Chapter 10: This Is Halloween
Benji woke up with a bunch of excitement this afternoon. It was the Friday right before Halloween! Which meant the holiday was tomorrow. This was one of his favorite holidays ever! Benji and Scott have been wanting to do something for the pizzeria for awhile now. Scott even told the night guard he get as many decorations he could get with the company card, since business was booming with both locations. Also, it was the first Halloween for the company as a whole since its rebirth. Benji, of course, bought a lot. From cute decorations to very frightening decorations. All of the decorations were put into the storage closet until it was time to put them up. While he was waiting to go into his shift tonight, Benji was baking pumpkin bars in his kitchen. As he put the first two batches into the oven, he pulled out his phone to text Aaliyah.
Benji: Hey Aaliyah! I know you're off tonight and tomorrow night, but I have a favor to ask for you.
Aaliyah: Yeah, what's up bestie?
Benji: Okay, so my manager was talking about giving the animatronics some costumes. I knew you were great at making costumes and clothes, so I told him I would ask you. Would you be able to do that?
Aaliyah: Oh my god yes! I'll do it! When do I need to get them done by?
Benji: Tomorrow morning, is that doable?
Aaliyah: Yeah!
Benji: Okay, so Bonnie is going to be like Katniss Everdeen, Chica is going to be a witch from Hogwarts, Freddy is going to be a vampire, and Foxy is going to need actual pirate clothes. Can you come with me tonight just to get their measurements?
There was a short pause.
Aaliyah: Yeah, you're sure that your boss knows about this bestie?
Benji: Oh yeah he does lol.
Aaliyah: Okay I'll be there, just let me know!
Benji put his phone back into his pocket just in time. The timer on the oven went off, signaling that the first batches of pumpkin bars were done. He quickly grabbed an oven mitt and pulled the trays out, setting them on the cooling rack. The warm, spiced aroma filled the kitchen, and Benji couldn't help but feel a rush of holiday cheer. Ever since that first movie night, Benji was warming up to the five animatronics at the pizzeria. Even Freddy was coming out of the reserved feelings he had for the night guard! Benji had more movie nights with his new friends, so much that he just ended up leaving his laptop in the office. He packed up some of the bars for the night shift, figuring his co-workers might appreciate the treat. The night guard did this whole process for two other batches of pumpkin bars.
Later that night, around 11 PM, Benji arrived at the pizzeria with three containers of pumpkin bars and a box of Halloween decorations. The place felt eerily quiet, with only the hum of the dimmed lights casting faint shadows over the tables and the stage. The closing crew were able to leave early because of the big party tomorrow. After setting the box of decorations down onto one of the tables, Benji put the pumpkin bars into the fridge to keep them chilled.
"Alright, guys!" he began, looking at each of them in turn—Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy. That got their attention from whatever they were doing and made them gather around the night guard.
"What's going on?" Freddy asked with a raised eyebrow.
"So, you know how Scott approved your costumes?" I threw this question out to all of the animatronics present.
"Yeah, what about 'em, mate?" Foxy was still confused.
"I told him that my best friend, Aaliyah, can make them for you. He's okay with her doing the measurements", Benji started to explain.
Freddy furrowed his eyebrows a bit and crossed his arms, "There's a 'However', right?"
There was a slight pause before Benji could respond. "However, she's going to be here in ten minutes to do the measurements", the night guard sheepishly smiled.
More silence was to be endured between everyone present.
"So, uh…I really need you all to pretend like… you know, like you're just regular, non-sentient animatronics. No moving around or making her think you're… alive. Just for tonight, alright?" Benji slightly rubbed the back of his head nervously, still showing his sheepish smile.
Freddy's eyes whirred as he looked down at Benji, a toothy grin spreading across his face. "What, you don't want your friend to know we're alive?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with amusement. "I'd have thought she'd be honored."
"It's not that!" Benji replied, waving his hands nervously. "I just don't want to, you know, freak her out."
Chica tilted her head thoughtfully, her painted beak glinting under the lights. "Aww, but I was really looking forward to saying 'hi' to your friend! Maybe she'd like a cupcake…"
Bonnie, standing to Chica's left, gave a low chuckle. "Sounds like Benji's got a little secret to keep," he teased, crossing his arms. "Alright, alright… I can play mannequin. But you owe me one."
"Ugh, fine," Foxy grumbled from the corner, his hook clinking against his side. "But only if we get those pumpkin bars ye promised."
Benji laughed nervously. "Deal! Pumpkin bars for everyone if you guys pull this off. Just keep it together for a few hours, okay?"
