Sometime during the Pizzaplex's prime-
GLAMROCK BONNIE
Night 2. Time stamp: 12:00 am.
Anxiety had filled him that entire day leading up to this moment- the moment where their little game begins again.
He was bouncing his leg- ready to get rolling. He'd been in and out of Parts and Service twice today; only letting Monty finish cleaning him up and no one else. He refused human touch; as he still didn't know whom to trust yet until he got an idea of the ghost rabbit's identity (although he was already starting to get an idea). This new shift in perspective was a strange notion for him, seeing as he'd been programmed to be willing to hug and hold as needed. He's a people person himself; meant to welcome and embrace all who ask for it- it's what he's made for. Rabbits are CUDDLY- and his employers had emphasized this to him.
Sometimes, he'd pick up children and let them fluff his hair- which, the hair on his head was actual hair (not that he knew what material its made from exactly- perhaps the same stuff as Roxy's?). The kids would coo at the softness and muss it; then hug his face and legs as he tried marching across the alley with them. They bounced and hang from his arms, chirrup in those high voices, and remind him of the fact his interaction with them was, at the end of the day... limited. He'd grow to love them dearly and fiercely quite fast, but most would slip from his life at closing hours, forever.
And just the passing thought of this had him thinking back on Jeremiah anew.
He gulped air in a strangled, trapped manner; his chest jumping forcibly as his mind went to what the ghost rabbit showed him last night. He hadn't heard from Trisha- nor had she come back to say anything- though he doubted she'd been silent about her boy's disappearance. He wondered what happened and what their superiors withheld from them- as he suspected their employers wouldn't mention anything so important or distressing as a missing child to their money makers. If the Glamrocks were upset over a single child, they won't perform. That was the irrefutable truth. They'd spend however long they can searching the PizzaPlex from top to bottom trying to find the child or his/her remains.
...Remains.
God. Such a horrible thing to say- but mayhaps the truth in this instance.
Bonnie would never perform or pick up an instrument again if it meant he could find that child alive. And if he could spend the rest of his functional life protecting a child from harm like that, he'd gladly rewrite himself to the cause completely. Too bad he was built to be a musician and not some actual fighting bot that can hold its own- despite how solid he was in construction, he wasn't good enough to last in extended combat. And he had Monty to thank for showing him that.
He wondered about many things- And Freddy clearly wondered them too. As it was, when he found Bonnie earlier that morning, Bonnie had been on the last remaining dregs of his charge; having exhausted his primary and secondary battery from sitting in that one spot for so long. He'd been so distressed and saddened by Jeremiah that he couldn't find the gumption to move on his own. It was 7 in the morning before anyone found him in the lobby by Glamrock Gifts. So he would've had his ass planted there maybe 3-ish hours- Way too long to go without a charge.
So Bonnie wasn't coherent and slurred like a drunk when Freddy hauled him off to his own room in Rockstar Row- he even let Bonnie use his personal recharge station behind his room. And Freddy wouldn't let Bonnie return to his own room down the ways until they sat down together. They sat and talked a while, yes- but Bonnie refused to tell him anything. It hurt to leave his friend in the dark like that, but Bonnie didn't want anyone else in on this. Moon and Monty were beneath circumstances that couldn't be helped.
Bonnie meanwhile, back in the present, was up before the watch and his internal clock struck midnight. He was feeling rejuvenated and much better now- Monty had done a fine job repairing him throughout the day. He had a new arm, and new casing everywhere. Plus a new buff and makeup (he had to put it back on and he wasn't sorry for it). His ear though- he left it torn on purpose. Why?
Just because he kinda thought it looked cool. Badass. It built character! And it wasn't like he wore an earring on it so, why not? It's COOL-LOOKING. It didn't matter more than that. Though he knew his superiors will beg to differ the next time he saw them.
Not that he cared.
In the meantime, Bonnie loped out of his room; ears turning towards his friends rooms and ignoring the fact he felt like one of them may be watching him already. He listened for them, then started to toe his way out-
Only for Freddy to open the door to his room and fold his arms like a parent catching their child leaving the house after hours.
"Crap baskets," Bonnie groaned when they locked eyes.
"Crap baskets, indeed," Freddy said, motioning his head into his room. "Get in."
Yeah. For some reason, Bonnie always found it hard to say no to him. And he knew in this instance, he couldn't. So, he hung his head and surrendered. Guess the ghost rabbit had to wait.
He dragged his feet as he slumped in, his ears as low as they can be above his head. He avoided Freddy's eyes as the bear shut the door behind him; releasing a pent-up sigh as he did. The bear then walked over to his couch, seated himself rather primly, and patted a spot on his other side.
Oh boy.
Another resigned huff escaped Bonnie as he crept over to the couch; keeping his head low and pulling his shades further over his face so he couldn't look at Freddy directly. The bear was heard huffing again; the sound rather loud and... sad.
"Talk to me. Please."
And just that, those words and the way he said them had Bonnie gritting his teeth and curling up. His ears flopped so far into his face they almost touched his nose as he slumped. He pulled his feet in, not caring if he got them on the couch. He hugged his knees, making himself look as tiny as possible as he side-eyed the ursine apprehensively. Freddy didn't speak again though; the bear was as endlessly patient as Father Time. He waited with a relaxed posture; the opposite of the parental scolding one he had but a moment ago.
