Vanessa bugged Saphira about checking the trash compactor on Sunday multiple times, she even bugged Darren once or twice. Both he and Saphira let Vanessa know that it would be checked on a less busy night. Saphira honestly did not think it was necessary, and the bugging was annoying her. Though Darren told her to at least check it on Monday night, just to ease Vanessa's mind. Saphira had the intention of rejecting that, but to get that woman off her back, that was the only reason she would do it. However, she was still afraid of going down there. She considered taking Freddy with her, his presence alone would be the comfort she would need when she goes down there.
Saphira was more interested in which animatronic needed maintenance more than checking some trash compactor. It wasn't because she wouldn't do, it was because the animatronics were more important than something that didn't need to be checked until later. Saphira almost felt like Vanessa was trying to draw a trap if she was honest. The animatronics didn't really think that, although they understood Saphira's fear of going to the basement. Especially after what she experienced in the utility tunnels a few nights ago.
As for Saphira's desire for Freddy, it had faded. She still sought out his presence and comfort, Sunday was particularly hard for the both of them. Saphira had a panic attack when testing Roxy Raceway after she had seen Freddy at the corner of her and thought he was on the road. He wasn't, he was standing in the stand and watching. But it made her panic regardless, and she was almost sick from the panic. Vanessa had witnessed this, which was embarrassing, but the woman had said nothing. Which was odd, other than wishing her well. After that, Saphira activity clung to Freddy. She was terrified again of losing him, she even refused to get into Foxy's Pirate Adventures because any sudden movement in the ground startled her. It was a tad frustration for all the animatronics, especially Freddy. However, he managed to calm her down enough to sing with her in the karaoke bar. It brought her back to her senses when they both sang, I See the Light, it made her smile, and she was extremely touched he picked that song for them to sing. She realized how stupid she was and broke down in tears, apologizing again and again. Saphira didn't know how long this would go on for.
Thankfully, tonight, Saphira felt more interested in being alone for a change. She had enough of company, all she wanted was her own company. She actually felt like herself, which was good because maybe it was a sign her body had finally dealt with whatever was injected into her. She hoped for that anyway. Right now, it was eight thirty and she was watching the security cameras closely. The couple that had gone missing a couple days ago, she did tell Darren what she saw and showed him the footage. It worried him that someone had lured the couple away. Especially as another person had disappeared in the area above the lobby, which was finally given the name of Rockin' Globe, at the Hungry Mr Hippo attraction. Saphira was no able to figure out what happened to them this time, and it was another teenager who had gone missing. It just was not sitting right with Saphira. Something was off, someone was picking off guests and she didn't know why. And she didn't understand why their information was being wiped from the system either.
"Evening Saphira," Darren spoke through the Fazwatch politely, making Saphira groan slightly in response. "Oh, don't be like that. Are you in a bad mood today?"
"No, actually, I feel like me today," Saphira responded in a plain voice. "Actually, I am in a leave me alone mood today. I don't feel like having anybody's company today…it's a normal feeling for me to have."
He chuckled softly when he heard her speak to him. "I suppose that is good. Maybe your body has beaten it, hopefully. Anyway…I guess someone will be very sad to hear that you're not in a social mood. Maybe Freddy has been wanting a break too, after all, you've been holding him hostage quite regularly lately."
"It's not as if I had control over that…it has made me feel so horrible about that." Saphira was frowning as she spoke to him. "I had to fight my own mind just to make the right decision. I almost convinced Freddy…um…I probably would have been pregnant by now, let's just say that."
"Oohh…well…I am glad you were able to refuse. I recommend waiting a bit longer too." She groaned at that again and buried her head into her arm. Darren chuckled again at her. "Look, I understand, you and Freddy have a great relationship. It is a little strained, but it is not your fault at all. But, I would just wait just to be safe. You feeling like yourself again might be good, but that doesn't mean you're free. You could still be at risk."
