Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was 7:15 a.m. when Michael woke up, sunlight beginning to seep through the gaps in the curtains, creating golden patterns on the floor of his room. Normally, he would have gotten up earlier, since classes started at 8 a.m., but life hadn't been easy since two years ago, and that day only made it worse. It was January 14, the sad day his mother was hospitalized. The memories of that day weighed like a gray mist over the house, making the air dense and sad.

At first, Michael and his siblings tried to persuade their father to allow a visit to the hospital, but he always refused, saying it wasn't necessary and that she would soon be back with them. But that never happened. To this day, she has never returned, and this absence has affected everyone. Evan and Elizabeth became quieter, but at 4 and 3, they didn't understand what was happening. Michael, even at 10, understood the situation clearly. His mother was ill, and he had no idea when she would return. Uncertainty about the future hung like a constant shadow over his mind.

However, it was his father, William Afton, who suffered most. Although Michael had affection for his father, deep down he knew that William was not the father that everyone would want. Before, William tried to be more present, but since his mother's hospitalization, he has distanced himself. The office door, which used to be open, was now locked, and William closed himself off even more at work, going so far as to leave the house without even feeding his children, leaving that responsibility to Michael. It was as if work was his escape, a refuge from the harsh realities of life.

With that in mind, the young man knew he had chores to do, and so it was time to get up. He stretched out under the coziness of the comforter, fighting the urge to remain there, in his little oasis of safety. When he reached the kitchen, Michael found his brother Evan already awake and sitting in one of the chairs. The clock on the wall ticked away with its constant ticking, echoing like a silent countdown. This was unusual, as Michael was usually the first to wake up among his siblings. His father left punctually at 7 o'clock and didn't wake them. So Evan being awake now was not normal, unless...

"Why are you awake already, Evan? Did you have nightmares again?" asked Michael as he sat down next to his brother and pulled him into a comforting hug. 

"Mikey, I'm scared of them. I don't want them to take me," Evan whimpered into Michael's chest, his words muffled by the fabric of his t-shirt.

For some time now, his 6-year-old brother had been having nightmares about the animatronics at Fredbear's Family Diner, the pizza place owned by his father and his best friend, Henry Emily. Michael always found that place fun and welcoming, even with the mediocre pizza they served. The animatronic Fredbear and Spring Bonnie used to sing and dance for the kids. But Evan had a great fear of them, especially Fredbear. Michael didn't understand why, since his brother always carried around a Fredbear plush. Still, he was determined to help his brother overcome these fears that plagued him.

"Come on, Evan. I'll make us something to eat. Let's just wake your sister up first, okay?" Michael said, using his thumb to dry Evan's tears, as if wiping the worries from his face. But when he turned around, Elizabeth was already coming down the stairs, rubbing her eyes still sleepily, a tiny ray of sunlight playing in the golden locks of her hair.

"Good morning, Lizzie," Michael greeted with a warm smile for the youngest of the family. 

"Good morning, Mikey, Evan!" Elizabeth replied, a yawn escaping as she ran towards the two and wrapped them in a big hug. Her energy was like a ray of light, illuminating every corner of the room.

"Looks like someone's happy today, doesn't it, Lizzie? Go sit with your brother, I'll make us something." Michael stroked his sister's blonde hair tenderly, an expression of affection that needed no words.

Then Michael prepared eggs with bacon and orange juice, the delicious aroma filling the kitchen, an invitation for all the senses. The three siblings enjoyed the pleasant breakfast, the silence between them being more comforting than any forced conversation. After the meal was over, Michael picked up their backpacks and took his siblings to school, walking together under the blue sky that stretched like a roof of hope. When they reached the white school gate, they said goodbye, Elizabeth's eyes shining with excitement, Evan's still filled with anxiety, and Michael's a mixture of responsibility and determination. After leaving his siblings, Michael entered the school, his footsteps echoing down the corridor like the beat of a steady heart.

As he entered the classroom, Michael looked around and observed the familiar faces of his classmates. The walls were decorated with colorful posters and student work, creating a warm atmosphere that contrasted with the cold outside. He sat down at his usual desk, a little away from the other students, a small island of tranquility in the bustling ocean of the room. Time seemed to stretch and shrink, the needles of the clock following a rhythm of their own, as if the world inside the room existed in a bubble where time was kind.

Mrs. Smith, a kind and dedicated teacher, smiled at the children as she took roll call. The sound of children's voices filled the room, like a soft symphony that caressed the ears. Michael, however, seemed distant, lost in his own thoughts, a passing cloud in a sky of chattering children. Until a familiar name was called.

"Charlotte Emily."

Charlie's cheery voice answered promptly, "Present!" Her warm smile lit up the girl's face, like a ray of sunshine after a storm. Known to her closest friends as Charlie, she was the daughter of Henry, Michael's father's best friend and co-owner of Fredbear's. Charlie was an outgoing and lovable child, a social butterfly who befriended everyone who crossed her path, including Michael, though they were not particularly close.

"Michael Afton," Mrs. Smith said, her voice a gentle invitation to the young man who seemed to be in a world of his own.

Calmly, Michael replied, "Present." His voice was firm but gentle, like a welcoming breeze caressing the skin.

The rest of the lesson went without incident, with group activities and discussions. The signal for recess sounded like a release, a welcome break in the monotony of the classroom. All the students excitedly went out into the courtyard, their voices filling the air with laughter and animated chatter, like a chorus of joy. Except Michael, who remained seated at his desk.

Seeing him still inside the room, Charlie approached him, her light footsteps like feathers touching the ground. "Aren't you going out, Mikey?" Her voice carried a hint of curiosity, like an invitation to share her thoughts.

Michael sighed, revealing his lack of enthusiasm. "I don't have much to do outside, Charlie." His reply was given with a small smile, a fleeting glimpse of excitement on his face. It was as if he was allowing someone to see past the facade he often presented to the world.

Determined to cheer her friend up, Charlie pulled him by the arm, her eyes filled with an infectious determination. "Come on, Mikey, it'll be fun out there." Her smile was like a bright light, dispelling the clouds of worry that hung over Michael. And finally, he surrendered to her company, like a lone traveler finding a friendly guide on an unfamiliar journey.

As they walked through the courtyard, Charlie struck up a conversation, her words flowing like a quiet stream. "So, how was your morning?" Her expression was a mixture of genuine curiosity and sympathy.

Michael returned the smile and replied, "Same as always. I made breakfast for my siblings and took them to school." His voice was filled with a serene weariness, the daily routine weighing on his words.

Curious, Charlie asked another question, her eyes fixed on him. "Didn't Uncle William help you?" There was a slight wrinkle on her forehead, an expression of concern on her radiant face. She knew that Henry, her father, always helped her in the morning.

Sadness reflected in Michael's voice as he replied, "Things haven't been easy since that day." His voice lowered almost to a whisper, as if the words were too fragile to bear the weight of the emotion they carried. He preferred not to go into details, but the painful memory of the recent tragedy still haunted his family, like a lingering shadow that refused to dissipate.

Sensing Michael's sadness, Charlie immediately apologized, her eyes filled with empathy. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up. But I know what will cheer you up! At the end of the month, it's my 12th birthday party, and you'll be there, won't you? I'm sure it will be a lot of fun!" She hugged her friend, radiating enthusiasm and joy. Her hug was like a ray of sunshine, warming Michael's heart and dispelling the dark clouds that surrounded him.

Michael returned the hug, feeling grateful for the friendship and the prospect of a joyful time. "Of course I'll be there, Charlie." His smile was genuine, a reflection of the happiness her friendship brought to his life.

The days continued to pass quickly, like leaves carried by the wind, following Michael's daily routine. He would get up in the morning, each ray of sunshine bringing with it a new opportunity, prepare breakfast for himself and his siblings, each gentle tap of the spatula on the pan a familiar melody, and take them to school, their footsteps echoing like a song of hope on the sidewalks. They would walk together under the blue sky, and when they reached the white school gate, they would say goodbye, Elizabeth's eyes shining with anticipation, Evan's still charged with anxiety, and Michael's a mixture of responsibility and determination, like a captain leading his crew towards an uncertain destination. Then Michael entered his own school.

Charlie's birthday was approaching, like a bright star on the horizon, a promise of fun and joy. That morning, Michael awoke with a sense of anticipation, his expectations rising like colorful balloons in his heart. He rose ready to face another day, each challenge an opportunity to grow and learn, each moment a blank page to be filled with his experiences and emotions. And so, with renewed determination, he set off to face the day, the sun's rays dancing around him like silent guardians of his journey.

Chapter Text

Upon waking up, Michael feels the familiar laziness of sleep still present in his body, but he knows it's time to start his daily routine. He gets out of bed and walks to the kitchen, ready to prepare breakfast for his brothers and father, who, for some reason, were present that morning. The delicious smell of homemade food fills the room, awakening memories of shared moments with his siblings and rarely with his father.

During the meal, Michael gathers the courage to start a conversation with his father. "Father, may I go to Charlie's party at Fredbear's?" His eyes fix on William's deep blue eyes, whose impassive expression seems to hide a world of emotions. A slight tremor runs through Michael's body, a mix of nervousness and hope, as he awaits his father's response. For a brief moment, William seems to delve into Michael's thoughts, attentively observing his son as if trying to visualize his own soul. William's answer comes with surprising serenity: "You may go, Michael," he responds with a calm and controlled voice.

Michael feels a mixture of relief and gratitude for his father's consent. Even though they don't have a close relationship, that moment of mutual understanding is significant for both of them. With a slight smile on his lips, Michael thanks his father.

As they continue to share the meal, the atmosphere is filled with brief conversations between Evan, Elizabeth, and Michael. Those moments of comfort and family intimacy bring a sense of warmth around the table. William, as usual, remains reserved and focuses on his food, savoring each bite serenely.

A few hours later, William finds Michael and his brothers gathered in the living room. His voice echoes firmly as he announces, "Michael, get ready. It's time for us to go to Fredbear's." Without further instructions, William leaves the room, making it clear that it's time to leave.

After the dialogue, Michael hurries to get dressed. He leaves the house with his father by his side, heading to Fredbear's, aware that this night will become an unforgettable memory for both of them, even without knowing how accurate that statement is.

Upon arriving at Fredbear's, William parks the car and with a quick nod, lets Michael go ahead while he goes about his own business. As Michael enters the pizzeria, his eyes light up with the lively atmosphere that surrounds him. He spots a man with brown hair and square glasses in a corner, immediately recognizing him.

"Good afternoon, Uncle Henry! Where's Charlie?" says Michael, displaying a contagious smile on his face, eager to meet his friend.

"Hello, Michael! Charlie is in the party room, still helping me decorate the place," Henry responds, pointing to the adjacent room. Thanking him for the information, Michael quickly heads towards the party room.

He enters the energetic space where Charlie is busy with preparations, adding the final touches to the decorations. The delightful sound of cheerful music emitted by Fredbear on the main stage of Fredbear's Family Diner fills the air, creating a festive atmosphere.

"Happy birthday, Charlie! How are you?" Michael asks his friend, joining her and starting to inflate the balloons. As they work together, laughter and relaxation fill the environment.

"Hey, Mikey, I'm great! Thanks for the help," Charlie replies, smiling at Michael and appreciating his company.

And so, Michael and Charlie dedicate themselves to decorating the party room, sharing laughter for about an hour. When they finally finish, Charlie has a surprise reserved for Michael. She takes his hand and leads him to a nearby room, leaving him curious about what is to come.

As they enter the room, they are met with a giant present and a variety of other gifts, all with Charlie's name on them. Michael's eyes sparkle with anticipation as he witnesses the gift box that he and Charlie are approaching.

"This is the gift room, and that over there is the Puppet, the new animatronic my dad created," Charlie explains, with a gleam of pride in her eyes. Curious, Michael moves closer to the giant box and, together with Charlie, removes the lid, revealing an imposing black and white animatronic. The animatronic's face resembles that of a Pierrot, with rosy and red cheeks, purple stripes extending from the lower part of the eyes to the top of the mouth. The Puppet stands up and, upon analyzing Michael, extends its hand to him and hands him a blue bracelet.

"My dad created him to protect the children, like a "security puppet". The bracelet he gave you is so that he can find you in case you're in danger," explains Charlie, showing a green bracelet on her own arm. Her smile radiates gratitude and trust.

Michael expresses his admiration for Charlie's father's work and the importance of the new animatronic. Then, Michael turns around and places one more gift on top of Charlie's other presents.

"Thank you, Mikey," says Charlie, expressing her gratitude through a hug. The two friends leave together for the party room. Upon entering the room, Charlie and Michael come face to face with a boy with brown hair, very similar to Charlie. That was Sammy, Charlie's younger brother. His eyes shine with joy upon seeing his sister and Michael.

Sammy runs towards them, a radiant smile on his face. His slightly tousled hair gives him an air of mischief and energy. Charlie opens her arms and embraces him warmly, expressing all the affection she feels for her younger brother.

"Hey Sammy, are you done helping Dad?" Charlie asks, affectionately ruffling Sammy's hair.

"Yeah, Charlie! Dad asked me to come get you. The guests are already arriving," the 10-year-old boy replies, jumping nonstop like a hyperactive child.

"Okay, Michael and I are right behind you," Charlie waves to her brother and continues to pull Michael by the arm to the door, curious to see who the first guests will be. And so, the party continues its normal course, with laughter, conversations, and games, until the night progresses and it reaches 9 p.m. Michael and Charlie are sitting, enjoying a moment of tranquility when a black-haired young man, accompanied by a younger child, approaches and sits next to them.

"Hey Jeremy, I presume this is your little sister, right?" Charlie asks the boy who sits next to Michael.

"Yes, this is Cassidy, my little sister. She's not much of a talker," Jeremy laughs, affectionately ruffling the black hair of the 7-year-old girl, who pouts and turns her face away, which only makes everyone laugh even more. Despite Cassidy's shyness, the three of them start talking and having fun together.

Soon after, Henry appears, interrupting the lively conversation. "Hey, kids, it's time to open Charlie's presents," he smiles at them, inviting everyone to gather in the Puppet room for the much-awaited gift session. Charlie is radiant, eager to discover the surprises that await. Henry hands Charlie a special gift, a Puppet mask, which she happily secures to her hair, on the right side of her face.

Then it's Michael's turn for his gift. Charlie, with her eyes sparkling with curiosity, carefully unwraps the package and is met with a beautiful golden necklace with a "C" pendant hanging from it. She is speechless, her heart filled with joy. A smile lights up her face as she looks at Michael.

"I hope you like it, Charlie," Michael says, his smile conveying all the affection he feels for his friend.

"I love it, Mikey," Charlie responds. She stands up and hugs Michael, thanking him for the gift that is already around her neck.

However, near the end of the party, Michael exits the bathroom, expecting to find Charlie in the same spot they were before, but she isn't there. A slight feeling of concern begins to settle in his chest, causing him to search for his friend with restless eyes and a hint of apprehension. Spotting Henry, Michael hurries over to him.

"Uncle Henry, have you seen Charlie? She wasn't sitting at the table where we were," Michael asks, hurriedly.

"The last time I saw her, she was heading towards the Puppet room," Henry replies, also slightly concerned about his daughter's absence.

"I'll look for her," Michael says, not waiting for Henry to respond. He runs towards the Puppet room and, upon arrival, notices that the puppet box is slightly moving, covered by several gifts that prevent it from opening. Michael rushes over, trying to remove the presents but realizes they are surprisingly heavy and can't move them. He changes his strategy and begins to survey the room until he spots a door that leads to one of the exits to the outside of the pizzeria. Outside, in the rain, is Charlie, curled up in a ball, shivering from the cold.

"CHARLIE!" Michael shouts, attempting to open the door. After some effort, the door gives way and swings open.

"Mikey, someone trapped me here. I was so scared, I'm glad you came!" Charlie exclaims, running into her friend's arms, soaking him, but Michael doesn't mind and hugs her.

"Let's go inside, Charlie," Michael says, rubbing his friend's back. But before they can start walking, a purple car pulls up beside them. William Afton steps out of the car, holding a bottle of alcohol, visibly intoxicated. He looks at Michael and grabs his arm.

"We're going home now, Michael," he says in a calm voice, but with a hint of irritation, pulling him by the arm. Michael can only glance back and give Charlie a slight smile, as an apology, before being placed in the car. The car ride is silent, but it isn't pleasant. At times, Michael looks at his father and sees the irritated expression on William's face, as if something valuable had been taken from him. Michael has never been afraid of William before, but now he feels intense fear.

Upon arriving home, Michael goes straight to his room, terrified, not wanting to look at his father. Meanwhile, William enters his office.

As soon as he closes the office door, William's facade crumbles. "Shit, shit, shit! Why do I have to lose my wife and can't make Henry lose someone as well?!" he shouts, knocking everything off the table. But then, as he sits with the bottle of alcohol in hand, he starts to think. "It's obvious, I just aimed at the wrong person. Charlie is too protected; it would be much more complicated, especially now that Michael has become her friend. But she's not the only one who can be a target," William thinks, leaning back in his chair and smiling to himself.

While William reflects in his office, the rain outside continues to fall relentlessly, as if aware of the dark secrets about to be revealed. The atmosphere of the night is filled with tension, and Michael, huddled in his room, trembles not only from the lingering cold on his wet body but also from the fear of what is to come. The encounter with his father has left deep marks on his mind, and he wonders if things will ever be the same between them again.

Chapter Text

June 26, 1964. That was the date that changed William Afton's life. A few months earlier, he and Henry had just finished college and were starting their joint project: a pizzeria where children could have fun while animatronics sang and danced. The idea of building the animatronics came from William, but the pizzeria was Henry's suggestion, and William enthusiastically accepted, even though he didn't really like children. The idea itself wasn't bad.

On that day, William was going to catch the train, but he was running late. So, sitting on a bench, he grumbled about his unfortunate luck.

While waiting, he picked up a newspaper to pass the time and then noticed an elegant and charming woman approaching the bench. Her blonde hair cascaded softly over her shoulders, contrasting with her bright and expressive green eyes. Time seemed to stand still when she smiled at him and asked, "May I sit here next to you?"

"Sure, miss," William replied, agreeing and returning to the newspaper, not wanting to interrupt her. However, she ended up interrupting him first.

"I'm Evelyn, and you?" the woman asked, smiling at the man next to her.

"William, William Afton," he replied without much enthusiasm.

And so, they began to casually meet, and gradually the relationship became serious, the most serious William had ever experienced. He shared with Evelyn all the ideas he had, like his inspiration from Disneyland and the concept of animatronics. In turn, she shared with him her passion for ballet and her unfortunate medical condition, which was later diagnosed as cystic fibrosis.

Two years later, William didn't hesitate to propose to Evelyn, and she gladly accepted. There wasn't a happier day for him. It wasn't on the wedding day, which turned into a mess, but on the following day when they finally could be alone as husband and wife, experiencing the best day of their lives. Together, they bought a house in Utah, on the other side of the continent, where they began to build their home.

However, not everything was perfect. Evelyn's cystic fibrosis worsened over time, forcing her to give up ballet, her great passion. William felt deeply saddened, knowing how much it meant to her. However, Evelyn showed strength and optimism, stating that everything would be fine because the most important thing to her was the family they were building together. And to William's surprise, she announced that she was pregnant.

William was terrified. Yes, he was extremely terrified of the idea of becoming a father, and also worried about the pregnancy's impact on Evelyn's health. What if something went wrong and she died? He feared the unknown that a pregnancy could bring.

However, Evelyn gave birth to a healthy boy, Michael Afton. He became the light of Evelyn's life, and soon William also grew fond of the boy.

During the early days of Fredbear's Family Diner, Michael took his first steps. His first word was "Hello," a simple greeting. William and Evelyn laughed at that.

Although the work was stressful, and managing a business was not an easy task, having a family to come home to was comforting. William's office door was always open, no matter how busy he was. He always longed for the company of his wife and son.

However, Evelyn continued to get sicker and needed to stay home more often. Each passing day, it became harder for her to breathe.

But she said it didn't matter. She was strong and determined.

Eventually, Evelyn realized her period was late. After a quick test, it was revealed that the Afton Family was expecting once again. William was delighted, although nervous about his wife's worsening health.

And so, Evan was born, and the following year, Elizabeth came into the world.

For a while, William believed he could have a happy and complete family.

But then, Evelyn grew even sicker and was hospitalized, in a coma. The house became eerily silent that day.

William couldn't even look at his children after that. They resembled her too much. They acted so much like her. He did only the bare minimum to take care of them and then retreated to his office, trying to push away his pain as much as he could. However, an emptiness continued to grow inside him.

The pain consumed William, fragment by fragment. He could barely live at that point. He could barely relate to others.

He needed relief.

And one day, that relief came in the form of a simple rabbit in his backyard. He saw it through the window of his office, and then William went out to the yard. When he got close enough, he repeatedly crushed it until it became a mass of organs and fur.

For some reason, he felt good.

From that day on, something changed in William. On some of the hardest days, he would resort to doing the same with other animals that appeared in the yard. But then, he received the news on Charlie's birthday, Henry's daughter... his wife Evelyn was dead. It was at that was the moment when William snapped, and he decided that if he couldn't have his wife, he would also take something important from Henry: his daughter. But he couldn't do it, Michael was there when he arrived. He became so enraged by this that he grabbed him and took him home. If it wasn't for that brat, Charlie would be dead, and Henry would feel what he felt. But he still had a chance, there was still another choice, Sammy Emily.

William wasn't stupid; he knew that trying something against Sammy at that moment wouldn't be a good idea. After all, the lack of a plan was the problem that prevented him from killing Charlie earlier. He needed to carefully think before putting his plan into action, which would happen three weeks later. William knew that Sammy would be at Fredbear's with Charlie on that day, so it was the perfect moment. He just needed two things: wait for Charlie and Sammy to separate and find a suitable place to lure and kill Sammy.

He already had the perfect place in mind: the safe room. There was no one there since it essentially served as a storage for springlock suits when needed and where employees could dress up to entertain the children.

When William arrived there, the place seemed empty, or at least that's what he thought until he spotted Puppet in a corner. If she was there, Henry probably placed her there for some repairs or adjustments. That would be perfect, but it meant that William had to hurry. It would be a shame that he wouldn't be able to see the expression on Henry's face when he came to work on Puppet and found his son dead in a pool of blood. But for that to happen, he first needed to find Sammy.

It didn't take long for Charlie and Sammy to separate. In fact, William didn't see Charlie in the party room, only Sammy in a corner playing one of the arcade games. This was perfect.

"Hey, Sammy, how are you?" William asked the boy, putting on his best smile.

"I'm fine, Uncle William. Do you need something?" Sammy asked, with a curious expression on his face.

Actually, yes. Your dad wanted to talk to you and asked me to go get you," William replied, persuading the boy to follow him.

"But I was just with Dad, not even 10 minutes ago, and he didn't say anything," Sammy said.

Shit! William hadn't thought it through. It was obvious that Sammy had just been with Henry. "Well, he must have forgotten to tell you," William responded to the boy, reaching out his hand for him to take. Fortunately, the boy took it without hesitation.

"Perfect," William thought as the facade fell for a second, just a second, and a smile adorned his lips. Thus, William led Sammy to the safe room.

"I don't see Dad," Sammy said as he entered the room, while William closed the door behind them. But as soon as Sammy turned around to ask something, William stabbed him in the stomach. "Why?" Sammy asked, already crying, not understanding how someone he considered a friend could do something like that to him. William didn't care and repeatedly stabbed the boy in the belly until he became nothing but a corpse wrapped in blood on the floor.

It was then, while admiring his work, that William heard the door move. When he turned around, there was no one there. He ran to the hallway, but still found no one. It must have been the wind or something like that, at least that's what he thought. So, William returned to the safe room and, as he looked at Sammy's body, he had an idea. He took the body and threw it on top of Puppet. Ironically, the animatronic that was supposed to protect children now had a corpse in its lap. After one more brief look, William left, ready to change clothes and dispose of the gloves and the knife he had used. But he would need to get more tools because, after all, he felt so good about killing a child, something he clearly considered better than killing animals. What he didn't realize was Puppet's eye glowing white for just a second before going out.

Michael was having a day that could be considered normal, to say the least. It had been three weeks since that scene with his father, and he certainly noticed that his father was not the same. Something had changed in him. He seemed colder and angrier, and whenever Michael caught him staring at him, William would give him a smile. But it wasn't an ordinary smile, it was a smile that scared him, a lot. Michael didn't know how Charlie had the courage to confront William with that angry look she gave him every time she saw him since the party day. Surely, if it were Michael, he would be, at the very least, grounded. Apart from that, Michael's days were going well. He and Charlie were talking more than ever. He even started to talk a little more with Sammy when he encountered him.

Today was one of those days. Michael left some time after his father, on a Saturday afternoon, and went with Charlie and Sammy to Fredbear's, thanks to Henry's ride. When they arrived, the three of them were going to the Puppet's room to see her. Charlie really loved the animatronics, but Sammy saw his favorite arcade game empty and decided to play. So, Michael and Charlie went alone to the Puppet's room. However, when they arrived there and removed the lid from the giant box, the animatronic was not in sight.

"Weird, she should be here," Charlie said, puzzled by her favorite animatronic's absence.

"Maybe Uncle Henry knows something. He said he was going to his office. So, I'll go ask him, and you stay here waiting. How about that?" Michael replied to Charlie, who nodded. Thus, Michael left the room and returned to the party room, where Sammy was no longer there. Michael found it strange, but shrugged it off and headed towards Henry's office. But before he reached it, he passed by a room with a blue door. He knew that room. It was the safe room. He had heard his father and Uncle Henry talking about it. Supposedly, that's where the animatronics were kept when they needed repairs. Maybe Puppet was in there. With that thought, Michael gently opened the door, and what he saw would haunt him for the rest of his life: Sammy's corpse in a pool of blood and a man with a bloody purple suit and a kitchen knife in his hand.

"No, no, no, no, no," Michael thought, in panic. Fortunately, he didn't think anymore and simply ran, only stopping when he reached the party room and found Charlie there, who must have gotten tired of waiting in the Puppet's room. Seeing him so worried, Charlie approached him.

"Hey, Mikey, are you okay?" Charlie asked her friend, who looked pale and was trembling.

"I'm fine, just a little sick. Sorry, Charlie, I have to go," Michael replied, not waiting for Charlie's protests. He ran again and left Fredbear's. His body seemed to have no pause, as if it were on some kind of autopilot, without really understanding where he was.

He only stopped when he reached home. It was quiet, probably his siblings had gone out, it was Saturday after all. Michael continued to his room, entered, and sat on the bed. It was at that moment that everything came back. He didn't want to believe it, it couldn't be true, but he saw it with his own eyes. Sammy was dead, and it was William, his damned father, who had killed him. His father had taken someone's life. When Michael understood what he had witnessed, he lay down and cried until he fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Several hours had passed until Michael woke up to the insistent sound of the phone downstairs. At first, he hesitated to get up and answer it, but he knew he couldn't ignore the call, whoever it was. However, someone else picked up the call. And, oh my God, when he heard that voice, everything came rushing back. His father had killed Sammy and now he was talking on the phone with whoever was calling.

"How many hours had passed?" Michael thought. He just had to look at the clock next to the bed to find out it was already 8 p.m. Still groggy, he got out of bed, and with each step he took, flashes of what he had witnessed came to his mind: Sammy dead, his father with a knife in his hand. Shit! His father had killed Sammy at Fredbear's, and he had left Charlie alone there. If something had happened to her, he would never forgive himself.

Fortunately, as he approached the living room, he realized that his father hadn't done anything to her, at least that's what it seemed like from the conversation. His father was talking to Henry. Michael stopped in the hallway, near the living room door, and remained hidden, attentive to the words echoing through the phone.

"Calm down, Henry, everything will be okay," William tried to console his friend, but his voice carried a weight of sadness that he couldn't hide. However, if Henry could see William, he would notice the extremely wide smile on his face.

