Holding the mask against her face as she took in deep breaths with Freddy holding her against him, Saphira felt her body slowly relaxing and her heart slowing down from beating so eradically. She felt extremely hot at the moment due to the adrenaline rush from the panic attack, but for the moment it didn't matter. The sweat on her forehead dripped down her skin and she felt a cool cloth rubbing her skin, she realized Freddy had grabbed out one of the clothes and was wiping her skin down in an attempt to get her comfortable.
"Was that my fault?" Monty asked with worry, looking at the girl with deep concern. "I remember the last time someone had a panic attack, I accidentally scared them in Monty Golf. I felt really bad for that…"
"I think that whirring sound was the trigger. Not you Monty." Mr Hippo observed Saphira's body closely, he could see she was still recovering from the panic attack and he glanced at the gator. "I am going to apologize for this, but I don't think she should put anymore receptors on tonight." Monty frowned and opened his mouth to speak as Mr Hippo held up his hand. "Uh, uh, uhh, you are not arguing with me on that one Monty. Saphira's body just went through a very traumatic experience, she needs to recover from it. Not worry about something that isn't even necessary for us. I understand your want to relate to Saphira in some level, but it can wait until her next shift."
Monty winced and looked away for a second. "If it is those endos, we need to do something."
"We have no idea if we even can fight those endos Monty, I have not seen them. In fact, we have not been allowed in the warehouse for a reason." Mr Hippo moved his hand to his chin to think like he always does while thinking. "However…I fear we may have to go in there at some point. Endos are made there, with or without the technicians, and if this virus has gotten into that system…we better hope they still have the same weakness as we do."
Saphira was listening and she did not like the sound of that. If endos were made automatically in the warehouse all the time, that meant there would be a lot in the warehouse. "It will make it easier for me if I got my hands on a crowbar," She managed to say hoarsely. "I need water…"
"On it!" Chica exclaimed, making Saphira flinch in surprise and the animatronic smiled at her. "You can count on me Saphira!"
She smiled as the animatronic ran to get her the requested water like she had before and rolled her eyes. She turned the tank off and pulled off the mask. "That feels much better…" She wiped her forehead and glanced up at Freddy. "Thank you…I am sorry if I scared everyone."
"You have no need to apologize Saphira," Mr Hippo said to her kindly with a smile. "Anything could have easily triggered your panic attack. Even Moondrop could have, even though he has practically left you alone these past couple weeks."
Just as he mentioned Moondrop, they all hear the sound of panicked gasps. Saphira looked up as the animatronics turn to see Sun dropping down from the ceiling. "Oh good! There you are!" Sun ran towards Saphira and gasped as he saw her pale, sweaty face. "I am so glad I found you Saphira! Moon hasn't done anything because a new plan was set in place. I only just realized it tonight! You have to leave!"
"Leave? Why does she need to leave?" Mr Hippo asked the panicked clown bot calmly. "You seem to know what is happening behind the scenes, unintentionally of course I might add."
"I have no choice!" Sun made some wailing sounds and covered his eyes with his hands. "You have no idea what it is like! The only time I am happy is playing with the kids, even then I worry for them." He looked at Saphira again, his head twisting slightly in panic. "You NEED to leave tonight Saphira. You can come back tomorrow, but it is imperative you must leave!"
"You need to explain why clown!" Monty barks, grabbing the animatronic suddenly by his neck and holding him up, Sun screamed and squirmed in a panic. "I have had just about enough riddles from you! So, TALK!"
"Alright, alright, alright!" Sun curled his legs and pressed his hands together in a begging position. "Please let me go! I'll tell you what I can! Just please, let me go!"
Monty growled at the animatronic, Saphira felt sad for Sun because he seemed to be literally being held by a leash. "Monty, let him down please." The gator looked at her in surprise at the gentleness of her voice. "Sun is innocent. He…he's literally a ghost in his own body when he finds out about these things."
"Thank you, somebody finally understands!" Sun exclaimed, sounding so relieved as he laughed nervously and looked at Monty. "Now, can you please put me down?"
Mr Hippo rolled his eyes. "Oh, for Pete's sake!" He grabbed Sun's collar to pull him from Monty's grasp and set him down on the ground. "You really need to stop sometimes Monty." He relaxed his expression to look at Sun. "Now, tell us what you know Sun."