"I guess you're right…" Saphira muttered, still resting her face in her arm. "It's just frustrating…"
"I know. Anyway…because Vanessa annoys you…" She tensed when he mentioned the woman's name. "I know you don't want to, I was going to check the compactor today. Sadly, with all these new disappearances, I am swamped with paperwork and trying to convince people that we are not the reason for it."
Saphira looked at the watch in surprise. "Um…you're not trying to sweep it under the cover?"
Darren was silent for a moment before speaking. "It's not me who is wanting me to do that. Mr Miller wants us to act like it. Believe it or not, the car that couple used to come here was found by a lake two hours from the pizzaplex. Someone made it look like the couple left here, the police are not suspecting us. As for the other teenager…he apparently snuck out of his home to come here, and since he's not in the system, he never made it."
"Seriously?" Saphira didn't know if she should be angry at Darren about it. "We can't…"
"I'm sorry…I am. I know what is being done is wrong…I can't do anything but do as I am told. I am sorry…" He sounded so sad and sincere as he spoke. "You can't do anything about it either. We are trapped until…you know."
Saphira shuddered, this really was getting more messy. She didn't like it one bit. "I…I understand…"
"Good…now…I know you dislike the basement, but I trust that you will find out whatever has Vanessa bugging both you and I about," Darren said in a gentle tone. "If I hear one more whinge from her about it, I am going to hit my head with a fry pan."
Saphira giggled softly as she understood what he meant. "You and me both."
"It definitely seems like you are more yourself tonight, I hope it stays that way. But even so…watch your back. The utility tunnels and basement…you already know. They're not the safest place in the pizzaplex."
"Pfft…most of the place is dangerous at the moment." Saphira sighed deeply and glanced at the cameras. "I'll head down to the basement soon. I gotta find out which animatronic needs maintenance."
"I would suggest you check the compactor first, just to ease that woman's mind. She is persistent, I will tell you that. I think she's just a little too worried for something so small. Even if Mr Miller wants everything in working order. It just does not work that way." She heard him sighing slightly as he spoke. "Oh well…let me know if there is anything to deal with when you check it out. And, I would definitely suggest that you take an animatronic with you. Unless they are caught up…tonight's a little busier than usual."
Indeed it was. There were several birthdays on tonight. The birthday rooms were currently full, Freddy, Foxy, Foxette, Roxy, Pigpatch and Mr Hippo were there entertaining the kids. There is a special show Orville is putting on right now, there is many kids and teenagers watching it currently. The bowling alley had five families currently playing, one of the families were playing against Bonnie and he had been challenged by another. Monty was putting on a show currently in Monty golf, and the Driving Range had several families there. Chica and Happy Frog were doing Meet and Greet currently…it was a busier night tonight. They were not locals, they were international travellers, it was strange to have a busier night. But that was okay. It meant more distraction for herself and Vanessa. At least, that is what she hoped for.
"At least our international guests are having fun," Saphira said with a smile. "I wonder if they came together, or it was just a coincidence."
"I would say, coincidence," Darren said with a chuckle. "There are some interstate guests and locals too, though they may leave soon. Of course, I can't speculate too much. Just keep an eye on the pizzaplex. I know you might get bothered about seeing the compactor soon, but just tell her you will wait until the place is more empty."
"Of course, I don't intend on going anywhere when it is busy right now." Saphira glanced at the cameras of the party rooms, she smiled as Freddy placed down a large cake on a table for a kid and began singing Happy Birthday to them. "I can't wait for my birthday…"
"Yeah, well, with summer break approaching quickly, I am sure you will enjoy the Fourth of July. If you would like, I can make up a space for you and the animatronics on the roof to watch the fireworks…and even a private space for you and Freddy." She smiled as Darren made that offer. "Whatever, it will be romantic for you anyway."
"Indeed. They've never seen fireworks, I think they will enjoy it." Saphira was already dreamy as she thought about that night. She was sure it was going to be magical…or, she will make it magical. "I guess we will expect busier nights soon."
