Some Things Are Better Left Buried

By: Miss-DNL

Chapter 22: Meet Up

Mike didn't return to Kyle's former home after he left his damn worthy job. No, he needed more time. The self-hating part of his mind hissed at him that it was out of cowardice. Instead he went to his small one floor home. It was almost a glorified trailer home, slightly raised off the ground and could probably only house two to three people at most. He parked his car on the curb, having no garage or driveway, and got out. As he trudged his way up to the front door he was greeted by a couple furry friends.

Recently a couple of young cats, that'd been kittens when he first met them, had been lingering around his home. At heart, he was a dog person, but he'd left his dog Markus, a Doberman, with his former girlfriend. Mike was sure she'd spoiled him to his very last day. The two cats, he was certain were siblings, had come mewling at him for food and he'd been feeding them since. What'd happened to their mother Mike didn't know. He didn't consider them his, he hadn't gotten them collars, or named them, but they did have a habit of slipping inside when he headed in.

The cats, one black and white the other a dusty brown and white, darted around him as he neared the door. They mewed and cried for his attention or food. A quick glance at the bin he dumped their food in said it was attention. As he unlocked his door the black and white cat began rubbing up against his legs. Normally Mike would try and shoo them away but today he was much too tired to try. So, as he opened the door he just let the felines dart inside.

After grabbing a cold beer from the fridge, Mike slumped down into his small light, warm, brown two-seater couch. He cracked it open, staring at the turned off TV in front of him. The image of Kyle's busted open skull stuck in his mind. It made his heart and gut wrench simultaneously. His conscience and heart both blamed himself for it. Mike wiped his sore and tired eyes before he tilted his head back and downed some of the intoxicating liquid. If he was going to get anything done, he needed his nerves to stop yelling at him. Although another part of him just wanted to drink himself to sleep.

Thankfully, despite his state of being emotionally tired, Mike's sensible side said he didn't need a hangover tonight. The veteran guard sat there, eyes locked on the TV as his mind went onto the thoughts of tonight's shift. The dusty brown and white cat hopped onto the couch and rubbed up against his arm. It sniffed him then came across his bandaged arm and butted his arm again as a response. Mike stroked the cat but continued to stare forward. The young cat relaxed and laid on his lap, purring as Mike stroked it.

What was he going to be dealing with tonight? The animatronics he knew, but the purple man was unknown. Mike felt that he might've been what'd he'd seen following Kyle before Golden Freddy knocked him out. Unfortunately, the brief glimpses were all he had to go on and that was basically nothing. All he knew was he was likely dealing with a ghost and unless the killer went by the same rules as Golden Freddy, Mike didn't how to handle him. It'd be a shot in the dark to use information he found on the internet as well. He'd be going in partly blind tonight.

Mike took another drink and continued petting the cat that was on his lap, the action helping him relax. He spotted the other lying in front of the TV, watching him calmly. Mike guessed he'd been partly lying when he told Kyle he'd dealt with his nightmares for thirty-years on his own. Although the two cats had only showed up a few months ago, and he didn't consider them his pets. They were just two critters that happened to live around his home, keeping the vermin out. A couple of times proudly showing him their success.

He thought back to what'd happened between him and Golden Freddy. Mike frowned, he didn't understand why the phantom animatronic had done that. It'd knocked him out when he was going to save Kyle. Mike recalled the sympathetic look of sadness in what served as her eyes. Had the bear thought nothing could be done, that he wouldn't have been able to save Kyle? Why save him though? He'd been safe, why hadn't she saved Kyle? Then again, that'd be asking a child's ghost to go against her own killer…

Mike downed another drink then looked over to his clunky old laptop that he'd managed to get at a pawnshop. He supposed he might as well try and dig up more information on Freddy's. He looked down to the pocket were his cellphone was tucked away. He also needed to come up with a way to try and break the news to Jessica. Mike let out an exhale, everywhere he turned he was reminded of the rough place he was stuck in.

Both cats' heads perked up when Mike's doorbell rang. Mike arched a brow questioningly as he looked to the front door that was barely a few steps from his couch. The cat jumped off his lap and scurried off with its sibling somewhere deeper into his home. Mike stared at the door confusedly until the doorbell rang again. With the sense this person wasn't about to leave the night guard got up from his couch and answered the front door. He didn't recognize the young dark skinned woman outside his home, but it was better than his hunch of Gregor or Karen.

"Mike Schmidt?" Mike nodded mutely and the woman held her hand out, "I'm Harriette Lowell."

"Harriette?" Mike echoed, the name ringing a bell in his mind. He blinked as he recalled, "You're one of the other night guards."

"Haven't even had a shift yet, but yeah." Harriette stated as she and Mike shook hands in greeting. She glanced inside his home and pointed inside, "May I come in?"