Something had to give eventually- and it wouldn't be papa bear.
"I can't," Bonnie said, at length. "I can't tell you."
"Why not?
How is his voice so quiet now? So comforting? Its warmth was an invasive, pervasive force; it embraced and compelled and prompted comfort even though there may be none to be found. It gave courage where others falter- and it was a beautiful sound within itself. It was no wonder Freddy was the lead singer- his voice had a habit of making people feel home even if they're in a strange and alien place.
Although, Bonnie wished he can say the same right now.
The rabbit huffed again. And then, "I can't. I don't want anyone getting in trouble. I don't want you in trouble."
"Is this related to the er... weird, string of incidents that's been happening here lately?"
The bassist didn't say; afraid that if he answered ANYTHING directly, he may end up spilling the beans completely. He chuffed and sniffled; unable to gather the strength to look his best friend in the face. How disgraceful was that?
Freddy's jaw was seen mashing and clenching; his approximation of kneading lips he didn't have. He scooted a touch closer to the rabbit- and was emboldened when Bonnie didn't shuffle away. He leaned over, trying to meet his best friend's shaded face. "Is there something I can do to help?"
He shook his head. How the heck can Bonnie even begin to describe this to him?
Freddy's downtrodden expression was the very thing Bonnie wanted to avoid; his ears sagged heavily, and he too begins to avoid catching eyes if something truly weighed on him. As if he was aware of the fact his lament was a contagious, poisonous force, Freddy arrested his cerulean gaze on the floor; putting his paws together and gently kneading creamy fingers and claws as he contemplated his friend beside him.
"We love you, you know. We love you very much."
"I know, man."
"I love you, yunno."
"I know, man."
"Chica was asking about you."
"I can assume."
"Roxy misses beating you in Merry-Go-Cade."
"Bet she only misses me wearing that Mr. Hippo magnet. I think she took pictures last time?"
Freddy inhaled; his motor a low, gentle thrum in the heavy air. It almost sounded like a heartbeat from where Bonnie sat. Nobody can hear the nuances of their workings; to catch when the motor skips or stalls and when a mechanism can fail inside of someone. Bonnie once caught a heart attack in a human before it came; remembered the signs and symptoms of certain ailments and when someone's about to faint. It was terrifying and strange.
But the sound from Freddy's chest was something comforting and familiar. And when he eventually heaved, his compressor was a deep, warming resonance that almost sounded like real lungs. He continued fiddling with his claws, looking at Bonnie like he wanted to do something but couldn't muster the gumption to do it- that or force it. Whatever it was, Bonnie didn't know what, but he can assume what it may be.
"Let us help, please."
"I can't."
"I found you hurt this morning. Hurt, and out of it! And Monty was damaged too," Freddy began patiently, but stoutly. "I went to Monty golf today, and the workers were appalled by the wreck in there. Everyone saw it, Bonnie! They had to replace more than 10 sets of guard rails-" He started ticking them off on his fingers. "-They found claws marks on their decor, the office was raided, and fluid from one of you was in the ball pit! It ALMOST looked like blood to them! They panicked, and I was right along with them!"
Bonnie darted a side-ways stare, but it was brief.
"Why did you fight him? Can I at least know that? I thought you two got along-?"
"We do!" Bonnie decided he can try to answer this one, "Surely you know Monty was the one who repaired me?"
"Yes... which confuses me. Hm... was he... hacked?"
Bonnie opened his mouth, closed it, then nodded.
"Ahhh... okay. Okay. That explains it-" He sounded mixed; relieved because his friends aren't fighting for real, but also stressed because they still fought for real. Which was confusing. He inhaled again, "Are you in any pain?"
"No. Everything's running as it should."
Freddy nodded, then scooted a bit more- Bonnie didn't move, so it was progress. But the bear knew if he pressed too fast, Bonnie would bolt. Probably the rabbit behavioral tick there to blame for it. "Look, bestie. I want you to know: I trust you implicitly. But if you're struggling and in need of help, I cannot in my right frame of mind ignore it. I will jump in; as I don't think I can stop myself from otherwise. You understand?"
"Yes sir."
"Bonnie... DON'T 'Yes sir' me! I'm not your dad."
"You're my lead singer though, and right hand man. You're like, my kinda boss? Nooo. No no... More like-" Bonnie smirked, though it was feeble. "Eh, you know what, you're our boss' pet goldfish he forgot to feed. Still higher than us but like, not by much."
"Hey!"
"Look man. I'm just sayin'. You even got the orange color!"
"Don't even start-"
"Believe me, I'm haven't even begun!"
Freddy punched him gently in the shoulder; the contact warm even though their shells were cold surfaces. Bonnie was reminded again of how much he loved the strange, natural feel of Freddy's weird fuzzy paws. Literally the rest of him was metal but his paws? The opposite.
