Baby silently rolled her way all the way down the hallway, her brain too exhausted to care about anything going on. She didn't register the other animatronics talking about her, or the stares, or the sound, or anything. She just silently headed back to her secluded corner of the building, just wanting to escape it all. But as she walked, she was thinking of something…
What were Molten and NightBon expected to do during the night shift?
She did hear squeaking wires, but that could have been Ennardm Withered Chica, Mangle, or any of the other robots that had exposed wiring to rub. So she couldn't say for certain that was it. And then with NightBon, it was even more mysterious. BB came from a vent, Toy Bonnie came from a floor hatch, and she knew The Puppet was with a music box of some kind.
So there was no real consistency. Night Bon could literally be doing anything, and that made Baby worry he got stuck with a really bad one like her, where he has to be abused to back off from attacking.
She shook her head as she caught herself about to run into a wall, blinking as she stared at the flat surface like it was the most interesting thing ever. She probably looked insane. Well, more insane than before, at least.
Another shake of her head, and she continued down the hall, the static still filling her head. She just couldn't see or think straight, so it was a godsend she ran into NightBon, who grabbed her by the shoulders.
"There you are", he said, looking the clawed animatronic over. "I heard about the rumours with what you did to Nightmare BB earlier, so I was worried-"
"I'm fine", Baby said, cutting him off. "It's just been… A really bad first day… I'm glad it's over but…" She trailed off as Molten came over after slipping around the corner.
"Babydoll!" He cried and slithered over, latching onto his friend. "When the night shift started, I didn't know where you went! And I was stuck in the vents because Withered Chica is soooooo sloooooow."
That answered her original question, at least.
"We should head somewhere more private", Bonnie said as he squinted at some of the eavesdroppers, making them look sheepish and dart away. "Just so you can tell us everything that happened without more rumours being created."
Baby nodded, and the trio left down the hallway to get away from all the attention. As they walked, Scrapy found herself relaxing significantly with the only two people she could bare in this place. Which only made her think about Lefty again, and how she did honestly miss the black bear's presence.
Molten looked over behind him, and then forward again. "Okay, it looks like we escaped all those prying eyes."
Baby nodded. "You two start, mine would be better to save for last…"
The bear and rabbit shared a look, and Night Bon started. "I have no idea what Cassidy was thinking for me, but I was on plush duty."
"What the heck does that mean?" Baby asked as Molten looked confused.
"Basically, me and a few others are expected to just stand in the middle of the left hallway staring up at the camera, and if William isn't able to buy our respective plush from the prize counter camera fast enough, then whoever's in the hallway gets him."
The other two gave him a flabbergasted look. "How the heck does he pay for a plushie?!" Molten cried out in befuddlement. "He's stuck in that office!"
"According to Circus Baby, Afton earns coins by tapping around the cameras and stopping us, which lets him tap a simple 'Buy' option under his desired target. I also overheard that he has access to what's called a 'death coin' as well, which permanently disables one of us for the whole night permanently."
Baby sighed. "What I wouldn't give for that to happen to me…"
The wire bear looked at her in concern. "Why's that, Babydoll?"
"Basically…" She hesitated. "I'm back to the salvage task Micheal had to do back in Henry's trap."
The other two animatronics froze and looked at her as she walked forward. When she noticed, she turned around and saw their twin looks of horror.
"Afton has to give you a controlled shock when you move?!" NightBon roared.
Baby nodded numbly as she sighed. "It hurt so much, to the point I was worried I was going to completely shut down. It was so much worse than Micheal's taser, or even the shocks from the rental facility."
Molten looked extremely panicked, and looked around growling like someone was here. "When I get Cass I'm going to rip her apart!"
"Unbelieveable…" Bonnie muttered in disbelief, shaking his head frantically. He crossed his arms, looked down and closed his eyes. "So much for caring about all of us. Cassidy deciding you have to do that is just awful… Although hearing how most of the others are taken care of makes it less surprising."
Baby looked worried. "How bad is it?"
"Well, most of the others need to bang their heads on the vent and regular doors, to let Afton know they're gone. Some of the animatronics actually freak out and either have to rest or get more aggressive if Afton has the heater running or leaves the fan off for too long."
"There's these snare things in the vents", Molten said with a frown. "Afton can only have one active at a time, but basically if any of the others in the vent minus me and Ennard run into them, they get tangled and have to go back. How they do it… I don't know."