Mike looked at her then glanced to his home, it wasn't exactly fit for company but he was curious about this visit. He stepped aside and let her in, "Go ahead but it's not exactly spick and spam. I don't have company over, ever."

Harriette looked around the small home, while she didn't seem too bothered she didn't look too comfortable either. Politely she sat down on the couch. It being a two seater she didn't seem too sure about it being appropriate. She was here for a reason and that reason was sure to bring about some tenseness. Thankfully Mike didn't sit with her and instead sat on the edge of a table being used as an entertainment system. Harriette offered him a smile, "I'm fine."

With a grunt Mike accepted the response, though he could tell it was slightly forced. What she thought of his home wasn't his problem. He looked at her, she was younger than him but at least in her thirties. She was youthful and married, judging by the ring on her finger. Hair in dreadlocks and tied into a ponytail. Her clothing was nice from what he could tell, fashion wasn't on Mike's lists of things to care about. Not even close.

"So, what's reason for this visit?" Mike asked, there wasn't a way in the mind this was just a casual visit. The faint uneasy hints lining the woman's expression only backed up his belief.

"It's…about Freddy's." Harriette began slowly.

"Of course." Mike muttered, he wasn't in the mood today for this. Especially not after what'd happened at the pizzeria. The mere passing thought of it brought a painful pang to his heart. Guilt was still strongly present in him, and he was certain it was going to linger for some time to come.

The woman looked at him for a minute, momentarily silenced by the bitterness in his tone. It was evident she was touching on a subject the man didn't care for. For what reason, may or may not help her cause. Carefully she approached the subject, "Is the work condition bad or?"

Mike looked at her sternly, "I suggest getting a job elsewhere."

Harriette frowned, "I can't do that. I have personal reasons for getting the job."

The veteran guard held her gaze for a moment. She looked serious very serious but Mike didn't want another dead partner. He didn't think he could handle that. Mike's self-image was bad enough as is, one more blow was likely to break him. His tone stiffened to almost commanding, "Whatever your reason is, it won't be worth it. Quit, and find a new job."

Mike's guest studied him, something about his demand seemed to be leading her to a conclusion. Harriette eyed him as she carefully, cautiously, asked, "Is it true then?" Mike stiffed as he poised to drink the beer he'd been holding, the action halted completely. Seeing this Harriett's hunch was strengthened further. She straightened herself, expression both hesitant but nonetheless enticed, "About what happens in the pizzeria at night?"

"Would it get you to quit?" Mike asked in turn before taking a drink.

"No, now I have more reason to stay." Mike looked at her, that wasn't the answer he wanted. It looked like her conviction had been strengthened as she awaited his response.

Mike looked at her, a sigh roughly expelled from his nostrils. Mike set his jaw stiffly as he tensely thought over his response, and Harriette waited patiently. He fidgeted his foot, trying to find a reply that wouldn't end him losing his temper. Or spilling what'd happened to his partner, he needed the place to stay open so he could free the spirits. It sickened him that it stayed open, people making a profit while lost souls suffered. Mike didn't blame the patrons; they didn't know any better. How could they? It was the management that held his contempt.

From his peripheral vision, he spotted vision he spotted the two cats warily peering into the living room from the hall that lead to Mike's room. The two stretching their necks out only to pull back at random. Harriette must've spotted he was distracted as she glanced off towards where he was peering. If she thought anything about the feline's presence she said nothing. The slight distraction was enough to give Mike a moment of reprieve to find the way he wanted to steer the conversation. It was simple, but his mind wasn't in the best state currently.

"Mind me asking what your reason is?" Mike questioned, bringing the woman's attention back to him. Her posture went ridged, more like when she'd first come in. Apparently, he'd put her on the spot. If only for a brief while after he'd asked his question.

"Because," She began, her voice tensing up from some long kept anger, "that place needs to be shut down."

Mike looked somewhat intrigued but not moved from his standpoint. He gave a low, thoughtful, hum as he looked down at his legs. The black and white cat had been bold enough to venture out from the hall and was now lying by his feet, eying their guest carefully. Mike finished off his drink and crumpled it in his hand. He walked over to the kitchen and dumped it into the garbage. Mike spoke to Harriette, as he fetched another beer can from his humming fridge, "And what? You plan on catching the animatronics on film?"

"Yes, it should get them to-" Harriette began, only to get cut off by Mike.

"Won't work." Mike stated flatly. The indignant expression on Harriette's face told him to explain why, so he did, "The animatronics disrupt the cameras when they move around. Should do the same to a handheld camera."

Harriette seemed irked by this news, but pressed the conversation forward, "Did you try recording them?"

