Interlude: Heal This Wound
The Void
Wednesday 26th June 1985 23:59 PM
There was nothing but darkness. All around her. Like she was trapped in a box, but she could not see the edges. Could not reach her tiny hands to find a way out. No matter how much she called for someone, anyone, to come and find her, it was the same thing every time.
Nobody came.
It had been the yellow rabbit who had sent her here and she did not understand why. All she knew was that she had been here for so long and it hurt her.
'I'm dreaming', she would plead to herself over and over again. This was just a nightmare, one that she would wake up from crying and her mom and dad would come rushing to comfort her. Yet none of her dreams had been like this. At first, she had seen herself laid on the floor with a mask over her head.
That had faded eventually and she saw things that had happened long ago. Her sixth birthday party last year, when all her friends had come. Her daddy coming home from tour. Meeting that boy two years ago, who she had been such good friends with, if only for a day.
But they all faded away eventually and she would be alone. When the last one faded and she was left alone in the dark, she sobbed. This couldn't be the end. It couldn't.
"Please!" She croaked out, "Anyone!"
But nobody came.
"I'm still here! Please, somebody! Don't leave me here!"
Yet as she cried out over and over again, it would always remain the same.
"Mommy!" She cried, curled up in a ball on the floor and weeping, "I want my mommy!"
When her voice finally grew hoarse and she could not scream anymore, she shrunk into the floor. Knowing she was truly lost. All she could do was hope that she would feel nothing at all, yet still she would be trapped there. The worst part was when she would see flashes of that yellow rabbit again, with his gleeful eyes.
Why? Why had he done that? She knew that she didn't always listen to her parents and rarely her teachers, but had she done something so bad? It was her birthday.
"It was supposed to be my happiest day…" She whispered, before shutting her eyes tight and allowed herself to be surrendered into the darkness. Alone.
But not for much longer.
Before she heard anything, she felt the presence. Had it been so long without feeling anyone that she could tell? She did not know. But her eyes opened again and she felt terror rise through her.
"Hello?" The voice spoke out, soft, "Is someone there?"
'Don't look', she told herself. 'Don't look, don't look'. The realisation that no longer being alone meant she could feel pain again frightened her.
But the voice came closer. "I…I don't mean any harm. Please, I just want to talk. Is that…are you okay?"
Shaking, the girl lifted herself up slightly and looked in the direction of the voice. With an unsteady voice, she asked, "Who…who are you?"
"I…" The voice said from the darkness; he was still too far away to see. "I don't…really know."
She felt the desire to either fight or run, but she staved both off as she craned her neck to try and get a better look. "I don't…please, I don't want to…"
When her voice drifted off, the voice hesitated. "Can I…can I come closer?"
She wanted to say no, to tell the voice to leave her alone. In spite of that, she found herself giving a little, unsure nod. At that, the voice came closer, slowly and steadily. Hands raised.
It was a boy, one her age. He glowed blue. Blinking in her confusion, the girl straightened. "You don't know who you are? What do you mean?"
Biting his lip, the boy lowered his arms. "I can't…remember. I've been here a long time."
Though she still felt trepidation from the new arrival, the girl tried to calm herself down. "Where is here, though? I don't understand. Where are we?"
Smiling sheepishly, the boy immediately showed that he didn't have a clear answer. "It's…a weird place. But there…I do remember this one story I had…a book, I think? There was this place called the void…a place that would take away your happiness and dreams and all the stuff that you liked."
"Are you saying we're in a story?"
"I don't think so. But this place feels like a void. What do you think?"
Finding herself crying again, the girl hugged her legs close to her body. "I don't know…I…I…"
Falling silent for a few moments, the boy tried to find her eyes. "I know it's…hard, at first. It was for me…I remember that much…"
She sniffled. "I'm scared."
"I know."
"I just…" She finally couldn't hold it anymore and she sobbed, "I just want to go home!"
Wailing into her knees as she pushed her face into them, the girl felt those invisible walls around her closing in. With small steps, the boy approached her, unsure. When she didn't object and continued to cry, he quietly sat down next to her.
"I do, too." He said, his voice trembling a little, "I can't…remember it…but it sounds nice."
She didn't respond and he sat there, deep in thought. "If you don't want me to, then tell me, but…"
Sniffing back her tears, the girl asked, "What?"
"I've been alone here." The boy explained, "For so long…if you want me to go, then I can go, but…I'd like to stay with you. If that's okay?"
Pausing, she thought about that, nearly in shock. Why would he think she would want him gone? "Me, too. I don't want to be alone right now."
Instinctively, they both reached a hand for each other and clasped them together. For a while, they just sat there, in the darkness. Only each other for company. When she finally composed herself, the boy asked her, "What's your name?"
She mumbled, "Cassidy."
"Cassie?"
"No-" But she stopped herself. What did it matter? "I…fine."
"Hello, Cassie. I know I haven't told you my name…if I remember it, I'll tell you."
Frowning, she asked, "Why don't you remember it?"
"I don't remember that, either. It's…hard to think about the other place. Back home, I mean."