"Probably some bull ghost stuff Cassidy does just to make things quicker", Baby said with a scoff and eye roll. "I wouldn't be surprised if it hurt like crazy, considering how loud things were in that stupid office! I felt like I was going to go deaf!"
Bonnie winced in sympathy. "Try being in my place. I'm a lot more sensitive to sounds because of where I originated, so I hear far too much. Standing in the hallway, I could hear the sound lures William was using in the duct system to deter the Mediocre Melodies from making it to the office. And the music box The Puppet has in the kitchen, which also plays music to deter Classic Chica."
So… Basically this place has to be the loudest place on earth for anyone to back off?" Molten asked.
"Not unless Afton wants Music Man or Lefty jumping him at some point."
Baby's perked up at the black bear's name. "Lefty is sensitive to sound?"
"And heat, so I'm hearing…" Bonnie shrugged. "This whole place is a disaster, because there's so many of us that there will inadvertently be some clashing that'll make things just flat out unfair for Afton. It does make me feel a bit bad, because that's what we all did to the singular night guard slash child slash technician in the past."
Molten winced at the mention of that last one. "After Sfton bit the bullet, I tried to apologise to Enn-Micheal, but he wasn't having it." He shook his head and looked at the others, brushing off his near slip-up.
Baby sighed heavily. "Of course, of course! We're all here together, and we can't even get along!"
"Which… Reminds me…" NightBon said slowly and carefully. "What's up with this rumour about you attacking Nightmare Balloon Boy?"
Baby scoffed again. "Yeah, I did. The little shit tripped me up after I left you two at the tent, and he had to gall to use Scrapy as an insult." Molten let out a gasp of offence. "So I put him in his place and threatened him. Because only one person is allowed to call me that!" That last bit was a lie, obviously, but the other two didn't need to know that.
Molten recovered from his previous and brief shock, and smiled warmly at the clawed animatronic. "Awwwww, thanks Babydoll!" He paused. "I guess that's a good enough reason to almost kill someone."
"Don't encourage her, Molten…" NightBon said in exacerbation.
"Hey, I'm allowed to praise my friend any way I want!" The wire amalgam fired back.
Baby felt a smile start to form from within her, and she let out a giggle. "You two are such goofs, I'm glad I got you both backing me up with this."
The other two looked at her, back at each other, then slumped a bit as the silent argument they were rearing up to start immediately died at her proclamation. They all continued back to their spot, and Baby felt relaxed for once. The tension within her was still there, but it was a lot weaker than before.
As they walked, Baby found herself skating a bit side to side, her body swaying to a song that was playing in her head, Molten and NightBon took a step back and watched her with intrigue, absorbing her movements. She was almost dancing, and it made the wire amalgam wonder if she'd end up better than Ballora.
NightBon, more than anything, was getting more curious about what had changed in her. All he heard about how Scrap Baby was supposed to be had been completely crushed the moment they had met. She wasn't controlling, cold and manipulative. She wasn't demanding. She wasn't a daddy's girl for Scraptrap…
She seemed lost, scared, and very protective of something that wasn't here. Some that only she knew, like she saw something she wasn't supposed to, but changed her for the better.
"You got two black eyes from lovin' too hard~"
NightBon was snapped out of his thoughts as he and Molten shared a look. Baby had just begun to sing, and she seemed almost calling to something… Or someone.
"And a black car that matches your blackest soul~… I wouldn't change ya', oh~! Wouldn't ever try to make you leave, no~!"
As she continued to sing peacefully and beautifully, the other two found themselves somewhat entranced and wanting more. A more clear answer as to what was happening. Molten was thinking back to what Baby had said, about the locket and everything, and started to wonder if there was more he didn't understand. He needed to learn more.
As the trio continued along their way, NightBon caught sight of Nightmare Fredbear marching from around a corner and gunning for Baby. The rabbit narrowed his eyes at him, and grabbed Baby by the shoulders. She was kicked out of her song, and looked confused until she felt Bonnie push her behind him.
"What do you want, Fredbear?" Bonnie asked as the massive bear came before them.
"I heard what she did to Nightmare BB", the yellow bear snarled, jabbing a claw-tipped finger at Scrap Baby. "He's terrified to leave Nightmare Foxy's side at this point, and it hasn't even been a day!"
"He crossed a line he shouldn't have, Fredbear", Bonnie snarled back. "And if you think taking your anger out on her will fix anything, you're dead wrong."