"Last time I worked for Freddy's, thirty years ago, I was young and just trying to hold out till my paycheck. Now, I'm trying to free them. So, no, I haven't'." Mike answered honestly. He sat back down on his makeshift entertainment system, cat still by his feet. Mike gave the woman a warning glare, "I'll say it again. Quit. The animatronics aren't things you should risk yourself against. You're right to hate Fazbear's, I'm sure you are considering the company, but your life isn't worth it. I'm sure you have people who care about you."

Harriette glanced at her wedding ring then back to Mike, "And what about you?"

A hollow, joyless, laugh escaped Mike. Without any warmth, he grinned down at the beer can he held. His eyes peered down into the dark insides of the can. He imagined it was like his life, the insides of this can. Dark and surrounded by unfeeling metal walls. Just barely keeping his head above water while hopelessly peering up at a small pocket of light, a way out, hope. Mike looked back up to Harriette. This young woman he'd just met but knew she had more promise in her life. Here she was, willing to risk her life because of whatever reason she loathed Freddy's. It was concerning.

"No one will miss me." Mike stated with earnest. He'd lost touch with his friends long ago. His childhood friend, Joseph, had stopped trying to reconnect with him after he formally pushed him away in person. He'd shown up on his doorstep five years after his time working at Freddy's. Joseph had been clearly concerned, stating he needed help; truth be told he knew he did and still does, but Mike had literally shoved him out the door. He'd left girlfriend, Rebecca; he'd call her Becky, and she was probably with some lucky man by now. As for his family, he'd never known his mother and his father had died. Old fool had been older off when he'd had him and it wasn't like he'd taken care of himself, his addiction only helped to end himself quicker. Once he'd gone Mike was left all alone with a curse threatening to drive him mad.

And now, the only person who'd cared about his miserable life had been killed by his cowardice. He assumed Jessica was could to hate his guts when he gave her the news. He was alone again with his torment.

He wouldn't complain though, only in his weakest moments did he whine. Moments when he could hear their voices, when madness threatened to grab hold and never let go. They were always there though, he knew they were, he could feel it. The spirits tormenting him, or at least their curse, his punishment.

Harriette clearly hadn't expected that response, she stared at him in shock. She glanced down to the cats and said, "What about your pets?"

"They aren't my pets." Mike answered passively, the alcohol helping to keep his tone detached. He gave the two furry critters a brief glance, one still at his feet the other still eyeing Harriette with caution from the hall. He took a drink then continued, "I feed them, that's all."

"That means their yours." Harriette insisted. She'd come over to discuss working together to bring down Freddy's, but instead she was concerned about this man's wellbeing. The empty tone in his voice told her that he wholeheartedly meant what he'd said. Harriette was concerned the man was suicidal. She'd dealt with the issue with a friend when still in high school, it'd been terrifying.

"They aren't." Mike repeated, not budging whatsoever.

Mike looked empty in Harriette's eyes now. Ironically, like a machine just working towards it's designated objective while running on fumes. She felt uncertain about how to proceed. Harriette hadn't known that the other guard on the roster was a guard that'd worked at the last Freddy's location. At first she'd taken it as a bonus to her goal but now, seeing the result of working at that blasted pizzeria, left her unsettled.

Still, maybe she could work with this. Get some information then decide how to go from there.

"Do you," She began carefully, "have any about to set the ghosts free?"

A long sigh came from Mike as he stared down at the beer can again, though he seemed to be staring right through it, "Honestly? I ain't got a clue. Just trying to find clues through the internet and by going to that place at night. Occasionally…weird things happen. One of the ghosts doesn't seem hostile anymore, and I think it might have given me a hint in a dream…" Mike's word faded out quickly as he caught himself. With an empty grin, he shook his head, "Heh, forget it. Sounded crazy I know."

"Well, if ghosts are involved, and I do believe in them, I think I can suspend my disbelief." Harriette reassured gently with a weak, uncertain, tone of amusement underlying her voice. She knew some basic things about spirits, but if any of that was correct…well, she couldn't be sure. At this point Mike probably knew more than her, or his guesses would be more accurate at least. Regardless he had a better idea of what was going on.

Mike eyed her, considering whether to tell her or not. When he opened his mouth, Harriette readied to take in whatever he was about to say, only to have him immediately shut his mouth. Mike shook his head, "No, I'm not talking. It'd only encourage you to stay."

Harriette got to her feet, causing Mike to eye her carefully. Her words came out with some desperation, "Mike, let me help you. I don't think you can do this on your own."

"No," Mike reiterated sternly. "I don't want to have any more people die in that place."

"That place has already taken lives of people I knew!" Harriette snapped, loudly enough that it seemed to jerk Mike out of his mournful state. Briefly, the woman seemed surprised by her own sudden anger. Her expression fell back into grief of her own and she slumped back down onto the couch. It was old, stiff and a bit uncomfortable with an aged smell coming from it, but she didn't notice. Mike fell silent out of sympathy and allowed her a moment to gather herself.

