenience counter have left now. It is very quiet again…" She saw Freddy turning his head slightly and he chuckled lightly. "Oh, not quite. I can hear Chica and Bonnie practising."
"Monty could be playing too."
"No he's not, his guitar sounds a little different to Bonnie's. Plus, Monty plays are different tune to Bonnie when he practices. I know my friends well Saphira."
Indeed he did. It must be nice. Saphira was still learning about them, and she saw them as friends. Maybe not close friends yet, but they were getting there. She clocks in and began to go through the cameras slowly, she saw that pretty much every part of the pizzaplex was empty. "Wow this please is pretty much dead tonight. I see…ten people…and they are in the lobby right now. There are two people eating pizza in the atrium…aaannnddd…ah ha! There are four people at Gator Ribs."
"That sounds like an easy night huh?" Freddy teased her lightly. "I hope you can get through the utility tunnels and basement fine without me. Since there are more staff still here, it should be lit down there."
That was a bonus. Saphira still did not like it, she hated the utility tunnels and basement regardless. There were no staff in the utility tunnels, so that was dark. There were some people in the basement, but they were preparing to leave. So technically, Freddy was wrong. But she continued to check the cameras nonetheless until it became apparent that she should just go physically walk around.
"Alright. I am going to head down there now, get it out of the way and do my sweep of the facility." Saphira stood up and fixed her outfit and took a final sip of her coffee. "Mmm, at least the coffee was good."
"Would you like to keep talking with me? It might help you to stay calm in the utility tunnels."
"Sure, I got to pass through Rockstar Row anyway, so you will definitely see me on the way there anyway." Saphira definitely appreciated Freddy's kindness to keep talking with her while she walks through the utility tunnels without him. She was not looking forward to not holding his hand while she goes down there, but she had no choice. "I will be glad to see everyone, even just for a little moment."
"Oh yeah, they will be happy to see you too. You better not be slow super star." He chuckled lightly at her as Saphira walked out of the office to make her way across the atrium. "Otherwise, you might miss out spending time with me before you start the general testing of the attractions."
She shakes her head to herself, Freddy definitely was trying to get a bite out of her even with his teasing. She wanted to see all of the animatronics anyway, so going to each window to see them will be a treat. Especially as she was saying hello rather than goodbye like she did at the end of each shift. She almost skipped across the atrium, but she reminded herself to be professional and walked briskly to the door into Rockstar Row. She hummed as she walked over to Foxy's window first. He was looking at a new Foxy toy in his hand, it was a plastic Foxy toy with a greet parrot on his shoulder holding an accordion in his hands. He was frowning at it, he did not like it as accordions were not his instrument.
Foxy looked up when he saw Saphira and tossed the toy aside, walking up to the window quickly with a smile and spoke through the Fazwatch enthusiastically. "Well I'll be! Evenin' lass! This has to be a first, I hope the first of many. Ye on your way to the tunnels huh?"
"Yeah…unfortunately." Saphira glanced at the toy he had for a moment with a curious frown. "I am going to find out who came up with that design. That does not seem you."
"That is what I said!" Foxy agreed, glancing at the toy with a frown and looked back at Saphira. "We often get to see the new merchandise before they release. Apparently, the design was approved, but now it is rejected. Thankfully…I have never used such an instrument."
"Yeah. Although it could be played by a pirate, but you're a rockstar. That piano over there suits you the most." She wondered how many other toys fail to get onto the shelves, she assumed a lot, including merchandise. "Will you be at your attraction?"
"The Captain Foxy's Adventures? Argh, of course matey! I never leave my ship unguarded!" He lifts his hook as he takes a stand of confidence with a smile. "And I will sink every ship who dares to try to sink my own!"
Saphira giggled at him and rolled her eyes. "You are too funny Foxy. Anyway, I better say hi to Bonnie and keep going. I need to be on top of the time."
"Of course lass, I will see you soon."
She waved to him and walked towards Bonnie's window next. She could hear the guitar being played and she walked up to the window to see Bonnie on his small stage. He looked at her with a smile and gave her a nod while he continued to play his music.
"It is so nice to see you this evening Saphira," Bonnie said to her through the Fazwatch. "Being nice and quiet means a quick trip to the utility tunnels and basement. I am glad to miss it for the night. Going Friday and last night was enough for me."
"I am jealous that you can choose not to go. Still…why do you twitch so much down there? It makes me jumpy when you do that."
"I do not mean it, I promise. I suppose, like you, that is my way of being jumpy. I…er…the last time I went to the basement was when…well, you know about Mr Hippo and his friends…going down there is bad memories. Plus…when the dining hall was first abandoned, a light fell on me and my eyes fell out of their sockets." He shakes his head slightly and Saphira was shocked that happened to him. "It was probably the scariest thing I felt. Nothing like what Monty went through, but if it wasn't for Monty, I would have been stuck there for a longer time. He helped me to Parts and Service. That is a reason I don't like it down there. The main reason is I get the hibbie jibbies down there anyway. I can understand why you hate it."
She smiled at him. "Well…I am sure the incident made it worse for you anyway. Understandable, you worry it will happen again or something else will happen. But…I have to say hi to the other before braving it. I am sure Chica will be extra mad if I don't say hi."
Bonnie nodded at her and waved at her before he continued to play his guitar while Saphira walked over to Chica. She saw Chica in front of the mirror rocking on her guitar, rocking her body and shaking her head as she played for a few minutes before noticing Saphira in the reflection. She gasps and turned to see her with a big smile.
"Saphira! You're here to say hi!" She giggled loudly through the Fazwatch and danced on the spot before placing the guitar down gently and run to the window like an excited kid. Saphira's smile widened at her enthusiasm. "Oh! I am so excited for tonight! We get to help test those attractions tonight! I am going to be helping in the raceway tonight."
