I have too much going on in this life, apologies for my apparent disappearance, but I can safely conclude I am not part of the missing children incident :D Just an ordinary college student stuDYING

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After that very night, things took a turn towards the south.

You and Vanessa no longer interacted unless necessary—not a glance was spared between two colleagues who inevitably puts up with each other, considering no one else was with them during the night.

At least, no one else who's all organic and breathing.

The silence was comforting—no, that was a white lie, it was terrifying. In the absence of the usual greetings prior shift starts and the absence of the usual banter or gossip from the other, it was mundane.

Melancholic? No, just mundane and... eerie.

Vanessa has been growing distant—not just distant, but... self-isolating. The way she goes to work rather early (as if it was any different), or how she never communicates at all unless truly necessary.

Sometimes, not at all.

Was that night really that impactful that the other would isolate herself against you? Was it something you did or said? You don't know.

All you recalled was Vanessa suddenly walking out during that conversation, then, she never talked to you at all.

Why does it fill you with a sense of... déjà vu?

Like this happened before. But when? And why can't you seem to recall any of it?

You attempted to talk to her, may it be an excuse to talk about work or assignment purposes, she just nods and leaves.

Vanessa may not be the chattiest of individuals, but she is definitely more distant if not barely.

The prospect of future work relations was beginning to crumble—in more obvious ways than one, in fact. The chances that peace and harmony be placed back in the Pizzaplex was beginning to... slim. As per say, the animatronics weren't the only ones in a tight colleague conflict, problem, or whatever it may be coined as necessary.

The animatronics did quiet down... for now, at least. Similar to your situation with the other security guard—its silence, ignore whatever's going on and act as if nothing happened.

Or rather, nothing is happening, nothing to talk about, now to mention.

The prospect of having to talk about problems arising from a series of chain reaction occurrences are highly regarded as a negative event that preludes to another tragedy after another, but the ignorance and aloof indifference towards such topic will only conclude the prospect of inconsideration and nihilism.

At some point, it is a blessing enough to daunt away from the imagery of a utopian entertainment industry long before it wallows whole the idealism of utopia to be frankly existing, when in reality, it's not.

No, it's far from it.

They say, there are three kinds of reactions that human beings have towards facing conflicts, relatively, there's avoidance, confrontation, and deferral.

In most human beings, confrontation is the riskiest but quickest move to solve conflicts. Individuals will head on just embrace the conflict, face it with a powerful bravado, and hope that the directness will constitute agreement between two parties involved in conflict.

For others, its deferral, the prospect of deferring something in hopes that it'll die down after a few days to weeks, or the idea that the conflict will naturally be drowned into memories in due time. More often than not, choosing not to confront conflicts while delaying the prospect of a confrontation is one of the most nonsensical way to tackle conflicts, since honestly? They never fade away. Forgotten, but just a stroke of fire will only return a harsher backlash in the long run.

Finally, there's avoidance. One of the most sought-after methods to cope and deal with conflicts.

Just avoid them, don't look at them, don't speak to them.

The conflict wont worsen (most of the time), nor will the conflict deflate. In the end, it will be wallowed in silent seething, anger? Dejection? It has been long unclear, but to avoid the idea of bringing resolution to conflicts is rather...

Childish, foolish, a mundane display of idiocy for some people who strives for peace.

With a shake of the head, pondering over topics such as whether the conflict is resolved will only lead to more thoughtless questions than there are not.

Two distant conflicts intertwined by fate (or rather, by the four corners of the Pizzaplex), one among the sentient animatronics, the other among two human beings—whom are also, in a way, related to the conflict of animatronics.

Despite the drowning sounds the ambience of the Pizzaplex, the tension still palpable in the four corners of the establishment was noticed only by those who knew, and absent to those who don't.

The time reaching thirty minutes after the midnight struck, and wheeled automated staff roamed the halls, cleaning, patrolling, and the likes. The lights slightly dimmed to conserve power, and the chaos of sheer joy absent compared to the state of the entertainment establishment earlier.

You found yourself wound up in Rockstar Row, the usual first stop before patrolling elsewhere. However, unlike the usual scenes of the animatronics loitering the hallways, chatting, or huddling up by the golden statue to converse, there was none of that.

Only the girls were absent from the scene, both Chica and Roxy wandered off to their usual destinations of sort. The kitchen most probable for Chica, while the backstage most probable for Roxy. By the large monument of a golden statue of the face of the entire brand was Bonnie, and the animatronic resembling the statue himself. While Monty?

Where is Monty?

Flicking your flashlight off and tucking it in your pocket, you made your way with echoing footsteps against carpet towards the two animatronics by the said statue, their conversation momentarily ceasing upon sensing your arrival.

Hot pink eyes and electric blue ones darted from each other, and onto your emerging frame from their line of vision. There was no judgement nor quizzical glances among them, just waiting, silently anticipating what's to come.

