Chapter 12: The Strings Are Too Tight
Benji walked into the pizzeria, hoping Scott wouldn't be too mad about Freddy's arm today. He froze when he saw the mechanics and Scott around Freddy while they were fixing the animatronic bear's arm. The night guard crept silently over to the group.
"I told you, I accidentally slipped on a party hat while putting together the party stuff", Freddy quietly said while the mechanics were around his almost fixed arm.
"I believe you", Benji saw Scott softly smile at the animatronic.
Benji accidentally moved a chair in the dining room. The group looked over at the night guard.
"Oh hey, Benji!" Scott beamed.
"H-Hey!" Benji tried not to fumble his words.
"I'm glad that everyone was okay from last night", Scott said, placing a hand on his hip with a warm smile.
"Me too. I didn't know until I had to leave that Freddy's arm broke", Benji lied nervously.
"It's alright, I know you meant to wait with good intentions", the CEO replied with a reassuring gesture.
"I wish I could've performed today", Freddy sighed as the mechanics packed their tools.
Scott explained to the bear, "I know, but the kids would be upset about your arm being all weirdly bent."
"Yeah, I heard a lot of them complain that Bonnie and Chica had to play songs without me while I was in the backstage area," Freddy said, looking down with a sad expression.
"It's okay, Fred. I know you'll get all the attention tomorrow again." Benji tried his best to reassure the bear, which resulted in the animatronic giving out a chuckle.
"I do have to go to the other location. Gavin is waiting for me to return. We're leaving out of town tomorrow. Are you able to watch over the pizzeria while I'm gone?" The question from Scott was meant for Benji.
Benji was quite taken aback by the question, "Y-Yeah of course!"
"Great! You'll be getting double pay until I get back. Please don't go near the new area until I get back", Scott stated as he grabbed his hoodie and put it on.
"Okay I won't", Benji promised the CEO of Fazbear Entertainment.
"Great! I'll see you guys in a couple of days!" Scott headed out of the pizzeria.
There was a silence between the animatronics and the night guard.
"So, uh, what do you guys wanna-" There was a crash from somewhere in the pizzeria before Benji could finish his sentence.
"What was that?" Bonnie perked up from his guitar.
Benji swallowed hard, adrenaline kicking in. "I… I'll go check it out."
"Not alone, you're not," Freddy rumbled, stepping forward despite his still-stiff arm.
Chica glanced nervously toward the sound, and Bonnie nodded. "We'll come with you."
"Great," Benji muttered, grabbing his flashlight. "Safety in numbers, right?"
As the group made their way toward the source of the noise, the air seemed heavier, each shadow in the dimly lit hallway more menacing than the last.
"Are you sure it's not just something falling from the shelves in storage?" Chica asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Freddy didn't answer, his glowing eyes scanning the darkness.
The group rounded the corner, and Benji's flashlight beam landed on a pile of toppled crates and… something else. Benji's flashlight trembled in his hand as the group edged closer to the wreckage. The dim glow revealed a trail of deep scratches along the vent shaft above them, leading to the collapsed shelves below. Among the broken crates and scattered parts lay an animatronic fox.
"Wait… who's that?" Benji asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Freddy stiffened, his servos whirring softly. "That shouldn't be here."
Chica clutched her cupcake tightly, her eyes wide. "It's her…"
Bonnie's ears twitched nervously. "Toy Foxy."
Benji frowned, his confusion growing. "Toy who? I thought you guys were the only animatronics here."
The animatronics exchanged uneasy glances, and Freddy sighed heavily. "She wasn't supposed to be here. Not in this pizzeria."
Benji glanced down at the fox, its body a mix of glossy white and pink, though most of the paint was scratched and scuffed. Its limbs twitched erratically, and its single glowing eye stared blankly ahead. "So… who is she?"
"She was part of another location," Freddy explained, his tone cautious. "She was meant to be… perfect. Elegant. A star attraction."
Bonnie crossed his arms, his voice low and guarded. "That didn't last long. The kids broke her apart—piece by piece—until she became something else entirely."
"The Mangle," Chica added, her feathers ruffling uneasily.
Benji took a step back, the weight of their words sinking in. "Wait, you're saying she was… ripped apart? By kids?"
