Chapter 7: Ain't No Crying In The Club

I woke up to lots of noise coming from my apartment's kitchen. Checking the time on my phone, it was 11:30 AM. It's been an amazing three days since Scarlett and the twins started living with me at my two-story apartment. It has given my home a great burst of energy that I hadn't experienced before. Walking downstairs in my silk pajamas, I smelled the aromas of pancake batter and sausage cooking in pans. Stepping into the kitchen, I saw Scarlett making breakfast while Ryan and Reagan were looking at their phones, waiting for breakfast.

"Good morning Elijah!" Scarlett turned around with a smile and a cup of coffee in her left hand.

"Good morning everyone, breakfast smells delicious!" My stomach started to rumble.

All of a sudden, my phone started to ring! Grabbing my phone out of my pajama pants pocket, I saw it was Gavin.

"Hello?" I picked up the call.

"Hey Elijah! I need a favor from you this afternoon!" Gavin sounded a bit nervous.

Looking at Scarlett, who was plating the food, I answered, "Sure? What's up?"

"We need you to come watch over the technicians who are completely fixing and upgrading Glamrock Bonnie", I heard Gavin's excitement through the phone.

"Of course, I'd be happy to do that!" I smiled with a lot of excitement.

"Great! See you in a bit!" Gavin ended the call.

"Who wants to go to the Pizzaplex today?" I shoved my phone into my pocket. The question was more towards the twins.

Scarlett turned to look at me, intrigued. "The Pizzaplex? What's going on there?"

I took a seat at the kitchen island as she slid a plate of pancakes and sausage in front of me. "They're upgrading Glamrock Bonnie. Gavin wants me to supervise the technicians while they work on him. It's kind of a big deal."

Ryan's eyes lit up as he lowered his phone. "Are you serious? Bonnie's coming back? I thought they retired him after, you know, the... incident."

Reagan elbowed him, a warning look on her face. "Don't start with your conspiracy theories, Ry."

Scarlett shook her head and smiled, "Well, if you're going to the Pizzaplex, I think the twins should go with you. It'll be good for them to get out of the house."

Reagan perked up, her face breaking into a grin. "Yes! Can we see Freddy? I've always wanted to meet him!"

Ryan shrugged, trying to look nonchalant, but I could tell he was just as excited. "Yeah, sure. Why not?"

Scarlett laughed as she refilled her coffee. "Looks like you've got your entourage, Elijah."

"Looks like it," I said, digging into my breakfast. "But you guys have to promise me something."

The twins looked at me expectantly. "What?"

"No wandering off. The Pizzaplex is huge, and I don't need to lose you. Got it?"

"Got it!" they chimed in unison.

I finished the last bite of my pancakes and pushed my plate aside. "Let me get ready first, then we'll go!"

After breakfast, I headed upstairs to get ready. As I pulled on my signature bomber jacket, sweater and oxford combo, and sneakers, I couldn't shake the excitement building in my chest. Glamrock Bonnie—one of the most beloved animatronics in Pizzaplex history—was finally coming back.

When I came back downstairs, the twins were already waiting at the door. Ryan had swapped his usual hoodie for a bright blue T-shirt with Freddy's face on it, while Reagan had her hair done up in twin buns, rocking a Chica-themed headband. They were practically vibrating with excitement.

"Wow, you two are really leaning into the theme," I teased, grabbing my keys.

"Hey, if we're going to the Pizzaplex, we've gotta represent!" Ryan grinned.

Scarlett walked over, handing me a thermos of coffee. "Good luck supervising the technicians. Don't let them slack off."

"I'll try my best," I said with a mock-serious expression, making her laugh.

As we drove to the Pizzaplex, the twins peppered me with questions.

"Do you think Bonnie will remember anything from before?" Reagan asked, twisting a strand of hair nervously.

"I doubt it," I said, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "His memory core would've been wiped for the upgrade. It's more of a fresh start for him."

Ryan leaned forward from the backseat, his expression turning serious. "Do you think Monty will care that Bonnie's coming back?"

I stiffened slightly, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "What do you mean?"

"You know…" Ryan said, trailing off as if unsure whether to continue. "The theory. Everyone says Monty... well, you know, got rid of Bonnie so he could take his spot."

"Ryan," Reagan hissed, giving him a sharp elbow. "Don't start with that!"

"It's not a theory," Ryan shot back, his voice low but defiant. "There's footage of Bonnie heading to Monty Golf the night he disappeared, and then nothing. Next thing we know, Monty's the new bass player. It's too convenient to be a coincidence."

