Standing by the couch, looking down at Saphira's sleeping form, Freddy stood with a sad and guilty expression. He felt he really let her down big time, and the crude bandages on her wrists slipped off when he brought her to his room. Seeing those burn wounds on her wrists, he was extremely upset for her. However, he retrieved the ointment from the first aid to apply the ointment to the wounds, believing it would help to heal them as soon as possible. Freddy did not know what happened in the warehouse, he feared he didn't even want to know what happened. As much as it pained him to admit it, letting her go now would be easier. She has gone through so much, and he felt that it might never be safe here in the pizzaplex. It would be her decision at the end of the day of course. If she remained, he would definitely be happy. But it would be for his selfish want for her to stay with him, and he knew it.
Saphira did not wake up when six am clocked around, Freddy closed the curtains so no one would disturb her. He wanted her to rest as much as possible. However, he and all the other animatronics have connected to the office and made reports that would be sent directly to Mr Miller. It would be regarding the disregard from Darren mostly, while also expressing distaste for the technicians. The animatronics were able to this, it was rare they made reports about employees, but this was unanimous. They doubted Darren would leave, they liked him. But as he didn't even attempt to try and find Saphira, it upset them even though Dave has been dead for two weeks.
Darren arrived at the pizzaplex at eight, an hour before the pizzaplex would open, and he discovered an email from Mr Miller regarding his disappointment in the manager and that Saphira had been found. Darren was shocked to hear of this and he made his way to Freddy's room where she was. Saphira was awake at this point, but she had not made much of an attempt to get up. She was resting her had on Freddy's lap when Darren entered to the room.
"Saphira!" Darren gasped as his eyes lands on Saphira, wearing a glittery purple suit for today. Saphira narrowed her eyes once she saw him. "It brings me great joy that you are alive! I am so sorry I didn't look for you…I assumed you were gone like the others."
Saphira sat up with a grunt, her green eyes burning in his as she glared back at him. "You could have saved me so much time Darren! I was lost in the warehouse, I was injured and not one person came down to find me. It had to take the animatronics to find me! It should never have happened."
"You're right, I am sorry…"
"Save it Darren!" Saphira interruped abruptly. "I will be reporting you to Mr Miller for how you disregarded my safety. Oh, and I will be recommending the termination for Jack and Daisy."
The man frowned in surprised when she spoke about firing Jack and Daisy. "Why do you want to fire them?"
"They did not allow the animatronics to search for me in the warehouse, that is why. They never came into the warehouse to do their usual duties there, they could have found and got me out of there. But no! They did the bare minimum. I saw it on the cameras!" Saphira huffed a little, placing her hands on her hips. "I am sure you can tell by my wrists I had an electrical accident."
Freddy tilts his head slightly as he listened to Saphira, she did not tell them she had been electrocuted. "Yes…I can see those burns…something electrocuted you."
Saphira nodded at him. "Thankfully, it didn't kill me. But it hurt like hell and I passed out from it. I don't even know how long I was in the warehouse for. You were responsible for me Darren, you might not be my boss, but you were still responsible."
"I am sorry! Mr Miller has already sent me an email telling me he's disappointed and considering next moves." Darren's eyes fill with tears suddenly, much to Saphira's surprise. "I really, really am sorry Saphira. Forgive me…" He took a deep breath and glanced at Freddy, the animatronic had said nothing this whole time. "I am sorry."
"You be sincerely sorry Darren, but that does not change what has happened," Freddy said to him in his usual calm, collected voice. "Finding Saphira in the state she was in, is not something I am going to forget."
Darren nodded, he completely understood even if he didn't know what truly happen. He looked at Saphira kindly. "What do you plan to do now?"
She blinked a little with a sigh. "Now? I just want to go home, shower and got to bed. I need sometime to recover."
"I see…you will be taking some days off then?" Darren asked calmly, trying to keep his nerves together and that was highly obvious.
She shakes her head, surprising the man. "No. I will be okay to go through tonight. It is Wednesday after all." Saphira doubted she would be at her best of course, but no way was she staying away from her family.
Darren shakes his head in disbelief as he listened to Saphira. "You really are stubborn. There is no shame to take time off to recover Saphira."
"You cannot manage this place without a technician Darren. And I will be recommending no more night technicians, only day to manage the daily operations and animatronics. I should remain as the night guard, slash night technician manager as that is what I wish." The man nodded slowly, even though Mr Miller would need to give his final approval on that. "Would you let Mr Miller know I won't be in for the rest of the day?"
"Of course Saphira, you should head home. You really look like you need rest." Darren stepped aside, gesturing to the door with a smile. He glanced at Freddy. "It was really nice that Freddy kept an eye on you while you slept."
