Discovering the Past

by Tora Stariun

Iza Fasben knew her father hid many things from his past, but what happens when he leaves a property in his will she knew nothing about? What if the property is an entire abandoned pizzeria? What will she discover and are certain memories better left buried?

6. Chapter 6

I do not own Freddy Fazbear or any other Five Nights at Freddy's characters, only my own original characters. Now please enjoy!

—

Silence filled the room. Iza stared at Freddy with stunned eyes. "Wait, say that again?"

"Gregory was like a son," Freddy said, smiling at the memory. "I met him when he was twelve years old. We got to know each other, and I came to view him as my cub. My nickname for him was Superstar."

The human's mouth gaped. "That's what Frederick used to call Dad." Iza stumbled back as she slumped against the couch cushion. "You're Frederick Fasben. My grandfather is an animatronic bear." Iza held her head; her glasses sat crookedly on her face as her messy and tangled hair intertwined with the metal frame.

Freddy frowned; he moved closer, trying to comfort the stricken girl and his apparent granddaughter when the familiar hideous scraping of metal broke the tension. Both snapped their heads towards the door; Chica was standing at the door, eyes frantic and worried. "Freddy!"

Leaving Iza's side, Freddy quickly stood up and rushed towards Chica, fazwatch still in hand. "Chica, what's wrong?"

"It's the little robot," Chica responded, voice crackling in panic. "He went into the daycare!"

"What?" Freddy yelled. Worry spread across his face. "Who is in control right now?!"

"Sundrop is, but he's excited." Chica paused. "He's happy another person is there."

"Oh boy," Freddy said, now calmer. "I will go have a word with him. As long as Moon remains dormant, we shouldn't have a problem."

Chica nodded in agreement, calming herself down and relaxing. "Good idea. You're honestly the only person he actually listens to."

"I fear to ask what has happened in my absence," Freddy chuckled as he and Chica started moving towards the exit.

Realizing they were leaving, Iza shot up and chased after them. Freddy saw her coming and held out his hand, stopping Iza in her tracks and cutting her off. "No," he said sternly. "You stay here."

"What?" Iza sputtered. "Fat chance I am!"

"I'm going to wait outside," Chica said as she promptly left the room.

Freddy turned back to Iza. "I'm not staying," Iza repeated. "Especially not when my best friend is possibly in danger."

"Iza, please," Freddy kneeled and grabbed her hands, coiling his around hers. "Stay here, I already," he choked. "I already lost Gregory. Please stay where it is safe." His eyes pleaded with her to listen.

"No," Iza replied without hesitation. She pulled her hands free and kept walking. "I am not leaving Inox behind, not again."

Iza exited the room, leaving Chica and a frowning Freddy behind in the doorway. "I reckon you two go to know each other?" Chica whispered to Freddy.

Freddy sighed and shook his head. "You have no idea."

Iza continued walking for several yards before stopping; she turned around. "Where am I going?" she called.

The animatronics gave her a sour look, they began walking in the opposite direction. "Follow us." Freddy waved as he and Chica went further. Iza ran to catch up with them. Their heavy footsteps echoed off the walls, overshadowing Iza's quick and lighter steps.

After catching up, Iza stayed behind a few paces, her distrust still apparent.

Together, Chica, Freddy, and Iza strode down the hall in silence. Chica occasionally glanced behind her throughout the walk to study their human companion but quickly looked away if Iza tried to meet her gaze.

They continued the pattern until finally, they made eye contact. Both stared, unsure of how to proceed as they remained, locked in an awkward staring contest. Chica eventually grew restless and broke the stillness. "Iza, right?"

Iza snapped out of her trance. "Y-yeah, you're Chica?"

A smile crossed the chicken's beak. "Yes!" Chica slowed down to Iza's speed until they were side by side. "I know we started off on the wrong foot, but I wanted to apologize for how I and the others treated you earlier."

Glowing blue optics stared at Iza, sincerity evident in her voice and face. "I appreciate your apology, Chica," Iza sighed. "But I also owe you an apology. I shouldn't have threatened to tear down the Pizzaplex."

Freddy's head turned when he heard her words.

