"Is that... Bonnie...?" you couldn't help but gape at the scenery to behold, the animatronic you long thought was put out of commission for so long was standing on stage, smiling and waving as crowds and nostalgic fans went wild. Security personnel on the first floor were trying to control the crowd before they actually climb on stage to maul the new animatronic in excitement. The animatronic held a bass guitar looking similar to Monty's instrument, only, this one was colored red with white details, and yellow stars decorated the exterior of the instrument.

You glanced over at Freddy since he's been quite silent for so long already that he hadn't answered your low question. The animatronic was staring at the newcomer that stood on stage, his face on a permanent expression but his eyes showed an intricate display of emotion. Surprise, shock, bewilderment, there were a lot to name, but only a few you've recognized. You could visibly see the bear gripping the handle bar of the guide rail that fenced the surroundings of the second floor which overlooks the other floors forward, it was made of glass. You only looked in concern when you heard metal bending.

"Freddy, are you alright?" you gave his metallic shoulder a slight push of a nudge to hopefully get his attention.

It seemed like the animatronic heard your voice and glanced your way, his eyes being the last that landed onto you. "I... I'm sorry, this is a lot to process, but that is indeed Bonnie." He replied and took another glance to make sure his eyes isn't playing with him. However, it was all real, Bonnie was standing there and began to perform a solo act, as if it was according to the program.

As it was.

"But how? I thought he was decommissioned and all—like how the management revealed a few months ago." You were trying to get over the shock just a bit longer to get your own thinking gears to work. The animatronic in front of you just nodded.

"Indeed he was, the news extending far longer back in the days, even when you were not yet hired for the position. Its been less than two years since Bonnie was left unheard of since Monty arrived to take his place." He explained as the customers were no longer interested in Freddy Fazbear; their interest was solely locked on the newcomer that served to be one of the original crew.

The one who played the bass before Monty joined in.

"I think I see the rest of the animatronics down there—do you want to—"

"No, no, its alright. I think you should go with them; I am needed elsewhere at the moment." The animatronic cut you off mid-sentence and turned to walk away, no longer waiting for your response.

What's with everyone walking out on you today?

You shook your head and figured he needed more time to process Bonnie's return. After all, he and Bonnie were the best of friends, as you've heard from others. Besides, Freddy is too uptight in his integrity that his lying skills sucks more than humans. He cannot keep his sentient emotions well-hidden forever.

You took his words in and obliged, taking the first escalator down, trying not to get crushed by excited customers that are rushing and about to get down the first floor too, or up the second floor to get a father yet better view. You managed to get there safely, walking over to the corner where Monty, Chica, and Roxy stood. Again, not many customers were paying close attention to them, since all the hype is on Bonnie. It seems that the birthday parties were halted briefly in lieu of this occasion as well.

"Guys?" you called out, managing to catch the attention of Chica as she waved excitedly.

"(Y/N)! Good to see a familiar face around here." She greeted with her usual cheery voice that can break glass at the highest pitch.

You took a glance at the show stage which was beginning to get extremely crowded before turning your attention back to the trio. "I never expected that he'll come back, I thought he was long put out of commission." You mumbled for a moment, though you were certain that they heard you.

"I'm still a bit shaken as well, even I didn't see any of this coming." Roxy commented, crossing her arms and once again, gave the animatronic on stage another look. Mixed feelings were shown in her eyes—the sentient emotions that are continuously forming day by day.

One in particular who remained silent was Monty, his eyes were glued to Bonnie, and his emotions were unreadable. It got you quite worried, considering that Monty and Bonnie were said to have quite the complicated relationship. Especially, when Monty was being seen as a prime suspect of Bonnie's decommission.

The performance soon ended, and cheers were still audible from every corner of the Main Atrium, the animatronic on stage gave a wink towards the crowd, waving before he made his way down the steps on one side of the semi-circular stage. The security had to physically barricade the onlookers that were aiming to maul the new animatronic with their glee, but who wouldn't be excited?

Bonnie has always been part of the original band, even when the Pizzaplex first opened, Bonnie was part of it all.

