William wished he could focus on his investigation, but the news had been far too drastic to ignore. Three more disappearances occurred near Fredbear's Family Diner, so soon after the first case. One would think that whoever this criminal was, they would tremble at the knowledge of police investigation and attempts to get on their tail, but whoever this mysterious person was, he doubled down on their actions. Was it because they did not know about the investigation, or perhaps they simply didn't care?

After putting Elizabeth and Chris to sleep, William was faced with those musings as he poured some tea for himself, making the best of the solitude he had in his own home. He should've retired upstairs and continued compiling the knowledge, perhaps writing something about the murders, but the endless theorizing was not letting his mind free. This was not a coincidence; there was a reason why the pizzeria became a place for those crimes. William didn't want to rule out Alison's involvement, but he struggled to find a logical motive for him to attempt to gain more test subjects in such a way. After all, William already knew how they were delivered. He wouldn't go to such lengths for a few children.

Was it a simple maniac and an abductor that chose this place because of how many children go there? But how would they lure them away without anyone noticing at all? Or was there a deeper reason for this? What if someone wanted those murders to stain Fazbear Inc's reputation? After all, there are good reasons for wanting to do so. William knew it wouldn't be Gron; despite his hallucinations, he always had a strong sense of right and wrong that he would never do such a thing. The worst he did was unconscious and uncontrollable, while this event seemed like it required a lot of orchestration and pre-planning. This could be any one of the employees William knew…Maybe he was wrong, and some knew about the facility as well? Were they bound by the same contract he was bound by but was good at hiding it? And what did this mean for the company? William and Gron couldn't leave without breaking the contract, but those murders began to draw attention from the police towards the company and their restaurant. If they were to conduct a thorough investigation, they would quickly realize that the disappearances are just the tip of the iceberg. The irony didn't escape him, and William knew he should be ashamed of thinking about it, but all he could hope for now was that some good could still come out of this tragedy, intentional or not.

William's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden opening of the door. His family must have come home.

"He's not going to tell us anything." Mike's disappointed voice immediately echoed. "He's probably upstairs working on something again. Maybe he doesn't even know."

"You're being far too harsh; your father always follows the news and is wise to keep himself out of danger…"

"I see you missed me," William responded gently yet loudly, making sure they knew about his presence.

"Really, huh?" Michael chuckled as he entered the kitchen, allowing William to witness his surprised expression, although it couldn't hide his worry. "Sorry, didn't expect to see you down here not doing anything…Particular." Mike was never quick to apologize to his father unless there was something far more important than stroking his pride, and there were precious few things he valued more.

"Oh, thank god you're safe, Will." Clara rushed into the kitchen, putting her bag aside and looking at her husband with clear worry, making him give her a cautious look; he knew exactly what she was about to talk about.

"Of course, I'm safe and back home earlier than usual today."

"I guess you would be." Mike strolled towards the table and leaned onto a chair. "With all the shit that's going on in your company…"

"We heard the news." Clara sat beside William before taking a deep breath. There was some tea still remaining in the kettle, but she. "Well, rumors, anyway. They say there were more kids that went missing at the restaurant, and now they're launching an investigation…You know that, right?"

"Of course." William sighed. "Three more children, all gone on the same day without a trace." He said calmly, thinking back to Alison's words, making Clara recoil in fear.

"Jesus…" She let out in a faint voice. "One was more than enough, and now there are four…And all of them are still children!"

"Some maniac must be at large," Mike suggested. "Who knows where those crazy bastards work now."

"And what of the company?" Clara asked William, who continued to look down, pondering what he could allow himself to say. "Have they launched an investigation?"

"They continue to deal with it in an orderly fashion. I'm not a part of their legal team, so I can't know that." William tried to switch the topic, but he knew that it would hardly be possible. "Alison would try to do anything to retain the image of the company, I imagine."

"And you don't find it suspicious at all?" Mike interjected. "One time is an accident, sure, but four? What the hell is going on there? Is that why you always avoid us? You know something that…."

"Clam down, Michael!" Clara raised her voice before looking at William, who couldn't help but allow a sad smile to creep up on his face. They will know; eventually, they will. "Sorry, Will, we're simply worried…Do you think the company might have something to do with it?"