"How the hell is everything going to be okay? I found my son dead, William! He was murdered at our pizzeria. He was just a child!" Henry shouted on the other end of the phone, between tears and trembling voice.

Henry's words pierced Michael's soul, making his heart ache even more. He continued to listen to the conversation between his father and Henry, increasingly absorbed in the unfolding drama. Every pause, every sigh, everything contributed to the emotional weight he carried.

When they finally finished talking, Michael, feeling overwhelmed by a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts, quietly returned to his room. Now, he had a lot to think about. From the words he heard, the police had made no progress in the investigation of Sammy's death. The security camera footage also revealed nothing relevant. That didn't surprise Michael, after all, his father was one of the owners of the pizzeria. It would be easy for him to alter the images and erase any evidence. This possibility would explain why nothing was found.

However, Michael knew that he was what they needed. He witnessed his father at the crime scene. But who would believe him? And even if they did, he had no concrete evidence against his father. Only the testimony of a 12-year-old child wouldn't be enough to arrest someone, especially if it was his own father. And there was something even more important at stake: what would he tell Charlie? He knew who had taken Sammy's life, her brother, his best friend's brother. Michael was lost, not knowing what to do. On one hand, he felt that Charlie deserved to know the truth. It would protect her and keep her aware of what their father was capable of doing.

However, there was another side to the coin. If he revealed everything to Charlie, she might confront William. And if she did that, Michael feared that his father might hurt or even kill Charlie if she got in his way. The mere idea sent shivers down Michael's spine. He still couldn't accept that his own father could commit something so terrible. Moreover, if Michael told the truth to Charlie, it could emotionally break her. Discovering that someone she considered a friend had taken the life of her brother was not something easy to assimilate. Michael learned this the hard way and was dealing with the weight of it in his mind.

But before Michael could delve further into his thoughts, the door of his room opened and his father appeared.

"Come to the living room, I need to talk to you and your siblings," said William and walked away, returning to the hallway.

Michael got up and started to reflect. It was likely that his father wanted to tell them about Sammy's death, but what if it wasn't that? What if this William had seen Michael at Fredbear's when he killed Sammy? No, it couldn't be that. If it were, he wouldn't call his siblings. Michael needed to calm down and pretend to be surprised so that his father wouldn't suspect anything. With that in mind, he left the room and headed to the living room, where his two siblings were already sitting on the couch, and his father was standing in front of them. Quickly, Michael sat between Elizabeth and Evan and turned to his father.

"Now that you three are here, I have some sad news to share. Unfortunately, Sammy was found dead at Fredbear's, and, of course, the place will be closed for a while," said William with sorrow in his voice and great sadness, which only irritated Michael even more. Apart from the temporary closure of Fredbear's, his father should be extremely happy with the death he caused. Michael only snapped out of his irritation when he felt weight against him and his shirt started to get wet. Elizabeth was crying. Ah, of course, Lizzie and Sammy were in the same class. She was surely shaken and very sad.

Michael didn't say anything, he just hugged his sister tightly until she stopped crying. He also looked at Evan, indicating that he was there for him too, which made the boy cling to Michael's arm like a lifeline and start crying as well. If Evan didn't like Fredbear's before, he definitely hated it now. That's how Michael found himself in the center of an emotional whirlwind, with his two siblings clinging to him, crying in unison. He couldn't contain his own sadness, and tears began to slide down his face as well. William didn't say anything else, he just watched until they stopped crying, and then left the room in silence. This attitude from William infuriated Michael even more. How could his father be so devoid of compassion that he didn't even try to comfort them? He had never realized how distant and insensitive his father could be, but now reality was staring him in the face. His frustration grew, but he struggled not to let his anger show.

It was then, a week later, that the funeral took place. That was the day Michael saw Charlie for the first time since Sammy's death. He still tried to call the Emily's house, but Henry apologized and said that Charlie didn't want to talk to anyone. Henry's words echoed in Michael's ears, making him even more concerned about Charlie's well-being. So, finally, the day of the funeral arrived. Upon arriving at the venue, Michael felt a nervous tension running through his body. Each step towards the ceremony felt like a painful walk through his most distressing memories. He spotted Charlie, dressed in black, eyes swollen with tears, and shoulders slumped under the weight of her brother's loss. Seeing her, Michael knew it was his duty to tell her the truth, but not at that moment. He decided to let time pass, maybe a week, maybe two, before revealing everything. This time would also be used to search for evidence that confirmed William's responsibility for Sammy's death. For now, his goal was just to comfort his friend.

"Hey, Charlie, I'm so sorry for what happened," Michael said with a choked voice, his teary eyes reflecting the profound sadness they shared. He hugged her tightly, conveying support and compassion through that silent gesture. At first, Charlie tried to stay strong, fighting back the tears that threatened to overflow from her red eyes. However, the pain was too overwhelming to contain. Tears began to flow like a waterfall of anguish and despair, and Charlie clung to Michael's chest, seeking solace in his protective embrace.

"Why him? Why my brother? Why?!" Charlie cried in despair, her words interrupted by sobs. Each question was a haunting echo of the torment that consumed her. Michael's heart tightened in the face of Charlie's despair, and in that moment, a silent promise took shape in his mind. He pledged to himself to do something about it. He would stop his father, no matter what it took. Though he didn't understand what went through William's mind to commit such a horrific act, the truth was that he was capable of doing it again. This anguished and enraged idea pulsed in Michael's mind. He wouldn't allow his father to kill again. He wouldn't let anyone else suffer at his hands. Despite the pain of facing the truth about his own father, Michael knew it was reality.

Thus, Michael comforted Charlie in the best way he could. When the funeral came to an end, he and Charlie promised to talk to each other again. Michael wouldn't let his best friend suffer alone. He would be there for her. That day, they parted ways, each going to their respective homes. Upon arriving home, Michael decided that the first step would be to gather evidence against his father. That's what he would do.

Chapter Text

"It had been almost a week since the funeral, and Michael still hadn't found any evidence against his father. He had searched everywhere he could, except for William's office. William always locked the door when he left, and Michael didn't know where the key was. However, this lack of progress didn't shake his determination; it only encouraged him to keep trying. Today was Friday, the third day Michael was attempting to open the office without success. He started suspecting that William had the key with him, and if that were true... Damn! It would be a big problem. That's when Michael realized Charlie was talking to him.

"Are you listening, Michael?" Charlie asked, visibly upset, as she noticed he wasn't paying attention to her words.

"Sorry, Charlie. I was lost in my thoughts. What were you saying?" Michael replied, nervously smiling at her, and she just sighed in response.

"I was asking where you're going now, if you're going home or something," Charlie said casually. She and Michael used to spend time together at Fredbear's, especially on Fridays, but since the incident, the place was still closed, and Michael wasn't sure if he would want to go back there again.

"Well, actually, I'm going to pick up Lizzie and Evan from school," Michael replied to Charlie, who quickly grabbed his arm and started walking towards the younger kids' school, which was about 15 minutes away from theirs.

"Then I'll go with you, Mikey," Charlie said, smiling at her best friend.

So, the two friends walked together to the other school, and when they arrived, Lizzie was waiting at the gate. As soon as she saw Michael, she ran to him, almost knocking down her brother in the process.

"Hey, Lizzie, how was school? And where's your brother?" Michael asked, wondering about Evan's absence since they usually left together.

"Evan has been having some trouble with older boys, so the principal called them for a meeting in his office," Elizabeth replied, concerned about what her brother was going through.

Michael wasn't aware of this, but he was determined to talk to Evan about it. He wouldn't let bullies who thought they were cool harm his little brother.

"Hey, Mikey, since Evan is going to take a while, how about we go get some ice cream?" Charlie suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

Elizabeth's eyes lit up at the suggestion, and she jumped with joy. "Yes, ice cream! I love it! Let's go, before Evan arrives!"

Michael and Charlie laughed at Elizabeth's antics, and the three friends walked to the local ice cream shop. As they walked, Elizabeth shared funny stories about classes, trying to bring some lightness and cheer to the moment.

When they arrived at the ice cream shop, they were greeted by the delicious aroma of ice cream. They sat at a table near the window, watching the hustle and bustle of the street while choosing their favorite flavors. Michael opted for a vanilla cone with chocolate syrup, Lizzie chose a strawberry sundae with lots of toppings, and Charlie decided to try pistachio ice cream.

As they savored their cold desserts and talked about various topics, Lizzie's contagious laughter filled the air, bringing a sense of joy and relaxation to the moment.

After finishing their ice cream, they decided to head back to the school to pick up Evan, who was still not waiting for them. While Charlie and Elizabeth waited outside, he decided to go inside the school to find Evan.

Michael entered the principal's office after knocking on the door and receiving permission to enter, and there he found Evan sitting in a chair, visibly downcast and nervous. The principal, an older man with gray hair and thin-rimmed glasses, was sitting behind his desk with a serious yet welcoming expression. "Can I help you, young man?" the older man asked.

"I'm Michael Afton, Evan's brother," Michael explained to the man, approaching his brother.

The director nodded with a kind smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Michael. I am Director Johnson. Please, have a seat," he invited, pointing to an empty chair next to Evan.

Michael sat down, keeping a watchful eye on Evan. "How are you feeling, Evan? We are here to support you, remember that," Michael said in a gentle tone, smiling confidently at his brother.

Evan looked at Michael with gratitude and a hint of apprehension. "Some boys were scaring me, calling me a coward and stupid. They tried to hit me, but a teacher saw and took me to the principal's office, and they got detention," Evan confessed, a tear rolling down the corner of his eye.

Director Johnson leaned forward, turning to Michael. "We take cases of bullying very seriously in this school. Rest assured that we will take the necessary steps to ensure Evan's safety," he reassured, with a firm voice.

Michael placed a comforting hand on Evan's shoulder. "You did the right thing by speaking up about it, Evan. Don't be afraid to share your concerns with us. Now, Director Johnson will help us resolve this issue," Michael said, encouraging his brother.

The director nodded and picked up a notepad. "I have already noted the incident and I am investigating. I will talk to the students involved and take appropriate disciplinary measures. Does that sound good to you?" he explained, looking directly at Evan.

Evan looked at the director, starting to feel safer. "Thank you, Director Johnson. I just want this to stop," Evan expressed sincerely, still frightened by what had happened.

The director smiled kindly. "I will do my best to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable at school, Evan. You are not alone in this. Count on me and your family to support you," he affirmed, trying to calm the boy.

Michael thanked the director for the attention and support offered to Evan. He felt relieved knowing that the school was taking the necessary steps. Together, Michael and Evan left the principal's office.

"Hey, Evan, just so you know, I won't let any boy come near you to hurt you again, okay, little brother?" reassured Michael, hugging his brother, who returned the embrace, smiling at his older brother.

During the journey back home, Evan and Elizabeth had conversations about their day, while Charlie showed attentiveness and concern towards Michael. She tried to capture his attention several times, but he seemed immersed in his own thoughts, and by the expression on his face, it wasn't something good.

Observing Michael in silence, Charlie decided it was time to take action. She approached him with a caring look and softly said, "Mikey, I can see from your face that something is not right. If you don't want to tell me everything, that's okay, but just know that I'm here, okay." Charlie smiled at Michael, gently grasping his hand.

"Thank you, Charlie," Michael responded, returning the girl's grip.

"I have an idea. How about we go to your house? We can do something fun," Charlie suggested to the Aftons, smiling.

Michael was surprised by Charlie's suggestion. He knew she was trying to help, but he feared how his father would react to her presence in their house. He looked at Charlie with a mix of gratitude and apprehension but decided not to share his concerns and expressed support for the suggestion. After all, he wouldn't let his father harm her.

"That sounds like a great idea," said Michael, trying to hide his worry.

Charlie noticed Michael's hesitation, but she respected his decision. She knew there was something deeper going on, but she also understood that he needed to deal with it in his own time.

When they finally arrived at the Afton's house, William was hastily leaving. His eyes met Charlie's, and Michael immediately noticed the psychotic look in his father's eyes. A shiver ran down Michael's spine, increasing his concern for Charlie's safety.

William ignored their presence, not making any mention. He left without saying a word, but his intense gaze made it clear that something was unfolding in his disturbed mind. A sense of relief washed over Michael, knowing at least his father wasn't home anymore.

"Well, how about we sit down on the couch for a while? We can play something or watch TV," Charlie suggested to the group.

"That sounds like a great idea," replied Michael, following his siblings and Charlie towards the living room. However, before they reached there, Michael looked at the stairs and noticed that the office door was open. His father had left and left the door open. It was the moment he needed. "Actually, you guys can go ahead, I'll join you shortly," said Michael, rushing towards the stairs, straight to William's office.

As he entered the office, Michael was surprised by the mess he found. It was completely opposite of what he remembered, as his father's office was usually meticulously organized. Ignoring the chaos, he began to search every corner for anything that could help prove William's actions. He opened drawers, explored cabinets, but it seemed like his father didn't have anything that could incriminate him.

However, one drawer caught his attention. Upon opening it, Michael found something intriguing: a death certificate. Why would his father keep a death certificate? And whose was it? Curious and apprehensive, Michael started reading the document.

As his eyes scanned the words printed on the paper, it hit him. It couldn't be true, right? It had to be a lie. But there, in front of his eyes, was the death certificate of his mother. Michael's hands started trembling involuntarily, and his breathing became irregular. His eyes widened in surprise, and his lips tightened into a tense line. An overwhelming mix of shock, sadness, and anger spread across his face. He felt a tightness in his chest, as if the world had collapsed around him. His mother, the most important person in his life, was gone, and he didn't even have a chance to say goodbye.

Pain and sorrow overwhelmed him. Michael couldn't contain the tears, which began streaming down his face. His blurred vision made it difficult to read the words on the paper, but the message was already etched in his heart. He felt overwhelming anger towards William for hiding the truth so cruelly.

Unable to bear the presence of others, Michael left the office and hurriedly made his way to his room. Completely ignoring Charlie, who saw him pass by the upstairs hallway and called out to him, he just wanted to be alone, to cry in peace. His heart hurt so much that he could barely breathe. However, his wish was interrupted a few minutes later when the door opened, and Charlie entered the room. Michael didn't say anything, he just waited for Charlie to come in and sit beside him. He knew it was time to reveal the truth; he wouldn't do the same as his father.

"Charlie, we need to talk," Michael said to his best friend, struggling to hold back the tears but failing miserably.

"Of course, we do, Mikey. What the hell happened to make you like this?" Charlie asked, concerned about her best friend's emotional state, as he seemed unable to stop crying.

"That doesn't matter right now, Charlie. I just need you to listen to me," Michael tried to steer the conversation away, but Charlie wouldn't give up so easily.

"Of course, it matters, Michael. Look at yourself," Charlie replied, pulling Michael into a comforting hug, finally causing him to completely surrender.

"How could I be okay knowing that my mom died a month ago, and my dad knew about it but decided that hiding it from all of us was a good idea?!" Michael shouted through tears, sinking even deeper into Charlie's embrace.

Charlie already didn't like William, but finding out that he had hidden this information from his own children made her hate him even more. At the same time, she felt deep sadness for what Michael was going through. That's why she pulled Michael even closer and held him tightly. Michael had been her rock when Sammy died, and now it was her turn to be his support. They remained embraced like that for 10 minutes until Michael managed to compose himself enough to start talking.

"I'm here for you, Mikey. After all, we're friends, never forget that!" Charlie smiled at Michael, still holding him tenderly.

"Thank you, Charlie, but now I need to tell you something. I should have told you before, but I thought it was a good idea, so I didn't say anything. But now I need to," Michael spoke hurriedly, feeling the urgency to reveal what he knew about Sammy's death.

Charlie's heart raced upon hearing the seriousness in Michael's voice. She looked at him with anticipation and concern, ready to hear any secret he was about to share.

"Charlie, on the day Sammy died, the reason I ran from Fredbear's... it's because I saw who killed Sammy... it was my dad," Michael finally said, his voice wavering a bit as the words came out.

A deep shock and a mix of emotions overwhelmed Charlie. She felt as if the ground had been ripped from under her feet. The idea that Michael's own father could be responsible for Sammy's death was devastating. Tears started streaming down her face as she struggled to process the pain that seeped into her heart.

"Michael... I... I can't believe it. Your father... William... he killed Sammy?" Charlie managed to articulate, her voice choked with pain and disbelief.

Michael nodded sadly, his eyes reflecting the deep pain he had carried for so long. "I saw it with my own eyes, Charlie. I witnessed my father with the knife in his hand. Since then, I've been living with it, grappling with guilt and anguish. But I can't stay silent anymore. You had to know the truth."

Charlie felt her heart shatter into a thousand pieces. Betrayal, pain, anger, and sadness intertwined within her. She could never have imagined that William, her best friend's father, could be capable of such a horrific act.

"I've been trying to find something that incriminates him for Sammy's death, but so far, I haven't found anything," Michael sighed in defeat and went to embrace his friend, trying to give her some comfort.

As tears continued to flow, Charlie drew strength from her determination. She knew she needed to support Michael in this difficult time and help seek justice for Sammy.

"Then let's do it together, Mikey. Let's bring justice for my brother!" Charlie responded to Michael with determination in her eyes.

"Yes, we will, Charlie. We will," Michael said while still holding his best friend, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions he was experiencing. They remained embraced for another 5 minutes, seeking comfort and strength in each other. Finally, they smiled at each other and returned to the living room.

Time passed, and the four of them were gathered on the couch, with Lizzie having built a pillow fort that made everyone laugh. However, the joy was interrupted when the front door opened, revealing William and Henry entering.

"Great, I'm glad everyone's here," William said, spotting the group on the couch.

The two adults joined the younger ones, and Henry began speaking with enthusiasm, "When William told me you were here, Charlie, I was really happy. Now we can announce the news about Fredbear's to all of you at the same time."

Henry smiled broadly at the children as William began to explain, "From now on, Fredbear's will be part of a new company called Fazbear Entertainment, which will be a restaurant franchise. Henry will take the lead, while I will open Afton Robotics, a company specializing in animatronics manufacturing."

"Exactly! And when everything is ready, we will reopen Fredbear's Family Dinner as the first children's pizzeria of Fazbear Entertainment, with new attractions. Meanwhile, William will work on a sister pizzeria to Fredbear's, Circus Baby Pizza World," Henry concluded, explaining the plans.

Michael found the idea interesting, especially because Uncle Henry would take over Fredbear's. However, he couldn't ignore the smile on his father's face when they mentioned Circus Baby Pizza World. It didn't seem good to him, and from the look on Charlie's face, she shared that suspicion.

Chapter Text

"It's eight dollars, sir," Michael said with little interest, maintaining his professional posture.

"$8? I think you're mistaken, young man," the middle-aged man growled at Michael, with a disapproving expression.

Michael restrained the urge to roll his eyes. It was just another dull Thursday afternoon in the summer. In a few hours, he and Charlie could finally leave, and he longed to lie down in his bed and relax.

Usually, customers complained about the loud and childish music, the decorations with the wrong colors, and the incorrect toys that came with each meal. Michael was used to dealing with these complaints without losing his spirits.

However, a father arguing whether a complete family dinner for $8 was justified was not the kind of conversation that brightened his day.

Sighing, Michael checked the receipt as the fading twilight dimmed the brightness through the windows, gently illuminating the pizzeria with a golden glow. The soft light of the early evening cast a more serene tone to the environment, replacing the scorching summer sun that dominated the place during the day.

The fourteen-year-old boy pointed to the menu and said coldly, "Two sodas and two pizzas. It's eight dollars, sir."

Regardless of the valid reason that led him to have a summer job at Fredbear's, Michael knew he had better prospects in life than taking orders from a grumpy old man.

"The food arrived cold, and there were no pickles on my Double Fredbear Burger. I won't pay for food I don't like," complained the customer, his voice echoing in the surroundings, blending with the murmurs of other customers.

Michael looked at the man's dirty mustache, covered in dried mustard and bread crumbs, and then at the empty plate.

He retorted, maintaining his composure, "You obviously liked that burger so much that you ate it all."

"Listen, kid, with eight dollars, I could buy food for my family and my two dogs for a whole week. I thought it was a family dinner, not a scam. I demand to speak to an adult," said the man, looking Michael up and down with a challenging gaze.

"Whatever," murmured Michael, leaving the table to find the only manager who was wandering around the restaurant at that hour.

As he walked away from the table towards Henry's office, Michael passed by the stage, where a performance was underway. The trio of new animatronics - Freddy, with his black tie and top hat, exuded an air of leadership and mystery. Bonnie, with his red guitar and piercing gaze, looked ready to charm everyone with his music. And Chica, with her tray of cupcakes and welcoming smile, conveyed a sense of fun and sweetness. The three characters danced and moved in perfect synchronization with the colorful light from the spotlights, creating a visually stunning spectacle, enveloping the stage in a charming glow. The curious and fascinated looks of the customers turned towards the animatronics, enjoying their captivating performance.

Even in a hurry, Michael couldn't help but marvel for a moment at the perfect synchrony of the animatronics' movements, appreciating the dedication and talent behind their creation.

Continuing towards Henry's office, Michael passed by the Pirate's Cove area, where his new favorite animatronic, Foxy the pirate fox, stood. The dark and mysterious atmosphere of the area matched perfectly with Foxy's intimidating presence. His mischievous smile and penetrating gaze aroused visitors' curiosity as he remained in his characteristic pose, ready to surprise everyone.

Upon entering Henry's office, once given permission, Michael spoke, "Hey, Uncle Henry, a customer at table 3 requests the presence of a manager." Henry, with his attentive look, nodded in understanding.

"Ok, as it's already 9 p.m., you can finish today. Meet me in front of the pizzeria in about 30 minutes so I can give you a ride home. Your dad has already left," Henry said, smiling kindly at Michael, who nodded gratefully.

That was the reason why Michael was working at Fredbear's during the summer. He and Charlie had asked Henry to get them jobs there, claiming they wanted to gain work experience. But in reality, there was another motive. Michael's father still used the office at Fredbear's as his headquarters, at least until the opening of Circus Baby Pizza World, which would take place in a month. One month until William opened his new restaurant, and Michael was not happy about it at all. For some reason, this idea made him apprehensive. The previous month, Michael and Charlie had discovered the opening date and asked Henry to get them jobs. After all, William would have to pack up everything from the office for the move. With a bit of luck, Michael and Charlie could explore a bit and try to find something important. But for that, they needed a reason to be present at Fredbear's all the time, and the summer job was the perfect opportunity.

After collecting his thoughts, Michael headed to the prize room, or as he and Charlie called it, the Puppet room. When he arrived, he found Charlie sitting on the counter, smiling gently at a child accompanied by their father. The father and child were happy after getting a Freddy plush, and they left the room content. Michael approached.

The soft light in the room created a welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the brightness of the prizes displayed on the shelves and the vibrant colors of the decorative posters, giving a sense of magic and achievement.

"Hey, Charlie, have you finished your shift?" Michael asked, approaching the counter with a smile.

Charlie looked at Michael, exhaustion evident on her face, but her smile didn't fade. The moonlight rays filtering through the semi-opened curtains painted her hair with a faint silver hue.

"Oh, hey Mikey, yes, I have. Those were the last customers," Charlie sighed, showing her fatigue, but quickly composed herself and returned the smile to her friend, joining him on the other side of the counter.

Together, they left Fredbear's, entering the warm summer night. The starry sky stretched above them, dotted with bright constellations. The gentle breeze swayed the nearby trees, creating a soft symphony of leaves. The sweet scent of night flowers filled the air, mingling with the smell of pizza and fun from inside the pizzeria.

"Any progress?" Michael whispered to his friend. Charlie shook her head in denial.

"Nothing new, aside from the obvious anxiety your dad has been feeling due to the opening of the new pizzeria. We haven't found anything," Charlie sighed, dissatisfied with the lack of progress since two years ago when Michael told her everything. They had tried everything, but they hadn't made any significant breakthroughs. There were no suspicious activities, not even a strand of hair that could indicate that William had done something wrong or was planning something evil. It was as if he was a saint, but they knew the truth. William was closer to being a demon.

It was at that moment that Henry came out of the pizzeria with three cans of Coca-Cola in his hands. Approaching the two pre-teens, he handed a can to each of them and opened his own.

"So, how was your day?" Henry asked, taking a sip from his soda can as the night unfolded around them, enveloping them in its mysterious atmosphere.

"The same old, dealing with annoying customers, doing cleaning and stuff like that. I told you, annoying customers," Michael replied with a laugh, which Henry promptly returned, turning to face Charlie. She simply shrugged and spoke:

"The same as always, except for the part about annoying customers. Today was actually a calm day," Charlie replied to her father, provoking murmurs from Michael about how he always ended up with the worst customers, which made the father-daughter duo laugh.

"Well, how about we take Michael home and call it a day? I think we all need some rest," Henry proposed when they reached the car. Immediately, the two friends agreed and got into the car, ready for a good night's sleep. The ride to the Afton's house was silent, with the darkness of the night enveloping them while city lights flickered along the way, but this silence was broken by Henry when he parked the car next to Michael's house.

"Well, have a good night, Michael," Henry said, smiling at the boy and extending his hand to him.

"Thank you, Uncle Henry. Likewise," Michael replied, shaking Henry's hand. Then, he turned to Charlie, who was waiting there with a warm smile and open arms. Without hesitation, Michael embraced his best friend in an affectionate hug, allowing himself to sink into that comforting feeling that only human warmth could provide. In that moment, time seemed to unfold, and those brief seconds of embrace felt like an eternity. And so, after that moment, Michael exited the car, smiling and waving to Henry and Charlie as they walked away together toward their own home.

Upon entering the house, Michael was greeted by the softly illuminated living room, with the television being the only thing that prevented the perpetual silence that permeated the space. His father wouldn't be in the living room at this hour; he would surely be in his office, as he always did. He would stay there until who knows what time, sometimes even sleeping there. So, it couldn't be him. Evan wouldn't be there either; he didn't enjoy watching TV much and spent most of his time in his room, immersed in his own thoughts. Michael didn't know why, but his brother seemed increasingly restless in recent weeks. He had asked about the reason, but Evan always said he was fine, even though Michael could clearly tell it was a lie. He just hoped Evan wasn't having problems at school again. Well, if it wasn't William or Evan, there could only be one person.

"Hey, Lizzie, what are you doing awake at this hour?" Michael asked, joining his 7-year-old sister on the couch. The room was immersed in semi-darkness, with only the faint light from the TV filling the space.

"I can't sleep, Mikey. Daddy keeps talking about Circus Baby Pizza World and how he made Circus Baby just for me. I really want to meet her," Lizzie replied, excitedly bouncing on the couch with a wide smile.

Michael loved his sister. She was definitely the most enthusiastic of the three, but for some reason, that statement sent shivers down his spine. He looked around, observing the shadows dancing on the walls, seemingly conspiring against him, adding a mysterious aura to the moment.

"Alright, Lizzie, just calm down a bit, okay? It's already late," Michael said to his sister, smiling at her, but she only made a pouting face. But soon after, she smiled back at her brother and snuggled up to him, seeking comfort in that familiar gesture. The living room was immersed in a soft twilight, with the TV acting as a guiding light in the darkness, and it remained that way until after a few minutes, Michael looked at his sister, who was already asleep, her angelic face illuminated by the gentle glow of the screen. A feeling of tenderness and protection filled Michael's heart. Carefully, he lifted Lizzie in his arms, feeling the lightness of her young body, and made his way towards her room.

Lizzie's room was enveloped in a calm and cozy atmosphere. The gentle light from a bedside lamp cast soft shadows on the walls, while silence filled the space. With gentleness, Michael placed Lizzie on her bed, tucking her in between the soft sheets. He leaned over her, gently stroking her golden hair.

Observing his sister's serene face, Michael smiled softly, feeling grateful to have her in his life. Finally, he stepped back, allowing her to rest in peace, as he himself headed to his own room, ready to surrender to much-deserved rest.