"I said it out of frustration; if I knew sentient robots were living here, I honestly would not have even come." She rubbed the back of her head, embarrassed.

"Did you mean it, though?" Chica asked. "Were you actually going to tear down the mall?"

Iza nodded. "In the moment, yes. But that was before I learned about you four or five? Truthfully, I don't know how many of you guys there are here," Iza responded. "Those robots that chased me and Inox I thought were going to kill me."

A grumble escaped Chica's voice box. "Those dumb STAFF bots, always causing trouble."

"STAFF bots?"

"Yeah, they were staff or worker robots that were used when the Pizzaplex was still open. We thought they weren't working anymore."

"So you were just as surprised when they chased me through the hallway and tried to kill me?" Iza said, slight irritation in her voice.

"Correct."

"Well." Iza clicked her tongue. "That explains a bit more."

"Hey, don't overestimate us," Chica joked, a small smile appearing. "We may be animatronics, but we know just as little as you."

"Right," Iza yawned. She stretched her arms above her head, careful not to strain her injuries.

"Getting tired?"

"Yeah, there's only so much adrenaline I can take in one night."

Chica lightly laughed. "Hope you're not too tired to have fun."

"What do you do for fun?" Iza asked, playfully putting her hands on her hips.

"For starters, do you like Pizza?"

Iza smiled then pumped her fists. "Hell yeah!"

—

Traveling together, Iza got to know Chica slightly better, realizing they had much in common. Both liked pizza, video games, and dancing. "Remind me to show you the latest songs," Iza said while laughing.

Chica's eyes lit up. "Yes, please do!"

As they walked down and chatted. Iza's ear perked; they all grew quiet as two familiar voices sounded throughout the corridor. Getting closer and in the dim light, Iza could see Monty and Roxy looking through some fencing into a low-lit room. Next to them was a circular hole that seemed to lead into the enclosed area.

When finally within range, Monty and Roxy perked up and turned their heads towards the three newcomers.

Monty and Roxy's eyes settled on the other robots. "Freddy!" Roxy yelled, running up to him and nearly tackling her giant friend. Iza dove out of the way as the four animatronics huddled together.

A smile crossed Freddy's features. "It's good to see you too, Roxanne."

"Good to have you back, pal!" Monty laughed, playfully slapping Freddy on the back, a metallic clank echoed. "Was starting to think I would have to take over command permanently."

"In your dreams," Freddy snickered, much happier than their earlier encounter. "How long was I out for anyway?"

The laughing ceased, his friends grew quiet, and their faces grim. "Guys? How long have I been deactivated?"

Roxy stared at the bear. "Freddy, it's been nearly two years since your accident and over a year since your systems went into emergency shut down."

Blue eyes widened. "Two years?!" Freddy's mouth hung open. "How did I wake up? Did you take me to parts and service?"

Monty shook his head. "We tried everything we could to get you back online, but the crucial repairs needed couldn't be performed by us," he started to grumble. "Strange things have been happening tonight. Especially after she showed up." Monty pointed at Iza.

Four sets of glowing eyes trained onto Iza as she recoiled from the unwanted attention.

"Everything has been going haywire tonight since she came through those doors," Monty continued. "First, it was the glitching STAFF bots, then Freddy woke up without explanation, that annoying humming sound won't turn off, and we can't find the source, and now Sun is acting crazy!"

Monty slowly moved towards Iza, his fists balling tighter. "She is responsible for all of this!" He raised his arm, seemingly ready to strike. Immediately something coiled around his wrist.

Monty turned around; his anger drained, and he visibly flinched. Freddy stood directly behind him with a death grip on Monty's wrist. His eyes narrowed at the shorter being, projecting a reddish hue. "Don't. Touch. Her," Freddy growled, his voice low as every word seethed with hatred. "Ever!"

The alligator averted his sight and yanked his arm free without a fight. Monty took a step back and rubbed his wrist nervously. "Alright, you made your point."

Freddy moved between Iza and Monty to prevent any further incident as his fury abated and turned to mere annoyance. "Seems your anger is still not in check."

Monty pouted. "Freddy, seriously, why are you protecting her?" Monty gestured towards the still stunned Iza. "She threatened to destroy the Pizzaplex, our home."