Molten reared up behind Bonnie and Baby, meaning Scrapy herself was sandwiched between her two friends, making her chest twist in a funny way.
"Cass said that the nightmares are mine to watch over! And her Baby is running around like a lunatic!"
"Oh, and what you're doing is completely different?" NightBon seemed to already be done with this place's crap, and was now being openly hostile to one of the supposed heads of the metaphorical table. Molten too, at how he was using his mass of wires to tower over all three of them.
"W-Well.. Yes! I… Of course it is!" Fredbear stuttered.
Bonnie narrowed his eyes as his arms moved more around Baby in a sort of protection. That funny feeling inside of her tightened, and she was sure she'd be blushing if she could.
"You don't get to walk over everyone because you're bigger than us, you pathetic boy", Bonnie snapped. "After everything that happened, it's a miracle you're even giving us Nightmares a chance. But instead you become the biggest hypocrite, deciding to defend your tormentors because one of them played with fire and got burned." The rabbit growled. "You know what, I'm done. It's been a day and I already know who I belong with."
Bonnie grabbed Baby's hand and shoved Fredbear aside, leaving the giant yellow bear in shock. "If you need a scary rabbit, look somewhere else. Molten, come, we're done here." As NightBon led a wide-eyed Baby away, Molten gave off one last snarl at the main nightmare before slithering after his friends.
"You know you can't just do whatever you want, Bonnie!" Fredbear roared back. "Cass has rules!"
"Watch me!" Bonnie screamed back before leading Baby around the corner. Once they were out of his sight, he sighed. "I apologise you had to see that you two. I wish I could've handled that better, but I believe if this is how things are going to be, I'd rather put my foot down sooner rather than later."
"No, Bon, that was amazing!" Molten said in awe-struck joy. "You just stood up to the big, fat, yellow bear like it was nothing! That's nothing you gotta say sorry for!"
"Yeah", Baby said in a small and surprisingly shy voice. "I… Thank you Bonnie…"
NightBon looked at her, and smiled. "Anything for you, Baby." He started heading back to their special spot, while Baby crashed.
Molten looked at her, and smirked. "Oooooooo… Does someone have a crush on a certain blue rabbit?" He whispered teasingly.
Baby squeaked and gently smacked him in the face, which only made him giggle. She bristled and skated ahead, joined back up with Bon. He gave her a weird look, nodding at Molten, and she just shrugged in response. When he looked forward again, she found herself still subtly glancing up at him, thinking about those lavender eyes…
Oh god, she did have a crush.
~X~
Later in the day, sometime around noon, Baby was skating down the hall towards the arcade. She was told by Molten it was pretty fun there, and while she didn't doubt him, she knew it wouldn't compare to the Rec Room back home. The karaoke, movies and games were just unmatched in that single room that meant so much.
As turned a corner, she saw something going on just outside the arcade. Springtrap, JJ and Classic Foxy were peering in at something going on inside the room, and occasionally flinched when a particularly loud sound came out of the doorway. While she would be a bit off put by interacting to the others, Molten and NightBon made sure everyone forgot about the Nightmare BB rumour.
Curious at the sight, she rolled up and looked between all three. "What's going on?" She asked.
"Aye, Toy Freddy is mad", Fozy said without looking at her. "He be a gamer at heart… whatever that means…"
Baby was just left more confused, and Springtrap rolled his eyes at the fox's vague statement, so he turned around to explain better. "It's part of his night shift thing. He's playing some weird game in Parts & Service, and Afton has to keep him from dying or else this tubby rageaholic will get him."
Baby glanced inside and winced as she saw Toy Freddy slamming his hands on an arcade game cabinet. "Oh, jeez. So… He's trying to method act?"
"Turns out Toy Freddy's kinda always been like this…" JJ whispered in horror at the sight, too scared or shocked to look away. "Golden Freddy's plan just finally brought it out."
Foxy nodded. "I think we should get someone, else this bloke will rip the whole arcade apart."
The trio left, leaving Baby all on her own. She watched them leave for a bit before glancing back inside at the raging bear. She sighed and headed back the way she came, disappointed her plans were derailed because someone was too invested in their games.
As she headed back down the hall, she decided to head to the main dining room instead to at least do something with her time. So she made a right turn and headed down towards her new destination.