"I will figure out how to help you Sun," Saphira said, making the bot turn to her in surprise. "It isn't fair you have had to suffer this too." She rests her cheek on Freddy's chest as he still held her to both comfort her and protect her. "Please, do I really need to leave?"
"I wouldn't tell you to leave if I didn't think you were safe here Saphira. It may never be safe for you." Sun shrugs and pressed his palms against his head. "Grrr! Get out of my head!" He shakes his head around for a second before he relaxed. "Look, he is coming for you tonight Saphira. He will get you, those endos you saw tonight. They're coming. And I mean all them are coming. You are not safe." Sun glanced up at Freddy for a second. "He cannot protect you."
Freddy frowned at the bot. "I can protect her!"
"Not up against so many endos with no thought or feeling like you!" Sun snapped at him and pressed a palm to his head again. "Please, save yourself Saphira. I don't know the specifics on what he plans to do, but…it will be horrible. Just listen to me for once please! I wish we were closer friends Saphira, I want you to come to the daycare to spend time with me like you do the others. But we just can't!"
"It seems the virus that tried to take over my systems has managed to take over half of Sun's system…" Mr Hippo rubbed his chin again thoughtfully and nodded. "Thank you for your warning Sun. I think it will be in Saphira's best interest and safety to leave the pizzaplex for tonight."
"Uh…what do I tell Darren then?" Saphira asked with a frown. "I need some kind of alibi or I will be scrutinized about my job." She felt panic in her rising, this was serious. "And what about you?"
"They will be fine Saphira, he doesn't care about the animatronics," Sun responded quickly. "Except…he does care about something. But…I am not sure what that is." He shrugged a little. "Anyway, you need to leave! We are wasting time! I have said too much, I need to go!"
Sun jumped away, swinging on his cable to leave Rockstar Row. Saphira had tears in her eyes, she didn't want to leave. "What now?"
"You do what he says, that is what we are going to do now." Mr Hippo puts his hands on his hips, his expression softening as he saw the worry in both Saphira and Freddy's eyes. "Look…you both knew this might not last forever. If Saphira has to leave for her safety Freddy, letting her go will be the best way to show how much you care."
Saphira shakes her head and threw her arms around Freddy, sobbing softly, feeling his arms tightening around her. "No…I don't want to leave. You are like family to me. I don't want to leave!"
"And as your family, it is our duty to make sure you are safe Saphira. Even if it means saying good-bye." She shakes her head again, not wanting to hear what Mr Hippo has to say. "You know I am right. I am sorry, for both of you. But we cannot allow Saphira to die. Not even for love."
Freddy had said nothing since being told Saphira may never be able to come back. He was feeling extremely upset, but he has not yet cried. "Super star…" He nuzzled the crook of her neck gently. "We must go Saphira. I love you so much, but I wish nothing to happen to you."
"We are not even finished though!" Saphira sobbed. "I don't want to leave my work unfinished."
Chica, who had arrived in time to hear what had to happen, slowly approached with the cup of water in her hand. "Saphira…we need to listen to Sun. I have let Roxy know what is happening…so that way she's not stuck in her room."
"This can't be happening!" Roxy snapped, stomping towards the first aid booth angrily. "We can't just let her walk out of here just like that!"
"We can, and we will Roxy, it is what is best for her." Mr Hippo drops down to one knee, gazing at both Freddy and Saphira. "It is time to go. We cannot stay here much longer. I fear we will be torn apart if we remain."
Freddy nodded slowly before moving to stand, Saphira still had her arms around his shoulders like an iron grip. He did not intend on letting her go just yet, he wanted to say good-bye to her properly. After all, they already had been through so much together. Saphira continued to sob, she hated the idea of leaving them. Especially when she viewed them as her family now, and it hurt so much and so deep that she wanted to find a way to stay. Even if she broke in one night just to be with them again. They meant so much to her in such a short time.
Roxy began to cry loudly as she followed Freddy through Rockstar Row to the atrium. "We will never have anyone like Saphira. Why did these things have to happen?"
Mr Hippo glanced over to Roxy and placed a hand on her shoulder gently. "I know, it isn't fair. But we have no choice. If we allow her to stay like nothing will happen…I don't even want to imagine what might happen."