Pausing a few feet from them, you tucked the tablet you had right under your arm, reminding yourself to set it down by the security office when you pass by. "Have you guys seen Monty?"

That question wasn't odd nor surreal, it was a repetitive question like mantra that they've grown accustomed to hearing you question. For the past few days to weeks—you've only set your focus to accompany one animatronic, and it was Monty.

In usual cases, you'd probably think twice than to spend most of your time with the cranky animatronic, considering also how you're currently in a relationship with the leader of the band—well, most likely, not that anyone would know, would they?

That could've been a problem, if so.

The animatronic in question—Freddy, never actually bothered to intrude a question in regards to your dedication in accompanying Monty, rather, it was a good thing. Without the constant interaction between Monty and Bonnie, the peace was upheld—albeit, uncomfortably, eerie with unsettling distraught.

However, before the said animatronic could utter a response to where the green animatronic lies idle, the blue bunny piqued in. "I think he's in his own attraction, but Officer (Y/N), do you have time?" he questioned after such response, earning him a side glance from his animatronic companion.

The question got you taken aback for a moment, "Yeah? I do, why?" to respond a question after another, it was your way of getting the rationale behind such motives. Why? Well, you did have time, considering that there wasn't much to do other than check the cameras, patrol idly, and all the sorts without much exertion of time and effort. You were initially planning on spending the remaining time hanging out with Monty to comfort him, knowing how his isolation has something to do with the array of events that barraged their sensors with apprehension. You meant no harm—Freddy knew that, they all did.

Of course, sparing the last thirty minutes before shift ends in order to accommodate your time of leisure with Freddy, you can't possibly ignore the guy forever—but there's still a gap, not just the boundaries between humans and robots, but the gap that torn them between objectivity and subjectivity.

It just so happens that the main subject of it all is Monty in his entirety.

A slight wiggle of his animatronic bunny ears, Bonnie tilted his head. "I was wondering if you wanna hang out? I mean, I haven't got to know you much, and I've been here for weeks now." That was it, a chance to hang out and get to know you.

In the passage of work, it is inevitable to pass by other 'colleagues', should the term be appropriate for the animatronic to begin with. Its only customary for them to at least be on friendly terms, or even more. Not only does it improve work environment, but also, dedication, motivation, and maybe something else.

But then again... you were supposed to make time for Monty, right?

It's only a while, maybe you could catch up with him at some point, it's barely a quarter to 1 AM, surely, you'll have enough time to hang out with the latter for an hour or two.

"I.... suppose we could—"

"Great! Let's go." Without another word, he held your hand and began dragging you up the staircase towards the elevators leading to the Main Atrium.

As quick as you've arrived, you were taken away by the bunny, snatched by the hand, and off your retreating form have gone. You could spot the lingering glance from the other animatronic for a moment before you had to tear your gaze away to keep an eye on your path ahead.

It wasn't long, just a moment or two since yours and Bonnie's departure, the animatronic in question from the earlier query made his existence known.

Heavy footsteps against carpets, the swaying tail from behind, metallic and scraping against the smooth velvet of the carpet. The animatronic witnessed it all, yet he was too far away to be noticed, which he wasn't intending to, but it occurred as intended.

The leader of the said animatronics didn't utter a sound, but the faint twitch of his mechanical ears told otherwise that the animatronic's presence was acknowledged.

"Why?"

That was the only word uttered out by the green alligator whose presence was just made known very recently.

Freddy raised a brow inquisitively at the vague question, was it a question? Rhetorical? No one knew...

Unless the query was asked.

"What do you mean, Monty?" he had to inquire, it was always vague for the alligator to say something so... incomplete? Usually, the animatronic would talk as unrestrained as he could, but now...

"You let them go just like that?" he asked again, the previous question being the latter of "why?". 'You're not gonna follow them?' Monty wasn't as dense as others assume, he knew something was up for a while now between you and Freddy, and its no surprise that you have been seen to interact with him scarcely.

But Bonnie?

"Ease your defenses, it's nothing wrong of sort. Bonnie just came back, there's nothing wrong with letting him hang out with Officer (Y/N)." without even looking at the animatronic, Freddy just kept his focus right at the stairs leading to the Main Atrium's elevator, the path which you and Bonnie took upon your leave. "You question me of the sort and yet you spend most of your time with her as well."

"Are you imploring that I'm taking her away from you?" an inquiry from Monty roused an emotion of sort that he himself couldn't presume. 'She's the only one who accepts me.' With a sidelong glance, he assessed the other animatronic for any reaction, only to see nonchalance.

"Are you hinting that you are?" Freddy challenged, finally tilting his gaze to look forward towards the animatronic's red eyes. "Are you upset that she's with Bonnie than you?"

"Are you doubting her loyalty to you?" another question thrown back and forth as Monty made his point.

