CHAPTER SIXTEEN: PLANNING OUT

'This is ridiculous,' I thought to myself as we were all squeezed together in the tiny box that we called an elevator. It made sense for the elevator to be small because it was designed for only one person or mascot to fit in. I was still surprised we even managed to fit in the damn thing. It didn't help that with us being cramped into this tiny box I felt pins and needles in both of my arms and legs.

I looked around, though there really wasn't anything to survey in this thing. All there was inside was the button panel and a few posters on the walls. Other than that, it was your ordinary average elevator. Honestly, I was expecting to see some posters of Roxanne on the walls since it was her service elevator after all, but it looks like that wasn't the case.

The elevator dinged, the sound like music to my ears. The doors slid open and without hesitation, we stepped out out of that damn elevator. I began shaking my limbs to wake them up and get my blood flowing again. I hated getting pins and needles. It felt like my body was getting stabbed by tiny knives that I couldn't see but only feel.

'Damn these pins-and-needles,' I thought to myself angrily for me getting it so easily. After what felt like an eternity, the feeling went away and I could move them without feeling like I was getting stabbed. I surveyed our surroundings.

The room we were in looked to be some kind of backroom with a big metal shelf filled with junk and other merchandise. There were some boxes that were filled with things I didn't know sitting in the far corner of the room. Other than that, there really wasn't anything of interest here.

We walked over to the metal door that was at the far end of the room. The door slid open, allowing us access to the room that was behind it. We stepped inside. I surveyed the room. The familiar purple walls, the large star hanging from the ceiling, and the purple couch were all I needed to know that were indeed inside Roxanne's green room.

To be honest, it shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. I never knew that there was another way into this room. In fact, it was all crazy that there was a possibility that Freddy, Montgomery, and Chica's green rooms had the same thing that all led to Parts and Service. At the same time, it shouldn't have. If anything were to happen, all they had to do was go into the backroom of their green rooms and take the elevator instead of taking the long journey to get there. Makes it much easier for any of them to get any maintenance if there ever was a problem or if they needed to get there urgently.

We turned our attention to the center of the room… and I nearly gasped out loud. Roxanne Wolf was lying there completely still like a dead body, her eyes closed and her mouth agape. I was about to walk over to her when something clicked in my head.

'How the hell did she get here?' a thought popped into my mind. I blinked a few times, now wondering how she had gotten from Vanny's hideout to here.

As I did, a few possibilities came up. There was a chance that she might have been able to get away from Vanny, exiting her hideout and getting back here before she, for whatever reason, powered off. The other possibility was terrifying. Maybe… Vanny did something to her and placed Roxanne back in her green room… as a trap. The thought of it being a trap rendered me still as a statue.

I despised the idea of what Vanny could've done to her. For all I knew, she brought her back under her control and once she woke up, she would attack us and may possibly kill me, Gregory, and Lisa. I shuddered at the thought of what would happen to Roxanne if she did kill us. She might lose her popularity… or worse, be turned into a pile of scrap metal.

"ROXY!" Gregory, Freddy, and Lisa shouted at the same time in worry. Without even hesitating, they all ran over to her, checking her to see if there was anything out of place. I, on the other hand, stayed where I was right now. I was worried sick for her, but I didn't know what kind of bullshit Vanny did to her.

It took them a moment for them to realize that I hadn't moved an inch since spotting Roxanne on the floor. They all turned their heads in my direction at the same time.

"Mihael, are you okay?" Freddy asked. I took a deep breath, fully preparing myself for what I was going to say. I knew they weren't going to like it, but they had to listen.

"Guys, you all need to stay away from her," I said firmly. They all looked at me in surprise. "In case any of you have forgotten, Vanny had dragged Roxanne away to her hideout to do God knows what to her while there. For all we know, this very well could be a trap to take us out."

They blinked a few times before it looked like it clicked on them. They looked at me worriedly. I couldn't blame them. I wanted to know if she was okay, but if Vanny did something to her, the best thing we could do was keep our distance until she woke up. After a moment, they all took 2 steps back away from Roxanne.

"Do you think Vanny…" Lisa asked, fear clear in her tone.

"I have no idea what she might've done," I said calmly. "We just have to wait for her to wake up and see what happens.

"But how long is that going to take?" Gregory asked. "I don't want to wait all night for her to wake up." Something seemed to have clicked in his head before he turned to look at Freddy. "Freddy, what time is it?"