Eventually, Bonnie finally felt tempted to uncurl from his ball; taking his shades off and taking a handkerchief from his stomach hatch. He used the piece of fabric to rub at his shades as he pondered what else to say, "Look, papa bear. I want you to know; I ain't fightin' with our friends. If it really came down to me or them, I will always chose them. Yunno? So if something like that happened again-" He paused, refused to meet Freddy's eyes, and resumed the cleaning, "-I ain't fighting back- not even to save my life. I won't kill or maim us in any capacity. What happened with Monty was an accident- and the situation there was fast and... especially messy. I'd tell you if I could. Really!"
"You're being forced not to say anything-" He began, his expression melting into HORROR. He gasped next, one paw flying to his mouth, "Are you being blackmailed-?!"
When Bonnie couldn't fight those words (as he knew he was a TERRIBLE liar), Freddy had all the answers he needed. He didn't even really have to try. How the heck did he do that?
"I..." he sounded utterly lost and helpless, but the bear knew if he tried for more details, it'd be more of the same- and Bonnie would just straight leave the room right there. His head hung heavily. "I... don't... I can't ignore this-"
Why did that sound like a plea?
"You hafta," Bonnie reciprocated pragmatically. "-Or others get HURT."
"I-"
"Freddy, I got this. Trust me, I got this."
He was silent for a few minutes after that, as if he wanted to argue back but couldn't. He shook his head several times; as if dizzied by what he was hearing. He would say in a small voice after some stretch of minutes, "I... I understand, my long-eared friend. I won't pry. But promise me-" He jabbed a blue talon at him, "Promise me when its done and dusted, you'll tell me the whole thing!"
"I'll give you every gorey detail, my main man."
Freddy closed the distance all the way now, taking the shades from him and wiping them clean for him. He threw the handkerchief back into Bonnie's open hatch. The rabbit shut it and let Freddy take the glasses; even temporarily putting them on. Freddy grunted at it, "Pfft. How do you always wear these? I can't see a blasted thing!"
"They help with the stage flash. I ain't got Roxy's eyes but... they're helpful. They're especially nice if you're working with a new set of optics- fresh from the factory. I offered Roxy some pairs but she refused."
"Huh... may have to borrow any spares you have lying around."
"You're free to take 'em if you need 'em! Just sayin'."
Freddy gently shook his head, smiling his warmest (but still noticeably weak) smile and setting them back onto their owner's proper snout. He gently pushed them into position, then wrapped an arm around Bonnie's shoulder and mussed his hair. "Think I'll rescind that. I'd never take your tacky glasses!"
"EXCUSE YOU. Those are like, DESIGNER? RUDE-" Bonnie huffed at him, pushing him off and crossing his arms in a childish huff. "Now you sound like Roxy! My GOD. Tacky! The audacity! May our creators have mercy on your COMMANDO sense of style!"
Freddy looked down at himself, then back up at Bonnie. There was a strange lack of shame there- and it was so weird, it FORCED a laugh out of the rabbit. The two just burst out cackling like Chica in a pizza factory; slapping and batting and pushing and laughing some more.
Eventually, Bonnie leaned on him and stayed there for a couple minutes. Freddy's talons raked through his messy mop-top; the sensation always rewarding for the blue bunny. The tactile sensors were deliberately placed there to allow him to know a child for instance was touching him and taking advantage of the fact that he's a bunny they can pet. Both child and he enjoyed it. Although it was Freddy in this instance, Bonnie enjoyed the petting. It was silly and obscene, but a peaceful respite.
The bear eventually said, though his claws hadn't stop their errant wandering in his hair, "Please. Please promise me you'll be okay?" And while Bonnie couldn't see it, he was eyeing the holes in Bonnie's torn ear. He wore a worried look the entire time.
"I'll promise to try."
He was quiet for a short bit after that, but he eventually conceded with a soft, barely uttered, "...It'll have to do."
Bonnie blinked and stared up at him, huffed, and just let the bear satisfy his desire to pet him for a while. It was good enough, he supposed.
Good enough, until it wasn't, Bonnie would one day say to himself. And all too soon.
Night 2. Time stamp: 12:40 am.
As if on autopilot, he made his way to the atrium and waited until he was absolutely alone before pulling the fazwatch back out from his chest cavity. He checked the time, looked up at the cameras, then looked at the watch's tiny screen.
He almost beeped her- but she did it first today. Her grotesque image flickered onto the small screen; and a merry wave followed. She waved a chastising finger next, "You're late. You never ask a girl out and leave them hanging, you know. You get DUMPED that way."
"Sorry I kept you waiting! Didn't want the peanut gallery throwing in their two-cents in though."
"So, did you miss me at all?"
"I miss you like I miss a knife in the back," He retorted smartly.
"Be careful of what you wish for. You might just get it," she cooed.
"I hate you."
"I love you too."
Bonnie narrowed his gaze, not really feeling his witty self tonight. "So, you promised me a dance? Maybe I can make up for being late?"
"Hm... I did, didn't I? I wondered about letting you wait for it though... would make it much sweeter. But I also thought of the look on your face if I just indulged you tonight instead. That honestly sounds more fun."
He blinked. Wait- seriously? She's planning on coming out tonight? On the SECOND night?