I sighed, trying to keep my tone even. "Look, whatever happened that night, it's not something we can change. And Monty's been part of the band for a long time now. Bringing Bonnie back doesn't mean there will be some big rivalry."

Ryan folded his arms, clearly unconvinced. "Yeah, well, I don't trust Monty. He's always breaking stuff and acting like a jerk."

Reagan rolled her eyes. "Not everything's a conspiracy, Ry. Maybe Bonnie's upgrade is just a way to bring something positive back to the Pizzaplex."

"Exactly," I said, trying to steer the conversation away from Monty. "Let's just focus on the fact that Bonnie's coming back. It's a good thing, okay?"

But as I said the words, I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in the back of my mind. Monty might not have been directly involved in Bonnie's disappearance, but his reputation for aggression—and his temper—wasn't exactly a secret. And if Bonnie's return stirred up old tensions... well, I'd have to keep an eye on things.

When we arrived, the Pizzaplex was buzzing with its usual chaotic energy. Kids darted around, clutching plushies and chasing each other through the neon-lit corridors. The scent of pizza and churros filled the air, mingling with the faint hum of animatronics performing on the main stage.

"Whoa," Reagan breathed, her eyes wide as she took it all in.

"Stick close, remember?" I reminded them as we made our way to the back corridors.

The technicians were already hard at work when we arrived at the workshop. Glamrock Bonnie's frame was laid out on a massive workbench, wires spilling out of his open chest cavity. His purple-and-blue paint job gleamed under the fluorescent lights, freshly restored to its former glory.

"Hey, Elijah!" Gavin called out, walking over with a clipboard in hand. "Perfect timing. We're just about to start the final programming sequence. Want to oversee the tests?"

"Absolutely," I said, stepping closer.

The twins hung back, watching in awe as the technicians adjusted circuits and typed commands into their monitors.

"This is so cool," Ryan whispered to Reagan.

But Reagan frowned, her voice barely audible as she murmured back, "I just hope it doesn't cause trouble with Monty."

I caught her words but didn't say anything. Trouble or not, Glamrock Bonnie deserved a chance to shine again.

The tests went smoothly until I heard a faint metallic clink from the hall. Turning, I saw Monty pacing at the edge of the corridor, his claws dragging along the wall. His neon-green eyes glinted as he noticed me watching.

"Great," I muttered under my breath.

Gavin followed my gaze and sighed. "He's been lurking around since we started the repairs. I think he knows."

"Knows what?" Reagan asked, sidling up beside me.

"That Bonnie's coming back," Gavin said quietly. "Monty's... not thrilled."

Ryan's face darkened. "See? Told you he can't handle it."

"Enough," I said firmly, ushering the twins back to the workstation. "Monty's part of the team, just like Bonnie will be. Let's not start assuming the worst."

But even as I said it, I couldn't shake the unease in my chest. Monty's sharp glare lingered long after he disappeared down the hall, and the technicians' nervous glances told me I wasn't the only one feeling it. Whatever history lay between Monty and Bonnie, it wasn't over—not by a long shot.

For now, though, all I could do was focus on the task at hand: bringing Glamrock Bonnie back to life.

The hum of machinery died down as the technicians stepped back from the workbench. Glamrock Bonnie's gleaming purple-and-blue body was pristine, his long ears resting against his shoulders. Gavin gave me a quick nod, his clipboard tucked under one arm.

"All systems are online. Ready for activation," one of the technicians announced.

"Let's do it," Gavin said. The air was thick with anticipation.

Ryan and Reagan leaned closer, their eyes wide with wonder. I caught their excitement and felt a thrill of my own. Glamrock Bonnie—one of the most beloved animatronics in Pizzaplex history—was about to wake up.

The technician pressed a final command, and Bonnie's body twitched. His ears flicked first, then his hands clenched into fists before relaxing. His eyes lit up in a familiar glowing blue, flickering as they adjusted to the light. Slowly, his head rose, taking in the room.

"Wha… what's goin' on here?" His voice, rich with a laid-back country twang, broke the silence. "Where am I?"

Ryan gasped. "He's awake!" he whispered, clutching Reagan's arm.

Bonnie's gaze landed on me first. His LED eyes narrowed slightly, and his ears twitched as he scanned the unfamiliar faces in the room. "Well, I'll be. Ain't a face here I recognize. Mind tellin' me what's happenin'?"

I stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Hey, Bonnie. I'm Elijah. These two are Ryan and Reagan." I gestured to the twins, who gave small waves. "You're at the Pizzaplex, in the repair workshop. We just finished restoring you."

"The Pizzaplex…" Bonnie's voice trailed off as he looked around. His brows furrowed, servos whirring as he processed the information. "Last thing I remember, I was on stage playin' bass. Then... nothin'. How long's it been?"

The room fell quiet. I glanced at Gavin, who was pretending to be preoccupied with his clipboard, leaving me to answer.

"It's been... a while," I said carefully. "You've been offline for some time. A lot has changed, but the important thing is that you're back now. And you're looking good, by the way."

Bonnie tilted his head, his ears dipping slightly. "Offline, huh? Guess that explains why I feel like a springtrap outta oil." He raised a hand, examining his polished fingers. "Why'd I get shut down? What happened?"

Ryan, unable to help himself, jumped in. "There was an incident. You disappeared one night, and they couldn't find you. Monty—uh, another animatronic—ended up replacing you in the band."

Bonnie's ears perked, and his eyes narrowed slightly. "Monty, huh? That gator fella? I remember him from Monty Golf. He's got a swing like a wreckin' ball." He paused, his gaze lowering. "Replaced me, though? That's a tough pill to swallow."

I stepped in quickly. "Monty's been part of the band for a while, but your return doesn't mean there isn't a place for you. The Pizzaplex wouldn't be the same without Glamrock Bonnie."

Bonnie looked up, his blue eyes glowing softly. "Well, I reckon I'm glad y'all think so. But what about the others? Freddy, Chica, and Roxy—do they even know I'm back?"

Reagan spoke up, her voice hesitant. "We haven't told them yet. We wanted to wait until you were up and running first."

Bonnie nodded slowly. "Makes sense, I s'pose. But, uh... what about Monty? He's not the type to take kindly to surprises."

The air in the room grew heavier. Gavin cleared his throat. "Freddy will be the first to know. He's the leader of the group, and if anyone can help smooth things over, it's him. As for Monty..." He hesitated, glancing at me.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," I finished. "For now, let's focus on getting you settled. One step at a time."

Bonnie chuckled, the sound low and warm. "Guess I've always been good at stirrin' the pot. No reason to stop now."

Ryan grinned. "The fans are going to lose their minds when they see you again. You're a legend!"

Bonnie's smile grew, his ears lifting slightly. "Well, ain't that somethin'? A legend, huh? Guess I better start livin' up to it."

Gavin glanced at his watch. "We've got a meeting with Freddy soon. Elijah, why don't you and the twins give Bonnie a tour while we prep?"

I turned to Bonnie, who was already standing, adjusting his bowtie with a smooth, practiced motion. "What do you say, Bonnie? Ready to see your new home?"

He stretched, his joints whirring softly. "Lead the way, partner. Feels like it's time I got reacquainted with the place."

As we left the workshop, Bonnie's gaze darted around, taking in the vibrant colors and neon lights of the Pizzaplex corridors. His ears twitched as the faint sound of children's laughter echoed through the halls.

"This place sure has changed," he said softly. "Feels familiar... but not quite the same."

Ryan walked beside him, bouncing with excitement. "You're going to love it here. The main stage is incredible, and the new log flume ride is always packed!"

Bonnie chuckled, his country drawl soothing. "Sounds like I've got a lot to catch up on. Let's get to it, then."

But as we turned a corner, I caught a glimpse of Monty lingering near the raceway entrance. His arms were crossed, his claws tapping rhythmically against his arm. His glowing red eyes flicked toward us, and for a moment, his gaze locked onto Bonnie.

Bonnie froze mid-step, his smile fading. "Well, now. Looks like the gator's heard the news."

"We'll handle it," I said firmly, placing a hand on Bonnie's shoulder. "Let's keep moving for now."

Bonnie hesitated, his ears dipping slightly before nodding. "Alright, partner. But somethin' tells me this ain't gonna be smooth sailin'."

As we walked on, I couldn't shake the feeling that Bonnie was right. The Pizzaplex was big enough for all of them—but whether it was big enough for Bonnie and Monty was a question I wasn't ready to answer.

As we continued down the neon-lit corridor, Bonnie glanced back once, his ears twitching slightly. "That gator's got a look about him," he muttered, mostly to himself. "Hope I'm not about to step into a nest of trouble."

"Don't worry about Monty," I said, keeping my tone light. "He'll come around. Right now, this is about getting you reacquainted with the Pizzaplex."