And to everyone's surprise, Monty began to cry too, Bonnie sniffled and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend to comfort him. "Surely we can protect her. My claws…"
"Are only designed to help you play the base better my friend." Mr Hippo interrupts as they walk across the atrium towards Saphira's office. "I do not believe they are designed to smash up endos Monty. Although, it is wishful thinking."
Chica began to sob and Foxy was not too far from crying himself. Only Mr Hippo and Freddy were holding it together, although Freddy was very close to crying himself. He wanted Saphira to be safe and happy, but if it did mean she had to leave for good, he would agree to it. As they reached the door, Freddy pushed opened the door and gazed inside, everything was untouched as it should be and his ears droop slightly knowing it would have another night guard in it when Darren is able to find another.
"You have five minutes," Mr Hippo said sternly, Freddy nodded at the hippo before stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
Saphira shakes her head as she knew where she was. "No, no, you can't make me leave!" She sobbed, tightening her arms around Freddy. "You'll have to drag me out kicking and screaming!"
"Saphira…" Freddy dropped to one knee and moved his right hand to gently try and moved her arms. "I am very, very sorry super star. I do not want you to leave either Saphira. However…do you want to lose your life to stay with me?"
Saphira looked at him, her eyes were red and puffy from her hard crying, and also still recovering from the panic attack. "I…I would die for you."
"As would I. But I am replaceable." She shakes her head, none of the animatronics could be replaced in her mind. "You know I am. That is what the warehouse is for. If my current endo breaks down, a new one is there to replace it. My memories may not be downloaded into it, so…we may become strangers once again."
"You could never be replaced Freddy." Saphira swallowed as her throat felt tight and strained. "Not to me. I would ensure that if your current endo breaks done, the next one has all your memories and personality. Same with the others."
He smiled gently at her. "I know, if you were able to stay safely, I know you will keep us running at tip top shape. When you go…routine maintenance might just go back to the usual." He shrugs a little and manages to finally free his shoulders from Saphira's arms. "But…that may never be possible now."
Saphira frowned and glanced at the big plushies. She couldn't take them all home now, but she would take one. She walked away from Freddy and grabbed her stuff, even the bloodied shirt she would wash and keep as a reminder of today. "I don't know what I'm going to do tomorrow."
"Then I guess it is time for your next adventure, super star," Freddy said in a slightly cheery voice. "And that should be exciting. A new day, it brings new opportunities and new adventures."
She wiped some tears away from her eyes as they were blurry and she walked over to the Freddy plush. "Maybe…I don't know." She placed a hand on the plush ear and played with it between her fingers. "Can someone carry this?"
Freddy nodded and stood up to pick up the plush Freddy and carried it outside to give to Monty who gladly took it to carry for her. He stood at the door and turned to Saphira. "Time to go."
Saphira's legs were like jelly right now, she felt like they could not carry her anymore. But she managed to take steps forward, small steps that she could barely walk straight and stepped out of the office. For the first time, she felt incredibly small among the animatronics, smaller than she has been before. She looked up at them, like a child looking up at their big brothers, sisters, father and friends, she did not want to go. It was worse than any knife could possibly feel driving through her own heart.
"I…I wish none of this had happened," Saphira managed to croak out sadly, sniffling and feeling more tears burning her eyes.
"So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide." She lifts her eyes to look at Mr Hippo as he gazed her with a kind, wise expression. "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."
Damn Mr Hippo using one of my favorite lines from my favorite movie!
Saphira let out another sob, she did not want to leave. She even wanted the map bot to scare her and wake her up, this must be a bad dream. However, Freddy takes her hand gently and gestures with his head to keep walking. She looked down and took steps forward, walking alongside Freddy with small, slow steps. She didn't care about her surroundings anymore, if there were endos or nightmare bots watching, to hell with them!
She jumped when she felt someone pull her from Freddy and lift her up for a hug. She saw the purple hair in front of her and she smiled, wrapping her arms around the shoulders. "Don't forget me, okay kid?"
"Never."
"I am not going to forget about you." Roxy sniffled and sobbed again as they walk towards the stairs to lead up to the second floor of the atrium. "Especially since we were doing so well with your hair and skin…we never got to see Freddy's mouth hang open with your dress."
Saphira smiled weakly and Roxy lowered her to the ground. She nearly lost her balance and Bonnie catches her. She looked up at Bonnie, the rabbit smiled gently at her and hugged her. "Come back as a guest Saphira, you will be safe here during the day."
