The group silently watched in silence and relief as Michael caught his breath, although his body was still tense from the terrifying encounter. Even if they just caught a glimpse of it, the abomination of thick wires and metal was still fresh in their minds, and they couldn't help shake off the feeling of unease.
Suddenly, Handy Unit's voice broke through the silence, startling everyone.
Handy Unit: It seems that you have accidentally wandered into a restricted area. Due to the sensitive nature of the materials that you may be exposed to here, you will not be allowed to leave until the clean-up crew arrives at 6AM, so hang in tight!
The group stared at the screen, their puzzled expressions mirroring their confusion. 'Just what is this room Michael accidently stumbled into?' They couldn't help but think.
Charlie's eyes widened in disbelief and frustration. "Did I just hear that correctly? Did he just say that Michael had to stay till 6AM?!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with worry and frustration.
Mike shook his head in resignation. "Looks like it." He said, sighing.
Mike's POV
As the group were talking, Mike's face was a mask of terror that he was desperately trying to hide. He couldn't believe what he had just witnessed - his future self, fleeing from the monstrous, tangled mess of wires and metal that was apparently supposed to be 'Ballora' or rather what was left of 'her', he isn't sure anymore. Did his future self get set up or was it because of a clumsy mistake? These were questions that swirled in his mind. Besides that, the fear he felt while watching his future self flee from 'that' thing was almost suffocating and very overwhelming. It was as if he was being chased. He hopes he doesn't have to watch something like that again, otherwise he may do something he won't like.
Just as Michael dared to think that his future self was safe, thinking that this terrible nightmare was finally over, Handy Unit's announcement reverberated through the room like a clap of thunder, shattering any hope of relief he had all this time. He felt like his heart was about to jump out of his chest at the mere thought of being stuck in that place for more agonising long hours. He isn't sure why his future self isn't panicking, he just doesn't understand it.
He tried his best to keep his composure, but he couldn't stop the slight shaking in his hands and sweat on his brow. He knew he needed to steady himself before anyone noticed.
As he listened to the group's reaction at Handy Unit's announcement, Mike's fear grew even stronger. He felt like he was trapped in a nightmare, unable to escape the horrors that surrounded him. Just the mere thought of spending long hours in that cramped, claustrophobic dimly lit room was almost too much for him to bear. Just how on earth is his future self handling this!? It's like he experienced something like this before….
Mike shook his head, despite his fear, he forced himself to put on a brave face for the others. He didn't want them to worry nor any of their pity, but deep down he knew that situation was dire. His future self was trapped, alone and vulnerable, in a place that was unfamiliar to him, a place that he didn't understand, surrounded by dangers that he couldn't even begin to comprehend.
As the minutes ticked by, Mike's anxiety only intensified. He knew that his future self was in for a long, terrifying night, and there was nothing he could do to escape it until the clock hit 6AM. All he could do now was to wait, hold on tight and hope that his future self would make it out unscathed.
Glancing around the room, Mike first noticed his father, William, and furrowed his eyebrows. He seemed awfully quiet for a while and was currently lost in thought, his silence speaking volumes. Henry was attempting to comfort his daughter, Charlie, who was fuming and worried for his future self's safety. Watching Henry comfort his daughter caused him to feel a pang of jealousy flickering within him, though he quickly dismissed it. Meanwhile, his younger siblings, Lizzie and Evan, remained sandwiched between him, their breaths shallow and raspy. He silently hoped that they wouldn't notice his shaking and panic from before.
Mike's face remained stoic, but inside, his terror threatened to consume him. He couldn't comprehend why he felt so scared, knowing that the events unfolding on the screen were happening to his future self and not to him in the present. This nagging question raced to his mind. He sighed before taking in a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart before he turned back to the screen, hoping that everything would go smoothly.
Everyone's POV
As the reality of the situation sank in, a heavy cloud of dread settled over the group, casting a shadow of unease and dread upon their faces. The prospect of being trapped in the confined, dimly lit room until morning seemed to weigh down on them, as if it wasn't already a pleasant enough thought.
Charlie's father, Henry, noticed his daughter's worry and in retaliation, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his expression sombre. "Don't worry, I'm sure Michael will be fine." He said reassuringly, though he couldn't help but wonder if he was truly safe.
William's eyes were fixed on the screen, his mind racing with questions and possibilities. "Could this be a security room?" He mused, his voice barely above a whisper.
Evan looked up at his older brother, his voice quivering with fear. "Is it over yet, Mikey?" He asked, his eyes wide with worry.
Mike's attention snapped back to the present, his eyes meeting Evan's worried gaze. Despite his own mounting anxiety, he mustered a reassuring smile, though it faltered slightly. "Hang in there, Ev. Just a little longer, and I'll be out of here." His attempt to provide comfort held a hint of uncertainty, as doubts lingered in his mind.
Evan nodded, turning to face the screen.
Michael listened intently to Handy Unit's instructions, his eyes fixed on his watch.
Michael: "He said until 6AM. What time is it now…?" He muttered to himself, checking the time.
As Michael's eyes fell on his watch, they widened in disbelief, feeling like his eyes would pop out of his sockets. 12:45AM. He couldn't believe how long he still had to stay in this cramped claustrophobic room. The thought of spending almost six long, agonising hours here made him feel sick to his stomach.
Mike felt his heart drop. His eyes widened as the fear had returned. His hands started slightly shaking. His heart was pounding so loudly in his chest, he was sure that the others in the room could hear it. He couldn't believe this was happening. The thought of spending almost six hours in that dim and claustrophobic room was unbearable. His palms were slick with sweat, and he felt like he was suffocating. He tried to re-take a deep breath, but it felt like there was no air in the room.
The fear was paralysing him, and he couldn't think straight. He was terrified at the thought of what could happen to his future self in that room. The mere thought of it made him want to run and hide somewhere or even kick the screen just so he wouldn't have to continue watching this. His mind was racing with thoughts of what could be waiting for him in there, and he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that was overwhelming him.
Suddenly, Charlie's scream of shock and frustration echoed throughout the room, pulling Mike out of his trance. He turned his head towards her, his heart still hammering against his chest. "IT'S STILL 12AM?! You have to stay there for 6 long hours?!" She exclaimed, her voice trembling with panic and worry.
"Actually, it's almost 5 hours beca-" Henry said but quickly shut his mouth because of the nasty glare his daughter was giving him.
Mike felt his stomach twist into a knot, and his breathing became more laboured. His racing thoughts mirrored the frantic beating of his heart. Why was he the only one terrified? Why couldn't he maintain the same composure as his future self seemed to possess? These questions tugged at his mind, adding to the weight of his anxiety, threatening to consume him entirely. He casted another glance across the room, only to find the concerned gazes of his friends and family fixed upon him, their worry etched in their expressions. The realisation that they had noticed his panic made him squirm with discomfort, intensifying his already jumbled emotions.
'Did they notice me panicking?' Mike couldn't help but think. He continued trying to steady his breathing and maintain his composure, but it was like there wasn't any air in the room.
Suddenly, Mike's heart skipped a beat as he felt something gracing his hand, causing him to jump slightly. He quickly turned his head to see Elizabeth, looking up at him with a small frown etched on her face. Her green eyes were filled with concern, and Mike couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt wash over him for letting his fear show.
"Mike... are you okay?" Elizabeth's voice was soft, filled with genuine worry, and it pierced through the cacophony of his racing thoughts.
Mike's nerves were already frayed, his hands trembling. He attempted to put on his best confused expression, hoping to mask his inner turmoil. "Y-Yeah, w-why wouldn't I be?" he stammered, the uncertainty in his voice betraying his true emotions.
It was as if he was desperately trying to convince himself as much as he was trying to reassure her.
But Elizabeth remained unconvinced, her frown deepening as her gaze shifted to his quivering hand, which she held with her own. "Well... it's because you're shaking," she whispered, her voice laced with genuine concern.
The tightness in Mike's throat constricted further, threatening to suffocate him. He averted his gaze from Elizabeth's unwavering concern, however, this proved to be a mistake as his eyes met those of his younger brother, Evan. The weight of his own anxiety intensified, for Evan's expression mirrored that of Elizabeth, magnifying the discomfort festering within Mike's body.
"Mikey, are you okay?" Evan asked, concern filling his voice.
Mike felt his throat constrict even further, causing him to also turn his gaze from Evan. Unfortunately for him, Lizzie wasn't the type to easily give up as she grabbed his hand with both of hers and squeezed it, her smaller fingers warm against his cold skin.
"Michael, if there is something bothering you, you could just tell me,… or us" Elizabeth said, her determined emerald eyes locked with his blue ones.
Mike quickly turned his gaze from her towards the wall like it was the most interesting thing he had seen. However, he realised that everyone's gaze was still fixated at him, causing him to squirm, his discomfort reaching its peak. He felt the desperate urge to escape, he didn't care where but just away from the screen. He just needed to gather his thoughts and regain control.
"I-I need to go to the bathroom!" Mike blurted out, panic seeping into his trembling voice.
Without waiting for a response, he abruptly wrenched his hands from Elizabeth's grasp, perhaps with more force than intended, and hurriedly propelled himself off the sofa. His movements were swift and erratic as he dashed towards the exit, leaving everyone in the room bewildered and stunned by Michael's sudden departure.
Before anyone could say anything, Charlie also propelled herself off the couch and ran after Michael.
"I'll check on him!" Charlie declared, her footsteps echoing through the hallway as she disappeared from the room.
…
Mike wasn't really sure where he was going, because he didn't care as long he wasn't in that damned room. Upon seeing the first door, he quickly opened it and slammed it shut. His back was leaning against its cold surface and fell on his butt. Thankfully it was the restroom.
A heavy sigh escaped Mike's lips, a mix of regret and resignation filling the air. He knew he had acted impulsively, now burdened by the knowledge that his sudden departure would only amplify the concerns of everyone. With his face buried in his hands, he groaned inwardly, contemplating the imminent barrage of questions he would have to face. After a moment, he released another exasperated sigh and rose to his feet, slowly making his way toward the bathroom sink.
Mike's reflection greeted him in the steam-covered mirror, his own weary eyes staring back at him. He turned on the faucet, splashing cool water onto his face in an attempt to wash away the weight of the situation. As droplets trickled down his skin, he took the time to gather his thoughts. 'Just how long have we been here?' He thought. Mike continued staring at his own reflection and attempted to gather his thoughts.
'I need to get a grip on myself.' Michael told himself. 'I shouldn't be scared of watching what's going to happen. These things still haven't happened to me. It's not like I'm going to watch my future self die…right?' As the thought crossed his mind, he let out a shaky breath.
"Relax Michael, it's not going to happen," he reassured himself. "Take a deep breath. It's not as scary as you think. Just take a deep breath and focus on what's important."
…
A sudden knock jolted Mike from his thoughts. The sound of Charlie's voice pierced through the closed door, her concern evident in her tone.
"Mike, are you okay in there?" Charlie asked.
His heart skipped a beat, realising that Charlie had followed him. Mike took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation that awaited him on the other side. Exhaling, he grabbed the door handle, swinging the door open. His face greeted Charlie, who had her arms folded and her brows scrunched, though he could see genuine worry in her brown eyes.
"Mike, are you feeling alright?" Charlie asked.
"Y-Yeah, I just needed...some time out, you know?" Mike nervously stammered, his hand on the back of his head, a habit he did when he was nervous. There is also the habit of biting his lower lip but that's for a different situation.
Charlie watched as he instinctively placed his hand on the back of his head, a familiar gesture she was all too familiar with seeing whenever anxiety gripped Michael tightly or whenever he felt uncomfortable. Mike's eyes darted around the bathroom, avoiding direct eye contact with her, a telltale sign of his unease.
"I just needed... some time to clear my head, you know?" Mike added.
Charlie let out an exasperated sigh, Michael was the type to bottle up his feelings which always infuriated her. She unfolded her arms, her expression a mix of concern and exasperation, as she took a step closer to him.
"Mike, please," Charlie pleaded, her voice laced with a combination of urgency and genuine care. She could no longer contain her concern, and her arms dropped to her sides, no longer crossed over her chest.
With a swift motion, she gently placed her hand on his shoulder, hoping to convey her support and understanding.
"Tell me what's wrong. Keeping everything bottled up won't do you any good," Charlie implored, her words carrying a weight of concern and a touch of exasperation. Charlie's eyes met his, her gaze unwavering and filled with a genuine desire to help.
Michael averted his eyes, attempting to evade Charlie's penetrating stare, but he could still feel her staring right through him. He knew that he couldn't escape this conversation, and a mix of apprehension and relief washed over him.
Mike took a deep breath and hesitated for a moment, before mustering enough courage. "Well, it's kind of embarrassing," he admitted, his fingers nervously fiddling with the edge of his shirt. "But, you know... every time I see what's going to happen to my future self... I get this overwhelming fear, like something bad is about to go down..." His words trailed off, his back leaning against the wall of the corridor, his body gradually sinking onto the cold floor.
As he uttered those words, he felt a weight being lifted off his shoulders. He lifted his gaze, meeting Charlie's eyes once again, silently pleading for understanding.
Charlie let out a weary sigh, fully aware of the problem that plagued Mike's mind. She just wanted to hear it coming from his mouth as it was crucial for him to acknowledge his fears for anything to improve.
Slowly, Charlie settled herself on the frigid hard floor beside Mike. Initially, she had her legs crossed before changing her posture. She realised it wasn't the most comfortable position on her nightgown. So, she shifted, resting her legs on the floor.
Charlie's gaze held a mixture of empathy and reassurance as she spoke, her words laden with the weight of understanding. "Mike, I understand how distressing it must be to witness your future self being in a very dangerous situation, especially considering the multiple near-death experiences you've experienced…" Charlie's voice trailed off, a flicker of unease passing through her eyes. She quickly shook her head, dispelling those memories that she hated remembering. "But you need to grasp that those events still haven't actually happened yet, and it's highly unlikely that they ever will. And do you know why?" Charlie asked, her eyes landing into Mike's puzzled expression. "It's because there's no way in hell I'm going to let you go through all of that! I'm still baffled at how our future selves allowed it in the first place!" She said, while pulling on her brown hair in frustration. She shifted her eyes towards him with an annoyed look. "Knowing you, you probably just didn't tell us." She muttered. Michael let out a nervous laugh.
"I still can't fathom why your father created these… terrifying animatronics, robots… whatever they're called! I thought this was supposed to be a kids entertainment attraction, but that place is more like a horror attraction! Not to mention, the place looks like something straight out of a futuristic sci-fi movie!" Charlie exclaimed.
Charlie's brows furrowed as she removed her grip from her hair, her expression filled with contemplation. "And speaking of which, didn't your father initially envision it as a pizzeria like Freddy's? Why did he change it to a rental service?" she inquired, a touch of confusion tingling her voice.
"Yeah, he did mention that. Something about a sister location. Maybe he changed his mind along the way," Michael responded, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation. "Also, my future self did mention a gas leak. So, I guess that's that."
Charlie nodded, her thoughts recentering on the topic at hand. "Anyway, let's not dwell on that. What I want you to know is that you shouldn't burden yourself with excessive unnecessary worry. I highly doubt that anything truly terrible will come to pass. And even if something were to happen, remember that we have the power to change it," Charlie concluded, a warm smile gracing her features as she observed Mike, who appeared visibly reassured.
A flicker of relief crossed Michael's face, transforming into a small, wistful smile as his eyes focused on the shiny wooden floor. "Yeah, I suppose you're right," he admitted softly. Yet, a lingering unease remained, etching lines of worry across his forehead.
A shadow of contemplation crossed Michael's face, his brows furrowing as he appeared lost in thought. "Although…, there's something that has been bothering me ever since we arrived here." Michael confessed, his voice tinged with a mix of unease and curiosity.
Charlie's curiosity piqued, her head tilting slightly as she absorbed his words. "And what would that be?" She inquired, her eyes fixed on Michael.
Michael's gaze shifted from the floor, fixing his eyes on Charlie's face, his expression earnest. "It's just… none of you have shown up yet…. Throughout all the moments we've witnessed, none of you have shown up yet, or at least mentioned" he pointed out, his voice laced with a mix of concern and confusion.
Charlie fell into a contemplative silence, her brows furrowing as she considered Michael's words. "Well, how about Lizzie? She was the first one we've seen," she suggested, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Michael shook his head, his expression clouded with a blend of concern and worry. "We just heard her voice, but we've never actually seen her. Also, she sounded the same as she sounds right now," he explained, his voice trailing off with a note of perplexity and worry.
The worry in Michael's eyes deepened, reflecting the gravity of his next question. "Do you think something happened to them?" he asked, his voice laced with a mixture of fear and concern, as if the mere thought of a potential danger sent shivers down his spine.