Ryan chimed in eagerly, "Yeah, forget Monty! You've got a whole fanbase waiting for you, Bonnie. You were their favorite animatronic for years! People still talk about you like a legend."

Bonnie chuckled, his glowing eyes softening. "A legend, huh? Can't say I'm used to that kinda talk, but it's mighty flatterin'. Guess I better live up to it."

We reached the main atrium, the massive space alive with vibrant lights and the buzz of kids racing from attraction to attraction. Bonnie stopped in his tracks, his jaw slack as he took it all in.

"Well, I'll be," he said, his voice tinged with awe. "This place is somethin' else. Bigger and shinier than I remember."

"Welcome to the Pizzaplex," Reagan said with a grin. "It's a lot, huh?"

Bonnie nodded slowly, his gaze sweeping over the massive hologram of Freddy waving to guests and the towering neon signs for Fazer Blast, Monty Golf, and the Superstar Daycare. "Sure is. Guess I'm gonna have to get my bearings all over again."

Ryan pointed to the far end of the atrium. "That's the main stage where you'll probably perform. Freddy's usually there, but sometimes the others take over for special shows."

"Main stage, huh?" Bonnie's ears perked up. "Guess that means I'll get to see Freddy soon. Ain't nobody I'd rather talk to right now."

Reagan hesitated, then glanced at me. "How do you think Freddy's going to react? I mean, he's probably going to be thrilled, but... should we give him a heads-up?"

I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck. "Yeah, Freddy's a natural leader, but something like this is bound to catch him off guard. Let's stop by his dressing room first. He'll want to hear this from us—and see Bonnie himself."

Bonnie looked at me, his ears twitching in curiosity. "Freddy still the same ol' bear? Always lookin' out for everyone?"

"He's still Freddy," I said with a smile. "You'll see."

We made our way toward the dressing rooms, the twins staying close by as Bonnie followed behind, taking in every detail of the Pizzaplex. Occasionally, kids would spot him and whisper excitedly to their parents, pointing in his direction. Bonnie noticed too, glancing at them with a mix of curiosity and a bit of nervousness.

"Looks like I'm already drawin' attention," he said softly.

"Wait until the big announcement," Ryan said, practically buzzing with excitement. "Everyone's going to freak out when they find out you're back."

Bonnie gave a short laugh. "Hope they mean that in a good way."

When we reached Freddy's dressing room, I knocked lightly. "Freddy? It's Elijah. You got a minute?"

There was a muffled sound of movement inside, then the door slid open. Freddy stood there, towering as always, his polished brown-and-blue exterior shining under the overhead lights. His LED eyes softened when he saw me, and his voice was warm as he greeted us. "Elijah! And you brought guests. Come in, come in."

We stepped inside, the room cozy and neatly organized. Freddy always kept his space tidy, a reflection of his dependable personality. He glanced at Ryan and Reagan, offering them a friendly wave, but then his eyes landed on Bonnie.

Freddy froze.

For a moment, the room felt completely still, save for the faint whir of Freddy's servos. "Bonnie?" he said at last, his voice barely above a whisper. "Is that... really you?"

Bonnie stepped forward, his ears lifting slightly. "It's me, Fred. Been a long time, hasn't it?"

Freddy's expression shifted from shock to pure joy. He closed the distance between them in two strides, pulling Bonnie into a careful but heartfelt hug. "Bonnie! I can't believe it! You're back!"

Bonnie patted Freddy's back awkwardly, a laugh rumbling from his chest. "Easy there, Fred. Don't go poppin' a gasket now."

Freddy stepped back, his LED eyes glowing brighter than ever. "I have so many questions! How are you back? When did this happen?"

I stepped in to explain. "The technicians have been working on restoring him for weeks. Today was the big day. Gavin asked me to oversee the process and help Bonnie get settled."

Freddy looked at me, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, Elijah. This is... more than I ever thought possible." He turned back to Bonnie. "You've been gone for so long. Things haven't been the same without you."

Bonnie's ears dipped slightly. "Heard I got replaced. Guess Monty's been fillin' my shoes."

Freddy hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Monty stepped in when we needed him, but that doesn't mean you were forgotten, Bonnie. The fans, the staff—we've all missed you."

Bonnie smiled, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Well, I'm here now. Just hope there's room for me, Fred."

"There's always room for you," Freddy said firmly. "You're part of the band, part of the family. But..." His voice trailed off, and his expression turned thoughtful. "We'll need to approach this carefully. Monty... he's been an important part of the band too. We don't want to cause unnecessary tension."