...Was she bored already?
He didn't show that trouble on his face though as he watched her. She seemed to stew on it too, as if to waste his time. She hummed at something else. Then, "Guess what? I got a little game we can play tonight. Since we did a scavenger hunt last night, why not do something a little different here?"
"I'm listening."
"Meet me on the dance floor. I hear the DJ's been cooking up a sweet beat. I look forward to seeing you bust a move!"
Her image blinked off after that, leaving Bonnie alone with his thoughts. He frowned at the watch then stowed it away. He tucked in his claws as he wandered the atrium; staring forlornly at the direction of the Fazcade. Her asking him to go there could only mean disaster: And if she pulled the same stunt she did the prior night, the employees are going to be cleaning up only pieces of Bonnie across the entirety of the area. Its likely they wouldn't even find all of him.
"Fuck me. Fuck me fuck me fuck me fuck me-" He couldn't help muttering fast as he nervously made his way to what could be his early death.
If he didn't comply, he knew he'd find a dead human in his place the next day over- that, or one of his own friends getting dissembled and thrown into the fizzy faz syrup vats and never being discovered again for the next million years. The idea had his motor's mechanisms skipping turns like a heart that forgot it had a beat to dance to.
He inhaled, released, and sang to himself to calm back down- his tenor a lulling sound as he briefly indulged his fantasy of wanting to compose something for himself. He muttered parts and phrases of an unfinished song under breath; claws tucked into his chassis and foot tapping here and there as he muttered bits he hoped to make into a working stanza at some point.
He wanted that freedom to be a proper musician- not remain a prop that sang someone else's corny songs. He still hadn't forgotten that. And to do this with his friends one day- he wondered however if that would remain the fantasy. But for now, he had this. He sang under his breath; closing his eyes and picturing the idea of doing this on stage with Freddy at his back and Chica actually joining in for once with a new voice box that WOULDN'T cause havoc. Indulging this fantasy just for himself warmed his circuits a bit.
All too soon, the elevator opened out into the first floor of the Fazcade; Bonnie muttering to himself as his ears went on high alert. His mouth kept moving; eyes furrowed as he strolled (seemingly) casually out into the area and glanced up at the two-tiered golden statue before him. He, Chica, and Roxy lined the bottom- and Freddy sat at the top like the king of song. Bonnie wasn't the jealous type; he liked seeing his friend up there. It made him feel good. And while Freddy was a bear who wanted to share the spotlight, he'll always be a show-stealer without even trying. There's no malice in it though; Bonnie knew that. And it was in Freddy's attempts to bring his buddies into the lime-light that made Bonnie love him more.
They all would be lost without that love. And it was a love he wanted to keep lit.
"Huh. Think I got something for a song," He said to himself as he went to see if DJ was sleeping in his usual spot-
And yeah. He wasn't there.
Welp. That's to be expected.
"...I fucking knew it," Bonnie spat as he felt his motor skip again. Now he was especially worried.
His mouthing came to a full stop as he walked onto the dance floor; the smoke screen heavy across the slick surface as he tried to peek into the large tunnel to find the guy. Nothing can be seen of DJ- and that continued to frighten the rabbit as he winced like he got struck and started to back-pedal away from the claustrophobic floor. He was scared shitless already- ears flapping up and down and swiveling at a new record speed and his claws untucked.
He migrated to a more open area; although by 'open', he meant the wide expanse of arcade machines sitting side-to-side along all walls and decor on the east side of the arcade. He can see up to the next floor fairly well; and count all the holes in the walls in which a huge hand can pop out of. Bonnie's ears swiveled in EVERY direction as he tried to catch any sound beyond the annoying chime of the varying cabinets advertising their games to nonexistent patrons. The racket of noise was indeed a smart tactic on this ghost rabbit's part- as it can disguise wherever she could be.
Bonnie spat a swear again and walked up the stairs to the next floor. Sometimes he couldn't believe how big this place was; and he wasn't here too often for a reason: Said reason being his dancing bug. If the DJ hit certain beats in particular, Bonnie and his friends LITERALLY can't stop busting it. And if the ghost rabbit caught him at it...
"What a way to go- death by dancing. I can see it now! At least I can go out in style," He ironically joked to himself, his laughter weak.
His eyes stayed fully erect above his head; but his head tucked into his high collar like a turtle in its shell; him wishing to book it on out of here as he carefully climbed the stairs. He smelled too; although he doubted he can find her cupcake and detergent scent in this place when there's literally the smell of DOZENS of families and their spilled food and drink to contend with. The S.T.A.F.F bots mopped well but the smell of traffic is a permanent fixture in this place- and frankly, the scent of of sugar in the those fizzy fazes never completely went away. So he sang again, head swiveling slowly to whatever movement his ears made:
"All of this tension~"
A wicked and wretched paradigm,
Oh, how it all goes unmentioned-
Whether in song or rhyme~
She's a little crooked and even more estranged~
All this ti-ime, my fairy-eyed foe keeps me dancin'~
And she, what can I say, a little bit deranged?