"Of course, it always happens at this time of year. Everyone knows, especially places like Disney World getting swamped. Thankfully, we are out of the weather and people can remain nice and cool." She chuckled at Darren's little jab at the theme park. "Anyway, I better leave you alone. I just figured I'd prepare you for the night."
"Thanks, Darren," Saphira said in a grateful tone. "And…I'll keep in mind on what you said. I just…don't understand how you can keep quiet."
"Believe me, I have no choice. Have a good night."
Saphira did not really know what to think now. Hearing Darren's admittance to making up a story or trying to push the idea that the pizzaplex had nothing to do with the disappearances just gave her goosebumps. However, if Mr Miller really forced him to do that…it actually did sound like something he would do to keep up the good appearance to other guests. After all, the place was still busy even with the disappearances. She glared at the monitors and clenched her hands, this just kept getting better!
Saphira kept watching the guests on the monitors, she got herself a coffee and relax in the chair. So far, nothing appeared to be happening that needed her or Vanessa to deal with. That was good. She glanced at the cameras in the utility tunnel and basement curiously, those spaces were pretty much empty. Except for the cleaner and chef bots in the kitchen, they were still making pizza for the guests. There were still some staff there too to make the food the staff bots couldn't She definitely could not go there and bother everyone by checking the compactor right now. She knew Vanessa was clocked in, but it seems she knew this too. That woman has not bothered her with it yet.
Saphira turned her eyes away from those cameras to watch the party room cameras with a smile. Once upon a time, she used to dread her birthday. When she ran from the house, she did make a tradition of buying a single, cupcake and lighting one candle to make a wish for a better year. That is all she ever wished for. And she had to admit, each year seemed to be better than the last. This year, she won't even have a single cupcake. She would get a whole cake, and she knew it.
She glanced at the birthday Mr Hippo was taking part of, it was for a teenager. It was a different atmosphere, there were still balloons, cake and a pinata, but it didn't have the same games or music that the kids had. Plus, Mr Hippo was able to give good advice to the teen, and tell some really good stories too. And, he even gave the birthday girl a small gift. Teenagers always received a special gift, one to remind them they were special and unique, and to not follow the crowd. It was written on a rock, glass ornament, painting or something else that would become sentimental. At least that was one of the many good things that did come from the pizzaplex. Saphira smiled, she was glad she could look past the evils that went on in this place to find the goodness it still had.
That is one thing you can't take, Mr Miller. No matter what you do, the small, simple things will always linger and bring out the goodness. That is a victory to me.
"Hey, Saphira!" Vanessa's voice made Saphira jump and shake herself from her thoughts. "Boy, it is a busy night, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," Saphira responded as calmly as possible. "Thankfully, no one is making a fuss. But I gotta keep watch for anything suspicious."
"Oh, I was going to ask you about…"
"Save it, Vanessa. I will take a look at the compactor when there are a lot less guests," Saphira said as she interrupted the woman. "I understand you feel the need to have it looked at, however, security comes first. Don't say you can handle it on your own, because this many people might require the both of us."
The woman huffed a little on the other end. "I understand…I guess…Mr Miller's just been complaining about it."
"He hasn't sent me or Darren an email about it. If it really is serious, he would do that." Saphira wasn't interested in hearing a lecture about listening to Mr Miller. "But, I can assure you, I will take a look at it. It probably just needs a good clean and maintenance check. After that, it will work fine for many more months."
"I hope so…well…sorry to bother you. I was just making sure. Anyway, I must say, those animatronics throw great parties, don't they?" She raised an eyebrow as she listened to Vanessa speak about that. "Birthdays are great…I love balloons and streamers. Does the pizzaplex allow adults to hire animatronics for birthdays?"
"It does. It just isn't popular. I think last week Freddy and Chica were at one, usually adults can hire two animatronics. I haven't really paid much attention to that. They don't have to hire a party room for that at least." Saphira herself would rather her birthday be celebrated somewhere nicer than the party rooms too. She was sure the animatronics knew that, though she knew it would be a surprise when it does happen. "Why do you ask?"
