The first chapter in the third quarter of Act 2, "The Game of Waning Phantoms"
"Hello. Mr. Fitzgerald?"
"Yeah. Anything important, Mr. Bairren?"
"Well…I decided to check in with you to see if you're prepared for your first shift tonight."
"Ah, yes, the big day. Of course, I'm prepared; you can have no doubt that the pizzeria is safe with me."
"Good. Then I don't need to remind you of the specifics?"
"No need; I learned all of that soon after you accepted me. A twelve-to-six shift at the office, watching over the animatronics and…Other property. It wouldn't be the first time I've done a job like this."
"Yes, of course…My colleague will give you more detailed instructions once you are there."
"That won't be necessary."
"It is necessary, as all protocols are…But I appreciate having someone in my company who is eager to get to the task. Let's hope your confidence proves deserved."
…
"It is necessary, as all protocols are…But I appreciate having someone in my company who is eager to get to the task. Let's hope your confidence proves deserved." Alison said in a monotone, tired voice before hanging up.
William listened to Alison speak on his phone from the nearby room, as William thought he was talking to 'Jeremy.' The new season of work has begun, and while William and Alison barely talked since the incident in the bunker, it was important to inform him of who Jeremy really was. William had his reservations about making this choice; he knew he was getting himself in yet another game, this time picking a side of his deranged 'master'…But now that he knew of what happened to Mike…He only had Elizabeth left. They rarely talked after what happened on Christmas, and as hurtful it was for both of them, it was necessary. William felt like a pathetic fool who lost one person he cared for after another, all of whom died because of him.
If it wasn't for his research, Clara would've been alive. If he would've been more proactive in stopping Mike's cruel games, Chris would've been alive. If he didn't push Mike away, he would've stayed alive, too…But he would not stop fighting for his daughter. There were times when William doubted whether there were any limits to what he would do for his family, but now he knew there were none. Even if it meant betraying any humanity he had left, even if it meant betraying his remaining friends like Gron…If Elizabeth has a future, all of it is worth it. Working was a perfect way not to think about his pain while feeling that he was doing something for Elizabeth.
When Alison walked out of his office, William finally got a close look at him. The stress he went through after the loss of Circus Baby wasn't kind to him. Alison grew thinner, and a pair of black bags emerged underneath his reddened eyes, making him look drained as if he was ready to fall asleep at any moment. He used his cane now more than ever; he had as much trouble walking as he had salvaging his dying business. Perhaps when Fazbear Inc finally falls, he will be able to rest easy, and this moment was coming sooner than his boss wanted.
"Alison!"
"Not now, Mr. Afton, I have a lot to attend to!" Alison scoffed without even turning towards Will and instead continued his walk towards the corridor, still clutching to the cane.
"I assure you, it is important." William stood by his side before they reached the main dining room of the pizzeria.
"It can wait…" He took a deep breath and spoke faintly.
"It's about Jeremy."
"Is it now?" Finally, he displayed some interest and slowed down. "The last time you talked about him, it ended up being a load of rubbish. Did anything change?"
"Yes. I have a conclusive theory as to who he really is, though it will sound strange at first."
"Surprise me, Mr. Afton."
"Remember, a while ago…I mentioned having a rival at university? Henry Emily, a very talented engineer who even surpassed me at times." William recounted, not expecting Alison to remember a talk they had so long ago.
"Ah…When I asked you about ambition, right! Yes, good times…" Alison sighed; William could clearly see that he had garnered his attention, and it was for the better. "So? Are You telling me that Jeremy Fitzgerald is related to him? Is he?"
"Yes, actually," William said confidently. "I think Jeremy is Henry…Albeit after plastic surgery." After those words, William saw Alison smile for the first time in a long while, although this smile had an edge of mockery to it.
"Really now? Someone from your past has come to our company under a new guise? Are you sure you're not just jealous, Mr. Afton?"
"You said to talk to you if I discover something important; I'm doing exactly that. I realized why I focused on Jeremy's voice so much. It reminded me of Henry's, slightly matured, of course, but still very similar. The skills that he mentioned and displayed are very similar to Henry's, a talent in engineering and experience with robotics."
"You're not the only two robotics engineers in Hurricane, Mr. Afton. Not to mention that this isn't the position he applied to."