"Do you…" She hesitated; how could she ask this without troubling him? "Do you remember how you got here?"
"No." He admitted. "Do you?"
When Cassidy thought about that, she felt something burn in her. Something she had forgotten how to feel; anger. "It was him. He's the reason I'm here."
"Who?"
"The yellow rabbit." She spat.
"A…a rabbit?" The boy inquired, confused, "I thought rabbits were friendly…"
"Not this one." She glowered into the darkness, "He said my friends were having a party without me…I followed him. He…"
Sensing her anguish, the boy quietly squeezed her hand. "It's okay. You don't have to say anymore."
"It was my birthday." Cassidy gritted her teeth as she felt more tears well up, "It wasn't meant to be like this…"
The boy blinked, "Birthday?"
"You…you don't know what a birthday is?"
"It…sounds like something I know…"
"It's like…" Feeling irritation as words failed her as she tried to explain it, Cassidy said, "It's like a big day…one where you get gifts and your friends are with you. Your mom and dad sometimes take you to a place to get food. It's supposed to be a lot of fun."
"Oh. No, I think I must be thinking of something else. Sorry, I don't remember."
Looking at him, Cassidy felt a little sad for him. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, it's not your fault." Scrunching up his face, the boy recalled, "I think I had a mom and dad. I don't know that much about them, though. What are yours like?"
It pained her to think about them, but it helped take her mind off of things. "My dad was an army man. It meant that we sometimes moved home. But they would always take me to Freddy's or Fredbear's. Ever since I was five years old."
"Hm." The boy muttered, "Fredbear's…that sounds…I think I know it. What was it like?"
"I only went to Fredbear's once." She explained, "After that, for my sixth birthday, me and my friends went to Freddy Fazbear's. It used to be…" Struggling to explain it, Cassidy felt irritated again. "Like magic. But…not anymore."
They talked about anything that came to mind, whether it was food or school; the boy recalled school a little, though just barely. Eventually, when they had been talking for so long, Cassidy's thoughts drifted back onto something he had said soon after they first met.
"You said you don't remember your name?"
He shook his head, "No, sorry. I didn't really need one when I was alone, so it didn't really make me sad."
"Do you have any ideas?"
"Not really. Do you know any names?"
Putting a finger up to her chin, Cassidy thought about that. "Hm...well, there's Sam and Dean, or Oliver and Barry…do they sound right?"
"No. I don't think so."
For minutes on end, Cassidy wracked her head over any possible names she could think of and offered them. Each and every time, the boy would shake his head, yet he never seemed frustrated.
"Maybe we should go with letters." Cassidy decided when she couldn't maintain the same level of focus. "Let me think…how about H?"
He thought about that for a moment. "Doesn't ring a bell."
"You remember bells?"
"Just heard someone say it."
"Oh. Well…how about B?"
He shook his head.
"Okay…V?"
At first, the boy was about the shake his head, but then stopped. "Is that the one that goes like…" He mimed with his finger.
"Yes, that's right."
Slowly, he nodded, "I think we had to make our names with this…pointy thing…"
"Pencil?"
"Right, that's right! And V was the one I found easy."
"Okay, then." She felt nearly happy at the progress. "How about G?"
For some time, they went through every letter from the alphabet that Cassidy herself could remember. It would either be a quick answer with a shake or a denial from her new friend, or some hesitation. When that came, she got excited, but would be almost disappointed every time.
Almost.
"Yep." He nodded, "A. I know A. It's like a little tower…"
"That's right." Cassidy smiled, despite herself, "A bit like V, but upside down and with a line through it."
Eventually, after he had to think about it for a while, he said yes to the letter E. Yet no matter how many other letters they went through, none of them sounded right to him.
"Okay…" The boy rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "So E…V…and A? Is That my name?"
"I don't know. But…" When he said the letters in that order, it made her think. "How about Evan?"
"Evan?" Frowning, the boy was unsure. "I don't know. I like it, though. Is that my name? Evan?"
"It might be."
"Okay, then!" Smiling, the boy seemed almost enlightened. "Hello, Cassie; I'm Evan!"
Their time together continued; for how long, Cassidy would not be able to tell. It might have been mere hours or entire days. Yet it never felt nearly as bad as her time by herself. Sometimes they would fall quiet and others, they would nearly joke and laugh.
It all came to an end, however, when she felt the tug. Blinking, she looked, but saw that it was not Evan. "Did you feel that?"
"Feel what?"
"I don't…" Straining her eyes, she could see the thing approaching. "Is that…a light?"
Evan frowned. "I don't feel anything."
"I…" She could feel the light beckoning her, not quite dragging her, but leading her closer. "I feel warm…I think it wants us to go…"
But then the words shattered her resolve. "Cassie? I don't feel anything. I don't think…"
"W…" She nearly whimpered, "What?"
"I don't think I can go with you."
She shook her head. "No. No, just follow…just stay with me. Okay?"
"Cassie, it's okay."
