The sun rose past 6 am and human employees began swarming the entrance as a new day is ahead of them, a new day considered much special than the rest of the days. Today marks the second anniversary since the Pizzaplex's opening. Employees were mentally and physically preparing themselves for the day that will surely bring fatigue down their bones as staff bots came to help preparations. The opening of the Pizzaplex itself is at 8 am, giving them two hours of preparation time.

The noise of employees chattering outside was left unheard by a certain entity hiding away at Rockstar Row, specifically, inside Glamrock Freddy's greenroom.

You slept soundly; the supposed nap turned into a full rest. You were in luck that the curtains were shut properly, and not a view of the greenroom could be seen outside.

The owner of the greenroom stood outside the door to help in arranging what is needed. However, his main intention involves giving you more time to rest as much as possible. Since you've been guarding at night, management could care less if you've clocked in or not during shift—what's important to them is your presence.

Besides, you were quite the worker. Until now, the employees are not yet at ease in interacting with the animatronics.

With the exception of you and Vanessa.

However, you stirred awake when the commotion outside went louder as more employees came. The room isn't barred with soundproof bearings, and it wouldn't take too long before everything was heard.

You shifted awake, taking a big yawn before sitting up. Several plush dolls that pilled onto you had fallen on the carpet since your awakening. No one was in the room other than you, but you could vaguely make out distinct voices outside.

After getting up and conscious with your surroundings, you placed the dolls properly on the couch—barely calling it 'proper' more like throwing them and making sure they don't fall again. Freddy will probably deal with it later.

You went to his vanity and picked up a brush from your bag which was always placed at the foot of his vanity, it became a norm for you to leave your things here instead of the security office. Maybe, it's because you just got used to the animatronic's presence? You didn't really care at the moment; you'll deal with it when it becomes a problem.

You brushed your messy hair and tied it in a somewhat neat-looking messy bun, fixing your wrinkled clothes by patting at some areas. Its not formal but better than looking like you've just woke up from hibernation. A light touch of make-up will suffice too.

Preparations to look at least decent finished in a few minutes, and you walked out of Freddy's greenroom to get back to work. A few hours of sleep was what you needed, you couldn't call it a nap with how long it took, as it was just a few minutes before opening. Freddy probably didn't bother waking you earlier.

You approached the manager when you saw him, it's a rare occurrence to see him outside of his office, especially when he's one of the earliest to come to work. "Good morning, Sir." You greeted, stopping to stand just a few feet away from him, maintaining appropriate distance.

"Ah, good morning. I see you're... looking refreshed. Anyways, the management can handle security duty quite alright, you don't have to stress over it. However, if situation permits, try to help out." He instructed, glancing at his watch as if he was waiting for someone.

You only nodded while eyeing his watch for a moment. "Sure thing." Your reply was limited, but considering that he seems busy at the moment, you left him be.

The place was getting more busy as preparations are still underway even though its minutes away from opening time, you spent the leisure to just observe and see if you can spot Freddy or the other animatronics. It was by chance that what met your gaze was Vanessa, who was still wearing her uniform and leaning against the wall. You walked forth to approach her, hoping to at least enjoy the rest of the day with the woman.

"Pretty busy, huh?" you started, standing beside her with your hands by your hips.

She just eyed you for a moment before releasing a sigh. "They're still making last minute preparations despite already preparing yesterday." She wasn't amused, it was basically the company being handled by management that are not... always prepared.

"They're almost finished, anyways." You glanced around seeing customers outside now entering the facilities, it seems, the clock must've hit 8 am already.

"Seeing you're all giddy, I assume you're well rested. Well, good for you." She spoke in a form of sass, but you couldn't help but notice the hinge of distraught in her voice.

"What about you? Did you sleep well at least?" you questioned, noticing the unenergetic behavior of hers. Its not like she was ever energetic to begin with, but still.

"I'm fine, just tired." She limitedly replied, pushing herself off the wall and balancing on her two feet. "I'm getting coffee, you're welcome to tag along if you want." She offered, already making her way towards the stairs, leading to the second floor that serves as entryway via the elevator. It was a good thing that elevators were separated per purpose, or there will always be traffic whenever someone uses it while a queue forms.