Freddy leaned down, bringing his face close to Benji's with an exaggerated wink. "You got it, Benji. We'll be as still as statues. Scout's honor."
Benji let out a sigh of relief, nodding appreciatively at each of them. "Thank you, guys. Seriously."
As he headed back to the front to meet Aaliyah, he could still hear Foxy muttering under his breath, "I'd make a fearsome statue if I do say so meself…"
Stepping out into the night that gave out a chill in the air, Benji saw Aaliyah pull into the parking lot of the pizzeria. Benji waved as Aaliyah parked and stepped out of her car, carrying a large tote bag slung over her shoulder. She was bundled in a cozy orange scarf, perfectly matching the Halloween spirit.
"Hey, bestie!" she called, smiling as she approached. "Ready for this? I even brought my measuring tape and everything!"
Benji grinned and motioned her toward the door. "Of course! Thanks for doing this last minute. I know it's kind of weird, but I promise you'll love the animatronics. They've got so much personality—even though you'll, uh, have to pretend they don't for tonight."
Aaliyah laughed. "No worries. I've seen weirder stuff, remember? Let's do this!"
As Benji unlocked the front door and led her inside, the faint hum of the building's nighttime systems created a low, eerie ambiance. The animatronics stood on their stage exactly as Benji had left them—stiff, lifeless, and eerily silent. The sight of them, even unmoving, was enough to make Aaliyah pause for a second.
"Whoa," she whispered, her eyes wide as she took in Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy. "They're so detailed up close! I mean, I've seen pictures, but this is next level. It's almost like they're… alive."
Benji chuckled nervously. "Heh, yeah, they're, uh, super advanced. Scott made sure they'd look as realistic as possible to give the place some charm."
"Charm? More like nightmare fuel if you're not careful," Aaliyah teased, giving Foxy an exaggerated side-eye. "That one especially looks like it'd chase me in my dreams."
Benji winced internally, knowing Foxy was probably biting his tongue—or whatever the animatronic equivalent was—to keep from cracking a joke.
Aaliyah approached Freddy first, her measuring tape at the ready. Up close, the bear towered over her, his glossy fur glinting under the dim pizzeria lights. She hesitated for a moment before gently tapping his arm.
"Wow," she muttered, running her fingers lightly over his forearm. "This texture is amazing. It feels like… a weird mix of fabric and metal. Whoever designed these guys must've been a genius."
Benji, standing a few feet away, forced a nervous laugh. "Yeah, Scott spared no expense."
Aaliyah chuckled, looping the tape around Freddy's arm and stretching it taut. "Alright, big guy, let's see what you're working with here. I'll need these measurements for the sleeves of your vampire cape. Hmm… your shoulders are broader than I expected. Definitely going to need extra fabric."
She crouched slightly to measure his waist, her head tilting as she examined the seam work of his suit. "This stitching is so clean! How do they manage that for something this size? Oh, and you've got a little dust here," she added, brushing off a faint speck of grime from Freddy's chest. "You need a proper lint roller, my friend."
Freddy remained perfectly still, though Benji swore he caught the faintest flicker of amusement in the animatronic's LED eyes.
After finishing up with Freddy, Aaliyah stood back and assessed her notes. "You know, these costumes are going to look amazing, but I have a question," she said, looking up at Benji.
"What's up?" Benji asked, trying to sound casual while keeping one eye on Freddy, who was doing a suspiciously good job at looking lifeless.
"Well, with how bulky these guys are, do they even move around? Like, do they just stay on stage, or are they ever out and about? Because I'll need to make sure the costumes don't restrict their range of motion if they're walking around or doing performances."
Benji felt his stomach drop but quickly recovered, chuckling nervously. "Oh, yeah, they can move… like, on a track system. You know, for shows and stuff. But they don't, uh, walk around like people or anything. Still, you're right. It'd be good to leave a little extra room just in case."
Aaliyah nodded thoughtfully, jotting something down in her notebook. "Got it. I'll aim for comfort and functionality, then. I wouldn't want Freddy here ripping his vampire cape during a performance. That'd ruin the spooky vibe."
Moving on to Bonnie, Aaliyah gave an impressed whistle as she approached. "Okay, I see you, Mr. Rock Star," she said, gesturing to his guitar prop resting nearby. She paused to take in his shiny purple coat and elongated ears. "Katniss Everdeen, huh? I love the idea, but I might need to adjust her look to fit your vibe. Maybe a rebel rockstar archer?"