But she could feel, against her will, the light coming closer. If she would not go to it, it would come for her. "No, no, no, I won't!"
"Cassie…"
"I won't leave you!"
Smiling sadly, Evan tried to reassure her. "Thank you for being my friend here…"
She wept and grabbed him in an embrace, "No! I'm not leaving you here!"
"Thank you, Cassie." He whispered, "I won't forget you…I promise."
"No!" Cassidy sobbed as she clung onto him, "I won't leave you!"
The light washed over her and everything grew white, blinding. Yet she never let go.
Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, Hurricane, Utah
Thursday 27th June 1985 17:34 PM
When the light dimmed, she squirmed and thrashed, trying to find him again. She sat up, knowing that he was no longer in her embrace.
And she screamed.
It was a guttural roar of a sound, one she did not know she was capable of. Yet she roared; in rage and grief. In fury and despair. So much so that she did not even hear the soft, lullaby voice that offered her comfort.
"My child!" The voice spoke and as it appeared in Cassidy's vision, she could see that it was a puppet that was talking to her; a long, spindly thing with a white mask. Purple tears ran down from its eyes. "It is okay, you're safe now!"
"No!" Cassidy screamed from behind the mask she wore, "Evan!"
"Please, you're okay!"
"I need to go back!" Cassidy demanded, turning her attention onto the puppet. "Send me back!"
"I don't-"
"You have to!" Despite Cassidy's turmoil, her voice came out as a rumble, "I can't leave him there! I can't-"
Cassie?
The voice halted her screeches and she froze, dumbfounded. Evan?
I…I think so.
You…you came with me?
Maybe…I don't know. Is this a dream? I forgot what they were like…
Cassidy shook her head; or tried to, at least. I don't think it is.
Staring at her in awe, the puppet asked, "Is there someone in there with you?"
"His name is Evan." Cassidy rumbled, "He is my friend."
"Ah, I see." A little brightly, the puppet inclined its head, "It is nice to meet you, Evan."
Oh. It's nice to meet you, too!
"I don't…" Cassidy tried to adjust her vision, but it was still like she was wearing that thing the rabbit had put on her. "Where are we?"
What do you mean, Cassie? We're still in the void, aren't we?
What? Cassidy internally frowned, No, we're in some room…but…
I don't see a room…whatever that is. What does it look like?
"No." Cassidy whispered as she saw the things in the room, behind the puppet. Animals, which stood like she used to. Yet they were sitting there, squirming like she was. The puppet turned its attention to them. "Oh, no, no, no…"
Evan's voice grew worried for her. Are you okay, Cassie?
This is it. Cassidy trembled, This is the place the yellow rabbit took me. This is where…
Hearing her thoughts, the puppet spoke to her, yet someone else. "I understand what you have all gone through…I am here for you."
No…Cassidy tried to lift up her hand, but it felt like she was trying to lift one of her dad's dumbbells. What am I? What…
"Who are you?" Cassidy demanded, her eyes training straight onto the puppet. "What are you?"
"I'm the one who has given you your life back." The puppet told her calmly, "It is a gift. As for my name…you can call me the Marionette."
The Marionette. Evan thought as if he was rubbing his chin, How about Marie?
The Marionette almost chuckled, "That does have a ring to it, doesn't it?"
Behind her mysterious form, the animals continued to stir. The sight frightened her as she recognised them. That's Freddy, she realised.
Freddy? Evan thought blankly, Who's Freddy?
He's a bear.
Oh, one of those big furry things?
Yes, but this one stands on two legs.
Huh.
She strained her eyes more, but other than a few little twists of her head, she could hardly turn it. There were others, though; a chicken, a rabbit, and a fox. Slowly, with spasms and twitches, they showed signs of life that startled her. As she watched them and heard small, terrified voices come from them which the Marionette responded to, it dawned on her.
Oh my God. She tried to lift her hand, but it was still too heavy, Please, please, no.
Cassie? What's wrong?
With all of her might, she lifted her hand, but only saw the fingers before her arm snapped back. Instead of those tiny pink fingers with painted nails, they were large. Rounded. Covered in a yellow fur stained with age, dust, and grime.
It was not just her who felt that despair; the others in the room, those who moved in ways she could not, groaned with metallic joints. Fuzzy noises from the suits they were wearing whimpered and cried out as they saw what had been done with them.
There are others, Evan noted and he had a little bit of worry and anguish in those thoughts, others with us. They are in pain. Cassie…what's going on?
She couldn't answer. Not with the sight of those fingers burned in her mind. As if he could feel her anger, which she knew deep down he could, Evan almost stepped back, knowing it was not a good idea to step in just yet.
"What…" Cassidy seethed, knowing tears would be welling in her eyes if she could still cry, "have you done?"
"My child." The Marionette softly spoke.
"What have you done to us?!" Cassidy demanded. "What are we?!"
"You are beautiful."
But those words would never be enough. Even as she felt Evan offer her some solace, she could feel herself question her every being.