And so the routine continued: Michael would wake up early, prepare something for him and his siblings to eat, and wait outside the house until Henry and Charlie arrived to take him to Fredbear's. Since William usually left very early, even before Michael woke up, he would work for about 10 hours, always keeping a watchful eye on his father. At the end of the day, Henry would drive him back home. This routine repeated for two weeks until an opportunity arose.

Michael and Charlie were busy cleaning the tables when they noticed William walking down the corridor, which led to his office, holding a box in his arms. He glanced at them briefly before heading towards the parking lot. Michael and Charlie exchanged glances, sharing a feeling of curiosity, and decided to abandon their tasks to investigate William's office.

As they entered the room, they were greeted by boxes scattered everywhere, some already sealed and others open. William's office had a peculiar atmosphere, with the walls coated in a deep shade of dark purple.

"Let's split up; we don't have much time before your father comes back. How about we start with the boxes on the desk and the drawers?" Charlie suggested to Michael, who nodded in agreement. And so they began their search, rummaging through the boxes in search of clues.

Most of the things they found in the boxes seemed unimportant. They were just papers and common office supplies that William used. However, Michael heard Charlie calling him and approached her.

"Hey, Mikey, look at this," Charlie said, pointing to a paper that was inside one of the drawers. But it wasn't an ordinary paper. It was a detailed diagram of one of the Funtime animatronics, specifically Funtime Foxy.

"I've heard my dad talk about Funtime Foxy before. If I'm not mistaken, it's one of the main ones," Michael commented, studying the animatronic's diagram meticulously. But something caught his attention. "Voice synchronization and parental voice mimicry, variable scent release... What the heck does an animatronic need this for?" Michael asked, furrowing his brow in perplexity at the peculiar functionalities of Funtime Foxy.

"I don't know... Maybe..." Charlie began to say, but her words were abruptly interrupted when the office door swung open and William walked in.

Chapter Text

"What are you all doing here?" William asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion as he stared at his eldest son.

Michael froze, his face pale and eyes wide open. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he struggled to find the right words. Fear and uncertainty consumed him like a suffocating veil. What would he say to his father? They had been caught red-handed. Would it be the end? Would it be impossible to prove what his father had done? And worse, what would his father do to him and Charlie? William... he couldn't finish that thought. As he fought to regain his composure, Charlie took on the task of responding to William.

"Well, Dad said you were making some changes and asked us to come and help," Charlie replied, trying to maintain a confident expression and a smile on her face. But Michael, as he observed her, noticed how forced that smile was and the subtle signs of tension on her face, like her lips trembling slightly.

William remained silent, giving Charlie a knowing look, and then turned his gaze back to Michael with a penetrating stare. His eyes scanned every detail of their faces as if searching for answers in his son's features. Michael felt the weight of that gaze upon him, as if William could read all his secrets, doubts, and fears. Michael didn't avert his eyes; he couldn't. It was as if his father was waiting for a confession that he was doing something wrong. But he wasn't, right? Even though William was his father, he was still... a murderer. My God, Michael's head was spinning so much it felt like he was going to vomit.

"Well, thanks for the offer, but it's not necessary. You can go," William said abruptly, his voice laden with a strange mixture of suspicion and urgency. His countenance was unreadable, as if hiding a whirlwind of emotions behind that impassive mask.

As they hastily left the office, Michael felt his heart pounding irregularly in his chest. The sensation of panic still overwhelmed him, and with each step, it felt like the ground was moving beneath his feet. His pale and sweaty face, tense facial muscles, revealed the inner torment that consumed him.

Upon reaching the corridor, Charlie whispered with a trembling voice, "Well, at least it wasn't that bad." Charlie joked, smiling faintly, but her gaze quickly deepened into concern as she saw Michael's state.

Panic took hold of Michael as it occurred to him that the drawer with the Funtime Foxy schematics must still be open. His accelerated breathing and trembling hands were visible signs of his worry. His stomach churned in his guts, and a wave of nausea threatened to rise in his throat.

"But what about the drawer with the Funtime Foxy schematics? My dad will notice that we've been snooping, and then..." Michael spoke in panic, trying to control his breathing. His vision wouldn't stop spinning; it felt like he was going to vomit.

Charlie approached him, her face reflecting deep concern in her eyes. In a gentle gesture, she placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him and show that she was there for him. "Calm down, Michael. Breathe slowly, don't worry about it. I closed the drawer with my knee when your dad came in," she replied, trying to soothe his distress.

Anxiety tightened Michael's chest, making it difficult for him to breathe. His body trembled uncontrollably, and he felt fragile and helpless. Desperately, he sought physical support and leaned against the corridor wall, seeking a sense of security amidst the emotional chaos.

Charlie, with an expression of profound concern, remained by Michael's side. With tenderness, she enveloped him in a protective hug, placing her arm over his back, seeking to calm him down.

"Take deep breaths, Michael. You need to calm down. It's all right now," Charlie whispered, in a soft and reassuring tone.

Michael tried to follow Charlie's advice, resting his head on her shoulder as he took deep breaths and exhaled slowly. He closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing and trying to push away the distressing thoughts that haunted his mind. Gradually, he felt a slight improvement, a sense of calm settling within him.

As Michael still recovered from the panic attack, a feeling of relief washed over him as he realized he wasn't alone. With a timid gesture, he wrapped his arms around Charlie, embracing her with gratitude. They stayed embraced like that for several minutes, allowing peace to gradually take hold of their tormented hearts.

Finally, Michael composed himself, pulling away from Charlie's embrace with a shy smile on his lips. His eyes met hers, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, Charlie. I wouldn't know what to do without you," Michael thanked her, smiling softly.

"I'm here for that, Mikey," Charlie replied, returning a comforting smile to Michael as they walked towards the pizzeria's exit. However, Charlie's expression grew more serious, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. "But now I think we've stumbled upon something really important. Those schematics, and as you said, some functions of Funtime Foxy just don't make sense," she said, with a concerned expression on her face.

Michael sighed wearily, revealing his exhaustion. He knew they needed to discuss it, but he really didn't want to. After all, functions like voice synchronization and repetition of parents' voices and the release of variable smells were not normal things for an animatronic. And the only reason Michael could imagine was simply Disturbing: attraction. And, if Michael could guess, it was to attract children. However, he hoped it wasn't exactly what he feared. "Well, I have to agree. These functions of Funtime Foxy could only be for one thing," Michael began, his expressions showing a mix of apprehension and resignation.

"Attracting children," Charlie added, her face wrinkled with concern. It seemed they had reached the same conclusion.

"Exactly," Michael sighed, his expression becoming even heavier. If they were right and that was some mechanism to attract children, he deeply hoped it wasn't with the purpose of causing them harm. But if it was true, he couldn't really say he was surprised. In the past years, since his mother's institutionalization, he had witnessed how his father acted. It was as if he wore a mask in front of everyone, but Michael saw that mask fall on the day Sammy died. Michael simply didn't want to accept it, but now he had to face the truth, had to accept who his father really was. His distant gaze reflected the pain and sadness he was feeling.

They remained silent until they left the pizzeria. That's when Michael realized more time had passed than he thought. The sky was darker than he imagined, the first stars began to appear on the horizon. A quick glance at the clock indicated that it was already 9:27 PM. Henry had said he would leave at 9:30 PM, so he wouldn't take long to show up.

"Michael..." Charlie began, her voice soft and comforting interrupting the silence. He quickly looked back at Charlie, who was just two steps behind him. Then, she smiled gently at him and said, "I just want you to know that I'm here for whatever you need. After all, that's what friends are for." Charlie's wide smile lit up her face, conveying a genuine sense of support and solidarity.

"I know, thank you, Charlie. And know that I'm here for you too," Michael replied, returning the smile and putting an arm around Charlie's shoulders. His eyes conveyed gratitude for everything Charlie had already done for him. They stayed like that, side by side, until Henry finally left the pizzeria, which happened after a few minutes.

Michael and Charlie watched Henry bid farewell to the employees with a wave of his hand and walk towards the exit, balancing three cans of Coca-Cola in his hands. This small gesture had become a comforting habit in the past few weeks whenever they left the pizzeria together. Henry always made sure to bring the cold drinks for them.

With a weak and exhausted smile, Henry approached them and offered a can of Coca-Cola to each of them. The gleam in his eyes showed a mix of tiredness and gratitude for having Michael and Charlie by his side. "Let's go," he said, his voice heavy with fatigue. Michael and Charlie nodded and followed him towards the nearby yellow parked car.

As they walked towards the vehicle, a comfortable silence settled between them. The sound of footsteps echoed through the empty parking lot amidst the serene atmosphere of the night.

Inside the car, the silence persisted for a while as the three of them settled into their seats. Exhaustion weighed upon them like a veil, leaving little room for words. Henry broke the silence, sharing the news that he wouldn't have to work the next day as he would be involved in an important business meeting related to the expansion of Fazbear Entertainment. Michael and Charlie nodded in understanding, their eyes showing a mixture of relief and fatigue. It wouldn't hurt to indulge in some rest.

Henry's car drove through the city streets, with the streetlights casting a soft glow in the surroundings. The gentle sound of the engine echoed inside the vehicle as each of them got lost in their own thoughts. Michael looked out the window, observing the familiar landscapes quickly passing by like a blur. His face displayed both the expression of tiredness and the worry that haunted him from what happened earlier, but there was also a trace of determination in his eyes. Michael wouldn't give up.

Finally, Henry's car stopped in front of Michael's house. The fourteen-year-old boy stepped out, bidding farewell to the father-daughter duo as Henry drove off towards his own home, accompanied by Charlie.

Michael entered his house, closing the door behind him. A feeling of relief washed over him as he made his way to the couch, sinking into its soft upholstery. Turning on the TV, it emitted a gentle light that filled the living room with a cozy aura.

With the can of Coca-Cola by his side on the couch, Michael took a sip of what was left of the drink, allowing the refreshing and familiar taste to fill his mouth, bringing a brief respite to his exhaustion. Thoughts and worries began to slowly dissipate as he allowed himself to surrender to the tiredness that engulfed him.

Gradually, drowsiness embraced him like a gentle embrace. His body succumbed to exhaustion, and he surrendered to sleep in the comfort of the couch, with the TV still murmuring in the background. His face, now relaxed. In that moment, he found brief relief and tranquility in his well-deserved rest.

It was already morning, but Michael wouldn't have minded to keep sleeping. He still felt exhausted from the previous day when suddenly his eyes widened as he heard the deafening fire alarm and smelled the smoke in the air.

Michael sat up on the couch, still groggy, and looked around in panic. The hallway leading to the kitchen was enveloped in a dense curtain of smoke hanging from the ceiling. He then heard hurried and agitated footsteps, and soon Elizabeth appeared running and screaming.

Elizabeth? What's going on?" Michael asked, confused.

Elizabeth just stared at him for a moment before screaming and running off. "We're going to die!" Well, that was certainly a different way to wake him up.

"Wait, what did you say, Elizabeth? Elizabeth, wait!" Michael shouted after his sister, who had already disappeared down the hallway. He was about to follow her, but before he could, he heard another scream next to him as William rushed past, covered in ashes.

"Elizabeth, don't call the police! Elizabeth!" exclaimed William.

Michael watched as William passed by him and disappeared down the same corridor where Elizabeth had already disappeared, leaving him bewildered. What was happening? What the hell had happened while he was sleeping? And where was Evan?

He bit his lip, and quickly ran down the hallway towards the kitchen, coughing and squinting his eyes as the smoke grew thicker. The smell of burning grease and wood filled his throat and stung his eyes.

Waving his hands in the air, Michael entered the kitchen to see what was on fire. Immediately, he spotted something hanging on the stove. It looked like something was stuck between the burners, while a large flame spread towards the cabinets, releasing dense smoke.

"Oh, shit," muttered Michael. The situation was extremely dangerous. The fire was rapidly growing, threatening to consume the entire kitchen and put everyone in danger.

"Mikey, what do I do?" Evan asked as he appeared beside Michael, tightly clutching his stuffed Fredbear.

Michael jumped to the side, his eyes widening in alarm. His little brother was in the kitchen too, trembling in fear as he pointed at the fire.

"What are you doing here?! You'll get hurt!" Michael exclaimed, panicked, and guided Evan out of the kitchen.

"Go find Elizabeth. And don't come back to the kitchen, I'll take care of this," said Michael, squatting down to be at his brother's level.

"But what about you?" Evan asked, worried about his brother, squeezing Fredbear as tightly as possible.

"Go, Evan, I'll be fine," replied Michael, gently pushing him out of the kitchen and closing the door firmly, staggering back inside. The fire was intensifying, and the blaring alarm was starting to give him a headache.

With pressed lips, Michael looked determinedly at the flames. He needed to be strong for his siblings. With determination, he ran towards the cabinets, searching for something to extinguish the fire. Then, he spotted a red, metallic object. Stretching his arms, he pulled it out. It was a red fire extinguisher. Michael held it firmly, pointing the nozzle towards the spreading fire.

"How do I use this?" he thought, staring dumbly at the extinguisher and quickly checked the instructions.

"It seems easy enough, right?" Michael thought, holding the extinguisher tightly with one hand, keeping it against his body. With his other hand, he pulled the metal pin forcefully, leaving a red mark on his finger. Grimacing in pain, he shook his hand quickly and aimed the extinguisher at the fire, squeezing the trigger.

White foam spewed out, spreading across the cabinets and the stove. Michael continued holding the extinguisher for a moment, watching as the fire silently extinguished, and then released the trigger and nozzle.

He coughed a few times and set the extinguisher aside. The fire alarm still echoed as he looked at the mess in the kitchen. White foam residue covered the wall, mixed with black soot, while the smoke slowly dissipated from the room. It was at that moment that Michael heard a loud thud at the door.

Startled by the sudden loud noise, he quickly turned towards the door upon hearing his father's shout. "Michael! Open this damn door!"

The doorknob rattled as he could hear William's persistent pounding. He must have locked the door without realizing it. Michael walked towards the door and unlocked it, averting his gaze as it swung open, narrowly missing his arm, feeling William's burning gaze upon him, and quickly raised his eyes to meet his father's stern expression.

"Michael," said William, his voice filled with anger. Michael wasn't sure if that anger was directed at him or at the burning kitchen.

Michael trembled slightly but didn't respond, as William's gaze remained fixed on him for a moment before shifting and focusing on the stove. Michael followed William's gaze as he observed, with disgust, the charred appliances.

Michael felt a slight squeeze on his hand and, looking down, saw his brother looking up at him, holding Fredbear in his arms. "Are you hurt?" Evan asked, with a concerned expression on his face.

"Don't worry about me. But next time, don't go near the fire, okay? And where's Elizabeth? I told you to go to her," replied Michael, furrowing his brow as he examined Evan for any injuries. Fortunately, he seemed to be fine. Michael then turned his gaze towards the hallway.

Elizabeth was there, with a guilty expression on her face. She bit her lip, approaching restlessly, and headed towards the door while peeking inside, searching for William. His father simply stood there, staring at the stove and cleaning up the mess before grabbing something from there. It was a piece of dark, charred wood.

"My bow!" Elizabeth whimpered, running up to William and picking up the burnt wood remains. She squinted her eyes and furrowed her brow as she caressed what was left. Holding the piece of wood tightly, she looked at William, about to say something, but he quickly wiped his hands and interrupted her.

"I'll clean up the kitchen. It's a mess. All of you, get out of here," said William sternly.

Elizabeth stood frozen, a guilty expression on her face, before nodding and walking back towards the door. She looked at Michael, sighed, and shot him a guilty look before heading towards the living room, her head lowered.

Michael furrowed his brow at the sight. He wasn't sure what exactly had happened in the kitchen, but he would ask Elizabeth later. Maybe he should try to cheer her up a bit, Michael thought as he made his way to the living room.

"Mikey! Did Dad say anything to you? Is he mad? Please tell me he's not," exclaimed Elizabeth, who was sitting on the edge of the couch in panic as soon as she spotted Michael entering the room.

Michael shrugged and sat down on the couch. "Well, he didn't say anything, Lizzie, so I guess it's fine," he replied to his sister, who let out a relieved sigh. But Michael knew William was angry; he just hoped it wasn't directed at Elizabeth.

"By the way, why was the kitchen on fire?" Michael asked curiously, leaning back as he watched his brother playing with the stuffed Fredbear. Elizabeth pouted at the question but answered.

"You were sleeping and wouldn't wake up, so Dad went to make breakfast, and I wanted to help, but my bow got stuck on the stove. I was trying to get Dad's attention to help me, but he didn't hear, so I started screaming and ran out," explained Elizabeth, with a guilty expression. As she spoke, Michael gritted his teeth at William's negligence.

"So that's why you tried to call the police?" Michael asked, trying to calm himself down a bit. Elizabeth nodded and looked away, embarrassed.

However, Michael wasn't sincerely surprised by the answer. The bow was too big and would end up getting stuck on something, given how much Elizabeth liked to run. What irritated him the most was William's negligence.

"Are you hurt?" Michael asked, moving to examine her, looking around her head for any burn marks.

"No, but my bow is gone," sighed Elizabeth, picking up the burnt wood from the floor. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that there was no hope of saving it. It was completely charred and falling apart.

"Well, how about we go buy a new one for you?" suggested Michael, trying to cheer her up. He knew how much Elizabeth loved that bow.

Elizabeth looked at him, her eyes lighting up with a spark of hope. "Really? Are you serious?" she asked, with a radiant smile on her face.

"Of course, Lizzie. Let's find a brand new bow that's even better than the previous one," replied Michael, smiling gently. He wanted to see Elizabeth's happiness restored and would do what he could to help.

"Can I come too?" Evan, who was sitting on the other side of the couch, playing with Fredbear, asked timidly.

"Sure," replied Michael, smiling gently at his brother. Evan brightened up and smiled back, eager to join the adventure.

As soon as Michael quickly changed, the three excited siblings walked out the door, leaving William to take care of the kitchen. The radiant sun shone in the blue sky, enveloping them in its comforting warmth and lighting the path ahead. The streets were bustling with people coming and going, while cars passed by in a hurry.

As they walked, the siblings observed the hustle and bustle of the small town, enjoying the cheerful atmosphere and the details that made that walk special. The trees lined the sidewalks swayed gently in the breeze, creating a soft and pleasant melody.

The path to the toy store was filled with shops and colorful shop windows, displaying a variety of products that piqued everyone's curiosity. They passed by an ice cream parlor, catching the tempting aroma of fresh ice creams, and spotted a bookstore, where people flipped through books with expressions of enchantment.

"We're here," announced Michael as he opened the door of the store. As they entered, they were greeted by a friendly elderly lady, whose warm smile conveyed a sense of warmth. She went back to what she was doing, while Michael waved back with gratitude for her presence.

The eyes of the three siblings shimmered with excitement as they explored the shelves filled with toys. It was like stepping into a magical world, full of possibilities and fun.

Michael then spotted something that caught his attention on the higher shelves. Carefully, he picked up a bow and arrow set, made of wood like the previous one but slightly smaller and with rubber-tipped arrows, which would always be safer for Elizabeth.

"What do you think of this, Lizzie?" Michael asked, showing her the bow. Elizabeth brightened up, a huge smile appearing on her face. "It's perfect! Thank you, Mikey," she exclaimed, taking the bow eagerly. Michael couldn't help but let out a light laugh at his sister's contagious joy.

"And you, Evan? Don't you want anything?" Michael asked, turning to his brother.

Evan blinked in response, not expecting to receive something as well. Then Evan started exploring the nearby shelves, curious to find something that sparked his interest. His eyes lit up when he found a pair of walkie-talkies. With a radiant smile, he showed the packaging to Michael.

"That looks great," replied Michael, smiling. He took the package and headed to the lady to pay for the chosen toys.

"We only want these," said Michael, pointing to the two toys, while Elizabeth jumped excitedly by his side, showing her contagious happiness.

The woman informed the amount: "It's twelve dollars, young man." Michael promptly took out a bill and some coins from his pocket, paying for the toys. Then Elizabeth grabbed her new bow and ran out of the store, eager to test it.

As Michael followed behind Elizabeth, Evan pulled his hand, handing him one of the walkie-talkies.

"One for me and one for you," explained Evan with a sincere smile. Michael took the other walkie-talkie, smiling in response. He turned on the device and started talking, making Evan laugh and respond through the walkie-talkie. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, a few steps ahead, was completely engrossed with her new bow, playing and displaying her restored happiness. The siblings shared a moment of joy, expressing their feelings with smiles and laughter.

Days turned into weeks, and Michael continued with his routine, working at Fredbear's and dedicating time to take care of and play with his siblings and spending time with Charlie.

Then, finally, the day of the Circus Baby Pizza World grand opening arrived, a memorable event that would be etched in their memories forever.

Chapter Text

Finally, the day had come: the inauguration of Circus Baby Pizza World. It was supposed to be a fun day, but Michael had a feeling that something was not right. He wasn't sure why, maybe it was because of what he and Charlie had discovered about Funtime Foxy, or for any other reason his mind could invent. But one thing was certain, it wouldn't be a good day.

Deciding to push away the negative thoughts, Michael turned to the other side of the bed and stared at the clock. It was 6:45 in the morning, a little early even for him. But it didn't hurt to start the day early. Michael got up and decided to go to the window of his room to watch the sunrise. As the first rays of light appeared on the horizon, a palette of vibrant colors spread across the sky, painting it in shades of pink, orange, and gold. It was a magnificent spectacle that seemed to bring a brief moment of tranquility to Michael.

Michael stood there, mesmerized by the sunrise for about five minutes, and then he left the room and headed towards the bathroom. Upon entering, he faced his reflection in the mirror. He looked tired, with pronounced dark circles under his eyes, evidence of his sleepless nights. As he brushed his teeth, Michael let his thoughts wander about what was to come. He and Charlie had spent most of their time discussing and planning strategies to deal with whatever was going to happen today, but they had not reached a definitive conclusion yet.

Michael only knew that those creatures that would be at Circus Baby Pizza World were not normal. That's why he was determined to do everything possible to keep his siblings as far away from the Funtimes as possible. However, anxiety grew when he thought about Elizabeth, who was eager to see Circus Baby. A mixture of worry and apprehension settled in his chest. Luckily, William shared the same concern and also didn't want Elizabeth to get close to those animatronics.

When he finished brushing his teeth, Michael began to reflect on his conflicting feelings about this situation. On one hand, he wanted to keep Elizabeth away, fearing what those creatures were capable of. But on the other hand, if even William showed concern and caution, especially regarding Circus Baby, Michael didn't even want to imagine the dangers those animatronics could represent.

After completing his morning routine, Michael left the bathroom and headed to the kitchen.

Upon entering the spacious kitchen, Michael decided to start preparing breakfast. He went to the refrigerator, pulling the door open with a slight creak. Inside, he found a variety of ingredients, taking out what was necessary for the meal he was about to make.

As he skillfully cracked the eggs into a bowl, his acquired dexterity over the years was reflected in his precise movements. However, his serenity was momentarily interrupted by the calm and controlled footsteps that echoed in the room. Michael had become so familiar with the different footsteps of his family over time that he could identify each one of them. From Elizabeth's quick and excited steps to Evan's timid and curious ones, and of course, his father's calm and controlled steps. These sounds had become an indicator of what was to come.

While Michael finished cracking the eggs, William entered the kitchen. He stared at Michael for a few seconds before speaking, "When you're done, take the things to the living room. After we eat, we'll head to Circus Baby Pizza World."

This statement caught Michael a little by surprise, as the inauguration was scheduled for later in the afternoon. However, he shrugged, thinking that his father probably wanted to make some final adjustments before the event. At least that's what he hoped. Michael continued beating the eggs until they were evenly mixed, then he heated a frying pan on the stove. The gentle sound of sizzling oil, accompanied by the tempting aroma of bacon as it cooked, filled the room, becoming the only audible thing as William continued to watch Michael for a few seconds but soon left towards the living room.

While the bacon sizzled in the pan, Michael put some slices of bread to toast in the toaster. A discreet smile appeared on his lips, enjoying that brief moment of serenity and familiarity.

"Mikey, do you need any help?" Elizabeth asked, rushing into the kitchen and approaching to hug her brother, who welcomed her with open arms.

"If you want to help, why don't you keep an eye on the bread in the toaster? When it pops up, put it on the plates, alright?" Michael suggested, and Elizabeth nodded enthusiastically, running off to perform the assigned task.

When Michael and Elizabeth finished preparing breakfast, they carried the tray to the living room table, which was now filled with toast, eggs with bacon, and coffee for him and William, while Evan and Elizabeth enjoyed orange juice.

After enjoying the meal, which went smoothly with lively conversations between Evan and Elizabeth, with Michael occasionally joining in the conversations, William remained silent, withdrawn from everything around him. The four of them headed to William's car, feeling the comforting warmth of the sun caressing their faces as they listened to the sounds of nature around them.

As they spotted William's car parked at the entrance, gleaming under the sunlight, Michael settled into the backseat of the car, while Evan and Elizabeth sat beside him. William took the driver's seat, gripping the steering wheel firmly. As soon as William started the engine, the car's motor purred softly, filling the space with its gentle roar. The vehicle began to move slowly, gradually gaining speed. The road stretched out ahead of them, pointing the way to Circus Baby Pizza World.

As the car accelerated, William took the opportunity to explain the reason for leaving early: "We're going early because I want to do some revisions on the Funtimes, and the Emilys will be there when we arrive. So behave," exclaimed William, confirming Michael's suspicions. This information also made Michael a little more content, as it meant that Charlie would be there with him, providing a sense of security.

"And Daddy, when we get there, can I finally see Circus Baby, right?" Elizabeth asked eagerly to William.

"Elizabeth, I've already told you about that. The Funtime animatronics are going through experiments, so I don't want you three too close to them," explained William to Elizabeth, who visibly deflated, but it didn't stop her from trying again.

"But Dad..." Elizabeth began but couldn't continue.

"No 'buts,' Elizabeth. Enough of this conversation," William abruptly interrupted, cutting off the dialogue with his daughter and leaving her even more disheartened.

Michael honestly didn't know what to think about it. If what his father was saying was true, that the Funtimes weren't 100% safe, it was basically saying that the establishment shouldn't be opened. After all, children would be playing and interacting with those things in a few hours. But Michael didn't believe that his father would open Circus Baby Pizza World without being sure that everything was perfect. It simply wasn't his style to do so. That's what made Michael think that William was lying.

But why lie? Michael thought he knew the answer. He and Charlie had seen the schematics for Funtime Foxy, and if the other animatronics were similar, it made sense for William not to want his children near them. Well, at least that showed that he wasn't completely crazy. He just hoped to find out what those things really did before something bad happened.

As William and Elizabeth's conversation cooled down, Michael felt a tightness in his heart as he looked to the side and saw Elizabeth so disappointed. He approached his younger sister and wrapped his arm around her back. With a loving look, he gently stroked her back, silently conveying the message that he was there for her. Elizabeth nestled into Michael's embrace, finding some comfort in the reassuring presence of her older brother. They stayed like that until the car stopped in front of the restaurant.

As they got out of the car, Michael spotted Charlie and Henry in the distance. A smile lit up his face as their eyes met. It didn't take long for Charlie to notice his presence, and soon Henry did too, waving enthusiastically. William also waved back.

"Thank you for coming, Henry," William thanked when they finally got close enough to the Emilys.

"As if I would miss the opening of Circus Baby Pizza World, William," replied Henry, with a wide smile on his face, as everyone began to make their way towards the entrance of the establishment.

As they entered the venue, their eyes were immediately drawn to a table filled with plush toys of the Funtimes, displayed for sale. Elizabeth's excitement was palpable, and she couldn't contain herself, running over there and grabbing a miniature Circus Baby, with an expression of pure happiness on her face.

