Chapter Text
EPISODE 1: PILOT
Cold Open
Blank Screen, background sounds of VHS Tape clunking around. Tracking lines and static, a dull and eerie title card appears.
FREDBEAR’S FAMILY DINER - EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION TAPES
TAPE 03 - SPRINGLOCK SUITS AND SAFETY
A deadpan narrator speaks over graphics of SPRINGBONNIE and FREDBEAR suits:
Welcome, new Fredbear’s employee! We’re so glad to have you as a part of our growing family!
As I’m sure you’re aware, safety is a big concern for staff members who operate the springlock suits, so as a part of this series of training tapes, we’ll go over the basic safety procedures of operating the springlock suits.
What makes these suits so interesting, is that they double as both robot animatronics and wearable suits by employees, to create an UNFORGETTABLE experience for the children.
On “UNFORGETTABLE”, tape glitches red and statics.
As we went over in the last tape, springlocks are highly volatile. Many different things could cause a springlock failure, and it’s important that you remember: moisture is your enemy. Stay dry, stay safe.
Keeping the children safe at Fredbear’s is, of course, our highest priority. In the event that a springlock failure occurs, please find the nearest safe room or parts and service and call an employee for help.
Thank you for choosing to be a part of our family!
Smash cut to black.
Scene 1
October 1st, 1983. Fredbear’s Family Diner is desolate an hour before opening time, with SPRINGBONNIE and FREDBEAR on the stage. HENRY EMILY services a spare FREDBEAR suit when WILLIAM AFTON comes out of a room labeled “Parts and Service”, carrying scraps of yellow fabric and spare endo parts.
WILLIAM
Good morning, Henry.
HENRY
We’ve got a jaw hitch again. Lower actuator’s acting up.
WILLIAM
You were up late again?
HENRY
Could you tell?
WILLIAM
You reek of coffee, and you have this odd habit of whistling to yourself when you stay up past midnight. You said there’s an issue?
HENRY
These springlock suits are ingenious, but they’ve been tricky to service. The jaw mechanics of endoskeletons become worn down from overuse of the handcranks. They can become dangerous, especially around children.
WILLIAM (with a hint of sarcasm and offense)
No offense, but I don’t need you to explain how my suits work.
HENRY
Look, all I’m saying is that they are walking mousetraps to those potential lawsuits out there, if someone doesn’t keep their kid in check, we’re gonna have a dead employee and some missing fingers. We can’t afford to rush. Watch this-
Henry removes the driver from the mouth cavity and in a couple of seconds, the mouth snaps shut with a grinding crunch.
HENRY (CONT’D)
See?
WILLIAM
Alright. Fair point. But we can fix it. We can always fix it.
HENRY
We can’t rush these things, and not smooth over any edges. We’ve spent six years building up this franchise. People trust us. Families trust us.
WILLIAM
Families love us. That’s why we can’t slow down now…! We’ve got all the momentum in the world! I’ve even got ideas of expansion.
HENRY
Expansion?! We’ve barely got two stable animatronics!
WILLIAM
Isn’t that why we innovate? What the hell have we been doing for the past half-decade?
HENRY
We stabilize first. That’s the reason Fredbear’s works!
WILLIAM
Okay fine. Let’s meet in the middle. Morning rush is about to hit us, so you handle servicing Fredbear and I'll greet the crowd. Now where’d Carlo run off too?
Henry picks up his tools and resumes work on the jaw.
END SCENE.
SCENE 2
Late morning of the same day. CARLO MENDEZ dashes around in diner, now extremely busy for the morning rush. He balances serving trays with drinks and food and approaches a table with multiple children. FREDBEAR and SPRINGBONNIE dance in robotic fashion with numerous kids piling at the foot of the stage.
CARLO
Okay! Who ordered the Mega Fredbear Breakfast Bundle with extra syrup? Was it you guys–?
The kids all scream YES! In multiple different directions.
CARLO (CONT’D)
Right! Got it. I’ll be right back!
CARLO makes his way to the serving area when he stops and sees a timid child in a small ball pit in the corner. He recognizes him as WILLIAM AFTON’S son, EVAN. Watching from an empty table is CASSIDY EDWARDS. CARLO stops mid stride and speaks with EVAN.
CARLO
Hey buddy, how are you doing? Kinda loud today don’t you think?
EVAN
They’re too big. How can anyone like standing so close?
CARLO
Yeah, they’re a little bit spooky that’s for sure, especially when you’re right up next to them. But give them a chance. They’re safe I promise. We have a whole team that helps them get ready for their performances, including me!
CASSIDY
My dad says robots break all the time. He says you shouldn’t trust them.
CARLO
(Laughs) Well, your dad isn’t necessarily wrong, but that’s why we make sure to always keep an eye on them. And hey, I’ve got all ten of my fingers! So you can count on me with that.