"You know that is half true given the disappearances included guests," Monty points out sadly, he had stopped crying now and was trying to keep it together, but he was still very sad about all of this.
"Still…she should be safer during the day. And we can play all day." Bonnie smiled at Saphira, although she would rather not have to pay to come see them. Even if it was the only way. "I am going to miss you. It won't be the same without you."
"Argh! I hate all this cryin'…but…seein' ye sail away in yer own sails…well…I will wish ye well." Foxy opened his arms and Saphira stepped away from Bonnie to hug Foxy tightly. "Woah, hey! Ye have a strong grip lass. But thank you."
Saphira nearly laughed at Foxy, but she found not strength or desire to laugh. She didn't want to feel happiness right now. She just wanted to curl up and fall asleep, and hope all of this was just a dream. She walked up the stairs, clutching the railing tightly as she walked as her legs felt they would giveway at any moment. She was not ready to say goodbye to this place, she loved it too much to want to say goodbye. As they reach the second balcony, she stopped and turned to overlook the balcony, looking at the atrium as if it was the last time she would ever see it. She placed her hands on the railing, gripping them with the intent to hang on as long as possible.
"Come Saphira…we are wasting time," Mr Hippo said to her gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. She shrugs it off and took a deep breath. "I am sorry, young lady. I really am."
She said nothing, she didn't know if she could form words right now even if she wanted to. She turned away from the atrium, walking towards the elevators. She glanced at the map bot, waiting for it to rush over and scare her. But it rolls away from her and paces waiting for new guests as it always does. She sighed, looking at the elevator.
"This, my friend, is where we must part…" She turned in surprise, looking at Mr Hippo as he dropped to one knee. "We all cannot pile into the elevator at the same time. Monty and Freddy will escort you the rest of the way." He extended his arms with a smile. "Thank you for allowing me to know you Saphira. It has been an honour."
Her lower lip trembled and she stumbled forward, throwing her arms around hip tightly. Mr Hippo wrapped his arms around her, patting her back gently. He knew she was going to crying for many hours after she leaves, but it was better than to be dead. Saphira held him for several minutes before he gently pushes her away. She sniffled and turned towards Chica who was waiting for her.
She sniffled loudly and pulled Saphira in for a hug. "I'll miss you as my little sister. It only has been a month, but I feel like we have known each other for much longer." She rubbed Saphira's back gently as well. "I will be sad when the Chica Coaster is built and you are not there to test it with us. It will never be the same without you."
Saphira smiled slightly, she still couldn't say anything, the lump in her throat just wouldn't move. She didn't know what to say to any of them. Nothing she would say would change what was happening right now. She stepped back from Chica and went around to the other animatronics, hugging them again, Freddy and Monty wait by the elevator patiently until she was ready. As ready as she could be anyway.
I can't believe this…this is it. I should have taken the hospital night guard job instead!
Saphira sniffled and wiped her cheeks, turning away from the animatronics and stepping towards the elevator. Monty pressed the button with his tail, gesturing for her to get inside gently. He had said nothing for a little while because he too was upset. She stepped inside and turned around, looking at the animatronics looking back at her as Freddy and Monty join her in the elevator. She whimpered as the doors close and she felt her heart breaking even more. The music coming from the elevator, despite its joyful tune, actually felt quite the opposite now. Like a good-bye tune for her because it was one of the first sounds she heard when she arrived here four weeks ago.
The doors open to the lobby and Saphira stepped out, gazing around at the massive lobby. This was where it began for her, the golden statue was gleaming like it always does. She glanced up towards the new area above the lobby, wishing she could see it finished. She looked to her right as she heard Monty give Freddy the plush and he drops to one knee in front of her. "Well, uuummm…we had a good run, didn't we punk?" Monty had his glasses over his eyes, but Saphira could still hear the sadness in his voice. "Too bad it has to end so soon huh? Just when we were getting along." Saphira smiled weakly at him and stumbled towards him, throwing her arms around him. "Ah…normally I would tell you not to go all sweet on me. Buuut…" He rubbed her back gently as he hugged her back. "I will let this go just once. It was nice knowing ya punk. Now get out of here."
Saphira stepped back from Monty, wiping her cheeks. He really had his own special way with words. Monty was special, she would never forget him. She stepped closer to him again and kissed his cheek, surprising the gator. "Thanks Monty…for everything…" She managed to croak out and turned away from him to make her way down the stairs slowly.