Charlie's expression softened, her own worry mirrored in her eyes. She reached out, wrapping an arm around Michael's shoulder, pulling him in into a one handed hug. "Mike, Mike, Mike. Always worrying about everyone first." She chided gently. "I'm sure everyone is alright. We probably just went on with our lives," she suggested, a smile forming on her lips."
This didn't seem to help Michael's unease.
Charlie turned to face him, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "If you keep stressing about this, then you'll grow grey hairs before you turn 40." She teased, ruffling his hair.
Michael pushed her hand away from his hair in an annoyed manner.
Charlie clasped her hands together in a playful manner, her eyes adopting a fake, exaggerated sad look. "Aw… am I ruining Mikey's natural curls?" she quipped, her tone lighthearted and teasing.
Michael's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, and he averted her gaze in embarrassment. "S-Shut up…" he grumbled in a low voice. Charlie couldn't help but laugh, her laughter filled with genuine warmth as she leaned closer, her head resting on his shoulder. Michael playfully pushed her face away, "Oh, shut up." He said, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Okay, jokes aside," Charlie said, her laughter subsiding into a light chuckle, her eyes twinkling with a trace of amusement. She continued, "Seriously though, you worry way too much."
"Well, I can't help it." Michael responded.
Charlie flashed a warm smile and began counting with her fingers. "Let's consider that we're watching your future self four years from now. That would mean you'd be 18 and I'd probably be 17," she said, her tone thoughtful.
"I hope I'm a technician by then!" Charlie exclaimed with excitement, her eyes lighting up. She continued, "We'll be technician buddies, just like we promised each other."
"Yeah…I hope so too." Michael said.
Charlie's focus shifted, a curious glint in her eyes as she began counting with her fingers. "Lizzie would be 16, Evan 13, and our fathers... I can't quite recall their ages. How old were they again?" she questioned, her brows furrowing as she attempted to retrieve the information. As she pondered, her gaze landed on Michael, her eyes searching his face for the answer she sought.
"Anyway, they'll still be old, but older…" Charlie mumbled, her index finger lightly tapping her lower lip, a gesture that revealed the depth of her contemplation.
A flicker of amusement danced in Michael's eyes as he beheld the stupid expression on Charlie's face. A small grin tugged at the corner of his lips. "I guess they are." He said.
"What I'm trying to say is, you shouldn't worry about these things," Charlie said with a reassuring tone, leaning her shoulder against his. "I'm positive that we'll show up eventually. Also, don't you remember what the Alligator man told us?"
Michael snickered. "The Alligator man? Is that what you call him?" He asked with a hint of amusement.
"Well, he does look like one," Charlie added. "Anyways, back to my question."
Michael pondered for a moment before responding. "That we're watching me first?" He asked.
Charlie smiled and nodded. "Exactly. So, you shouldn't think about it too much."
A small tugged at Michael's lips, feeling a weight being released from his shoulders. "Yeah, you're right. I guess I was just being paranoid."
They lingered on the cold floor, a comfortable silence enveloping them, their shoulders touching. Michael turned to face Charlie, his smile still lingering on his lips. "Thank you," he said, his voice carrying a newfound sense of relief. "I feel much better now, thanks to you." He finished with a genuine smile, warm and sincere.
Charlie's eyes slightly widened, caught off guard by the sincerity in his words. She quickly turned away, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks, a mixture of shyness and happiness swirling within, her nervous smile widening. "It's nothing," she assured him while scratching her cheek, her gaze shifting to the ground momentarily, finding the woodcraft ship quite fascinating. Is it made of mahogany? "Just friends helping each other out when they need it the most. Isn't that what friends are for?" Charlie was glad that her hair was covering the side of her face.
'...God, is this awkward.' Charlie thought to herself.
Finally, Michael rose to his feet, pivoting to face Charlie, a gentle expression on his face as he made a suggestion. "I think it's time for us to go. They've likely waited long enough," he proposed, his voice calm and considerate.
Charlie nodded in agreement. She watched Michael with a hint of surprise in her eyes as he extended his arm towards her. Without a word, she reached out and clasped his offered hand, and with a pull, Michael pulled her up from the cold, hard wooden floor. With his help, she was back at her feet.
As they stood side by side, their hands briefly intertwined, Charlie began making her way back while pulling Michael along with her. However, she felt his grip on her hand tighten, prompting her to look back at him, a hint of confusion in her expression. Sensing something was amiss, she inquired, her voice filled with genuine concern. "Something wrong, Mike?"
"Shoot... What am I going to do?" he lamented. Charlie tilted her head in confusion. "Do what?" she questioned with a hint or curiosity.
Michael's eyes met hers, his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil, before continuing, "What am I going to tell them? It's just going to be so awkward..." He let his words trail off, a sense of frustration hanging in the air.
Charlie raised an eyebrow at him. "Mike, you could just tell them you needed to use the bathroom." Michael shook his head. "No, that wouldn't be enough," He said. "I need to give them a plausible answer. Something that would change the subject. Something…bizarre."
Charlie's ears perked up at the mention of 'bizzare'. It was as if an invisible hand pulled the corners of her lips upward into an impish expression, reminiscent of a certain green, holiday-hating character. It sparked an idea in her, like a light bulb flickering to life above her head, just like had seen in cartoons. She rubbed her hands together while giggling.
Michael blinked multiple times before rubbing his eyes. Did he just see the Grinch within her? Not only that, that expression on her face…that's the expression of someone hatching a devious scheme. He knew from experience.
As a mischievous grin spread across Charlie's face, a glimmer of an idea taking shape. "I have a plan. The greatest plan," she announced, her tone filled with a sly and a playful spark. She turned to face Michael fully, anticipation dancing in her eyes.
"Oh no, I don't like the sound of this," Michael protested, taking a cautious step back.
Charlie's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned in, clasping her hands with his. "Trust me, it's going to be legendary," she assured him, her mischievous grin somehow widening. "Just trust me and remember these lines," she explained, her voice low as she leaned in close, whispering the plan into his ear..
…
Michael backed away, raising his hands defensively. "Yeah, no. There's no way I'm saying that." He said.
"Huh why not?!" Charlie replied, knowing full well why.
"I'll just embarrass myself!" Michael protested.
"Oh, come on, it isn't that bad." Charlie shot back, a small grin tugging her lips. Michael furrowed his brows. "Keep your dorky stuff to yourself, you dork" He said.
Charlie rolled her eyes. "Sure, I am a dork. And you're the grouchy one." She shot back.
Michael was taken aback at her comment. "I'm not grouchy!"
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"
"...Alright, I guess I'm a little grouchy." Michael confessed. Charlie's smile returned. "Does that mean you'll do it?" She asked.
Michael sighed. "Yeah, fine… I'll follow your stupid plan," he said, already regretting this.
Charlie's eyes lit up with excitement. She wrapped her arms around Michael in a sudden, excited hug, squeezing him tightly.
Michael patted her in the back. 'God, what am I throwing myself into?'
…
The rest of the group sat in an uncomfortable silence, their anticipation hanging in the air like a heavy fog. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as they awaited the return of Michael and Charlie.
Elizabeth, unable to bear the silence any longer, chose to break it "So... it's been quite a while since Charlie went to get Mike," she ventured, her words trailing off, a hint of worry tingling her tone.
Henry, casting a reassuring glance at Elizabeth, chimed in to ease the growing unease. "Don't worry, they should be back any moment now," he reassured, waving his hand dismissively, his attempt at calming the restless atmosphere.
"..."
Silence continued to fill the room, each member of the group lost in their own thoughts, their eyes darting around in search of any sign of their returning companions.
Then, the sound of approaching light footsteps broke through the stifling quietness, drawing the attention of everyone present. Michael and Charlie finally emerged, their arrival accompanied by an unexpected sight. Charlie, with a smile, was seen dragging an annoyed Michael behind her.
"Mikey, are you alright?" Evan asked, her concern evident in her eyes as she studied him intently. Everyone else is doing the same.
Henry chimed in, a mixture of relief and mild reproach in his voice. "Yeah, you really had us worried there," he said, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.
Michael's father, William, observed his son silently, awaiting his response, his eyes reflecting a look of relief.
Michael glanced at Charlie, who gave him the thumbs up and had a toothy smile on her lips. He sighed before grinning. "Yeah, I'm fine. In fact, I feel completely refreshed! Like it's just New Year's morning, after I just put on a fresh pair of underwear." He said, striking an exaggerated pose with one hand on his hip, looking overly dramatic.
…Cough*
The group exchanged puzzled glances, their expression a canvas of bewilderment. They were confused. Confused in Michael's choice of words and that ridiculous pose. They eventually shrugged, accepting it as his peculiar way of expressing his newfound optimism and well-being. However, that didn't stop them from giving Michael a quizzical stare.
Elizabeth pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head in disappointment, followed by a small snort.
Michael felt his cheeks turn heat up by their stares and immediately regretted ever trusting Charlie. But hey, at least it worked, no one's asking him questions!
However, Charlie's reaction to Michael's statement was quite different from the rest. As she settled back into her seat next to her father, Henry, her body quivered with suppressed laughter. She was snickering and covered her mouth with the palm of her hand as she bit her lips, desperately trying to stifle the laughter threatening to burst out.
Henry couldn't help but notice his daughter's unusual behaviour, his concern flickering in his eyes. "Charlotte, is something the matter?" he inquired, his voice laced with parental worry.
Charlie shook her head, her voice quivering with suppressed laughter. "N-No, Dad, everything's... great." she managed to say between stifled snorts.
Henry continued to gaze at his daughter, his confusion growing, but ultimately decided to let it go for the moment. His attention was instead directed towards Michael, but then back to his daughter, giving them both a quizzical look. However, his mind still lingered on Charlie's reaction. 'What on earth happened when they both left?' he wondered, silently pondering their exchange.
As Charlie's gaze remained fixed on Michael, who was engaged in a conversation with Elizabeth, her internal laughter intensified. 'I can't believe he actually said it!" she thought, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Mike went back to his original position, sitting between his two siblings, Elizabeth and Evan.
Evan glanced at his older brother before asking, "Mikey, are you really okay?" He asked, worry evident in his voice.
Mike turned to face his younger brother. "Hm? Yeah, I feel much better. Just needed to use the loo." He lied through his teeth.
Mike could feel something drilling through the back of his head. Instinctively, he turned around to see his younger sister, Elizabeth staring right through him, her glare making him feel uneasy. They continued staring at each other's eyes before Elizabeth sighed.
"Mike, you know I'm not dumb, right? After this, you're telling me what's wrong, whether you like it or not." She whispered. Michael nodded. 'She really is stubborn.'
"Anyways, don't do that ever again! You really had me worried…" Elizabeth quietly exclaimed, playfully punching him on the shoulder.
Michael smirked. "Aw, you were worried about me?" he teased.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and huffed, "Now I see that was a mistake!"
…
Suddenly, a realisation dawned upon Charlie, who seemed to have calmed down. The realisation caused her to mutter her thoughts aloud. "Wait... how come I didn't realise it sooner..." Her words hung in the air, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. Curiosity sparked within their gazes, and Henry couldn't help but voice the question that lingered in the collective mind.
"What is it?" Henry inquired, his voice filled with anticipation and curiosity.
Charlie's eyes widened as she connected the dots, her finger pointing towards the large, futuristic TV screen that seemed conspicuously out of place in the '80s setting.
"Well… every time we talk or do anything, the screen pauses by itself! Isn't that weird?" Charlie exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of astonishment and shock.
'…'
"Wow, Charlie, what a bloody discovery. Allow me to call the local news!" Michael teased.
"Charlotte... did you just figure it out?" William questioned, giving her a look that said, 'What? Are you stupid?
…
"Let's just continue…" Charlie murmured, a hint of embarrassment colouring her voice.
As the group gathered their attention back to the screen, a palpable tension hung in the air as they remembered the situation Michael was in.
Michael felt his heart race as he checked the time on his watch, desperately hoping that he had read it wrong. But as the seconds ticked by, his worst fears were confirmed.
Michael felt his unease returning. Noticing this, Elizabeth instinctively reached out, her hand finding his and providing a comforting grip. She glanced at him and gave him a look that said, 'I'm only doing this once.' A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. 'Oh, she noticed too.' He thought. His gaze shifted towards Charlie, who seemed to have already picked up on his distress. He met her concerned eyes and offered a reassuring thumbs up, silently conveying his gratitude for her understanding.
Handy Unit: Rest assured that you will be promptly rescued, fired, then sent home. Thank you for being an employee. We hope that your experience has not been as regrettable as ours.
Elizabeth couldn't help but scoff and roll her eyes. "What an absolute arse," she muttered. She clears her throat and goes on to mock him, one of her arms in the air, while the other tightening her grip on Michael. "Ahem, 'We hope your experience has not been as regrettable as ours!' The only regrettable thing here is your very existence!"
Charlie whistles, 'Oh, damn…that was harsh.'
As Handy Unit's voice echoed through the screen, Michael felt a heavy weight lift off his shoulders as he heard the news that his future self was going to be fired. He had been watching his future self work in this dangerous place for hours, praying that nothing bad would happen. He's been on edge ever since the first night when Handy Unit instructed his future self to shock the robots. Ever since the 2nd night, the fear and anxiety had been bearing down on him, making it hard for him to fully relax, but now, with those words, a sense of relief washed over him like a tidal wave.
Mike let out a long sigh of relief, feeling as though a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He had been so worried about his future self, scared that he would have to watch himself get hurt, or worse die in that hellish job. But now, he knew he would be rescued, thankfully fired, and finally sent home. Finally, He could finally leave this place behind forever and never return.
The thought of his future self finally being free brought a small smile to his face. He knows that his future self had been through so much ever since he started this job, fighting for survival every night, and he couldn't wait to watch him be done with it and finally leave. As he looked at the large screen, he couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. He just needed to stay put till 6AM.
The tension that had been building inside of him for hours finally started to dissipate, leaving him feeling a bit light-headed and slightly dizzy, to which he can only guess as stress.
"Thank god…" he breathed out, his voice barely audible due to Charlie's exultant cheering. He couldn't help but smile at her antics, feeling grateful for her support. He briefly locked eyes with her, to which she gave him a warm smile.
For the first time since he had been summoned to this place by Old Man Consequences, or what he liked to call him, 'Old Man'. He finally felt his body relax, closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath before exhaling. The weight of his anxiety lifted off his shoulders, and felt a slight sense of calm wash over him. But then a nagging thought crept into his mind: 'What if something happened to him before he was rescued?' He couldn't help but think. He quickly shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside. Nothing bad is going to happen to him… right?
-Charlie's POV
Charlie's mind raced as Handy Unit's voice echoed through her head, announcing the news of Michael's impending rescue and firing. She couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions flood through her. Relief and joy washed over her in waves, quickly dissipating the fear and worry that had been building up inside of her ever since Michael's second night on the job. After everything that happened, he was finally leaving Circus Baby's Entertainment and Rental and never coming back! She felt her body go light as a feather as the heavy burden of worry and fear that had been weighing her down was finally lifted.
Memories of Michael's past nights played in her head like a movie reel. She could vividly recall Circus Baby's ominous warning to Michael, cautioning him to crawl through Ballora Gallery with utmost care and not listen to Handy Units instructions or he would…die. She doesn't want to know what would've happened if he didn't listen to her warning.
The memory of Funtime Foxy's attack on Michael still sent shivers down her spine. She remembered how the screen had gone static, and at that time she was convinced that something terrible had happened to him. The thought of losing him to those robots was too much for her to handle, and she had almost broken down in rivers of tears. But to her immense relief, the screen had relit, and after a weird 'dream', she had discovered that Circus Baby had somehow managed to save him by hiding him inside an old Spring Lock suit.
However, it turned out that Michael's breathing and shaking was causing the Spring Locks to slowly loosen, which could end his life. The image of Michael desperately winding up the Spring Locks while the Minireenas crawled inside his suit was burned into her mind. She would never forget how his face contorted in pain as the cold metal blades pierced into his skin, slowly pushing further into his skin which caused his desperation to increase, as he tried to save himself from a slow, painful death. She longed to rush to his aid, even if she knew that it was impossible. Watching the blades pierce into his arms had caused her to tear up, and she was desperately trying to not break down. It was just a matter of time before he got crushed. She just had to wait for a security guard, anyone to save him. Thankfully, a security guard had come to his rescue, and she had never been more grateful in her life. The relief that flooded her was overwhelming, and she had to hold in the urge to run and give Mike a bone crushing hug, which she will do later.