She grinned and looked at him. "Yes, it was really nice. Thanks Freddy. I will see you tonight."
Freddy nodded to her. "Rest well super star."
Saphira walked out of the room and she heard Darren follow out as well. However, he does not follow her. She had her bag with her as Freddy kept the bag in his room to keep it safe from any prying guests who might steal it. She was very grateful for him to ensure that her things were safe. She didn't feel any regret about wanting to fire the current technicians and to have Darren being spoken to directly for Mr Miller. However, she had to admit, Mr Miller sounded rather similar to the voice that spoke to her in the warehouse. It couldn't really be a coincidence could it? She did not want to think about that though. In fact, she didn't want to think about anything right now. Her body still ached, and all she wanted was to sleep, and hope when she wakes up she would feel better. Plus, she really needed to shower. She had not showered for a couple days, for obvious reasons, and she hated how dry her hair felt currently. So when she did finally made it home, she spent an hour in the shower. Not because she wanted to wash herself and to feel better, but she cried and cried as she sat in the shower. She had scrubbed every inch of her body to get rid of the reminders of those touches she had felt, and she still couldn't shake those memories. After that, she fell into a deep sleep. She was thankful that no nightmares fell upon her, but she was too tired to even dream as well, and when she woke up, it felt like no time had passed.
But she felt a whole heap better for having proper sleep. When she did wake up though, all she could think about was Freddy. She knew he felt guilty for what happened to her. But it was not his fault. He could not have known this would happen to her. None of them could have known. She knew Mr Hippo felt guilty too, he pressured everyone to make the decision to have her leave the pizzaplex, even if it was just for a day. None of them were at fault. They were most likely fooled, and that was the only thing Saphira could conclude to.
When she returned to the pizzaplex, the lobby was still buzzing with guests. She had arrived an hour early as she knew she would need to speak with Mr Miller about what has happened. She won't go into details on what happened, although she would be paying attention to his voice when she did speak with him. Darren was still here, but he told Saphira she would be speaking with Mr Miller alone in her office. That was totally fine, it was probably better so Saphira could speak her mind without Darren present. When she arrived at her office, Saphira was surprised to see flowers on her desk. She didn't know if she should smile or not, but Darren had gifted them to her as a 'Get Well Soon' gift, along with a card. It was nice, but Saphira still felt indifferent towards him for the time being. A laptop was also sitting on the desk with the note reading 'Return to me where you're finished your meeting with Mr Miller'. Not a problem.
Saphira sat down, she opened the laptop and saw that it was already on and connected to Zoom. She saw a room was signalling her to join so she clicked on it to join, and now she waited patiently to join. It took a few minutes before she once again saw a man sitting in a dark room, she still could not see the man's face and there was hardly any light, just enough to make out the silhouette of his figure. It was still very disturbing to her, but she kept herself as calm as possible.
"Evening Saphira. I am not going to ask how you are feeling, because only a fool would ask that." Mr Miller's cold voice began with a slight huff. It definitely sounded similar to the voice in the warehouse, but not quite identical. Maybe she was just paranoid. "However, you do seem refreshed, that is a good thing. I have received the reports from the animatronics, and your recommendation to fire the technicians. Daisy and Jack both took their things today."
"Oh, they were already fired?" Saphira asked in surprise, she didn't know if the other managers could do it, but it seemed that they could.
"Yes, I informed them personally that their lack of care when it came to the warehouse led to your injury and being knocked out for nearly a whole day. If Cliff were here, he would most definitely be reprimanded for that." That would also not be a surprise. Although, Saphira would still hate to see him fired if he was still alive. "As for Darren, he will be disciplined for his actions, that I assure you."
"He keeps his job right?" Saphira asked curiously, she didn't really want him to be fired, but if he would be than it was by his actions.
"Of course, he's a good manager. He does what he is told, so I will make sure it won't happen again." She raised an eyebrow slightly at his choice of words, but she says nothing on it. "Once I have done my scoop on him, he'll be running the show very well again."
"Scoop? That sounds…weird…"
Mr Miller chuckled lightly when Saphira spoke of that. "Don't worry, it is nothing for you to be concerned about Miss Dawn. He will not be harmed, if that is what you are worried about. Nonetheless, you are the most impressive employee I have ever met. You must really love your job to remain after such experience."
"What can I say? It grew on me!" Saphira smiled at the laptop, she knew she was not wrong about that. Her feelings were mostly the reason of course. "If only I could stay here, that would be good."
Mr Miller huffed a laugh at her. "You never know, you just might live here in the future. Anyway, I am pleased you wish to remain. But please, take it slow Saphira. Just start with small duties for now. I can't imagine you performing any maintenance while those injuries on your wrists ache."