Considering that there are only few early birds of customers around, you were able to hitch a ride on the elevator with Vanessa with ease, arriving at the Main Atrium in just a few minutes.

The Main Atrium was beaming with life, its operation seemed like the usual, the only difference being the small posters, flyers, and garlands of the words "Anniversary" littering the entire area. You followed Vanessa over to the salad stop on the second floor, which also served pastries and other beverages available. You ordered your usual (F/D) while Vanessa took some strong coffee to keep herself conscious throughout the day. Snacks and pastries were already given. Again, one of the best benefit of being a security guard, especially, under night duty, is being blessed with the power to buy and order anything you want—but you don't have to pay for it, really. It's a good thing as it saves you money, but often so, you don't forget to tip.

You settled on a nearby table with Vanessa, as time ticks, more and more of the customers are flooding the Main Atrium in various ages. There are kids, teens, and even adults to oldies alike. Truly, Freddy's was a good place to spend time, only if you're capable of bearing the holler of noise.

For a moment, you observed Vanessa, who seemed to be looking at particularly nothing with her nonchalant expression, her emerald eyes dull and eyes half-lidded. It was an odd sight; she wasn't the energetic type but not also is she this sullen.

"Vanessa, I think you're not telling me something, aren't you?" you were straightforward, placing your drink down, noticing how she barely even touched her coffee, the steam already dissipating to show how long it has been. "IF something's bothering you, you can share it with me."

"Look, I'm really just tired. Don't think of it too much than it already is, because its not." She tried ending the conversation right there and then, but she'd be gullible if she were to believe you'd drop it. it became quite a norm, really, and she got used to it.

"Then you should rest up, I'm sure there is someplace you can rest up for a moment—"

"Where? As far as I'm concerned, its opening hours, all facilities are being used." She cut you off and took a sip of her not-so-hot coffee, the salad she ordered was left untouched until she decided to lift her fork. The metallic handle of the utensil now ice cold from the lack of touch.

"There's a greenroom that's still closed off, I think we can get in with our Security Badges, no one opens it anyways." You presumed, recalling the fifth greenroom which has been sealed for days now. The lights aren't functioning yet, so you couldn't see a glimpse of what it looks like, or for who is it really meant to be used for. All you know is that its covered with red curtains from the inside like Freddy's greenroom, and it had blue-ish walls.

"You and I both know that entry in restricted areas like that is prohibited, right?" she knew that you were aware, but your antics are just as wild as your intrusive thoughts. "Later at lunch time, Freddy and the rest won't perform."

The news shocked you that you dropped your fork, which you were using to eat your egg pie. "E-Excuse me? But why? He's the main event—"

"Keep your voice down, I just heard it from the management earlier, alright?" she leaned forward while lowering her voice, ensuring that not a single word is heard by anyone around them, especially, not customers. "There will be a surprise held at exactly that time, an anniversary special that the Pizzaplex has prepared. Freddy and the rest will perform by nine, but that's about it. they'll resume by three in the afternoon."

Vanessa was great with intel, even by standing around, she can easily garner interesting information that can pique the interest of just about anyone. More or so, just you.

"Well, whatever they're planning, it should be worth the time and effort. They can't just make way by cancelling one of the hour-point performances." You grumbled, picking up a new fork.

Vanessa raised a brow at that. "You're acting quite odd at the mention of that one animatronic. You know, you're getting way too attached."

"Attached? I just feel like it should be justified, that's all." You reasoned; however, you were quite aware that she won't drop the idea at its brief mention anyways.

It didn't take more than half an hour for the small crowd to form at the Main Atrium's central circle, despite the early morning, there were many customers frolicking already. The animatronics now stationed at the elevated platform, and the show has officially begun.

Through the months of watching them play, it was always an amusing sight to see them singing, making bizarre movements, and even showing small gestures that makes them seem so human-like. It was an ordeal that you eventually got used to throughout the dayshifts that you take.

Though, not always can you sit by and watch, most often you take the days off to rest for the night shift. Considering the tranquility of the night, you Found it more alluring to converse with the sentient beings in the bask of nightlight. In other words, it was more comfortable.