"It is 3:28 AM, everyone," Freddy replied immediately. "There is only 2 hours and 32 minutes left until 6 AM before the security doors reopen for the general public."

I was somewhat surprised by the time. 3:28 AM. A lot of time has passed since the beginning of our missions to get Gregory out of the Pizzaplex and for me to find Lisa. Now that I found her, all I had left was to get Gregory out of here before Vanny got her hands on him or any of us.

"Really?" Gregory asked. "It's 3:28?"

"It sure is," Freddy replied.

"Time sure does fly by very quickly when you're trying to survive and not get caught," Lisa added. "Before we know it, kids will be flooding the place looking to have fun at the attractions."

"Time is always going fast," I said. "It never slows down even if you beg for it to do so. Whether you're having fun or doing work or something, it flies before your very eyes. Like watching your life pass in seconds and you would be reaching your 20s, 30s, and 40s before you know it."

We all turned our attention to Roxanne, who was still lying on the floor. I hoped that she was okay and that nothing happened to her. At the same time, I had a feeling something did happen. Whatever it was that Vanny did to her back in her hideout, it no doubt might have something to do with keeping her under her control.

As the thought of Vanny getting us came to mind and what Lisa said about the kids coming back here in the morning, something clicked in my head. I felt my blood turn to ice as a terrifying realization came to the forefront of my mind. This entire time, while we were looking for a way out for Gregory and searching for Lisa, we could have found a way to stop Vanny. To put it simply, find a way to put an end to Vanny's terror.

If Vanny had been the one taking the kids, that meant the moment those doors opened, families would be stepping inside the Mega Pizzaplex, giving Vanny more victims to take without anyone realizing or even noticing until it was too late. To top it off, Chica and Montgomery may remain under her control and might potentially used to help her kidnap kids while no one is looking. That very thought made me sick to my stomach and strengthened my resolve to stop her.

"Big brother, are you okay?" Lisa's voice instantly snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked to see her looking at me with a worried expression on his face. I took a deep breath and looked her in the eyes.

"Lisa, Gregory, Freddy, I just realized something," I said. They all looked at me curiously. "You know about Vanny, right?"

"Yes," they said slowly at the same time.

"This entire time, while we were looking for a way to get Gregory out of here, along with finding Lisa, we didn't bother to think of a way to stop her," I added. "Think about it, if Vanny had been the one responsible for the kids going missing, the moment those doors open at 6 AM, all of those families will walk in with their kids, giving Vanny more victims. And even if we know the truth, no one will believe us the same way nobody believed Roxanne.

"And since we all know Vanny is the one responsible for Chica and Montgomery trying to get us, and for what happened to Roxanne early on in the night, there is a chance that in the near future, they will be used to help her with her schemes. If that's the case, we have to stop her tonight before 6 AM."

They looked at each other for a moment before understanding formed on their faces. They all looked at me slowly, horror clear in their eyes. It was safe to assume that they came to the same conclusion that I had.

"So what you're saying is that if we don't stop Vanny tonight…" Lisa began.

"There will be more disappearances and there may be nothing we can do to stop it," Gregory added in horror.

"Yes, that is exactly what will happen if we don't find a way to stop her and remove her control over the other mascots," I added. "In order to do so, we need to find out the source. Without any leads, Vanny and whoever she's working for has complete control over the Pizzaplex."

All of us try to think of something. Anything in the Pizzaplex that we could use to stop Vanny's terrifying grip on the Pizzaplex. Sadly, I couldn't think of anything. My mind was blank. I didn't even bother to survey for anything useful while trying to survive, help Gregory get out, and find my sister. This whole night has been a fight for survival.

"Wait, I think there is a way," Lisa said suddenly. We all looked at her. "Mihael, you love to play video games?"

I looked at her like she had gone crazy. What kind of question was that? She knew better than anyone else that I loved video games. It was something I enjoyed playing in my free time if I wasn't busy with homework, studying, or reading. The question itself was very insulting.

"No, I love being bored and counting sheep to help me fall fast asleep," I said sarcastically. "Of course, I do! What kind of stupid question is that?!"