Freddy nodded solemnly. "Over and over again. She was rebuilt, but it was never enough. She was always dismantled, left broken. And now… she's here."
"But why?" Chica asked, her voice filled with dread.
Golden Freddy materialized in the corner, his appearance sudden and unnerving as always. "She crawled through the vents. She wants something," he said cryptically, his hollow voice sending a chill through the room.
Bonnie gestured toward the vent shaft. "If she came through there, she must've used the passage from the other location. But how'd she even know how to get here?"
"Does it matter?" Foxy growled from the shadows, stepping into the light. His hook glinted as he pointed at the heap of animatronic parts. "What matters is she doesn't belong here."
Benji frowned, glancing between the animatronics. "Why are you all so nervous? She doesn't look dangerous. Just… broken."
Freddy's gaze darkened. "You don't understand. When she was rebuilt and turned into The Mangle, she wasn't just broken. She became unpredictable. Aggressive. We don't know why she's here, but we can't trust her."
As if in response, Toy Foxy's twitching became more erratic, her arm jerking upward with a sharp mechanical whine. The noise echoed through the storage room, making everyone jump.
"She's waking up!" Chica hissed, stepping back.
Freddy motioned for the others to stay put, but his movements were hesitant, his damaged arm trembling. "Benji, get back. Let me handle this."
Benji didn't argue, retreating a few steps as Freddy cautiously approached the pile of parts. Toy Foxy—or whatever she had become—let out a low, static-filled growl as her head swiveled unnaturally to face him.
"Easy," Freddy said softly, though his posture remained tense. "You're not supposed to be here, Toy Foxy."
The animatronic fox twitched again, her exposed endoskeleton whirring as she attempted to move. Her claws scraped against the metal floor, leaving deep grooves.
"Why isn't she saying anything?" Benji asked, his voice shaking.
"She's probably confused," Bonnie said, though his tone was far from sympathetic. "And if she's confused, she's dangerous."
Golden Freddy's voice was low and ominous. "She fell through the vents for a reason. But whatever she's looking for… it won't end well for any of us."
Toy Foxy let out a sudden, ear-piercing screech, her body convulsing as the broken shelves shifted beneath her. With one final, jarring movement, she toppled forward, collapsing in a heap on the floor.
The animatronics tensed, their eyes glowing brighter as they watched for her next move.
"What do we do?" Benji asked, his voice rising in panic.
Freddy's gaze didn't waver from the fox. "We make sure she doesn't get out of this room."
Toy Foxy remained motionless for a moment, her tangled limbs twitching slightly as sparks flickered from her exposed wiring. The silence was heavy, broken only by the faint hum of machinery in the pizzeria.
Benji glanced nervously at Freddy. "Uh… what do you mean by 'make sure she doesn't get out'? You're not thinking of—"
Freddy raised a hand to silence him. "No one's talking about destroying her," he said firmly, though his gaze remained fixed on the fox. "But we can't let her roam freely. Not until we understand why she's here."
"She's dangerous," Foxy growled, his hook clinking against his side as he stepped closer. "She shouldn't've been put back together in the first place."
"You don't know that!" Chica snapped, turning to face him. "Maybe she's just… lost."
"Lost?" Foxy scoffed. "She clawed her way through vents 'n fell into our territory. Dat's nah jus' lost—dat's deliberate."
Benji took a shaky breath, holding up his hands to calm them. "Okay, okay. Let's not freak out yet. Maybe she's hurt and just needs help?"
Golden Freddy's spectral form shifted slightly, his hollow voice cutting through the tension. "If she remembers what she became, there will be no helping her."
Benji shivered at the ominous statement. "Can someone explain what the big deal is here? She's just another animatronic, right?"
"She's not just another animatronic," Freddy said gravely. "She was dismantled so many times that she… changed. Her programming became unstable, her movements erratic. When she became The Mangle, she didn't just lose her form—she lost herself."
"And now she's back," Bonnie muttered, his voice tight with unease.
Suddenly, Toy Foxy let out a low, glitchy growl, her limbs jerking violently as she tried to push herself upright. The sound sent a chill through the group.
Freddy stepped forward, his damaged arm twitching as he gestured for the others to stay back. "Let me try to talk to her."