"The cover-up or the disappearances themselves?"

"Both." Clara clarified before Mike spoke up again.

"Mother hesitated to believe it, but I've been thinking about the crappy ghost stories they tell to children…You know, an evil corporation that steals them under broad daylight and then sells their organs or something. Seems like one of those, you know." He was half-right, although it was much simpler than the situation William found himself in, a true difference between ghost stories and uncomfortable reality. "Honestly, I don't think those kids are coming back…Whatever they did to them."

"I don't think it's that, more like someone from inside trying to sabotage the company." William voiced his theory, though it wouldn't make much sense to Clara and Mike without context that he could not reveal.

"Through kidnapping and maybe murdering children?" Mike shook his head. "Well, that's a unique way to deal with distaste; if I've seen one, that couldn't be anyone sane."

"Maybe they weren't sane…All I can do is theorize at this point." William spoke up firmly. "There is no reason to muse, not like it will lead us to a conclusion. As it stands, I'll allow the legal team to deal with it. I doubt I can help them in any way."

"It's not about that." Mike undercut him. "Do you really want to work in a restaurant that has that much shady shit going on? That won't be any good for you, and I don't think anyone here wants to see you murdered."

"Would you tell me to quit?"

"He's right…" Clara continued. "Of course, it's your decision, but I can see that something is wrong. This company takes too much of your time; it's almost like exploitation, and it doesn't seem to get any better…And now this. Who knows what happened to those children, but even if it's a single maniac…Who knows who he will target next? It might be you, and even if not, the company's reputation will be stained and yours with it!" She exclaimed, trying to appeal to William. "It's dangerous to work there…You might get hurt, and I don't think any money is worth that." She was right. Of course, no money was worth the risk William put himself in, but they were. The family that gave meaning to his life gave him children before whom he held a responsibility to see to adulthood and prepare them for future life. He knew that Clara's pleas were of the best intentions, as she wanted nothing more than for him to be safe and happy, away from the troubles of the company. Were it not for the contract, perhaps William wouldn't have stayed.

"Listen, I understand that you're concerned, but tragedies do happen." He spoke as coldly as possible, trying not to stutter for a moment. "Sometimes the culprit is discovered, and sometimes not; it's not in our power to change anything."

"But we can stay away from this, and we should."

"Why? This is a well-paying, stable job, even if a bit time-consuming for now, the best source of income on my memory, and the disappearances do not change that." William responded sternly.

"So you're saying it doesn't matter?"

"No, I'm saying it's worth the risk. This is a good workplace, too good even…And it is worth it."

"God…What are they telling you there, Will?" Clara pushed on. "They must have promised a lot if you stick with them, but it's too much already. I know you wouldn't put money above safety."

"All they told us is to keep doing our job while the legal team handles the issue. I'm inclined to follow through this protocol."

"Please, Will…"

"No." He tried to keep his voice confident as stern as he shook his head, though heartache was quick to spread. "And that is final."

"Funny how you would say that," Mike spoke up with an echoing disappointment. "So when I want to stick with my friends who are minding their own business and not attacking anyone unless they're being a bitch…You tell me to toss them aside and be a good boy because that's apparently harmful." His voice grew louder with his spite grating upon William's ears. "But when it comes to you working for a company which either kidnaps children or has a murdered sneaking around unknowingly, it's suddenly 'worth it'?"

"Mike, please, now isn't the time…"

"Yes, it is time, mother. With how many lectures I had to listen to from both of you, I'm starting to feel a little confused. Why am I supposed to take up advice from someone who doesn't even follow it himself?" His voice turned into an angry shout, in which Mike would let out the spite he had been holding in throughout the last few months, even since his suspension. "You say you're just trying to help me out, father. Well, I do too! Pretty sure you can find better places to work and not waste your time in this shady place. Might as well find more time to spend with us, if that's even what you want to do…"