"Well, now I'm going to take Henry to help me with some things. Meanwhile, you can enjoy yourselves and do whatever you want, as long as you follow the rules I've established," said William, specifically looking at Elizabeth.

As William walked away with Henry, the four of them began to explore the space at their disposal. It was evident that this place had been carefully planned and decorated to delight visitors. Crossing the main entrance, they were greeted by a welcoming environment, where vibrant shades of pink and white predominated, creating a joyful and inviting atmosphere.

Moving forward, they passed by the kitchen, from where the irresistible aromas of freshly baked pizzas were already emanating. The sight of a small team working with agility and skill would only heighten anyone's expectations.

Then, they reached the first of the three available party rooms, which was filled with colorful elements, tables decorated with themed plates, and chairs adorned with images of Funtime Foxy and Funtime Freddy.

As Michael observed the environment, attentive to every detail of the place, his ears were surprised by Elizabeth's excited scream, as she ran towards the back of the room. His heart almost stopped for a moment when his eyes found two stages. One of them was empty, awaiting its attraction, which Michael was sure was Funtime Freddy. However, the other stage was occupied by Funtime Foxy in all its splendor.

Charlie noticed Michael's slightly surprised expression, along with the slight trembling of his hands. Then, with Michael by her side, Charlie held Evan's hand and led them towards Elizabeth.

As Michael, Charlie, and Evan approached Elizabeth, the girl's excitement was evident. She radiated joy in the presence of Funtime Foxy on stage. The animatronic shone with its vibrant colors and fluid movements, mesmerizing everyone around. It was then that Elizabeth, overcome by excitement, attempted to climb onto the stage. Quickly, Michael, with a concerned expression, hurriedly shouted to his sister, the first excuse he could think of to dissuade her: "Lizzie, it's better not to climb on the stage, it could disrupt its programming!"

He didn't care if it would really affect its programming if Elizabeth climbed up. The truth was that he saw two things when looking at Funtime Foxy: the first, what everyone would see - a child-friendly animatronic ready to entertain the audience. However, Michael also saw beyond that; he perceived the danger that Funtime Foxy represented. He knew more than most about the true nature of that animatronic, and it triggered a sense of threat in his mind. For that reason, he wouldn't allow his sister to get close.

Seeing Elizabeth's pouting face, Michael smiled and guided them to a nearby table, where they sat down. "So, what would you guys like to do?" Michael asked, addressing his younger siblings.

"Let's play hide-and-seek, it'll be fun!" Elizabeth exclaimed, jumping in her chair with excitement. Michael felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension about the idea, knowing that he couldn't keep an eye on them all the time. However, he decided to impose some rules to make things easier.

"That sounds great! What do you think, Charlie?" Michael asked the girl, who simply nodded with a smile, increasing Elizabeth's excitement.

"Awesome! So here's what we'll do: Charlie and I will seek you out, but you can only hide in this room, okay?" Michael established the rules, and his two siblings nodded.

And so, the game began. Charlie and Michael went towards a wall to start counting, while Evan and Elizabeth searched for their hiding spots. It didn't take long for Elizabeth to find a hidden spot under a table near the door, where she stayed until Charlie and Michael began searching, about three minutes later. None of them had been found yet.

Elizabeth decided to play a trick on them. She silently emerged from under the table and headed towards the door, with a mischievous smile on her face, watching Michael and Charlie find Evan. It would be so much fun to make them search for her in the room while she wasn't there. Laughing to herself, Elizabeth decided to explore the place a little more.

Her eyes were drawn to the Circus Baby plush, and she had an idea. It wouldn't hurt to take a look, Elizabeth thought, before running towards the nearest party room, which was on the left. An image of Circus Baby on the door indicated that it was the right place.

Upon entering the room, Elizabeth was amazed by the environment. The space was spacious and dazzling, with decorated tables, all following the clown animatronic theme. In the background, there it was: Circus Baby. The animatronic moved with mesmerizing grace, in perfect synchronization with the soft music echoing in the background, singing and dancing. Elizabeth felt completely absorbed by its stunning beauty, its captivating glow. It didn't make sense for her father to prevent her from seeing it; after all, Circus Baby had been created especially for her.

Cautiously, she approached, one step at a time, until she stood in front of Baby, her eyes fixed on the animatronic's eyes. "Hey, Baby, I'm Elizabeth, but you can call me Lizzie," Elizabeth said with an innocent and fascinated smile. It seemed like the animatronic had heard her call, interrupting its music and directing its gaze directly at Elizabeth. Then, a hatch opened in Baby's belly, revealing a claw holding an ice cream in front of Lizzie.

"You're truly amazing," Elizabeth said, reaching out to grab the ice cream. However, before she could grab it, another claw emerged from Baby's stomach and, with a swift motion, pierced Elizabeth's abdomen.

"What?" Elizabeth whispered, shocked and stunned, as the claw went through her stomach and pulled her inside the hatch, trapping her inside. She hoped it was just a passing nightmare, but upon touching her wound, she realized the terrible and painful reality.

"Help! Daddy, help! Mikey, someone, please!" Elizabeth pleaded for help, her expressions of anguish and despair etched on her face. However, no help came. No one was there to hear her cries of agony. It didn't take long for the deadly silence to set in. Elizabeth Afton was dead.

Chapter Text

After Michael and Charlie finished counting, they looked at each other with radiant smiles on their faces. That moment of relaxation was perfect for their weary souls, considering the challenging days they had faced together. Although Michael was a bit apprehensive about the chosen game, he couldn't help but silently thank for the opportunity to unwind that moment provided.

"Ready, Charlie?" Michael asked, his face brightened by a big smile. It had been so long since he allowed himself to feel like a carefree teenager, without the pressures of the adult world weighing on his shoulders. The only mission he had at that moment was to find his siblings in a simple game of hide-and-seek, and it was extremely liberating.

"Of course, Mikey, let's go!" Charlie replied excitedly, pulling her friend towards the tables near the main stage. Her smile was as radiant as Michael's, revealing the excitement shared by both of them.

In that space filled with decorated tables, they meticulously searched every corner, flipping curtains and exploring every nook where their younger siblings could be hiding. Although they hadn't explicitly mentioned it, both teenagers avoided getting close to the stage where FunTime Foxy rested while still following its normal programming.

However, as they searched the area, Michael caught a fleeting whisper coming from the right, filled with urgency and fear. For a moment, it almost went unnoticed, but his sharp attention noticed a small hand emerging from under a table, holding a Fredbear plush, a very familiar object to Michael. With light and cautious steps, he approached the table and crouched down to find his younger brother.

"Next time, be more careful with Fredbear, alright?" Michael said, softening his voice and curving his lips into an affectionate smile. Evan, although seeming a bit upset for being found so easily, couldn't resist his older brother's smile and returned it with tenderness.

"Looks like you found Evan," Charlie commented, sliding silently behind Michael. The sudden change caught him off guard, making him give a little jump of surprise and quickly turn to face Charlie. His heart was still racing, and a mix of relief and amusement spread across his face as he realized it was just his friend playing with him, and not something scarier.

"Next time, try not to scare me like that, okay?" Michael said, in a playful tone, seizing the opportunity to brush off the nervousness that had overwhelmed him seconds ago.

Charlie burst into contagious laughter, acknowledging the success of her prank. Evan, who had been there all along, couldn't contain his own laughter and joined in the fun, feeling relieved for being found and relieved for not being the last one to be discovered. After all, he simply didn't enjoy hiding for too long.

And so, Evan joined them in the search for Elizabeth, but so far they hadn't been successful. They had been searching the room for quite some time, maybe about 8 minutes, and there was no sign of her. Restlessness began to take hold of Michael, who felt increasingly scared and worried about Elizabeth's whereabouts. They had rummaged through every corner of the room repeatedly, including searching the FunTime Foxy stage, but she remained missing.

"Hey, Charlie, have you seen Lizzie?" Michael asked in a slightly desperate tone, as panic crept in with Elizabeth's disappearance. Charlie was on the other side of the room, next to Evan, engaged in the search, but it seemed they weren't having any luck.

"Not yet, Mikey!" Charlie replied loudly, her voice showing fatigue and the fear that was starting to accumulate. They had called her name several times, announcing that the game was over and that she had won, but still, Elizabeth showed no signs of appearing.

That's when William and Henry entered the room, the door creaking softly as it closed behind them. The dimness of the room contrasted with the look of confusion on William's face as he immediately noticed Elizabeth's absence. His eyes meticulously scanned every corner of the room, searching for any hint of her whereabouts.

"Where is Elizabeth?" William inquired when his piercing gaze fixed on Michael, who trembled slightly under the intensity of those eyes.

"We were playing hide-and-seek, and she just disappeared out of nowhere. We've been trying to call her several times, but she doesn't show up," Michael replied, his trembling voice echoing through the empty space. Fear for Elizabeth's absence and the look William was giving him began to settle in his chest, reflected in his wide eyes.

William didn't utter a word in response to Michael's nervous stumbling. The expression on his face revealed a mix of anxiety and anguish. Michael had never seen his father so shaken before. Even before all the tragedy that had shaken their lives, William had never shown such concern and despair. Without saying a word, William simply turned around and, with firm yet hurried steps, left through the slightly ajar door. Michael's timid pleas and Henry's inquisitive questions about his destination were ignored, lost in the emptiness of the room.

That day was supposed to be perfect, the ideal moment for William. It was the long-awaited opening day of Circus Baby Pizza World. Everything was meticulously prepared, every detail carefully planned. The FunTime animatronics were ready in every aspect, both for their normal programming to entertain children with their dances engaging and cheerful songs, as well as their dark purpose... killing. They were perfect creations, meticulously designed to attract, capture, and eliminate children. The excitement in William was uncontrollable as he recalled the sensation he felt when taking Sammy's life. The visions of that event, Sammy's screams and pleas, echoed in his mind like a chilling melody. That's why he decided to create the Funtime animatronics, intended to entertain the public but secretly prepared to kill their targets as brutally as possible, preserving the audio of their agonizing final moments as a perverse delight for William, fueling his insatiable thirst for cruelty. They were true remorseless assassins, devoid of any trace of remorse. However, Circus Baby, William's masterpiece, was the most lethal of them all. Her system was perfect, capable of assessing the environment around her, and if she detected a sufficiently isolated child, she would open a hatch. From there, an ice cream would emerge, an apparently innocent reward for the defenseless child in front of her. But when they least expected it, a deadly claw would emerge, piercing the victim's stomach and dragging them into her sinister belly. Baby was the perfect weapon for killing, leaving no trace. William made sure of it. Therefore, when Elizabeth began to be enchanted by the doll, a sense of apprehension took hold of William. He feared that his daughter could get hurt or, worse, die at the hands of the animatronic.

It didn't take long for William to reach his final destination: Baby's room. There she was, the animatronic, performing her usual programming of singing and dancing. Everything seemed perfectly normal until William spotted a small Baby plush toy lying on the floor, almost at the animatronic's feet. He immediately recognized that toy. He couldn't believe this was happening again. A mixture of sadness and despair flooded William, and tears started streaming down his face, silent witnesses to his pain and anguish. With a trembling voice, he approached Baby and uttered the words, "Follow me." The animatronic immediately ceased its activities, as if responding to an internal call, and began obediently following William to the backstage area. William had carefully implanted systems and commands that ensured all the Funtime animatronics obeyed his orders without question.

As soon as William passed through the curtains of the main stage, his eyes fixed on the clown animatronic. He knew what he would have to face when opening Circus Baby's hatch, but even so, it didn't help calm his nerves. Taking a deep breath, he pressed a small button hidden among the complex gears of Circus Baby, causing the hatch to slowly open, revealing a horrifying and macabre scene. There, before his tormented eyes, lay Elizabeth's mutilated body. William couldn't contain the flood of tears running down his face, a mixture of sadness, anguish, and guilt. His mind was filled with painful memories of Evelyn, his beloved wife, whose death had already left a deep wound in his heart. Now, the loss of his beloved daughter at the hands of his own monstrous creations was an unbearable burden.

William's pain was overwhelming. He blamed himself for every choice, every action that led him to this moment. There was no one else to blame but himself. Elizabeth had become a tragic victim of his obsessive quest for perfection and his sick desire to kill. Nothing could bring her back to life, and this cruel reality penetrated deep into his heart.

However, as William faced the death of his own daughter, a sinister sensation invaded his being. The internal flame, fueled by his insatiable thirst for blood, did not extinguish. On the contrary, it seemed to grow in intensity, setting his inner self ablaze with a sick desire. But at that moment, William paid no attention to this morbid thirst. All he wanted was to express his pain and despair. He screamed, releasing his agony into the dark environment of the room.

With trembling hands, William gently removed Elizabeth's lifeless body from inside the animatronic. It was as if emptiness and horror were reflected in his facial expression. The tormenting question persisted in his mind: how had she died? William knew the lethal nature of Circus Baby. Had Elizabeth lost so much blood that her body couldn't resist? Or maybe she had screamed for help so intensely that, in the end, she suffocated? Taking a deep sigh, William realized that these details no longer mattered. Nothing could change the fact that Elizabeth was dead. Now, he just wanted to stay there, on the cold floor of the room, holding his daughter's body as tears continued to bathe his face, expressing the deep sadness that inundated his being.

William remained there, immersed in profound grief, tears freely flowing down his face. He clutched Elizabeth's lifeless body with all his might, unable to accept the cruel reality that lay before him. For a brief moment, the whirlwind of emotions consuming him seemed to freeze, and his brain resumed functioning. In that instant, anguished questions arose about what he would do next. The option of revealing the truth was unthinkable, as it would result in his arrest, and that was a consequence he couldn't allow. There was only one alternative left: to solve that terrible problem on his own. The time had come to cease the tears for something that couldn't be changed.

With slow and careful movements, William stood up and gently placed Elizabeth's body on a nearby table. Sadness still reflected in his countenance, but now there was a dark determination in his gaze. He knew he needed to act. He began the arduous task of cleaning all the mess inside Circus Baby, removing any traces of the tragedy that had occurred there. Every movement was meticulous, every hint of blood or evidence was painstakingly erased. When he finally completed this desolate task, he closed Baby's hatch and left the place without even looking back. His destination now was the room where the others would be gathered.

Upon entering the room, sadness seemed to permeate the space. The four individuals were sitting on a bench, beaten down by the supposed "disappearance of Elizabeth." However, it was Michael who was in the worst state, his pallor so intense that he seemed on the verge of fainting, overwhelmed by a panic attack. Despite this, William showed no concern for the suffering of others, his expression remained impassive.

"William, did you find Elizabeth?" Henry asked as soon as William entered the room, a profound sadness displayed on his face, while comforting Michael, who remained seated by his side.

"No, she's nowhere to be found. Anyway, we need to leave. I discovered a gas leak in Baby's room. We'll have to postpone the opening," William replied. He was fully aware that his daughter's supposed disappearance was reason enough to delay the opening, but he desired a less suspicious excuse, something that wouldn't draw as much attention. A gas leak seemed to be the perfect and plausible justification.

An oppressive silence hung in the air, like an invisible weight suffocating any attempt at dialogue. No one dared to break that anguishing silence. Henry agreed with William's reasoning, expressing his agreement with a brief nod before they left the place. Although there was still an hour left until the opening, a crowd of people had already gathered outside. William simply ignored the commotion, walking towards his car, indifferent to the hopes and curiosity of the others.

Henry looked at William with a sympathetic expression and offered his support firmly, "If you find any information about Elizabeth or need any help, know that I'm by your side, William." William silently nodded as Henry left, accompanied by Charlie in his own vehicle.

The journey back home was enveloped in suffocating silence. Not even Evan and Michael dared to exchange words. When William parked in front of their residence, he issued a firm order, "You can get out." This simple sentence caused confusion in the two brothers, who sought to understand William's intentions.

"Aren't you coming in as well?" Evan whispered almost inaudibly, filled with uncertainty. William caught the words, even though whispered, and replied without hesitation.

"No. I have unfinished business to take care of," he stated firmly. The response seemed to satisfy Evan, who lowered his head, engulfed in profound sadness. However, Michael remained there, his accusatory gaze fixed on William, as if he knew he had some culpability in Elizabeth's death. Yet, it was impossible for Michael to be aware of it. He was just an innocent child, incapable of comprehending the complexity of events. These conflicting thoughts dissipated when Michael followed his brother, entering the house without casting a last glance back. William, determined to move forward, drove towards Circus Baby's Pizza World.

Upon arrival, he parked the car at the back of the restaurant and entered through the backstage, facing the darkness and oppressive silence. Now, in front of the most difficult challenge of all, lay the body of his beloved daughter.

With a mixture of sadness and care, William wrapped Elizabeth's body in a trash bag, taking the necessary time to ensure it was done with due respect. Before leaving, his gaze fell upon the doll Elizabeth had chosen, the Circus Baby doll. For some reason, that doll now carried an emotional significance. William picked it up and left, carrying with him the memory of his daughter's taste and choices.

It didn't take long to reach the planned location, a relatively nearby forest. It was a refuge forgotten by most, a peaceful sanctuary where nobody disturbed. William got out of the car with Elizabeth's body still wrapped in the bag, the Baby plushie, and a shovel. Each step echoed through the silent corners of the forest as he made his way deeper, guided by a mixture of determination and sorrow.

William found a small clearing, surrounded by tall trees, a serene place that seemed tailor-made for what he was about to do. With a heavy heart, William took Elizabeth out of the bag and gently laid her body on the ground, carefully choosing the spot. The tumultuous feelings in his chest felt suffocating, but he knew he had to fulfill this final act of love and farewell.

With trembling hands, he began to dig the ground, slowly, digging a hole deep enough to accommodate Elizabeth. Each scoop of earth felt like an eternity, a mixture of anguish and resignation. The hole he created wasn't perfect, but it was his final gift to her. With all the tenderness in the world, William placed Elizabeth in the grave, her fragile and lifeless body embraced by the cold earth.

Before covering the body, his eyes met the plushie Elizabeth cherished. In that moment, that doll gained even greater significance, representing the bond between them, a tangible reminder of the love they shared. William placed the plushie inside the grave, as a companion for his daughter in eternity, and then began to cover everything.

Each movement of earth felt like a silent farewell, a mute apology for what had happened. It took a considerable amount of time, but it was finally done. Elizabeth's body now rested in the silence and peace of the forest, protected by the tall trees that seemed to guard the secret.

Exhausted, William took a cigarette box out of his pocket, feeling the rough texture of the paper against his trembling fingers. His tired eyes found the lighter, whose glow provided a ray of light amidst the surrounding darkness. With resigned calmness, he opened the box and lit the cigarette, letting the bitter aroma invade his senses.

Finding a brief refuge next to an imposing tree, William leaned against its solid trunk, allowing the coldness of the wood to seep into his back. As he took drags from the cigarette, a dense mist formed around him, as if symbolizing the fog of sadness enveloping his soul.

The cigarette burned slowly between his fingers, the tendrils of smoke dancing around his weary face. Each drag was a brief moment of respite, a fleeting attempt to find some relief in the dense fog of his own torment. The minutes passed in silence, accompanied only by the crackling of the burning tobacco.

While smoking, his thoughts echoed in his mind. What should have been a perfect day, filled with happiness and expectations, had turned into a whirlwind of tragedy and despair. However, amidst it all, William found a kind of serenity. That miserable day had come to an end, even if it left indelible scars on his heart.

After smoking the cigarette to the end, William flicked the glowing tip to the ground, where it dissipated into small embers. With the sole of his shoe, he extinguished them, observing the trail of smoke dissipating into the air. Amidst a mixture of tumultuous thoughts, he walked towards his car, whose lights now illuminated the dark night.

William didn't know why, but an inexplicable force compelled him to return to Circus Baby's Pizza World. It was as if an invisible magnet drew him there. As he ventured into the somber backstage area again, where Baby remained motionless, a fog of uncertainty hung in his mind. Perhaps it would be wiser to give up the restaurant altogether, as William couldn't envision a future with it anymore. However, he couldn't simply discard the Funtime animatronics, as they were still his masterpieces. He just had to find a new purpose for them, a new way to give life to these creations.

Suddenly, a voice whispered to his right, "Daddy?" William jumped in place, his heart racing in response to the familiar call. It couldn't be possible. He had just buried Elizabeth. Was his sanity overwhelmed by grief and guilt?

That's when his eyes fixated on Circus Baby. She was powered on, glowing in soft colors, but something was different. The doll's eyes were no longer blue, but green. Green like the emeralds that sparkled in Elizabeth's eyes. A shiver ran down William's spine as he realized that his daughter's voice had emanated from that inanimate figure.

"Elizabeth?" William exclaimed, his voice trembling and filled with disbelief. His gaze locked onto those deep green eyes that Circus Baby now possessed, and a mixture of hope and fear filled his heart. The inexplicable was before him, defying logic and everything he had known until now.

Chapter Text

William's heart raced uncontrollably in his chest, threatening to escape at any moment. His eyes widened with disbelief at the absurd possibility of hearing Elizabeth's voice coming from Circus Baby. It was as if the world around him was slowing down, while he remained paralyzed, trying to comprehend the magnitude of that discovery.

"Daddy, is that really you?" Elizabeth's voice echoed again, enveloping the environment with a mix of emotions. William, now more aware, began to notice subtle details that had escaped his perception before. His daughter's voice did indeed emanate from inside Circus Baby, but the motionless lips of the animatronic defied all known logic. It was as if Elizabeth was trapped in a dark and distant place, struggling to break free.

With a choked voice, William replied, "Yes, my dear, it's me. Now don't worry about anything else, Elizabeth. Daddy will take care of you." His eyes met those of the animatronic, now glowing with an intense green light that seemed to be the ultimate proof that Elizabeth was somewhere inside. A wave of hope and fear swept through William's heart, mingling into a whirlwind of emotions.

William finally realized that with this new discovery, perhaps he didn't have to lose anyone else. He would do whatever it took to unravel the inexplicable connection between Elizabeth and Circus Baby, and he knew exactly where to start.

With one last look at the animatronic, William powered off Circus Baby. There was no objection or any communication from Elizabeth or the animatronic itself. Circus Baby simply shut down, leaving a heavy silence in the air.

Quickly, William exited through the back doors toward the parking lot. He had a lot to think about. What kind of connection existed between Circus Baby and Elizabeth? Had Elizabeth simply taken control of Circus Baby's artificial intelligence? Or was it possible that the AI and Elizabeth were sharing the same body? William was inclined to believe the second option. It didn't seem like Elizabeth was just alone in there; the sensation he had was that she was spiritually trapped inside Circus Baby. It seemed impossible, but considering everything he had witnessed in the past few minutes, William wouldn't doubt anything anymore.

As he left the establishment, William returned to the cold of the night. The chilly air enveloped his body, creating a sense of discomfort. Only a few dim lights illuminated the empty parking lot, casting elongated shadows from the parked cars. The darkness of the night and the oppressive silence heightened the atmosphere of mystery and tension that surrounded the place.

William got into his car and checked the clock: 2:47 in the early morning. The late hour of the night seemed to amplify the feeling that something sinister was unfolding. He knew he had time before dawn, so he decided to head towards Fredbear's.

It took only eight minutes of driving until William parked the car near Fredbear's. The place seemed even darker and more eerie in the silence of the night. The lights that used to illuminate the restaurant sign were turned off, leaving only the dark silhouette of the building in sight.

Approaching the building, William felt a shiver run down his spine. The atmosphere was shrouded in an almost tangible silence, interrupted only by the occasional whisper of the wind. The interior of the restaurant remained in shadow, with empty tables and stacked chairs, as if waiting for the arrival of a new day to come alive again.

Determined, William found a sizable stone on the ground and held it firmly in his hands. With a quick and precise motion, he hurled it against one of the restaurant's windows, triggering a sharp shattering that broke the silence of the night. The sound echoed through the air like a foreboding warning of his invasive presence.

The glass fragmented, creating a gap wide enough for William to pass through. He entered the premises, stepping carefully to avoid the shards scattered on the floor. The interior of Fredbear's was a mixture of darkness and faint glimpses of light. Shadows danced on the walls, increasing the sensation that he was not alone.

William knew the restaurant didn't have a night guard, as Henry had always considered it unnecessary. However, the presence of security cameras would make it difficult for anyone attempting to invade the place, but William wasn't just anyone. He remembered the strategic locations of the cameras and moved stealthily, staying out of their field of view.

As he traversed the space, William felt the weight of tension growing within him. Each shadow projected by the cameras seemed to twist, creating monstrous figures that appeared to follow him with empty and threatening gazes. With each step, his breathing became more rapid, and his heightened senses alerted him to any signs of imminent danger.

Finally, he reached his destination: the Prize Corner, where the Puppet's box resided. The room was engulfed in deep darkness, with only the faint light of a single bulb hanging from the ceiling, illuminating the confined space. The air in the room felt denser, as if it were imbued with malevolent energy.

William approached the box with extreme caution, feeling a growing anxiety within him. His steps were silent, almost imperceptible, as if he feared awakening something dormant. With trembling hands, he lifted the lid of the box, only to be confronted with emptiness. The feeling of disappointment mingled with the fear that already accompanied him.

Before he could react, his body was abruptly turned around, and he found himself face to face with the Puppet. A shock ran down his spine as his face contorted into an expression of terror.

"William Afton," a distorted voice, filled with pure hatred, emerged from the animatronic, ripping through the silence of the room. It was completely different from the smooth and childlike voice Puppet used to speak to children. William tried to step back, but Puppet's arm extended quickly, grabbing him by the neck and squeezing tightly.

"You will pay for what you've done," the distorted and hate-filled voice echoed again, filling the room with an oppressive presence. William's face showed panic and agony as he struggled to breathe under Puppet's relentless grip. His eyes met the bright eyes of the animatronic, whose abnormal glow emanated a supernatural and threatening aura.

With his last bit of strength, William managed to break free from Puppet's grasp and ran away, hearing the light footsteps of the animatronic behind him. Each step echoed through the empty corridor, intensifying the terror that dominated him. Fortunately, he was faster and jumped through the window without looking back, running towards the car.

It had never crossed William's mind that almost being killed by an animatronic would be part of his day, but at least now he was certain that Elizabeth wasn't an isolated case. A pure expression of happiness appeared on his face as disturbing thoughts and plans intertwined in his mind. He had a lot to think about.

Michael couldn't contain the guilt that consumed him since he arrived home with his brother. The atmosphere in the room was dense and heavy, as if the house itself reflected the sadness and anguish that hung over him. He couldn't sleep because he incessantly blamed himself for Elizabeth's disappearance. If only he had been more attentive, more protective, maybe this wouldn't have happened. The truth was that Michael was afraid of what had really happened to his sister. The dark thoughts and terrifying images that passed through his mind about Elizabeth's fate only made him cry even more, and he had shed countless tears since he arrived home.

It was around 5 a.m. when the echoes of the door slamming reverberated through the house, breaking the silence that enveloped Michael. William had returned, but the question persisted in his mind: where had he been? Still unable to find sleep, the young man decided it wouldn't hurt to investigate the situation. He got up from bed, feeling a shiver run down his spine, and ventured down the hallway towards the shadows of the house.

As he approached, a pungent smell of alcohol filled the air, a repulsive blend of bitter notes. His father, once again, had drowned himself in drink, and this sparked a wave of irritation in Michael. Instead of offering support and comfort to his children, William sought refuge in some distant bar, leaving them at the mercy of their own anxieties. Feeling a knot form in his stomach, Michael decided to leave when his drunken father's voice echoed through the room.

"Michael, come here!" William shouted, his voice slurred by alcohol, sounding distorted and slurred.

A chill ran down Michael's spine at hearing his name called in such a way. He hesitated to descend the stairs, but a sense of apprehension propelled him to confront his father. With hesitant steps, he approached, preparing for the worst.