"But don't you find it suspicious?" William questioned. "He was very eager to get into our company, no matter what position we offer him, even something that barely fits his specialty."
"I suppose he did seem a little…Eager." Alison nodded.
"And most importantly, I went over our archives and found something interesting about one of the children Gron killed. Liam Emily…Same family name, and not a common one at that."
"I see…I admit, those are definitely worthwhile observations. Thank you, Mr. Afton. So what you're saying is that your old rival is trying to infiltrate our company under another guise to…"
"Discover the truth of what happened to his son, of course."
"We weren't the ones who killed his son."
"But who else would he suspect after all the rumors?" William suggested, seeing realization emerge on Alison's face.
"And all the rumors can be traced to one source…Lockjaw." He clenched his fist. "This broken bastard will stop at nothing to destroy our company. Him stealing the suit was more than enough, but this…"
"Surely you understand why he wants it."
"Quiet, Mr. Afton! I have enough problems on my hands to listen to your bloody quips. I will make Lockjaw pay dearly for this, and you will help me, understand?"
"I am used to not having a choice."
"Good…" Alison smiled before looking William right in the eyes with his mischievous look. He had something in mind. "We will start by confirming that our new guest is indeed this Henry, and then we will force him to bring us to Lockjaw. We'll see how loyal he stays after learning who took his son from him. And I even know how to get his attention…"
"How?"
"Go to the animatronics and activate the night roam mode; tell everyone it is so their circuits get some 'work' done." William didn't see his point just yet, and it served to increase his suspicion.
"And the real purpose? How will it help gain his attention?"
"Because his own son will come and seek him, of course." Alison chuckled, making William recoil in shock with his mouth wide open. The engineer froze at the spot and watched his boss with shivering hands and running eyes; yet another bullet shot through his already-wounded heart. He knew about children's souls being stuck in the animatronics since he worked on them in the bunker, but William kept them away from Alison so he could not take them to his factory.
"How do you…"
"At a loss for words, Mr. Afton? Did you seriously believe that Dr. Stein and my crew would not suspect something? Abnormal impulses in the main quartet, their desire to act independently from their programming, some very timely malfunctions…Run a few quick check-up sessions on them, and what do you know, we find out that they have the souls within them." Alison explained with smug arrogance, once again making William feel powerless.
"For how long…Did you know?"
"Long enough, Mr. Afton, long enough. I had no doubt that you knew and concealed it from me, but instead, I decided to let this one slide…After all, a pizzeria is a unique observation chamber. I can see how their minds change after spending time in this mechanical body hearing people how far they would go to outperform their programming…It has been a very intriguing test." Alison smiled. "And now, there's yet another use for them which you will readily employ, Mr. Afton. Am I right?"
"Yes…You are." William sighed in defeat.
"Good, then get to it. And the next time you decide to lie again, remember that I may not have the same mercy again."
As if he needed a reminder that he was in a tight grip…But at least now William knew that he would have no choice but to work with him for Elizabeth's sake.
He only wished he wouldn't have to look into Gron's eyes after that.
…
Walk, pretend, look away.
The mantra Chris spoke to himself every time he had to walk on the streets. It didn't happen too often; he preferred to stay in the shadows and now come into contact with too many people. The solitude allowed him to ponder and plan, to think of the future and the coming out of his vengeance. He wondered how sweet it would be to hear his bullies scream and shake, beg for mercy. If there was some doubt about killing Mike in Chris's mind, he would have no reservations about those pitiful worms. They should've shown some kindness when they had the chance.
But the more time he spent thinking about it, the more he realized that time flew. It's been a while since he got out, and all he did was just wander alone and spend his nights somewhere on the streets among the homeless. The initial catharsis Chris felt of finally regaining his ability to move freely without anything chaining him was delightful. Seeing people in the neighborhood wave from afar, seeing their lives go on and bring them joy, seeing children, partners, families…Even if he was just a phantom walking among their shadows, their presence still made Chris feel human.
But eventually, this feeling wore off. He was still stuck in the metal body of an animatronic. A stronger and more agile one than ever before, but still a machine. He was not the same as those people. They represented something that could once become his future, but not anymore. He was a spectator, allowed to see something that could've been without ever truly feeling it. He wished he still could, but he would not turn back on his decision…He can still avenge himself to the people that took his life away from him.
It was time to track them down.