"Hmm, it does need to be done Mr Miller. There will always be something I need to do with them. Besides, they need their full maintenance check after the shows anyway. I simply can't ignore that, they will have issues otherwise. That isn't good for the guests." Saphira was aware her injuries would hinder her ability to work on the animatronics fluently until she had healed, but she still would do it. "Nobody has been able to bring the animatronics to a higher standard than I have."
"So I have been told," Mr Miller said in a slightly bored tone. She sees his shoulders shrugging. "Since you have proven your worth here at this company, I think you should be granted additional perks while you work here at night." Saphira was curious about that, she had not expected him to lay out additional perks for her. "From the time you clock on, all food and beverage will be free to you. Oh, it you want to use the sound system in the atrium for some music, you are free to do so…"
"Wait, hold on…" Saphira was extremely surprised and confused, this sounded like something that shouldn't be something to have a perk as. "Darren told me no parties in the atrium. Why am I being given privilege for that Mr Miller? I don't see how the incident could open that up for me."
"So long as you and the animatronics don't make a mess, I don't see that as a problem myself. I feel you deserve it, considering I am sure you already have parties in their rooms anyway. It isn't like that can't be controlled." She was still unsure, but being able to use the sound system in the atrium…well, that actually seemed like something she would take advantage of. "Anyway, where was I…oh! It isn't a perk, but you should overlook the plans for the upcoming attractions to approve them as well Saphira. It was Cliffton's job, and you are the only person I feel I can trust going forward. Next, a new, bigger office…"
A new office? Saphira liked the one she had just fine. "Would it be any different to the office I currently have?"
"A little. It will be closer to the staff bot hub system, and the system for the animatronic mainframe." Okay, that was good. Saphira did want to look over their system properly, she did know a little bit on code and she might be able to come up with one to combat the virus. "It will be bigger with a better desk, bathroom, sunbed, kitchenette…oh, and a private staff bot to bring you whatever you desire. You won't need to leave the room for drinks though, aside from a coffee machine, there will be a soda machine too."
"I have to say Mr Miller, that sounds…quite interesting. I quite like my office though…but a bigger space…I think I will like it. But…I hope this isn't going to rub off the wrong way with the other employees. I don't want to be seen as the boss's pet."
Mr Miller laughed outloud suddenly, Saphira raised an eyebrow, the laugh didn't sound too sinister this time as he genuinely was amused. "I can fully understand Saphira. Although, I don't think it would be that bad. After all, it was the best decision to hire you. What else…"
"Uh, you've already given me enough privileges Mr Miller, thank you. I don't need anything else." Saphira really felt awkward and happy with the perks, she hoped the other employees don't hate her for it if they hear of it.
"I insist Saphira! It is the last perk for you, I promise. I hope you will accept it." She didn't know what he would offer, but she would hear about it. "You will be given full control over the staff bots." Wait, what? "The remote for them will be in the new office. You can command them to do anything for you. But, you must never allow anyone to take it, otherwise they can have those bots do anything. I know you had some control before, but now you have full control."
That might actually come in handy…but Saphira did not know if she would accidentally lose some of the staff bots in the process. "I had thought I had full control…but thanks Mr Miller. I doubt it's one I will use…but…actually, the little Music Men in the vents."
"Those animatronics are there for a reason Saphira, do not worry. They're animatronics that keep intruders from escaping or hiding in the pizzaplex. You are probably aware of how effective they are."
Saphira frowned slightly. How did he know that? He didn't know that she was scared by one of the mini Music Men when she had gone up to the Bakery to get something. Something definitely was off about Mr Miller. Saphira wanted to ask him directly, however, something in her gut told her not to. This man might be dangerous. He was giving her perks for a reason.
"Yeah, I am. I am glad I don't seem to have to do anything with them. DJ Music Man is enough." Saphira had not visited him for a while, but that was because when she had time, she had been learning sign language at home. She wanted to be fluent with it before teaching it to him. "I think they're the only bots here that really frighten me anyway."
"Especially if you have arachnophobia."
Saphira chuckled softly and shakes her head. "No, no, I like spiders actually. It is…uhh…snakes I really hate."
"Snakes huh? Thankfully, we have none of those here. A snake animatronic probably would not do well, unless it were a horror attraction. Come to think of it, that was an idea at some point to add a horror attraction or area of the pizzaplex. It might be something we could still do." Saphira didn't know if it was needed, there was enough horror in the pizzaplex as it was. "Anyway, it will be up to you when the designs and ideas come to you."
Saphira did not think she would get to do that, however, she intended on it. "This job just got more interesting. But thanks for being understanding the most Mr Miller. I promise to ensure I keep doing a good job."