"Hmm, oh I was just curious, that is all." Vanessa chuckled softly, making Saphira roll her eyes slightly. "I guess I never really thought of it until now. Considering we only ever see kids and teens hogging all the fun."
"Well, I am sure the adults will love the Chica Coaster coming out soon," Saphira said softly as she leaned back in the chair. "And I've approached some a bit extroardinary. It's based on Orville. I am sure you know Mr Miller is building a new area above the atrium."
"Yep, I hear it is going to be called the Glam Starship, or something like that…you know, the keep with the theming of that time." Vanessa chuckled again as she spoke. "Which one did you approve?"
"Orville's Magic Hat, it's sort of going to be based on Wonderland…but not quite. Since the place will be somewhat based on Star Trek The Next Generation, or Star Wars…not sure, I imagine there will be a few interesting suggestions my way." Saphira did wonder if Back to The Future will also be somewhat underline theme there too since the new area is aiming at the SciFi genre a little.
"Hmm, bit odd for a SciFi area…" Vanessa said thoughtfully.
"I'll make some changes to it I think, the construction hasn't even been finished halfway." Saphira shrugged a little and glanced at the monitor. "Uh oh…tantrum on aisle daycare."
Vanessa went silent as she looked at the camera. Apparently there was a child throwing a tantrum about wanting to stay in the daycare with Sundrop. Saphira chuckled softly, she knew Sun was a good animatronic. She hasn't spent much time with him recently, she honestly was scared of him as much as she was of Moon at the moment.
"Eh…the parents can take care of him," Vanessa said with a scoff. "Anyway, nice chat. Um…I guess you will go and check out the compactor soon."
"Yeah, yeah…just, please stop the nagging. It's not very professional." Saphira cuts off communication and sighed deeply.
It was strangely nice to have a normal conversation with Vanessa. If Vanessa wasn't caught up with Mr Miller, Saphira might have actually liked the woman. But, Saphira only spoke to her as she would anyone else professionally. It was true, recently a new area was approved for a space above the atrium, and it was going for a SciFi theme, even though Fazer Blast already was in a way. Saphira already approved of Orville's Magic Hat, but she was going to change the theme on that one. She wasn't really a huge SciFi fan, although she loved Stargate. But, that show didn't even happen until the nineties, and the movie came out earlier than that before the show aired. So, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Back to the Future and Star Trek were the themes likely to run through the area, as long as it was not blatant copies of course.
Saphira didn't bother to start heading to the basement until a bit after ten thirty. The guests with the younger kids left at ten, but many still remained. Saphira was glad there was no hotel connected with the pizzaplex, more disappearances would definitely occur. She just hoped none happened right under her nose. That was what she worried about the most…because it seemed like it did on Saturday.
"Hey Freddy, um…I'm going to go have a look at the compactor now, I was wondering if you could come with me?" Saphira asked as she entered Rockstar Row and glanced at the utility tunnels nervously. "I'm…about to heading to the tunnels."
"I am sorry, I am not able to," Freddy responded through the Fazwatch gently. "I am still caught up with a family. I do believe Monty is free, he can go with you."
Saphira sighed, she would prefer Freddy, but if Monty was the only one she would be okay with that. "Okay, I'll ask Monty." She pressed the buttons on the Fazwatch to connect to Monty. "Evening Monty, um, are you free by any chance?"
"Hmmph, yeah sure," Monty responded in a grumpy tone.
"Oh…is this a bad time?" Saphira asked with a frown.
He growled a little in response. "You could say that. The strings of my guitar broke mid performance…I am SO angry right now!"
She jumped when she heard some glass breaking and frown. "You're tearing up your room right now, aren't you?"
"Grrr, you know me too well…what do you want, punk?" Monty could tell Saphira sounded worried. "I will calm down enough right now, just tell me what is wrong."
"Actually, I'll ask someone else…" Saphira did not want to deal with a huffy, angry Monty. "As long as you sent the guitar for repairs, it will be fixed before the big show. You will just have to put off your private shows until than."
