Chica skips across pinkish clouds, her movement causing puffs to fly up to her face, allowing her a taste, strawberry cotton candy, to be exact. She floats into a pile of pinkish puffery, enjoying her sweet treat while glimpsing at the pizza-shaped unicorns prancing across the field.
Then she blinks, and she's dressed as a knight, creeping through a dark forest. Though her armor prevents the touch of the prickling ends, she felt the trees prickly touch, giving way to comfort her like a scratch to an unbearable itchiness. It leads her on the path to slay the beast laying before her. With her sword held high, she rapidly approaches the monster, finding her weapon a new home within the slots of its heart.
Bite-size pizza pies rush to greet her. And although they are small in size, they were able to lift up their hero, no casualties, only cheers. Carrying her back to their village, showering her with endless gifts and galore, singing a song that they'd guarantee will last for generations.
Then she blinks, standing before a mirror, her reflection copied by the same beast she had slain. When she moved, it moved. When she spoke, it mimicked her own voice in a deeper, more sinister echo. She's heard this voice before. It taunted her the night when she lost control. The moments before she'd lose her temper. It still kept its glitchy purplish appearance, but she could make out the form.
It's herself.
What are you?
It leaps out the imprisoned mirror, grabbing her by the throat. She blacks out.
The next time she came too, the scenery before her dripped in red and black. Her friends laid before her, dismembered, defeated. Blood drips from her hands and she screams.
What did you do?! She yells at her corrupted version, who smirks and waves its finger nonchalantly and puts the finger to its lips, descending into the darkness.
"You guys continue to amaze me. Two encores? That has never been achievable, ever. And Tessa," He beams at the animatronic. "You were such a crowd pleaser. Where did you learn those moves?"
"Oh Gabe, stop. It's nothing fancy outside of combining a few dance moves on YouTube."
Freddy raises an eye at her. He knows that those moves were made by Chica. She'd shown them a couple of weeks ago in exchange for feedback. Monty and Roxy were angered by how she would prance around and knock into them. She got carried away because otherwise Chica's usually choreographed. For the sake of avoiding animosity, Freddy told Chica to save it for another time. It's clear that Chica had been the one who taught Tessa, because she wouldn't be performing anytime soon. Why is Tessa claiming something that Chica did?
"That is something, like your signature move." Gabe continues. "Your performance went viral and it gave me an idea. An international tour! Think of the people who have the honor to attend your show when they couldn't do so before. Ferociously, that'll be the name of your band, I already see it as a hit! Marketing's already working on merchandise, the first meeting with potential sponsors is sometime next week..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Gabe!" Tessa interjects. "Don't you think this is a bit much? This seems too soon. Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Tessy, you're being too modest! You've barely been here one full week and people are captivated by you. That's impressive within itself. This is a great idea, and not a moment too soon. Innovation, my dear robots, we gotta get with the times."
"New fans adoring me every night?" Roxy's eyes sparkle.
"We still have Chica." Freddy subtly reminds the group, to which 3 of 4 shot back annoyed looks.
"Freddy, my boy. I already made it clear that she will not be performing."
"It would not seem right." Freddy pushes, ignoring the cold stares Monty and Roxy were throwing at him. "People have not forgotten about her, she still has a chance to redeem herself."
"Redemption or not, I made up – why am I arguing with a robot? – forget it, Freddy, my answer is final. Again, this is about innovation! Nature's ferocious animals: a bear, a tiger, a wolf and an alligator, sending out messages of fun and hope to an already cruel world. Where in the world would a chicken fit that image?"
"But Gabe –"
"I got to go, you four discuss amongst yourselves and keep the peace. I'll be back with updates!" Gabe calls, walking out of the Atrium.
"Seriously Freddy, we have this opportunity and you don't want to proceed? What gives? Are you really going to deprive us of an opportunity over a stupid chicken?" Roxy snaps. "We've been performing with Chica for years and that hasn't gotten us anywhere. We were nothing outside of entertainment bots. Could you for once not be in your feelings and take one for the team?"
"We cannot just give up on her, I am not giving up on her."
"Of course you wouldn't. Chica's dead to the public, why you and Vanessa are still hinged on her 'redemption' is beyond me. She ruined her chance. Not that she's going to understand."
"Understand what, Roxy? Gabe stripped her from playing and now she will hear about this? How would she understand? Please enlighten me with an explanation for how you have convinced yourself to be so heartless?"
"That does it!" Monty pushed Freddy. "I ain't letting you defy my chance at fame over that bitch that no one will miss."
"Take that back Monty!" Freddy pushes him.
"Make me!" He snarls, seconds away from grappling.
"Hey, hey, enough! This isn't what Gabe meant by keeping the peace." Tessa steps in between them.
"Excuse me." Freddy stomped away from his bandmates, with Tessa calling him and Monty shouting out not so great names. In a random hallway, he slumps to the ground, being greeted by Vanessa who saw him on the other side. Confused and concerned, she approaches him while her phone bleeps. She scowls as she's looking at an email from Gabe, gaining an indication of what made Freddy upset.