"Because." Freddy looked back at Iza then his friends, feeling uncomfortable under their gaze. "It's because she is Gregory's daughter."

Silence followed, his friends blinked in shock, then Chica exploded. "Are you serious?!" She quickly turned and looked at Iza. Faster than anyone could react, Chica grabbed Iza by the hand and pulled her into a bear hug. The girl yelped at the sudden force as the animatronic chicken wrapped her arms around her. "I never thought I would hear of Gregory again! And now he has an adult child?!"

Freddy laughed at Chica's reaction. "I was as surprised as you were, but let the poor woman go, Chica." Freddy looked at the human. "I don't think she can breathe."

Chica's face quickly changed before she released Iza. Iza pushed away and gasped. "Man, you guys are strong!"

"Sorry, darling," Chica giggled, squatting down. "But is it true? Are you Gregory's child?"

Iza nodded, and a smile crossed Chica and the other's faces. "Wait, is he here?" Roxy asked, eagerly looking around.

Iza and Freddy froze. Freddy's eyes darted over to Iza, who looked away at the mention of her father. "I don't think—"

"No, it's fine," Iza interrupted. She hugged herself and stared at the floor. "Dad is no longer with us; he died last month." Hot tears pricked her eyes, and her voice quivered.

Everyone fell silent.

Brushing away the tears, she changed the subject. "So, where is Inox?"

"Wait, you can't—" Roxy placed a hand on Monty's shoulder, shaking her head. "Alright."

Freddy took charge of the conversation. "What happened with Sundrop?" he questioned. "Did he hurt the little robot?

"Inox."

Everyone looked at Iza. "What?" they asked, confused.

"His name is Inox, please stop calling him 'little robot.'"

Freddy gave her a nod. "Did Sundrop hurt, Inox?"

Roxy stood up then looked through the fencing at the darkened play area. "I chased Inox here and almost had him, might I add." She smirked while flattering herself. The others rolled their eyes. "But he climbed into the entrance slide. I saw Sun grab him then run out of view."

"We'll have to go around," Freddy insisted. "None of us can fit."

"Yeah, no," Iza responded, attention now on her. "I am not leaving Inox alone any longer than he has been."

Some audible gasps escaped Chica. "You can't go there. What if Moondrop is in control? He could go after you."

Iza walked forward. "Wouldn't be the first time," she grumbled under her breath.

Before anyone could stop her, Iza dove feet first into the tube, the voices of the Glamrocks growing distant as she fell further in the darkness. The plastic tubing creaked and groaned under her weight, weakened from the years of disuse.

Finally, Iza was emptied into the ball pit. Regaining her bearings, she waded forward, raising her arms above the multicolored toys. "Think I got pinkeye from one of these once," Iza said to herself.

After reaching the exit, Iza barely walked a foot forward. TWO FRIENDS IN ONE DAY?!"

The voice shocked Iza, nearly jumping out of her skin. She spun around; eyes darted around in a frenzy in the dim lighting. Suddenly something heavy landed behind her with a thump. Turning around, Iza shrieked.

She came face-to-face with a yellow plastered face with an alarming smile. "WELCOME NEW FRIEND!" the robot yelled. "WELCOME TO THE DAYCARE!"

Iza scurried back, her muscles tensing as her heart threatened to beat out of her chest. "Who are you?" her voice cracked as the strain of the night began to take its toll.

The animatronic stood up, tilted its head to the side, then quickly spun 360 degrees. "MY NAME IS SUNDROP! I AM THE DAYCARE ATTENDANT! IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I'VE HAD COMPANY! WHAT IS YOUR NAME?!"

Disturbed at its range of motion, she responded. "Iza."

"WELCOME, IZA!" Sundrop ran forward and grabbed the human in a hug. "HAVE YOU COME TO PLAY WITH ME?!"

Not wanting to anger the energetic robot, she lied. "Of course, I have," she gritted through her teeth.

A squeal erupted from Sundrop. "INCREDIBLE! I CAN'T WAIT! I HAVE SO MANY IDEAS AND THINGS FOR US TO DO!"