CASSIDY
For now.
CARLO smiles, the kind of smile that’s unsure whether it’s a joke or not. A mother waves CARLO over, asking to bring some napkins.
CARLO
On it! Hey, if either of you need anything, yell “Carlo!” And I’ll teleport over. It’s a superpower I have.
CARLO rushes off, and EVAN feels slightly reassured. CASSIDY turns her attention to FREDBEAR, as he performs a clunky bow, concluding their performance. A servo in his jaw whines, inaudible over the noise of the diner.
END SCENE.
SCENE 3
WILLIAM comes out of the backrooms to survey the diner intently. CARLO notices his presence, and straightens himself accordingly.
CARLO
Morning, Mr. Afton.
WILLIAM
Hello Carlo, busy in here as usual.
CARLO
Never time to rest at Fredbear’s I suppose.
WILLIAM notices EVAN sitting in the ball pit, and his face flickers with concern.
WILLIAM
Evan, what are you doing here alone? I thought I told you to go sit with your brother for today.
EVAN
Mike always wants to sit with his friends near Fredbear, and they’re always mean to me! And, and, he scares me.
WILLIAM
He isn’t going to hurt you. We’ve talked about this, he’s in robot mode right? The only thing he can do is sing and dance.
Evan remains unrelaxed.
WILLIAM (CONT’D)
Fredbear’s here to make people happy. You’re making this more seem more scary than it actually is.
EVAN
Dad, I swear Springbonnie looked at me. I mean, really looked at me!
WILLIAM
He didn’t *look* to you, Evan, he’s programmed to do that.
CARLO
Um, Mr. Afton? It’s almost Floor-Time Fun.
WILLIAM regards him.
WILLIAM
Please go sit with your brother, Evan. We’ll talk about this at home.
EVAN walks away dejectedly.
CARLO
He’s a good kid sir, just nervous.
WILLIAM
I know that Carlo, but he needs to be able to stand up for himself.
WILLIAM walks away to shake hands and introduces himself. CARLO busies himself by delivering food, and passes by CASSIDY’s booth.
CASSIDY
He *was* looking at him.
CARLO stops for a moment and turns towards her.
CARLO
Hey, kid, where are your parents?
CASSIDY
Buying a toy for my younger brother, why?
CARLO
Listen to me, Evan’s always been a bit skittish around the Golden Duo, so I’d really appreciate it if you don’t keep scaring him. It’s not nice.
CASSIDY
Evan goes to my school, he’s skittish around everything. If anyone here knows anything about him, it’s me. But I’ll be nice.
CARLO walks away, feeling satisfied.
END SCENE.
SCENE 4
WILLIAM approaches the entrance as a man in a tailored suit carrying a folder and notebook enters the diner. WILLIAM recognizes the man as MACARIO MURRAY, an agent for the Hurricane Police Department. He shakes his hand.
WILLIAM
Mr. Macario Murray, what a pleasure to see you here! How long has it been now?
MURRAY
I’d say about 2 years. I wish I’d come here on less demanding business, but to be frank, there are some things we have to talk about. Could we go somewhere more private?
WILLIAM
Of course.
WILLIAM leads MURRAY into his personal office, where they both sit down.
WILLIAM (CONT’D)
So, what is there to talk about?
MURRAY
Fredbear’s Family Diner is a high profile location. Families, especially children, love it. But, like all POI’s, they are magnets for concern. I have reports, close calls and complaints from parents. Nothing confirmed yet, but in a quaint town like Hurricane, we need to be thorough.
WILLIAM
I understand. Safety of our families is paramount, I’m sure we can both agree.
MURRAY
Mr. Afton, at our last meeting, we called for daily maintenance logs. Through recent searches, we’ve noticed some irregularities. Notes are incomplete or vague - “routine”. I need specifics, William.
WILLIAM
I see. And yet, in all that vagueness, not a soul was harmed. Not once in six years. Our procedures are rigorous, because nothing irregular happens when you follow them.
MURRAY
Yes, procedures. Procedures that must be documented every day. I’ve spoken to your employees. They mention your “creative fixes”, improvisation on stage, and modifications to the suits.
WILLIAM
I assure you, we adjust to improve performance and stability, to enhance audience enjoyment. Not only that, the Springbonnie suit is worn by me personally on occasion, so if you really can’t trust my character to protect others, please believe I have my own safety in mind.
MURRAY
Places like this… they can turn on a dime, Mr. Afton. I’ve seen it before. I have no grudge nor quarrel with you, but I must keep the citizens in mind. These suits are dangerous.
WILLIAM, with increased anger and frustration,
My suits are ingenious! They are the pinnacle to commercial technology. To think for even a second I have ill intentions is a slap in the face! A disrespect I tell you!
WILLIAM collects himself.