William appeared disheveled, his clothes wrinkled and the smell of alcohol permeating his worn-out figure. When Michael sat on the couch, his father slowly turned, fixing his eyes on his son as if trying to see through his soul. After a prolonged silence that felt like an eternity, William spoke, his voice filled with strangeness: "Michael, do you believe in immortality?"

That question was completely unexpected, throwing Michael into a whirlwind of confusion and fear. Why on earth would his father ask him something so macabre? Still, Still, despite his hesitation, Michael responded, "Well, I guess it's a somewhat impossible concept."

William continued staring at the wall, immersed in dark thoughts. After what felt like an eternity of anguishing silence, he abruptly said, "Okay, you can go to your room." Then he headed towards the closet where he used to hide his alcohol bottles, arousing a sense of apprehension in Michael. Without waiting for more words, the young man rushed upstairs, his heart pounding in his chest, longing to find refuge in his room. He wasn't sure why his father had asked that disturbing question, but, to be honest with himself, he didn't want to know. Exhausted, he lay on his bed, hoping to find relief in a troubled sleep.

Those were the last thoughts echoing in Michael's mind before sleep finally enveloped him.

The next thing Michael knew, he was in Circus Baby Pizza World, but the place seemed dark and claustrophobic, with walls in somber tones and dusty floors. A putrid odor hung in the air, filling his nostrils with a sense of disgust. Before him, lying on the cold, dusty floor, was Elizabeth. Her empty eyes, devoid of any spark of life, seemed to stare directly into the darkness.

An overwhelming sense of dread engulfed Michael as he desperately tried to move his legs, but they seemed stuck to the floor as if they had been petrified. Anguished screams escaped his lips, echoing through the cold, cavernous walls. He pleaded in vain for it all to be just a terrible nightmare, but the sound of his own voice seemed distorted and muffled, as if swallowed by the surrounding shadows.

Suddenly, Elizabeth's lifeless eyes slowly opened, fixing on Michael with a vacant and malicious gaze. A macabre smile began to form on her pale, cracked lips, sending shivers down Michael's spine. It was a smile that didn't belong to his sister but to something sinister taking hold of her body.

"Michael... help me," Elizabeth whispered with a distorted voice, echoing throughout the room. Her tone was filled with pain and desperation, as if pleading for release from her dark fate.

Uncontrollable terror consumed Michael as he struggled to free himself from that inexplicable paralysis. Elizabeth's voice continued to echo in his mind, piercing his soul with unbearable anguish.

"Why did you let me die, Michael? Why couldn't you protect me?" the voice whispered, blending with the sound of his own tears streaming down his face.

Gradually, the environment around Michael began to distort and unravel, as if being swallowed by a voracious darkness. He squeezed his eyes shut, eagerly hoping to wake up and escape from that harrowing nightmare that seemed to last an eternity.

When he finally opened his eyes, Michael found himself lying in his bed, sweat covering his forehead as he gasped, trembling violently. The silence of the night surrounded him, but the terror of the nightmare still haunted him. He sat up quickly, hugging himself in an attempt to calm the tremors running through his body.

The memory of the nightmare remained vivid in his mind, the image of Elizabeth's macabre face engraved in his memory. He knew it wasn't real, but the fear persisted, corroding his mind like an indelible shadow.

Michael promised himself that he would do everything in his power to find his sister, no matter where she was, and protect her from any cruel fate that might befall her.

However, deep in his soul, he knew that the nightmare would never leave him completely. That tormenting voice, begging for help, would echo eternally in his thoughts, reminding him of the deep pain he carried within.

With sleep completely lost, Michael glanced at the clock: it was 8:30 in the morning. He decided to go downstairs, leaving behind the comforting embrace of his bed. As he reached the living room, it was illuminated by the light from the television, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. Restlessness mixed with his concern as he wondered if William would still be present. However, even with these macabre thoughts, Michael descended the stairs with determination, finding Evan sitting on the couch, completely engrossed in some program playing on TV.

"Good morning," Evan greeted as their gazes met. Michael approached and sat next to him on the couch, sharing a concerned look.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Michael inquired as he settled in, his eyes revealing the lingering anguish in his mind.

"I don't know... I'm scared. Where's Lizzie?" Evan's question didn't surprise Michael. It was evident that his brother also shared the worry for their missing sister. However, the lack of an answer to that question tormented Michael, intensifying his sense of powerlessness.

"I don't know, Evan, but I promise it will be okay," Michael affirmed, hoping his words could bring some comfort. He reached out, enveloping Evan in a hug, seeking solace and offering support. In that moment, they made a silent oath that they wouldn't let anything bad happen to them again. The question was how long that oath could stand.

Chapter Text

It was a sunny morning, something that was not typical for that time of year, it was November 23, 1983. The vibrant blue sky contrasted with the golden leaves dancing in the autumn breeze. It was Evan's birthday, a day that should be filled with smiles and celebrations, but Michael couldn't find true happiness in his heart. It was approximately four months after Elizabeth's disappearance that the devastating news of her officially being declared dead cast a shadow over Michael, a constant reminder that his sister would never return.

While the sun rays streaming through his bedroom window warmed his skin, Michael found himself surrounded by loved ones who tirelessly tried to bring some relief to his tormented soul. Charlie, Evan, and even Uncle Henry joined forces to cheer him up. Although Michael greatly appreciated this support, the guilt that consumed him was so dense that it seemed impossible to dissipate. Amidst this whirlwind of emotions, Michael began reliving the painful moments of the funeral day.

It was a gloomy day, marked by heavy clouds that obscured the sun. Elizabeth's funeral took place in a small chapel, whose wooden walls exuded an odor of age and sadness. Few people attended the ceremony, but to Michael, the quantity didn't matter. He found solace in the presence of those who truly mattered, even if they were few. The atmosphere was filled with a heavy silence, laden with emotions.

Elizabeth's body was never found, leaving behind a painful void and a palpable sense of absence in that farewell. The solitary casket, made of dark wood and adorned with white flowers, was slowly lowered into the damp earth, accompanied only by the silent lament of broken hearts and the memories shared by all those who loved her.

As Michael watched the scene with teary eyes, his gaze fixed on William, his own father. The man remained unaffected, his face showing no signs of emotional distress. This lack of sorrowful expression, mixed with the indifference that seemed to emanate from him, sparked a wave of indignation and frustration in Michael. How could his own father show no care for his daughter's life? It was as if Elizabeth's loss was just a passing inconvenience, an insignificant burden he preferred to ignore. At that moment, Michael felt estranged from the man who stood there, unable to recognize him as his true father.

Anger boiled in his chest, mixing with the sorrow and grief that consumed him. He struggled to understand how a father could be so indifferent in the face of such profound tragedy. Feeling abandoned and hurt, Michael made a silent promise to himself: he would not allow William's insensitive attitude to define him or prevent him from finding the peace he so desperately sought.

With a fiery determination reflected in his gaze, Michael vowed to Elizabeth that he would honor her memory and uncover the truth behind her disappearance. He pledged to unearth the dark secrets that surrounded that fateful day, not only in search of justice but also to prove that the unconditional love he held for his sister could never be extinguished or ignored.

As the soil fell onto the casket, the dark grains mingled with the sadness flooding Michael's heart. Each dull sound echoed in his mind as a constant reminder that the quest for truth and justice knows no bounds. Determined and driven by the promise made to Elizabeth, Michael walked away from the funeral site with steady and resolute steps. He was prepared to face any obstacle that came his way, determined to bring forth the hidden truth and find the peace he so yearned for.

Immersed in a solemn silence, Michael lay on his bed, his eyes fixed on the white ceiling reflecting his inner turmoil. The room, bathed in the soft morning light, emanated an atmosphere of fragile tranquility, contrasting with the storm of thoughts tormenting Michael's mind. Each breath was accompanied by a mix of anxiety and determination as he relived the countless failed attempts to unravel the enigma surrounding his sister's tragedy.

The chilling possibility of William being involved in Elizabeth's death shrouded Michael in unease. If that dark thought were true, it would explain the impassive expression devoid of emotion that William displayed during the funeral. It was as if an indifferent coldness permeated his face, casting doubts and suspicions on his true nature. Furthermore, the absence of any footage from the security cameras around Circus Baby Pizza World, where everything had happened, added an additional layer of uncertainty and discomfort to Michael's mind.

However, since that fateful day, Michael had never returned to that place haunted by dark memories. Circus Baby Pizza World remained closed, its doors locked, and its corridors abandoned. But William did not abandon the Funtimes and decided to give them a new purpose. Thus, Circus Baby Entertainment and Rental emerged, a company that promised fun and entertainment for birthday parties and special events.

William's new venture was different from Circus Baby Pizza World. Now, the Funtimes were available for rent. It was a curious and appealing proposition; after all, who wouldn't want to have these animated creatures at their party? Rumors of the success of Circus Baby Entertainment and Rental quickly spread throughout the town, and people of all ages marveled at the idea of having a unique and memorable experience.

However, for Michael, there was something unsettling about this new endeavor. While the rest of the town was enchanted by the opportunity to interact with the Funtimes, he couldn't ignore the feeling that something was amiss. It was as if the shadows of the past persisted in the dark corners of Circus Baby Entertainment and Rental, ready to emerge at any moment and capture him once and for all. Even without understanding exactly what was wrong, Michael felt the need to investigate further and uncover the truth behind this new facade of joy, but he didn't really have anything to start with, so he filed it away in the back of his mind.

Realizing it was already late and he was still tangled in the covers, Michael finally decided to get up. With a sleepy yawn, he left his bed and shuffled to the bathroom, feeling the cold floor beneath his bare feet. As he stared at his reflection in the foggy mirror, he couldn't help but notice how the past two years hadn't been very kind to him. The features on his face were more defined, and he could see his height increased, no longer feeling as small next to his father. It was a small consolation amidst the haunting memories that plagued him.

His blue eyes were something he had always been proud of. After all, they said he had his father's eyes. In the past, it was a compliment he received with joy, a connection to his father that filled him with pride. But nowadays, when he heard it, it was more of a curse. Michael's blue eyes now bore the weariness of recent times. Dark circles adorned his eyes, showing the sleepless nights. He let out a resigned sigh and decided it was time to pull himself together.

He brushed his teeth vigorously, seeking renewal, and combed his tousled hair before leaving the bathroom and heading to the living room. Upon entering the room, he found his brother sitting on the couch, surrounded by a crowd of stuffed animals. The TV played some random program in the background, but Michael was more interested in ensuring his brother had a special birthday.

"Hey, Evan, happy birthday!" Michael spoke the words with a genuine smile as he approached his brother, who promptly returned it with an illuminated smile.

"Thank you, Mikey!" Evan exclaimed, embracing him enthusiastically as he sat down next to him on the couch.

"Are you excited about your party?" Michael asked, his eyes expressing a mixture of curiosity and concern. Evan shrugged, causing a soft sigh to escape Michael's lips. They had decided to have the party at Fredbear's, but Evan still felt some discomfort regarding the animatronics, even though he now owned all the franchise's plushies except for one of Spring Bonnie.

"Don't worry, okay? I'm sure everything will go well," Michael said, tenderly stroking his brother's hair. Since the tragic loss of Elizabeth, they had grown closer than ever. They found comfort and support in each other, a refuge in the midst of the darkness that surrounded them.

They remained on the couch for a few minutes, enjoying each other's company, until a small rumble escaped Evan's belly, causing him to let out a shy giggle. "Are you hungry? How about I check what we have to eat?" Michael suggested, seeing the excitement gleaming in his brother's eyes, like a flicker of hope.

"Sounds great, Mikey. I'll set the table while you see what's available," Evan promptly responded as they both made their way to the kitchen. As Michael opened the refrigerator, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. As expected, there was only frozen pizza and water. It was a sad habit, a monotonous meal routine. William didn't bother to vary their meals, supposedly for the sake of convenience and speed. And Michael didn't always have the money to go to the supermarket on his own. The money he earned during the summer barely covered his basic needs.

With a resigned sigh, he took out a pizza box and placed it in the microwave, while Evan took care of setting the table. The microwave beep echoed through the kitchen, indicating that the meal was ready. Michael carefully removed the pizza and placed it on the table. It wasn't a dream breakfast, but it was what they had available, and both knew they had to move forward with what they had.

They ate in a comfortable silence, savoring breakfast in the peaceful atmosphere of the sunny kitchen. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the table where the two brothers shared that special moment.

It was in this setting that Michael decided to break the silence. "Where's Dad?" he inquired, although he already knew practically what the answer would be.

"He left early again," Evan replied with a saddened expression. In recent times, William had adopted this routine, leaving before dawn around 6 a.m. and returning only in the darkest hours of the night. There were many times when he came back home visibly intoxicated, bringing a cloud of irritation to Michael.

Michael sighed, understanding his brother's sadness, and decided to change the course of the conversation. "Do you want to know what I bought for you?" he asked, seeking to bring a sparkle of excitement to Evan's eyes.

The question immediately made Evan's face light up. "Yes, yes!" he exclaimed, barely containing his enthusiasm. A radiant smile crossed his face as Michael laughed, returning shortly with a small package carefully held in his hands.

"Here you go. I hope you like it," Michael said, handing the package to his brother, who wasted no time and eagerly tore the wrapping paper. His eyes sparkled with joy as he found the long-desired Spring Bonnie plush, completing Evan's collection.

"Now you have the complete collection," Michael joked as he stroked his brother's hair, sharing his contagious joy. Evan smiled, displaying a mixture of gratitude and excitement, and eagerly ran to the living room to show his new acquisition to the other plush toys.

Michael followed him and joined him in the fun, watching Evan happily play with his stuffed companions while he relaxed on the couch, turning on the TV to watch a lighthearted show. Time passed pleasantly as they immersed themselves in that moment of fraternal complicity.

Then, after hours of play and laughter, the sound of a car horn echoed from outside, interrupting the tranquility of the afternoon.

With a quick movement, Michael and Evan got up from the couch and hurriedly headed towards the door. As they opened it, they were greeted by Henry's shiny yellow car patiently waiting for them. Michael, who already suspected that William wouldn't take them to Fredbear's and probably wouldn't even show up there, had called Charlie the day before, asking her and her father to pick them up.

As soon as Henry spotted them, he waved warmly for them to get in the vehicle, a gesture they promptly followed. "Hey, boys! Happy birthday, Evan," Henry said, gently ruffling the younger one's hair before smiling and returning to the driver's seat.

"Hey, Mikey, Evan. Happy birthday, Evan!" exclaimed Charlie, radiating an infectious smile as she greeted the youngest. Immediately, she engaged in an animated conversation with him, causing Michael to lose himself in his own thoughts.

While Charlie entertained Evan with her words and charming facial expressions, Michael felt his heart beating rapidly in his chest. He couldn't contain his smile as he witnessed the happiness reflected on her face, her hair gracefully dancing in the wind. Her eyes sparkled with unparalleled determination, a characteristic he had always admired in her personality. However, something had changed within him. Michael realized that what connected them went beyond admiration and friendship.

With each shared conversation, each exchanged laugh, and each moment of connection, Michael became aware that his feelings were transforming. The way Charlie expressed herself, with her sharp intelligence and the warm smile she always offered him in times of greatest need, made his heart oscillate between joy and anxiety. He felt irresistibly drawn to Charlie's vibrant and authentic personality, to how she understood him even when words failed.

"Hey, are you listening, Mikey?" Charlie asked, interrupting Michael's daydreaming as his gaze was lost on the horizon.

"Sorry, I was distracted," Michael replied, letting out a shy laugh as he was caught in the act of drifting away.

Charlie chuckled softly, her eyes shining with curiosity, and said, "I was just asking if you're excited about Evan's party. I think it's going to be amazing!"

"Well, I think it's going to be fun, for sure," Michael replied, smiling broadly. A glimmer of anticipation radiated from his eyes, reflecting the excitement pulsing in his heart. The journey continued, the three friends engaging in lively conversations while Henry occasionally interjected with his own observations and funny stories. With each shared laugh, the excitement for the party grew with every minute.

Finally, the car stopped in front of the imposing facade of Fredbear's. The golden light of the evening bathed the place, creating a magical atmosphere. Henry, with a satisfied smile, stepped out of the car and looked surprised at Evan's state as he emerged from the vehicle. Understanding immediately the source of the boy's concern, Henry crouched down gently to be at his eye level.

"Hey, you don't have to be afraid, Evan," Henry said tenderly, his eyes conveying a sincere promise. "They won't hurt you, I promise. We'll be here with you, okay?"

Evan timidly nodded, his lips forming a small smile of relief. The weight in his heart seemed to slowly dissipate, giving way to a flicker of renewed confidence. With Henry by his side, he felt a little braver.

With excited steps, the quartet entered Fredbear's, greeted by an explosion of colors and joy. The venue was beautifully decorated for Evan's party. Multicolored balloons floated in the air, while the tables displayed festive decorations and an array of tempting sweets. On the main stage, Fredbear came to life, singing lively songs and performing choreographed movements, while Freddy, Bonnie, and Chica occupied the secondary stage near the enigmatic Pirate Cove, where Foxy rested on the opposite side of the room.

Time passed slowly as the party unfolded with joy and enthusiasm. The hall was filled with excited children, vibrant colors, and contagious laughter. The atmosphere was permeated with a mix of festive music and the tantalizing aroma of sweets spread across the tables.

Henry approached Charlie and Michael, who were sitting at a nearby table along with Evan and his few friends. With a concerned expression, he caught the attention of the two teenagers.

"Hey, Charlie, Michael, could you help me here quickly?" Henry requested, appearing next to them with a sense of urgency.

Instinctively, both nodded, captivated by the seriousness on his face, and followed Henry towards the parts and services area. In the corner of the space, Spring Bonnie rested, seeming out of place. Charlie couldn't help but ask:

"Why is Spring Bonnie here and not on stage, Dad?" Charlie asked, a curious expression on her face.

Henry sighed briefly, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders before sharing all the details of the situation with the two curious youths. He began to describe in detail the intricate mechanisms of the springlock suits, while their expressions oscillated between admiration and fear.

"The springlock suits have a complex metal endoskeleton that extends from the head to the legs. A precise metal crank allows the tensioning of the springs that divide the suit vertically in half. That's how a person can fit inside it and use it to entertain the children. However, if the springs come loose while someone is inside the suit, the situation can become extremely dangerous," Henry explained, choosing his words carefully to convey the gravity of the matter.

"This morning, an accident occurred with the springs. Fortunately, no one was injured, but now they are loose. It's crucial that I put them back in place to ensure the proper functioning of the animatronic," Henry explained, conveying the importance of the situation.

Michael and Charlie absorbed the information with a mixture of fascination and apprehension. Their eyes widened, reflecting their understanding of the dangerous nature of the springlock suits. A tangible sense of imminent risk hung in the air. Despite this, they didn't hesitate to offer their help, aware of the urgency of the situation.

In the blink of an eye, they were immersed in the task of repairing Spring Bonnie. Minutes passed quickly, but something seemed to be wrong. The screams that had been echoing from the party for some time grew louder, filled with an unusual distress. A sense of apprehension overtook the three of them as they continued their frantic work.

Suddenly, the door swung open violently, revealing a visibly panicked employee. He approached Henry in a state of agitation and despair.

"Mr. Emily, some kids are trying to put the birthday boy inside Fredbear's mouth!" the employee reported, his trembling voice laden with urgency.

The eyes of the three widened in shock and terror at the gravity of the situation. Michael, driven by a protective instinct, didn't think twice and ran towards the main area of the party. His heart pounded, his mind filled with images of imminent danger.

When Michael arrived in the main room, what he saw before his eyes left him paralyzed with horror. Evan had his head trapped in Fredbear's mouth, a terrifying scene that made his heart race even faster.

Henry's words echoed in his mind: "If someone is inside the suit and the springs come loose, the situation can become dangerous." Fear and anguish overcame him, but his determination propelled him to act immediately.

In an instant, the springs came loose and Fredbear bit down... Evan lay on the ground, his eyes wide with shock and terror, while Michael found himself suspended in the air, his arm trapped in Fredbear's mouth, facing unimaginable agony.

Chapter Text

Evan was having a great time on his birthday! The party venue was filled with colorful balloons and bright lights, creating a festive atmosphere. The hall was decorated with flags and themed ornaments, adding a special touch to the celebration. Children were running and laughing, filling the space with their joyful voices.

However, it had been a long time since Evan had such a cool birthday. He recalled when he was only 4 years old, but his memories of that time were a bit confusing. He knew it was incredibly fun, but he also felt a pang of sadness when remembering his mother. She was still with them back then, and he missed her greatly. It was as if a piece of his heart was missing.

Time seemed to have passed too quickly since then. Evan reflected on how everything changed when his mother fell ill. Now, she was far away from them, in the hospital, and his father didn't allow them to visit her. This painful separation made Evan miss her even more, as well as Elizabeth, his sister. It felt like their family was slowly falling apart, and now there were only him, Michael, and their father. These thoughts left Evan feeling sad, and tears began to silently roll down his face.

At that moment, a black-haired girl beside him noticed the sadness on his face and approached with a compassionate expression. "Hey, Evan, are you okay?" she asked gently.

Evan just nodded, trying to disguise his pain as he wiped the tears from his face. "I'm fine, Cassidy," he replied with a choked voice, attempting to put a smile on his face to comfort his friend. However, it was hard to hide the overwhelming sadness he felt.

Evan didn't have many friends. He was a lonely boy who preferred to spend time alone, accompanied only by his teddy bear. There was nothing wrong with that, right? But this year was different. He had finally made some true friendships, like Cassidy, a kind black-haired girl, and Fritz, a boy full of energy and always ready to have fun. Having two friends was more than Evan had ever had in his life, and it made him very happy. However, he knew that happiness didn't always last forever, and a sense of apprehension began to infiltrate his heart.

Evan noticed out of the corner of his eye as the boys, wearing masks of the animatronics Freddy, Bonnie, and Chica, approached stealthily. A chill ran down his spine, as he knew very well who they were and what they were capable of.

"Hey, look, it's the birthday boy," said Freddy Bully, dragging the words unpleasantly, his face twisted into a malicious smile. Bonnie Bully, on the other hand, forcefully dropped his hand on Evan's shoulder, causing him to sink into the chair with a mixture of physical pain and fear.

"You're quite quiet, making the party dull," taunted Bonnie Bully, relishing in Evan's discomfort. Chica Bully chuckled mockingly at the boy's frightened expression, as if the sight of his tears was entertaining in itself.

Evan struggled to hold back the tears, but it was in vain. They began to stream down his face, revealing his vulnerability. "Hey, look, the boy is already crying, and we haven't even done anything yet," mocked Bonnie Bully, inciting laughter from the others.

However, the intervention of Cassidy and Fritz brought a glimmer of hope. Both gritted their teeth and bravely confronted the bullies, making it clear that they did not find humor in the older kids' cruel "pranks." Ignoring them, Freddy Bully smirked maliciously as he had a wicked idea.

"What did you say?" he asked, feigning innocence as he brought his face closer to Evan before continuing. "Hey, guys, I think he wants to give a big kiss to old Fredbear. What do you say we help him with that?" His derisive laughter echoed through the room as, with Bonnie Bully's assistance, he lifted Evan into the air and began to walk slowly towards the stage.

Cassidy and Fritz, though doing their best to stop them, were just 9-year-old children facing 16 and 17-year-old teenagers. Feelings of helplessness and frustration mixed on their faces as they struggled against injustice and the desire to protect their friend.

Everyone in the room watched the scene in horror, but no one seemed to take any action to stop the bullies. Their gazes expressed disapproval and concern, but fear seemed to paralyze them all. The space around the stage seemed to become more claustrophobic as the bullies approached, intensifying the sense of oppression.

Finally, Evan found himself face to face with the gigantic figure of Fredbear, the imposing animatronic that dominated the stage. The boy trembled uncontrollably, his tears mixing with sweat on his face. The bullies laughed cruelly, relishing in Evan's suffering and ignoring the protest cries from Cassidy, Fritz, and some staff members who knew the dangers of the Springlocks. Their laughter echoed through the room, muffling any other sound.

Evan continued to cry desperately as he was placed in Fredbear's mouth. Fear consumed him; he didn't want to go through with it. A sinister noise, resembling a creak, was heard from the animatronic, and before Evan could comprehend what was happening, two deafening sounds reverberated through the environment. His body was violently thrown to the ground, his head forcefully hitting the stage, while the sound of bones breaking filled the air as Michael's arm got caught in Fredbear's mouth.

Chaos erupted immediately. The bullies recoiled in horror, their terror-stricken faces visible behind the masks. Adults ran frantically, doing their best to help, while others hurried to call an ambulance. Scared children screamed as they saw blood dripping from the animatronic's mouth, witnessing the horrifying scene.

Michael could barely feel anything beyond the pain. It was overwhelming, as if his connection to the brain had been severed. Black spots invaded his vision, distorting his perception of time and space. He had a vague awareness that his feet weren't touching the ground, as he was suspended in the air, captured by Fredbear's powerful jaws.

The haze in his mind suddenly dissipated, revealing a painful lucidity. Every sound around him was amplified, invading his head as the pain intensified in his arm, radiating from the elbow to the hand. Nausea hit him violently, and he wished he could fall to the ground and vomit or even tear off his own arm in the hope of relieving the unbearable agony. But he was trapped, suspended helplessly above the ground, while people struggled to free him.

Someone desperately tried to pry open the bear's mouth, to no avail, only increasing the excruciating pain. Beside him, a tearful voice frantically asked how he was, but he was unable to respond. His thoughts slipped away as unconsciousness loomed, but before succumbing to oblivion, a lucid thought passed through his mind: he had saved his brother.

Evan managed to sit up, feeling blood running from a cut on his head where he had hit the ground. He was in shock, his eyes fixed on his brother. Time seemed to have accelerated, everything happening in a frenzied blur. Cassidy and Fritz rushed over, along with adults trying to help. Cassidy asked with desperation if he was okay, and he could only nod, unable to look away from Michael.

The scene around Michael was a mess, with adults and staff crowding around him. Uncle Henry arrived with Charlie, who was crying uncontrollably, while trying to talk to Michael, whose face was extremely pale, increasing everyone's fear. While Henry struggled in vain to open Fredbear's mouth.

Finally, with a muffled thud, the animatronic's mouth opened, releasing Michael, who was already unconscious. The adults surrounded him, checking his pulse and breathing, as an ambulance approached at high speed.

The sound of sirens echoed in the air, announcing the arrival of the paramedics. They quickly took control of the situation, placing Michael on a stretcher and moving efficiently to stabilize him. Evan approached slowly, his heart filled with worry, but he was gently pushed away by the paramedics.

"Please stay back, young man. We'll take care of him," one of the paramedics said kindly as they took him to the ambulance.

Evan stood still, watching helplessly as his brother was taken away, a mix of fear and hope flooding his thoughts. He silently prayed for Michael to be okay, for all of this to have been worth it.

The soft morning light streaming through the curtains gently illuminated the quiet hospital room, creating a serene atmosphere. Michael gradually emerged from the fog of unconsciousness, his mind still enveloped in the remnants of the administered medications.

While his vision adjusted to the surroundings, he recognized the familiarity of the white ceiling above and the constant, gentle beep of the heart monitor beside him, indicating his presence in the hospital. Gradually, the fog in his mind began to dissipate, and reality became clear to Michael. He had succeeded; he had saved Evan. Now, he wouldn't have to face the loss of another loved one. With this realization, a faint smile curved his lips, mingling relief and gratitude.

However, when Michael tried to sit up in bed, bracing himself with his arms, a wave of shock and terror ran through his being. His eyes widened as he came face to face with his right arm, wrapped in bandages and dressings. Only then did the true magnitude of what had happened hit him: his arm, from the elbow down, was no longer there.

Uncontrollable tears escaped his eyes, bearing witness to the intensity of the emotions flooding over him. It was only when the door opened that he gathered the strength to compose himself and turn his gaze towards the entrance, finding Charlie and Evan entering the room.