When she managed to speak again, her words were hardened with aged anger, and her form was just as stiff, "That damn fucking place took the lives of two of my friends, and my own blood. I…I can't let it stay open. It was bad enough when they announced Fazbear's Fright was going to open. That place, making money off people who suffered…god, people have no shame."

Harriette could feel tears working their way up but she smothered them before they could surface. For whatever reason, she felt crying in front of Mike wouldn't help convince him she could face off against killer pizzeria mascots. Possibly from some old, outdated concept of machismo lingering on the edge of her mind. Harriette took in a breath and exhaled to calm herself. She looked back up, Mike was looking at her with understanding. Hopefully that meant she had a chance to convince him.

"Mike, I have to do this for the people I lost." Harriette pleaded with an even voice.

For what seemed like forever, Mike just looked at her. Harriette could see the man quietly debating with himself whether he should allow it. Mike looked at the now empty can sitting beside him, pondering to himself on getting another. He sure felt like having another, but he didn't want to risk getting to inebriated. Mike could handle having a few drinks, but right now he knew he'd just keep drinking if he didn't put an end to it at the first few. Below the can, lying on the ground, the cat at his feet was looking up at him with bright blue eyes. Mike found this to have a vaguely comforting effect.

In the end, Mike sighed, "You're an adult. Why're you acting like you need my consent? I can't make you do anything." Before Harriette could take this as a stubborn blessing Mike's tone became sharp, "I still don't think you should keep the job, but, I can't make you not come in on Monday night."

Harriette frowned but assumed this was the best she'd get, "Fair enough." She paused for brief few seconds then asked, "So, about that dream?"

Mike gave her a look, he guessed this meant she'd be showing up on Monday night. This didn't sit well with him at all, but like he'd said he couldn't make her not come. This left little reason not to tell her. The veteran guard grumbled to himself, "I think one of the kid's spirits spoke to me through it. She said that their killer is stuck in there with'em, and that he's more pissed than they are." Harriette attention became more alert, she stood up straight and Mike noticed a vengeful look lurking in her gaze. Still he continued, "Saw all the animatronics busted up in a safe room. Said they all died in there, including him. This shadowy Bonnie looking animatronic…" Mike felt his stomach knot itself up once at the mere thought of that sickening and disturbing scene. He withheld a shudder but didn't disguise the disgust on his face, "It peeled off the shadow layer to reveal this rotting yellow monster underneath."

Harriette felt her face contort to mirror Mike's revolution as he pantomimed the peeling motion. She stopped a moment, "Yellow? As in a yellow bunny?" Mike nodded mutely. Harriette frowned thoughtfully, "Reminds me of old Spring Bonnie."

Mike quirked a brow, surprised she knew, "You know of it?"

"Yeah, I went to the place when I was real young. Got to see it while it was still used. Pretty much a retro Bonnie." Harriette elaborated. She went on with a wistful smile of remembrance, "My uncle, he was a guard too." Mike lifted his head a slightly at the mention. Harriette's smile faded, "An entertainer too…He wore the Fredbear suit for a bit. He-he was a pretty big guy."

"So you want to bring the restaurant down because they covered up his death?" Mike guessed, considering the circumstances and how the franchise handled the deaths.

"I almost wished it was that…" Harriette said bitterly, at least then her uncle's name wouldn't be so besmirched. Mike's expression turned to one of confusion. Thankfully he didn't need to ask as Harriette continued right on to explain, "His name was Frits Smith."

Mike blinked in recognition, "He was the one they arrested for the crimes."

"And he was innocent!" Harriette snapped almost out of reflex. She calmed when she saw Mike's nonjudgmental expression. With words, full of sorrow, she continued to lament, "My uncle wouldn't ever hurt a child! He cared for me and my cousins a lot…he wasn't a saint. I know that, but he really turned around…" She gripped her own hand tightly, "He took all the blame and it didn't solve anything. And I know who else could use the suits, I'm certain he was the killer. His name was Davey Moore."

Author's Note: Hey guys! So sorry about the update being...basically a month late. Unfortunately I injured my hand, nothing bad, and well typing with one hand hurting isn't very comfortable. Anyway! Got this done and I'm pretty happy with it. Yeah, a two parter due to my issue. But this one does seem like it'd be longer than the previous ones. Also, here's my Purple Guy's name! Yes its a reference but little else. Funny story, it was meant to be a place holder but ended up sticking. Hopefully I can get the next part out quicker. My hand has improved so its a good sign.

Guest Reviews:

Drakeon: No he really isn't, but not many would after what happened. And it's fine, just a reminder. Glade you're enjoying it! ^^

Hope you enjoyed! See you next chapter!