"That's great!" Iza faked. "But before we do, have you seen an android come through here? About this tall and silver-colored?" Iza held her left hand at about three feet.

"ABSOLUTELY!" Sun answered immediately. "HE CAME HERE A LITTLE BEFORE YOU!"

"Can I see him?" Iza inquired calmly. "He's my friend and was worried when I couldn't find him."

"OF COURSE! COME WITH MEEEE!" Sun yelled as he ran off into the distance, arms flailing happily.

Not wanting to get left behind, Iza sprinted after him through the dark. She could barely keep up in the dim lighting. Sundrop continued running for a minute before coming to a stop at the back of the daycare. After catching her breath, Iza looked up, and her eyes widened in awe.

The back of the daycare was decorated with gorgeous fairy lights that cast tiny moons and suns against the walls. Stuffed animals were stacked against the back wall in a circle, and the room was clean as could be. Miniature planets were strung from the low-hanging ceiling and beautifully reflected the light.

Iza looked at the drawings hung against the wall, clearly made by children but a sight to behold, many containing illustrations of the Glamrocks and other children but many more with Sun and kids.

Iza's heart ached as she turned to look back at Sun, who sadly looked at the images despite having a permanent smile. Iza looked down; guilt flashed across her features when she suddenly spied a familiar face.

Sitting in the corner and half-heartedly messing with paper and crayons was Inox.

"Inox!" Iza cried before running forward. The robot looked up, and brightness filled his eyes. Iza skidded to her knees and wrapped her arms around Inox. Pulling him close, she placed one arm around his head and refused to let go as sobs poured from her shaking frame. "I'm so happy you're okay!"

Inox chuckled and leaned into the hug. They remained that way for five minutes, then Iza pulled back. She rested her hands on his shoulder and tearfully but happily looked at him. "Are you hurt? Did Monty or Roxy get you?"

"Iza, I'm better," Inox reassured, holding onto her wrists. "Question is, are you alright?"

Inox looked at her injured arm. "Did you patch yourself up?"

"Huh?" Iza eyed her bandages. "Oh, no, Freddy did this."

Inox raised a brow. "Freddy? Who's Freddy?"

"Right, you haven't met him," Iza released her friend. "You actually missed a lot, but I'll explain later we need to leave."

"Can't," Inox exhaled. "Trust me, I tried. Sun over there won't let me leave."

Iza looked back at Sundrop; he happily ran around and gathered items to play with. The guilt from before returned as her eyes shifted to the left, and she noticed a light switch. She sighed. "I have an idea, but I feel guilty for leaving him." She leaned down and whispered to Inox.

When she finished, Inox nodded in agreement. "Let's do it."

Scanning the area, Iza grabbed one of the nearby stuffed animals and threw it with everything she had. The stuffy flew across the room and hit a stacked tower of foam blocks. Startled by the sound, Sun announced, "WHAT WAS THAT?!" before disappearing behind the play structure.

"Now," Iza whispered. She bolted for the switch. She lightly crashed against the wall as she lunged for the lights. She turned her eyes to the side and met Sun's distraught white optics; then everything went dark.

Through the pitch-black, horrified screams echoed off the walls. "NO!" Iza picked Inox up and blindly ran through the daycare. "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!"

The shrills grew louder as the human bumped and ran into several objects, Inox fruitlessly trying to direct her as she merely pursued some unseen door. Then, suddenly Iza slammed full force into something solid. The faint sound of cracking glass filled the room, but she gave it no mind and tried to look around.

"Iza!" a familiar voice spoke. "I finally found you!"

Iza looked up, blue eyes glowed in the pitch black, but they were blurry? "Chica!" Iza cheered.

"We need to get you out of here," Chica commented, hurriedly pushing Iza forward. "Before Moon finds you!"

"Who's Moon?"

"Naughty girl. Naughty girl," an eerie voice reverberated through the daycare. It sounded like Sun, except the opposite. Instead of loud and cheerful, this voice was quiet, barely above a loud whisper, and emotionless but horrifyingly eager; it sent chills down Iza's spine. "You turned out the lights, so it's past your bedtime. Therefore, you must be punished."