I’m sorry. And I appreciate the concern, but this franchise has survived with full marks for six years. Six years without any major incident. One singular isolated event couldn’t destroy it.
MURRAY
“Isolated event” is what worries me. You might consider this routine, but to me, it’s a liability. I have no doubt you’re a genius inventor and mechanic, but my job is to ensure no one looks over that liability.
WILLIAM
To reiterate then, Mr. Murray. My restaurant runs safely. Efficiently. Every precaution is accounted for. I can show you the backrooms, the maintenance routine, if you’d like.
MURRAY
I’d like to take you up on that offer. I do appreciate transparency. I’ll keep in touch. One misstep, remember. Now then, my business here is done for now. Be sure to continue updating your logs. For everyone’s sake.
END SCENE.
SCENE 5
EVAN disobeys WILLIAM’s order to sit with his brother and wanders away from the parlor. He goes into a “STAFF ONLY” labeled hallway, half registering where he is.
EVAN
Mom said it’s just machines. Just machines…
Metal shifts somewhere faintly, just able to be heard. As EVAN continues walking, the camera picks up a dark silhouette. Tall, motionless, an impossibly large mouth uncannily gaping wide is just outlined by the fluorescent, buzzing yellow lights. It looks like FREDBEAR, though he’s performing in Floor-Time Fun with someone. EVAN’s breath halts, staring into the darkness.
The silhouette remains motionless, as the lights flicker three times, and go out for a couple seconds. When they come back on, SHADOW FREDDY is gone. The camera cuts to a side view of EVAN where the same figure is right next to him in a soft jumpscare to the screen. EVAN screams in fear and jumps back into a storage unit full of spare character parts and old posters.
He notices character heads that aren’t familiar at all, a brown with round ears, a blue with oval, a yellow with none, and a red with pointed. The heads are on scuffed and dirty mannequins. When EVAN sees these, he begins to freak out. Someone enters the room.
FEMALE EMPLOYEE
Whoa buddy—hey—what are you doing back here? This room’s off-limits!
EVAN
I saw something moving. It was huge, with a great big open mouth. I got scared! It was right outside!
FEMALE EMPLOYEE, while nudging him back to the parlor area.
Don’t worry. This is the tech hallway. Nothing here can move without a handler.
EVAN
It did move, I promise! Right next to me..
FEMALE EMPLOYEE
(half-heartedly) Okay buddy, do you want some lemonade? Maybe you can talk to FREDBEAR during Floor-Time Fun!
EVAN
But—okay…
END SCENE.
SCENE 6
Late Afternoon—Evening at Fredbear’s, the last crowd for dinner rush has thinned, with only a couple people left eating. EVAN is getting ready to leave for the day along with his brother, MICHAEL and father when CASSIDY approaches him for a real conversation.
CASSIDY
Hi Evan.
EVAN
Oh, hey Cassidy.
CASSIDY
You’ve been particularly jumpy today. I saw you talking with your dad, was he being mean?
EVAN
No, no. It’s not him. He’s right though, I need to stop being so scared about everything all the time. It’s something else.
CASSIDY
Like what?
EVAN
I saw something. Really, Cassidy, I did. I was in the Tech Hallway when I saw a shadow. It looked like Fredbear but it had this huge open mouth, and he wasn’t yellow! It came right up next to me! Maria didn’t believe me at all when I told you, but I know what I saw!
CASSIDY
No, I believe you.
EVAN
Really?
CASSIDY
It was an endoskeleton. It’s the thing inside of Fredbear and Springbonnie. It’s what makes them move. I went looking earlier and saw it at the end of the hallway. I also saw something else—
MARIA (FEMALE EMPLOYEE)
Kids! We’re closing up! Go and find your parents! Oh and Evan, Your dad will be just out, so sit tight for me, okay?
CASSIDY waves her off dismissively.
Listen, Evan, I gotta tell you something. Will you be at school on Monday? I'm not going to Fredbear’s tomorrow.
EVAN
Yeah, I will.
CASSIDY
Okay, see you then.
WILLIAM enters the parlor as CASSIDY leaves, noticing her conversation with EVAN. He nods this off and goes up to MICHAEL.
WILLIAM
Michael, I told you to look out for your brother. I really need you to start stepping up, especially during busy days like this.
MICHAEL
Dad, why do I have to be constantly watching him? Why can’t Elizabeth or Mom?
WILLIAM
We’ve been over this, Mom has work and needs to sleep. Elizabeth is helping around the house for her. I don’t need you to lord over him, but make sure he isn’t wandering off to where he shouldn’t be. An employee of mine told me he was around the Tech Hallway, which is already dangerous, especially with someone as fearful as Evan.
MICHAEL
Then let him stay with Elizabeth, you know they get along better than we do.