Foxy bristled. "Talk ta her? You think she'll listen? She's feral!"
"Enough," Freddy snapped, his voice firm. He crouched slightly, addressing Toy Foxy in a calm, measured tone. "Toy Foxy. Can you hear me?"
The animatronic's head snapped toward him, her single glowing eye narrowing. She let out a distorted noise that sounded almost like static-filled speech, but it was too garbled to understand.
"She's trying to say something," Chica whispered, leaning forward.
Freddy nodded, his posture tense but unthreatening. "We're not here to hurt you. Tell us why you came."
Toy Foxy twitched, her movements jerky and unpredictable. "N…not… le-leave…" The words came out in broken fragments, like a corrupted recording.
"Not leave?" Benji repeated, confused. "What does that mean?"
Freddy frowned. "It could mean anything. She might think she's still at the other location or—"
Before he could finish, Toy Foxy let out a piercing screech, her limbs flailing as she suddenly lunged forward. Freddy staggered back, his damaged arm sparking as he blocked her path.
"Get back!" he barked, his voice echoing through the storage room.
The others moved quickly, forming a protective line in front of Benji. Toy Foxy writhed on the floor, her claws scraping against the tiles as she tried to pull herself upright. Her screeches grew louder, filled with frustration and pain.
"She's not gonna stop," Foxy growled, his voice laced with anger. "We need ta lock her down now."
Freddy hesitated, his expression conflicted. "We can't just throw her away."
"She's too dangerous!" Bonnie snapped, his ears pinned back. "What if she tries to go after the vents again? What if she—"
Golden Freddy's voice cut him off. "Enough."
The room fell silent as Golden Freddy's glowing eyes fixed on Toy Foxy. His form flickered slightly as he spoke. "She's broken. But she can still remember. If she chooses to stay, it will be her decision. But we cannot allow her to threaten us—or anyone else."
Freddy sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Fine. We'll move her somewhere safe for now. Somewhere she can't hurt herself or anyone else."
"Where?" Benji asked nervously.
Freddy glanced at the others before answering. "Backstage. There's enough room there to keep her contained until we figure out what to do."
"N' if she doesn't cooperate?" Foxy asked coldly.
Freddy's eyes narrowed. "Then we'll deal with it. Together."
The group worked cautiously to lift Toy Foxy's limp, twitching body, careful to avoid her sharp claws and exposed wires. As they carried her to the backstage area, Benji couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the end of their troubles—just the beginning.
Benji leaned against the wall of the backstage area, glancing nervously at the animatronics clustered near the doorway. Freddy, Chica, Bonnie, Foxy, and even Golden Freddy were locked in a hushed but heated discussion, their glowing eyes flickering with tension.
Mangle lay crumpled in the corner, her body a twisted heap of wires and metal. She twitched occasionally, faint sparks crackling from her exposed wiring. Her glowing eye flickered weakly as Benji crouched a few feet away, his flashlight casting a dim glow over the room.
"Okay, so you're not supposed to be here," Benji muttered, trying to steady his voice. "But… why are you here? Did someone send you?"
At first, there was no response. Mangle's body remained still, her limbs limp and tangled. Then, slowly, her head jerked upward, her glowing eye focusing on him. A low, static-filled hum filled the air, and her jaw moved, emitting distorted, broken words.
"B…Ben…ji…"
He froze, his heart skipping a beat. "You… know my name?"
Her limbs twitched, scraping faintly against the floor. "N-not… s-safe… here…"
"Not safe?" Benji repeated, his brow furrowing. He leaned closer, keeping his voice soft. "What do you mean? Are you talking about the pizzeria?"
Mangle's movements grew more erratic, her head swiveling unnaturally. "Th-they… wait… for… m-me…"
Benji's stomach tightened. "Who's waiting for you? The others? The Toy animatronics?"
Her single eye dimmed briefly before flickering back to life. "T-t-trap… m-me…"
"Trap you?" Benji whispered. "Why would they trap you? You're all from the same place, aren't you? Why wouldn't they want you around?"
Mangle let out a shrill, static-filled screech, her limbs flailing briefly before slumping back to the floor. Her voice became a garbled whisper, barely audible. "I… w-wanted… out…"
Benji's breath hitched. "Out of what? Out of the new area? Why were you even there?"