A wonderful crime, all to keep me waitin'~"
Another inhalation, freezing to one spot to listen for her he muttered more lowly:
"~All this creepin' feelin'~
And I know the tr~uth~
Oh, how much you want to keep me reelin'~
To keep my head and keep in it spinnin'~
You don't know all the comfort you're takin'~
Oh, how it makes me cry~
All the chaos you're makin'~
With all of this, you 're going to deny~
Oh, how'd you want to leave me to die!"
He flicked his right ear backward, shutting his eyes to concentrate and filter what he was hearing. Something different was going on, not that he knew what it was yet. He thought he heard feet, but the sound was as soft as a baby's sigh. He kept on going though, regardless. Was there an audience here?
"I, your ever loyal scape-goat~
Your every move ever so cut-throat~
These are sins of yours, and none of mi~ine!
And yet I walk the guilty man's path~
And spearhead his cri~ime!
Oh, fairy-eyed daughter of winters wrath~
I hear the gulliotine's sharp rasp~
The singing and swinging of their stingin'~
Oh the dying man's crying gasp!
Oh, how it makes me cry~
And with all of this, you're going to deny~y~"
He turned around, and found her listening on the other side of the room.
"-You're going to deny~y~ how'd you want to leave me to di~eeee."
The ghost rabbit was actually heard clapping; her endless, manic smile a grotesque immortality within itself. She merrily and rapidly clapped, leaning rather casually on the guard rail of the arcade's other side. On the final clap though, her hands smashed together and stayed that way; tucking the palms beneath her cheek like a fan that's ready to swoon.
Bonnie took the moment to eye her while he had the chance: Average height and build. The outfit was close-fitting and patchy; and looked disgustingly well-used. Some of the patches on her body looked like she had to sew over possible stains and damage. Her scent was still too subtle to get from this distance; but he figured he can almost catch the cupcake scent of her hair.
She eventually broke the silence, "So flattering~! You wrote that for me? You shouldn't have!" She waved a hand at him. "You know, you actually sound good without that bear drowning you out for once. Sometimes I wonder why Fazbear Entertainment stems the creativity of their ever-intelligent creations? They don't seem to give the rest of their cast as much attention as they should."
The way she said 'that bear' rankled his wires something fierce. Bonnie almost commented but passed on that. Instead, he brushed passed it- not wanting his irritation to show. "Eh- dunno, but they don't know what they're missing," He smirked. "So, I was late tonight. But did the song make up for it a teensy bit? Or do I need to write you another lovely poem and make sure to bring flowers this time?"
She placed a fluffy, thoughtful padded finger to her chin and tilted her head as if in contemplation. Then, "I wouldn't mind an encore- but I believe the night's short. Why not get to the dancing part?"
He fought to keep the worry from his face as he hoped to god she wasn't planning on what he figured she'd do. But of course the chad-rabbit just had to ask for it.
"Bring it on. I got the energy to burn!"
He could almost swear he can picture her human face smiling ever wider beneath the ghoulish mask- her visage perhaps just as ghoulish. She waved her fingers in a flirty way, swayed on the spot, then spun dramatically like she was about to pose for a dance-
Then held up her wrist and flashed a fazwatch of her own.
To which it left Bonnie gulping like aforementioned guilty man.
Another tantalizing wave, then she pressed the button on it.
...
It started slow, at first; a low, humming, rising reverberation that bumped the floor just a little bit- a song was building up from the speakers all over the Fazcade; loud and proud as could be. Bonnie was flicking his ears in every direction it happened; the worry starting to show on his face as he realized he'd NEVER be able to hear the DJ coming.
Fuck.
The ghost rabbit meanwhile sashayed around and pirouetted again; raising her hands high and beckoning to him. She wanted him to literally dance- and god damn, it couldn't disgust or frighten him more.
"Why do I have to open my stupid mouth?" Bonnie harrumphed as his programming was ALREADY starting to act up.
And before he knew it, he matched her pose- and he couldn't fight it. His programming DEMANDED he danced. He went into Show Time Mode regardless that he wanted to or not; gritting his teeth when the beat shook the floor lightly enough to have feel as well as heard the beat. That nasty bug was already biting him, and biting him HARD.
He was her puppet, and she didn't even need the strings. And he knew he was dead before the song can really start. He can almost see the DJ'S flashing mouth and piano key teeth gleaming in the darkness of all the tunnels in the walls; a white gloved hand punching through darkness and into him-
He really needed to stop letting his imagination run away like that.
"Dance with me!" She giggled from where she stood, clapping once and spinning around on her toes.
The build-up in this song was always a nail-biter in a good way- not that Bonnie was thinking much of the latter right now. One hand was up over his head and his gaze lowered; eyes on his feet as he began to toe out and pivot. The rabbit couldn't help but swear again as the synth wave strummed his circuits with a cruel grip that forced him to synchronize with it. His shades slipped a little down his muzzle; but not by much as he watched his partner dance on the other side of arcade. He gritted his teeth, glowering at her with all the hatred he could muster.
He will not dance to another person's beat anymore. He needed to find a way out of this before she decides to get bored of watching him.