What exactly was his motive for this? Was he envious? Was he worried? Was he distrustful of Bonnie? Or was he weary of Freddy?

What was it?

Silence followed since the series of questions were thrown, with Freddy turning to look away. "I trust her wholeheartedly, there is not a seed of doubt in me, whether she spends time with others than I, I know not to restrain her of her choices." 'Because, I'm not even a semblance of worthy to instruct her of what she should and should not do.' "I don't want to be selfish." 'Because I'm not even living.'

A moment of silence followed, and the bear animatronic propped himself up from leaning against his golden statue. "I respect whatever decision she makes, whether its hanging out with others, with me, or with you. If you've nothing else to say, I'll be taking my leave."

Without another word, Freddy left. His footsteps heavy yet light at the same time as he walked down the carpets and once again, down Rockstar Row.

Leaving the alligator to stand and ponder his thoughts through.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Freddy told me that this was your favorite spot." Jeered Bonnie as he glanced around to take in the scenery of the top-floor observatory-like attraction newly opened a year ago.

The glass dome ceiling showing a view of the sheet of darkness, twinkling dots like stars littered the sky in its divine splendor, and the moon glowing ever so brightly, casting shadows down onto the Pizzaplex, illuminating the dimly lit observatory resting place. Couches and tables littered the area, and a few of Moondrop's posters and merchandise could be seen on the couches or in the structures nearby. Definitely, this has been a favorite spot for grown ups and elders, especially those who visit during night time.

Plopping down on a couch, you took a deep sigh as you gently tossed the tablet to a nearby glass table, at least, you were able to finish a few tasks on the way, with four-grid camera views open on your tablet in the case of suspicious anomalous activity, should they arise.

Bonnie's ears twitched into a wiggle as he moved, a trait considered in-born for animatronics with long ears. He picked up his guitar and once again, sat down beside you, one leg over the other, and guitar in hand. Just like Freddy, Bonnie has a habit of playing an instrument in their spare time, the only difference is that with Bonnie, it feels like you're with a friend. With Freddy, it's always something more... romantic.

"Is there a particular reason why you asked to hang out? Not that I'm saying no to you or anything—" you inquired, finding it odd indeed for the animatronic to... suddenly just swoop in, grab your hand, and drag you all the way here.

It wasn't that it was a bother, rather, you liked spending time with the animatronics. Sometimes, these animatronics were able to provide you the sense of companionship that human beings simply cannot. Why? Because they are devoid of ulterior motives and bad data that makes any other human—well, corrupt.

Given that human beings are hanging in the balance of good and evil, their nature of unpredictability just makes anyone want to raise defenses in the event that a betrayal comes to play. That's the sad part about humanity, you're not certain whether it's true and sincere, or rigged and scripted to begin with. To these animatronics whose servos are moving according to programming—and the sentience gained cause, why not? Give them both intelligence and E.Q. sounds pretty rigged per see, but they could give you what you haven't gotten.

You did, just... you're more comfortable with their inability to judge you so crudely.

"I've been meaning to know, just what did Freddy saw in you? After all, it's unconventional for a human and a robot to fall in love." He trailed off, his eyes gazing over yours to gauge your reaction. "I don't mean it as an insult, I mean, we're open and accepting no matter what. I'm just curious—"

"You're over-justifying."

"I know."

With a sigh, you leaned back with closed eyes, seeing a veil of darkness cover your vision beneath the lids. What could you say? No, what should you say?

On one point, there hasn't been an agreement between you and the other party whether to disclose this fact to the rest. Albeit, it's already obvious, based on the statements brought by the entity beside you. But it begs to question why, why? It hadn't crossed your mind recently, if not at all. Was it the charm? The personality? The fact that they can't technically judge your setbacks as a human? Or was it the protective side that makes you feel so cared for?

Either way, what was it again? It's like a wave of déjà vu where you don't even know what else to assume about the matter. At some point, it was there—in your mind, thoughts, but sometimes, it wasn't.

So, what was it?

"I..." you trailed off mindlessly, it wasn't as if you had an answer to begin with. 'He's just so nice', would that be enough? 'He cares for me.', but is it all just that? Nothing else? "He's a good guy."

Those were the only words you could presume without leading him on in information that he wasn't supposed to know. Given that he was a friend, but still, you didn't even tell the others, right? Then what makes it applicable for you to say so otherwise?

Or rather, was it you whose unsure?

"A good guy..." the animatronic mused and tore his gaze away from yours for a moment. It didn't take a genius to see the inner turmoil behind your eyes, or a fortune teller to tell you what was obvious has been laid bare to begin with.

Freddy... outside the walls of the Pizzaplex, he is a known figure meant for children entertainment, embodying the personality of those of a friend and a father, but with the heart of a child, masking his nature of a gentlemen, resembling nobility that begs to question, is this Freddy?