"Well," she began to say, "while I was hiding, I did a little bit of exploration around the Pizzaplex. As I did, I noticed some very strange arcade machines in 3 different areas. One in the office of Fazcade. One in the beauty salon within Roxy Raceway. And one in Vanny's hideout. They all had the same name but two of them had the Roman numerals. They were titled 'Princess Quest'.

"When I approached them, there was a strange aura surrounding the machines. Like there was something evil attached to them. There was also something else. It felt like someone or something was calling out to me. Like they needed help or something. I think they hold the key to stopping Vanny and whoever she's working for."

I thought about it. It all sounded strange and made-up, but it was something and it was better than being left in the dark trying to figure it out like it was a giant puzzle piece set. On top of that, I knew my sister and she wasn't a liar. Even if she tried to, she wouldn't be able to lie even if her life depended on it.

"I see," I said slowly. " If that is true, then our mission is to find them and play them. It won't be easy. We will have to expect the unexpected." I turned my attention to Lisa. "Do you know where the first and second games are located, Lisa?"

"Yes," she replied. "The first game is located in the office of Fazcade. And the second one is located in the beauty salon within Roxy Raceway. Just be careful when you approach the machine. I felt a strong feeling of dread when I first approached when I attempted to get a better look."

I nodded. "Got it."

"I do have a question," Gregory said. We all turned to look at him. "Why did you ask Mihael if he loved to play video games?"

"Well," she began. "My brother is a huge fan of video games and he would jump at the opportunity to play them, even ones he has never played or heard of before. He's way better at them than me since he plays them a lot of the time. I figured he would be the one for it and would volunteer to go find them and play."

I blinked a few times at that. Sure, that was one way to describe me, but I wasn't a huge fanboy of video games. I play them to have a fun time rather than play competitively. It takes away the fun and join of playing. I knew that there were video games like that so I did my best to stay as far from them as humanly possible.

"So basically, assigning me to do the job?" I said. She smiled at me, which was all the confirmation I needed.

I began to think about what we should do while I went to find the so-called 'Princess Quest' arcade machines. As I did, I turned my attention to Roxanne. Then, Lisa. And finally Gregory and Freddy. I mentally smirked as an idea began to form in my head. It wasn't the best plan, but it was one. If all of us followed through, we would all make it through and stop Vanny before she knew what the hell hit her.

"Everyone!" I announced loudly. They all looked at me. "I've got a plan."

"Okay, what is it?" Gregory asked.

"Well, it was already established that I would be the one to find the 'Princess Quest' arcade machines, I have an idea for what you guys will be doing," I began. "Lisa, you will be staying here and watching over Roxanne Wolf. You will immediately notify us when she wakes up. Not a minute or second later."

I turned my attention to Gregory and Freddy. I took a deep breath. I didn't like what I was going to tell them both, more specifically Freddy, but if it meant stopping them from getting in our way, so be it.

"As for you two," I continued. "You both will find a way to take care of both Glamrock Chica and Montgomery Gator. I don't like the idea of decommissioning them, but since they will be getting in the way, there is no other choice. We will also need their upgrades if we want to get anywhere else in the Pizzaplex. The stronger we make Freddy, the better chances we have in both our survival and when it comes to finally confronting Vanny."

A small smirk formed on Gregory's face while an uncomfortable look formed on Freddy's face. I mentally shook my head at the look on the boy's face. I had a feeling he was going to be up with the idea of decommissioning Chica and Montgomery. Again, I couldn't blame him for wanting to get even. If I was in his shoes and was vengeful as he was, I would jump at the idea without a second thought.

As for Freddy, I felt bad for him. It must feel awful having to do something to your own best friends was undoubtedly a very terrible feeling. Just like how I couldn't bring myself to hurt Roxanne when she was going to kill me, I knew that Freddy was feeling the same way.

"Sounds like a plan," Lisa said.

"I agree," Gregory added. "And when Roxy wakes up, Vanny will have nowhere to run or hide. She will regret ever messing with any of us."

I mentally sighed at that. I knew Gregory wanted payback, but I had no idea he was this vengeful. That was the last thing we needed at the moment. I needed him and his mind to be clear. The desire for revenge may feel sweet, but it won't if it ends up clouding his judgment and doing something very stupid. Plus, this wasn't anything extremely personal… yet.

"Gregory, I need you to keep yourself together," I said firmly and strongly. "We aren't doing this out of revenge. We're doing this so we can make sure no other kid goes missing. Do you understand me?"