As she skated down the hall, she looked at the walls of the corridor, looking over all the posters and drawings that lined the walls. There were only so many, so they were seen everywhere throughout the pizzaria. Even in this hallway alone, they repeated constantly, which made things feel a lot more claustrophobic than she would like.
Shaking her head, she entered the dining room and looked around the space. There were a few others already there, but it was otherwise entirely empty. Skating over to an empty table, she sat down and looked around as she silently thought about random things.
But when she glanced down and saw a little penguin robot looking up at her, she jumped.
"What that-?!" She cried out. From a nearby table, the sole occupant Rockstar Bonnie looked over.
"Ah", he started walking over. "Don't worry about this little one, Baby. When the Chicas started to get the kitchen up and running, they found a storage closet full of these little fellas."
Baby looked up at the rabbit, then down at the penguin again. "So there's a bunch of these things running around now?"
"Only here and other dining rooms, I believe", Rockstar Bonnie said. "They're waiters."
Baby said a quiet "Oh", and looked back down at the still patiently waiting penguin. "I'll just have a glass of water for now…"
The penguin said nothing, but did nod before dashing off. Baby watched it disappear into the kitchen. She tilted her head a bit.
"Do you think there's other animatronics here that Golden didn't tell us about?" The clawed animatronic asked.
Rockstar Bonnie shrugged. "If there is, they're probably somewhere deep in Parts & Service. Ennard went in to investigate, and he said he found a locked door behind some old suits and other spare parts."
Baby hummed in thought. "Well, whatever is in there, I'd like to stay in there. Because if even Golden has that door locked, then it isn't worth letting them out."
Rockstar Bonnie nodded and shrugged, heading back to his table to get back to what he was doing. Which was practising guitar.
Seeing him do that made her feel a pang of hurt course through her body, and she looked away as she tried to not let it get to her. The penguin luckily had come back, and she grabbed the glass while muttering a silent thank you to it. The little robot nodded and darted away, leaving her to stew with her thoughts. As she occasionally sipped on her drink, she looked over to the opposite end of the room as a bunch of the other animatronics came in.
Looking up at a nearby clock, she saw it was almost 1 PM, so it was obviously the lunch rush that was coming in. She wasn't feeling particularly hungry, and didn't want to have a bunch of people making her uncomfortable, so she stood up and headed towards one of the exits. She finished her glass and was about to set it down, but a penguin, she wasn't sure if it was the same one, dashed over.
She looked down at it, and set the glass atop its head. It then dashed off, and she left the room. As she skated down the hallway, she passed by a few others heading to get lunch, and made sure to quicken her pace so they couldn't stop her to chat.
When she was away from all the crowds, she sighed and continued along her way, thinking she could get some sleep to help her pass the time.
~X~
The next day, Baby was just not having it. While the rest of yesterday was nothing because she mainly stayed at her tent with Molten and Bonnie, she was called upon the night shift with the other animatronics that all had some vague blood relation to Afton one way or another. Meaning she got shocked again, and now she was just not happy.
So she sat at the desk in the now empty office, a stormy look in her eyes as NightBon and Molten sat with her, contemplative looks on their faces.
"We need a better plan", Bonnie spat in frustration. "Because Trying to not do what we're told isn't going to work. All I'm asked to do is stand in the hall, and Baby is forced to get shocked if she moves even an inch."
"Yeah, the problem is what?" Molten asked. "Because even if I block the vents, I could just be dropped back to the start unceremoniously… Ugh, this is such a mess."
"You guys don't have to worry about me", Baby said quietly, keeping her anger in check. "If you guys don't want to do the night shift, protest in your own ways so Cassidy doesn't pick you anymore. I'll be fine, it's not like I'll be picked every time. Hopefully…"
"But that's not what we want, Babydoll!" Molten said in concern. "We want it so all three of us are good, not having you part of it just means it's not worth it."
Baby looked down, the storm inside her dying down a bit as she felt numb. Two night shifts and she was already feeling the weight crashing down on her shoulders. This wasn't sustainable at all, and she questioned if Cassidy was even fully awake or high or something to think this was okay. All the noise, all the heat, all the electrical shocks… It was already too much.
Baby sighed and leaned back in the chair, but then she thought of something.
"Wait… What if we just… don't kill Afton?" Baby suggested, making her two friends quiet down.
"Not kill him?" Bonnie repeated as he rubbed his chin in thought. "That;s not a half bad idea…"
"So if we slip into the office, we do nothing?" Molten asked, his single eye gleaming with interest.