For some time into what felt like an eternal night, Cassidy and Evan sat in their decrepit suit. As horrible of a situation it was, it gave her time to watch and listen. All the while, Evan would offer her ideas and thoughts and she would hang onto them gratefully.
The worst part, though, was seeing the similar grief in her heart on display in the room.
"Noo…" One of the animals, a chicken, cried into her hands.
"You are safe, now." The Marionette spoke sympathetically, "What is your name, my child?"
"Susie…" The chicken sobbed and the name made Cassidy's not-so-real eyes widen, "I just want to go home…"
"I know. I know."
Off to the side, the bear rumbled a little, his voice full of guilt. "Jer-Jeremy? Is that…?"
Heaving, the rabbit called back, "Gabe?"
"Oh, Jer…" The bear cried quietly, "I'm so sorry…"
"Where are we?" Whispering, the rabbit was the first to turn its eyes to look, "What happened to us?"
Then Cassidy's eyes fell upon the fox, who was huddled up and staring at the floor. "F…Fritz?"
The fox croaked back, "Cass? Is…are you…?"
Cassie? Evan pondered, sensing her new grief, Do you know them?
They're my friends, Cassidy whimpered. They're all my friends…they were supposed to be at my party…
They all wallowed as the Marionette tried in vain to alleviate them. That all came to an end, however, when all of a sudden, the four animals which were now her friends jerked. Then, clambering to their feet, they all marched in a single line to somewhere out of sight. A door opened and Cassidy listened as the stomping footsteps faded into the distance.
"Where are they going?" Cassidy asked the Marionette, who remained in the room.
A little grim, the Marionette explained, "It is daytime. They will be going on stage to perform."
"Why?"
"They don't have a choice."
Don't have a choice, Cassidy boiled at the thought.
Minutes turned to hours as they remained sitting there, unable to move. Perhaps the Marionette's presence would have been nice, if Cassidy did not hold a certain level of frustration.
"What is your name, my child?" The Marionette asked her.
Sniffing, Cassidy responded unenthusiastically, "Cassidy."
"I see. Hello, Cassidy and Evan. I understand you may have questions."
"Well…why didn't we go with my friends?"
There was a little bit of shame in the Marionette's voice. "I believed your own body would work, like the others did. It seems I was mistaken…"
"Oh," Cassidy said with snark, "well, that's fine, then. Just a little mistake, right?"
Evan could understand where she was coming from, she knew that. Cassie, I'm sure Marie meant well…
"Let me help you." The Marionette said, hopeful, "Let's see if we can solve this issue."
Taking a moment, with the urge from Evan Cassidy took a breath and accepted that. Maybe it will all work itself out, she hoped.
The others eventually returned after the Marionette went to look for them. Unlike when they'd left the room, their steps were shaky like a toddler's. She had to guide them one by one, practically by hand.
There, they talked and cried, sharing what had befallen them. Then, at some point, they all jerked like last time and marched out of the room. When they were gone, the Marionette would be right back to trying to help Cassidy and Evan to move.
When those days grew and grew, Cassidy's despair didn't leave her, but it became easier for her to handle. It was her frustration that grew, more than anything, at the continuing inability.
During one of her many conversations with the others, Gabriel was there in his big Freddy costume. "We will figure something out, Cassidy. I promise you."
"If promises were money," Cassidy sniffed, "I'd be really rich right about now."
Even having a little voice that wasn't so imaginary keeping her thinking straight and never breaking was growing increasingly in wane. When she was busy trying to think of something, anything, that they hadn't tried yet, she felt a stir in Evan which was enough to make her concerned.
Are you okay, Evan? Cassidy asked him, which she knew she hadn't needed to so far.
Hesitating, Evan answered, Yeah, I just…my head hurts. It's like a little thump, thump in it.
Like a headache?
I…I think so.
That's…worrying.
I'm sure it's fine, Evan insisted with warmth, but there was creeping doubt there.
One day, Cassidy had an idea; just a theory, really, she explained to Evan. This suit…do you feel the little bits of metal inside it? The ones that wobble and snap when we've tried to move the arms and legs?
Internally nodding, Evan agreed with her. It's weird that I can only move the legs. It's like we're in one of those halloween costumes! You know, with the donkey?
Yeah…When Cassidy realised what he said, she blinked, Wait, you remember halloween?
Yep. Wait…I do?
Did you…always remember it?
No…I don't think so. It just…came back…
Perhaps the thought would have made her spring up with joy; in a way it did. You're remembering things, Evan!
I am! Evan laughed, but grew a bit subdued. I hope that's a good thing. What if I remember something bad?
Then I'll be here, she promised, just like you were there for me. We're in this together, okay?
For days on end, they tested Cassidy's theory and even though she knew it to be true, it didn't seem to get them anywhere. When the frustration came back after those little metal spikes returning again and again, they both knew they were doing something wrong.
After another night of failure, Cassidy sighed, Alright. We're not doing something right, here. If we're gonna do this, we need to get it perfect.