So he went with it for now; even timing some of the moves as the song built and built; then it leveled with a reverb that had him throwing back his head and throwing another arm over head. His ears swayed and caught certain frequencies others would miss; the every nuance in the beat a finger that plucked woefully and masterfully at his circuit board and wiring. He breathed too; his motor already starting to warm as the lights in the arcade began to dim to just the neon flare. The lighting also began to sync with the beat; flaring and flashing at certain intervals and making it hard for him to keep an eye on the ghost rabbit.
And ghost rabbit she is; as on one certain base drop, she just straight vanished. He had no idea where she'd gone, and no way to track her down when he was locked in Show Time Mode. He swore again; desperately clawing at his mind for a solution to this predicament.
He could hack his own software... but that brought repercussions that could ripple into his personality. Not a great solution. But if he didn't do anything soon, the DJ will show up and smash him against the walls like a ragdoll plaything. Its bad enough he can't even hear the DJ despite his large frame and loud joints. The music covered all cues for his hearing; and the smells in here were disorienting. The light were just as bad- and while their flash had no effect on him, the darkening of the room wasn't great when one considers he wore shades all the time.
"Fuck," He spat again as he spun on his feet. "Fuck me. This ain't great. Shit-"
Okay rabbit. Think: What can you control? My programming is even rioting against me right now... I can't escape bugs! What the SHIT. I can't hack or bypass my way out of this one.
She reappeared again; if for a second. On one particular drop and sudden pickup of the song, she'd appeared closer than before; dancing with him and ending her spin with a finger to her mouth as if to shush his sputtering, swearing mouth. And then, just as the music dropped and the lights went to brief darkness, she was gone. She was nearing him, but she was still a good distance away. She surfed like a crazed shark looking for easy prey.
And oh, how easy he was right now.
He recalled that their game will end if she catches HIM instead- it was one of the conditions she put down. So he had to think fast- not that he's worried she'd hurt him with her bare human hands. Heck, even whatever weapon she could've had on her wouldn't do too much to him unless she had an animatronic taser. She could shock him repeatedly, but she'd get bored of that pretty fast, no doubt. The point was to not let her tag him- he needed this game to end with him the victor.
He inhaled and scanned his internals; miffed when his motor whined as the song picked up speed and remained that way. He could ping Monty to come but its likely he'd have the programming bug too... so no, gator joe is a no-go.
His eyes widened- then he was checking the time- PERFECT. Moon was out and about, no doubt. Its about 1:00, so he should be prowling nearer to the bowling alley. He'll hear the music and come in probably. With that said, Bonnie sent an S.O.S to him and prayed to every bot rock god he could that the jester would get here and help somehow- not that he knew how. He deleted the message from his history next; it was all he could do.
Another beat drop- then it just SOARED. The reverb kicked it high gear with the thundering base and the pulsating synth-wave prompted Bonnie to move even faster than before- he turned and found himself wishing very desperately he didn't see it but-
There. In one of the tunnels, he saw the flash of white and black coal eyes. Blocky jaws clicked loudly enough to just barely catch it; and a gloved hand crept forward-
Bonnie thought fast.
He can't fight his bug. He'd just have to move with it instead.
He breathed; hoping he got the air to cool his motor for this next move- He threw himself back with this rather amazing (if he do say so himself) backflip and drop to the floor; dodging the lunging hand and throwing his hands out to support his weight on the floor. The gloved hand just grazed his ears; but it retracted just as quickly. The DJ vanished into the hole again just as quickly as he appeared.
He heard an "Ooooooh!", as if the bunny woman was impressed. He didn't have to look far to find her either this time; noticing she's now on the same stretch of arcade he was. He was horrified to see she was dancing with a knife- not that he was worried it'd hurt him too much. Unless she lodged it into his motor directly, he doubted it'd do anything. And even then, her average build suggested she wouldn't manage such a feet. She's likely just dancing with it for fun now.
And as he suspected, she was. She raised it and grazed it with gentle, teasing fingers at some intervals; flashing it as a prop. It disappeared from her fingertips once; just to reappear in the opposite hand. She pointed to it, waved at him, then made a motion with it across her own throat with it to show what will be coming shortly. She even let it slid down her arm in a way he could SWEAR was practiced. Her juggling it was almost mesmerizing.
Shit. Why the hell was she good with a KNIFE? How many long hours had she put into choreographing her movements just to TAUNT her hapless victims? To think she'd practice performing just to torture them with it-
He was glad he didn't have a stomach, or else he'd throw up by now.
By now, his motor was soaring into 'Hot' ranges; and steam billowed from his nose. His body was actually in some mild pain; something most people wouldn't think an animatronic could feel. His joints will need to be recalibrated after tonight- given he doesn't die in the next couple minutes. He was up on his feet again and threw back his head; shoulders back as his claws scoured the air with the intent to rip heaven from its almighty seat.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed she was a bit closer now- and dancing again. She seemed to prefer slower, more methodical movements- Sometimes relaxed or ballerina like. She moved with patience and silence; an art in itself, he had to begrudgingly admit. He meanwhile was matching the rave-like synth beat down: his movements more sharp, wilder, and stronger with the nature of his rocker programming. He twisted and lunged about; and staying near him would be considered dangerous during certain transitions.