"Do nothing, or help him", Baby said. When she was met with surprised looks she rolled her eyes. "Yes, I'm mad at him, and he did murder six kids. But he also lost two of his kids before his eyes, got crunched in the spring lock suit, and had to endure being trapped in a building burning down. A lot of people say that's his killer instinct keeping him alive, but I'd like to say it was Cass keeping him alive just so he could keep existing in agony."
Bonnie looked up thoughtfully as he processed the explanation. "I'll admit, the explanation is very sound, Baby. And considering what Cassidy puts you through come the night shift, I feel like this level of defiance is excellent."
"And it can screw with the others too!" Molten said as giddiness built up inside him. "It'll make it harder for Afton to bite the bullet. Okay, you two down just to full send the helping part? Because the idea of kicking everyone out of the office is too fun of an opportunity to pass up!"
Baby tilted her head to the side a bit, imagining herself picking up and throwing around Rockstar Freddy. She twisted her faceplates into a crooked grin, and expression shared by her two friends, and they all nodded. This next night shift, they hoped they could be picked just to make a disaster.
But that was for later. Right now Baby wanted to spend the day the way she wanted to, and she knew just how to. "So, since we got that laid out, do you guys want to just stay here and talk? Especially you, NightBon. We never really got to have a proper introduction."
"Of course, Baby", Bonnie said with a slight bow. Baby blinked at the gestures and pointedly tried to ignore the smug look on Molten's face as the rabbit started to explain his life and soul. Scrapy found herself enamoured by the biography, leaning forward and offering in her own little anecdotes every so often.
Molten did too, but he was also loving how Baby was eyeing up the rabbit. He felt proud she was able to find a relationship of her own, and could only see good things to come. However, he heard something twitch behind him, and he whirled around, as did Bonnie, and soon all three were looking out the office's left door.
Rockstar Chica was there, looking a bit shocked at the sight before her. "Oh, Uh… Sorry, y'all. I didn't mean to intrude on your little… Get together."
"It's fine, Chica", Baby said in a tired tone, clearly upset. "You just better have a good reason to be here, or I will cut you like the bird you are."
The chicken looked a bit panicked. "I just wanted to tell y'all Golden doesn't usually like us staying in the office. So I think y'all should skedaddle before she gets mad."
Baby rolled her eyes and stood up from the chair, heading out the right door as she emanated nothing but bitterness. Bonnie bid a polite farewell, and Molten said goodbye while apologising on Baby's behalf. As the trio left down the right hall and through a door that led to the rest of the building, they continued their earlier conversation as the energy slowly came back.
They spent the rest of the day together talking and hanging out, although there were plenty of points where Baby's patience was tested because of the building's other occupants. It made her glad she was with Molten or Bonnie, because they helped keep her grounded when she was about to do something drastic.
Their day went smoothly otherwise, and when the night shift rolled around… None of them were picked.
Baby wasn't happy, but she supposed this was a good thing at the same time. So she'd take nights off where she could get them.
~X~
The next day, Baby was face planting on a table at lunch, arms wrapped around her head. Bonnie and Molten were with her, both looking awkward as they glanced at the table with the issue for the room's off-put atmosphere.
Funtime Freddy and Funtime Foch were trapped in a very intense argument that was loud. They were bickering like an old married couple, which was putting all the attention to them. Everyone watched in a mix of shock, awkwardness and mild terror, considering the two of them could always be a bit… Violent, during their outbursts.
But Scrapy didn't care, because it was just giving her a headache as she waited for her food to arrive. The meal selections here were limited, mainly limited to what you'd find in a crummy pizza place like this. So she made a mental note that if she ever had a chance to go to the Capital, she'd order a proper meal that she could enjoy to its fullest.
As the two Funtimes' argument started to escalate, Baby felt herself start to tense. "If they don't shut up, I swear to god…"
"It's weird, you'd think putting all of us back together in one place would be a good idea…" Bonnie sarcastically muttered as he drank his water. "Because we're all getting along so well…"
Molten, who was drinking his cream soda with a straw (how he drank or ate was beyond everyone), winced. "Yeah… After we booted Baby from our shared body and we became like this", he gestured to himself, "Funtime Fred and Fox were constantly bickering and arguing, fighting for full control of the body to do what we needed to. Ballora kept them in check, but it only worked so long till they started back up again." She shook his head. "I can still sometimes hear the things they spat at each other."