Finally, she pushed those painful memories aside and allowed herself to bask in the present moment. Michael was leaving, and nothing could stop her from feeling ecstatic about it. She was elated, relieved, and overjoyed all at once. Without a second thought, she leaped off the couch and stood on top of it, her feet sinking into the soft cushions, and began to cheer with unbridled enthusiasm.
"Woo-hoo! Yes! That's what I've been waiting for!" She exclaimed, her voice ringing throughout the room, as she thrust her arms high into the air, her smile beaming with excitement.
As Charlie's cheering died down, she felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over her. She could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on her, but then her eyes met Michael's, who had an amused look on his face and couldn't help but smile back at him. Charlie mentally breathed a sigh of relief as she noticed that Mike was doing much better than before, how scared and stressed he was as he continued watching his future self's shenanigans. She knew it was a heavy burden to bear, trying to keep calm, and she couldn't help but feel relieved that he wasn't forcing a smile anymore. But her moment of elation was short-lived, as her father's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Charlie, for the love of god, would you please sit down!?" Henry whispered with a hint of exasperation, gesturing to the spot where her feet were firmly sinking on the couch.
Charlie huffed in annoyance, but obliged her father's request, sinking back onto the couch with an embarrassed smile. She knew she could get carried away sometimes, but this was an exception. Though, it was a pretty embarrassing moment….
Henry's POV
Henry shook his head at his daughter's antics, but couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped his lips. He was grateful for Michael's safety, but also for Charlie's spirit and enthusiasm. She reminded him so much of her mother, and he was proud of the young woman she had become.
Henry couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him as Michael was finally leaving that dangerous place. Speaking of that place, he glanced over to William who seemed lost in thought, likely still processing everything that had happened. Henry couldn't help but feel slightly suspicious of what William had created. While he knew that William was smart, very smart and had a knack for sneaky behaviour, Henry couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more going on with him. He remembered their first meeting and how William had seemed to harbour a grudge against him, likely due to the fact that Henry's establishment caused his own to be bankrupt. Despite their rocky start, Henry quickly saw the potential in William for robotics and had decided to partner with him to create Fredbear's Family Diner. However, as time went on, he couldn't help but notice that William's advancements in robotics had far surpassed his own. It was clear that William was always looking to push the boundaries and explore new avenues, even if it meant going against their traditional animatronics. Now, William was planning on creating his own restaurant, but now that they saw how that turned out, he couldn't help but wonder what the hell happened that made his robots sentient, especially that Circus Baby, she had always been the most suspicious, ever since Michael's second night. It's like she's always planning and thinking. He knew that he wasn't the only one as his daughter, Charlie, seemed to have thought the same. Even William seemed suspicious of his own creations. Even his kids know! 'Just what on earth happened? I hope they at least give us some kind of explanation.' He couldn't help but think.
Willam's POV
William's mind buzzed with a whirlwind of thoughts and theories, his gaze fixed on the unfolding scenes playing out on the screen before him. The enigmatic nature of his creations, their underlying sentience, fueled his curiosity, and he couldn't help but ponder the intricacies of their behaviour. 'Just what's wrong with my creations? They've been acting weirder every night!' he thought to himself, his brow furrowing with a mix of intrigue and concern. 'Did the AI go rogue?'
The thought of Circus Baby, in particular, gave him a sense of unease. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was planning something. 'Good thing Michael didn't follow her instructions as god knows what could have happened.' William thought. The potential consequences of blindly obeying her commands loomed ominously in his thoughts.
Yet, it wasn't solely based on concrete evidence or logical deduction. It was a gut feeling, an intuitive sense that something fishy was going on. Despite lacking tangible proof, William's instincts had guided him through countless problems before.
As he looked around the room, his attention was drawn to his children - Michael, Elizabeth, and Evan. Elizabeth and Evan seemed ecstatic about the news of Mike's futureself being fired, and William couldn't help but smile as they hugged their brother. Mike, on the other hand, seemed annoyed. William couldn't blame him as he was practically getting squeezed from both sides. As William continued observing his children, a thought suddenly crept into his mind. 'Just when did Mike allow people to show him affection?' He pondered. It wasn't that Michael was uncomfortable with displays of emotion or physical touch. It was only because he thinks that it's, 'too childish for him'. William knew he hadn't been spending a lot of time at home and could have missed some changes in his children's lives. He couldn't help but feel a slight pang of guilt in chest.
As he turned back to the screen, William couldn't shake off the feeling that this was just the beginning of something bigger, something far from the end.
….
As the words of Handy Unit echoed through his mind, he couldn't help but feel sad, knowing he won't be able to find out what happened to his younger sister, Elizabeth. All he knows is just that she suddenly went 'missing' a couple years ago and how his father, who he hasn't seen in a while, told him that she was here. He told him to put her back together. Whatever that means.
After what seemed like an eternity, Michael finally decided to get to his feet and started examining the unfamiliar room for something he could do, or atleast find where he was. The first thing that struck him was how small and dimly lit the room was, as if the light bulb hadn't been replaced in ages. The confined space made him feel increasingly claustrophobic, especially with the maze of pipes crisscrossing the walls. His gaze swept across the room, quickly noticing the two large openings on each side, resembling missing doors. Above the dusty monitors, an open vent hung which was pretty suspicious. The numerous points of entry left him with a sense of vulnerability, as if anything could pop up at any moment.
"Well, that's an interesting design choice," Henry muttered, his voice tinged with confusion.
There were red-square shaped buttons beside both of the doors, curiosity taking over his mind, he hesitantly pressed it, causing a loud a bang that slightly shook the room and startled Michael.
The group all jumped in surprise as the loud unexpected sound was heard. It sounded like something heavy making contact with concrete.
As Michael got his bearings, he looked over to the door and realised it was now… closed? There was a grey coloured door with a yellow and black caution tape wrapped on the top.
The group sat there shocked at the scene that had just transpired.
"Why on earth would someone install something like that? It looks very dangerous! What if someone was standing there?!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"It's like it was installed to prevent anything from entering…" Charlie said, her words trailing off.
William curiously watched the door on the screen. 'Why would I ever install something like that? Wouldn't a door just be fine?' He thought.
'William… just what is your future self thinking?' Henry thought, getting more suspicious at him.
Michael hesitantly pressed the button again, causing the door to go back up.
"Huh…" Mike muttered.
Michael glanced at the open vent and found that it also had the same button. 'Just what are those used for?' He thought.
On the wall, a faded poster of Circus Baby and a visible Bidybab caught Michael's attention. The word 'Celebrate!' adorned the poster. He just thought they looked creepy, adding an eerie touch to the room. Beside the poster was a keypad which puzzled him, but he decided against tampering with it. A speaker mounted on the top corner of the keypad, likely serving as the source of Handy Unit's voice. Directly in front of him, a desk held a still-operating fan that was still humming.
"Strange... Was someone here not too long ago?" Michael wondered aloud, his thoughts lingering on the possibility.
"I highly doubt that. This place looks like it hasn't been touched in a while," William commented, breaking his long silence.
Mike was taken aback by his father's sudden remark as he hasn't commented on anything for a while.
In addition to the fan, the cluttered table held a peculiar assortment of objects. There were three small monitors flickering with static, while an abandoned empty soda cup, veiled in a thick layer of dust, sat idly and several crumpled pieces of paper sat across the desk. Amidst the chaos, Michael's attention was drawn to a computer sitting on the desk. Filled with curiosity, he pressed the power button and was surprised at the swift response. As the screen flickered to life, he realised immediately that it was a security system, displaying a grid of seven camera locations both outside his room and inside the vents.
Recognition dawned upon Henry as he voiced his observation. "Oh, so he's in the security room," he stated, his tone filled with a mix of realisation and curiosity.
Mike's brows furrowed in confusion as he voiced his query. "But where's the security guard?" he pondered aloud, his words hanging in the air, awaiting an answer.
As Michael's eyes scanned the screen, he noticed that the screen displayed his power usage and his remaining power, which was at 99%. Realising that the computer was consuming power, he swiftly powered off the computer.
In the corner of his eye, a familiar sight caught his attention—a worn and old yellow Fredbear plush that had a walkie-talkie in its lap.
Evan's voice broke the short silence, his finger pointing towards the screen. "Hey... isn't that mine?" he questioned, his tone filled with surprise and confusion.
Elizabeth's reply carried a hint of doubt. "Are you certain? It could just be another Fredbear plushie," she responded, her uncertainty mirrored by the furrow in her brow.
With a mix of trepidation and anticipation, Michael slowly reached for the yellow worn out Fredbear plush, his hands trembling. As he held it in his arms, his fingers traced the worn fabric. revealing a familiar bold blue 'E' markered on its belly, causing his eyes to widen in recognition.
"It is mine!" Evan exclaimed, his voice laced with bewilderment. "But... what is it doing there?" he pondered aloud, his confusion evident in his voice.
That was a question that no one had an answer to.
"Hey... is Michael alright?" Charlie suddenly interjected, her voice filled with genuine concern and her words edged with worry.
All eyes turned towards the screen, where they were met with the sight of tears streaming down Michael's cheeks—a poignant display of emotions that left the group startled and concerned.
'Wh-What? Why is my future self crying?!' Mike's inner voice screamed, shock etched upon his face. 'D-Did something happen to Evan?!' His thoughts raced, desperate for answers.
Gently holding the plush, Michael's fingers instinctively squeezed, careful not to damage the precious memento any further. The layers of dust that adorned the plush spoke volumes, indicating the amount of time it was there.
The group remained fixated on Michael's actions, their gazes shifting between confusion and concern, trying to make sense of his bewildering behaviour.
Wiping away the stray tears with his free hand, Michael spoke in a hushed tone, his voice laden with a mixture of longing and revelation. "So, this is where you've been all along..." he muttered.
The group exchanged puzzled glances, each person grappling with their own questions.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Elizabeth inquired, her tone tinged with a mix of curiosity and confusion. "It isn't everyday that you see Mike cry."
Evan chimed in, offering a possible explanation. "Maybe I misplaced it, and Michael stumbled upon it?" he suggested.
"That doesn't explain the crying part and why it was hidden there in the first place!" Elizabeth retorted, her words echoing the unspoken concern shared by the group.
Henry's voice joined the discussion, his mind delving into the realms of possibility. "Could something have happened to Evan in the future?" he pondered aloud, his tone heavy with apprehension.
Charlie's mind raced, memories resurfacing as she recalled her father's words and the cryptic "dream" Michael had experienced after the encounter with Funtime Foxy. Doubts began to creep in, questioning the validity of that dream. 'Could there be some truth to it? Did something truly happen to Evan?' she wondered, her thoughts clouded with uncertainty.
"N-No, I'm sure everything is okay!" Charlie responded, her voice laced with conviction. In truth, she had her doubts, but the last thing she wants now is a panicking Mike as it would worsen the situation. She isn't even sure what they saw in that 'dream' as they could only hear screams and laughter mixed with Fredbear and Spring-Bonnie's performance. There were truths to be uncovered, but they needed evidence to back it up and a rational approach to navigate the 'storm' that laid ahead.
They watched as Michael traced his fingers against the fabric with a teary smile on his face. With the plush still clutched in his hand, he reached into his pocket and retrieved his keychain, carefully locking the plush to it. As he did so, a small slip of paper fluttered to the floor, catching his attention. "Was this stuck to the Fredbear plushie?" he mused silently.
DON'T FORGET. 1983.
Upon closer inspection, Michael read the words scrawled on the paper: "DON'T FORGET. 1983." His eyebrows furrowed, his eyes widening in realisation, and he released a shallow breath.
The group continued watching Michael's weird behaviour. They watched as Michael froze in his place for a while before lifting his head.
"There is no doubt that you were here, Father." Michael said, gripping the note.
This left the group confused.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Elizabeth asked.
Mike shrugged.
Michael continued staring at the note before his eyes trailed back to the keypad. He moved towards the keypad, the note still in his hand. Slowly, he inputted, 1-9-8-3.
Suddenly, to Michael and the group's surprise, the 3 small monitors that were displaying static, changed into three locations that both Michael's were already too familiar with.
"I-Is that my bedroom?!" Mike exclaimed in shock. He wasn't expecting any of this.
"O-Okay, this is getting creepy." Elizabeth said, shuddering at the thought of someone spying on her while she's asleep.
William stared at the screen in shock. 'Did I hide cameras in his son's room? Why would I ever do something like that?!' He thought, completely lost, why his future self would do something like that.
Henry stared at William suspiciously. 'There isn't anyone else who would be able to place cameras in Mike's room except William. Did something happen that made William do that?' Henry thought.
Michael stared at the three monitors in shock. He knew those 3 camera positions too well, that's the reason now he sleeps on the couch. He had too many bad memories in that room.
Michael gripped his chest, feeling his heartbeat increasing rapidly, his breathing becoming more erratic. As much as he deserved those nightmares, he doesn't want to remember them.
The group watched as Michael began panicking, concern etched their faces.
'Just what is wrong with future Mike? Why is he acting so… weird?!' Charlie thought, with a face mixed with concern and confusion.
Michael began taking deep breaths, trying to calm down. As he finally calmed down, his mind went towards his father.
"I really don't know anything about my father, do I?"Michael muttered, a depressed smile on his face.
'I don't know anything about my father…?' Mike repeated the words his future self said. He glanced at his father, WIlliam, who seemed to be deep in thought.
Michael spotted a drawer on the table. As he opened it, there were pieces of paper that looked like blueprints. However, Michael's introspection was abruptly interrupted by the sound of metal wires being dragged. He froze, his body tensed, listening intently as the sound repeated. His eyes darted to the nearby computer, and he rushed to power it on. Frantically navigating through the camera feeds, he searched for the source of the ominous sound, clicking randomly until he reached camera 7. What he saw on the screen made him freeze in horror.
Before him stood a towering figure, its body was a disfigured and a grotesque amalgamation of springs, tubes, metal parts, and protruding wires. A creepy clown mask adorned its disfigured face, complete with a vertical striped yellow and green party hat. Its chest bore a red button, while its body was covered with loose, menacing wires—an entangled nightmare brought to life. Basically, it was a tangled mess of large, thick sharp wires
"W-What the hell is that?!" Charlie exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and concern.
"I...I have no idea," William stammered, unable to find words to describe the abomination displayed on the screen, his mind reeling with shock and confusion. 'I never built this! Just what is that!'
"A-Are t-those eyes on its b-body?" Evan stammered, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and worry.
The group remained transfixed, their eyes locked on the screen, witnessing the surreal and unsettling sight before them.
Henry, noticing the eyes on its body, placed a hand over his mouth, his voice choked with disbelief. "Dear God...what on earth is happening?" he whispered, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon him.
Mike was terrified. 'No, no, no, no! Please tell me this isn't happening….'
Elizabeth's eyes widened in disbelief, her breath catching in her throat as she beheld the grotesque spectacle before her. It was beyond comprehension, an abomination that defied logic and reason. And the mask… it's the same one that was always in the room when Michael starts a shift… how did it get it…?
Terror gripped Michael's heart like icy tendrils, threatening to squeeze the breath from his lungs. A mix of panic and fear flooded his mind as he continued staring at the camera. "W-What the fuck is that?!" Michael silently said, his voice barely a whisper in the suffocating atmosphere of the room.
His trembling hands clutched onto the edge of the table for support, his knuckles turning white as his grip tightened involuntarily. Beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead, tracing a path down his pallid face, mirroring the chill that ran through his veins.
Every fibre of his being recoiled in terror, the adrenaline coursing through his veins heightening the intensity of his fear. The air seemed to grow heavy with an otherworldly presence as the wire-infested abomination slowly pivoted to face the camera, its movement disturbingly deliberate. With slowness, its mask split open, revealing a sight that defied all sense of normality. Its face was a grotesque tapestry of wires jutting out from its mouth, like a morbid bouquet of twisted metal. They writhed and intertwined, lending an eerie sentience to the abomination's visage. Its malevolent smile stretched unnaturally across its face, its human-like contours contorted into a nightmarish semblance of joy. Jagged, razor-sharp teeth emerged from its distorted metallic gums, glinting ominously in the dim light. The metallic sheen of its gums added a surreal touch, like it's attempting to look more human. One eye held a sinister glare, brimming with a malicious intelligence that seemed to penetrate his very soul. The other eye, dislodged from its rightful place, dangled loosely by a tangle of wires, creating an unsettling imbalance to its already nightmarish appearance.
Michael's body recoiled instinctively, a wave of fear crashing over him as he slowly stumbled backward, his back colliding with the cold metal wall. The weight of the moment pressed upon him, his mind struggling to comprehend the horrifying reality unfolding before his eyes. "No... this can't be happening," Michael muttered, his voice strained with disbelief and a hint of desperation.