She began measuring his arms, noting the smooth transition between his jointed segments. "Your arm span is no joke. I bet you could carry a dozen arrows like it's nothing."
As she moved to his legs, she marveled again. "These knees, though… so articulated. I bet this guy could win a dance-off. Can they dance, Benji?"
"Not officially," Benji muttered, breaking into a cold sweat as he glanced at Bonnie, who was barely keeping a smirk from creeping across his muzzle.
She glanced at Bonnie and tapped her chin. "For him, though, I might add some elastic around the joints. He's got those big arms, and if he ever strums that guitar of his, he's going to need some flexibility."
"Good thinking," Benji replied, nodding quickly. "Yeah, uh, just assume they need, like… full mobility. For dramatic poses and stuff."
Aaliyah raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Dramatic poses, huh? You sure they're not secretly doing acrobatics back here?"
Benji forced a laugh. "What? No, of course not. Just, you know, gotta be prepared for anything."
Next was Chica. "Oh my gosh," Aaliyah exclaimed, her face lighting up as she approached the animatronic chicken. "She's adorable! Look at the little bib! 'Let's Eat'—that's so cute! She's definitely a Hufflepuff. Look at her, just radiating friendly energy."
Chica's painted beak glinted in the light, and Benji could feel the tension in the room as the animatronic likely had to stifle a giggle. Aaliyah gently took hold of Chica's arm to measure it. "Okay, girl, let's get you Hogwarts-ready. Are you more of a classic robe-and-hat type, or should I give you some fun little accessories? Maybe a pumpkin-shaped wand? Ooh, or a cauldron handbag!"
Benji stammered, "Uh, yeah, she'll probably look great with all of that. Very… festive."
As Aaliyah measured Chica's waist and legs, she giggled. "You know, she's kind of curvy for a robot. You think that's on purpose? Like to make her relatable?"
Benji nearly choked on his words. "I-I guess so?"
Shaking her head with a chuckle, Aaliyah turned to Chica. "And speaking of flexibility, she's probably going to need extra room in the skirt for walking—or waddling, I guess? Plus, if she's carrying props, like a wand or something, I don't want the sleeves to be too tight."
Benji nodded along, sweat beginning to form at the back of his neck. "Exactly. Props and all that. Good thinking."
Finally, it was Foxy's turn. Aaliyah hesitated, glancing at him warily. "Alright, Captain Hook, let's see what you've got."
She approached him with her measuring tape, her eyes locked on his hook hand. "That thing is seriously sharp. Do they keep it that way on purpose? He looks like he's ready to fight off some ghost pirates."
Foxy, standing stiff as a board, didn't respond, though Benji could feel the tension in the air. Aaliyah started with his shoulders, murmuring measurements under her breath. "Okay, this guy's going to need a coat—something torn and rugged, maybe with some gold trim. Definitely a tricorn hat."
She paused again, pointing at his hook. "Okay, but seriously, how's this guy supposed to move in a costume? If I make him a coat, that hook's going to rip through it the second he tries to swing it."
Benji scratched the back of his neck, trying to come up with a reasonable explanation. "Uh, yeah, the hook's definitely tricky. Maybe just leave the sleeve open on that side? Like a pirate-y cutout? He'll still look cool, but we won't have to worry about it tearing."
"Hmm, good idea," Aaliyah agreed, writing it down.
Once Aaliyah finished, she stood and placed her hands on her hips, surveying the group. "Okay! Measurements complete. These guys are seriously cool up close. I'll have those costumes ready by tomorrow morning—promise."
"Thanks again," Benji said, trying not to collapse from the stress.
As she packed her things, she glanced over her shoulder at the animatronics one last time. "You know, Benji… they're almost too lifelike. It's kind of eerie, but in a good way. Like they've got little souls or something."
Benji forced a laugh, his heart racing. "Ha! Yeah, definitely not. Just really well-made robots."
"Right," Aaliyah said with a smirk. "See you tomorrow, bestie."
Her car pulled out of the lot, Benji let out a long sigh of relief. "Okay, guys," he said, stepping back inside. "You can move now."
Foxy groaned, breaking his rigid stance. "If she poked me one more time with that tape, I was gonna say somethin'!"
Chica giggled, spinning slightly on her heel. "She called me adorable!"
"She's got a good eye for fashion," Bonnie added with a grin. "Katniss Everdeen—nice pick."
Freddy just shook his head, smirking. "You owe us more than pumpkin bars, Benji. That was exhausting."