Baby winced as she lifted her head, Foxy saying something particularly nasty. "Was it this bad?"
Molten watched the argument silently for a moment, then nodded miserably. "Surprisingly, this is one of their more tame fights. Sometimes they got so bad they each took over a section of the body and would actually fight." He sighed. "Brought a whole new meaning to the phrase 'hitting yourself'."
Baby and Bonnie baulked at the information, and Bonnie shivered. "If us Nightmares were in a situation like that, our combined body would've fallen apart."
"Molten, that… That's awful…" Baby said sadly.
"Nah, it's fine you two. I don't need the pity, I'm 100% just me now." He winced when another violent shout came from the Funtimes. "Memories still sting, though…"
Luckily, everyone was getting their food just then, so Funtime Freddy and Foxy's argument did quiet down a bit so everyone could enjoy their meals. As Baby got her pizza (Topped with bacon and mushrooms), she could see the two Funtimes rearing up again. Funtime Freddy's ever present hand puppet, Bon-Bon, looked about ready to end it all, which made the clawed animatronic pity him.
But right now, she had other priorities. She grabbed a slice, idly munching on it as she looked up at the ceiling…
Only to jump when Bonnie suddenly used a plate to shield her from a thrown grab of food. NightBon himself and Molten had the food, which appeared to be cake, smothered on their faces and dripping onto the ground.
Eyeing the culprit for the food-based assault, Baby saw that the two arguing animatronics had resorted to throwing food at each other, which was just making a mess of everyone. But that was just that got the snowball rolling. Soon, others were throwing food at each other, and as things started to build up, Plushtrap jumped up on a table and shouted a very loud "FOOD FIGHT!"
Baby panicked and ducked under the table, making sure to grab her food before it was ruined. Bonnie and Molten had joined her, flipping the table after getting their own things so they could be shielded.
"Well, this was not how I expected lunch to go", Bonnie spat as he ate his salad.
"Next time, we're doing take-out", Molten grumbled as he ate his own pepperoni, pineapple and ham pizza. He had one of his extra eyes peering around the table to keep everything locked down. "If Cass doesn't hear about this till later, I'm snitching on who did what."
"Good", Baby growled. "Because I'd like to have our lunches be peaceful. If it's going to be like this everytime I'm never coming back."
"Again, take-out", Molten said. "Or pick up. That way the three of us can eat anywhere."
Bonnie hummed in agreement and peered around the table, groaning in disgust. "Not only is Afton in on this, but it seems those penguins are acting as unknowing ammunition providers."
"You think the Rockstar Chica and Classic Chica in the kitchen are in on this?" Molten said.
Baby scoffed. "Of course they are. Everyone here but you two are completely insane."
"Ehhhhh, I wouldn't say that, Babydoll…" The wire amalgam shifted the lookout eye a bit higher. "Lefty is just sitting and eating, and is actually dodging all the food. Honestly, it's kinda cool to watch."
"They'll probably tell Charlie later", Bonnie said. "Even if they are sane, they aren't on our side with this. She's becoming more of Charlie's lackey."
Baby sighed bitterly as she set down her third pizza slice. "So I've noticed…"
Because it was becoming more obvious Lefty was going the way of this 'elite' group more and more, and Baby knew it would mean losing someone she did… Somewhat consider a friend. Even if it's rocky now, she'd still like to be with her black bear friend.
She shook her head and returned to her food although she chewed slower when she felt something off about the room. She looked around, and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. But the food fight was getting more out of hand, and Baby was getting more anxious.
And she was shown why when an entire cake was dropped on her head.
Bonnie and Molten froze as Baby was stuck sitting there with wide-eyes, and the rabbit and bear looked up to see a giggling RWQ hovering above. They looked back at the cake covered animatronic, and shivered at her dead stare. She looked so unbelievably angry and heartbroken.
"I think we should go", Bonnie said firmly. Molten just nodded in full agreement, and the two started to stand up and help Baby to her feet. She was still dead silent and frozen, seeming catatonic.
RWQ up above laughed and came down, kicking their table away. "Aw, c'mon, you have to admit that was fun! You should see the look on her face!" He laughed out loud, which brought attention onto the parting trio. But it didn't stop the food-based war going on.
"You know that it isn't funny, RWQ" NightBon hissed. "You're nothing but a brat."