"Oh you are? That will be a lot of fun. I doubt you're as crazy as Roxy in those karts though."
"You are right…Roxy is the queen of that track." Chica placed her hands on her cheeks with a smile. "I have nearly beaten her many times, but she always wins. It is her track after all. I am so looking forward to having an attraction named after me! I've been here just as long as Freddy and I only have Chica Chowder coming in the new area above the lobby."
"Oh…there might be something soon. So you shouldn't worry. But you can test out the karaoke when it is finished. I think that will be a lot of fun since you sing your song well with Freddy." She nodded enthusiastically as she was excited for it. "And apparently, night staff can used it…so…you know your suggestion for a party to Cliff the other night? We technically can do it in the lounge."
"I never thought of that…YES! We will have our party!" She spun and moves her hips to the side as she was excited for it. "Ooh! I hope they hurry up and build it! I know it was just announced, but now I am too impatient."
Saphira chuckled at Chica. "I know, I know, it will be fun. But the best kind of fun is to be patient for it. That I definitely have learned considering the most fun I've had has been here." She turned her heard slightly when she heard a strange sound. It sounded like a clown cackle, but it was very distant. She shuddered a little with a shrug. "Eh…my mind is playing tricks."
"What do you mean? You look a little uncertain about something." Chica had seen Saphira look aside and she quickly went from being excited to serious. "I don't remember seeing anyone hiding anywhere. But I am stuck here until after midnight."
"I thought I heard clown laughter, but it's probably just my stupid mind. Don't worry." Saphira smiled at Chica and she returned that smile with her own. "I better give Grumpy some attention, even though he may not respond to me."
"Oh yeah, Grumpy really suits him too." Chica chuckled again before spinning enthusiastically again and skipped back to her guitar. "Well, I want to hit some more keys now anyway. You interrupted me, so you should go before I get crazy with it."
She laughed at Chica again and walked away, the sound of the electric guitar filled the animatronic's room and she could hear it echoing through the hallway. She glanced at Monty's window. The curtains were not drawn like she had expected, and she saw he was on his chair like he was before. He still had his arms folded, and he did not turn his head when Saphira walked up to the window.
"Have you thought about what I said Monty?" She asked him through the Fazwatch. "If you don't want to, just say no. I am not going to force you to do anything you don't want to." Nothing again, not even a flinch. She did not know if he was looking at her with the glasses over his eyes. She sighed. "Look…I know you were scared for Roxy last week. It is admirable. And I am sorry if I worried you. But…could we, I don't know…start again?" Finally, he turned his head towards her as she asked him the question. "I don't know where I went wrong. So…I…" Saphira glanced up suddenly as she heard laughter above her and heard the sound of something falling. "What the…AHHH!" She jumped back as the figure dropped in front of the window. Monty stood up suddenly, startled by Saphira's scream and saw what was on the ground. A black and white stripped suit, the end of the legs had black, curved shoes with pom poms on the end. The hands were covered with white gloves with silver claws and a rectangular mask on the head, a clow mask with a big, sharp teeth grin and no eyes in the socket. Saphira glanced at Monty with wide eyes. "What the hell Monty?!"
"That was not me!" Monty responded quickly through the Fazwatch. He looked at the clown figure, raising his glasses with a confused expression. "I don't remember seeing a clown like this here before…not even Sun or Moon look like that. That looks like it would fit a human."
It did. The figure was slumped on the ground, Saphira grabbed out her flashlight and poked it with the end. She gasped as she felt it was semi-firm, it was like a doll. She glanced around at the walls. "Now I don't even want to go into the utility tunnels…"
She gasped when she heard Monty's door open and he walked out, he walked towards Saphira and she backed away from him quickly. He frowned at her before picking up the clown, holding it by the neck and squeezing it. "Hmmph…somebody had the time to put that up there…"
"You should go back into your room, you can't be out," Saphira said to him nervously, she realized she was shaking at this point.
Monty clenched his jaw for a moment before suddenly holding the clown out to her, Saphira stepped back even further from Monty. "Oh come on! You need to show this to someone!"
"I…well…I don't know…" Saphira hesitated, she was still moving back from him. "Sorry…clowns scare me more than you. Please put that down! Don't ask me to take it. I don't want it!" She visibly shuddered and glanced away from him. "Please…"
Seeing her reaction to the clown definitely was more dramatic than her reaction to him and the other animatronics. Monty blinked and looked at the doll in his hand, humming a little and scoffed loudly, making her glance at him. "I think you should not go into the tunnels either…who knows, more of these are down there."
That was her fear currently. Saphira also worried that Monty being out of his room right now was a bad thing for her. "C-C-Can you please g-g-go back into your room?"
"You won't be in trouble Saphira. When someone is in trouble, we help…" Monty sighed deeply, he grabbed the leg of the clown and gripped it tightly. "And yes…I will be at the alley later. Bonnie and Freddy have asked me the same question as you. So I cannot say no."
She smiled slightly before widening her eyes as Monty ripped the doll suddenly in front of her. She saw the foam splatter over the ground and Monty simply dropped the rest. He walked back into his room and stood at the window. Saphira was shaking, she really did not want to continue. Cleaner bots arrive at the scene and she wondered who put that on the wall. And who made it drop? This was all too similar to that staff bot that dropped from the roof in front of her and Freddy when she first ventured into the utility tunnels. And this time it was with a clown doll! She was glad Monty did not do this, but if he did not…someone knew about her fear of clowns and was using it against her. At least…that is what it seemed…she hoped it was not a ploy to get her to leave her job.