Monty did not argue and cuts communication. She sighed in disbelief and frowned, she could hear Monty breaking things in his room even from where she was standing. She shakes her head, wondering when the last time it was when he smashed up his room. She decided to try Mr Hippo.
"Hey Mr Hippo. Are you still busy?"
"Sadly…yes, you actually scared me," Mr Hippo responded in a slow tone. "Sorry, I really can't talk."
"Right…" Saphira glanced at the Fazwatch to see if any animatronic was free.
"You look like you are worried about getting in trouble with a frown like that." Saphira yelped and jumped before smiling as she saw Bonnie approaching her with a smile. "I was about to go and try to…reason with Monty. But I saw you seemed frustrated."
"Bonnie, thanks for coming to me." She smiled at him. "Listen, you know that trash compactor Vanessa has been annoying me and Darren about…" Bonnie nodded. "I'm about to go check and get it over with."
He widened his eyes in surprise. "But…you had no notifications, right? That means it is not an issue."
"Personally, I would rather stop her from nagging more than anything. Besides…" Saphira glanced towards the tunnels with a worried expression. "It might just need a clean and maintenance. I don't know how often it happens, so…I guess it couldn't hurt to check. But…I know you hate going to the tunnels, but I would like company…" She tensed when she heard the sound of thumping on the glass from Monty's room. "Unless…" She glanced around Bonnie to look at the room. "Your time is better suited in calming Monty."
Bonnie let out a sigh and looked at Saphira with a worried expression. "I have to be honest, my selfish feeling is to be with Monty. But…you can't go down alone…I may hate the utility tunnels…but…absolutely no way are you going down there alone."
She grinned at him and hugged him. "Thank you. Everyone seems like they're too busy for me right now…" She frowned a little, she knew that feeling. It is an old feeling and she didn't like it. She gasped as they hear more glass thumping. "Eh…I think Monty needs you more than I do."
Bonnie frowned slightly. "Are you certain? Monty can calm down on his own."
"Can he? How much money will it cost to fix his room if we wait?" Saphira questioned curiously.
"Umm…no idea…the last time…um…it was a lot…" Bonnie rubbed the back of his head, feeling very conflicted about this. "Ugh! You're making this too difficult. Um…I think…Pigpatch should be finished soon."
Saphira smiled at him and thought about it. "I will ask him, but I don't have any faith."
"Then I should go with you." Bonnie glanced at the doors and shuddered, the casing of his body shook as he shuddered. "Yeah…I-I should…"
"Stay, and be with Monty." Saphira finished for him with a smile. "I would rather not bear the brunt of everyone's anger at the damage he's caused. Please, you're the only one who can stop him."
Bonnie hesitated for a moment. "Well…maybe you should just wait here until I finish. Or at least see who else can go with you. I think going by yourself will be foolish."
Saphira smiled at him and nodded. Bonnie turned away and ran to Monty's room to calm the gator down. Saphira sighed deeply and looked at her Fazwatch to check where the bots were. And she found they were kept busy the last remaining guests, except for Bonnie and Monty. The bowling alley was clear it seemed. Foxy was chatting with some teenagers and showing off his hook. It seemed they were all busy. She felt that awful feeling growing and frowned at herself.
You idiot! This is a normal day! They are often busy with guests, you have all the time with theme afterwards.
Saphira felt very strange on old feelings filling her mind. She didn't like it. She huffed to herself, she felt impatient. She didn't want to wait. She silently apologised to Bonnie and turned on her heel, walking towards the utility tunnels. She stopped when she reached the red doors leading into the tunnels and turned her head to look back at the rooms. She sighed, if she was quick, she should be okay. And it was very busy right now too, so she hoped it would be okay.
Pushing the doors open, Saphira walked through them and down the stairs as quickly and carefully as possible. When she reached the bottom, she kept a close eye out for anything unusual as she walked through the tunnels as quickly as possible. She did not want to wait around for something to jump out an attack her, even though she kept an eye on her surroundings until she reached the elevator to the basement. She felt her heart was racing as she listened to the elevator music.