Her jaw clicked violently, and her voice dropped to a glitchy growl. "T-t-too quiet… t-t-too… dark…"
Benji felt a chill run down his spine. He knew the area she was referring to—the section of the pizzeria that was supposed to be under construction, sealed off and off-limits. The others had already guessed that the rest of the Toy animatronics were locked behind that door, but no one understood why.
"What's going on in there?" he pressed, his voice trembling. "What are they doing?"
Mangle's head jerked again, her voice glitching into a faint, distorted laugh. "Th-they… d-don't… l-like… me…"
Benji frowned. "Why not? Aren't they supposed to be your friends?"
Her limbs twitched violently, and she let out another static-filled screech. "N-n-not… like… th-this…"
Realization dawned on Benji. "Because you're… broken? Because you're not like them anymore?"
Mangle's head drooped slightly, her exposed gears grinding softly. "L-l-left… m-me… t-to… rot…"
Benji's throat tightened. He glanced over his shoulder, making sure the other animatronics weren't listening. Freddy's stern voice and Chica's worried muttering continued to fill the room, oblivious to his conversation.
"What do they want?" Benji asked quietly. "The others. Why are they still locked in that new area? What are they waiting for?"
Mangle let out a faint whimper, her voice barely above a whisper. "Th-they… w-want… him…"
"Him?" Benji's eyes widened. "Who's 'him'? Are you talking about Scott?"
Her limbs convulsed briefly before she went still again. "N-n-no… d-d-dark… s-shadows…"
A shiver ran down Benji's spine. "Dark shadows? What does that mean?"
But Mangle didn't answer. Her body slumped forward, her glowing eye flickering weakly before dimming entirely.
"Benji!" Freddy's voice boomed, startling him. Benji scrambled to his feet, turning to see the animatronics staring at him, their expressions ranging from concerned to frustrated.
"What were you doing?" Freddy demanded, his voice stern.
"I—I was just talking to her!" Benji stammered, stepping away from Mangle's lifeless form.
"Talking to her?" Bonnie asked, frowning. "What did she say?"
Benji hesitated, his palms sweating. "She said… she didn't feel safe. And something about… the others waiting for her. Or trapping her."
Freddy's brow furrowed. "Trapping her?"
Chica clutched her cupcake tightly, her feathers ruffling nervously. "But why? They're all supposed to be together."
Golden Freddy's spectral form flickered, his hollow voice cutting through the tension. "Perhaps she was cast out. Or perhaps she saw something she wasn't supposed to."
Foxy growled softly, his hook clinking against the wall. "Whatever it is, she ain't the type to be trusted. She's dangerous, and so are they."
Freddy turned back to Benji, his gaze serious. "She mentioned the others?"
Benji nodded quickly. "Yeah. She said they're waiting for someone—or something. She kept saying 'him.'"
The room fell silent, the animatronics exchanging uneasy glances.
Golden Freddy spoke again, his tone grim. "If the others are waiting for someone, it means they have a plan. And if she came here… it means we're part of it now."
Mangle had been limp for half an hour now. Benji was thinking about how to fix Mangle—no, Toy Foxy back to her normal state before Scott came back. Freddy and the gang were out in the dining room area, idling about, trying to distract themselves from whatever had just happened. Golden Freddy stayed with the night guard just in case. Benji sat cross-legged near Mangle, the dim glow of his flashlight casting flickering shadows over the backstage walls. Her form lay crumpled and lifeless, her exposed wires occasionally sparking faintly. Golden Freddy hovered nearby, his watchful gaze trained on both of them.
Benji sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "If you're awake in there… I wish you'd just tell me what you're trying to say. I just want to help."
At first, there was silence. Then, Mangle twitched violently, her body convulsing as her glowing eye flickered back to life. She let out a low, glitchy whimper that sounded almost human.
"Ben…ji…" The distorted voice came, garbled and uneven.
Benji leaned forward, his heart pounding. "You're awake? Mangle, what is it? What do you need?"
Her head jerked up with a sharp metallic whine, her exposed endoskeleton snapping and clicking as if straining against an invisible force. "N-not… safe… n-not… stay…"
Benji's breath hitched. He crawled a little closer, reaching a hand toward her tangled form. "It's okay. You're safe now. No one's going to hurt you."