His breathing grew more erratic, as if the room was starved of oxygen. His trembling hand instinctively clutched his chest, feeling his racing heart thumping against his ribcage like a captive beast desperately seeking escape. The erratic rhythm echoed through his fingertips, a physical manifestation of the terror coursing through his veins. "Calm down, Michael…it's not as scary as it seems. Just take a deep breath and calm down. It's not as daunting as you think…" he murmured to himself.
Evan's eyes widened in recognition. Those are the very words Michael whispers to him during nightmares or at the Diner whenever he gets scared. He reached for his brother's hand, giving it a tight squeeze. He realised how cold Michael's hand was. It's not everyday that you see Evan's brother show genuine fear. In his eyes, Michael Afton is fearless. He'd always jump in situations without a second thought. Like when he was getting bullied by the older students. Michael appeared and attempted to fight them all on his own.
Suddenly, to Michael's complete shock, the computer screen showed static, causing him panic even more. He frantically ran back to the computer, tripping and almost slamming his head across the desk but he quickly placed his hand on the table, catching himself. When his eyes landed on the computer screen, the static was gone, replaced by a live feed of the room. However, the twisted monstrosity of wires and metal was nowhere to be seen.
The group remained hushed, their collective gaze transfixed on the screen, their expressions a mix of worry, concern, and fear. Charlie was biting his thumb nervously, her eyes locked on Michael . William's grip on the couch tightened, his knuckles turning white as he braced on the scene unfolding. Silence enveloped them all, broken only by the sounds of their own shallow breaths, the tension in the room palpable.
With trembling hands, Michael gripped the mouse, navigating through the cameras, missing some buttons on the screen due to the uncontrollable tremors. Finally, he landed on Cam 02, and a surge of terror surged through his veins. There it stood, the tangled wire abomination, a menacing figure lurking just outside his door, like it was biding its time for a chance to strike.
Baby: "Why didn't you trust me?"
A shuddering breath caught Michael's throat. That was Baby's voice, so he was really set up. He felt like he was punched in his chest, forcibly removing all the oxygen from his lungs. He couldn't breath, he couldn't move. A surge of panic overwhelmed him, rendering his body immobile, his legs quivering beneath him. He stood there, trapped in the vice grip of fear, unable to move.
Abruptly, a chilling sound pierced the air, sending shivers down Michael's spine that pulled him back to reality. It was like a slithering noise, the sickening scrape of metal wires dragging themselves across the floor. He stared at the computer screen and what he saw almost caused him to faint. Panic surged within him as he tore his gaze away from the computer screen and to the door towards his right. Dread gripped his heart as he realised that IT was just outside his right door, watching him and probably staring at him.
His head turned slowly, almost reluctantly, towards the darkness that lay beyond the threshold. The pitch-black void seemed to swallow any trace of light, leaving only a suffocating sense of foreboding. His eyes fixated on the bright square red button, an instinctive surge of urgency compelling him to act fast. He leaped towards it, his fist colliding with the button in a violent motion.
A jarring siren pierced the silence as the massive door descended, colliding with the floor, causing the small room to tremble at its force. A sense of temporary relief washed over Michael as he witnessed the colossal metal door blocking his view of the pitch-black corridor, separating him from the lurking threat. The room was bathed in the pulsating glow of red lights, casting eerie shadows that danced upon the walls.
However, any security he felt quickly vanished as a cacophony of scratching noises assaulted his ears from the other side of the metal door. The sound intensified, eventually escalating into a relentless pounding that reverberated through the room. Suddenly, the pounding stopped and a voice was heard past the door.
Baby: "Why didn't you believe me...?"
Michael instinctively took a step back, his heart still racing.
Michael backed away slightly, trying to calm himself down. After a while, there was a very loud pound on the door. However, it was then followed by a series of fading scrapes, as if the entity that lurked beyond the door was retreating.
Only when the silence returned did Michael muster the courage to move. He rushed towards the computer console. FIngers trembling, he switched it on, the screen flickering to life, revealing a seemingly empty East hall. A sigh of relief escaped his lips, but his relief was short-lived. His eyes fell upon the power indicator, and his heart sank. The once 99% had dwindled down to 92% within just a couple of minutes. Confusion clouded his thoughts, his mind grappling to comprehend the alarming rate of power consumption.
"W-What?! How did it decrease so fast?!" Elizabeth exclaimed, her unoccupied hand on top of her head. "He just checked the cameras and closed the door!"
Elizabeth's exclamation pierced the air, mirroring the shock that reverberated within them all.
Michael's widened eyes landed on the power usage which was at 2 bars. Staring at the door and the computer, he put two to two together. Re-checking the camera once again, he rushed to his left door and pressed the red button, causing the door to ascend in just a blink of an eye. Checking the computer console again, the power usage was back to one bar. 'Oh, closing the doors causes the power to decrease…. That doesn't make any sense! It should be the opposite!'
"Why would closing the door require power?" Charlie asked, confusion in her voice.
Henry turned to face his daughter, Charlie. "Well… maybe because it was programmed to check if the doors were closed or not. Or maybe it's a security flaw…." Henry turned to his business partner, who didn't appear to be doing so good. "What do you think, William?"
William, whose eyes were still fixated on the screen, offered an explanation without tearing his gaze away. "It's not a security flaw…. I would never allow such a thing with my name on it to have such oversight. It's more likely a fail-safe measure in case of a power outage so that a person wouldn't be stuck there. If that ever happens, the doors would automatically open using whatever remaining power is available. …Anyway that's what I would do
Charlie tapped her chin thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. "I guess that does make sense."
Elizabeth, frustration lacing her voice, chimed in. "If that's the case, why wouldn't they use a more reliable generator? It's like the doors are running on batteries!"
Charlie sighed, her arms folding across her chest. "We've discussed this before. They simply don't care about their employees' safety."
"What would happen if the power ran out?" Evan asked, his grip on Michael tightening.
Elizabeth looked down towards her younger brother. "Well… it's probably just like what father said. The doors would automatically open."
Evan sat up straighter, concern evident in his eyes. "B-But Wouldn't that allow the monster to enter and hurt Mikey…."
A chilling silence descended upon the room as the gravity of Evan's question sank in. Tension filled the air, each person grappling with the haunting possibility that loomed before them.
In a hushed tone, Mike broke the suffocating silence that had settled in the room. "Can we just continue... please?"
Michael anxiously flipped through each camera feed, desperately scouring through them for any trace of that... abomination. His eyes darted back and forth, his mind racing with a mix of determination and trepidation.
Baby: "Sometimes I don't understand why people do the things that they do…"
As Circus Baby's voice echoed through the hallways, a shiver ran down Michael's spine. The haunting words only fueled his panic to locate IT's location. His hands moved with a sense of urgency across the mouse, navigating the camera system in a frantic pursuit. Yet, despite his efforts, the screen remained devoid of any visible presence. "Where are you… where are you!" He muttered, his voice trembling with a tinge of panic that he couldn't control.
Elizabeth's growing worry broke the tense silence once again. "Why isn't it anywhere on the cameras?" Her voice held a tinge of desperation, a reflection of the concern she felt for her older brother's future self.
Henry's eeriness mirrored Elizabeth's, his voice laced with a touch of unease. "I think it's hiding in a blind spot, somewhere outside the reach of the cameras. It's like it knows how to evade detection."
"This confirms that the robots have a mind of their own, or they're super high tech. Although, I must say, Circus Baby appears to be the most sentient among them," Charlie remarked, her voice filled with concern. This was something that's been bothering her from the very beginning.
Charlie's mind wandered back to the moment when Circus Baby was leading Michael to the scooping room, and a nagging question gripped her. 'Why was Baby leading him there? Was she planning on doing something to him?' Her thoughts spiralled, and then, without warning, a horrifying image flashed in her mind. The image of Michael getting scooped, his organs being forcibly ripped away from his body. A gasp escaped her lips as she instinctively covered her mouth in sheer horror, her eyes wide open. It was terrifying, the mere thought of it sent a torrent of emotions surging through her body. She shook her head in disbelief, a flicker of betrayal coursing through her. How could such a thought have managed to slip into her mind? Glancing at Mike, Charlie couldn't help but notice the subtle signs of his unease. Despite his attempts to appear composed, she noticed the nervous tapping of his leg against the floor, a telltale sign of his underlying anxiety. It was clear to her that he carried a weight of fear and worry for his future self's well-being. Elizabeth, ever observant, had seemed to have noticed his discomfort and kept her hand placed over his, either as a reassurance or perhaps it had been there all along.
Michael's eyes darted to his wrist, checking the time displayed on his watch. It read 1 AM, and a sense of unease settled upon him. "Great, five more hours left to endure," he muttered under his breath.
Baby: "I thought you liked me…"
The haunting voice of Baby's reverberated through the pitch-black halls, each time intensifying his growing stress, he was beginning to stress out. Not to mention the uncertainty of her whereabouts sent his anxiety levels skyrocketing, the unknown adding fuel to his already frazzled nerves. However, a nagging question lingered in his mind, refusing to be ignored any longer. "Just where is Baby? Could she be that abomination of wires?" he pondered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Elizabeth's curiosity broke through the tense atmosphere. "So, that's what Baby looks like underneath the suit?" she asked, curiosity filling her voice.
Charlie joined in, noticing the distinct differences from the endoskeleton they saw before and the ones she encountered her father working on. "Now you mention it, it looks different from any of the animatronic skeletons I've seen before," she remarked, questioning their unique design.
"Well, of course because it's MY design. It allows the animatronics to be more flexible, their movements more fluid." William answered, his voice filled with pride.
"Then why don't you use them in the diner?" Elizabeth asked.
William glanced at his daughter before turning to Henry, his expression mixed with frustration and annoyance. "I would use them if someone allowed me to," he retorted, a hint of resentment tainting his words.
"William, I told you that because there isn't enough time for that! It's a big project and we still have a lot of other things to do!" Henry interjected.
William scoffed and rolled his eyes, a silent display of his annoyance. He doesn't want to admit it, but he agrees with him. He has been immersed in his work for quite some time now that he isn't home often, and when he is, he just goes to his office and stays there for the whole day, working on the challenges Henry throws at him. That's the reason his wife left him.
"Guys… can we please continue…?" MIke asked, his voice still quiet.
The frowns etched on the faces of the others betrayed their realisation that they needed to refocus and approach the situation with the seriousness it deserved
Michael remained rooted in place, his body tense with anticipation and a trace of fear. The passing time felt like an eternity, and he reluctantly made a conscious decision to conserve power by refraining from his constant surveillance through the cameras. The decision weighed heavily on him, as he couldn't shake off the nagging fear of missing 'Baby'. However, that decision was swiftly thrown out the window as Baby's voice echoed through the oppressive darkness of the hallways, Its haunting echoes sending shivers down Michael's spine.
Baby: "I thought I did everything right…"
The haunting words of Baby echoed through Michael's mind, seizing him in an icy grip. Her words replayed through his mind, causing a storm of questions to surge within him. 'What did she mean by thinking she did everything right? J-Just what was she planning on doing to me?' The tendrils of fear crept through his veins, gripping his heart in a vise-like hold.
Charlie's gaze remained fixed on the screen, her eyes filled a mixture of dread and concern. The same unsettling thoughts that plagued Michael's mind. 'Was my suspicion correct? Was Baby planning on… scooping Michael ? But… what would she accomplish with that?' The weight of her worries pressed heavily upon her. In silent desperation, she offered a silent prayer, desperately hoping that Michael would be okay.
Right after Baby's words, Michael heard the slithering of metallic wires, just like before. Flipping on the camera system, Michael heard a familiar loud screech, just in time for 'Baby' to stand outside his door in the west hall. Rushing to his left door, he smashed the red button, causing an alarm to go off just last time as a large metal door descended in a blink of an eye. The room was bathed in the pulsating glow of red lights once more, casting red light across the wall of the room.
Following Baby's words, a chilling familiarity enveloped Michael as the slithering sound of metallic wires filled the air once again, however it came from his left. With his heart pounding in his chest, he swiftly activated the camera system. And there it was, the twisted figure of an endoskeleton, its thick metallic wires dangled and a mess looking directly at the camera. Its face hidden behind a clown mask, however its eyes were… different, it was now almost human-like, unlike the plastic eyes it had. But the most disturbing part was its teeth. They were almost an exact copy of a human's set of teeth, and just looking at it made him feel uneasy, not to mention its twisted smile. Suddenly, the monstrosity of wires glanced towards the door. That immediately set him back to reality as his body was filled with a surge of adrenaline, causing Michael to lunge towards the door to his left, his hand smashing the red button that held the key to his protection. The button immediately reacted to his desperate touch, unleashing a blaring alarm that pierced through the air. In the blink of an eye, a massive metal door descended with a heavy thud, causing the room to shake and creating a barrier, separating Michael from the monster. The dim room was now bathed in a pulsating crimson glow of the emergency lights. The crimson hues casted his shadow all over the walls.
Mike let out a sigh of relief. 'That was close…'
The scratching sounds from the other side persisted for what seemed like an eternity. Each scrape against the door sent shivers down his spine, amplifying his fear. After a while, the relentless assault abruptly ceased, as if IT had given up. The sound of its metal tubes slithering across the floor faded into the darkness.
Feeling a surge of cautious optimism, Michael reached out and pressed the button, triggering the mechanism, raising the heavy metal door. As the door ascended, the red lights that bathed the room gradually diminished. The room returned to its normal state.
Michael exhaled deeply, his racing heart gradually slowing down. The intensity of the moment had subsided, leaving him with a mix of relief and lingering apprehension. He couldn't help but think about the close encounter he had just narrowly escaped. 'That was a little too close for comfort,' he thought, his mind still reeling from the adrenaline.
Michael powered the computer back on, displaying the camera feed in front of him. His gaze remained fixed on the live feed of the now desolate west hallway, his expression etched with a mix of apprehension and alarm. As his eyes slightly darted towards the power display, a knot tightened in his stomach. The new updated reading revealed a significant drop, the power decreased to 80%.
Elizabeth's voice quivered with worry as she voiced her concern. "The power is decreasing pretty quickly," she said, her tone laced with genuine apprehension. Her eyes flickering across the group, seeking reassurance. "Do you think he has enough power to make it through the night?"
Charlie's brows furrowed, mirroring the concern and fear that gripped her. She pondered Elizabeth's question, her mind racing to find a plausible answer. She wanted to instil confidence in her response, but a flicker of doubt lingered. "Y-Yeah," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "W-Why wouldn't he?"
The cycle of Michael monitoring the cameras, hastily closing the doors, and anxiously reopening them continued, stretching on for what felt like an eternity.
With the press of the red button, the heavy metallic door ascended, revealing a dark expanse of the desolate hallways. Michael's gaze swifty shifted from the security door, to his watch and the power display on the computer screen. It was 2 AM, while the power stood at 67%. The time spent honing his reflexes had made him more adept at swiftly securing the doors, an improvement he silently acknowledged.
The group was left perplexed by the abrupt leap in time, their brows furrowing in confusion as they exchanged puzzled glances.
"If I'm not mistaken, weren't we just at 1 AM a couple minutes ago?" Charlie voiced her bewilderment, a note of uncertainty colouring her words.
Her father, Henry nodded in agreement, sharing the same sense of temporal disorientation.
Suddenly, a resonant, deep voice reverberated through the room, causing everyone to startle and look for the source.
"If you're wondering about the sudden jump from 1 AM to 2 AM, it's because I decided to skip time. I couldn't bear to have you sit through the entire six hours," Old Man Consequences calmly explained, his tone carrying a hint of enigmatic wisdom.
"Oh, well, I suppose that... makes sense?" Charlie replied tentatively, her confusion lingering even in her response. However, as she processed Old Man Consequence's explanation, a flicker of realisation and hope ignited within her mind. If he was unwilling to subject us to the gruelling six hours, then it implied that Michael had probably managed to make it out! Yes! That must be it! Yet, an underlying unease gnawed at her, whispering doubts and cautioning against her optimism. Regardless, Charlie refused to surrender her hope, determined to believe in a positive outcome, no matter the low possibility.
As the moments ticked by, Michael's hopes of escaping unscathed gradually swelled. He had become adept at discerning the position of the anomaly solely through the sounds that reached his ears, something he's used to ever since he was a child. Yet, he couldn't help but notice the increasing aggression in IT's approach, the accelerated pace at which IT arrived at his door, and the amplified pounding when the door shut. However, amidst these unsettling developments, a particular line uttered by Baby sent a chilling shiver down his spine.
Baby: "I don't want to hurt anyone, but we need you."
Hurt? It doesn't want to hurt anyone? So was IT planning on hurting people? The realisation that 'Baby' had intentions of causing harm rattled his thoughts. And the phrase, "we need you', resonated deeply within him. But for what purpose? And who's 'we'? The animatronics? He had intended to save them all, but now it appeared they had their own ulterior plans for him.