"Enough!" William shouted, immediately interrupting Mike. If only he knew how much William wanted to forget about that place and spend more time with his family. All he did was bring that moment closer. Every bit of the investigation he conducted was for this single reason. "I am not here to waste my time hearing your lectures, Michael. You're free to think what you want, but have you ever stopped to think about the sacrifices one has to make for a family? The effort one has to put into securing them? I know that this might not be the safest place to work, but it has given me a job I longed for and which pays well; this is all that I need now. We cannot hide away from dangers and just pretend they will never reach us; otherwise, we would never achieve anything at all! One day, you will understand, and I'm very sorry to see that you're doing everything in your power to avoid facing it…"

"Oh, now I'm the one avoiding, huh? I'm not avoiding anything, and I can be fucking honest with myself, unlike you…"

They were interrupted by a door to the bedroom creaking quietly, making Clara, William, and Mike look towards it at the same time. A young girl peered out of there, rubbing her eyes and yawning faintly while remaining cautious, focusing on her parents and brother.

"What's…What's happening? Why are you all shouting…" Elizabeth spoke dreamily and in confusion. In their carelessness and the heat of their argument, they must have awakened her. "Daddy, Mike…Are you alright?" She looked up at them with pleading eyes.

"Yes…Just a little heated." Mike responded. "Go to bed."

"But I want to know what's going on. Why is daddy so angry?"

"Elizabeth, now is not the time." William undercut her moments before Clara stood up and went towards the girl, gently holding her hand and guiding her back to the bedroom.

"Come on, sweetie, it's very late…I'll be with you, alright?"

"A…Alright…" Elizabeth submitted and allowed Clara to guide her away, leaving father and son alone, both still on the verge of anger from their previous conversation.

"Just tell me one bloody thing." Michael turned towards William. "Why do you care for that place so much, even with all the stuff that's happening in there and how much it messes you up?" He longed for an answer, and he wasn't going to get one, no matter how tempted William was.

"You would not understand." He said coldly before standing up and making his way to the staircase.

"And that's it? That's all you have to say?"

"Yes, that is all you need to hear."

There wasn't much else to say. One day, he will reveal the truth.

One day…

…

WELCOME LITTLE CHILDREN, TODAY YOU'LL HAVE YOUR FUN

THE LAND OF JOY AND FANTASY, THE ECHOES THAT WILL FADE

WHEN BLOOD WILL FLOW, AND TRUTH UNVEILED

WILL BRING THIS PLACE ON FIRE

The voice would not stop toying with Gron's head, yet he made peace with it. There was no fear nor anxiety anymore when the Twisted one spoke. It became akin to a melody. It wasn't the demon that grappled onto Gron's soul, no…It was a friend who was there to protect him and soothe him with his voice wherever tragedy struck. Why would he even be terrified of this voice? Why, when the Twisted one was a constant companion to him, who was there to talk and to help? Who only pushed his control upon Gron because he cared for his well-being and freedom? How foolish was it to defy him, to deny his unquestionable benevolence…

Even the pizzeria seemed much more bright and delightful than ever before. Children's cheers grew loud with excitement; even though Gron knew it wasn't so, it couldn't have been so. The investigators were here to ask questions and examine the scene. The rumors and news spread like wildfire, causing countless families that used to bring their children to Fredbear's to withdraw and not look in the direction of this restaurant again. Wonderful, exactly what he needed. Gron did not know how much he had left, his days were likely numbered. One way they will find the truth, discover the bodies. Perhaps it will happen when the animatronics begins to smell. Then, they will eventually blame someone, but the stain will be made by that time. Few would care to come to a place where 4 children were murdered.

And yet, even now, there still were some that dared to come. Some parents were unafraid to ignore the rumors, likely giving in to their children's desire to see their beloved animatronics. For this purpose, Gron was still here to entertain them, and they were eager to hear more stories from their mysterious friend that was Fredbear, whose costume Gron put on himself once again. This time there were two girls and a boy who circled him, begging him to tell them more. He didn't know those children, nor did he care to know.

"Can you tell us about the fountain? I really like how the last episode ended, but…It was a little scary." The girl admitted while still pleading for answers. Now having watched the show himself, he knew what she was talking about. The way it dealt with its main villain was not for everyone, but what's written is written. No point musing about what could've been.