It happened again-
DJ reached out from a completely different hole this time and lunged; his mighty fist closing around empty air as Bonnie used the drop in song to drop in real life too. He tried matching it; and it helped. He noticed the DJ was already favoring to show during certain sequences in song- perhaps something he can bank on. Bonnie performed a twisted lime over dime; flipping sideways out of reach and throwing his hands in the air to catch the next fist that came down-
DJ's hand was almost as heavy as Bonnie himself! The catch was damn good, he had to admit, but his body was already fighting him for control of the situation when the song picked back up and he couldn't move out from under the DJ's almighty fist. The song's thump had him nearly bobbing his head despite the fucked up situation he was now in. He gritted his teeth as he held back DL's fist; wishing many times over that he had Monty's strength. He couldn't hold this form for long- not with his motor now going into the 'critical' ranges. Steam plumed from his mouth and nostrils; and in some areas where there was a breach in his chassis.
Nearby, the bunny woman was dancing, and then jumping up and down and clapping like she was genuinely interested in what's gong on. At least she wasn't bored!
DJ spidered his way out of the hole completely; pressing down with the brunt of his weight. Bonnie knew he was going to lose this one-
And then, like a miracle from on high, the song cut.
DJ jerked his head in confusion; which gave Bonnie that ONE chance to severe their stand-off. He pushed the DJ's hand off and back flipped again out of the way; the arachnid-based musician bringing his secondary pair of arms to a clap where Bonnie once stood. The thunderous noise blasted a wave of air at him; but at least he wasn't thrown back too bad. The rabbit even caught himself at some point; then he rapidly turned to face the bunny woman-
She may not look it, but she was DEFINIETLY worried now. She was within range of Bonnie's lunge; but just lucked out when he missed when her fluffy paws prompted her to slip and slide safely beneath his claw attack by accident. Bonnie then turned it into an elbow-smash- but the woman rolled out of the way and beat it. And boy, she can RUN.
DJ had recovered by now. His every movement was slow and something Bonnie can anticipate. So, Bonnie dodged around his strikes while his ears focused on the ghost rabbit fleeing away. He swore, then went to try to disengage-
Just for DJ to throw a hand in front of his path.
"FUCK ME SIDEWAYS! Seriously man?" Bonnie spat, turning to face him again.
He jumped over the next strike; then, he put every ounce of his power into his legs he could and LEAPT clear over the DJ and landed behind him. The over-sized bot turned to get him again-
And Bonnie took the advantage of his incredibly slow turn to duck UNDER him and weave between his legs. DJ couldn't react fast enough as the blue rabbit zipped past him and away. He stomped and skittered in place; but missed every strike. Bonnie slid out from him like a baseball player and was on that white coated bitch like flies on a carcass-
The woman- whoever she was, audibly gasped when Bonnie seized her left arm with his talons; ripping RIGHT into her shoulder and no doubt breaking skin. She cried out; the sound enough to startle Bonnie into loosening his grip just a bit and briefly- he hadn't wanted to crush her, but he didn't want to relent either-
-She wrenched free as soon as his talons weakened for a fraction of a second; and it sheared a messy path way down her shoulder and to her elbow- with blood flying away as he severed contact with her. She booked it; disappearing down one of the holes DJ's little mini music men used sometimes. She was small enough to wiggle in; and Bonnie knew he lost her the instant he did.
The DJ returned; and he wasn't free of her thrall YET. Bonnie, while he'd been stupefied by the fact he actually hurt someone- ACTUALLY ACTIVELY WOUNDED someone- he hadn't noticed. His ear caught the whir and grind of thin limbs in ball point joints; his head slowly turning as he comprehended grimly the DJ'S looming figure standing high over his own- fists raised high and coming down fast-
And then, a flash of green and yellow.
"RAH!"
Monty caught the fists and snapped teeth; then, he took one of his arms and wrapped it around the DJ'S wrist; spinning with the animatronic when he tried to shake free. The gator pulled and crushed the weak joint; snapping the hand off. He then threw it back at the DJ's face and ROARED in clear threat.
The collision from his own limb definitely surprised him- and forced the bot to hastily retreat. The spider-limbed music man sidled cautiously away; holding up his other hands in surrender before disappearing into another tunnel. He took his severed hand with him as he did.
Silence fell; with Bonnie huffing and puffing and falling to his knees as he eyed the human blood on his hand. He only barely comprehended the gator coming to stand beside him; didn't even notice when Moon dropped in and toed his way carefully around him (who he later realized had been the one to shut down the music). The two muttered something- Bonnie didn't know what.
All he knew, was that he'd hurt someone. Actually, actively, went out of his way to HURT someone-
And after the initial shock of it wore off a little, he couldn't find himself regretting it.
THAT was the bitch of it.
Just then, he saw a pair of nimble, lithe hands over his own and a handkerchief covered his blood-soaked talons. Moon gazed into him, and into him. The two kept their gaze for the longest moment; then the jester stepped away with a bow like he was respecting Bonnie's silent desire to not have anyone near him immediately. He turned silently towards the tunnel the woman disappeared through next; going in after her with a liquid ease that once again distantly fascinated him.