"That's Moon. We need to go now!" Chica grabbed the human and android in her arms before running towards the exit. Quick, uneven shuffling came from behind, growing louder by the second.

Chica dashed frantically, her voice becoming panicked as the steps drew closer. Then she was violently shoved forward, sending all three to the floor. Chica flipped on her side to not crush her passengers, landing with a sickening thud. "I've found you," the sinister voice teased.

Iza looked up; blood pulsed in her ears. Her vision was still blurry, but with the help of Chica's eye glow, she strained against the dark.

She was barely able to make out the form of Sundrop. Except now his 'sunray' triangles and yellow hue were gone, replaced by a face that resembled a half-moon wearing a strange hat covered in dimly lit stars.

However, what made Iza's heart sink was the fuzzy glowing red eyes that were a haunting sight to behold.

"Moon!" Chica growled. "Stop this at once!" She clamored to her feet, still holding Iza and Inox.

Iza felt something warm against her head.

"I think not, Ms. Chica," Moon cackled quietly. "That child is up past their bedtime. Naughty behavior created by naughty children must be corrected."

Iza scowled at his comment. "I'm twenty-two, you psycho!"

Moon stopped. He stood up, trying to process the new information, and looked intently at Iza. His laughter suddenly filled the room. "Maybe you aren't a child, but you are still naughty!"

"Why is she in trouble?!" Chica hollered. "What did she do?!"

"She broke rule number one of the daycare." Moon held up a finger, his head spinning in a full circle. "Never turn off the lights."

Chica froze. "Tell me you didn't."

Iza got nervous. "How was I supposed to know it would turn Sundrop into a rampaging lunatic?!" her voice responded. "I just wanted to get Inox out of here."

"I didn't know either," Inox added.

"Well, you still broke the rule," Moon murmured. His head was still rotating as he spoke. "Therefore, you must be punished!" Moon leaped forward, instantly closing the distance between them. His hands bared, ready to grab the trio when suddenly he was rammed. Moon flew across the room and collided with the wall.

Relying on her hearing, Chica's voice filled her senses. "Monty!"

"Get those two out of here!" he ordered. Moondrop surged at Monty, grabbing his back, and Monty wrestled for control as he tried to pin the crazed robot to the ground. "I'll hold him off!"

Iza could only hear metal beating against metal as she felt Chica sprint towards the exit. "Hurry!" She heard Freddy's voice. Then suddenly, light flooded into her vision, blinding her.

Chica scrambled through the door. As soon as they went through, Roxy slammed the door shut before taking a step back. Muffled fighting could be heard, metal crashing against metal; it suddenly went quiet. Several uneasy minutes passed before the door handle turned.

Everyone's breath hitched as the door handle slowly turned. Standing there was Monty, holding a knocked-out Sundrop in his hands. Both had minor dents and scratches running along the length of their bodies.

"Monty! Are you alright?" Roxy rushed forward. "Is Sun alright?"

They looked at the passed-out animatronic. "He received a few dents, but he'll be fine, nothing parts and services can't fix."

Chica released Iza and Inox. "Why were the lights out, to begin with?" Roxy questioned.

"Iza and I turned them off," Inox answered. "We thought it would blind him, and we could escape the daycare. We definitely didn't know this would happen." Inox gestured forward.

The animatronics looked at the small robot then at Iza. "For future reference, don't do that again," Freddy muttered, rubbing the space between his eyes. "Understood?"

"Yes," Inox nodded.

"Good," Freddy said. "Iza?"

No response.

"Iza?"

Freddy opened his eyes then his features twisted in horror.

Iza's head felt warm and cold at the same time as she stared at the animatronics ahead; she couldn't blink her eyes. Iza gingerly ran her fingers along the edge of her face. Something warm and sticky created a strange sensation against her cheek as it dripped down her head.

Iza slowly pulled her hand away, and her eyes began to shake; her tan skin was covered in deep crimson blood. Then, still unblinking, her gaze shifted upwards, meeting the blurred faces of the frightened Glamrocks.

Then the deafening pounding in her ears returned. Darkness began filling her vision. Iza lost control of her body. She felt herself fall to the ground, barely able to hear her name before everything went dark.