"I have no doubt in my mind that you will please me. Do not overwork yourself Saphira. One baby step at a time my dear." His voice had changed its tone to a more gentle one this time, Saphira still didn't like it. "Well, I should go. I need to talk more with Darren to get the scoop done. I will talk with you again in the future. Have a good night."
The Zoom call cuts off and Saphira sat there, tapping her fingers on the side of the chair thoughtfully. She knew something about Mr Miller made her uneasy. He made her uneasy when she first heard his voice. She had to wonder, did he know what happened to her? Was he responsible for the disappearances? If so, why is he the owner of the pizzaplex? It made zero sense to her. And the animatronics were so kind, she didn't know if he designed them or someone else did. Unless the AI was more than just code, maybe it was able to code itself like a human brain could. Saphira has not had a look at their system properly, she was curious to see it. After all, the answer was in their system. Understanding it might help her understand why they were not cruel.
Saphira closed the laptop and lift her wrist. "Hey Darren, I am done talking with Mr Miller. Where are you?"
"I will come to you Saphira," Darren responded quickly. "You still have thirty minutes left, I hope use that time to relax for the night ahead."
"Of course I will. With the first order of business with the word coffee on it." Saphira chuckled a little as she walked over to the coffee machine to make a mocha for herself. "Anyway…um, sounds like Mr Miller is going to be dealing with you in some strange way."
He paused for a few minutes before responding. "Yeah, it might seem strange. However…I have just as many strings holding me hear so I can't leave."
"What is that supposed to mean? That has to be the weirdest thing you have ever said to me Darren." Saphira frowned as she listened to Darren, not understanding what his words really meant.
"Look Saphira…I can't discuss what I want with you. Just know, I am on your side in this. Just know that if you do decide to leave, it will follow you home. And there is nothing that can stop it."
Chills flowed through her whole body. Darren might have known what has happened here! But…he had no say in this. She wondered if the virus had its claws in Darren…but…that also answers some of her questions about Mr Miller too. He was dangerous! And she had to tread carefully. But the fact that leaving here won't actually make a difference…Saphira didn't know how to feel about that. However, if that was the case, it would be on her terms. No one was forcing her out of here.
She heard a knock on her door and she picked up the laptop, walking over to the door and opened it to hand it to Darren. "Thanks for the warning Darren…I guess it must have been hard on you."
"Trust me, I want nothing more than to get out. But I am stuck…" Darren sighed deeply, he looked extremely sad as he spoke. "And to think I hesitated…"
"What do you mean?"
He paused for a moment and shrugged. "Cliffton…I never got a chance to say something."
Her eyebrows rise very quickly at that before her face softened into sadness. "You liked him?"
Darren nodded. "Yeah…I liked him a lot. I think he knew, but…I don't know. I never pursued it, he never said anything either. But…what's done is done."
Even if Darren knew what was going on here in the pizzaplex, she could tell that he was innocent here. And that made her feel bad for him. "Have this scooping thing happened before?"
He grimaced at the word and nodded. "I'd rather you didn't know. However, just be careful. I am aware you and Freddy have something going on." She widened her eyes and opened her mouth to defend herself. "Don't, I already know. I think it is amazing watching how their feelings unfold for the first time. I am just glad that they are good."
Saphira nodded at him. "Yeah…hopefully this conversation won't get us in trouble."
"Won't matter. We're stuck here." Darren glanced at his Fazwatch as it makes an alert sound. "I better go. Umm…keep this between us. We don't need anyone else getting hurt. Have a good night Saphira. If you wish to use the sound system in the atrium from tonight…nothing will be done against you."
He turned away, he seemed very tense and tired, it was completely unlike him. Saphira watched him walk away, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. She had questions answered, now she had more questions that need answering. In a way, Darren was her ally, even though he was probably being forced to turn blindeyes. She actually suspected he knew what happened to the other disappearances, but he was forced to keep quiet. She realized just how pitiful it was. If Mr Miller was the mastermind behind this, and the virus was part of it all, it made her think that the pizzaplex will never be safe. Not for anyone. And no one will know it.
If he is the man behind it all, I have to hand it to him somewhat, he's smart. He has kept the dark side of this place well hidden. A little too hidden.
But…if he wanted to play a game. Fine, he was going to get one. But Saphira had to plan that on her own. If she could get past the virus and Mr Miller, she could take over the pizzaplex and make it what it truly should be. She never wanted to own something like this before, however, to protect her family she felt she might have to. Saphira closed the door and grabbed her coffee from the machine and paced thoughtfully. She felt as if a switch had been turned on in her, and she was not going to let it go. It felt like this got really, really personal. And as far as Saphira knew…
Challenge accepted