Who exactly is Freddy? Who was he?

"You know, its adorable how you and Fred would hide it from the others when its oh, too obvious. Don't think I didn't notice how Freddy literally mimics those teenage couples that visit the Pizzaplex at arduous timing, its too funny." He commented, as if the salt to the wound wasn't enough, making you look away, flustered.

"Too obvious?" you inquired, despite all the possible questions, that was all you could implore.

Or was there something else?

"The lovey-dovey?" he mused once more, strumming on the strings of his guitar which he carried with him. "It's fine, no one would judge you. If there's anything else in your mind, tell me, I'll lend an ear to listen..." he trailed off and lolled his head slightly, letting one of his ears bounce adorably. "... or two?"

You couldn't help but stifle a smile at the bunny's attempt. "Right..." have you noticed Vanessa lately? Another question suddenly intruded your mind. Yeah, that question.

"Yes, she's usually in north part of the Pizzaplex, why?"

Fuck—

Did he heard—

"You know, instead of whispering your thoughts out loud, just ask me what you wanna ask, 'kay?" indeed, the animatronic ceased his strumming and focused his gaze right onto you.

Although it was a habit you've failed to discard, it opened a new question at the behest of the scenery up front. How odd, your words simply fly out of your mouth regardless if you meant to say it aloud. Instinct? Maybe not, unknown what it is, its best not to delve too deep upon that matter.

"Can I confide to you?" you suddenly asked, knowing that you'll end up mumbling it under your breath sooner or later, then best you mention the matter up front that being caught off guard again.

"Confide? If you need an ear, I have two—as long as you don't decommission me to get them, of course." He humored once again. But with his guitar now set aside, his focus was now solely on you.

Right... on you.

"Its... the events of the past, you know, before you were... recommissioned, the missing—"

"Missing children incident? Yeah, my data base chips let me catch up with the updates and rollbacks. I kind of spent my vacant hours doing research. There was a lot, even the news of you getting hurt, going back to work here, and all that stuff." The animatronic leaned back against the lush cushions of the couch, pondering for a moment before shifting to face you once again. "Speaking of the missing children incident, why did you bring them up? Did some kid disappear again?"

You paused, was there? There wasn't an incident lately, right?

"From my records, no." the animatronic casually responded.

Once again, you were voicing your thoughts out loud.

"Do you trust me?" another inquiry piqued your attention, the animatronic beside you inquiring—his tone, it was different.

But you couldn't put a finger to it.

"Yeah...?" that was the limit of your response, unsure, questioning. You do trust him, right? He's Freddy's best pal!

"Then tell me what you want to say. Anything we talked about will just between you and me, not even Fred will know." He reassured, no longer finding interest in plucking the strings of his instrument. Rather, on you instead.

The entire area was quiet, not even the sound of whirring wheels from the automated staff could be heard. The lights were a bit dimmed, the night sky visible from the glass dome of a roof, and stars plastered on the walls barely rivaled those from the sky.

But then again...

"It's about Vanessa..." you voiced out, finding no reason to hold back any further. "She just... she started acting all odd lately... she isn't like this, she may see me a nuisance but... she never goes this far..." at least, from what you remember.

"Vanessa..." the animatronic placed his fingers under his chin in thought. "Oh! That blond security guard? I mean, not gonna lie, she is really pissy."

"She'll have you deactivated in a heartbeat if she heard what you said." A small smile plastered on your expression, but it was short lived. The dawning thought of her behavior still dawns onto you. "It's only a mere gossip, there isn't any official news yet. But I heard another child went missing... and Vanessa started acting odd... it's really annoying how it feels like this happened before, but I couldn't... I couldn't remember..."

"Because you lost your memory?" the animatronic inquired, tilting his head slightly to show some semblance of understanding, his ears lightly wiggling from the gesture. "Maybe, it did happen at some point. I know memories are triggered through familiar events."

"How do you know so much?" it was suspicious in your point of view, how could he—

"I have built-in Google." He defended, pointing a finger to his head to prove a point. "Well, all of us do."

"Right... I forgot about that..." with another silence that followed, one thing made you perk from the animatronic's lines.

"What if... Vanessa had something to do with the missing children incident? I mean, not that I'm suspecting her or anything! Its just that, by virtue of what you said, you implied that Vanessa is the only one that seemed to... have changed since then. I don't know about you but isn't that suspicious enough?" the animatronic shared his insight, and at some point, you couldn't refute.

He's right... what if...

"I don't want to assume—" but you already did.

Vanessa had been here longer than you, she has been there during those times when children went missing, and her change in behavior just meant something, at least. Being the only night guard previously gives her all possible control and potential opportunities to trap someone if she wanted, and no one would know a thing.

You couldn't rule out the possibility but... what if... just what if...

What if Vanessa was the culprit all along?