Mike stared at the screen in shock, he was practically shaking with fear at what he had just heard. 'W-Why do they need me?' His mind went back before his future self accidentally stumbled into this room, trying to piece the pieces together. His future self was being guided towards the scooping room with Baby's help and 'accidentally' wandered into this area. But from what it sounds like, she was trying to 'lure' me there.
Michael continued thinking about Baby's, but it seemed to have somewhat revealed the answer.
Baby: "We need you, so that we can leave…"
"Leave...?" Michael muttered, confused by her words. What does she mean by leave?
"We? Does she mean all of the Funtime animatronics?" Elizabeth questioned aloud, her voice carrying a hint of confusion and curiosity.
Charlie furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "It certainly seems that way. But why would they need Michael's help? What role does he play in their 'escape'?"
Evan offered a suggestion. "Maybe they want Mikey to help them, you know… figure out a way to get out safely?"
Before anyone could say anything else, the jarring sound of metal grating against metal echoed through the room, capturing the group's attention once again.
Michael's heart raced as the unsettling sound reached his ears, triggering a surge of panic within him. He hastily darted towards the computer, powering it on, his eyes scanning the array of cameras in search of the source. Flickering through the various feeds, he finally settled on Cam05, where the anomaly was audibly dragging itself through the narrow vent.
His focus fixated from the computer, to the vent above the table. Michael's blood froze as he caught sight of a pair of glowing purplish-blue eyes peering through the darkness of the vent duct. It was like it was taunting him. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, body filled with adrenaline, he lunged towards the red button, delivering a punch. The vent door slammed shut with a resounding clang, the metallic sounds echoing through the vent and room. However, unlike the doors, no lights filled the room.
Baby: "We need you, so that we can hide…"
"Hide?" Charlie trailed off, her voice laced with confusion. "Hide where? In his house?" She questioned, her mind grappling Baby's words.
Michael chose to ignore her words, recognizing its lack of coherence. His attention swiftly shifted to the sounds of clanging of metals. Hastily checking the camera feeds, it looked like the cacophony of tangled wires was retreating.
However, her next lines sent another chill down his spine.
Baby: "We need you, so that we can look like you…"
Baby's words caused the group to be on edge. They don't know why, but they all felt very disturbed by that, especially Mike, who appeared to be severely uncomfortable.
Michael let out a shaky breath, but continued onward. He heard the same sound of metal scraping against metal. Looking back at the camera feed, the abomination was there, but this time, it was faster. Michael quickly pressed the button, just in time as IT lunged, causing a loud a bang to be heard, presumably smacking its face at the vent door.
Baby: "If they find us like this, we won't be able to try again…"
Michael let out a sigh of relief. Checking the time, it was 3 AM, however he was shocked to see that the power had decreased to 56%.
The group were left uneasy, worried about the power.
This continued for a while, Michael closing the doors, the power continued decreasing. However, Baby's next lines caused Michael's unease and anxiety to increase.
Baby: "You must help us. You must let us inside the room…"
Michael felt very uneasy, the way she said it was slowed and with a little sprinkle of menace, like she was growing frustrated.
However, her next line caused Michael to stop in his tracks, freezing at what she just said.
Baby: "Isn't this why you came here, to be with her again?"
"Wait… she knows? H-How does she know?!" Elizabeth exclaimed, confusion and shock filling her voice.
"I-I'm not sure…" Charlie muttered loud enough for everyone to hear. She glanced at Mike who appeared equally as shocked. She doesn't like this one bit.
'H-How does she know?!' Michael internally screamed. He was breathing in and out, attempting to calm down. 'Calm down Mike, panicking won't help you here!' He said to himself.
Baby: "I don't understand…"
Baby's words continued echoing throughout the halls, startling Michael. He needed to calm down quickly if he wanted to get out of her without any harm. Sweat formed on his forehead, dripping across his head.
Restlessness gripped William and Henry as they sat on the edge of their seats, their feet tapping nervously against the room's red carpet in an attempt to alleviate their growing unease. Charlie clenched one hand tightly on the fabric of her nightgown, fingers digging at her thigh, while her other hand nervously found refuge in her mouth as she bit down on her thumb's nail. On the other hand, anxiety coursed through Michael as he couldn't shake off his anxiety. He was worried and scared. Scared for his future self. His leg twitches involuntarily, nervously tapping against the room's red carpet, a physical manifestation of his unease. Beside him, Elizabeth, still tightly holding his hand, her own worry evident on her face. She had her other hand clenched into a fist, biting her fist, a clear indicator of her anxiety. On his other side, his little brother, Evan, scooted closer to his brother. He was known for his very high sensitivity, but to his surprise, he wasn't crying. Instead, his eyes glistened, tears forming on the edge of his eyes, though he valiantly held them back.
Baby's words reverberated through the halls once more, but this time, it was something no one expected to hear.
Baby: "You won't die and it will only hurt for a moment…"
The group all froze, their collective gaze fixated on the screen, their expressions shifting from confusion to growing horror. Wide-eyed and mouths agape, they struggled to process the weight of the unsettling words that had just pierced the air
Charlie's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes brimming with shock and disbelief. Her voice trembled as she managed to utter, "Did... Did I hear that correctly?" Her words hung in the air, lingering with a mix of disbelief and fear.
…
Michael stood there, momentarily speechless, grappling with what he had just heard, his entire being paralyzed by a surge of disbelief and fear. His eyes mirrored the shock, confusion, and terror that washed over him as he finally managed to stammer, "W-What…?"
Mike remained seated, his mind reeling from the shock and terror that engulfed him. Fear consumed him, a mix of terror and dread for what laid ahead for his future self. He was scared. Scared for his future self. He couldn't bear the thought of witnessing his own demise. The mere thought of it sent shivers down his spine. His hands trembled slightly, causing him to attempt to clinch his fists to stop it. However, he forgot that his younger sister, Elizabeth, was still holding his hand. She turned her head, her worried, trembling green eyes looking at his blue ones. She gave him a nervous smile and squeezed his hand in reassurance. He gave her his own nervous smile. She turned away to face the screen. A whirlwind of emotions raged inside him, the weight of the situation hit him once again. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions raging inside him, Mike closed his eyes, seeking a moment of calm.
Michael's train of thought was abruptly interrupted by a piercing screech, jolting him into action. Hastily, he rushed to the computer, urgently powering it on and frantically scanning the camera feeds. His eyes darted across the screens, searching for any signs of the abomination. Yet, after a minute, he found nothing.
Just as his anxiety began to escalate, another ear-splitting screech reverberated through the hallways, causing Michael to rapidly cycle through the various camera feeds once more. Finally, his gaze settled on CAM01, where an abomination of wires, gears, and tubes stood ominously. He felt a surge of dread as he prepared to close the door, but to his confusion, the chilling screech gradually faded into silence. Cautiously, Michael rechecked the cameras, only to find that the anomaly had vanished into the shadows.
Taking a moment to catch his breath, Michael glanced at his watch, he heaved a sigh of relief as the watch hands revealed it was 4 AM. "Just two more hours…," he muttered, his voice trembling with a mixture of apprehension and determination.
Turning his attention back to the computer, Michael's eyes were drawn to the power display, revealing its measly 39%. A flicker of concern crossed his face, and he nervously bit his lip. "Will I have enough to last the night…?" he pondered aloud, the weight of the situation hanging heavily upon him. He contemplated ways to conserve power, his gaze fixated on the power display, but the resurfacing screeches abruptly halted his train of thought. However, unlike before, the sounds grew louder and faster.
Charlie, fully immersed in the unfolding events on the screen, shouted with urgency, her voice laced with fear and worry. "Close the door, QUICK!"
Realising the imminent threat, Michael swiftly rushed towards the left door, slamming his hand on the red button. With a mechanical whir, the door descended in the blink of an eye, just in the nick of time. A resounding crash reverberated through the room as the anomaly collided head first with the door.
Charlie released a trembling sigh of relief, her voice quivering. "Thank goodness..."
Overwhelmed by the close encounter, Michael fell on the floor and moved back slightly. His hand instinctively rested upon his chest, feeling his racing heart pounding faster than ever before—except for that fateful day…. Shaking off the haunting memories, he tried to regain his composure, rising to his feet once more. He cautiously surveyed the cameras, only to see IT staring at the door, like it was going to open. Suddenly, its gaze shifted upon the camera. A shiver ran down Michael's spine as his unease resurfaced, amplified by the unsettling sight of its teeth. It looked disconcertingly human-like. The anomaly backed away slowly, back into the shadows while still staring directly at the camera, like it was staring at his soul.
The group couldn't help but also think the same.
After a period of eerie silence, Michael's ears perked up as the scraping sounds resurfaced from his left. Hastily checking the camera feed, he strained his eyes at the monitor, but there was no sign of the entity's presence. Moments later, the loud screech shifted to his right, only to be heard from his left, and then to the right once more. It was a disorienting pattern, as if the anomaly was intentionally trying to deceive him. At this point, Michael's fatigue weighed heavily upon him, he was exhausted, yet the surging adrenaline compelled him to press on.
Suddenly, the loud and rapid scraping and screeching sounds resurfaced, triggering Michael's reflexes. He swifty slammed the red button, causing the left door to shut, the impact reverberating through the small room as the anomaly collided with the door. Just as quickly as it had attacked, he heard it retreating back into the shadows. It sounded like it was on the roof, resembling the skittering movements of a spider traversing the roof. Michael let out another shaky and uneven breath. The anomaly's aggression had escalated, as it now moved faster than before, becoming more violent in its pursuit.
However, in that profound moment, a voice ruptured the silence, distinct from Baby's voice. Instead, it was a child's voice, one that he hasn't heard for years, a voice he believed he would never have the chance to hear again.
"Hello?"
The group sat frozen, stunned by the unexpected familiar voice that suddenly appeared.
"Wait… was that me?!" Elizabeth exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and confusion.
Charlie's voice wavered as she struggled to find words. "I... I don't even know what to say."
Mike quickly interjected, his voice laced with uncertainty and a desperate hope. "Maybe we misheard it! It's probably just our minds playing tricks on us!"
Michael, in a state of shock, stood motionless, his mouth agape. But soon, a mixture of disbelief and hope spread across his face, transforming his expression into a faint smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. He shook his head, initially convincing himself that it was merely exhaustion and his mind playing tricks on him. "No... I'm probably just hearing things... I'm exhausted anyway-"
"Helloooo?"
Once again, the voice echoed through the air, carrying a sense of familiarity that sent shivers down Michael's spine. His eyes widened, his hands instinctively rising to cover his mouth in sheer shock. Small tears welled up in his eyes as he took in the undeniable familiarity of the voice. It crashed over him like a powerful tidal wave, overwhelming him with a torrent of emotions. "N-No… this can't be her…. Liz… she's-" he whispered, his voice choked with disbelief and an intense longing that pierced his soul.
The group watched Michael's reaction, a mixture of surprise and uncertainty filling the room. Silence enveloped them, thick with tension, as they grappled with the unexpected reaction of future Michael's response. The weight of the moment hung in the air, leaving them unsure of how to process what they had witnessed.
Elizabeth decided to speak, breaking the uncomfortable as she summoned the courage to speak, her words quivering with uncertainty. "Did… Could… Could something have happened to me… in the future?" Her voice trailed off, her mind swirling with fear and curiosity.
The room went silent once again, the weight hanging in the air. Each breath seemed to hold its own measure of tension, intensifying the atmosphere.
Feeling the tight grip of Mike's hand, Elizabeth turned to face her older brother once again, only this time, she was met with a pained and distressed expression in his eyes. "'Liz... please, don't say that...'" Mike muttered, his voice filled with anguish and a plea for her to abandon such unsettling thoughts.
Charlie, sensing the tension and seeking to diffuse it, chimed in. "'Yeah, Lizzie, let's not jump to conclusions. We don't know for sure.'"
The eyes of her father, Henry, Evan, and everyone else were fixed upon her, their gazes filled with a mix of concern and a silent plea for her to steer away from such unsettling possibilities.
Elizabeth nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "'I-I was just considering the idea... that something could've happened... you know?'" Her words trailed off, leaving the room draped in contemplative silence.
Michael remained rooted in place, his mind swirling with a mix of emotions and questions. 'Liz… so she's-" His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the familiar screeching of the anomaly emanating from his right. He quickly approached the door and after a moment of hesitation, he made a swift decision, closing the door, separating himself from whatever lurked outside.
Suddenly, a soft knock echoed from beyond the door.
"Hello..?"
Michael's eyes grew misty, his hands trembling and his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to comprehend why his long-lost sister would be here. It couldn't be her, could it?
"I know it was an accident..."
The mention of an accident caused Michael to freeze. What was she referring to? Was she talking about herself? Was she referring to… Evan…? At the thought of Evan, Michael fought the urge to vomit.
The group were left a little concerned at this.
"Isn't this why you came here? To be with me again?"
At that moment, a flicker of realisation sparked in Charlie's mind. "Wait, wait, wait. Wait!" she exclaimed, gaining everyone's attention. The reason Michael keeps coming here, risking his life each night is because of Lizzie?" Her words hung in the air, quickly drawing the attention of everyone present
"W-What do you mean?" Evan asked, a hint of hesitation and curiosity in his voice.
Charlie turned to face everyone, her voice carrying a mix of worry and uncertainty as she shared her realisation. "I've been contemplating this for some time. Based on what we know, future Mike's repeated visits here have a purpose—he's searching for someone. And now it's becoming clearer to me. Could the person Michael's been seeking all along be Lizzie?" she theorised.
"But... why would Michael be looking for me?" Elizabeth asked, her voice trailing with a mix of uncertainty and confusion. Her question echoed the unspoken thoughts that plagued everyone in the room.
Charlie's expression morphed into a concerned frown. "I-I'm not entirely sure... but I have a strong feeling that we're about to find out," she responded quickly, sensing the shift in atmosphere. As her gaze met Elizabeth's, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. 'I'm sorry, Lizzie, but I fear that you're right, something may have happened to you in the future...' Her thoughts swirled with a mixture of empathy and caution, aware that revealing such a distressing possibility could cause panic or lead to baseless assumptions.
"Everything is okay. I'm still here."
The group's suspicion grew, casting a shadow over the room.
"Something doesn't add up…" Elizabeth mused, her voice laced with thoughtful contemplation, capturing everyone's attention. "What doesn't add up, Lizzie?" Charlie inquired, her gaze shifting to meet her friend's searching eyes. Elizabeth turned to face everyone, her brows pulled together into a frown. "Why do I sound exactly the same as I do now?"
Charlie blinked, surprise flickering across her features, her mouth forming a silent "O". "Oh, wow, how didn't I realise that before…?" she muttered, instinctively rising to scratch her face. "This Is getting very suspicious and weird. There's no way you could be there…" Charlie frowned, pursing her lips, seemingly deep in thought. Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock. "Wait… is Baby… using your voice to bait Michael into opening the door?!"
Mike's eyes widened in shock, mirroring Charlie's revelation.
Elizabeth's eyes widened in horror, her lips trembling with a mix of anger and concern. "So… she's using my voice as bait for Mike…? Why… Why would she do that?"
"I think you guys are missing a more important point. How does she even have Liz's voice?!" Mike exclaimed.
…
"I'm not sure… Maybe your father…. added that feature…?" Charlie shrugged, uncertainty in her voice.
William glanced at Charlie. "Why would I ever add that?" he said.
A dreadful silence filled the room.
Realising the shift in atmosphere, quickly raised her hands, trying to alleviate the rising tension. "It's just my theory of course, so let's not take it too literally, okay?" This seemed to ease the atmosphere slightly, although a sense of unease still lingered. Elizabeth still looked visibly unsettled. Realising this, Charlie reassured her, attempting to calm her friend's fears. "Lizzie, don't worry. Even if I was right, I'm confident Michael won't fall for it!"
"Yeah!" Evan added.
This seemed to have calmed Elizabeth down a bit, though her uncertainty was still visible across her face.
Michael could feel a tightening in his chest, a knot of conflicting emotions. One part of him was screaming at him on opening the door, but the other was the opposite. The voice of his sister, although seemingly comforting, sent chills across his body. There was just something off, something unsettling about it.
Another knock resonated through the metal door.
*Knock*
"You have to let me inside the room!"
Michael's hand quivered as it hovered over the button, his gaze fixed on it with an expression that didn't know what to do.
The group's eyebrows shot up in alarm. There was no way he would open the door, right?