Benji exhaled, finally relaxing. "I'll bake you a whole pumpkin pie if you don't scare her tomorrow."
Foxy smirked. "No promises, mate."
"Come on guys! We've got to get decorating!" Benji beamed as he started to pull out the boxes from the storage closet.
It was two hours until the Halloween event. The pizzeria was closed until it opened at 5 PM for the party. The kitchen staff were working extra hard making the food, while the janitorial staff and technicians were making sure everything was in order. Scott loved how the decorations turned out. Everything seemed to be going well and smoothly. Well, for mostly everyone. Benji was sitting on the stage, anxiously tapping his foot waiting for Aaliyah to bring the costumes.
"Where is she?" Benji looked nervously down at his phone.
"She'll be here, art takes time, remember?" Hayden smiled and nudged the night guard's shoulders playfully.
Benji looked at the deactivated animatronics on the stage with a bit of a hurt, "Yeah".
All of a sudden, there was a loud knock on the front door of the pizzeria! Benji looked up and it was Aaliyah! The night guard rushed over to the door from the stage to let her into the building. Benji practically sprinted to the front door, his sneakers squeaking against the polished floor as he unlocked it. Aaliyah stood on the other side, balancing several garment bags draped over her arms and a tote bag overflowing with accessories. Her face lit up when she saw Benji, and she stepped inside with an exaggerated huff.
"Bestie, you better love me forever for this," she teased, setting the bags down on the nearest table. "These costumes were a pain, but they turned out amazing."
Benji grinned, the anxiety momentarily fading from his face. "Aaliyah, you're a lifesaver. Seriously. I don't know how you pulled this off in just a day."
She shrugged with a smirk. "Talent, caffeine, and a little Halloween magic. Now, where are my models?"
Benji hesitated for a split second before gesturing toward the stage. "Right there. Let me just… uh, get them set up."
Aaliyah raised an eyebrow but didn't question him as she began unpacking the costumes. Freddy's vampire cape gleamed with a deep crimson satin lining, Foxy's pirate coat looked appropriately rugged with tattered edges, Bonnie's Katniss-inspired outfit was sleek and modern with faux leather accents, and Chica's Hogwarts uniform was complete with a tiny witch's hat.
"These look incredible!" Benji exclaimed as he inspected each piece.
"Of course they do," Aaliyah replied with a playful flip of her hair. "Now, let's get these on before the party starts."
Benji turned back to the animatronics, swallowing hard. He stepped onto the stage and whispered, "Alright, guys, time to wake up. But remember, stay still around Aaliyah, okay?"
One by one, the animatronics' eyes flickered to life. Freddy stretched slightly, his movements slow and deliberate, while Foxy let out a low, amused chuckle.
"I see the lass finally made it," Foxy remarked, his hook tapping lightly against his side.
"Shh!" Benji hissed, glancing back at Aaliyah, who was busy pulling out accessories. "Not a word until she's gone!"
Aaliyah turned around, her hands on her hips. "Everything okay up there?"
Benji nodded quickly. "Y-Yeah! Just… getting them into position." He gestured for the animatronics to move slightly, miming motions as if they were mechanical dolls. Freddy and the others begrudgingly followed his lead, their movements stiff and calculated.
"Alright, Aaliyah, let's start with Freddy," Benji said, trying to sound casual.
As Aaliyah approached the stage with the vampire costume, she marveled at Freddy's imposing frame. "Seriously, these things are insane. I can't believe how lifelike they are."
Benji forced a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yep, top-of-the-line tech. Let's get him dressed!"
The process was slow but methodical, with Aaliyah carefully securing each piece of the costume onto Freddy. Despite her constant praise for her own work, she couldn't help but comment on how perfectly the outfit fit.
"You'd think he was made for this," she joked as she adjusted the cape.
Benji gave a nervous laugh. "Yeah, crazy, right?"
The other animatronics remained eerily still, though Foxy's hook twitched slightly when Aaliyah wasn't looking. Chica appeared especially eager, her eyes gleaming with excitement as her turn drew closer.
By the time all the costumes were on, Aaliyah stepped back to admire her work. "They look incredible! Honestly, this is my best work yet."
Benji nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. "They're perfect. You're the best, Aaliyah."
She grinned, wiping imaginary sweat from her brow. "I know. Now, I better get out of here before Scott ropes me into something else."
Benji walked her back to the front door, thanking her profusely the entire way. Once she was gone, he leaned against the door and exhaled heavily. "That… was way too close."