Bonnie chuckled softly. "Always the diplomat, huh? Don't worry, Fred. I ain't lookin' to pick no fights. Just wanna find my place again."

Freddy nodded, his determination clear. "We'll figure it out together. Let's take things one step at a time."

The twins, who had been quietly watching the exchange, finally burst out, "This is amazing!" Reagan said, her eyes sparkling. "It's like watching history happen!"

Ryan nodded vigorously. "I can't wait to see the band back together. It's going to be legendary!"

Bonnie laughed, his tension easing slightly. "Well, with fans like y'all cheerin' me on, I reckon I can handle whatever comes my way."

Freddy placed a reassuring hand on Bonnie's shoulder. "We'll announce this to the others soon. But for now, let's take a moment to appreciate what's happening. You're back, Bonnie. And that's something to celebrate."

As we stood in Freddy's dressing room, a sense of hope filled the air. There were still challenges ahead—Monty's reaction being the biggest—but for now, Bonnie was back where he belonged, and that was enough.

The bustling energy of the Pizzaplex had given way to a quieter, dimly lit ambiance of the night. Neon lights reflected off polished floors, and the hum of machines filled the otherwise empty halls. I was stationed in the security office, the tablet in hand as I monitored the feeds.

Ryan and Reagan, despite their earlier excitement, were slouched on the sofa, yawning but refusing to head home. Scarlett sat nearby with a cup of coffee, glancing occasionally at me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Glamrock Bonnie, standing near the office doorway, shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "So, what's the plan, Elijah? We just waitin' 'round here all night?"

I smiled and got up from my chair. "Not exactly. It's time for you to meet some of the others. I figured we'd start with Chica and Roxy. They've been curious since the announcement but wanted to give Freddy his moment with you earlier."

Bonnie's LED eyes brightened. "Chica and Roxy, huh? I remember Chica bein' a bundle of energy. What about Roxy? She still got that competitive streak?"

"You'll see," I said, laughing softly.

The group made their way to the main stage. Glamrock Chica was already there, seated cross-legged on the edge of the stage, tuning her electric guitar. Her pink LED eyes lit up when she saw Bonnie.

"Bonnie!" she exclaimed, hopping off the stage and practically bounding over to him. She threw her arms around him, making him stagger slightly before laughing. "It's so good to see you again! Everyone thought you were gone for good!"

Bonnie chuckled, patting her back. "Easy there, Chica. I ain't goin' nowhere now."

"I can't believe it," Chica said, stepping back to take a good look at him. "You look amazing! Did you see the upgrades? You've got this sleek new thing going on."

Bonnie scratched the back of his neck. "They did a fine job, no doubt about it. But I'm still the same Bonnie underneath all this polish."

Roxy approached more cautiously, her arms crossed and her LED eyes narrowed, though not unkindly. "Well, well. Look who's back. The great Glamrock Bonnie."

Her tone was playful but carried an edge. Bonnie tilted his head at her, his ears flicking in curiosity. "Roxy. Still got that bite in your words, huh?"

She smirked. "It's called personality. You should try it sometime."

They stared at each other for a moment before Roxy's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "It's good to see you, Bonnie. Really. The band's felt... off without you."

"I appreciate that, Roxy," Bonnie said warmly.

Ryan whispered to Reagan, "I thought Roxy was going to be tougher to impress."

"She's all bark," Reagan whispered back.

Chica nudged Roxy playfully. "See? Even Roxy's excited you're back! Now all we need is Monty to join the party."

After reuniting the group and giving everyone space to talk, I found myself leaning against the railing near Fazer Blast, gazing at the glowing neon horizon of the Pizzaplex. The group had gathered in the main atrium of the Pizzaplex, lounging near the central stage. Glamrock Freddy sat in a booth with Scarlett sipping her coffee and the twins, his broad shoulders giving him an air of protective warmth. Glamrock Chica leaned casually against the stage's edge, plucking absentmindedly at the strings of her guitar, while Roxy lounged on one of the neon-lit ramps, her LED eyes glowing faintly as she twirled a strand of her synthetic hair. Bonnie approached, his feet clicking softly on the floor.

"Somethin' on your mind, Elijah?" Bonnie asked, his tone gentle.

I hesitated, then sighed. "It's been a long day, Bonnie. A good one, but… long."