Elizabeth's panic surged as she watched Michael approaching the door. Dread gripped her, she didn't want to see what would happen to her older brother. She couldn't bear watching whatever they wanted to do with him. The mere thoughts plagued her mind, images of the fates of the two technicians still haunted her mind, their lifeless bodies lifelessly swaying left and right served as a reminder. Would he also meet the same fate as them? The mere thought seized her with a suffocating panic, her heart pounding pounding within her chest. Cold sweat formed on her hand, mirroring the panic and nervousness that consumed her. 'Everything is going to be okay… Everything is going to be okay… Michael wouldn't open the door… it's just not like him…' she reassured herself, but it sounded more like a plea. She turned back to the screen and focused.
Michael's eyes remained fixated on the door's button, beads of sweat trickled down his neck. A moment of internal struggle washed over him, evident in the way he clenched his fist and closed his eyes. Inhaling deeply, he re-opened his eyes, forcing a melancholic smile upon his face. Removing the tight grip on his hand, he slowly pulled his hand back. "What am I doing…? I have been hiding away from this for a long time, haven't I?" Michael whispered to himself.
The group sat there, perplexed by Michael's words. Confusion and uncertainty hung in the air, as they exchanged puzzled glances.
They watched in silence as Michael lifted his hand to his face, covering half of his visage, leaving one eye revealed. His jaw clenched tightly, and his eyes narrowed with a mix of sorrow and acceptance. In a voice filled with anguish, he muttered to himself, "Liz has been missing for years… she… she's probably gone."
The room was engulfed in an eerily silence, heavy with the weight of Michael's revelation. No words were spoken, each lost in their own thoughts. The shock was palpable, leaving them all taken aback, speechless, stunned at what they just heard.
Elizabeth's heart sank like a stone submerged in water, her face turning pale as if drained of all colour. Her body seemingly frozen in place, a sudden paralysis brought on by the shocking revelation. Her dilated pupils were fixated on the screen, unable to believe what she just heard. Slowly, she lowered her gaze, her eyes fixating on her trembling hands before instinctively reaching for her chest. She could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage, the thud of each beat echoing loudly in her ears. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision, but she couldn't find the strength to wipe them away. With her voice quivering and barely audible, she whispered the painful realisation aloud. "I-I'm d-dead…?"
The room's atmosphere was even heavier than before. The weight of the revelation and Elizabeth's words hang thick in the air, leaving everyone aghast and silent. The silence was even more palpable, only the occasional sounds of quiet breathing was there, amplifying the heavy silence, each one processing the gravity of the information they just learned. They were all at a loss for words, unsure what to even say in the face of such a horrible revelation.
Mike found himself momentarily paralyzed, his mind struggling to comprehend the revelation his future self revealed. Nervously, a laugh escaped his lips, but it was tinged with a hint of desperation. "Heh… this… this is a joke, right?" he stammered, his voice wavering with uncertainty. "Please tell me this is a joke…" He felt a lump in his throat, and his body seemed to tense up.
Evan's body went rigid, as if time itself had frozen around him. Instinctively, he inched closer to Mike, which he responded by pulling him close. Their father, William, buried his face in his hands. Henry sat with his head bowed, lost in the weight of the revelation, while Charlie's expression grew sombre. 'I really hate it when I'm right...' she thought as small tears formed in the corner of her eyes. The room felt heavy with emotions, each person lost in their own thoughts and emotions.
The room felt heavy with emotions, each person lost in their own thoughts and emotions. No words were spoken as they all grappled with the revelation in their own ways, each lost in their own thoughts and feelings. The room's atmosphere was suffused with a sense of dread and despair, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. The silence seemed to stretch on for an eternity as each individual tried to process the truth they had just witnessed, unsure what to say.
After a while, Charlie managed to compose herself enough to think clearly. Her gaze wandered from one person to the next, sensing the heaviness of the air and realising that this couldn't linger forever. Taking a deep breath, she mustered the courage to break the tension. "Ummm… Lizzie… do you… want to… talk about it…?" she asked cautiously, her voice soft and measured. Everyone turned to look at her, including Elizabeth who still seemed pale. Realising this, Charlie quickly held up her arms in a reassuring gesture. "O-Of course, you don't have to if you don't want to. I…I just…." She stopped herself before sighing and then continued. "I just think it's important that we talk about this so we won't let this ever happen." As she finished, she glanced around at their faces, hoping her words would snap them out of their depressed state.
Elizabeth shifted uneasily in her seat, her eyes darting around the room. Feeling a mix of nerves and apprehension, she slowly sank deeper into her seat. Michael wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer to him. A thought crept in Elizabeth's mind, 'Is this how Mike was feeling? Knowing that something bad will happen to you in future? She couldn't fathom how Michael must be feeling.
"L-Let's talk after. I want this to finish." Elizabeth replied.
"We need you so that we can leave!"
Michael grit his teeth in anger, his fist punching the door, leaving a bruise on his hand. 'How dare they…how dare they use her voice!'
"We need you so that we can hide!"
This continued for minutes. Michael closing and opening doors. Conversing as much power as he can until finally. The clock hit 6 AM.
BEGINNING OF THE REAL ENDING:
"I will find a way out..." Baby said, her voice filled with venom.
...
"Is...Is it over? Please tell me it is." Elizabeth said.
Music of The Immortal and Restless started playing.
Announcer: "As the trees sway in the wind, so also do emotions sway between star-crossed lovers! They watched as Michael was lounging on his blue settee, engrossed in the show while munching on his popcorn."
Mike's shoulders relaxed, exhaling a sigh of relief. "Yeah...it looks like it." A smile formed on his lips.
"Finally..." Charlie said, a glad smile on her face.
"Thank goodness..." Henry breathed out.
Elizabeth and Evan's faces transformed from worry to calm as they breathed out in unison. They leaned on Michael, finding comfort in the fact that it was finally over, and he was safe. The tension that had gripped them all began to dissipate, and a sense of relaxation washed over the sibling trio.
Henry watched as Michael attempted to keep his eyes open while watching TV. "I believe it would've been a wiser choice if you went to bed instead, Michael." he suggested, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Michael scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Yeah right, so that my future self would miss an episode of the Immortal and The Restless?"
Charlie's brows raised, her eyes widened slightly, and a subtle, almost incredulous smile was on her face. "I think you got your priorities misplaced, Mike."
"If you say so." Michael said, his focus not shifting from the screen.
Charlie shook her in head in disbelief, a smile on her face.
Vlad: You burned down my house?!
Clara: You call that a house? It was like a morgue there!
Charlie's eyes widened in amusement. "I totally forgot she did that."
Vlad: I may be undead, but you're heartless.
Clara: You need to see your son!
Vlad: The baby isn't mine!
Charlie rolled her eyes. "Still in denial, I see…"
Clara: He ate the cat!
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "He ate a cat?! Do vampires even do that?"
Vlad: Sounds like something he got from your side of the family!
Charlie snickered. "Not gonna lie, that was pretty funny."
Clara: Well how's this? I'm keeping the diamond ring.
Vlad: The joke's on you! I found it in a kids' meal!
…
"W-Wow…I totally didn't expect that kind of plot twist." Charlie admitted.
"See! I told you that it was good!" Michael exclaimed.
Clara: You bought a kids meal? Oh, Vlad!
Vlad: Clara!
…
The group watched in bemusement as Clara and Vlad suddenly locked lips, making out in a sloppy kiss.
"Eww…" Evan and Elizabeth said, feeling grossed out.
Charlie sighed. "Just as I thought that it was decent…I changed my mind, this is absolute garbage!" She remarked.
'I thought it was good…' William thought.
Narrator: As the hair on the back of a cat stands up straight, so also does the love between Vlad and Clara stand up against all obstacles, but what about the baby? What about the bad child support? Stay tuned next season for all those answers and more.
"D-Did the baby actually just eat a cat?!" Evan exclaimed.
"Screw that, next season?!" Michael said. "I have to know what happens next!"
Charlie glanced at him with an amused smirk. "That's what you're fixated on right now?" She raised an eyebrow, teasing him about his soap opera enthusiasm.
The group laughed heartily, their laughter filling the room and breaking the tension.
They watched as Michael started dozing off, an unfinished popcorn bucket resting on his lap. He was utterly exhausted. However, he suddenly heard soft childish giggling.
The group froze.
"D…Did you guys also hear that?" Charlie asked, her voice quivering as she broke the silence, a sense of unease creeping into her words.
Henry's face mirrored her concern. "Yeah, I did..."
Michael's heavy-lidded eyes blinked open, scanning the room with bleary exhaustion. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, he prepared to drift back into the embrace of sleep. However, just as his eyelids began to droop, he caught a fleeting glimpse of something unexpected: a wooden puppet with curious eyes staring back at him from inside the popcorn bucket.
"Hee-hee!"
Michael screamed, jolting off the sofa, knocking the popcorn all over the carpet. He backed up, his back pressing against the wall, and hand over his chest, feeling his panicked beats. His knuckles turned white as he grasped the fabric of his shirt, attempting to calm his beating heart.
His eyes frantically scanned the spot he dropped his popcorn, looking for the Minireena.
"H-How did it get here?!" Elizabeth asked, her voice quivering, finger tapping her knee.
"I-It probably crawled inside him while he wasn't paying attention." Henry theorised, concern evident in his shaky response.
Charlie clenched her fist, gnawing in it, while her foot rhythmically tapped the floor.
Finally, he spotted it, giggling before going under his couch. Just as he was about to do something, he heard something. Something familiar. Something he didn't ever want to hear again. It was the sound of wires and tubes dragging against a surface.
The group held their breath.
Michael's face fell, contorted into an expression of sheer horror as he watched the abomination of wires and tubes peek from the darkened hallway. With a slow, jerky movement, the nightmarish entity began to inch its way into the room. Its movement was stiff and unnatural, like it was being controlled by multiple entities.
Michael's heart raced even more, each beat echoing in his ears. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead, and his hands shook. He darted frantic glances around the room, but there was no escape.
He couldn't do anything but watch as the grotesque entity drew closer, its form now looming ominously in front of him. Its wiry, disjointed arm extended towards Michael. The wires and cables that comprised it seemed to writhe like serpents.
Its wires circled around his throat, its grip tightening around his throat. He gasped for air, choking and struggling, but it lifted him off the ground effortlessly.
With a violent motion, it flung Michael against a nearby shelf. The impact sent vases and books crashing to the ground, creating a cacophonous symphony of shattered glass. One heavy tome struck his head, and Michael fell into unconsciousness, his vision descending into inky blackness.
The group in absolute shock and terror watched as the horrific scene unfolded before their eyes.
Charlie bit her lip and clenched her fists, knuckles turning white, feeling her eyes moistening. "When will this end…" she muttered. Her father, Henry, gently reached for her hand to stop her clenched fist. Pulling her close into an embrace "Dad…what are they going to do with Mike?" Tightening the embrace he whispered with a heavy heart, "...I wish I knew, dear."
Charlie's heart skipped a beat as her mind went back to when Baby said, 'You won't die and it will only hurt for a moment.' She couldn't shake the gut-wrenching feeling that they were planning to use the Scooper on Michael . 'Baby wanted to go to the scooping room, and the things she said before….' The mere thought sent shivers down her spine, and her body tensed. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down.
…CLANG!
Charlie covered her mouth, feeling her eyes gathering small amounts of tears. Her wide eyes darted around the room, searching anything that would calm her down. They landed Michael's, who was trying to calm Evan down to no avail. She swallowed hard, her throat dry. He shot a weak smile, but that didn't help her one bit.
Her father felt her distress and held her even tighter, running his fingers through her hair.
The screen lit, gathering everyone's attention.
….
MIchael's eyes opened, feeling a huge headache. 'What happened?' He thought to himself. He realised that he wasn't in his living room watching TV, nor was he at home. Looking around, he found himself in a small dimly lit room, where a faint glow of a single lightbulb hung from the ceiling, casting his eerie shadow across the walls.
He was back at the facility.
His eyes widened as he tried to move, finding out that he couldn't. Panic began to seep through his veins as he found his arms tied to the ceiling with thick, metallic wires. His arms already felt numb. 'W-What's going on?!' He screamed internally. Then, he remembered. Baby found him.
"You're in the scooping room now."
Charlie's face fell, her breath caught in her throat, pupils dilating. "N-No way, th-they're actually going to—"
CLANG.
She covered her mouth, the taste of bile rising to the back of her throat, which she choked down, her face contorted with a mixture of dread and horror. Henry, hearing his daughter, inquired.. "C-Charlotte, is something wrong?" Charlie's breathing quickened, becoming more erratic. "Charlotte!" Henry's concerned voice called out, his worry intensifying. The rest of the group turned their attention to Charlie, concern evident on their faces.
Charlie's lips trembled as she began mumbling, her body beginning to shake "...scoop-" she mumbled. Henry's concern grew, and he leaned closer, "What did you say?" The urgency in his voice matched the anxiety in the room. Charlie's heart pounded loudly in her chest as she took a deep breath to steady herself before blurting out, "MICHAEL'S GOING TO BE SCOOPED!" Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes, streaming down her cheeks the moment the words left her lips.
Michael could feel Elizabeth's body becoming stiff. Evan's face paled, his fingers trembling on his hand while William stared at Charlie in shock.
Henry's eyes darted from Charlie to the screen, his mind grappling with the gravity of the situation.
"How can you be so sure about that?" William's voice quivered in disbelief.
Charlie's tearful eyes darted towards William, her voice trembling as she struggled to find the words. "S-She—"
"Funtime Foxy has already been here today. Funtime Freddy has already been here today. Ballora has already been here today. Circus Baby has already been here today."
The group's attention returned to the screen. They were puzzled at this, this isn't what was supposed to happen. It was supposed to stay paused.
MIchael frantically looked around for the source of the voice. His gaze was met by two sizable windows stretching across both sections of the wall, its view obscured by a shroud of fog and some dirt that accumulated from not being cleaned. Not to mention that it was still dark, making him unable to see clearly. There was a camera that was beeping. Was it watching him?
Below the windows were all the Funtime animatronics on the floor, except this time, it was nothing but their empty shells, their endoskeletons missing, presumably scooped by the scooper that stood in front of him.
"I've been out before, but they always put me back. They always put us back inside. There's no-where for us to hide here. There's no-where to go, when we look like this ."
Michael's eyes widened in horror. Through the foggy window, he could see a glimpse of a humanoid shape. Wires were running from around its body. It was a mess of coils and wires. Its glowing purple eyes staring at him.
"But if we looked like you , then we could hide. If we looked like you , then we would have somewhere to go."
Baby's words echoed through Charlie's mind, desperately trying to make sense of their meaning. 'If she looked like him, then she could hide and… go? Wait… who's we?' A jumble of thoughts swirled in her head as she attempted to piece together the puzzle. 'What is Mike going to do? …god, oh my god…what are they going to do with him ?' Her hands shook uncontrollably. Her breathing quickened as she imagined what they'd to him .
The realisation washed over him like an icy wave-–he had been set up from the very beginning, cunningly trapped. She just wanted him to gain her trust all along. Her next words only cemented his fears.
"The Scooper only hurts for a moment."
The group gasped.
Charlie bit her lip, nails digging into the fabric of her nightgown. 'There's no way Mike's going to die. There's no that's going to happen!' She reassured herself to no avail.
A rhythmic beeping sound with a flashing red light from the top of the room appeared.
Michael's heart pounded loudly in his chest as an ear-piercing alarm blared, drowning the room in a pulsating red light that blinded him. His breath caught in a sharp gasp as he watched the massive mechanical arm descend from the ceiling, its sharp metallic tips directly at him. An overwhelming surge of panic coursed through him, causing beads of sweat to form on his brow as he frantically pulled at the thick wires, swinging side to side, his hands and legs throbbing with pain.
"I'm going to die." Michael mused.
Evan clinged into Michael's arm.
Elizabeth's face drained of colour, her eyes locked on the now descending scooper that was aimed directly at Michael . Cold sweat moistened her trembling hands as a torrent of apprehensive thoughts flooded her mind. 'Is she about to witness her brother's death? What are they going to do to him? Are you also going to hang him?'. She clutched the edge of the couch, her fingers digging into the fabric, knuckles whitening as she tried to regain her composure. But how could she?! As tears welled up at the corners of her eyes, she couldn't help but wonder why this was happening to him . Why did he have to endure all this suffering? Alone…. Michael doesn't deserve all this. He deserves none of this…It wasn't fair. Suddenly, she felt a warm, comforting presence enveloping her, fingers entwining with hers.
Michael, sensing her quivering, held Elizabeth's hand in a tight grip, attempting to comfort her. He offered her a faint smile that whispered, "Everything is going to be alright." Interlocking their fingers together, she offered her own smile that mirrored his, though, hers quivered in comparison. They both turned back to the screen. Elizabeth silently reminded herself that this hasn't happened yet, nor will it ever. Over her dead body.