"Hey... can I ask you something?" your gaze shifted towards Vanessa who broke through your train of thoughts with her own voice, her fork in hand just plainly poking on the leaf of her salad of a side dish.

"Go right away." You replied, also wondering why questions needed to be fired away despite your common friendly relation with the woman.

"Was there any time you've... heard voices? Not the typical ones but... voices that somehow calls to you, but they aren't really there?" Vanessa inquired; her eyes dull yet still looked into yours. Despite the joyous atmosphere, you frowned in response.

"Not that I've experienced any lately, why?" you took a sip of your drink, though your eyes stayed fixated onto Vanessa who seemed to look like she's currently at a loss, a loss that you couldn't quite pinpoint the exact specifics of what it is.

It was odd.

"Vanessa, come on. Are you sure you're alright? You seemed quite out of place lately." Your concerned tone was at its peak, your observations of her lately was inconsistent.

At some point, she was her normal, sarcastic self. Other times, she's just dull, staring plainly at anything, or instances where she looks clearly absentminded. This is one of the notable times where her odd and peculiar behavior is tugging at your worrisome instincts.

"What's the use of giving out answers if you're not going to accept them?" she breathed out, leaning back on the seat's backrest, placing her fork down on her plate, having no appetite to continue in poking the greens further. "Look, just forget I've said anything, alright?"

You were quite hesitant for a moment, wanting to ask more questions but felt no place to do so.

The first performance ended a few minutes later, and the animatronics now parted ways to proceed with their obligations to entertain. Chica and Roxy left towards the service elevators to the Main Lobby, either to greet guests or attend scheduled birthdays in Superstar Daycare where they are required due to rentals. Monty returned to his infamous attraction to probably entertain guests there—and there's Freddy, staying in the Main Atrium to tend to guests who are frolicking around him, with children asking for his brief attention.

"I'm going to step outside for a minute, you should enjoy the event. After all, we're entitled to free pizza." Vanessa smiled, although her eyes were tired. A forced smile was one of her most common response in public, that alone you could see.

You didn't bother replying anymore, knowing that the woman is too firm to shake. You simply nodded in response and watched as she stood up and left, leaving the rest of her food untouched. It made you quite annoyed that you asked the staff bot to wrap Vanessa's meal for take-out. Maybe, you could have a snack later than letting this all go to waste.

The plastic bag in hand with Freddy's signature smile as a logo was on hand, and you made your way to the nearest security office to drop it off there. It just so happened that Vanessa's things were also there. Maybe, you could just leave this and let her take it home?

Your eyes loomed over towards the cameras, eyeing the various feeds showing several parts of the Pizzaplex. There were customers filling every single spot visible on the cameras, considering that it was a few hours away from lunch time. The location itself always had a packed schedule even at the earliest of openings, there were still some that are waiting outside.

Furthermore, there were birthday parties scheduled today since in accordance with he anniversary policy, there are discounts offered to birthday celebrants—which includes, free rental of animatronics. It just so happened that Freddy was too much in demand that the only ones available were Roxy and Chica.

Not that it bothered you, the girls are also fan favorites by kids of all ages. Monty is more appealing to older audience like teenagers, especially, with his behavior.

You decided to kill some time by browsing your phone, finding bills popping up from your message apps, and even in emails. Despite the horrid distaste in your mouth, you took a seat on the old swivel chair and began initiating online transactions to pay for the bills necessary. Best you deal with this during your free time than to forget it—again.

It would be nice if you could just live in the Pizzaplex, or if there are any dormitories for employees. That way, you won't have to worry about rent for the time being. But its not just rent you're concerned about, there's also water bills, electricity bills, and the god forsaken internet bill that is continuously being charged despite the not-so-often usage of said service. Other than internet bills, there are also data charges which you use to stay connected even outside.

Leaving you with probably a small portion of your salary, divided into two parts: savings and leisure spending.

Having to collect proof of payments online and send them to your landlord took quite a while, since you needed to have the necessary approvals to continue transactions that an hour or so probably had passed already. By the time you finished, the digital clock shows how it was only thirty minutes left before noon.