"Ah, I think I understand…Well, sit down and relax. I will tell you the story!" Gron exclaimed in a voice as deep as he could muster. "As you know, the fountain only grants its powers to those who have lived a good and noble life, and those who lived a life of evil are denied this chance. I assume you know the story of Kragara?"

"She's evil…And she tried to hurt Freddy and his friends."

"Exactly." Gron continued. "You've watched our show; she is called the beast for a reason. Her jealousy towards Freddy and his band and her hatred towards everyone in the valley led her to this, it is a tragedy, but it was unavoidable. Having control over the valley was not enough for her; she wanted to live forever…And to this end, she was ready to sacrifice everything and anyone, even her friends, if you could call them that." Gron recalled the tale of the bully crew and their journey to the isle. The beast nearly got Buster and Saber entrapped and was ready to leave them behind. If not for Freddy's band getting there in time, they could've died.

"But maybe someone could've helped her? I'm sure Chica could've explained to her how important it is to be kind…"

"Perhaps, but don't you remember how much they tried? She always refused any opportunity and was set in her evil ways, and that's why the waters of the fountain brought such…Gruesome demise upon her when she drank them." It was a questionable scene for a kids' show. The screams she let out as the waters were burning her from the inside were rather realistic, as was her melting down right before the heroes' eyes. Perhaps this is exactly the effect it wanted to achieve, a cautionary tale for children that would prevent them from becoming selfish and cruel. "I don't think anyone would've wanted for her to end this way, but that's just what she chose…And no one could change anything about it." A sad truth, the one many children didn't want to accept, but there were people who made their choice and couldn't be helped anymore, who have made their choice even if it would drag them to oblivion.

Gron's tale was interrupted by two men entering the dining hall, making the performer look to his side. He wouldn't have paid much attention if it was not for the voice.

IT IS HIM

"I appreciate your persistence, Mr. Jackson, but as I've told you, we have conducted numerous thorough searchings of our place, and there was nothing found," Alison explained to a man in uniform, likely a police detective, in a tone that struggled to conceal impatience. "As you can see, there is no trace of any children here, and the rumors that are being spread are doing unjust harm to our company."

"We still haven't searched everything, Mr. Bairren," the detective replied coldly.

"I allowed you to come here, conduct your research, ask your endless questions, bother our employees…And you say this isn't enough?"

"I appreciate the help, Mr. Bairren, but it's worth looking into back rooms and if there are any traces left there."

"Those are restricted areas where only employees are allowed. Needless to say, we looked through them, and they are clear." Alison attempted to shut him down, and Gron was so enamored but their conversation that he didn't even notice the children leaving to play with Spring Bonnie on the stage.

"We cannot make conclusions simply based on your word, Mr. Bairren."

"And what more do you need? No one could get into the safe room except our employees."

"Maybe that's what happened," Jackson said, causing Alison to sigh in annoyance.

"Are you insinuating that it was one of our employees that was involved?"

"That or perhaps a key was stolen from one of them…Trust me, we are not here to spread lies about your company but simply to make sure that it has nothing to do with the disappearances. There are countless versions of what could've happened here, but I am eager to examine every single one of them."

"You're a persistent one, aren't you…Very well." Alison shrugged before noticing that an employee in a Fredbear suit was examining them. "Don't waste time and get back to work, Mr. Takaliken. We have this situation handled."

"Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear."

"Mr. Takaliken?" Jackson looked at Gron. "A unique surname, I must say…I believe we haven't met yet. Are you one of the performers who work in those suits? Mind if I ask a few questions?"

YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED AWAY

"Is this necessary?" Alison shook his head. "Let the man do his job; you've disrupted enough already."

"I won't take long," Jackson reassured him before approaching Gron. "You work with children here, correct?"

"Yes, I entertain them."

"Do you know children by the names of Jessica Lee, Gabriel Philips, and Liam Emily?"

"I…" Gron paused, wondering what he should say without giving himself away. "The children usually don't tell their names. I don't remember hearing those ones."