"How-dee-doo friends!" Sun called, skipping towards them. He paused, cocking his head sideways at them. "Why the long face? What happened?"
"Innovation happened." Freddy mumbled.
"Freddy!" Tessa rushes in front of them. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen."
"It is not your fault."
"I hate to say this but Gabe has a right to do –"
"A right to what, treat us like we're just bots?! It isn't fair, why I oughta…"
"Hey, not so fast, Sun." Vanessa grabs a wrist.
"Aye, let me at him! For once, I won't mind if Moon takes control to tear that prick apart!"
Freddy stands to his feet. "Vanessa, if this is true that there is no possibility of Chica being able to perform again, do you think we can convince him to not decommission her? How close are you to a solution?"
"We're working on it, Freddy."
"Speaking of Chica," Sun points to the wandering chicken. The PizzaPlex had opened. It wouldn't be long before guests trailed in, what is she doing? From the way she hadn't noticed them, it's clear that she's in her own thoughts.
"Chica?" Vanessa approached the animatronic, the others followed. When Chica does realize their presence, she gives a small smile, but remains where she stands as they surround her.
"Hey guys."
"You were supposed to be in Parts and Services, what are you doing here?"
I'm not already there? Chica scans her surroundings realizing that she is above ground. She doesn't remember getting here. She's doing it again, subconsciously making her way and partaking in activities she wouldn't have a clue of doing.
Because of that thing.
Vanessa steps in front of Chica to try and examine her, or at least tries to examine before Chica pulls a couple feet back. Chica glances through the group, noting an important person, or rather, kid, that isn't present. "Where's Gregory?"
"He wanted to go home after school."
"That isn't like him." Sun comments. "He already didn't come with you yesterday. It's so weird, he loves being here, the first thing he always does is knock stuff over just to pester me. All out of good fun, sometimes."
"Is he sick, Vanessa?"
"Not that I know of. He just said that he wasn't up for coming. That's why I'm getting back here a little late." Vanessa sighs tiredly. "Also, he has this really nasty bruise on his arms. He said he'd fallen, but a fall wouldn't cause a really nasty bruise, not without some form of intense pressure." She turns to Chica. "Gregory stayed with you while I helped with the concert. Did you see anything fall on him?" A gasp threatens to escape Chica, horrified that she scared the poor child into lying to Vanessa.
Yet she maintains her composure. They all know how protective Vanessa can be over Gregory. Chica feared the anger Vanessa would project if she knew that Chica caused Gregory harm, especially since she couldn't place the blame on her malfunction, but her anger. She hoped to see him so she could apologize, but she understood why he wouldn't want to be in the same place as her.
"Sorry Vanessa, I hadn't seen anything." Clusters of laughter could be heard in the background. "I guess I should head back downstairs."
"Nonsense! This is a perfect opportunity to gain more positive influence. Oh! You can hang out with me! I'll have a few tots with me today, they would love to see you!" Sun insisted.
"Great, getting slob and paint all over my casing by whining children." She mumbles, walking away.
"You don't think she knows about the tour?"
"I don't think so, but we don't have long, knowing that Gabe is somewhere planning on how to make this news go viral. We'll have to talk to her to prepare for it."
"I can talk to her," Tessa volunteers.
Freddy frowns. "I do not think that is a good idea Tessa. She may be better off hearing it from Vanessa or I."
"When? You can't go two steps without attracting a crowd and Vanessa is pulled all over the place."
"She has a point, Freddy."
"Of course I do, and so, I insist." Tessa states, with a motion that she'd made up her mind. She goes on her way.
"Don't trust her," A different voice projects from Sun's mouth.
"Moon? What?"
"Do not trust her." Moon's voice repeats a few times before Sun snaps his head, seemingly back to himself with no awareness of what had happened. "Well, back to the daycare! I have plenty of activities to show Chica before the little ones arrive." He dashes away, singing 'She'll be coming round the mountain.'
"What the heck is going on?! Are everyone's programs running amuck?"
"Do I answer that question?"
"Moon isn't programmed to do anything when there's lights on, but he's the one talking! He's, I – ugh, my head!"
"It is worth mentioning the lack of confidence in Tessa. I do not have any doubts that Tessa has some ill intent plans."
"He might be talking about Chica." For once, Vanessa finds herself agreeing with the terrifying night attendant. She's grown distrustful of Chica, careful not to let her thoughts form expressions. She's doing it for the sake of Freddy and Gregory, but she doesn't know how long she can maintain that poker face. "Moon is distrusting of everyone but children. Some children, he barely tolerated Gregory at times." Vanessa rubs her head, "I'm going to get some aspirins so I can think more clearly. As for you, Freddy, stay within your programming. I don't want you, of all robots, to go haywire and bite someone's head off."
Freddy frowns. "Why would I do something like that?"
"I'm just being sarcastic, Freddy."
"Oh."