You tossed your phone in your pocket for a while and stood, stretching after feeling the soreness in your limbs from sitting too long. You suddenly recalled of an anniversary surprise prepared by management which is showcased at exactly noon—you best not miss it.

In a not-so-hasty gesture, you left the security office and headed towards the Main Atrium once more, a journey not too long as staff areas are accessible to—well, staffs.

You remained on the second floor, finding it much easier to view the turn of events from a higher level than being crushed by fans and dedicated onlookers from the first floor. Not many customers remained on the secondary floor, since most of them are down on the first, eager to see the band perform. Not that they will witness Freddy and the rest, but only you and Vanessa knew that.

"You look like you're at a loss, is something bothering you?" a voice questioned from beside you, and when you glanced to your left—Freddy was there, leaning against the railings like what you're doing as well. Considering that there are mostly adults and parents accompanying their kids in the second floor, they didn't flock Freddy like the kids did earlier.

You smiled for a moment and casted your eyes back onto the show stage below. "I've been hearing that a lot lately. Do I look like I'm problematic?" you asked, even though you have no answer to expect.

"Humans naturally encounter problems daily, and I suppose you're no exception." He replied and did the same, looking at the stage where a holographic figure of himself moved in trajectory during his absence on stage. "I went back to find you in the greenroom, but you already left earlier."

"I didn't want to bother you, and besides, I'm not going to get lost or anything. I'm an adult that can fend for herself." You responded, rolling your eyes even though you no longer faced the animatronic.

The thrill of talking to the animatronics died down in the last few months, making it seem like conversing with the sentient beings was just as ordinary as talking to other people. Still, the animatronics weren't close to other staffs that only work-related topics are ever lifted and discussed between them.

Unlike you and Vanessa that can frolic as much you want around these beings, and they'll still be one with your humor.

"You are not a bother at all. Frankly, my greenroom has been very quiet whenever you're not present." He honestly mentioned, recalling the silence that he was once comfortable of, but for some reason, he feels like he's comfortable enough to befriend you. The feeling of always wanting to know where you are, or in what state you're in has become a hobby of the animatronic.

But it has its advantages too, Freddy can understand humans more through his observations of you.

"Hey, I'm not noisy at all!" you retorted, yet before the animatronic could respond, the lights slightly dimmed, and the intercom made itself known by dulling the music.

"Is everyone having fun? We hope you do because the main event is just getting started! As commemoration of the Pizzaplex's second anniversary since its opening (and prior to its closing incidents), we prepared something just as extraordinary as you. Please give your applaud to our long-time friend come to life!"

You looked at Freddy for a moment before looking down on the stage, the hologram of Freddy has been shut off, and colorful lights hued of blue, purple, and red danced on the empty stage where the platform was still descended in Parts and Service. The crowd broke in whispers and curious commentaries when instead of band, something else was prepared in store. It didn't take long before upbeat music played into the speakers once again, and spotlights focused on the center. The platform began elevating from a few stories below, and the gigantic screen as backdrop of the stage showed an animatronic figure basked in shadows from how dark it was, you couldn't clearly make out who it was.

Was it Monty? Chica? Roxy? Or even Sunny? You couldn't pinpoint who, but its definitely not anyone you've known recently.

A series of gasps turned to excited cheers that deafened any other normal human being nearby, your eyes widened from being taken aback from what was to behold in front of you. The animatronic revealed itself under the direct rays of spotlights, the screen at the backdrop of the stage showed a close-up shot of the said animatronic in light and of full visibility. The animatronic was light blue with hints of cerulean purple in its shoulder blades along the collar, hot pink adorned its body until half his legs before transitioning into the same, cerulean purple down completely the other half of its legs. Its foot bare with the same blue color, a purple headband strapped on its head as purple-themed designs adorned its arms. A yellow star at the center of its chest surrounded by two purple lines that details the animatronic was visible. Two whisker-like details on its face, and small eyeliner details right by its eyes. A tuff of hair-like material was prominent in its head. Long blue ears on top of its head completed with a single purple earing to match its vibe, and red eyes that pierced through the crowd.

"Is that... Bonnie...?"