YOU ARE A HORRIBLE LIAR

"That is fine. I have photos of them right here." Detective responded, making Gron's heart sink. He reached out for his case and took out three photos of those children. All of them were smiling, immediately causing Gron to feel his stomach churning. They were so carefree, so happy and joyous, with wide smiles traversing their faces. That's not how they looked when he plunged his knife into their bodies, not when they were shaking in fear and begging.

"Yes…I think I have seen them."

"When was the last time?"

"About two weeks ago…" Gron made the lie on the spot. "I remember them coming here at the same time. They were close friends."

"Hm, so there is another connection to be made there…Interesting." Jackson continued. "Have you noticed them doing anything unusual? Going around the corridors behind their parents' backs, perhaps?"

"No, nothing of the sort," Gron explained. He could feel sweat forming on his skin, praying that it would not fall on a lock, even if this would be a final straw for Fazbear Inc…

TOO EARLY, WE HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY, KNOWLEDGE TO PASS ON

"Haven't I told you already?" Alison interjected. "The cameras caught nothing."

"Your cameras are sparse, and there are halls that they can't film." Jackson shook his head. "We need more substantial evidence than that. Now, back to you, Mr. Takaliken…Did those children show any signs of unusual behavior? Were they reclusive, or perhaps came into contact with someone suspicious?"

"No, I don't recall any of that." Gron denied it, hoping for Alison to distract the detective. Thankfully, it didn't take long to happen.

"Mr. Takaliken is extremely busy at the moment, and he'd rather you not waste his time. Take a seat over there. We can go over the details and maybe…Just maybe arrange a visit to the safe room for you." Alison spoke up.

ARE YOU RELYING ON THIS MONSTER TO STAND UP FOR YOU? I THOUGHT YOU DROPPED THE PATHETIC ACT!

"Yes, he's right." Gron tried to speak firmly. "Children must be waiting for me, and I'd hate to disappoint them. I don't know anything about those children except for their older visits."

"I see…Very well, I'll continue my discussion with your boss, then," Jackson said before walking towards the table Alison pointed him towards, giving the two a brief moment of privacy.

"Blabbering fools, all of them…" Alison uttered under his breath before looking at Gron, finally allowing a smile to emerge on his face. "You're doing well, at least, even I caught myself believing." There was nothing Gron wanted to say to him, nothing that wouldn't incur more spite. "Still holding a grudge, are you? Well, your loss, Mr. Takaliken. I hoped you'd understand that by doing this, I'm not only protecting myself but all the employees, as well…Even those who have been rather naughty in the past."

"Did you kill them? Those children?" Gron spoke a phrase so naive and foolish that even he immediately realized how pointless it was. For a second, he spoke sincerely…As if he didn't know and wanted to believe otherwise.

"We don't know if they're dead yet, do we…" Alison noted, making Gron feel his legs shake. "But no, I haven't. And in fact, this whole situation has caused me a lot of pain, but rest assured…It will be over soon. Perhaps a single visit to the safe room on another day will satisfy their curiosity." With those ominous words, Alison finally left Gron alone, eager to continue his discussion with the detective, all while the jester remained silent, countless thoughts rushing through his hand. After all, the moment was at hand.

THEY WILL KNOW

VERY

VERY SOON

Perhaps this was what he deserved, the ending he carved out for himself…Perhaps in prison, he would be able to speak the truth.

NO ONE WOULD BELIEVE A MURDERER

AND EVEN IF THEY WILL

LYNDA AND CHARLIE ARE STILL IN HIS GRASP

What was there he could do?

THERE IS STILL TIME TO LEAVE A LEGACY, DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO GET YOU

YOU NEED TO TELL THE TRUTH TO HIM

William?

YES

HE MAY NOT BE VERY RELIABLE, BUT HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN CARRY OUR BURDEN

He wouldn't. He would never resort to murders, even if it meant freedom; Gron was certain of it.

THEN WE FORCE HIM TO

YOU KNOW THERE IS MUCH HE WOULD DO FOR HIS FAMILY

AND YOU KNOW THE TRUTH THAT CAN GET THEM HURT

"I am not going to harm his family, never…" Gron uttered under his breath, feeling the desire to clench his fist.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO

ALL HE NEEDS

IS A LITTLE REMINDER