Yeah, Evan agreed, a bit dull. I'm just…I'm tired…my head…
I know, skipper, Cassidy could feel his struggle, I am, too. But I think it's taken this long because you're not in sync with me. I think…
Evan didn't argue, his trust in her clear. What are you thinking? I'm with you, Cassie.
You know those metal pins? How they kind of…wriggle and snap? I think we have to set them all off. At the exact same time if we want this to work…
Hm, Evan nodded, so arms, legs, fingers…
…head, shoulders, knees, and toes, yep. All of them. At the exact same time.
Okay. Let's try it!
Filled with determination again, Cassidy knew it was this or nothing. On the count of three. Ready?
Ready! Wait…on three, or on go?
Right, she knew he had a point. The basics, first. Uh…on three?
Got ya. Let's give it a go!
Okay…Taking a long breath, Cassidy counted, one…two…three!
Snap!
The suit cracked and convulsed as all the little metal pins inside burst. When the spasms ended, Cassidy felt her breath leave her chest. Slowly, she turned her head and tried to raise her hand.
It raised and she stared at it for a moment.
It worked…she felt her eyes widen.
Evan paused, it worked?
In the corner of her eye, she saw the legs of the suit stretch out.
And Golden Freddy roared.
The roar was so loud, it reverberated throughout the entire building. Moments later, the Marionette scurried into the room. "My children! Are you okay? What's-"
But they froze at the sight of Golden Freddy's limbs rocking wildly, arms waving in the air and legs nearly dancing.
"Yes!" Cassidy nearly screamed, feeling happier than she'd felt in such a long time.
Laughing out loud, Evan matched that happiness. We did it!
"We did it!" Cassidy howled her agreement. All the while, the Marionette watched on; at first utterly befuddled and bemused. Then pride swelled in their chest.
Perhaps Cassidy was foolish to believe that it was the end of their troubles, but believe it she did. The moment they tried and failed to stand for the first time, the frustration came back and their elation was short-lived.
Okay…Cassidy breathed, easy does it…one leg after the other…
She felt the confidence in Evan. Yep. I think I got it this time. One foot, then another-
And Golden Freddy collapsed, falling straight on their face.
"Ow!" Cassidy gritted her teeth.
Oh. That sounded bad…
Bad? I just hit my chin!
When they finally made it to their feet, it didn't last long, "but it's progress", as the Marionette assured them. Their first two steps were shaky and completely uncoordinated, but it felt good after having been sitting in place for so long.
When they were ready for something a little more, despite the Marionette advising them to take it slow, Cassidy was ready for it. I'm done with this room. You ready to go?
Evan shrugged, Why not?
Then let's go. Okay, so, turning left…
I'm with you.
Okay, stop. Good, good…now, three steps-
Okay.
No, no, not that way-
Cassidy uttered a curse as she hit her head on the shelf.
Ooh, sorry.
Left, she mumbled, three steps to the left. Okay, good. Now, turning a little more…
Is that good?
I think so. Okay, now, forward!
With steps that were anything other than sure strides, Golden Freddy marched their way out of the room. The sound of something squishing gave her pause, but she didn't think much of it.
No, wait, stop- Cassidy cursed again when she hit her head once more, this time on a decoration, Ev, c'mon, I can't turn unless you do, too!
Hey, this is hard! Evan whined, It hurts me, too y'now! Kinda…
Cassidy sighed, You just move one leg, then the other!
Well, yeah, but for your information, I can't see!
They didn't go far and in spite of the lack of progress, they still happily chatted about what they would try the next night; the Marionette advised them to stay out of sight when there were people in the pizzeria.
"Why not?" Cassidy insisted, "We need an adult to know what happened to us!"
But the Marionette sadly shook their head, "They won't understand. Believe me, I've tried."
So they remained down low, trying to not attract attention. An annoying concept, but one they knew they had to stick to. I'm sure Marie knows best, Evan pointed out.
Not that it mattered when it came to the one and only adult in the building when they could go wandering. "Hey," Gabriel asked the others, "maybe we should go introduce ourselves to the Night Guard?"
Frowning, Cassidy asked, "The Night Guard? What's that?"
"Yar, 'e be the scallywag watchin' this vessel in case o' pirates!" Fritz laughed; at that, Cassidy scowled at him.
"Why are you talking like that?"
Fritz shrugged, "Ol' Foxy just be stayin' in character."
That's dumb, Cassidy thought. Though he tried to be the devil's advocate, she could tell that Evan didn't disagree.
Overhearing their conversation, the Marionette shook their head. "I would recommend not to disturb the night guard…he may not take the sight well."
Blinking, Gabriel said, "But why not? We could be friends."
"Uh, Gabe?" Jeremy pointed out, "We're a bunch of robots. Walking around at night. He might think we're gonna…stuff him in a suit, or something."
Susie gasped, "That's horrible! Why would he think that?"
Sniffing, Cassidy darkly explained, "'cause that's what they always did. Didn't you hear all the stories, Sue? The robots would grab anyone who would be here at night and you would never be seen again…"
Susie trembled a little and Cassidy felt some regret. With a glare, Gabriel told her, "Cut that out."