Her glowing eye fixed on him, and for a brief moment, it seemed like she understood. Then her jaw snapped open, the sound echoing harshly in the confined space. With terrifying speed, she lunged toward him, her sharp teeth aimed for his outstretched hand.
Benji froze, his instincts too slow to react. But before her teeth could close around him, a shimmering golden form materialized between them. Golden Freddy's spectral hands scooped Benji out of harm's way, cradling him tightly against his chest.
The world tilted, and for a moment, Benji only felt warmth. Golden Freddy's embrace was surprisingly gentle, his golden fur soft and his frame sturdy. The ghostly animatronic held him securely, his hollow voice rumbling softly. "You're safe."
Benji's chest heaved as the adrenaline began to fade. Tears welled up in his eyes, his body trembling against Golden Freddy's solid form. "I-I… I almost…" His voice cracked, and he buried his face in his hands. "I can't keep doing this. It's too much."
Golden Freddy's grip on him tightened slightly, his gaze softening as he looked down at the night guard. For reasons he couldn't explain, seeing Benji like this—scared, vulnerable, breaking—stirred something deep within him. A strange, unfamiliar urge to comfort and protect.
"Do not cry," Golden Freddy said, his voice uncharacteristically tender. "You have been through much already. Too much."
Benji sniffled, glancing up at him with watery eyes. "You don't understand. I lost so much. Trevor, my friends… all gone because some lunatic wanted to make a point." His voice broke, and he clutched at the golden fur, seeking grounding.
Golden Freddy remained silent for a long moment, his hollow eyes glowing faintly. He remembered now—the fragments of memories he had seen in Benji's mind. A bridge collapsing into a cold, unforgiving lake. Screams of terror. A man's cruel laughter echoed as Benji struggled to survive.
"You have endured more than anyone should," Golden Freddy said softly. His voice, though distorted, carried an unusual warmth. "But you are still here. Still fighting. That is strength."
Benji wiped his eyes, his breathing finally steadying. He looked up at the animatronic, noticing for the first time how carefully he was being held as if Golden Freddy were afraid of causing him even the slightest discomfort. "Thanks," he murmured, his voice hoarse. "I… don't know what I'd do without you guys."
Golden Freddy didn't respond, but his grip on Benji remained firm, his gaze lingering on the night guard longer than necessary. There was something about Benji that drew him in—an inexplicable connection he couldn't define. And now, more than ever, he wanted to protect him from anything that might cause him harm.
When Benji finally calmed down, Golden Freddy set him back on his feet. The room was quiet again, save for the faint hum of Mangle's sparking wires.
"I've got to figure this out," Benji said, his voice steadier now. "Mangle wasn't always like this. And the others… they're hiding something about her, about why she's here. There's got to be someone who knows the full story."
Golden Freddy tilted his head. "Who would know such things?"
Benji's eyes lit up as a memory surfaced. "Mike Schmidt," he said, almost to himself. "I read about him at the library. He used to work here years ago as a night guard, but he was also a mechanic. If anyone knows what's going on, it's him."
Golden Freddy's expression darkened slightly. "You believe he can be trusted?"
"I don't know," Benji admitted, pacing the small room. "But it's worth a shot. He's not in any of the Fazbear records I've seen, so either he disappeared, or… someone wanted him forgotten."
Golden Freddy nodded slowly, his form flickering slightly. "If you seek this Mike Schmidt, you must be cautious. Many secrets lie within these walls. Not all of them are meant to be uncovered."
Benji set his jaw, determination burning in his eyes. "I don't care about secrets. If he can help, I'm going to find him. I'll figure this out before Scott comes back."
Golden Freddy watched him in silence, a strange mix of admiration and concern flickering through his ghostly form. He didn't fully understand the feelings stirring within him, but one thing was clear: he would do whatever it took to keep Benji safe.
The sun was just beginning to crest over the horizon as Benji stood outside a modest auto repair shop on the edge of town. The faded sign above the door read Schmidt's Auto Repair, and the air smelled of motor oil and grease. Benji adjusted his jacket nervously, his mind replaying the night's events over and over. He checked his watch. It was barely 7 AM, but the shop lights were already on, casting a soft yellow glow through the grimy windows.