Every fibre in Michael's body screamed for him to move, to break free from this nightmarish trap. Just at that moment, he got his foot free.
Charlie's eyes widened, a hopeful glimmer appearing in her gaze. "Yes! Now all he has to do is—"
CLANG SNAP
Charlie, with her eyes still wide, stared in horror as the massive mechanical arm lunged toward Michael , piercing right into his side. She recoiled, her body jerking back from the spectacle. Her trembling fingers instinctively shot up to cover her mouth as a loud gasp escaped her lips. "N-No, M-M-ike…" she murmured.
Blood flew everywhere in all directions as the machine tore into Michael like he was a present. The force so brutal it ripped apart the wires that held him, sending him plummeting to the ground with a sickening, wet splat.
Charlie's voice trembled, barely audible, as she whispered incoherent words. "D-Dad, w-will he...?" she began, a faint glimmer of hope hanging in her voice.
Henry placed a hand on her head, giving her a sad smile as his eyes moistened with unshed tears.
Charlie's gaze dropped to the floor, her eyes vacant. Tears flowed unabated down her cheeks, and a subdued sob slipped past her trembling lips. "I-I d-don't understand…w-why is t-th-this happening?" Her father pulled her into a comforting embrace. "I wish I knew, sweetie…I wish I knew."
Lying sprawled on the floor, Michael's ragged breaths were shallow and laboured, each inhale is a painful struggle as his chest heaved. His body twitched involuntarily, his limbs trembling with agony. He clenched his fists, knuckles white with tension, as he tried pushing himself off the bloody floor, fighting to stifle any cry that might escape his lips.
"NO, STAY DOWN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Charlie screamed. In response, her father held her tighter. She rested her head on his chest, her tears flowing freely, staining her father's orange-chequered shirt.
Tears welled up in Michael's eyes, blurring his vision as he longed to block out the cries of everyone around him. It was like his heart was tearing apart as everyone kept shouting at him, the desperation in Charlie's voice, it broke him. He felt useless. He couldn't do anything. It wasn't him there. He just wanted to move, to run, tell them that it's not him, to do something! It was like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from and he had to watch it play out before his eyes.
He looked down towards his younger siblings, feeling them quivering. He managed to pull them in a hug just before the scooper hit his future self.
Elizabeth was scared. Frightened. Afraid. She was glad that Michael pulled her close to him otherwise she would've probably not handled it. Though, hearing the sickening squishy crunch was something she wished she didn't hear. Especially hearing Charlie sob. She just cried. Doing the same thing Evan was doing. She pulled herself closer to him as more tears flowed down her cheeks, staining Michael's t-shirt with her tears. There was nothing else she could do. What did Michael do to deserve this?
Suddenly, Michael's legs gave out, sending him face-first to the floor. However, he managed to catch himself with one hand, while the other hand was hovering over the spot the scooper plunged into. He collapses forward atop his arm, his other hand curling into a fist beside his face, his forehead pressed on the cold, bloody floor. There's sweat beading on his face, his cheeks puffy and stained with tears, his eyes red and eyebrows scrunched together, and his teeth are tightly clenched together as he frantically breathes into and out of his lungs. It was more like he was gasping for air. The fall filled him with more waves of excruciating agony, pain searing through every fibre of his being.
Michael screamed. It was as though the scooper itself had also scraped and mutilated his vocal cords. The scream that left his agape mouth was like a man being tortured. It trails into a heavy, chest-heaving sob as he tried pushing himself off the floor, more blood pouring down on the now dark, bloody floor.
Suddenly, his voice faltered, as though his previous scream had damaged his vocal cords. Violent coughing seized him, forcing out only painful gasps of air. Michael's body convulsed, and his chest heaved as he fought for air, making attempts to draw in air, but the sound that escaped his lips was a hoarse, gurgling rasp. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, plastering his unruly, curly hair to his brow. He released a powerful cough, and a deep crimson hue flowed from his lips, staining his tongue and teeth.
His head and chest finally relaxed, sinking into the frigid, blood-soaked floor as his head limply fell to the ground. Slowly, Michael's eyes landed on the Scooper, which dripped with his own blood. Warm tears blurred his vision, but through the haze, he discerned the lighter, red object dangling from it.
Charlie's eyes widened to their fullest extent. Her eyes were filled with fresh tears that streamed down her tear-stained cheeks. It didn't seem like it was going to stop anytime soon. Surprisingly, despite her face being filled with tears, she hasn't let out any sounds except the occasional sniffles and quiet sobs.
However, that was thrown out the window after Charlie heard Michael's ear-piercing scream. It was like something straight from a nightmare. She quickly cupped her ears, desperately trying to block out Michael's screams but to no avail. To make matters worse, as she watched him cough up blood, all the tiniest of hope she had was dissolved. A river of tears poured relentlessly from her eyes and over her shivering chapped lips. Michael was somehow still alive and had to endure all that pain. All alone .
Her father, who was still embracing, tried his best to block her view. Charlie decided to turn back to the screen, her gaze landing on the scooper. Immediately, regret washed over her like a crushing wave, Seeing that red object hanging from the scooper was something she wasn't ready for. She felt bile rise up her throat, a bitter taste clinging to her mouth, but fell right back down when she sickeningly swallowed it back down.
Giving Mike a quick glance, Charlie could see how distressed he was from the way he was trembling. She knows his future self is doomed and there's nothing she can do to actually help him. She just wanted to hold him in her arms. Tell him everything is going to be okay. Their eyes meet for a split second before she bawls, her face puffed up and rose-tint on her father's chest.
Elizabeth was terrified. She's thankful that Mike isn't letting her or Evan watch. Evan was wailing. She tried not to cry, but it was useless. She already was.
And then she heard Michael's blood-curdling scream. She was frozen in fear. That scream would forever plaque her nightmares. Her heart raced and her throat tightened as she started sobbing. Thoughts of what could be happening to him filled her mind and she felt helpless from whatever terrors he was facing. She felt a wave of anguish wash over her as she helplessly listened to his screams that seemed to last an eternity.
She couldn't bear witnessing her brother be in so much pain while remaining helpless. Helpless to ease his suffering, helpless to ease his pain. She desperately wanted to be there with Michael , to hold him close and cradle him in her arms. She wanted to be able to offer comfort and reassurance in his final moments. Tell him he's going to be okay. Okay, even though the reality seemed cruelly indifferent to their pleas. Just the thought of him being alone, and dying in such a gruesome manner without anyone by his side, filled her with anguish.
That's when Elizabeth noticed Michael's shaking, quickly tightened her embrace, Evan doing the same. She forgot to consider how witnessing his brutal death would impact him. She did the only thing she could do right now, and comforted him, hoping to offer him some measure of reassurance.
With Michael's arms already wrapped around them, he drew them closer, gently pressed kisses on top of their heads.
They all sat there together, offering a bittersweet refuge amidst the heartbreak. Elizabeth had a darkened expression on her face. 'Mikey doesn't deserve any of this…'
Is that it his intestines? Or maybe his stomach? He wasn't sure anymore, the room seemed to spin around him and his vision was beginning to blur. All he knows is that he was tricked. He played right into their hands. Lured him in like a dog. Just another game of pretend. All he wanted to do is help. Help them. Help Elizabeth….
"Isn't this what you wanted?"
Michael's eyes widened. That's right…he always wanted this. He deserved this. He deserved all this pain, didn't he?
This was the end of the road for him, though he never expected it to end like this. How did it even come to this? One day, he got sent a letter from his Father telling him that he should apply at Circus Baby's Entertainment and Rental. He said that his sister was there and had to put her back together. Michael hasn't seen his father in quite a long time, but he doesn't blame him. Living under the same roof with the same person who killed your own son isn't something anyone can handle. Suffice to say, Michael ruined people's lives. He ruined his Father and Henry's lives. It was his fault why Charlie was gone. It was his fault why Elizabeth Evan were gone. Michael remembered the time where he killed Evan in cold blood. The way his small body hung limply on Fredbear's jaw. The chilling scream his Father let out. He remembered the time he learnt of Charlie's death. Charlie was one of the few people that reached out, attempting to help him through his grief, but he always pushed her away. He remembered the time she invited him to her 14th birthday, only for him to cruelly slam the door in her face. He remembered the time Elizabeth returned from Charlie's birthday, sobbing. Charlie was murdered that night. In the depths of his mind, the agonising thought persisted:
He could've prevented all this.
Finally, there was Elizabeth. After Charlie's death, he finally managed to get a grip on himself. She made him promise that no matter what happens between them, that they'd always be there for eachother.
Michael broke that promise. If only he kept an eye on her like his Father told him.
However, standing here, Michael realises what happened to her. Two lives ruined because of him. Three lives gone because of him.
He's going to do everyone the favour of just dying. It isn't like anyone is going to miss him. He hasn't seen Henry ever since Charlie's funeral. He hasn't seen that man cry as much as that day. He hasn't seen his father in a while, but that was a normal occurrence. The last thing he told him was that he found a way to put everyone back together.
He noticed the flow of warm, wet blood from his side starting to lessen, as his consciousness began blurring, the pain beginning to recede. Suddenly, he heard the ruffling sounds of metal wires slithering against the floor.
Ennard: "Don't worry. We'll take good care of your body."
Michael looks up, his tear-filled dull eyes staring at the creature before him. He couldn't see that much, but he recognised it as the same thing from when he was defending himself in that room.
The abomination stared down on him. He watched it reached down, turning him over on his back causing a whimper to escape his lips.
"Oh god…." Henry gasped in horror, his free hand covering his mouth as he took in the horrific scene before him. This was something he never wanted to see. Michael's insides were exposed, his stomach missing and most of intestines mutilated. His ribs were ripped apart, hanging loosely by his ribcage. Henry's stomach turned at the sight, his mind racing. He felt like throwing up.
Thankfully, Henry wasn't letting his daughter see this, even though she tried. Glancing at Mike, he felt his heart sink. Poor Mike looked horrified, and all Henry wanted to do was wrap his arms around him and comfort him.
Glancing at William, he looked devastated as well. Anyone would be overwhelmed by the horror before them. Michael is his son, and the idea of him dying in such a brutal and violent way would be unbearable. Especially when it's the thing he made.
"Shhhh… We promise that we won't make a huge mess with you."
Just as darkness crept his vision, a voice was heard inside his head.
'You deserve this. People like you don't deserve to live'
A small sickening squish was heard as the screen darkened.
Silence. The room was engulfed with silence not like any other. The silence was heavy and suffocating and occasionally interrupted by the sound of sniffling or the trembling breaths of those present. Mostly by Evan.
William sat there in utter shock, his heart sinking like a heavy stone. His son. His oldest son died. Michael was gone—taken by the very creations he made. The weight of guilt and regret bore down on him like a crushing weight. He never feared the dangers the animatronics posed to his children this much, but this…. he never imagined this devastating outcome. His head fell into his hands, fingers gripping his face tightly. He clenched his teeth, and a bitter taste filled his mouth as small tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill over.
His son was dead, and it was all his fault.
Michael couldn't believe what just happened. He just watched how he dies in the future! He's going to be lured, betrayed and die in a way he never even thought was possible. Although, a single question crept into his mind. 'What do they want from me exactly?'
The image of the giant mechanical arm digging inside him , ripping him open, still lingered in his mind. Bile slowly rose up to his throat, but falls back down as he sickeningly swallows it back down.
Realising the ordeal finally came to an end, Michael released his younger siblings from the embrace. He observed as Evan and Elizabeth stared at him with swollen eyes. With a tender touch, he reached out and cupped their cheeks, his thumb sweeping away any left over tears, wiping part of the evidence of their distress. It was the most he could do anyways.
Evan slightly leaned against his touch. A smile naturally graced Michael's expression, and he extended his hand to affectionately tousle their hair.
Michael surveyed the room, catching the sombre expressions they wore. A wave of sadness washed over him when he realised they were deliberately avoiding his gaze. The silence hung heavy, punctuated only by occasional sniffles, and it became evident that he needed to break through the silence. Summoning a faint smile and raising his shoulders in nonchalant shrug, he attempted to lighten the mood with his questionable humour.
"Well, I guess I'm scrambled eggs now! Hehe…. Get it? Because I'm Eggs Benedict?" His attempt at humour faltered as soon as the words left his lips, and he immediately regretted ever opening his mouth. He felt a pang of guilt when he saw the sorrow etched onto their faces.
The room fell into a worse awkward silence but to everyone's complete surprise, Charlie burst into laughter.
They watched in astonishment as she laughed, clutching her stomach while in the midst of a fit of laughter. However, her laughter gradually transitioned into tears, and then into deep, wrenching sobs, catching everyone off guard.
Charlie's body trembled with the weight of her emotions. "M-Mike!" She blurted out, her voice cracking as she managed to utter his name. "I-I'm s-so sorry!" She sobbed, meeting Michael's eyes with her face stained with tears.
Guilt pricked at Michael as he watched Charlie sob. He doesn't like it when she or anyone else cries. The thought of her witnessing his future self gruesome fate was heartbreaking, especially when she's more the emotional type. He guessed she got that from her father. He just wanted to comfort her, to take away her pain, but what could he possibly say to her? Or anyone else in that manner!
Michael tried mustering a smile in order to comfort his friend. Asking, his eyes wide with shock and confusion. "I don't understand. Why are you apologising?"
"I-I'm sorry y-you had to watch that! If only m-my future self knew about t–this then you wouldn't have d-died!" She sobbed in an anguished tone. "I-I'm so sorry M-Mike!"
Michael's smile faltered as he listened to Charlie speak. He stared at her with confusion. He didn't understand why she felt responsible for his death, and her words made no sense to him. "I-I still don't understand. W-Why are you apologising?" He repeated in confusion and shock. "This… This has nothing to do with you!" He exclaimed, his eyes dampening.
Charlie shook her head, but before she could utter a word, Michael interrupted her. "Charlie…." He pleaded, desperation in his voice, begging for her not to continue this line of thought. "Please don't do this….This is all my fault…." Michael muttered as he looked down towards his hands with a sad smile, his words were barely audible.
Michael sat there, unable to bring himself to look Charlie in the eye, fearing that'd see her tearful expression. Suddenly, he felt a tug on his shirt. It was his younger brother, Evan, whose expression was sombre. "Mikey, please don't say that…." Evan pleaded, his eyes still puffy from crying. He felt another tug, this time Elizabeth, who had a glare on her face. "Mike, please don't blame yourself. She paused, her fingers tightening around his shirt. It was all—"
"Don't tell Daddy that I'm here, I wanted to watch your show too! I don't know why he wouldn't let me come see you, you're wonderful! …Where did the other children go?"
Everyone's head turned towards the screen.
"...What—"
The familiar theme of "The Immortal and The Restless" began playing and the screen showed someone limping in what seemed like a bathroom, their legs resembling that of Michael's. Something was terribly wrong. The way he was limping, his movements seemed unnatural. Forced. It was like he was being controlled. Everyone held their breath, their anticipation mounting as the person stood in front of a foggy mirror. Despite the obscured view, they could make out the outline of Michael. His eyes opened, and to their complete shock, they were not the familiar blue, but eerie, fake, glowing purplish-blue eyes.
The room fell silent, frozen in shock as the screen flickered into static, leaving the group in a state of bewilderment. Fear and confusion filled the air as they struggled to comprehend the unsettling events unfolding before them. Was that the end?
Charlie froze, her body paralyzed. Her mouth agape as her mind raced. Surely it couldn't be the end, right? And how is Michael alive? Her mind went back into thinking. Baby said they needed him so they could leave, meaning all of the Funtime animatronics. And then they… scooped Michael, to achieve that.
Charlie grabbed her head in frustration. All these emotions and revelations are really giving her a headache. 'Baby said that they'll take good care of his body…!' Her eyes widened, her hand covering her mouth in disgust and shock, feeling sick down to her stomach. 'Oh god… oh my god…. Are they…. Did they-' She felt like throwing up, feeling queasy at the mere thought of it.
"Mike!" Elizabeth's voice rang out, laced with panic.
Charlie's thoughts were disrupted by Elizabeth's urgent cry piercing the air. Turning to Michael's direction, her eyes widened as she saw him on the floor, hunched over the bin under him, retching uncontrollably. Panic surged through her like an electric shock.
Leaping from her spot, Charlie instantly rushed to him, dropping to her knees beside him, where Elizabeth and Evan were already gathered. She placed an arm on his back, trying to offer some comfort. "Mike, are you okay?!" She asked frantically, her voice quivering with worry.