"What?" Cassidy shrugged, "It's just what they say…"
As the hours turned to days once more, Cassidy almost felt a semblance of normality; when she disregarded and refused at every whim. Worse still was when she felt the growing anxiety in her eternal pal.
Worried, she asked, Are you okay?
Yeah…he tried to speak lightly, just a headache…
They're happening a lot.
I know.
Just…try to take it easy, okay?
Evan smiled, I will. Thanks, Cassie.
One night, the Marionette had requested they all gather on the stage. "They said the camera doesn't cover the whole stage," Gabriel had explained when he told her and Evan, "so we won't have the Night Guard watching us."
So they all gathered and there, the Marionette looked between them all with pride and love before speaking. "You have all done so well, adjusting like you have. I feel…that you are all ready for something a little more complicated."
Inclining his head, Gabriel spoke for the group. "Of course, noble one. Thank you."
"You don't have to call me that, Gabriel."
Snorting, Jeremy said, "Ever since I taught him that word…"
"What?" Gabriel shrugged in exasperation, "It feels right."
"Well…" The Marionette pondered, then nodded, "Perhaps there is…one thing you can call me."
Taking a second, the Marionette lowered their head and light shimmered from them. All five of their children watched on, in awe, as the light grew until a small figure emerged from it.
What's going on? Evan asked.
But Cassidy was just as clueless. I don't…I don't know.
When the light left, the Marionette stood there, but motionless. In front of them was a girl who couldn't have been much older than Cassidy. Shoulder-length brown hair and sweet brown eyes looked between them and the girl smiled.
"My name is Charlie," the girl said, "and it's very good to meet you all."
Staring at her with amazement, Gabriel asked, "How did you do that?"
"It is…a difficult thing to learn and even harder to master."
Unsure, Cassidy could feel the idea on her mind. "Can we…do it?"
"That, Cassie," Charlie grinned warmly, "is what we're here to do."
If learning to walk had been a hard task, what Charlie began to teach them made it look as simple as flexing a wrist. By the time the night was over, none of them had achieved it. Yet it was a concept that intrigued Cassidy like no other.
I think we've got this, Cassidy felt determined.
A little subdued, Evan agreed. It can't be any harder than learning to walk.
So the next night, they were all right back on it. And the next. It was on the third night that Susie said, "It's like it's there and I can feel it, but…"
"It was always there." Charlie agreed, "but it's just not full. You need to find the spot and fill it."
Susie gasped, "Like blowing into a balloon?"
"Hm. Yes, like that."
Rubbing her beak thoughtfully, Susie closed her eyes. At first, they all looked away to continue their own progress, but their eyes all snapped right back as she started to glow.
Moments later, a girl with blonde curls was standing in front of them, stunned. She whispered, "Did it…did it work?"
"Oh, my God." Gabriel muttered and then the grin was in his voice. "Way to go, Susie!"
"I did it!" Susie laughed and clapped as they all sung her praises. Watching on, though quiet, Cassidy couldn't help but smirk. Nice one, sis.
It was Fritz who was next, his thin pirate fox form glowing and then the red-headed boy with freckles emerged, grinning. Gabriel with his sandy-brown hair and piercing latin eyes and the boy genius Jeremy with his dark hair and skin succeeded near enough at the same time and they watched as the two high-fived.
Hang on, Cassidy grunted as she felt the spot, I think I got it. How about you?
But Evan shook his head, No, I'm still looking.
I can wait-
No, it's okay. Go for it.
Accepting that, Cassidy reached for that spot. Like blowing into a balloon…
She blew and blew until she could feel that balloon almost fully inflated. Then, when she knew she couldn't do it any more, she opened her eyes.
The other five gazed upon her with smiles.
"It's nice to meet you properly, Cassidy." Charlie said to her.
Reaching for her black curls and pigtails, Cassidy saw them shimmer. They were both there, but not. "Weird…" She mumbled. Then she saw the expressions on the others' faces. "What?"
When she saw that they weren't looking at her, she turned. Then froze and gawked as she saw the big yellow bear standing there, gazing at its hands.
It took her a moment to understand. "Evan?"
"Huh." White lights in the bear's eye holes looked between the two. Evan's polite demeanor did not match the bear's eerie voice. "Oh. Hi, Cassie!"
"Ah!" Gabriel smiled brightly up at the bear, "I take it this is our unseen friend Evan?"
The bear waved, "Hello! Gabriel, right?"
"That's right." Then Gabriel pointed at each of the others in turn, "And that's Susie, Jeremy, Fritz…and you've already spoken to Charlie before."
"It's nice to meet you all!" Evan said, but then hesitated, "I'm…still looking for my balloon…wow, it's hard to move the arms. They're not at all like legs…"
"You'll get it." Charlie warmly assured him, "I know you will."
They all stayed and advised him as best as they could. When the moment finally came, Evan was shaking his head in dismay. "Sorry guys, I'm not sure…wait."
Cassidy's ears perked up at that. "Have you got it?"