Behind him, Foxy let out a booming laugh. "She's got an eye for detail, that one. Almost thought she'd notice me blinkin'."
"Same here," Chica giggled, twirling in her Hogwarts robes. "But I look so cute!"
Freddy adjusted his cape, a toothy grin spreading across his face. "She did good work. We'll be the stars of the party."
Benji shook his head with a small smile. "Alright, you guys. Let's make this the best Halloween event ever. Just… no scaring the guests too much, okay?"
"No promises," Foxy said with a mischievous wink.
Benji groaned, but deep down, he couldn't help feeling a little excited for the night ahead.
It was already 5 PM!
Geez, that went by so fast! Benji thought to himself.
Crowds of people started to pour in from the parking lot! As people were gathering around the main stage, Scott appeared with a microphone on the stage. He was wearing some black cat ears on his head. All four of the animatronics were standing behind the CEO, motionless but looking up at the crowd. Benji started to hear excited whispers and soft conversations about the costumes on the animatronics.
"Okay everyone! Happy Halloween!" Scott's voice boomed with excitement through the speaker system.
There were a bunch of shouts of joy, whistles, and clapping from the audience.
"I know everyone is excited about tonight! First, these guys behind me will perform a couple of spooky songs, then everyone can go their separate ways! At 6 PM, the food will be brought out and at 8 PM, Freddy and the gang will be going trick or treating with you kiddos!" Scott beamed.
There was more applause from the audience.
Scott looked at the animatronics and smiled, "Take it away Freddy!" He jumped down from the stage.
As Scott hopped off the stage, the lights dimmed, leaving the spotlight focused solely on the animatronics. The murmurs of the crowd quieted down, replaced with an eager anticipation that seemed to fill the entire pizzeria.
Freddy's eyes flickered to life, glowing faintly as the spotlight hit him. He stepped forward, his movements smooth and deliberate, and his crimson-lined cape billowed slightly behind him. The speakers crackled to life as his deep voice echoed through the room.
"Good evening, everyone! Are you ready for a frightfully fun Halloween?"
The crowd erupted in cheers, kids bouncing on their toes while parents clapped along. Freddy tipped his vampire hat, his sharp grin catching the light, before launching into the opening notes of a spooky remix of Monster Mash.
Bonnie joined in next, strumming his guitar with a hauntingly upbeat rhythm that sent chills down spines and tapped toes all at once. The crowd clapped along, their energy growing as Chica stepped forward with a prop wand in hand, twirling it expertly before chiming in with a cheerful harmony.
"Let's hear it for the best Halloween ever!" Chica called, her voice playful and sweet.
The audience roared in approval, their excitement infectious.
Foxy was the last to take the spotlight, his pirate coat flowing dramatically as he spun in place, his hook raised high. "Arrr! Let's get this party started!" he bellowed, drawing a wave of laughter and cheers.
The animatronics performed their hearts out—or, as close as they could to having hearts—bringing the energy in the room to a fever pitch. Freddy and the gang transitioned into a medley of spooky classics, including eerie takes on Thriller and Ghostbusters, their choreographed movements perfectly in sync.
Benji watched from the side, his nerves finally easing as he saw the joy spreading across the faces of everyone in the audience. Even Scott looked thrilled, standing near the buffet table, chatting with parents and beaming with pride.
By the time the final note rang out, the crowd erupted into applause, cheering and whistling as Freddy stepped forward again to address them.
"Thank you, everyone! Stick around for food, fun, and frights!" Freddy said, his voice deep and warm as he waved to the crowd.
The animatronics bowed in unison, a perfectly timed gesture that had the kids shouting with glee.
As the crowd began to disperse, Benji made his way backstage to check on the team. He found Freddy adjusting his cape, Bonnie leaning against the wall with his guitar, Chica preening her Hogwarts hat, and Foxy lounging with a smug grin.
"Great job, guys," Benji said with a grin. "You were amazing out there!"
Freddy gave him a nod, his grin wide. "Anything for the kids, Benji. They seemed to love it."
Chica chimed in, holding up her wand. "Did you see the little girl in the witch costume? She looked so happy!"
Foxy chuckled, his hook glinting under the backstage lights. "Aye, this Halloween's off to a fine start, wouldn't ye say?"
Benji nodded, his heart full. "Yeah, it really is. Just wait until trick-or-treating starts. The kids are going to totally lose their minds."
As the team prepared for the next part of the evening, Benji couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Halloween at the pizzeria was a success, and for the first time in a long while, everything felt like it was exactly where it was supposed to be.