Michael was hunched over the bin, breathing heavily and visibly fighting to keep himself from throwing up. Sweat clung to his trembling form, and his face contorted in terror and discomfort. He gritted his teeth, desperately fighting back tears, but it was useless as they spilled from his eyes anyway with no way to contain them. He just couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't suppress it any longer. He reached his breaking point. It was as though a dam had ruptured, the overwhelming emotions crashed over him like a tidal wave.
Michael retched. Tears mixing with today's breakfast in the bin. 'Huh, I guess that's what the bins were for….'
Michael's heart had plummeted the moment he learned of Elizabeth's disappearance that would take place in the future. The moment he absorbed those words, a profound mix of emotions welled up within him.
Fear. Worry. Guilt. Those are the emotions that had been building inside of him, and now it erupted in a torrent of sobs and cries. He couldn't take it any longer. There was a haunting fear that gnawed at him, his mind racing with countless possibilities of what might have befallen her in those moments. Was she dead or not?
A deep, nagging worry settled in his chest, a relentless ache that whispered of the pain and suffering she might've endured. Michael is acutely aware of the dangers lurking in the world, individuals who prey on young children for unspeakable reasons. Yet, a nagging feeling within him suggests that something different might have transpired, and he doesn't know which is the better outcome.
Guilt washed over him like an unforgiving tide, a heavy burden on his shoulders. He was meant to be the older sibling. Someone they could rely on. Someone that's supposed to protect his younger siblings.. But it seems like he failed. He feels ashamed.
Michael needed to release those emotions. Knowing that he would die was one thing, but getting used as a skin suit was his breaking point. He felt sick to his stomach.
Michael felt his eyes moistening, tears uncontrollably flowing down his cheeks, blurring his vision. His body shook, shaky hands gripping his knees, his breath catching in his throat, he closed his eyes and let it out. He could hear familiar voices calling out his name, but it was like they were light years away. He was lost in the whirlpool of his own thoughts.
"Michael. Michael. Michael!" A voice called out.
Michael's eyelids fluttered open, the shout of his name brought him out of his trance. His vision returned and his eyes darted around the room, taking in the scene around him. He was now on the couch rather than the floor. Wiping his eyes with his hands, he focused on the person in front of him.
"F-Father?" Michael asked, his tearstained face filled with a mix of confusion and distress. His father, William, was kneeling to his height and had both hands on Michael's shoulder. His blue eyes filled with concern but then relief. "Thank god…" he breathed out, letting out a sigh of relief. Henry, who stood next to William, did the same.
"W-What happened?" Michael asked, confusion and weariness evident in his voice." He looked around at the faces of everyone around him, his moistened blue eyes darting about in an attempt to piece what had just happened to him. "You kinda threw up and weren't responding to any of us." A voice beside him gently explained. Beside him sat Charlie, her brown eyes reflecting her concern. "So, our dads just carried you here."
"O-Oh…" Michael uttered. He wiped away the remaining tears that had already started to dry on his face, taking a deep breath to collect himself.
"You kinda freaked us out." She added.
As Michael collected himself, he felt a soothing feeling of a gentle hand on his shoulder. Charlie had rested a hand on his shoulder. "Are you…feeling any better?" She inquired, giving him a small, yet comforting squeeze.
As Michael opened his mouth, he tasted a bitter taste in his mouth, one he grimaced at. "Here, drink this," Henry said, handing Michael a cup of water.
Michael took the drink and downed it quickly. "Thanks…" he muttered, wiping his mouth before handing the cup back to Henry. "It's nothing," Henry said. "Although, you should thank your younger brother." He added. Placing an arm on top of Evan's head, who was nervously standing behind his father, absentmindedly scratching his arm and eyes darting around the room.
Michael frowned. Evan wasn't meeting his eyes, and he wondered if he was making him uncomfortable with his stare. "Thank you, Ev-"
Michael was cut off, letting out an 'Oof', as all the air left his lungs. Evan had suddenly charged at him, wrapping his arms around him, tackling him in a tight hug. For a moment, Michael was speechless, taken aback by his show of affection. But, he smiled and pulled Evan onto his lap, returning the embrace with Evan's head nestled against his chest.
Charlie watched as they embraced each other and her heart couldn't help but feel warm at the sight. Her mind went back to a memory of her twin brother, Sammy. She frowned at the mere thought. Unfortunately, her mother and father stopped getting along. So, one day she had enough, taking Sammy with her and leaving. Suffice to say, she and her father were devastated. She lost her twin brother, her other half. She hasn't seen them since. Charlie quickly shook her head, not wanting to think about that in the moment. Though, she always wondered if things would've been different if that never happened. She always thought he and Michael would get along pretty well.
"Ahem!" A voice said, drawing Charlie's attention to Elizabeth standing beside her Father. She had her arms crossed against her chest and appeared annoyed. "Forgetting about someone?" She pouted, the annoyance in her voice evident.
Charlie fought back her snickering. It may have seemed like Elizabeth was mad or upset, but in reality, she was just jealous.
Michael stared at Elizabeth with wide eyes before letting out a small laugh and patting the space beside him, inviting her to join them. With a huff, Elizabeth sat down, but Charlie spotted the small smile that crept on her lips.
Henry sighed in relief. 'Looks like everything is back to normal.' But his face soon turned to one of concern, as he wondered if that really was the end. 'Does it really just end like that?'
Henry's thoughts kept racing, trying to understand everything that happened. 'So, Michael gets… scooped. The anomaly from before picked him up. Elizabeth was talking to what he could guess, Baby. Finally, Michael started walking…?' He didn't seem too sure. But what troubled him the most was Michael's eyes glowing purple and how he's still alive.
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'... Wait! Did they?! Oh god… is…is that why Mike freaked out?!'
Elizabeth plopped down next to Michael, her head resting on his shoulder. Michael, feeling her body resting against his, pulled her closer, his arm curled around her. His head rested softly against hers, his eyes closed as he lost himself in her bright orange mop of hair. He wasn't going to lose her or Evan.
Michael lifted his head and looked around at everyone in the room. As he looked around the room, his facial expression showed a mixture of pain, guilt, and sadness. On the surface, he's been trying to keep calm but unfortunately, he failed to hide the turmoil simmering within.
"I…I'm sorry you guys had to watch that…" Michael muttered.
Charlie opened her mouth to argue, "Mike, please stop blaming yourself—" Michael shook his head. "I know it's not my fault at this present moment, but the fact that it will happen to me in the future makes it my fault. I should have known better than to trust Baby. I could have done more to avoid this. I should have been more careful. It's all my fault."
Michael's words were heavy with remorse. He appreciated Charlie's soothing presence but he couldn't forgive himself that easily. He clenched his fists, tightening his embrace around Elizabeth and Evan. "Especially Liz…." The words came out as a small pained whisper.
The room seemed to go quiet for a moment. It was as if time itself took a breath, and the room seemed to respond in kind, descending into an eerie stillness. The subtle shift in atmosphere was palpable. Everyone was still. Michael felt guilty for Elizabeth going missing and it weighed heavily in his mind. He blamed himself.
Michael's voice broke as he spoke. "It's…it's my fault. I-I'm the older sibling-" He choked out. Sniffling, he continued. "I should've been there for them. But I wasn't. And now…Liz is gone. His voice trailed off, the weight of his words heavy in the air.
Elizabeth laughed, her face nestled even deeper into Michael's shoulder. "Mike," she said in a soft, amused tone, her small giggles dancing in the air. "What on earth are you spouting about? I'm right here. I haven't gone anywhere. I haven't budged an inch." She said, gripping his shirt.
Michael froze, feeling a sudden warmth in his chest. She was right. He placed his hand over hers, giving it a tender squeeze. "I know," he whispered, his voice catching as he wiped away a single tear from his eye. He held Evan closer, his chin on top of his head.
"Mike, I'm sorry to learn that this happens to you ….If only we knew, then maybe, none of this would've happened." Henry said, giving Michael a sad expression.
Michael frowned, letting out a shaky breath. "H-Henry, g-guys, please, don't be like Charlie. None of this is your fault. It's mine and only mine—" William extended a hand over Michael, signalling him to stop.
"Michael, stop. Henry's right. But… it's fully my fault, not theirs." Michael was taken aback. His father wasn't the type who would easily accept his mistakes. "F-Father, what're you talking about? This…This is none of you guy's fault—"
"Yes it is!" William exclaimed. The room was engulfed in silence. William sighed before continuing. It seemed like it was hard for him too. "They are my animatronics. My creations. They… k-killed you." William stopped before continuing. "A-and…" William glanced at Evan and Elizabeth, who were staring at him, listening with curiosity.
"T-They used you as a skin-suit."
Silence hung in the air. Everyone who hasn't realised it yet were mortified. Evan pulled away slightly from his older brother, and looked into his eyes. "M-Mikey, what is a skin-suit?" Michael stared at Evan, unsure how to explain it. "W-Well…i-it's…uh…" he stopped, feeling queasy and disturbed.
"Let's just say Michael is now being controlled like a puppet ." William replied instead. "O-Oh, but i-isn't Mikey…d-dead?" Evan stuttered, to which William flinched, before nodding. "B-But-"
"Evan, let's not speak about this right now. Can't you see that your brother is uncomfortable?" William said, pointing towards Michael who was trying to keep it together. Evan nodded.
William took a deep breath before continuing. "As I was saying, after Michael got scooped, we heard Lizzie's voice." Everyone's eyes widened. They completely forgot about that, because of the mirror scene. "Oh, right, but I didn't hear it quite well because… well-" Charlie said, giving Michael a quick glance, remembering when he was dying. "I was a bit… distracted….what did she say?"
Michael felt Elizabeth's embrace growing tighter. In response, he softly ran his fingers through her ginger hair as she relaxed in his arms.
"Based on what Elizabeth said, it seemed like she disregarded my future self's warning and went to see Baby anyway." William explained.
As he reflected further, doubt and a hint of unease crept into William's thoughts. 'Could I have known what would happen?' he questioned himself, his expression wavering with uncertainty and perhaps a touch of fear. 'No, no... that can't be possible. I would never harm children, especially not my own. It must have been a malfunction or the AI going rogue. Yeah, that must be it,' he desperately reassured himself
William took a deep breath, the next words weighing heavily on his conscience. This wasn't easy for him to say, nor easy for anyone to hear. "Listening to what future Lizzie said, it sounded like she was standing right in front of Baby, and I... I fear I may have an idea of what might've befell her," William continued, his voice growing grimmer with each passing moment.
"She's… she's gone, isn't she?" Michael uttered, his voice trembling as he spoke.
A heavy silence descended upon the room as everyone stared at Michael in shock. William, however, remained composed, but his brows slightly were furrowed, while Elizabeth froze in place, burying herself deeper in her older brother's shoulder. Michael, sensing her quivering, continued to stroke her hair in a comforting gesture, silently telling her that everyone is going to be okay. None of this happened yet and it would never happen.
"H-How can you be so sure?" Charlie pressed, her voice wavering with uncertainty.
"On Michael's third night. Circus Baby was telling him that she was on stage once." William explained. Charlie looked at him deep in thought. "Oh yeah, she did say something like that. I must've forgotten that." She remarked, "Anyways…Baby explained that there was a little girl, standing by herself ." Everyone froze, already not liking the direction this was heading.
"Baby explained that, at that moment, she wasn't herself anymore," William began, his voice sounding ominous. "She stopped singing, and her stomach opened, and there was ice cream. She explained that she couldn't move, or atleast, not until the girl stepped closer…. Baby said that…that the little girl screamed…and I think that girl was ..." William paused, his gaze shifting towards his daughter, Elizabeth, who was still nestled in his son, Michael's, comforting embrace, who was gently running his fingers through her hair, offering her comfort in the face of what was to come.
"I'm certain that the girl was Elizabeth." William concluded, his voice carrying a heavy tone of sorrow.
The room once again fell into a stunned silence as everyone's eyes widened, their mouths hanging agape "W-William, how can you be so sure that the little girl was Elizabeth?" Henry asked, his voice quivering with disbelief.
William turned to face Henry, his expression more resolute despite the heavy atmosphere in the room. It was something William was naturally gifted at.
"After the… mirror scene," he began, "Elizabeth said something along the lines, 'Where did the other children go?' It fits perfectly with what Baby explained. Not only that, when Michael was 'repairing' Circus Baby, he mentioned that he hadn't seen her ever since the restaurant shut down due to gas leaks . It implies that there was a restaurant once, and all the pieces seem to point to the same conclusion." William's voice held a note of certainty as he laid out the evidence that he had gathered and haunted his thoughts.
No one spoke; instead, the room fell into contemplative silence as everyone absorbed the weight of William's explanation.
Charlie sat there, her eyes wide but fatigued, her hand covering her face. 'Everything Mike's dad said makes sense,' Charlie thought. She had always known Michael's father was intelligent, but his keen observation had taken her by surprise.
Charlie's hand shifted from her face to her forehead, and she glanced to the spot towards her left, where Michael, Elizabeth and Evan sat. Evan's eyes were puffy and stared at the floor while Michael softly stroked his knuckles. Elizabeth's head was no longer buried in Michael's shoulder but gently leaning against it, with his fingers soothingly running through her hair. Elizabeth avoided eye contact with anyone, her face slightly pale. Charlie couldn't blame her though.
'Poor Lizzie…' Charlie thought. Both Michael and Elizabeth had to learn that they'll die very early. She isn't sure if the same happened to Evan, but she wouldn't be surprised if he did.
Charlie couldn't help but feel a flicker of suspicion towards William. His future self had warned Elizabeth not to see Baby, as if he knew what would've happened. She shook her head, attributing her doubts to exhaustion.
Suddenly, the door opened and in stepped Old Man Consequences. They watched as the red man approached them, fishing rod against his shoulder.
"So," OMC began, "how did it go?" He inquired.
No one muttered a word.
"So I guess not." OMC uttered.
"Why…" Michael began, gathering everyone's attention. "Why what?" OMC he questioned.
"Why are you doing this?" Michael asked.
"What do you mean?" OMC pondered.
Michael fixated his gaze at the old man. "Why are you showing us the future?" Michael asked, his voice turning serious.
"Didn't I say before? It's so that you people change the outcome of the future." OMC responded.
Michael shook his head. "No, I still don't understand. Why did you choose us? What's your purpose for doing this? I know it's because we hold the most influence ."
Old Man Consequences stayed quiet for a moment before letting out a sigh. His red glowing eyes being revealed, staring directly at Michael's. He shivered for a moment.
"Tell me Michael." OMC mused, his tone turning serious. "Do you think even the worst person can change…? That if they tried hard enough or if they learned the consequences of their actions then they can change into a better person…?"
Michael was confused. "I don't see how that-"
"Answer me Michael." OMC said.
Michael stayed quiet for a moment before answering. "Yes, I believe they can."
Michael swore he saw the red man smile. "Well then, that's the answer to your question." He said.
"I don't see how that has to do with anything." Michael commented, her brows furrowing.
OMC chuckled. "You will learn in due time. Now, I believe it's time for you all to head back home." He announced.
"W-Wait, you're letting us go?" Charlie asked. OMC raised an eyebrow. "Why of course. Did you think I'll keep you here forever?" He inquired.
"W-Well… I…" Charlie stuttered.
"As I was saying. You'll go home now. I will see you all soon." OMC said.
"Soon?" Henry said. "What do you mean by soon?" He asked.
"Why, it's because you're all coming back." OMC said, like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
Everyone was startled by the news.
"Didn't I say that this was just the beginning?" He commented.
They shook their heads.
"Well, now you know. You're all in for a surprise next time." OMC said, but before anyone could say anything else—
BEEP BEEP BEEP
Michael's eyes fluttered open. Sitting up straight, he slowly glanced at his surroundings. He was in his room. 'Huh…what a weird dream…and I can remember it so vividly….' He thought. Swinging his legs over his bed, feet landing on the soft blue carpet.
Going down the stairs, he reached the kitchen. His father was down there already, holding a cup of coffee while reading the newspaper. Their eyes briefly met, but to his surprise, his father turned away.
"Morning, father." Michael greeted.
"Hello, Michael." William replied.
Just as William was about to open his mouth, a pair of light footsteps was heard.
"Morning, Evan, Liz. Did you sleep well?" Michael asked as they sat on their respective chairs.
"I had this bizarre dream today!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"Yeah, me too!" Evan said.
"Really…what was it about?"
"There was this red alligator man that apparently kidnapped us so that we can—"
William spat his drink out of his mouth, while Michael stared at Evan in shock.
"Wait, you dreamt about that too?!" Michael asked in shock.
…
"So, it wasn't a dream…" William said, sighing. "If that's the case then Henry remembers…well, off you go to school."
"..."
Just as William was about to leave, he took one look at his kids before leaving, a single thought stuck in his mind. 'I'll find a way to put them back together.'
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Uh-oh