"Hello friends!" Sun taps and twirls around the Fazbear Theater stage, amplifying the thrills of screams and laughter of 45 children. From behind a curtain, Chica lets out a quiet and nervous sound. There were some parents who stayed with their offspring, Sun called them helicopter parents. She can already see the parents' judging eyes glued to her every move, to seize a moment to leap into action the moment Sun will call her onstage.
"All of my friends, big and small, we have a special treat for you today. We have someone who has taken time out of her very busy schedule to come and play with us. Are you ready to meet her?"
"Yes!" A collection of voices answered.
"Well, let's not keep our friend waiting. Boys and girls, let's put our hands together for Chica Chicken!"
The curtain pulls up, exposing Chica to the numerous screaming tots. She doesn't get to watch for the adults' faces as children rush to greet her, hug her, shouting her name with excitement.
"Hi everyone, it's so good to see you all."
"Tell the kids what we have planned for today, Chica." Sun encourages his friend to follow the list of activities: Hide & Seek, finger painting, playing a few tunes on her guitar (omitting the singing), 'the floor is lava', musical chairs, the list seemed to run forever. For a moment, she smiled genuinely, feeling like herself and doing what she loves best – entertaining children.
Insignificant runts… these said children were no bigger than her feet. A growl emits internally, she fantasizes crushing them like grapes in their process of becoming wine. Fighting the urge alongside her playing, has drained her energy significantly.
The need for a recharge came in time for refreshments. After two hours, the children are served with the PizzaPlex's finest cuisine. She sneaks away as Sun trots around the area, reminding the small tots on the proper way to eat.
She didn't get far, a boy rushes to the animatronic with his mouth half-full, calls out to her. She greets the child, encouraging him to finish consuming his food before repeating his question.
"Will you be coming back? I don't want them to send you away. When will you be back to perform?"
"In a little while, what's the rush? I'm not going anywhere."
"Yeah, but Freddy and the gang are!" He pushes the phone in her face, blighting her view for a moment whilst she regains her vision. Sure enough, they read in big letters. "The Future is Here: Ferociously, the first robotic group to undergo a world-wide tour!" Towards the end of the page, she recognized an enlarged picture that had been photoshopped.
Why are they doing this?! When did this happen? She had just seen Freddy and Tessa, why didn't they say anything? Her mind races, this cannot be true.
"That is not going to happen. We will get you back to where you belong. All of this will not last forever. Tessa would only be temporary…" Freddy's words from the other day, the same ones that provide her comfort, filled her with rage. She was sure of it before, and he convinced her otherwise. Like an idiot, she fell for it, back with the false assurance she would be back in the band as soon as she was back to herself. He lied to me!
She storms out of the theater, drawing the attention of nearby guests. They've all seen it. They're all watching her, waiting for her reaction. She rushes into one of the backstage areas, navigating her through the utility's tunnels. Any bot residing in the area moved out of the way, daring not to interfere with her route. They'd witness a mapbot persistently offering a map to the animatronic, only to have Chica whip it to the other side, breaking its head casing. It never occurred to her where she's supposed to go since everyone could be all over the PizzaPlex, yet she didn't care. Each stomp raises her anger, with a voice laughing in her head. Taunting her with words.
"There you are!" Tessa's seen nearby, trouting up to her. "I'd been looking for you."
WHACK! Chica slaps her across the face, quick to twist the tiger's arm hard enough that it snaps, leaving exposed wiring and pushing Tessa into the wall.
"What the hell, Chica!"
"Shut up!" Chica screams, the tone in her voice changing. "You dare speak to me like we're friends? I ought to shred you right now!"
"Chica, please, you're not hearing yourself right now, you don't want to do this. Let's talk this out. It's not all bad news, I promise."
"I told you to shut your mouth!" Chica launches at Tessa, hands reclaiming her throat. Tessa tussled with Chica for minutes before Monty and Roxy, hurling her off Tessa and pinning Chica to the ground. "Unhand me, traitors!"
"What the? What are you guys doing?" Vanessa exclaimed. She had received a damage alert from one of the mapbots and had gone to investigate. Seeing Chica hitting and yelling at everyone was not what she'd prepared for.
"You lied to me!" Chica pushes Roxy and launches at Vanessa. The security guard's quick reflexes allow her to dodge the raging animatronic, who recovers and refocuses her stare on all of them. With shaking hands and on the verge of another breakdown, she questioned. "How could you do this to me? I thought I was your friend" Tears began flowing. Her right arm raises to throw a punch. She reconsidered, wanting to run. Her arm wouldn't drop.
Enough of this buffoonery.
Chica screams, though she turns away to yell to herself. "LEAVE ME ALONE!" She flops onto the floor, pinning her arm down. It resists, as she could feel the voice taunting her.
"GET OUT OF MY SYSTEM! GET OUT!"
Vanessa slowly approaches Chica, who's now in a hysterical fit. "Chica?"
"Vanessa…" She hiccups. "H-Help me." She spoke before she dropped onto the ground, self-shutting off her systems and rendering her limbless.