Both of them widened their eyes upon seeing Michael awake in that hospital room illuminated by the soft light of dawn. Quickly, Charlie rushed over to him, followed closely by Evan, embracing him gently so as not to cause pain. "I was so afraid you wouldn't wake up, I couldn't lose you too, Mikey," Charlie sobbed, her eyes welling up, resting her head on Michael's shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay, I'm here," Michael whispered, seeking to comfort Charlie. A slight smile formed on her face, bringing some relief to both of them.

Charlie looked at his arm and tried to speak, but Michael gently interrupted her. "I'll be fine, Charlie, I promise. We'll get through this together," Michael said, conveying confidence and determination. Michael's comment made Charlie smile, appreciating her friend's positivity as she let out a tearful laugh.

"You're an idiot, but that's why I like you. I'll go find a doctor, okay? I swear I'll be back soon," Charlie said before hurrying towards the door to seek medical help. Michael blushed slightly at Charlie's words and watched Evan.

"Hey, how are you feeling, Evan?" Michael asked carefully, concerned about the young boy's emotional state. Evan shrugged, not looking directly at Michael, and walked to the edge of the bed, lost in his own thoughts.

Without getting a response from Evan, Michael decided to continue the conversation. "Does Dad know I'm in the hospital?" he asked, knowing the answer was obvious. It was a strange question, but considering William's behavior, Michael wouldn't doubt anything.

"Yes, he... he said I'm a useless coward, that I'm guilty of you being here because you had to save me," Evan spoke with a choked voice, tears welling up, making Michael grit his teeth in anger. There was the reason for Evan's emotional turmoil. Michael couldn't believe the cruel words William had uttered. His father truly had no compassion.

"Hey, I'm fine, you see? Everything's going to be okay," Michael affirmed, reaching out his left arm to gently stroke Evan's back, who finally turned to face him. Evan, still crying, approached and stood by Michael's side.

"But what about your arm? How are you going to live normally?" Evan asked, concerned, his emotions running high. The closeness between the two allowed Evan to better grasp the reality of the situation.

"We'll overcome this. And whenever I need help, I know I can count on you," Michael said, caressing the younger boy's hair. Evan couldn't help but smile slightly, feeling comforted by Michael's words. However, the door to the room opened again as Charlie returned, accompanied by a doctor and Henry, bringing a breath of hope to the tense atmosphere.

The doctor walked with firm steps toward Michael's bed, crossing the room illuminated by a soft ceiling light. He reached for the clipboard attached to the side of the bed and began flipping through the records as Michael's scrutinizing gaze followed him.

"How are you feeling, young man?" the doctor asked with a serene expression, conveying empathy through his compassionate eyes. He awaited Michael's response, attentively observing every movement of the patient.

"Doing okay, I guess," Michael replied in a calm tone but with a glimpse of uneasiness in his gaze. The doctor put the clipboard back in place and turned fully to face Michael, showing genuine interest.

Well, we have analyzed your case. You should be discharged in two days, but you will have to take some daily medication for a while," the doctor explained with a soothing and reassuring voice. Michael nodded solemnly, absorbing the doctor's words, and a faint smile of relief formed on his face, acknowledging the good news.

The doctor returned the smile with a friendly gesture before leaving the room, granting a moment of privacy to the three who remained with Michael.

Henry looked at Michael with determination, aware that there was something important he needed to share. He spoke sincerely, knowing that his words could bring comfort or evoke strong emotions.

"Well, I know there must be a lot to talk about with Michael, but I wanted to say something to him first, alone," announced Henry, his gaze conveying respect and consideration. Charlie and Evan understood Henry's request and nodded, leaving the room with gentle steps, closing the door behind them.

Michael focused his attention entirely on Henry, his face revealing a mix of anxiety and hope. He couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to be revealed.

"How long was I out, Henry?" Michael asked, his voice filled with apprehension. His eyes locked onto Henry's, seeking answers.

Henry took a deep breath, preparing to share the information he knew would impact Michael. He responded calmly but with a touch of concern in his facial expression.

"Almost a day and a half," revealed Henry, his words echoing in the room. The extended time of absence affected Michael, sending shivers down his spine as a sense of discomfort settled in his body.

"Well, I'll get straight to the point, Michael. I felt somewhat guilty about everything. If the Springlock animatronics weren't so dangerous, you wouldn't have ended up like this," sighed Henry, sitting beside Michael, his countenance expressing genuine remorse and concern.

Michael directed his gaze to Henry, surprised by the man's words. His eyes shimmered with determination, conveying the courage and resolve that resided within him. He responded, with conviction in his voice, "Hey, if anyone is to blame, Henry, it's me. I was the one who ran to save Evan. I would do it again, even if the outcome were the same." Michael's words reverberated through the room, revealing his unwavering bravery and devotion.

Henry smiled, deeply touched by the young man's bravery in the face of adverse circumstances. "Well, that's not all I wanted to mention. Actually, I believe I can be of great help in this matter." He pointed to the empty space where Michael's arm should be, revealing his intention to assist. At that moment, Michael felt a spark of hope and joy invade his chest, illuminating his countenance.

"What do you mean?" Michael asked, locking his intense gaze onto Henry, as a glimmer of hope ignited in his eyes, eager to hear more.

"Well, it may take some time, as you need to be fully recovered, but, Michael, I can create a prosthetic for you," revealed Henry, with resilient confidence shining through his smile.

Michael's eyes widened in a mix of surprise, gratitude, and renewed hope. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. With tears of joy starting to well up in his eyes, he nodded to Henry, unable to find words to express his profound gratitude and emotion. In that moment, the belief that everything would be okay grew stronger in his heart, flooding him with a fresh dose of optimism and confidence.

Meanwhile, in a distant location, a impeccably dressed man in an elegant suit descended in an elevator with determined steps. Suddenly, the elevator came to a sudden halt, but he didn't move an inch. Without wasting time, he retrieved a badge from his pocket and displayed it to the security camera next to the door.

"Welcome back, Mr. Afton," echoed a robotic voice, announcing his arrival. The elevator doors opened, revealing the imposing facilities of Circus Baby Entertainment and Rental. Without hesitation, William entered the environment, which exuded a dark and mysterious atmosphere.

William made his way through the corridors of the facility until he entered a room where chaos seemed to reign, with objects disarrayed and scattered everywhere. However, his attention was immediately drawn to a single table, where a small black disc solemnly rested.

A sinister smile formed on William's face as he fixed his gaze on the disc. It was as if that small piece were the key to his darkest plans. "Soon, you will be ready," he whispered, revealing the cruelty in his expression. "And then, Evan will have his punishment," he added, his lips curling into a wicked smile that revealed his anticipated satisfaction.

Chapter Text

Evan was beaming with happiness today, his face radiating an infectious smile. He had just gotten out of the hospital, where he had spent precious hours at Michael's side. Tomorrow, finally, Michael would come home, and Evan looked forward to it, hoping that everything would return to normal, as it was before. The anticipation filled every fiber of his being, propelling him forward with unbridled joy.

"It's been a long time since I've seen you this happy, Evan," Henry said with an affectionate smile as he drove toward the Afton home. The scenery passed quickly by the car window, the buildings and trees creating a blur of colors and shapes.

Evan smiled shyly, feeling a comforting warmth in his chest. His eyes sparkled with excitement and relief, while his facial expression overflowed with gratitude and restrained happiness. "It's just that Mikey's getting out of the hospital tomorrow, so I'm kind of bursting with happiness," he replied to the elder, expressing his restrained joy. His tone of voice was laden with anticipation, almost trembling with excitement.

Henry nodded understandingly, sharing Evan's excitement. He had been a real support to Evan since Michael had been hospitalized. Henry's eyes met Evan's in the rearview mirror, conveying comfort and understanding. Henry had now always picked up Evan and Charlie from school and taken them to the hospital to visit Michael. And now, gently, he was driving Evan back home. Normally, Charlie would accompany them, but she decided to stay longer with Michael at the hospital. It took some effort to convince Henry to agree, but he eventually relented, allowing Charlie to stay a little longer while he drove Evan back home.

The car ride was silent, but it was a comforting silence, filled with anticipation and gratitude. The sound of the tires against the asphalt created a gentle melody, lulling Evan's thoughts. He stared out the window, watching the familiar streets unfold before his eyes. Each corner and lamppost were familiar landmarks on his journey home.

After a few minutes, Henry's car finally pulled up in front of the Afton house. Evan felt a chill run down his spine, a mixture of anxiety and unease settling in. He thanked Henry with a shy nod. The sun was setting over the horizon, painting the sky with golden and orange hues, as Evan headed for the front door, his heart pounding hard in his chest.

With slow steps, Evan began to approach the house. He felt a knot in his stomach, reluctant to enter, knowing that only he and his father would be home. However, he knew it was necessary to face this reality. As he opened the door, his eyes immediately met William's, sitting on the couch, engrossed in something playing on TV.

Evan and William's gazes met, and a momentary tension filled the room. Evan could feel his father's imposing presence, but also a sense of unease. He decided to keep a neutral expression, hiding the conflicting emotions that simmered inside him.

"Where have you been? What took you so long?" It only took one glare from William for Evan to crumble right there, feeling small and intimidated by that expression of discontent.

"I went to see Mikey at the hospital," Evan replied with his head down, unable to face his father's eyes that were still staring at him intensely, making him shiver involuntarily.

Evan only heard William mumble something so low that he couldn't understand it, but he still couldn't help but shiver even more. Feeling a mixture of fear and sadness, he ran to his room, wishing to be as far away as possible from his father's oppressive presence.

Successfully managing to get away from his father, Evan felt a gradual relief take over his being. He decided that playing for a while would be a great way to pass the time and distract his tired mind. Carefully, he opened the closet and took out the stuffed Foxy, joining his friends Bonnie and Chica, who were stored in a box also in the closet. With his arms full of soft plush, Evan crossed the room, his soft footsteps filling the silence, until he reached the bed where Fredbear, Freddy and Spring Bonnie lay.

With delicacy and meticulous attention to detail, he arranged the stuffed animals sitting on the floor in front of him, creating a small wheel of stuffed friends. He then sat down in the middle of them, his face lit up with a fond, beaming smile. "Hey guys, I'm back," Evan said enthusiastically, even though he knew he would get no response. The mere presence of the toys brought a gentle relief to the tension he was feeling, as if he was surrounded by a family that fully understood him.

Excitement brimmed in Evan's voice as he shared wonderful news with his faithful stuffed friends. "Finally, Mikey is coming home tomorrow!" The joy in his words was contagious, lighting up his face with a hopeful expression. He firmly believed that his brother's return would be the key to bringing joy back into his life, as if the sun was about to rise after a long dark night. This prospect filled Evan's day with a special glow, renewing his hope that everything would be okay again.

But amidst the excitement, Evan noticed something strange about Fredbear's eyes. They looked different, a subtle change that escaped immediate comprehension. Intrigued, he frowned, but decided to ignore that uncomfortable feeling as something he simply hadn't noticed before. He didn't want to let anything spoil his moment of joy and fun. So he continued playing with his stuffed friends, letting himself get caught up in the imaginary stories he was creating himself.

Time passed quickly, and Evan only noticed when the clock struck 9 pm, casting a soft glow in the darkened room. A soft rumbling echoed from his stomach, reminding him of his need to satisfy his hunger. Resolved, Evan rose carefully, leaving his stuffed friends carefully settled on the bed. 

All the bedrooms in the house were on the second floor, but Evan's room was the farthest, requiring him to choose between the two doors in his room. The door on the right led to the hallway, where he would pass Mikey's room. The door on the left would lead him to Lizzie's old room, a now empty space that evoked feelings of nostalgia and loss. Both paths led to the same destination: Dad's bedroom and office, and the stairs leading to the living room and kitchen on the other side. 

With slow, careful steps, Evan made his way through the door on the right, gliding smoothly across the polished wooden floor. Every creak of the floorboards was like a symphony of tension, echoing in his ears and making his heart race. He froze at each sound, his body tense, making sure his father didn't hear him.

Evan knew it would be a long way to walk to the kitchen, but he was determined not to draw his father's attention. Each step was calculated and silent, as if he were walking on eggshells. He crept through the shadows, using the dark corners of the house as his ally.

The atmosphere of the house seemed tense, as if the objects themselves whispered their fear. Evan felt a tightness in his chest, a mixture of fear and urgency as he moved stealthily. His eyes were alert, scanning every corner for any sign of his father.

However, all his efforts were in vain when, as he reached the end of the corridor and descended the stairs, his eyes found William sitting on the sofa. Evan's heart seemed to leap out of his chest, and a shiver ran down his spine. His father had seen him, and he knew it was not a favorable situation.

Fear spread through every fiber of his being as cold sweat trickled down his face. What would William do now? Before he could articulate any words, the silence was broken by his father's voice: "Don't sleep late, it's important to be rested for tomorrow."

Surprise overtook Evan as he had expected any reaction but this one. It was as if his father's words were a relieving breath amidst the chaos. But there was something in the tone of William's voice, a mysterious undertone that made Evan uneasy. He decided to take advantage of his father's rare kindness, turning away from the living room and toward the kitchen, unfortunately Evan didn't notice the mischievous smile that played across William's lips as he turned away.

Hurrying into the small kitchen, Evan hurried to the refrigerator, whose doors creaked slightly as they were opened. He found a limited selection of food: boxes of frozen pizza stacked on one of the shelves, a few bottles of fresh water and some canned items on the lower shelves. The cold sheen of the fridge's metal contrasted with the little variety of food available.

Closing the fridge carefully, Evan shifted his gaze to the marble countertop. His eyes found a cloth bag, containing a few wrapped slices of bread. The bag was a little crumpled, indicating that it had been put there hastily. Evan opened the bag eagerly and with trembling hands, he took two slices, feeling the soft texture of the bread between his fingers. Each bite was a relief to his hunger and a feeling of satisfaction coursed through his body.

With his stomach satiated, Evan carefully closed the bag of bread, putting it away again on the countertop. He felt grateful to have found this little treasure, even if it was only bread. Feeling comforted and refreshed, he turned his attention to the room again.

With William still present in the room, Evan felt himself beginning to tense, but this time it was as if his father preferred to ignore his presence, leaving him to hurry up the stairs, seeking refuge in the comfort of his room. Each step he climbed echoed down the hallway, the wood creaking under his hurried feet.

As he reached his room, the sense of relief intensified. Evan felt welcomed and safe within that space that was his refuge. The room was plunged into dimness, with the light from the lamp casting comforting shadows on the walls. He walked carefully around the room, placing his stuffed friends in their proper places. Fredbear and Freddy occupied a cozy corner on the bed, while Spring Bonnie was carefully placed on the bedside table, within reach of his hand.

With a sigh of weariness and contentment, Evan decided to finally lie down on the bed. Maybe taking his father's advice wasn't such a bad idea after all. His body sank into the soft sheets, as his mind gave itself over to drowsiness. Feeling enveloped by love and the presence of his beloved stuffed toys, he drifted off into the world of dreams, not even imagining the turbulence and chaos that was yet to come that night.

The alarm clock went off at exactly midnight, rousing Evan from a deep sleep. The shrill sound took him by surprise, making his heart race inside his chest. The room was plunged into a dense, oppressive darkness, the shadows dancing on the walls like sinister creatures. Evan felt a shiver run down his spine, an inexplicable feeling of unease pushing him to get out of bed.

Shivering slightly, Evan rose from the bed, his feet touching the cold floor. The uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty accompanied him as he clutched Fredbear tightly in his right hand. With trembling steps, he made his way to the door on the left, his panting breath echoing in the silence of the night. But before he reached the door, his feet accidentally collided with an object and he came across a lantern lying on the floor.

The disconcerting presence of the flashlight in the room perplexed him, as he had no recollection of leaving it there. Evan picked it up, feeling a chill run down his spine as apprehension grew. He reached out a trembling hand to turn the handle of the left-hand door, but an inexplicable sense of unease paralyzed him. Something seemed to whisper in his subconscious, warning him not to open that door. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to push away his fears and uncertainties, and leaned in to listen through the door. Utter silence was the only answer, but it echoed in his ears like an ominous whisper.

It took a few minutes for Evan to gather enough courage to open the door. The corridor stretched out in front of him, plunged into darkness, challenging his limited vision. With the flashlight on, he illuminated the path, revealing the shadowy details of the empty corridor. Each step was a challenge, a battle against the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. His rapid breathing echoed in the silence, adding a distressing sound to the tense atmosphere.

Swallowing dryly, Evan closed the bedroom door carefully, wishing he had a key to lock it and keep that terror from the outside world at bay. He felt small and vulnerable in that oppressive darkness. With slow, hesitant steps, he turned back to the bedroom, casting furtive glances at the closet as he walked. There was his Foxy plush, serenely propped against the wall. Evan felt a momentary relief at the sight of her, a sense of familiarity amidst the confusion and fear that consumed him. He quickly closed the closet door, silently pleading that this was all just a passing nightmare and that he would wake up in his bed, as he always did.

However, the creeping feeling that something was wrong persisted, leaving Evan with the anguish of not knowing what awaited him beyond that room and what was happening in the darkness of the night.Shivering slightly, Evan rose from the bed, his feet touching the cold floor. The uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty accompanied him as he clutched Fredbear tightly in his right hand. With trembling steps, he made his way to the door on the left, his panting breath echoing in the silence of the night. But before he reached the door, his feet accidentally collided with an object and he came across a lantern lying on the floor.

The disconcerting presence of the flashlight in the room perplexed him, as he had no recollection of leaving it there. Evan picked it up, feeling a chill run down his spine as apprehension grew. He reached out a trembling hand to turn the handle of the left-hand door, but an inexplicable sense of unease paralyzed him. Something seemed to whisper in his subconscious, warning him not to open that door. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to push away his fears and uncertainties, and leaned in to listen through the door. Utter silence was the only answer, but it echoed in his ears like an ominous whisper.

It took a few minutes for Evan to gather enough courage to open the door. The corridor stretched out in front of him, plunged into darkness, challenging his limited vision. With the flashlight on, he illuminated the path, revealing the shadowy details of the empty corridor. Each step was a challenge, a battle against the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. His rapid breathing echoed in the silence, adding a distressing sound to the tense atmosphere.

Swallowing dryly, Evan closed the bedroom door carefully, wishing he had a key to lock it and keep that terror from the outside world at bay. He felt small and vulnerable in that oppressive darkness. With slow, hesitant steps, he turned back to the bedroom, casting furtive glances at the closet as he walked. There was his Foxy plush, serenely propped against the wall. Evan felt a momentary relief at the sight of her, a sense of familiarity amidst the confusion and fear that consumed him. He quickly closed the closet door, silently pleading that this was all just a passing nightmare and that he would wake up in his bed, as he always did.

However, the creeping feeling that something was wrong persisted, leaving Evan with the anguish of not knowing what awaited him beyond that room and what was happening in the darkness of the night.

With his heart clenched and his mind gripped by fear, Evan slowly approached the door on his right, cold sweat dripping down his forehead. Each step was a struggle against the unease that consumed him. He felt a wave of anguish run through his body as he turned the knob, hoping to find some explanation for it all. But, to his disappointment, nothing but the oppressive void revealed itself in front of him. The feeling of being watched plagued him, but he tried to convince himself that it was just his overactive imagination.

With a relieved sigh, Evan turned to return to the safety of his bed, but a fleeting movement atop it captured his attention. His whole body shook with fear, muscles tense and eyes wide with terror. Breathing raggedly, he lifted the shaky lantern, its beam of light revealing a shadowy, brown, toothy figure that quickly disappeared beneath the furniture. Tears flooded his eyes, a sob of despair escaping his throat. That terrifying moment couldn't be real, it was just a frightening nightmare that haunted him. He repeated to himself that monsters did not exist in real life, but doubt persisted in his facial expression, a mixture of fear and disbelief.

As he tried to calm himself, Evan turned his gaze to the bed again, finding only the eerie emptiness that seemed to engulf him. An anxious breath escaped his lips, he didn't realize he was holding his breath, as if the very environment around him was sucking his vitality. Determined to overcome his fear, Evan decided to move on, knowing that sleep had already been lost to him. With silent steps, he returned to the door on the left, his ears alert for any sound that might escape from there. However, the silence persisted, encouraging him to open the door. As he did so, his body was seized by violent tremors as he caught a glimpse of something dark and menacing at the end of the corridor, a sight that sent shivers through his entire being. 

Trying to convince himself that it was just his mind playing tricks on him, Evan hurriedly switched on the flashlight, a faint light amidst the darkness that engulfed him. His racing heart hammered in his chest, terrified at the image his eyes met. It was Bonnie, but in a twisted and macabre form, full of sharp teeth that seemed ready to devour him. The terror stamped on her face was a reflection of the anguish Evan felt, her facial expression contorted in despair and helplessness. In one swift motion, Evan slammed the door shut, tears streaming from his eyes like a torrent of despair. He refused to believe this was real, searching in the hope that it was just another passing nightmare, like all the others. Still, his fingers remained firmly gripped on the doorknob, as if his life depended on it.

Paralyzed for several minutes, Evan finally decided to turn his gaze to the bedroom. His bed remained empty, but the clock on the wall ticked relentlessly at 2am, a constant reminder of the relentless time passing. He let go of the doorknob, feeling a mixture of relief and urgency. The feeling that something terrible was about to happen enveloped him like an ominous shadow. In an instant of pure survival instinct, Evan ran towards the other door, as if every second more in that place could consume him. After making sure that silence reigned behind the door, he cautiously opened it, the light of the flashlight revealing an empty and disturbing corridor. A relieved sigh escaped his lips, the tension momentarily easing. Carefully, he closed the door once more, as if sealing a dark secret inside that room. However, as he turned around, his heart nearly leapt out of his chest as he came across the other door ajar, and a metallic hand reaching out towards him, as if to grab his soul.

In a desperate move, Evan rushed to close the door, but his reaction was not quick enough. The door swung open, revealing Nightmare Bonnie, whose lips sported a twisted, malicious smile, as if she knew the torments that haunted Evan's thoughts. The monster's presence was like a scourge on his mind, torturing him with fear and insecurity. With faltering steps, Evan retreated towards the bed, his uncontrolled crying echoing through the room like a mournful melody of despair as the nightmare relentlessly approached, its macabre presence filling the air with a nauseating odor of anguish. His face was pale and contorted with terror, his facial expressions reflecting the unspeakable suffering he was facing at that moment.

Unable to contain his dread, Evan threw himself on the bed, cowering helplessly at the monster's proximity. His body shook uncontrollably, while tears streamed down his face, expressing his terror and despair. His wide eyes reflected the fear that dominated his mind, his eyebrows furrowed and his mouth ajar in a mixture of anguish and supplication. Her voice, choked with sobs, desperately begged Nightmare Bonnie to go away, for that twisted, malevolent figure to disappear from her field of vision.

A dark, chilling laugh echoed from Nightmare Bonnie's lips, filling the room with an eerie atmosphere. Her eyes shone with a malevolent glint, the twisted smile on her lips revealing her satisfaction at Evan's torment. Evan's face was contorted in an expression of absolute terror, his features showing the agony and vulnerability that consumed him. The tears in his eyes streamed down his face in the oppressive darkness.

Evan continued to cling to the covers, as if seeking refuge and protection from the shadows that surrounded him. His fingers trembled as he clung desperately to the fabrics, as if they were his only connection to reality. His face contorted with anguish, tears wetting his pillow as he fought the terror that gripped his mind.

Then a distorted, chilling voice whispered in his ear "We'll never leave, little boy". The voice whispered with an ominous tone sending chills throughout his body, a dark promise that echoed in his mind like an eternal echo. Evan simply squeezed his eyes shut even tighter, trying to abstract himself from the terror around him, but it was as if the darkness had found a haven in his soul. 

Hours seemed to drag on, every second an eternity of fear and agony. Evan remained curled up in his bed, his eyes clenched tightly shut, trying to shield himself from the darkness that surrounded him. His body continued to shake, his hands clutching the covers so tightly that his fingers were beginning to go numb. Each beat of his heart resounded in his ears like a deafening drum, matching the rhythm of his anxiety and fear. His thoughts swirled in a whirlwind of emotions, unable to find a way out of this nightmare. Then finally after endless hours, exhaustion and terror overwhelmed him completely and Evan fell asleep.

Chapter Text

That morning, when Evan woke up, the sun had already started its daily journey, painting the sky with soft colors that spread into the room through the windows of the corridor. The first rays of the sun were invading the room, creating a welcoming atmosphere that contrasted with the darkness and fear that had previously dominated the space during the night.

Evan awoke slowly, his mind still numb from the vivid memories of last night. The images of the tormenting nightmares flooded his mind, and fear again settled in his chest, making him shiver uncontrollably. He hesitated to open his eyes, fearing that Nightmare Bonnie might come back to haunt him as soon as daylight revealed itself.

However, the boy knew he could not hide forever. Gathering his courage, he forced himself to face the real world, opening his eyes slowly. As he did so, he was faced with an empty room, with no trace of the nightmares that had troubled him during the night. A relieved sigh escaped his lips, and he felt grateful to realize that it all seemed to have been just a disturbing dream created by his own mind.

With hesitant steps, Evan rose from the bed, feeling the cold floor beneath his bare feet. The furniture and toys in the children's room now looked less daunting in the daylight, bringing a sense of relief to the boy as he made his way towards the bathroom.

In the bathroom, the sound of running water filled the room, and the mirror reflected Evan's worried face as he washed his face and brushed his teeth. The cold water brought a sense of relief and awakening, but his mind was still pervaded with the disturbing images of the nightmares. He tried to push the distressing memories away, but they seemed to resist, as if they wanted to remain etched in his mind.

When he finally managed to leave those thoughts behind, Evan walked down the stairs. Each step felt like an eternity, and his heart was racing as he approached the bottom floor. As he reached the last step, his eyes widened in confusion as he saw his father sitting at the table in the living room.

William held a steaming cup of coffee, the bitter aroma of the coffee wafting through the air bringing a welcoming feeling to Evan, something he hadn't felt in a while. Next to William, a plate of toast and a glass of milk were laid out, clearly meant for him. The surprising sight almost seemed like a gesture of affection and care, something rare coming from his father.

"Ah, I see you're up already, Evan," William said with a sweet smile on his lips as he took a sip of his hot drink.

Evan, still surprised, nodded and sat down at the table. His eyes roamed over the food in front of him, admiring the crispy golden toast and the glass of milk, all laid out with care next to his father. Something seemed out of the ordinary; William didn't usually prepare meals like this, showing this kind of care and attention, at least not since that day...

Although a little confused, Evan couldn't deny that he liked that gesture, feeling valued, especially after so long of emotional distance between them. Deep down, he longed to have a complete family again, with his father, mother, Michael and Elizabeth. The longing for the pair was constant and left a void in his chest.

"Aren't you going to eat?" William asked, noticing that Evan seemed lost in thought as he played with his food.

Evan quickly returned to reality, smiling shyly at his father. "Sure," he replied, picking up a piece of toast and bringing it to his mouth. To his surprise, it actually tasted great, even if his dad was usually clumsy in the kitchen.

"So, how was your evening?" asked William, with a lopsided smile that soon disappeared and was replaced by a more serene and welcoming one.

The disturbing memories of the night before came back like vivid flashes, as Evan struggled to control the trembling that ran through his body. "It was normal, just another night," he replied, stammering slightly, deciding not to tell about the nightmares that had plagued him. He feared his father would just make fun of him, as had happened before.

William nodded with understanding, disguising any sign of suspicion. The mood around the table was still tense, but Evan decided not to confront his father. Instead, he tried to enjoy the moment when, for a moment, he felt a little closer to the man.

At the end of breakfast, William broke the silence with a serious look and said, "When you're done eating, go get dressed so we can pick up Michael." Evan nodded, feeling a mixture of happiness and nervousness. Today was the day Michael would finally come home after so long. Anxiety coursed through his body, but he was determined to enjoy every second with his brother starting today.