Pushing the door open, Benji was greeted by the jingle of a small bell. Inside, the shop was cluttered but tidy, with tools and spare parts neatly organized on workbenches. A man was hunched over an old engine block, his back to the door.
"Be with you in a minute," came a gruff voice.
Benji stepped further in, clearing his throat. "Actually, I'm here to see Mike Schmidt. Are you him?"
The man straightened, turning to face him. His brown hair was streaked with gray, his blue coveralls smeared with grease. His piercing blue eyes landed on Benji with a mix of wariness and curiosity.
"Who's asking?" Mike said, crossing his arms.
"I'm Benji," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "I work as the night guard at the Fazbear's Pizzeria. I… I need your help."
Mike's expression immediately darkened. "Fazbear's? Kid, if you're here about that place, you're barking up the wrong tree. I left that hellhole behind a long time ago."
"I know," Benji said quickly, taking a step forward. "But things are different now. There's a new CEO—Scott Carthorn. He's trying to rebuild the place, and make it better. He's added safety measures, new tech, and brought back the charm without all the… the danger."
Mike raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Yeah? And how's that working out for you?"
Benji hesitated, then plunged ahead. "The animatronics… they're alive. I don't know how, but they talk. They remember things. And Mangle—she almost hurt me last night. But it wasn't her fault. Something's wrong, and I don't know how to fix it. You're the only one who might."
Mike sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Kid, I've been out of that game for years. Whatever's going on now, it's not my problem."
"Please," Benji pressed, desperation clear in his voice. "I know you don't owe me anything, but this place means a lot to me. It's not just a job—it's a second chance for the pizzeria to be a safe, fun place again. But if I don't figure out what's happening, everything Scott's worked for could go up in smoke. I can't let that happen."
Mike regarded him silently for a moment, his gaze unreadable. "You really think this new CEO's making a difference?"
"I know he is," Benji said earnestly. "The animatronics don't have that… that remnant stuff anymore. Whatever was tied to the past, Scott's wiped it clean. But now they're behaving in ways no one can explain, and it's scaring people. If we can figure this out, maybe—just maybe—we can fix it for good."
Mike's expression softened slightly, and he let out a resigned sigh. "You're either brave or just plain crazy, kid."
"Probably both," Benji said with a nervous laugh.
Mike shook his head, grabbing a rag to wipe his hands. "Alright. I'll take a look. But I'm not making any promises. If this gets messy, I'm out."
The drive back to the pizzeria was filled with Benji nervously trying to explain every detail about the recent changes under Scott's leadership. When they pulled into the parking lot, Mike was surprised to see the building looking brighter and more welcoming than he remembered. Gone were the cracked windows and peeling paint; the façade was clean and freshly renovated, with a modern yet nostalgic charm.
"This is Fazbear's?" Mike asked, stepping out of the truck and staring up at the sign. "I gotta admit, this looks… better."
"Scott's put in a lot of work," Benji said, unlocking the door. "He's been all about keeping the nostalgia while making it safe. The animatronics have had complete overhauls, new safety protocols are in place, and even the old smell is gone."
Mike smirked. "The smell was half the experience."
Inside the pizzeria, Mike wasted no time heading toward the backstage repair room. The air smelled faintly of metal and oil, a quiet hum emanating from the idle machinery. Mangle, now perched awkwardly on a maintenance table, looked at Mike with what seemed like nervous curiosity. Her frame was still chaotic, wires exposed and limbs mismatched, a far cry from the sleek design she once had.
Benji hovered nearby, wringing his hands. "Can you… can you fix her?"
Mike gave a small, thoughtful hum, rolling up his sleeves. "I'll do my best. But this isn't just about patching her up. If I'm going to restore her, I'll need to rebuild her from the ground up. It won't be quick."
Mangle tilted her head, her fragmented voice crackling. "Fix... me? Will it hurt?"
Mike paused, startled by the question. He exchanged a glance with Benji, then softened his tone. "No, it won't hurt. I promise. I'm just going to make you better—how you were meant to be."