"S-S-Sa-ph-ira…" She looked at her Fazwatch with a frown as she heard Monty's voice, it was distorted by static.
"Monty, can you hear me?" Saphira asked with a frown, pressing buttons on her Fazwatch to try and fix it.
"W-W-Wh-ere a-a-are y-y-you?" Bonnie's voice asked next and Saphira took a deep breath.
Instead of using the communication, she sent an encoded message to both of them letting them know she was in the elevator heading down to the basement. It was sent successfully, thankfully, she didn't know why the Fazwatch was distorting. She sighed and looked at the doors as they open. She was surprised Bonnie was able to calm Monty quickly, but…that was the gift of being the boyfriend she guessed.
I guess I should have waited…
Too late now. Saphira stepped out of the elevator, her legs felt shaky as her memories of the basement were not good. She shines her flashlight around with a frown before walking briskly to the kitchen. There were no more staff members there right now, they were in the locker room preparing to leave so Saphira assumed it should be fine.
Still, she felt stupid for not waiting. Her old feelings she buried years ago resurfaced for now reason. She frowned at herself as she walked through the kitchen, carefully avoiding the cleaner bots and some of the chef bots as she walked to the compactor. When Saphira approached it, she looked at it curiously for a moment before grabbing the button to press to watch it compact the garbage. The machine press the garbage into a bundle like it shoulder before the press lowered and pressed onto the garbage. She blinked curiously as it didn't press on the way down.
That bitch might actually have been right.
She stepped closer to the machine as the press lifts slightly and another arm pushed only some of the garbage into the big shoot. Odd, the machine sounded like it was straining. She was no expert, but perhaps it just needed oiling. She stepped closer, pressing her foot on the edge of the tipper of the shoot, to test the pulley. It groaned under her weight, though she didn't push on it too much.
"You should be careful." Saphira yelped in surprise when she heard Vanessa's voice, turning and face her suddenly in surprise. "It could make you slip down into the second basement, I highly doubt you want to face plant into the sewers."
She stared at the woman in shock, Vanessa had a smug expression on her face. "What are you doing here?!" She hissed at her with a frown. "There are still a few dozen guests left."
"I just came down to make sure you are finding what I found," She responded in a casual tone. She glanced past Saphira curiously. "Have you?"
"Yes…but…hey, I didn't hear the elevator." She placed her hands on her hips. "How did you get down here?"
"I did use the elevator, the dishwashers are very loud," Vanessa responded with a smirk.
She was not wrong…still…Saphira didn't like she was alone with Vanessa. "Well…" She glanced at the compactor again for a moment. "I have sort of figured out the problem, but I am not expert…um…"
"Actually, I think the tipper just needs a little oomf to get it to tip the rest of that," Vanessa suggested, stepping closer and gesturing to the machine. "Maybe give it a good stomp."
Saphira did not know if she should. But, maybe that is what it needed. She figured she should give it a go though. She stamped on the edge of the compactor, keeping her left leg steady and away so it would tip without her weight on it. She stamped again, she felt it give slightly and she smiled. She moved to stamp again, just as she did she felt a shove, causing her to stumble and slip on a plastic bag. She yelped and tried to catch her balance as she felt the tipper of the compactor roll inwards.
"VANESSA!" Saphira screamed, reaching out to try and stop her fall.
Vanessa simply grinned back at her briefly before they both heard animatronic footsteps approaching quickly. She quickly puts on a shocked, fearful expression and reached towards Saphira. "SAPHIRA!" She screamed back in fake desperation.
Saphira widened her eyes in shock as she fell into the pit of garbage below. The tipper rolls back, blocking her view and hearing from whatever will happen up there. She screamed until she lands on a pile of garbage bags, thankfully they softened her fall. She groaned as she felt pieces of cardboard sticking into her sides and other waste. She gagged at the horrid smell and shines her light around before gasping at what she saw around her, making her whimper in horror as her eyes dart at what was around her as she looked desperately for a way out.