Freddy followed her, matching her speed as they walk down the stairs slowly together. Her heart was racing with dread, that bad feeling was still growing, and she wondered if that feeling was for this. She did not know, but all she did know right now…she was not ready for the next part. She knew it was coming, just like every bittersweet ending out there. She stopped for a moment upon reaching the bottom, turning to look up at the golden statue, remembering how amazed she was seeing the lobby for the first time. It still was amazing, she knew her dreams will forever haunt her with memories of this place.
She feels Freddy's hand sliding into her own hand, he did not say anything, but she knew what he was doing. She sighed sadly, turning away and walking towards the exit barriers to walk through. She hated this. Stepping through the barrier, felt like another knife stabbing her heart and she didn't know if she could handle the next part. Both she and Freddy knew exactly what that was, they were not ready for it. But…it didn't matter. Looking up at the closed roller door of the exit, Saphira wished she didn't have to override the door controls to leave, but she had to on the insistence of being safe.
"Saphira." She turned her head as Freddy placed the plush toy beside her and dropped down to one knee slowly. He lifts his hand to her cheek, gently wiping away the tears that were still falling. "My super star…you will always be my super star Saphira. Don't ever forget that." She felt her throat tighten again and she stepped closer to hug him tightly again, sobbing into his shoulder. "I am sorry we only got a short time together. If this virus, or whatever it was, stopped when Dave died…none of this would be happening. But it is. And now we have come to a point that should have been many years in the future."
She shakes her head against his shoulder. "I don't want to believe it Freddy. This place…it's like my second home now."
"I know." He rubbed her back gently, allowing her to hold him as long as it was possible. "I am very glad to be your friend Saphira, your best friend. I wish it could have started and ended differently. But here we are now." He nuzzled her hair gently and sniffed with a hum. "At least the scent of your hair and perfume will forever be in my memory."
She smiled weakly before stepping back from him, gazing into his kind, sad, blue eyes. "Your scent…it's not like the perfumes I wear…but it is unique. I'll never forget it too Freddy. I love you."
They lean in and kiss, holding their lips together for what felt like forever, only to be ripped apart as their lips move away from each other. "I love you too Saphira. I will miss you. You are my super star…" He looked up at the door and stood up, stepping away from Saphira as he hands fall from his body. "Go now, it is not safe."
She nodded to him, there was no need to say good-bye, because it was said in so many words. She stumbled over to the door controls, clutching the side of the box and opened it. She turned to look at Freddy again, he nodded to her, letting her know it was okay to go. She sniffled, her eyes blurred and she looked at the controls, carefully pressing buttons to override the controls briefly and set a timer to have them close again after she left. As the roller door began to roll up, she heard Freddy turn and walk away slowly.
She wanted to chase after him, every part of her screamed at her to follow him. She couldn't though. She walked over to the plush and picked it up by the chin, gazing around at the lobby again and glanced outside. It was still very dark, there was not even a hint of dawn yet. She looked back at the lobby, making sure to get a good look to remember it.
Taking a deep breath, she moved her legs to walk out the door, only for something to clamp their claws over her mouth from behind. Saphira screamed and dropped the bear, shaking her head and glancing back to see it was an endo, it's red eyes look back at her with glee. And as she breathed, she smelt something strange and realized there was a white cloth over her face.
No, no, no, no! Freddy! Help me!
Saphira could not get his attention as her eyes began to droop. He didn't hear as the endo held her from the floor. She tried to fight it, she fought with all her might. But her eyes clothes slowly and everything goes black.
Meanwhile…
Freddy walked up the stairs slowly, his head down and ears drooping, letting her go was by far the hardest thing he could ever do. And he felt his heart hurting like it never has before. He understood this was what heartbreak was. He barely paid attention to anything, however, he heard the doors behind him roll down as they meant to. He stopped, turning in the hopes to see her one last time. However, Freddy gasped and widened his eyes at what he saw instead. The Freddy plush was on the ground, the face had been sliced by something with claws, the insides were sticking out slightly and Saphira's bag was on the floor.
Freddy ran back down the stairs in shock, running back through the exit barriers over to the damaged plush and Saphira's bag. He realized she had not gotten out. He was a fool! He turned around thinking she would be okay. Freddy clenched his hands tightly, realizing Saphira might have disappeared.
"SAPHIRA!"