With that, Mike set to work, his hands moving with precision born of years of experience. He dismantled the mangled parts of her body, gently removing damaged components while Benji handed him tools. Piece by piece, Mangle's chaotic frame gave way to something cleaner, more deliberate. Her torn wires were replaced with insulated ones, her cracked casing was swapped for sleek, polished panels.
As the hours stretched on, the remnants of Mangle began to fade, replaced by the familiar form of Toy Foxy. Her pristine white and pink frame shimmered under the fluorescent lights, her features carefully restored to their original cheerful design. The one Scott had wanted.
Finally, Mike stepped back, wiping sweat from his brow. "There," he said, his voice tinged with both relief and pride. "She's back."
Benji stared in awe. Toy Foxy blinked, her eyes bright and vibrant, her movements smooth and natural. She looked down at her restored body, her expression shifting to one of cautious wonder.
"I'm... me again," Toy Foxy said, her voice no longer distorted. It was soft, almost melodic. She glanced at Mike and Benji, her smile hesitant. "Thank you."
Benji grinned, his relief palpable. "You look amazing. Mike, you're a miracle worker."
Mike shook his head, leaning against the workbench. "Not a miracle—just a mechanic. But I've gotta say, it feels good to see her like this. Like she belongs."
Toy Foxy tilted her head, her ears twitching slightly. "I feel... different. Lighter."
"That's because you're not carrying the weight of all that old programming and damage," Mike explained. "No more glitches, no more corrupted files. You're clean—exactly as you were designed to be."
Benji couldn't help but beam. "Scott's gonna love this. And the kids? They're going to adore her."
Toy Foxy looked down momentarily, then back up at them, her smile growing more confident. "I want to make them happy. That's what I was made for."
Mike chuckled softly. "Well, you'll get your chance soon enough. Just remember, you're starting fresh. No looking back."
Benji nodded in agreement, his eyes glimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, Mike. Really. You didn't have to do this, but you did, and it means everything."
Mike shrugged, though there was a faint smile on his face. "What can I say? Guess I'm not as done with this place as I thought."
"You need to sneak back to the other side of the door", Benji turned to Toy Foxy.
"I-I know. I don't want to", Toy Foxy trembled with fear.
"Why not?" A puzzled Mike raised an eyebrow.
"The reason why Toy Foxy is here, is also why the other Toys are behind that door", Benji pointed at the roped-off door.
"Scott wanted to expand this pizzeria by adding the old locations together like a puzzle?" Mike was still confused.
"Yeah, something like that I guess", Benji sheepishly smiled.
"I don't agree with the others on how they think you're evil and wanting to hurt kids", Toy Foxy whimpered towards Benji.
"Who said that? Because I'm the opposite of that", Benji crossed his arms with an arched eyebrow.
"Th-The Puppet", Toy Foxy didn't want to be yelled at.
Mike exchanged a glance with Benji, his brow furrowed. "The Puppet? You mean the Puppet? The one that's always watching, always knows everything?"
Toy Foxy nodded hesitantly, her newly polished ears dipping slightly. "She… she doesn't trust anyone who isn't one of us. She thinks humans just want to use us, break us, and throw us away when we're no longer perfect."
Benji let out a sharp sigh, pacing a few steps before turning back. "That's ridiculous. I've never done anything to hurt you all. I've worked here for months, cleaning up messes and keeping this place running because I care. If the Puppet's got a problem with me, maybe she needs to take a look in the mirror."
Mike placed a steady hand on Benji's shoulder. "Calm down. If you go in guns blazing, it's just going to make things worse." He turned to Toy Foxy. "Does the Puppet know you're here with us?"
Toy Foxy hesitated, then shook her head. "No. I slipped away when she wasn't looking. She… she wouldn't have let me come if she knew. She said humans like you would try to take me apart for good."
Mike scoffed, his hands on his hips. "Take you apart? If anything, we're putting you back together. What kind of guardian feeds you that kind of paranoia?"
The atmosphere inside the pizzeria was heavy, a strange blend of tension and anticipation. The Puppet had reawoken, brought back by Scott's decision to restore her to the animatronic lineup. Though her magical presence wasn't as intense as when Charlie had once inhabited her, traces of that lingering power were still evident. It wasn't malicious, but it held a quiet, cautious vigilance—borne from a history of betrayal by the Aftons who had posed as guards, especially William.