Monty meanwhile harrumphed and took the cue to do the same; moving away but not too far. He broke the terse silence with, "Heya. You doin' okay, rabbit?"
Bonnie's torn ear flicked to him, but then focused back on the tunnel the ghost rabbit and Moon disappeared through. He wondered if the daycare attendant will even get her- but he wasn't so sure. He slumped even more heavily into his kneeling position; ears flopping dangerously in front of his eyes. At some point, he'd lost his shades- not that he knew when.
His unsullied paw went to his head; scratching and combing his mop-top nervously back as he slowly came back to the present. He nodded vaguely; then took the handkerchief Moon has so kindly given him and started toweling his paw clean. He smelled the blood too- and while his sense of smell wasn't advanced enough to identify what could be in it, he decided to keep the napkin as evidence.
He had evidence.
But, why did that not feel like a win?
"Yeah... I'm... I'll be good, my man. Just, gimme another moment."
Monty shrugged, folding his heavy limbs over his wide breast plate. His tail swished lazily behind him as he watched Bonnie clean up, "You gonna use that? I think we got something here. Maybe. Er, probably not."
Bonnie shook his head this time, "We could but... the authorities won't be able to find or catch her even with a definitive I.D of her blood. She's got this ENTIRE-" He waved his arms around. "-PizzaPlex to hide in... we have two basement layers, an underground concourse that's apparently a decrepit old pizzeria to sift through- plus SEVERAL floors of this ginormous fucking prison to go through, just to find her. She'll be long gone before they even get here. No, We need to catch her, and get more evidence to get her ass convicted and put away forever. We need-"
He turned towards Monty, pointing a finger and pacing. "-We need to pin her ass to a wall, and find that gross bag of shit she flaunted at me last night. Jeremiah's shoe... and his picture. We need to make sure she never leaves prison. Yunno?"
Monty nodded, but the gator looked pensive and hesitant about it. He eventually said, "I know the smart thing to do is to do that but..."
"-'But?'"
"...I know this is a shot in the dark but... what if she just, I dunno, never leaves the PizzaPlex at all? All this extra work-" He held up his hands in submission. "-They could haul her off but would it keep her away forever? We'd only find evidence of ONE deceased person. Whose to say of the other people whose gone? We know its her- there's no gettin' 'round that." The bot had his turn to mosey in place, "But finding evidence for all of them just she can stay put away- I don't think it can be done. I reckon she may even get out again with a good enough lawyer. Doncha think? I wouldn't wanna leave it to chance."
"You want... us... to kill her. That's what I'm hearing."
"Guess you're not deaf yet!"
Bonnie blinked slowly- his eyes out of sync as he did. He held up his paw again, the blood smears still caught in the joints of his fingers. He flexed them; then considered how he felt about hurting her.
He didn't regret it. But he didn't want to kill either- unless he got pushed that far, he didn't want to. But Monty wasn't wrong... if she got out of jail, and given she did, what's to say she won't fall back to old habits and return to the PizzaPlex? Or continue this somewhere else?
Suddenly, Bonnie's eyes widened in dawning horror as he looked around this place:
The manager. He MUST know about this, didn't he? And if he did... what if he bailed her out?
If this rabbit woman really was Vanessa... and to which, Bonnie had less doubts the more he considered it- she may get bailed out. These guys, their bosses' BOSS- he was the one who recommended her. Who let her come here, even though she had no qualifications or experience. They want her to take chief security officer. They want her to stay here.
She was also the security guard that was supposed to be on duty tonight- and no doubt she would've seen all this on camera. And if she didn't report it- Bonnie would know. The authorities should be on their doorstep within minutes or the coming morning. And if they didn't show up at all, Bonnie would know without a shadow of a DOUBT Vanessa was covering it up. There was the chance the ghost rabbit could've disabled the cameras... but Vanessa would've come to patrol or investigate it and DEFINETELY notice the loud rave noises from the Fazcade by now. She hadn't appeared, or bothered.
Already, Bonnie had his answer as to who it was- he just needed PROOF. Physical, tangible proof. And not only proof, but it needed to be enough so they wouldn't have to resort to killing her.
He looked at the dirty handkerchief, then balled it in his fist. "I can't let anyone see I hurt someone. I'll get decommissioned for it in a HEART BEAT. I need to catch this rabbit woman first-" He turned to Monty, "I need this to disappear. I need to get clean, right now. Or Vanessa, our own chief officer will have me gone before the day's end, come morning."
"Wha- Vanessa? What for? Why?"
"I'll explain. Just help me out here, Monty."
"Well, sure. Aight, man. Let's get 'er done."
Bonnie nodded, then sent a ping towards Moon- to which the jester said he couldn't catch her. When he asked why, she apparently DID have the animatronic taser on her- and it forced him into a restart before he could snag her. She got away for now.
For now.
Bonnie sighed, then let Monty help him out of the arcade. He knew Freddy was going to have a flipping heart attack about what happened here- and no doubt, the bear will try to get himself involved next time-
That, Bonnie certainly didn't look forward to.