"I think so." The voice of Golden Freddy rumbled, "Let me see…"
Then, after several painful seconds for Cassidy as she hoped and prayed, the bear glowed. When the figure of a boy with brown hair and a striped t-shirt emerged, she felt pure joy.
"Evan!" She nearly giggled, "You did it! You-"
That was when she saw his face. As her eyes met his, she felt something she hadn't in a long time.
"I think I did it." The boy said, a little unsure, "Does it…look right?"
Frowning, Fritz asked, "Why do ya have bandages on your head?"
"I do?" Evan felt for his head. "Huh. I'm not sure…"
When she found the name, she was about to say it; before she could, Charlie stepped in front of her and shook her head with a whisper. "No."
"But-"
"Not yet." Charlie insisted and Cassidy could see in her eyes that she knew too. Forcing herself to smile, Cassidy stepped forward and hugged him. "It's good to see you, Evan."
"You, too." Evan said, "Oh, wow, pigtails. They look good!"
As they stayed in their new forms, Charlie warned them that it wouldn't last long. "If you feel like you need to return to your bodies and rest, please do so. Staying longer than you should can make things worse."
So they sometimes marched around in their robotic vessels and others in their familiar yet strange forms. Our eyes aren't right, Cassidy thought sadly as she looked at herself in a reflection. They were black as night, with tiny white lights not much unlike what she had seen in her vessel when she wasn't in control.
It was when they were wandering in the office in the form of Golden Freddy, Cassidy staring at the aghast Night Guard and offering a boo to send him shivering, that Evan asked her, "Hey, is there a calendar in here?"
Scanning the room before leaving, Cassidy found it. "Yep. Why?"
"What month is it?"
"July." Cassidy answered and the thought disturbed her. "23rd, I think." When Evan stayed silent at that, she felt her worry grow.
"I think…" Evan spoke quietly, "I think it's my birthday, today."
"You…" Stunned, Cassidy tried to stave her own growing anxiety, "You can remember? What do you remember?"
"I don't…well, I'm not sure."
Trying to keep her thoughts to herself, Cassidy calmed her nerves. "Okay. Let's go have a talk."
Almost in sync, Golden Freddy marched down and glanced over at the room she still dreaded; it had been boarded up, with both her own suit inside and the one the Purple Man, as Charlie had called him, had worn. With both stuck inside, it had been a good thing that Charlie had taught them her tricks.
Especially when we could make up a few of our own, Cassidy mused. When they had first come walking in looking like their vessel, it had shocked even their guardian. "You two are amazing." Charlie had whispered and not even Cassidy had been able to ignore the happy feeling in her chest.
Still, without that room, it meant that they had fewer spaces to go and be alone. There was Pirate's Cove, but Fritz' continuing desire to be in character was annoying.
We'll borrow Jeremy's closet, she decided. So they entered, closed the door, locked it, and then sat down. "Okay," she said, "what do you remember?"
"It's just…" Evan sighed, "bits and pieces, really. Like, I see things in my head sometimes, but then they're gone."
"Okay. We'll start small, then. Do you remember your name?"
That made him frown, but he didn't open his eyes. "I thought it was Evan…"
"And is it?"
"I'm…I'm not sure…"
She led the conversation on, starting with what they did know. "Has anything about this place been familiar?"
"Kinda. Not…this place, but…something about that bear we walked around as…"
"So if not Freddy's," she asked, "maybe Fredbear's?"
"Oh…yeah, that sounds…" Evan fell quiet, "Around and around…"
"Hm…was your favourite ride the carousel?"
"That sounds familiar…but I don't think so."
Even with each step back, Cassidy knew they were making progress. "When you think about Fredbear's…what do you see?"
Evan bit his lip. "I can't see. I…wait. I see two animals…a bear and a rabbit. They're playing a song."
"Is this song familiar to you?"
He answered immediately. "Yes. I heard it a lot."
"So you went there often?"
"I did. Me and…someone else. Bigger than me."
"An adult?"
"No…a kid, but a big kid. I think…" Evan trembled, "I think…my brother?"
"What was his name?"
"I…I can't remember." His frown deepening, Evan screwed his eyes tightly closed. "But I had this…like, this little furry thing, a toy…it was a bear. Like our costume. A purple hat…"
Interested, Cassidy locked in on that. "What was this bear's name?"
"Fredbear. He…he talked to me…"
"He…talked to you?"
"Yeah. He would always say, when I was sad…tomorrow is another day…"
"Does he still talk to you?"
"I…" Though he tried to remain strong, Cassidy could see him tremble, "I can hear sounds. But not nice ones…I can hear screams…"
"Where were these screams?"
"At Fredbear's. There was a party. It was…it was a birthday party. I think I was there. But I was not…happy…"
Feeling her own sadness filling her, Cassidy struggled to keep her voice straight. "Evan. The party was for you."
After a moment, he nodded. "It was for me. I…I remember waking up in my house…I was worried."
"What was in this house?"
"My…my bedroom. There were toys, there. I…I'm holding a purple thing with eyes. There's a wire…it looks like that thing the night guard talks into sometimes…"
"Was your favourite childhood toy a purple telephone?"