Mike adjusted the strap of his tool bag as he glanced at Vixen—Benji's affectionate new name for Toy Foxy. Her sleek, white-and-pink frame gleamed in the dim light, her previously hesitant demeanor now steadier. She had decided to stay with Benji and the others, at least until Scott returned.
"You sure about this, Vixen?" Benji asked, his voice soft as they approached the main stage. "You don't have to stick around if you're not comfortable."
Vixen gave a small, confident nod, her ears twitching slightly. "I'm sure. You fixed me, Benji. I feel… safe here—with you. Besides," she added with a flicker of humor, "someone has to keep you out of trouble."
Benji chuckled, his tension easing. "Fair enough."
Sitting by the stage were Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, all quietly talking amongst themselves. Golden Freddy lingered just out of the spotlight, his expression thoughtful as he watched the others.
Freddy was the first to notice the newcomers. His bright blue eyes lit up as he stood, extending a hand toward Mike. "Welcome back," he said warmly, his voice deep and steady.
Mike took the offered hand, smiling faintly. "Good to see you, too, Freddy. Thought you might've forgotten me."
Freddy chuckled, a soft, rumbling sound. "We don't forget the ones who've helped us. You're family, Mike." His gaze shifted to Vixen, his smile widening. "And I see we've got someone new—or someone returning?"
Vixen stepped forward cautiously, her tail swaying behind her. "I guess you could say I'm both. My name's Vixen now." She glanced at Benji, a hint of gratitude in her expression. "He gave it to me."
Freddy nodded approvingly. "It suits you. Welcome to the team, Vixen. You'll always have a place here."
Bonnie stood next, his ears perking up as he offered a wave. "You look great, Vixen. Definitely an upgrade from all those wires."
Chica beamed, clapping her hands together. "Oh, we're going to have so much fun! Wait until you try my cupcakes—Benji says they're the best."
Vixen's ears twitched at the enthusiasm. "I'd like that," she said softly, her voice still tinged with uncertainty.
Foxy leaned back against the edge of the stage, his arms crossed but his grin unmistakable. "Glad ter see another friendly face around here. An' don't worry 'bout findin' yer place—ye'll fit in just fine."
As the group welcomed Vixen and Mike, Golden Freddy remained at the edge of the room, his golden frame half-hidden in the shadows. His gaze wasn't on the reunion but on Benji, who stood in the center of it all, laughing at one of Chica's jokes.
Freddy noticed and quietly stepped away from the group, making his way over. "You've been quiet," Freddy said gently, his deep voice low enough to keep the conversation private. "What's on your mind?"
Golden Freddy hesitated, his golden eyes flicking toward Benji again. "It's him," he admitted softly.
Freddy tilted his head, a knowing look crossing his face. "Benji?"
Golden Freddy nodded, his voice quieter now. "I… I think I care about him. More than I should. And I'm not the only one." He glanced toward the stage where Bonnie and Foxy stood. "They feel the same way. I can feel it."
Freddy crossed his arms, leaning slightly against the wall as he considered his friend's words. "That doesn't surprise me. Benji's got a way of bringing out the best in all of us. But feelings like that—" he paused, his expression thoughtful, "—they're complicated. Especially when they're shared."
Golden Freddy sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "What do I do, Freddy? How do I handle this?"
Freddy smiled softly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You wait. You don't need to rush something this important. If it's meant to be, it'll happen when the time is right. But for now, focus on being there for him. Show him you care in the ways you already do. He'll notice."
Golden Freddy looked up, hope flickering in his gaze. "You really think so?"
"I know so," Freddy said warmly. "Love isn't a competition. It's about being there when it matters most."
Golden Freddy nodded, some of the tension easing from his posture. "Thanks, Freddy. I needed that."
"Anytime," Freddy said, his smile growing as he gestured back to the stage. "Now come on. Let's go join the others. Don't want to miss Chica's cupcake pitch."
The two returned to the group, where laughter and conversation filled the air. Vixen had already started to relax, her tail flicking playfully as she spoke with Bonnie and Chica. Foxy was recounting one of his daring exploits, exaggerated as always, and Benji was hanging onto every word.
It wasn't perfect, but it was enough. For now, this odd family of animatronics and humans had found their balance—and that was all they needed.