As soon as William came out of the kitchen, Evan couldn't contain the smile of joy that formed on his lips. He knew he couldn't delay; he didn't want to make his brother wait any longer. In a hurry, he finished eating the last piece of toast and ran to his room, where he grabbed his clothes and got dressed in record time.

As he picked up Fredbear's teddy, his mind quickly returned to the events of the night before, the nightmares that had plagued him. He shook his head to clear away the disturbing thoughts and hugged the teddy tightly.

Heading to the living room, Evan's heart beat faster as he approached the door. He found William waiting, already holding the car keys. His father had a calm expression, but Evan could perceive a hint of something he couldn't describe in his eyes.

Without giving it another thought he followed William towards the car eager to see Michael.

When Michael woke up that morning, the first rays of sunlight penetrated through the curtain, painting the room with a soft golden light. It was a special day, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety flooding his chest. Finally, he could get out of that damn hospital and go home.

However, the prospect of seeing William again was not encouraging. The bastard hadn't bothered to visit him even once during the entire time he was hospitalized. His father's indifference still hurt him deeply, but he tried to push those negative thoughts aside and focus on the present moment. At least now he would be with his brother again, which was reason enough to rejoice.

As he waited, Michael watched the hospital room with his blue eyes filled with conflicting emotions. The space was cold and impersonal, with white walls and simple furniture. The clinical and sterile environment only increased his desire to leave as soon as possible.

He didn't have to wait long before the door opened with a soft creak, and William entered the room followed by Evan. The boy had a shy smile on his lips, and Michael noticed how his brother's gaze was filled with anticipation and anxiety, just like his own.

"Hey, Michael, how are you?" asked William, a sweet smile plastered on his face. He tried to sound concerned, but Michael couldn't help but feel a hint of falseness in those words.

All Michael did was shiver slightly, surprised at the change that was happening in William. He didn't seem like the distant father he had known for so many years, in fact, he resembled more the loving father he used to be, before everything fell apart. But Michael couldn't be fooled by that temporary mask. That man he had once prided himself on being his father was no more, and the biggest proof of that was how much Michael could tell that smile was fake.

"I'm fine," Michael replied with a slight smile on his face as his brother approached him with Fredbear in tow. He felt his heart squeeze, a mixture of joy at seeing Evan and worry over the whole situation involving his father.

"Really?" asked Evan softly, almost hesitant to speak. Michael could see the worry on his innocent face, and it made him smile tenderly at his brother.

"Of course," Michael said, gently stroking Evan's hair tenderly. The affectionate gesture made the younger man lean in, relishing his older brother's attention and affection.

"Well, I'm going to talk to the doctor to see if you can leave now or not. I'll be right back," William said with a neutral tone of voice as he walked away from the hospital room with quick steps in search of a doctor.

"So, how are you, Evan? Did Daddy give you a hard time again?" asked Michael with a serious look on his face, worried about his little brother. He wanted to protect Evan from any pain or disappointment, even if it meant hiding his own anguish.

"No, he even made breakfast today, it was really good," replied Evan with a big smile on his face, innocent and carefree.

Upon hearing this, two options came to Michael's mind: either the bastard was drugging Evan to make him like the food, or something was very, very wrong. William hadn't made food for them in years, much less shown any gesture of affection. They could call him many things, except stupid. So he knew something was wrong.

"That's nice of him," Michael said, trying not to let his thoughts show to Evan. After all, he didn't want to worry him with such conjecture. It could just be his paranoia, and maybe William was trying to be a good father again. Deep down, Michael knew these thoughts were delusional, but he still had a hard time accepting the truth.

It wasn't long before William returned with a bottle containing some orange pills and approached them. "Here's your medicine to help with the pain and post-op," William explained to him, holding out the bottle with a somewhat distant expression.

"Thank you," Michael thanked him, as Evan helped him up carefully, avoiding any sudden movements that might cause discomfort. The three of them walked towards the hospital exit, finally heading home.

The afternoon was slowly progressing, and the sun was beginning to set over the horizon, painting the sky with golden and orange hues, creating a spectacular scene through the ajar curtains of Michael's room. The soft afternoon light filled the room, giving a sense of calm and serenity. However, despite the beauty of the evening, Michael was immersed in his thoughts, his face laden with worry and confusion.

He couldn't get out of his mind the feeling that something was wrong, especially in the face of his father's strange attitudes since his arrival. William, who had once been distant and indifferent, now seemed loving and concerned, which only added to Michael's apprehension, after all, he knew William's true nature. His frowning eyebrows and lost look indicated his deep unease.

Sighing, he slowly sat up in bed, leaning on the fluffy pillow. The room was silent, except for the faint noise of the birds outside. The simple furniture and old toys scattered around the room brought a nostalgic feeling, but Michael was far from feeling any comfort at the moment.

The day had been stressful, with the comings and goings from the hospital, the tense conversations and the conflicting emotions. Michael knew there was nothing he could do about the situation right now, so he decided he needed to rest and leave his worries for the next day. Carefully, he reached for the pill bottle on the side table, his fingers touching the cool glass surface, and took out an orange pill, looking at it for a moment before bringing it to his mouth.

The bitter taste of the medicine invaded his mouth, causing a momentary grimace and an almost irresistible urge to vomit, but he controlled himself, swallowing the pill with effort. "What are these damn things made of," Michael muttered, with a disgusted expression as he looked at the bottle for a few more moments before putting it back on the table.

Tiredness finally began to set in, and his eyes grew heavy, sleep taking over his exhausted body. Michael lay down again, snuggling into the soft blanket. The evening light now gave way to the dimness of early night. His face gradually relaxed, still bearing traces of worry, but gradually surrendering to repose.

Sleep enveloped him abruptly. His eyelids fluttered for a brief moment, almost as if his body was trying to stop him from resting but it was unsuccessful as he soon fell asleep.

Evan lay back in bed, but sleep refused to come. Midnight had already passed, and he was in a state of alertness, as if waiting for something. The silence of the night was interrupted only by the soft sounds of the wind outside.

The night before was still fresh in his mind. The nightmares that had haunted him had been so vivid, so real, that he feared going back to sleep and facing those terrifying images again. Moreover his mind is divided into a more rational part said they were nothing more than scary dreams, but another part, the more vulnerable and scared part, feared they might be more than that.

His heart was racing, and a thin layer of sweat covered his forehead, a reflection of his unease. He tried to stay calm, closing his eyes and breathing deeply, but the anxiety persisted.

Suddenly, as if a whisper had caught his attention, he heard it. Small, almost imperceptible metallic footsteps echoed down the corridor. His eyes widened in alarm, and without a second thought, Evan grabbed the flashlight he had fortunately decided to leave within reach, on the nightstand next to his bed.

His fear increased with every step he took towards the door on the right. His heart felt like it wanted to jump out of his chest, and his breathing became faster and noisier. He knew he needed to check what was going on, but the feeling of apprehension overwhelmed him.

The memory of the night before surfaced, almost like a silent warning. But he could not surrender to fear. Slowly, he stood up, the cold ground beneath his bare feet. With the flashlight steady in his trembling hands, he took a few steps towards the door.

With each step, the corridor seemed to lengthen, and the air around him grew heavier. The uncertainty of what he would find on the other side made him tense, but he knew he had to find out.

Reaching the door, Evan paused for a moment, sharpening his ears and making sure there was no sound beyond the silence of the night. With a tense sigh, he slowly turned the knob and cautiously opened the door.

The darkness greeted him like an old friend, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. The memory of the night before made itself present, but he could no longer hide. With the flashlight on, he aimed the light at the end of the corridor.

Yellow, teeth and metal. Those were the only images his eyes could catch before an uncontrollable terror took hold of him. Quickly, he closed the door, his hands shaking and the tears starting to stream down his face again.

This couldn't be real Evan couldn't accept what he was seeing but deep down now, there was no longer any doubt. Whatever it was that was haunting him, it was not a figment of his imagination. He had seen it with his own eyes, and the genuine fear he felt confirmed it.

When his breathing calmed, Evan turned his gaze to the closed door, whose wooden edges stood out in the dimness of the room. His hand was still on the doorknob; slowly, he withdrew it, feeling the rough texture of the knob against his trembling fingers, making sure the door was securely closed before turning away towards the door on the left.

All the way, Evan's thoughts kept racing, like a whirlwind in his tormented mind. He didn't deserve this, he thought to himself. Why did the nightmares have to be real? He didn't want to be there, wishing he could just go back to having a normal life, without having to survive with monsters trying to get into his room and his mind.

Slowly, Evan reached for the handle and opened the door again. The empty darkness unfolded in front of him; he could see nothing but the deep blackness of the hallway. Then he aimed the flashlight, whose beam of light cut through the gloomy veil in front of him. To his momentary happiness, there was nothing there when the light illuminated the corridor, revealing only the inanimate landscape.

Quickly, he closed the door again and turned to the closet, deciding to check there as well. Slowly, he opened the door... Red, metal and teeth; the chilling sight hit him almost like a physical blow, making him instinctively step back and shut the door abruptly.

The hot tears that had previously been streaming down his face came flooding back into his eyes. Evan couldn't stop himself from crying; the mixture of fear, frustration and helplessness was overwhelming. Now, in addition to Nightmare Chica and Nightmare Bonnie outside, there was also a twisted version of Foxy in his closet, the dread was consuming him completely.

Evan just wanted to cry until it was over, but he knew he couldn't do that. He felt helpless and haunted by the grotesque images in his mind. Then, after a few more minutes of staring at the closet, a blurry, brown memory of the night before popped into his mind.

Quickly, Evan turned around and pointed the flashlight at the bed. It was then that not just one, but two blurry, brown, toothy figures ran to hide under the bed. His body shook with dread, but he knew he couldn't run, for he was trapped in his own terrifying nightmare.

As Evan wiped his eyes, a hint of determination shone in them, deciding not to let the nightmares win. The night seemed endless, and for the last two hours he repeated the same ritual: looking at the door on the right, then the one on the left, checking the closet, and finally the bed.

Tiredness and exhaustion had taken hold of Evan, who could barely stand. Still, he persisted. He could not stop; not until the nightmares faded and he found some peace.

Cautiously, Evan opened the left door again, but closed it soon after. There was Nightmare Bonnie, standing at the end of the hallway, with a wicked grin that sent shivers down Evan's spine. Trying to control his breathing, Evan held tightly to the doorknob, but then his eyes widened as he realized the mistake he had made in his exhaustion. He had forgotten to check the door on the right before proceeding.

It was too late when Evan looked at the door; it was already open. Nightmare Chica slowly entered the room, causing Evan to take a few steps to the side until he was leaning against the wall next to the bed. His heart was racing, fear and panic flashing across his face as Chica approached. This couldn't be happening again.

"Please don't... please," Evan begged with his eyes closed, unable to face the approaching figure. Hot tears streamed down his face, and his body trembled with apprehension.

For one agonizing minute, everything seemed to stop; he could hear nothing but the rapid beating of his own heart. Evan believed that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay and he could finally open his eyes. But he was wrong.

"Don't beg, little boy, and accept your punishment," Nightmare Chica whispered in his ear, that distorted voice full of malice, making him tremble uncontrollably, like a puppet controlled by fear.

As the tears continued to stream down his face and Evan curled up into a ball on the floor, his body couldn't take it anymore. The terror and tension became unbearable, and he again blacked out, surrendering to the darkness, with the monsters capturing him again, plunging him into that endless nightmare.

Chapter Text

When Michael finally opened his eyes, a stupor enveloped him, leaving him more groggy than usual. A thin strip of dawn light infiltrated through the window's crevices, casting a gentle golden breeze into his room. His head throbbed insistently, like a distant drum hammering his skull. "Damn, my head," he murmured with a groan, his soft fingers massaging his temples in an attempt to ease the pain. However, his efforts seemed futile against the pulsating ache dominating his senses.

With a grumble of discomfort, he finally managed to rise from the bed, moving cautiously and leaning against the wall to avoid potential imbalance. His slow steps led him to the bathroom, where he began to meticulously search the cabinets for a small bottle of painkillers.

After a brief search, he finally found the desired bottle and took out a pill in his hand. As he threw the pill into his mouth, he turned on the tap and filled his one hand with water. With a sip of water, he swallowed the medication, allowing himself a deep sigh of relief. As he sat on the cold floor, his back against the wall, a faint smile began to emerge on his face. The pain gradually started to recede, as if a dark fog were gradually dissipating.

As the pain diminished enough to allow clear thought, his thoughts began to reassemble like pieces of a puzzle. The only reasonable explanation for what had happened was the recent loss of his arm, an explanation that now made more sense, given the vertigo that had struck him.

Deciding to accept this explanation, he rose slowly, the feeling of weakness still lingering. The pain, though less acute, persisted, and dizziness remained, accompanied by a subtle drowsiness that traversed his body like a lingering fog. As he reached for the toothbrush, he could sense the first signs of approaching muscle aches. Michael let out a tired sigh. "This would be a perfect day," he thought with a tinge of sarcasm.

After leaving the bathroom, he headed to the kitchen, where he found Evan sitting alone at the table, savoring a piece of bread with a glass of water. "Hey, Evan, how are you?" Michael asked, casting a concerned look toward his brother. Evan looked tired, deep bags giving his eyes an air of exhaustion.

"Just another poorly slept night," Evan replied with a weak smile that failed to dispel Michael's concern.

Michael went to the fridge and opened it, revealing a more limited stock than usual. At the hospital, the supply was certainly more diverse. At that moment, the refrigerator contained only frozen pizzas, water bottles, and some fruits. It seemed like the routine had returned to normal. He took a water bottle and an apple before settling in front of Evan. He observed his younger brother's face and couldn't avoid his own expression of concern.

"Is everything okay? You know you can tell me anything, Evan," Michael murmured softly as he examined his brother's face. Evan's paleness and tired look suggested something deeper was troubling him, far beyond a simple sleepless night.

"I'm fine, don't worry," Evan replied, his voice tinged with exhaustion. However, his eyes, though trying to hide it, reflected worry as they clung to Michael. "And you? You seem tired, Mikey," Evan continued, his eyes shifting to the space where Michael's arm used to be, a shadow of guilt dancing in his gaze.

Michael sighed and took the apple in front of him, taking a bite. The sweet taste filled his mouth, and he felt a slight relief. "Evan, it's not your fault. I've told you this before. Even if I knew what awaited me, I'd do it all over again to save you, without hesitation," affirmed Michael, a mild smile hovering on his lips.

"Don't say things like that," Evan murmured with a tremulous voice, deeply understanding his brother's selfless nature. Despite that, Michael's words warmed Evan's heart.

Michael took a sip of water, feeling the cool liquid go down his throat. "When you're ready to go to school, I'll be there to accompany you," he announced, waiting for Evan's response, aware that his decision wouldn’t be easily accepted.

Evan frowned, concerned. "But, Mikey, you just got out of the hospital yesterday. You need to rest," he insisted, apprehensive about his brother's health.

With a small smile, Michael took another bite of the apple. "I'm fine, and besides, missing more days at school would only bring more problems," he said before finishing the fruit and standing up.

"Where are you going?" Evan asked while clearing the dishes, ignoring Michael's protests as he tried to help.

Seeing that Evan wouldn't let him assist, Michael sighed, "I'm going to get dressed, of course. I'll be ready in ten minutes," Michael replied, starting to climb the stairs toward the second floor. He knew Evan would follow his lead and start getting ready for the day soon.

Upon entering the room, Michael acted quickly, his hands reaching for his blue jeans and his favorite shirt, a black one with the Foxy print. Dressing proved to be a small challenge, as dexterity with just one arm was an unknown territory. However, his stubbornness helped him overcome this obstacle. Shortly after, he was ready. With the backpack secure on his back and a roll of bandages in hand, Michael left the room to face the day.

As he made his way through the corridor, his heart gave a sudden leap, and a chilly shiver ran down his spine as he glimpsed a shadow at the end of the hallway. A shadow terribly similar to Funtime Foxy, a sinister reminder of that day. "What the heck... what the hell was that..." Michael muttered to himself as he quickly returned to the room. His mind was immediately filled with the terrifying sight of the animatronic.

However, Evan's voice from downstairs broke the spell. "Michael, are you okay?" Evan called out, his voice laden with concern, forcing Michael out of the trance. It couldn’t be real, it just couldn't. Slowly, he opened the room door but found nothing in the hallway except emptiness.

"But it seemed so real..." pondered Michael, a sigh escaping his lips as he descended the stairs, pushing that terrifying incident to the back of his mind.

"Mikey, you look paler than usual, what happened?" Evan asked, his eyes filled with concern as he approached to see the pallor spreading across Michael's face.

"It's nothing, probably just your imagination playing tricks. Come on and help me change the bandages," Michael responded, attempting to shift the focus of the conversation. A sense of apprehension hung in the air.

Slowly, Evan took the roll of bandages from Michael's hand, swallowing hard as he delicately removed the old bandages. As he unraveled the bandages, he came face to face with the large wound on Michael's arm. Healing was underway, and Evan could clearly see the stitches that traversed the limb, like small lines of battle.

"It wasn't your fault," whispered Michael gently, his smile conveying his understanding of Evan's thoughts at that moment.

With his newfound determination, Evan took the new bandages and skillfully wrapped them around Michael's arm, ensuring they were securely in place. When he finished, Michael gave an approving look, and a grateful smile curved his lips.

"Thank you very much. Now, let's get going. We don't want to be late," Michael said as he ruffled his brother's hair. Both walked out the door, ready for the school day. However, amidst all the rush, a thought infiltrated Michael's mind: "Charlie's going to kill me. Definitely."

Charlie was having a good day up until that moment, especially after hearing that Michael had come back home the day before. She had genuinely intended to visit him in the hospital but ended up not being able to. At least Evan and Michael were together again. She couldn't help but look sadly at Evan whenever she saw him, which was practically every day because she frequently accompanied him to the hospital. Now, with Michael's presence, she hoped Evan would get better.

However, what truly upset Charlie was when Michael Afton walked through the classroom door and, without exchanging a word with anyone, simply sat down in the desk behind her.

"What the hell are you doing here, Michael Afton?" Charlie questioned, her annoyance evident in her tone of voice.

"In case you've forgotten, Charlie, I'm a student here too," Michael replied with a notably playful tone, attempting to ease his best friend's anger.

"Idiot, you should be resting at home, not coming to school the day after you left the hospital," muttered Charlie, already aware of the looks Michael was receiving. Many people knew what had happened, and some had even been present during the accident, but no one had seen Michael's current condition.

"Well, as you said, 'You like me because I'm an idiot,' right?" Michael said with a smile, unable to contain a laugh when Charlie turned back to the front, blushing slightly.

After overcoming the embarrassment, Charlie turned to Michael again. "Are you sure you're okay? You got out of the hospital yesterday," she expressed her concern for her friend.

"Yes, I'm sure. Besides, missing more days would only create more problems. I can handle it," Michael said with a slight smile, trying to calm Charlie's nerves, although it didn't seem to have much effect.

Aware that arguing with Michael would be a headache, Charlie simply turned back to the front with a sulky expression. "Hey, you're not upset, are you?" Michael asked with a touch of concern, leaning forward in his chair to see Charlie's face.

"What if I am? After all, you're not the tough guy?" Charlie said, keeping the sullen expression, making Michael widen his eyes, now genuinely worried.

"Hold on. Don't say that. I know I can be a bit of an idiot sometimes, but..." Michael began but was quickly interrupted by a lovely laugh from Charlie. She turned back and smiled at Michael.

"I'm just teasing you, idiot," Charlie said, maintaining the smile, appreciating the little grumbles Michael let out when he recovered from the shock.

"Now, seriously, I worry about you, Mikey. You're my best friend," Charlie expressed, her words filled with concern. Her eyes, intense and slightly narrowed, reflected deep concern, causing a slight discomfort in Michael's heart.

"I know. In fact, I don't think I could spend the whole day alone in that house. Besides, what happened yesterday still leaves a bad taste in my mouth," Michael began, a hint of disgust appearing on his forehead. His face involuntarily contorted, betraying the bitter feelings that those memories evoked.

"What do you mean?" Charlie asked, slightly alarmed. Her eyes, now wide open, shone with fearful curiosity. Michael's words raised an alarm in her mind, an unwanted connection to a name she wished to forget: William Afton.

And, unfortunately, Charlie was correct. "It's my dad. Yesterday, he was acting way too sweet, but it must be all in my head. After all, he didn't even bother to wait for us to wake up before leaving. Some things never change," said Michael, a small smile adorning his tired face. It was a smile tinged with irony, an attempt to mask the suspicions that plagued him.

"I really wish I could help you, but I don't think I could do much. You know William better than I do, well, if any of us really know him." Charlie said with disdain in her voice, her upper lip arching slightly when mentioning the man's name. The words were filled with bitterness, and her voice carried the heavy baggage of a past she hadn't yet overcome and deep down knew she never would. William had torn her family's happiness irreparably, taking her brother away from her and her father. However, she couldn't afford to falter again, so for now, she would keep that pain buried deep in her mind.

"Thank you, Charlie, for being here with me," Michael said, a genuine smile lighting up his lips. The gratitude he expressed was genuine, a light in the darkness that surrounded him.

"Always," she said and then turned back to the front. "Now, we better stop talking. I don't want you to get reprimanded on your very first day back," she concluded with a soft laugh, a laugh that showed a warm acceptance of the reality they lived in. Despite all their troubles. Even though both of them were caught in a whirlwind of chaos that no 16-year-old should face, they shared this, and they would never leave each other alone.

The classroom continued in a numbing silence, the teacher's monotonous voice further exacerbating the feeling of boredom. Michael, on the other hand, let his gaze wander around the room, lost in thought. His intelligence, the only valuable inheritance he had gained from his father, allowed him to endure classes like that with minimal effort. The sound of the clock on the wall seemed to echo loudly, each tick-tock announcing the approaching relief. Finally, the bell rang, ending that academic torture.

"I swear, if that class had lasted ten more minutes, I'd have fallen asleep," Michael exclaimed, tossing his backpack over his shoulder and holding the strap with his left arm.

"Hey, Mrs. Kranz's classes aren't that boring," said Charlie with a slight pout on her lips as they both walked down the hallway toward the school's exit. Michael was looking forward to a conversation with his brother since they were both leaving at the same time.

However, as they walked down the hallway, a headache suddenly struck Michael, sharper than ever, as if someone were hammering inside his skull. The pain grew into a persistent wave that seemed to take over him, and if it weren't for Charlie's quick reaction to support him, he would have collapsed on the floor right then and there, his legs threatening to give way under the weight of the suffering.

"Mikey, are you okay? What happened?" Charlie asked, alarmed, while helping Michael lean against the wall as he reached into his pocket.

"I'm... I'm okay. It's just a headache; it'll pass," replied Michael, drowsy, opening his shaky wallet, pulling out a packet of headache pills. "Charlie, do you have water?" He asked, his fingers still trembling while attempting to open the packet, which slipped from his hand due to the excruciating pain.

"Damn it," Michael muttered, but before he could bend down to pick up the packet, Charlie did it for him. Her expression was concerned, and her eyes were full of compassion. She carefully picked out one of the small pills and then opened her backpack, taking out a water bottle.

"Open your mouth, Mikey," she requested, her voice carrying a mixture of concern and determination as she unwrapped one of the tiny tablets.

Michael promptly obeyed, his mouth dry from the pain, and Charlie placed the pill on his tongue. She raised the water bottle to Michael's lips, allowing him to swallow the medicine.

"Thank you," Michael said, a relieved sigh expressing his relief as he swallowed the water along with the medicine. The pain gradually began to subside, releasing its maddening intensity.

"What happened?" Charlie asked after some time, noticing that Michael already seemed a bit better, although his face still showed discomfort.

"I don't know. I had a headache like that when I woke up, but now it felt stronger, as if someone were hammering inside my head," confessed Michael, still feeling twinges in his head, though not as sharp as before.

Charlie sighed as she put away the bottle and looked back at Michael, her eyes filled with concern. "Mikey, you should have stayed at home. This could be a post-operative consequence," she said softly, gently rubbing her friend's good arm, seeking to comfort him.

"I know, but I'll be fine, I promise," replied Michael slowly, appreciating Charlie's gentle touch and the comfort she was providing.

"You can't promise that," Charlie sighed, although she appreciated Michael's gesture to try to comfort her. "Are you feeling any better?" Charlie asked, moving back a little to give Michael some space.

Before Michael could answer in the affirmative, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hallway. Mocking voices accompanied the footsteps. "In addition to being useless without an arm, you still need a girl's help? You're such a piece of trash, Afton," a sneering boy declared as he advanced toward Michael, followed by two others, all sporting malicious smiles that cut through the silence.

In a whirlwind of emotions, Michael didn't know if it was the effect of the medication or a sudden rush of adrenaline that flooded his body, but suddenly, all the pain in his head disappeared, dissipating like fog in the sun. "After that day, you still have the guts to talk to me, you bastards," Michael hissed venomously, moving slowly toward the group that had insulted him.

He knew these three very well: they were the idiots who nearly killed Evan, the bastards who almost killed his brother. "What can a cripple like you do?" the idiot who still wore Freddy's mask, now hanging askew on his head, sneered. However, he fell silent when he received a punch in the face, knocking him to the ground.

With anger burning in his eyes, Michael declared firmly, "I may have only one arm, but I'm still more than enough to take all three of you down," his tone filled with determination as he faced those who had nearly stolen his brother from his life.

Ironically, as one of them fell, the other two didn't hesitate to run away, recognizing that Michael wasn't the easy target they had imagined. "Let's go, Mikey, before a teacher shows up," Charlie whispered, taking Michael's hand and quickly leading him away from the scene. Not without casting a look of contempt at the fallen teenager, still dazed by the blow.

For Evan, the day hadn't been particularly difficult, but he wished time wouldn't pass so quickly. School had become his sanctuary, a place where he could temporarily forget the troubled nights.

He was genuinely confused about everything that was happening. Whenever the last two nights came to mind, tears threatened to well up in his eyes. Nevertheless, he forced himself to stay strong, determined to understand what was going on.

His childlike mind insisted on believing in the existence of monsters, although he knew that, in reality, they didn't exist. Still, his nightmares felt incredibly real. He contemplated sharing this with Michael or perhaps with his father, but he was afraid of burdening them further. So, for now, he chose silence, seeking refuge in it, as he always did.

However, his walk was interrupted when a girl stopped in front of him, her lips forming a slight pout. "You're not waiting for me? I'm disappointed, Evan," said Cassidy, a faint smile appearing on her face.

"Sorry, Cassidy," Evan replied with a shy smile as she joined him on the way out of school.

Cassidy tilted her head, examining him more closely, and then expressed her concern, "You're okay; you look tired, with dark circles under your eyes."

Her concern warmed Evan's heart. Cassidy was a year younger than him, but they were one of the few friendships he had, along with Fritz. Both were a little younger and a grade behind, but they had become dear friends.

"I'm fine, just had a bad night's sleep. Nothing to worry about," Evan lied, forcing a smile that went unnoticed by the girl. She shrugged in acceptance.

"Okay. Try to get a little more sleep," Cassidy suggested, keeping pace with Evan. "My dad is picking me up. And you?"

"My brother is waiting for me," Evan replied, bringing to Cassidy's mind the image of Evan's brother. She didn't know what had happened to him since that day, but she remembered the blood when the paramedics arrived. She didn't want to witness that distressing scene again and allowed herself to be whisked away by her parents.

"How's your brother?" Cassidy asked, but immediately regretted it when she saw the sadness that darkened Evan's face as they left school, bathed in the warmth of the sun.

"He lost half of his right arm," Evan said, a single tear rolling down his cheek. "I feel guilty."