When he didn't answer, Cassidy waited patiently. The boy trembled again, shaking. "I'm scared. I'm scared, Cassie."
"I know." Feeling pain, Cassidy clasped his hand, "I know, skipper. But we need to dive deeper. I'm with you, okay?"
"Okay…"
Then the room shimmered around them. Opening his eyes, Evan looked at the mirror behind Cassidy and his mouth opened in shock. Confused, Cassidy looked and saw that there was a room reflected in it, but not the room they were standing in.
It was a bedroom.
Evan stood and walked closer to the mirror, staring inside. Quickly following, Cassidy reached for his hand with one of her own and the other for his shoulder. She could see the quiver on his face, like he was fighting back tears. "What do you see?"
"I don't…" Evan whispered, "I don't…"
Then the mirror shifted and it was like they were watching someone's own eyes. They watched as the person in the mirror was accosted by a bigger boy, holding a Foxy mask. "Oh, come on D, hurry up!"
"I…" They heard a voice in the mirror, "Michael, I need to get my-"
"Stop it with that stupid bear!" The big boy growled as he grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the room, "Playing with dolls, what are you, a girl?"
"Michael, please, you're hurting me!"
"Aw, poor Davey!" The big boy mocked him, "Man up, bloody hell!"
Feeling anger burning in her, Cassidy almost didn't hear Evan say it. "Dave."
Gazing at him, Cassidy bit her lip. "Is that…?"
"My name is Dave." He whimpered and couldn't say anymore. All they could do was watch as the mirror shifted, an entire day going by. All until they watched as the boy in the mirror was on his knees, sobbing, as his brother Michael stood over him with his friends.
They laughed and mocked the younger boy until Michael, grinning, said the words. "Hey! Why don't we help him get a closer look? He'll love it!"
Oh, no, Cassidy breathed as she watched on. Watched as the boy in the mirror was dragged closer and closer to the robots on stage.
"No!" The boy cried out, his vision blinded by tears, "I don't want to go!"
"Hey, guys!" Michael crowed as they reached the stage, "I think the little man said he wants to give Fredbear a big kiss!"
And the boys laughed as the hoisted the young one in their care up and closer towards the gaping maw of the bear. The boy screamed and cried as his head was stuffed into the jaw. There were voices, but they were muffled.
Cassidy squeezed Dave's hand tighter, but she knew it would not be enough to stir him. All they could do was watch and listen as the boy's cries of despair grew and grew.
Then, there was a horrifying crunch and the boy's cries turned to screams. Whimpers. Then there was another crunch and the boy's vision darkened until there was nothing but black.
Feeling her own jaw clenching, Cassidy looked at Dave and saw the tears in his eyes. "Dave?"
His chest racking with sobs, Dave fell to his knees, onto the floor, and cried out. Wailed, as he finally understood. Immediately, as she felt her own tears fall, Cassidy joined him and hugged him tightly to her.
"Noo…" Dave wept, "No…"
"I'm here." Cassidy whispered into his ear, "I'm here."
She would never know how long they sat there and she didn't care. Dave cried and wailed into her shoulder and as far as she was concerned, they could sit there forever if they needed to. At some point, her eyes opened and she glared into the mirror, feeling a type of rage she had never felt before.
Michael, she thought bitterly and unbeknownst to her, she would be thinking of that name for a long time. Every time she would close her eyes, or rest her weary soul, it would be the first name she would think of. Not a name she would just hate, nor one she would want to avoid.
It was something more.
Michael, she thought and she knew in her heart that she would see that boy with the Foxy mask one day. When she did, she would bring hell on earth. If it's the last thing I do…
I've had this chapter planned for a long time, ever since I wrote Mike and Cassidy's little reunion back in Act 3 of Circus of Secrets. It's gone through shifts and changes since then, but I hope it achieved the effect that I needed it to. In a way, this series of events sparked a large part of the story as a whole.
TU4QU0I53T4IAN6L3: I knew that I had to bring the two of them back in some way and this felt like a fitting way. Their part of the story is far from done, of course. The situation between AESIR and the Crucible is of course far from ideal, but who knows? There may be a few more tricks they can pull. At the very least, a dead man walking in to crash the meeting will turn some heads. Now, the situation with Lawson is a longterm plan I've had and the answers to it will be a little strange. As Tyler said recently, he's seen a lot of crazy. Either way, you're absolutely correct in the fact that the Dutch Lawson situation is not something a simple bullet can solve. I'd say throw him into a lava pit, but he might swim out. And of course, I had to buddy up Mike and Caine once more, as their paths through the rest of the story, while parallel, will remain their own. Might as well make the most of it while it lasts. With Cassidy, I think the biggest part of it is that whilst she of course hates Old Billy Afton more than anyone, she didn't have a name to put on him. Mike was the first name she well and truly detested. She's messed up big style in pursuit of revenge or justice or whatever she wants to call it, though the harsh reality is, who hasn't?