"So what if I am?" The shadow looked at Baby with a smug look. "It's just fun to mess with Scrapy."
Molten bristled. "You have no right to use that name! Guys, let's go."
Bonnie nodded firmly and turned to leave, levelling RWQ with one last glare. The trio made to leave once again, Baby still complete out of it, only for the shadow to say something he would regret.
"Hey, this is our life now! You better get used to it!"
Baby snapped up straight like a statue, which made Molten and NightBon take a step back in surprise. The clawed animatronic whirled around to the shadow, her eyes gleaming a very dangerous red. She skated over, ignoring her friends' pleas until she was right in his face.
"This is our life now? You have the gall to say that?" She hissed.
RWQ scoffed. "Don't get all standoffish now, Scrapy. We've had a few days to adjust, and here you are still being difficult. It was just a little fun."
"You want to know why I'm like this?" She asked in a low tone that made Bonnie and Molten shiver.
"Why?"
"I NEVER ASKED FOR THIS LIFE!" She screamed, which made all the lights flicker as her eyes exploded in a blinding red light. The whole fight stopped abruptly, and everyone was staring at Baby in shock and horror. When the lights stopped flickering, Baby was breathing heavily before a terrified RWQ.
And then one of the lights in the ceiling just burst, glass falling to the ground. Everyone winced, knowing they went too far.
Scrap then became eerily calm, turning to rejoin her friends. As she approached them, Cassidy appeared in the middle of the room looking absolutely livid.
"What is going on?!" She roared. "What happened?!"
Everyone sans Lefty pointed at Baby, who stopped. The golden bear glared, before Lefty walked up to her.
"Funtime Freddy and Foxy were arguing", she said loudly. "And started throwing food at each other. Soon everyone was in on the fight except those three and myself. RWQ dropped a cake on Baby, and she blew up because he pushed her buttons."
Cassidy absorbed the information, and looked at the clawed animatronic. She was glaring back, but also had this look of exhaustion in her eyes.
Cass nodded at the black bear and faced the others. "Okay, all of you are going to clean this up now, understand?"
"What about those three?!" RWQ demanded, pointing at the trio as they hovered by the door.
"They get to go because they didn't do anything." The golden bear spun to the shadow rabbit, and everyone feared for his life. "As for you, we need to have a talk about your behaviour. So after all of this is cleaned up, me and you will have a talk in the office."
RWQ gulped fearfully, and Cassidy looked at Baby. The golden bear nodded, and the clawed animatronic left swiftly, followed closely by her two friends. As soon as they were in the hall and the door was closed behind them, Baby deflated and covered her eyes with her hand, letting out silent sobs as her body shook.
Molten hugged her close, and Bonnie was pulled in by some of the wire amalgam's cords.
~X~
The following day was a nothing day for Baby. She just stayed holed up in her tent all day, barely registering Molten and NightBon talking outside. She sighed and rolled over on the makeshift couch she was laying on, mind numb to everything. While she was somewhat grateful saying she was willing to let Baby have time to herself, and thus no night shift for her for a while.
Still, it didn't make her feel any better, because now she was going to be the centre of attention constantly, which meant no more peace outside of this little piece of sanctuary.
When she heard the curtain door part open, she looked over to see Bonnie standing there.
"Me and Molten will go and get our lunch, then we're coming back here", he explained. "Just sit tight."
Baby silently nodded, and Bonnie left shortly after. Now that she was completely alone, she rolled over onto her back and stared up at the tent's ceiling, mind filled with a nauseating amount of static. Carefully, she reached past her chest plates and pulled out the locket, opening it so she could look at the photo. She took a very slow, very deep breath as she tried to relax, and just focused on her memories of the Capital.
This wasn't her life, it never was and never will be.
She just was waiting for that one moment she truly had a reason to never come back…
~X~
I'm a bitch with Baby, aren't I? She's just a ticking time bomb that gets so close to blowing up but always just barely stops herself. Won't be so lucky eventually, I'm just saying.
Anyway, yeah! This was a bit of a longer chapter, but I had fun writing it regardless. Being able to just show more of how much Baby hates this place while contrasting it with Molten and NightBon is really nice! I enjoy having things be like this rollercoaster.
Now, I don';t have much to say for these author's notes. Just that I wanna make sure y'all are still here!
Up next: A particularly bad argument between Lefty and Baby had our favourite scrap run to the one place she can confidently call home…
~Caleb~