Bonnie leaned against the railing beside me. "I ain't known you long, but you've got that look—like there's somethin' weighin' heavy on you. I'm a good listener if you wanna get it off your chest."

For a moment, I considered brushing it off. But there was something about Bonnie's presence—his calm, steady demeanor—that made him feel safe.

"Okay," I said, exhaling deeply. "There's something I haven't told mostly everyone here."

Bonnie tilted his head slightly, waiting.

"I used to be a singer," I began. "Pop and R&B. I had a decent career—a few singles that charted, tours, fans. It was my dream."

"What happened?" Bonnie asked gently.

I swallowed hard. "Andrew happened. My ex. At first, he seemed perfect—charming, supportive, ambitious. But… he became controlling. Manipulative. He made me second-guess everything—my music, my friends, my worth."

Bonnie's LED eyes dimmed slightly, a sign of his concern. "That's rough, partner. How'd you get outta that?"

"I tried, but he became so crazy in the head" I admitted. "One night, after a huge fight, he cheated on me, destroyed my demo tapes, and sent messages to the producer that Scarlett and I were working with, saying I was 'quitting.' He blew up my mansion. I… I didn't have the strength to fight back. I just… left. Walked away from my career, my dream, everything."

Bonnie was silent for a moment, his glowing eyes fixed on me. Then he spoke, his voice steady. "That took guts, Elijah. Leavin' a bad situation like that? It's harder than most folks realize. You did what you had to do to survive."

I blinked, surprised by Bonnie's words. "I never thought of it that way."

Bonnie placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't let that fella define you. You're more than your past, and you've got folks here who think the world of you—Scarlett, them twins, Freddy… and me."

I smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through his chest. "Thanks, Bonnie. That means a lot."

I noticed that everyone in the room was definitely listening to the conversation.

"Bonnie's right," Chica added, stepping closer. "You did what you had to do to protect yourself. That's not giving up—that's surviving."

Scarlett's voice broke the silence. "You don't give yourself enough credit, Elijah. Look at what you've built here. You've made a new life for yourself, and it's a good one."

I managed a small smile, my shoulders relaxing. "Thanks, guys. I guess I've just been afraid to face that part of myself again."

"Well, maybe it's time to stop bein' afraid," Bonnie said with a mischievous glint in his LED eyes. "How about you prove it right now?"

I blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

Chica's LED eyes brightened with excitement. "Sing! Show us what you've got!"

"Oh, no, no, no," I said, holding up my hands. "That's not happening."

"Come on!" Chica pleaded, practically bouncing on her heels. "You've got to! We'll all cheer you on!"

Bonnie grinned, crossing his arms. "You can't just drop a bombshell like that and not back it up. What'd you sing back in the day? Give us a taste."

Even Roxy, who had been quietly observing, smirked and leaned forward. "Don't wimp out now, pup. Let's see if you've still got it."

With everyone egging him on, I sighed and rolled his eyes. "Alright, fine. Just… don't laugh if I'm rusty."

Scarlett smiled knowingly. "I don't think anyone's laughing tonight."

I glanced at the sound system near the stage and quickly queued up an instrumental track on my phone. I hesitated for a moment, then nodded, the opening notes of "Into You" by Ariana Grande filling the room.

Taking a deep breath, I began to sing. My voice was smooth, rich, and effortlessly controlled, blending perfectly with the music. The once-bustling group fell silent, enraptured by the sheer emotion in my performance.

When the song ended, the room erupted into cheers.

"You've been holding that back?" Chica exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "Elijah, you're incredible!"

"Don't stop now," Bonnie said, grinning. "One more, for us."

I shook my head, chuckling, but couldn't resist the energy in the room. I switched tracks, this time choosing "Crying In The Club" by Camila Cabello.

As the beat kicked in, I let myself go, pouring every ounce of emotion into the performance. My voice soared through the Pizzaplex, filling the space with a raw, vulnerable power that left no doubt about my talent. As I was singing, I noticed a green figure dressed in scales peeking around a corner, listening to my voice.

When I finished, the applause was deafening. Even Roxy had to admit, "Alright, that was… impressive."

Bonnie clapped me on the back. "See? You've still got it, partner. Don't let anyone take that away from you again."

I smiled, feeling lighter than I had in years. "Thanks, everyone. That actually felt… good."

Freddy nodded solemnly. "You've reminded us all of the power of chasing our dreams. Perhaps it's time for you to revisit yours, superstar."

"Maybe," I said, looking around at my friends—human and animatronic alike. For the first time in a long while, I felt like myself again.