WILLIAM
Elizabeth might be mature for her age, but she isn’t equipped to take care of him how I would want her to. You can.
MICHAEL
But—
WILLIAM
Listen, let’s just go home, this day wasn’t the greatest and these folks need to close up.
WILLIAM, MICHAEL, and EVAN all leave the parlor.
CARLO, MARIA and a couple other employees are all cleaning up.
CARLO
Alright ya’ll, last sweep and then we’re good to go for lockup.
The employees bus the counters, stack chairs, turn off arcade machines. CARLO moves towards the stage, where FREDBEAR and SPRINGBONNIE are motionless, captured in cartoonish poses. He gets up on the stage and starts doing end of day maintenance.
He checks off boxes on a clipboard when HENRY walks out backstage, looking exhausted.
HENRY
Evening, Carlo. How are the Golden Duo?
CARLO
Looking good, Mr. Emily. They’re always kinda grimey at the end of the day but nothing majorly wrong with their endoskeletons.
HENRY
That’s good! Listen, Carlo, there’s something you should know. Mr. Macario Murray of the Hurricane Police Department visited the diner this afternoon just before Floor-Time Fun. He had a conversation with William about the maintenance logs for the characters and reportedly questioned the safety of them.
CARLO
He was looking a bit agitated this evening. Did anything else happen?
HENRY
He gave him a warning, asking to keep the logs updated. In the future, do you think you could take up some extra logging shifts? I know you’re a particularly busy man at work, but we’re close to opening our sister chain and I’d like to make sure approval is smooth.
CARLO
It would be my pleasure to do so. A sister chain?
HENRY
We’ll make a formal announcement to the other employees this coming week, but long story short, William has been itching to expand the franchise. We’ve even drafted new characters based on Fredbear & Friends.
CARLO
That sounds really exciting now, Mr. Emily. Is there anything else I can do? I’ve really got to get home.
HENRY
That’ll be all for today. Are you coming tomorrow?
CARLO
I could never miss time at Fredbear’s.
HENRY smiles at this statement and walks away to the backrooms. CARLO, MARIA, and BEN all finish closing and leave for the night.
END SCENE.
SCENE 7
Early to late evening. WILLIAM, MICHAEL, and EVAN all return home from a day at Fredbear’s, where they meet up with ELIZABETH, and CLARA who is getting ready for her night shift at a local hospital.
CLARA
There you three are. I was worried you all got swallowed up at the diner. (To EVAN) How was my little man today?
EVAN
Fredbear looked at me again.
CLARA gives WILLIAM a quick glance, doing a silent and brief conversation.
MICHAEL
He’s just been whining again.
CLARA
Michael, that’s enough.
From the hallway, ELIZABETH enters the room and runs over to WILLIAM embracing him in a hug.
ELIZABETH
You’re home! I want to show you what I made for school, it’s a pulley system for the science fair with levers and gears—
WILLIAM
Very clever, sweetheart. We can talk more about it later, alright?
CLARA
Okay you guys, I’m heading out for work. I’ll be back around 8:30. Will, please make sure your sons don’t kill each other. See you later Lizzie.
Later, around 8, MICHAEL is on the phone talking with a friend while EVAN sits on the couch with his Fredbear plush. Elizabeth is on the floor in front of the TV with pages of drawings sprawling on the floor.
ELIZABETH
Evan? You wanna draw with me?
EVAN
…Sure..
ELIZABETH continues drawing a picture of WILLIAM and her together, while EVAN starts drawing FREDBEAR. Though he draws the character with warped proportions. The eyes are vacant and dark, the mouth stretched far too wide like the shadow at Fredbear’s, and wrong teeth.
ELIZABETH
Ev, that’s not what he looks like.
EVAN
It’s what he looks like when he thinks no one is looking.
SHADOW FREDDY appears in the hallway once more. Just a second, a dark outline where the shadows pool together. EVAN sees him, and his hair is raised on its end.
Don’t you see him? He’s right there!
ELIZABETH
Evan, there’s nothing there but a laundry basket.
EVAN
He’s followed me home..
MICHAEL
Oh my god. He’s having visions of the bear now? Seriously?
ELIZABETH
Shut up, Michael! You’re not helping at all.
MICHAEL
Yeah. That’s what he needs. Help.
MICHAEL leaves the den and ascends the stairs to his bedroom. At the same time, WILLIAM comes from the basement with an apron on. As he checks his watch, his mind is clearly elsewhere.
WILLIAM
Everything alright?
ELIZABETH
We’re fine Daddy.
WILLIAM walks away to his bedroom, feeling satisfied. EVAN looks down at his Fredbear plush, and a drop of blood drips onto the fluffy exterior. He brings his hand up to his nose, only for there to be no sign of bleeding. When he looks again, the blood is gone.
COLD CLOSE - END SCENE.