Cassidy reacted promptly, holding Evan's chin gently, forcing him to look into her eyes. "Don't say that. It was his choice to save you. You shouldn't blame yourself for that."

A shy smile spread across Evan's face at her words. "You sound like my brother now," he teased, eliciting a soft laugh from Cassidy.

"Then maybe you should listen to him," Cassidy retorted casually as they continued to walk out of the school. Evan soon spotted Michael across the street, along with Charlie.

He couldn't help but notice the irritated expression on Michael's face, accompanied by small signs of stress. Evan had no idea what had happened, but it was evident that Michael was upset about something.

"Are you okay, Mikey?" Evan asked as he approached Michael along with Cassidy. As they got closer, this allowed him to see more clearly what was going on. Charlie was there, consoling Michael with back rubs, and the anger on Michael's face seemed to diminish when he saw Evan approaching.

"Yeah, don't worry; it was just a tough day. And you, how are you?" Michael said with a small smile when he saw Evan getting closer, along with Cassidy. The late afternoon was painting the sky with shades of orange, creating a tranquil atmosphere that contrasted with the weight of the day, as if the sky were painted with brushstrokes of tranquility. However, his sharp eyes couldn't help but notice the dark circles under Evan's eyes, something he hadn't noticed in the morning.

"I'm fine, don't worry. Michael, do you remember Cassidy?" Evan asked as Cassidy took a step forward. Michael immediately remembered the girl who was one of those who tried to protect Evan on that day. The twilight seemed to cast a special glow around her.

"Of course. Thank you for helping my brother that day," Michael said, his fingers gently caressing the girl's head, causing her to blush with embarrassment under that gentle gesture and let out a shy murmur.

"I couldn't do anything," Cassidy whispered, but her words found an echo in that golden stillness, where emotions intertwined with the hues of the sunset.

"Yes, you did. If you and the other guy hadn't tried to help my brother that day, maybe I wouldn't have arrived in time," Michael said, a smile growing on Cassidy's face, like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, making her feel that she had indeed done something for her friend.

"Evan is my friend, so of course, I tried to help him," Cassidy said with a smile, radiating joy and warmth. This act made the older pair laugh softly. Their laughter was like musical notes in the twilight, full of joy and understanding.

Soon the conversation was interrupted when Cassidy's father's car honked, echoing through the calm of the evening. "It's my dad, I have to go. Bye, Evan," Cassidy spoke tenderly, enveloping Evan in a quick hug that the boy promptly returned.

While Cassidy hurried away, Michael watched the scene with a nostalgic smile, as if the memory of that moment transported him to the past. He couldn't help but compare Evan and Cassidy's friendship to his own with Charlie. Michael felt happy knowing that Evan had finally found a good friend.

"Is Uncle Henry picking you up?" Michael asked, redirecting his attention to Charlie.

"No, he's been quite busy since that day," Charlie explained, the first traces of the night beginning to envelop them. Michael held Evan's hand as they began to walk alongside her.

The way back home was like a trail of laughter, each word and laugh warming the settling night. It was a scene that redefined the concept of family, where love and companionship were the foundation. Sometimes, Michael allowed himself to daydream about how life might have been different if their father were another man or if he returned to being the man he once was. However, he knew that dreaming of unattainable scenarios was like trying to grasp smoke.

When they arrived home and Charlie said her goodbyes, Michael and Evan entered a house shrouded in the darkness of the night, an oasis of tranquility showing that William had not yet arrived. The shadow of the night filled the house, bringing an almost tangible relief.

"Do you want to watch some TV?" Michael asked as he headed to the couch beside Evan. The glow of the television screen was the only source of light in the room, a beacon in the midst of darkness. And so, the day continued into the evening, as if the darkness outside couldn't affect the warmth of that room. For Michael, the day ended when he entered his room with the bottle of those orange pills in hand, but, like the day before, he was the first to fall asleep, surrendering to the night and his own thoughts.

Evan was immersed in a nightly reality, so distinct from that lived by Michael. He paced around the room in constant agony, his flashlight trembling in his hands while the clock, like a relentless sentinel, stubbornly marked almost two in the morning. Until that moment, an unsettling calm hung over the room, and Evan nurtured the growing hope that the two previous nights might have been mere fleeting dreams, or perhaps, nightmares to fade. However, that tenuous thread of hope was abruptly severed when the whispers outside the door echoed ominously.

In an instant, he rushed toward the right door, closing it firmly as the footsteps outside drew near, echoing like a ghostly refrain through the corridors. Then, they ceased, leaving Evan's heart pounding in his chest, his breath held for seconds that felt like an eternity. It was when the somber voice of Nightmare Chica pierced the door, sending shivers down Evan's spine and foreshadowing a terrible premonition: "Stay where you are, because when I get in there, you won't wake up anymore." Tears began to silently trickle down his face, tracing a cold path of fear and despair, while something scraped ominously against the door.

He remained there, leaning against the door, for a few more moments, with tears continuing to roll in silence, aware that he shouldn't succumb to this agonizing, yet impotent, sobbing in the face of the whirlwind of emotions. It was only when the footsteps outside retreated that he summoned the courage to open the door, only to find the complete darkness of the hallway, as if Nightmare Chica had dissolved into the very shadow.

Quickly, Evan's flashlight illuminated the room, revealing two brown shadows slithering stealthily under the bed, sending rippling chills throughout his entire body. Evan only wished, from the depths of his being, for this infernal nightmare to come to an end. He had never caused harm to anyone, and the reason he was facing this ordeal seemed an insoluble mystery to him.

Moving with slow and cautious steps, Evan approached the left door, checking the clock, which now indicated almost three in the morning, revealing the time spent at the previous door. He opened it with a sigh of relief, and the flashlight's light illuminated the corridor, which was empty, giving Evan hope. However, before moving away from the door, the dark voice of Nightmare Bonnie whispered, like a chilly breeze, from behind the door: "Stay in the room, desperate... crouched and crying, after all, it's the only thing you know how to do." Tears flowed uncontrollably down Evan's face, like a river of despair, and all he fervently wished for was the end of this torment.

"Please, I can't take it anymore," Evan murmured, his voice trembling and tearful, as he pressed his hands against the door for a few moments, feeling a cold shiver run down his spine as a hand began to creep through the gap in the door.

Overwhelmed by panic, with wide eyes, Evan lunged for the first refuge he found: the closet. However, terror made him forget about the lurking threat, Nightmare Foxy.

Now huddled in the dark corner of the closet, tears streamed uncontrollably down his face, and when he finally dared to open his eyes, he was confronted by the horrifying crimson aberration, full of sharp teeth, advancing slowly. Nightmare Foxy's voice whispered, laden with malice: "We won't leave you..." as it approached until it was right in front of Evan. "After all, you owe us because everyone knows that it is through pain that one learns." Before that endless nightmare could continue, Evan's small body couldn't take it anymore, and he fainted, surrendering to the fleeting relief of unconsciousness.

Chapter Text

In the gentle dimness of the morning, just past six o'clock, the first rays of sunlight streamed through the crack of Evan's partially open bedroom door. Light, like delicate fingers, gradually reached the sleeping boy's face, breaking the veil of slumber and bringing him back to consciousness.

It didn't take long for Evan's initial serenity to abruptly dissipate, transforming into an expression of pure horror as he jolted upright in bed. Beads of sweat trickled down his face, his widened eyes reflecting the fear and anguish that haunted the child's soul.

As his eyes frantically scanned the room for those nightmares that had haunted him in recent nights, the realization of their absence confronted him, calming his wildly beating heart back to its usual rhythm.

Feeling more in control, Evan noticed something that brought deep confusion. He vividly remembered the previous night, the moment he succumbed to the terrifying aberration, vaguely resembling the pirate animatronic.

But now, he lay in bed—how could this be real? This question echoed in his mind as Evan gently grasped the sheets, parting them delicately as if to verify the reality of his surroundings.

A sense of madness enveloped him, unable to distinguish the border between reality and illusion. Were the nightmares haunting him real or merely dreams? An incipient headache was slowly emerging, adding to his perplexity.

While surveying the room, his gaze settled on the small yellow plush toy resting near the pillow. Evan picked it up gently, pressing it against his chest, seeking comfort in this intimate gesture.

After a few minutes, as Evan eased the plush away, his eyes met the toy's shiny, glassy gaze, identical to the nightmares plaguing his mind. This sight evoked the haunting last words of Nightmare Foxy.

He never harmed anyone, he was just a child. Then why was he indebted to them? Why was he being punished?

Despite the comforting words echoing within, Evan couldn't accept them. The guilt slowly consuming him was overwhelming. "Do I deserve this punishment?" His voice murmured through the room, while his eyes remained fixed on the plush in his lap.

Yet, no matter how much he searched or hoped, no answer would come.

With a small sigh, Evan rose from the bed with a hesitant disposition. His movements were still influenced by sleep, contributing to the clumsy stumble that made him fall with a soft thud on the chilly floor of the room. Using his arms to prop himself up, his still-groggy eyes scanned the space, trying to find the reason for his fall, until he spotted the flashlight that had mysteriously appeared in the room three nights ago.

As he fixed his gaze on the flashlight, a flood of flashbacks from the last few nights invaded his mind, intensifying the feeling of distress and the urge to cry. Yet, Evan was determined to stay strong; he would be like Michael, for he knew that was the only way to begin understanding what was happening.

Recovering from the fall, Evan carefully picked up the small Fredbear, which had been thrown aside in the incident. He hugged it tenderly, feeling the familiar softness of the toy, seeking comfort in the familiarity it brought. Then, he opened the bedroom door, mentally preparing himself to face the hallway that had become a stage for his recent fears.

As he stepped into the hallway, now illuminated by the early morning sun, a less threatening aura revealed itself. Evan moved slowly, observing how the sunbeams filtered through the windows, painting the floor with golden reflections dancing with the movement of the leaves in the wind.

Passing Mikey's room, Evan continued, silently wishing that his brother was enjoying a peaceful sleep; he shouldn't suffer from Evan's unrest.

Finally reaching the end of the hallway, Evan entered the only bathroom on the second floor. Gently placing the plush on a chair in the corner, he began his morning routines almost automatically. However, his mind, lost in a maze of thoughts, was far from fully concentrating on the task.

Evan longed for the end of this nocturnal torment. A faint hope lingered in his heart, a hope that, perhaps if he let things run their natural course, the nightmares would vanish in the end.

Completing his activities in the bathroom and leaving with Fredbear in tow, Evan hurried downstairs, planning to fix something for himself and Michael. However, as he reached the ground floor, his eyes widened slightly at an unexpected scene.

"What are you doing up at this hour?" William inquired, seated at the table, enjoying an apple and a cup of coffee placed in front of him.

Clearly unsettled, Evan stared at his father for a moment, feeling a lump form in his throat before finally swallowing and responding, "I just couldn't fall back asleep, that's all."

William's gaze remained fixed on his son for a moment before he abruptly stood and walked toward the refrigerator. As the door opened, Evan noticed a greater variety of items, suggesting that William had recently gone shopping.

"What are you doing?" Evan asked, watching closely as his father retrieved some fruits from the fridge along with a carton of milk.

William placed the items on the countertop swiftly and, taking a sharp knife, began to peel and slice the fruits. "Well, I'm your father. I don't see any problem in fixing something for you to eat," William murmured, finishing cutting the fruits and dividing them into two bowls.

A genuine smile formed on Evan's face, touched by the kindness and concern shown by his father. He felt a pang of nostalgia for simpler times when they were all together, all five of them.

As Evan settled into a chair, he watched William pour a glass of milk and bring one of the bowls to the table, placing it in front of Evan before sitting back down.

"So, care to share the reason for your insomnia?" William asked, raising an eyebrow, taking a sip of coffee.

"Just nightmares, nothing serious, it'll pass," murmured Evan, his voice almost a whisper, as his eyes shifted to his lap where Fredbear rested.

Evan didn't notice the sly smile that crept upon William's dry lips at his son's words.

Collecting himself, Evan picked up the spoon in the bowl and sampled some of the fruit. "It's great, thank you, Dad," Evan said with a gentle smile.

"No need to thank me," William bit into the apple, flashing a small smile at Evan, an expression that the boy couldn't quite understand, but it felt very wrong.

Silence stretched for a few minutes until footsteps echoed upstairs, and soon Michael appeared, descending the stairs with a slightly uneasy expression.

"Good morning, Michael," greeted William, causing the young man to startle, but he quickly composed himself, raising an eyebrow at William.

"It's not common to see you at home, Dad," observed Michael, a hint of sarcasm in his voice, a nuance not lost on William.

"Sorry, you know how busy my schedule is," said William, chuckling slightly, gesturing toward the kitchen table. "I've prepared a fruit salad for you and Evan."

Michael raised an eyebrow, his day starting as bad as the previous one, with headaches as intense as the day before. And now, his father was at home, being kind to him, almost like the man he knew years ago.

Sighing softly, Michael shrugged and picked up the bowl from the table, sitting beside Evan.

"Thank you, Dad," murmured Michael as he began to eat. However, an uneasy feeling persisted within him. He saw through the facade, knowing that his father had a purpose in acting that way. He just couldn't decipher what it was. Michael wouldn't be fooled into thinking that the man he knew from years ago had returned.

As he ate, Michael couldn't help but fix his gaze on William, observing him enjoying the meal with a relaxation that, in Michael's eyes, seemed normal. However, this seemingly normal scene couldn't dispel the growing unease within him with each bite William took.

"Is everything okay with you, Michael?" William asked, briefly diverting his gaze from the coffee to his eldest son. During that moment, their eyes met as if silently trying to understand each other, trying to decipher something left unsaid.

"Just thinking," replied Michael, focusing on his meal, silently thanking William for not probing further.

"How are you? Did you sleep well?" Deciding to change the conversation, Michael inquired of Evan, accompanying his question with a gentle smile as he ran his hand through his younger brother's short hair, attempting to convey comfort through the gesture.

Evan just nodded timidly, a gesture that planted seeds of concern in Michael's mind. "Are you sure everything's okay, Evan?"

Evan looked at Michael with slightly widened eyes, surprised that his agitation was noticed. "Just another night of poor sleep, that's all."

Realizing that he wouldn't extract more information from Evan at that moment, Michael nodded, knowing that, in this aspect, they shared equal stubbornness.

After finishing his meal, Michael stood up and turned to Evan. "Just don't forget, you can tell me anything, I'm here to help, okay?" Michael said with a tender smile.

"Evan promptly returned the smile, but Michael sensed that something wasn't quite right.

Then, Michael left the living room heading towards the kitchen, passing the clock showing seven-thirty in the morning. Upon entering the kitchen, he headed towards the phone, quickly dialing a number he was very familiar with.

"William?" A voice on the other end of the line, still slightly sleepy, inquired.

"Hello, Uncle Henry, it's me, Michael. Is Charlie awake already?" Michael asked, hearing some sounds in the background, reminiscent of a functioning coffee maker.

"Oh, good morning, Michael! It's wonderful to hear your voice. I'll get Charlie." Michael heard Henry's voice, now more lively and awake, before he probably stepped away to look for Charlie.

It didn't take long for another voice to chime in. "Well, what's my dear friend Michael Afton doing calling at seven-thirty in the morning?" Charlie's playful voice echoed from the other end of the line.

"I need to talk and, you know, spend time with my best friend," Michael replied with a smile. Even though Charlie couldn't see him, it was as if she could feel the expression in his words.

"As if you have other friends," Charlie teased, while an adorable laughter filled the space.

"I'll be ready in 1 hour. Where do you want to meet?"

"How about near Fredbear's?" suggested Michael, leaning against the wall as he listened to Charlie speak to her father on the other end of the line.

"I'll be there around eight-forty. Don't be late, okay?"

Michael chuckled softly before replying, "Sure, the same goes for you." He joked before they both said goodbye and hung up to get ready.

Slowly, Michael returned to the living room, finding Evan clearing the table, while his father was on the sofa. "I'm going out to meet Charlie. I'll only be back after lunch," Michael announced, heading to help Evan carry the remaining items to the sink.

"Can you help me again with the bandages?" Michael asked his younger brother, but before Evan could respond, William stood up from the sofa.

"I can help with that, Michael," William offered, heading upstairs to Michael's room.

If Michael was worried before, now all sorts of alarms were going off in his mind. Something was very wrong, he was sure of it.

Setting these thoughts aside for now, Michael gently rubbed his brother's shoulder and followed upstairs, right behind William, and then entered Michael's room.

Feeling uncomfortable staying alone with his father at that moment, Michael grabbed the bandage roll and handed it to William to start removing the old ones from his arm, exposing what was left of the healing process.

Carefully, William held Michael's arm, examining it closely. "It seems to be healing well. It'll be great soon," William commented, releasing Michael's arm without noticing the pain caused to his son.

Then, William started applying the new bandages to the wound, not realizing the force he was using, causing slight discomfort to Michael due to the firmness of his hands.

After finishing, William placed the roll on the dresser and turned to look at his son's face. "I'll be leaving soon. Make sure not to leave your brother alone for too long," William said, although his words seemed empty to Michael.

As soon as William left, Michael hurried to change his clothes. He put on blue jeans and a plain gray T-shirt. When he was sure he had grabbed all his things, he left the room, the clock showing eight-ten.

"I'm leaving now, see you soon," Michael said upon arriving in the living room, where Evan was sitting on the sofa alone.

"Okay, I'll be here waiting for you," Evan replied, looking at the TV, although his eyes seemed lost in thoughts.

With a sigh, Michael nodded and set off towards Fredbear's, knowing he had more than enough time before Charlie arrived.

Spotting the small Fredbear establishment, Michael took his hand out of his pocket and glanced at the clock, showing exactly eight-twenty-five, indicating he still had about 15 minutes before Charlie's arrival.

His eyes fixated on the sign identifying the place, a space resonating with a familiarity laden with memories. For a moment, uncontrollably, his gaze wandered to the animatronic bear before redirecting to the absence of his own arm.

It wasn't fair to blame Fredbear; after all, it was just an animatronic. Yet, Michael felt a cold shiver run down his spine as he stood in front of the entrance door.

The warning in red letters, "Closed," stood out. Michael had been aware since the day Fredbear's ceased operations, and it would likely be a considerable time before it reopened. Moreover, it was reasonable to assume that the springlock animatronics would be kept away from the public, especially after what happened to him.

While staring at the door, trying to glimpse something inside with little success, Michael couldn't help but recall the days when he worked there with Charlie. Even though the motivation behind his work was something darker, admitting that those were some of the happiest moments of his life was inevitable. Besides, back then, Elizabeth was still around, and he deeply missed her.

Shaking his head to push away these thoughts, Michael had a somewhat foolish yet persistent idea.

He slowly made his way towards the back part of the establishment, near the back door. With agility, Michael crouched beside a trash can and carefully moved it, revealing a small key. Effortlessly, he used it to unlock the door.

Michael remembered clearly Henry mentioning this extra key for emergency situations. As the latch clicked open, he removed the key and entered.

The room was immersed in darkness, making visibility practically nil. Still, he knew the way. Cautious not to trip, Michael slid along the wall until he found the switch and, in one swift motion, flicked it on.

With the sudden glow of fluorescent bulbs illuminating the kitchen, Michael cautiously advanced. The filtered light revealed worn-out tiles and stainless steel countertops. Approaching the fridge, with a faint hope in his steps. Upon opening it, disappointment was palpable. The emptiness inside didn't surprise him, but a sigh of resignation escaped his lips before closing the door with a slight thud as he walked towards the party room.

The party room extended before him, flooded with a diffuse light that gave a melancholic atmosphere to the place. The remnants of Evan's party still persisted: the decorated tables displayed a scene frozen in time, a place abandoned in a hurry.

When his eyes finally rested on the main stage, Michael's heart seemed to freeze for a moment. Fredbear was still there, motionless, its features stained with dried blood. Michael's own blood.

After the incident, he knew no one would dare to clean Fredbear, fearing triggering the springlocks again. But even so, seeing the animatronic in that dirty state caused a deep discomfort in Michael.

Quickly averting his gaze, Michael headed to the vending machine in the room. Quickly, he took out some coins from his pocket and bought three Coca-Colas. Holding the cold drinks with his only hand, he searched for a bag on a nearby counter, hoping they hadn't gone bad from being in the machine for so long.

While heading towards the exit, his eyes paused on a specific corridor, one that had been a source of his nightmares. Slowly, Michael redirected his steps until he stood in front of the door to the Safe Room.

When he was younger, that room was a mystery to him. Today, he knew it was where employees dressed in springlock suits for special parties. But now it was also where William Afton took Sammy Emilly's life. Swallowing hard, Michael, with trembling hands, opened the door, allowing a flood of memories to rush over him.

Upon entering, the emptiness of the room was haunting. Only the old Puppet rested in a corner, which intrigued Michael because he remembered it being present on the day of the party.

Approaching slowly, he looked at Puppet, stopping in front of it. A thought arose, something that had gone unnoticed until then. "You were here that day. It's ironic that the only witness is also the one who cannot speak," whispered Michael, staring into Puppet's glassy eyes for a few seconds before stepping away and deciding to leave the room.

If he had stayed longer, he would have witnessed Puppet's eyes glowing in an otherworldly white.

When Henry's car finally stopped outside the establishment, the passenger door opened with a slight creak as Charlie stepped out with her mind already teeming with ideas to prank Michael due to his absence.

That was until she spotted Michael emerging from behind Fredbear's with a bag in hand.

"Hey, Charlie! Hey, Uncle Henry," greeted Michael with a bright smile on his face, promptly reciprocated by both.

"Hey, Mikey, thought you were running late," teased Charlie, enveloping Michael in a warm hug, which he quickly returned, wrapping his only arm around Charlie.

"Brought this for us, to reminisce about old times," said Michael, extending the open bag to Charlie, who promptly took out the cans of soda.

"Thanks, Mikey, you're the best," thanked Charlie, handing one of the cans to her father and opening the other two, offering one to Michael.

Henry nodded in thanks and took his can, noting the chill in his hands. "Where did you get these?" Henry asked curiously, knowing that Michael hadn't brought them from home."

"I might have gone in there and bought it from one of the machines," confessed Michael, shyly laughing when caught.

Henry sighed, aware that his nephew had witnessed the mess left behind. "It's okay, no problem. I just didn't want you to see the state the place is in."

Charlie raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean by that?"

"Just that we had to close in a rush and there was no time to clean up," explained Henry, making Charlie shiver at the thought of what Fredbear's must have looked like after that day.

"Anyway, don't worry about it. As soon as we have everything sorted and permission to reopen, I'll take care of it," said Henry, trying to change the subject as he looked away at the closed establishment.

"I'm heading back home. Daughter, whenever you want to go home, just give me a call. And if you need a ride, I can take you too, Michael," addressed Henry to both before waving and leaving, leaving the younger ones alone.

Both friends remained silent for a few moments, watching thoughtfully as Henry's car moved away until it vanished on the horizon. "So, what did you want to talk about?" asked Charlie, her expression turning more serious as she turned to Michael.

Michael sighed deeply, contemplating the blue sky, trying to find a way to start. "Do you remember what I told you yesterday about my father acting strange?" he inquired, seeking Charlie's attention.

"I remember. What happened?" asked Charlie, her voice laden with concern as she held Michael's hand, gently rubbing it to calm him and herself down.

Thankful for the gesture, Michael continued. "Today, he was at home and made breakfast for me and Evan. Just like a normal father, but something doesn't feel right," whispered Michael, looking away, his eyes reflecting deep confusion.

Charlie pondered for a moment, her eyes fixed on her friend, unsettled by his troubled expression. "I really have no idea what's going on, but if anyone can figure out what William wants, it's you," said Charlie, trying to convey reassurance with her calm voice.

"I know, but right now I have no clue what's going through my dad's mind," started Michael, facing Charlie. They continued to search for clues about Sammy's murder and Elizabeth's disappearance, events they were both sure were connected to William, but so far had no concrete leads.

As he reflected, Michael remembered a night after Elizabeth's disappearance, a confusing night in his memories, but with clarity about something his father had said, something that he still found disturbing. "It's not really related to the matter, but I remember on the night after Liz disappeared, my dad came home drunk, and we had a strange conversation," recounted Michael, furrowing his brow.

"What kind of conversation?" asked Charlie, studying the expression on Michael's face, which seemed, at the very least, uncomfortable.

"He asked me what I thought about the concept of immortality," confessed Michael, looking at the sky, trying to recall details of that night.

That was something Charlie didn't expect, even from a man as eccentric as William. "Immortality? But what does that have to do with everything that has happened until now?" questioned Charlie, trying to relate William's actions to that question, finding no apparent connection.

"I don't know, it makes no sense at all, but it could have just been a rambling, considering he was drunk," pondered Michael, reflecting. Like Charlie, he couldn't establish a clear connection.

"It seems like a piece is missing, something that William knows, but we don't," reflected Charlie as she and Michael began to walk away from Fredbear's.

"Whatever it is, I feel like it won't be long before we find out. Sooner or later, he will make a mistake, and when that happens, we need to have a plan," asserted Michael, confidently.

"In fact, I have an idea. It's not elaborate, but it might be useful while we think of a plan or something more concrete," began Charlie, with a slight smile on her face, and she started to explain.

The day dragged on for Evan, immersed in the monotonous solitude of his home. Hours passed as he sat on the couch, the TV on, although his mind wandered aimlessly through scattered thoughts.

Later, the door creaked open, and Michael entered, visibly disoriented, one hand pressing his head. "Hey, Evan, how was your day?" asked Michael, forcing a smile, but Evan immediately noticed something was wrong.

"Is everything okay? You don't seem well," expressed Evan, getting up from the sofa and heading towards his older brother, his eyes brimming with concern.

Michael sighed, massaging his temples in an attempt to alleviate the pain, at least momentarily. "I'm okay, it's just a headache, don't worry," he tried to reassure Evan, with little success.

"Are you sure?" questioned Evan, reluctant to believe everything was okay.

"How about you take me to my room to rest for a bit?" suggested Michael, to which Evan agreed, holding the hand of his older brother and slowly guiding him upstairs.

As they moved, Michael seemed on the verge of collapse due to the intense pain consuming him. Every fiber of his being throbbed, especially his head, which pulsed as if it were about to explode. His only wish at that moment was to take a painkiller and sink into the oblivion of restorative sleep.

As they entered the room, Michael turned to smile at Evan. "Thanks. You can go, I'll be fine," assured Michael, trying to calm Evan, who, in turn, seemed a little more at ease.

"Okay, rest for a bit, alright?" requested Evan, as Michael nodded. Once Evan left the room, he offered a silent prayer for Michael's recovery.

Michael took a deep breath and headed for the bed to reach for the painkillers on the bedside table, but the pain increased drastically, becoming unbearable, and he fell to the floor.

Reaching out, he tried to grab the pills to at least find some relief right there, but they were beyond his reach as the pain grew relentlessly.

Sitting on the floor, on the verge of unconsciousness, Michael stared at the ground, struggling to stay awake. Until he heard footsteps approaching from all sides. Confused, he looked up when a shadow stopped in front of him. "... Liz?" he whispered, his eyes widening as he saw his sister before him, her face stained with tears and blood, a deep wound adorning her stomach.

She seemed to smile for a brief moment before kneeling in front of him. Michael could almost feel the cold touch of her hands as she touched his face and, with the other hand, gestured for silence.

"See you soon, Mikey."

Chapter Text

Hey, I hope you're all doing well. Unfortunately, this isn't a chapter, and I'm not sure when the next one will be out. I'm sending this note to explain why I haven't been posting for so long.

I've been experiencing a kind of writer's block lately. I've tried to write the next chapter three times, and none of them turned out the way I wanted. Also, I'm not entirely satisfied with the quality of the last few chapters. That's why I've decided to take a break from this story for a while. I'm not sure how long this break will last, but as soon as I start writing the next chapter and it's something I'm truly pleased with, I'll come here to let you know. Until then, I hope you all stay well.