Gregory looked at me, his eyes wide and slightly fearful. I eyed him intensely. If he was going to do that, then he was out. I was going to make him stay here with Lisa and watch over Roxanne. After a moment, he nodded. I didn't sigh out in relief.

Suddenly, something clicked in my head as I realized what I said. I mentally facepalmed at the sudden realization. All this time, we also could've tried to find any traces of the kids that have gone missing over the last 2 years. I couldn't believe that it took me this long to realize it. I felt so incredibly stupid.

"Speaking of which," I began to say. "There is something I can do while I locate the 'Princess Quest' games."

"Oh? And what's that?" Lisa curiously. I looked to see her looking at me curiously with an arched eyebrow.

"While I locate the games, I will also try to find any traces of the missing kids," I replied. Lisa's eyes widened slightly at that, surprise clear on her face.

"What?!" Lisa exclaimed. "Mihael, Dad and the police have looked all over the place and haven't found a single clue related to their whereabouts! How are you going to do something that not even the police can do?!"

I remained determined, despite knowing that what Lisa had said was 100% true. Our father hasn't been successful on finding any traces of the missing kids. The memories of those grieving families were very painful. I wanted to do something about it. To help Dad solve the case, but being a teenager, there wasn't anything I could do to help. This time, it was different. Now, I could do something to help Dad find them and bring those families peace.

"You're right, maybe we won't find anything and come emptyhanded," I said. "But that's not going to stop me from trying. Even if I do find nothing, I can be proud that I at least tried. For years, I've wanted to help Dad find them, but there was nothing I could do. But now, I can. I can help, and he's going to get my help."

Silence filled the room. I waited for what Lisa would do or say. I hoped that she wouldn't try to stop me. For all I knew, there may never be another chance for this 2-year-old case to finally be put to rest. For too long, I watched helplessly, unable to do anything. This night would change that.

"I'm glad you want to do something, but are you sure Dad will be happy with you once this is over?" Lisa asked. "He would be a bit more curious as to why you thought it was a good idea to sneak out and come here to find me."

Okay, that hit me. I really didn't think that part out. I was too focused on that rather than what would happen once we got back home safely. Lisa was right about that. Even though he would be happy my sister was brought back safely, he would be more interested as to why I snuck out. Even if I did find the missing kids and told him that, that wouldn't stop him from scolding me for doing something stupid.

"Point taken," I said in a deadpan tone before fixing it. "Despite that, I have to at least try. It might be different this time."

"Mihael, what makes you think that you trying to find them would make this turn out different?" Gregory asked, probably expecting me to not have the answer to that. Unfortunately for him, I did have an answer.

"There might be something that my father and the police completely overlooked," I said. "I know the Pizzaplex is big, but there are many places to hide a body and they would've been discovered in days or even weeks if there is a chance that she killed them. Hell, if they are still alive, which may be an impossibility due to how long they've been missing, I bet you Vanny hid them in a place they haven't checked before."

"Like a secret room or something?" Gregory asked skeptically.

"Exactly," I said, snapping my fingers. "As stupid as that sounds, it does seem possible. There is no other way to put it as to why my father or the police haven't found them for all these years.

Everyone went into deep thought. I could only hope they saw where I was getting at. Honestly, it did seem possible despite how stupid it sounded. I knew that this wasn't some kind of old-fashioned mansion where the place was loaded with secret rooms, but it did make some kind of sense. There was no other way to explain why we hadn't found anything.

"It could be possible," Lisa said. "I can't deny that it sounds a little silly, but really, why else our father hasn't found anything linking to where they were taken."

"I guess," Gregory said slowly. "You can try to find them, though I don't think we will get lucky."

"I'll do what I can," I said. "In the meantime, you guys fulfill your part of the plan while I try to find the arcade machines and play them. There isn't much time left."

They nodded in unison. With that, I turned around and charged out of Roxanne's green room in the direction of Fazcade to find the first 'Princess Quest' game.

Author's Note:

Here it is! Chapter Sixteen! :D

Looks like Mihael and Lisa had a bit of a fight before going their separate ways. I know how it looks and unfortunately, I know how this would end between them. I can't say what, but you'll see what I mean in the end.

Anyways, that's all for now. Keep an eye out for Chapter Seventeen. Constructive criticism is appreciated and I will see you guys next time! :)

Edit: Changed the ending. Hope it's better than the old one.