You merely gave a wry look for a moment, despite your excitement as this guy was part of the original gang, you couldn't help but feel quite off with all that's happening, your sympathy towards the other animatronics were overpowering.

The group soon disbursed into their own activities since it was still working hours, and there were still more kids needed to be entertained. However, since Bonnie's appearance, he's been quite the hype in all attention.

For Freddy on the other hand, you can't seem to catch sight of him, he's not in the areas he'd usually roam on. Not even in the West Arcade or Fazer Blast, its like he hid away somewhere.

Has he been this shaken that he couldn't bare to stay in the same area for longer?

You ended up in the administration office where the management stays. Gingerly, you knocked on the door before entering, and the breeze of air conditioning met you like an angel's kiss. The cubicles where employees worked on paperworks met your view with several potted plants in certain places. Posters of Freddy and the gang were hanged in walls, but the only unique factor was that the posters looked professional. Artworks of Freddy and the rest in business attires stayed true in view.

Eventually, you managed to spot your manager just a few cubicles away. You approached him just a few moments after a point of hesitation, he looked up at you after he immediately noticed your presence like a sore thumb sticking out.

"Yes? Can I help you?" it was his default reply whenever someone approached him, it was also a default question he usually ask towards just about anyone. It was a formal custom followed by the management and administration staff.

"About earlier... since when did Bonnie—"

"Oh, that. Well, a thorough clean-up was done just a few weeks ago in certain parts of the mall, the janitorial team found a saferoom filled with Bonnie's old parts. Since the exterior shell is found, the technicians looked for his previous endoskeleton. They found it somewhere under Roxy's Raceway and here we have it, a new and polished Glamrock Bonnie. The inventory mishap of before was fixed just a few weeks ago, so, voila." He explained thoroughly the details, already knowing what you were going to ask. It was already a common question to ask around, and he has been the man up front to answer to those questions.

You only nodded for a moment in reply, trying to process what you just heard. Several months back, you heard that Bonnie's parts have been missing, but suddenly, they're all found in just one place? How in the world did that happen?

As if someone purposely rounded up all those parts and hid them there.

"I see... what will happen now?" you decided to ask, considering that things like this requires further planning on where the new animatronic is place and under what role will he be taking, scheduling too.

"(Y/N), that's for the management to worry about, alright? Don't concern yourself of these things. Just make sure that Bonnie is comfortable and accustomed to being back in the Pizzaplex. He'll have his own greenroom beside Monty's." the manager didn't even bothered to look at you, he simply raised his eyes every once in a while, to see if you're still there before resuming back to his own work, which involves reviewing paperwork.

You pursed your lips a bit, "I see, thanks." Your limited reply was enough before you turned to leave. You only managed to get as far as three steps before he called your attention once again.

"Also, I'm certain you have a brief idea of Bonnie's and Monty's relationship, right? Just try not to get them into fights for the time being, let them get used to each other peacefully. You and Vanessa are the only ones who can watch over them at night, so, try to mediate when something happens, alright?" he reminded you, which made you turn around to look at him briefly.

A sigh left your lips, and you nodded in reply, which was already enough before you made your way out of the office immediately. The transition of scenery and temperature made you shiver, but the warmth of the crowded outside was fairly comforting. The chattering of people which were absent in the night brought life to the otherwise tranquil environment.

Thirst made itself known when you thought about a new place to go to, perhaps, a visit to Rose later? You decided to head to Bonnie Bowl for a visit, and most probably, that will be Bonnie's attraction side. Besides, the milkshakes are great there despite automated staff being the ones who makes them.

The bowling alley wasn't crowded, most customers are in more lively attractions down at the Main Atrium, only several teens and adults stuck around to enjoy the leisure of bowling and milkshakes. This gradually includes you.

Sitting on the high seats on the counter, you ordered your favorite milkshake and presented your I.D., so that the automated staff won't ask for your payment, of course. The beverage was whipped up and served in no time, a great benefit and efficient-raising innovation that brought quality service to life—just not the same human-made interventions.

Casual yet mellow music cascaded from speakers overhead, bringing the casual vibe in the area as the kitchen got busier, customers going in and out of the attraction, yet some stayed for the purpose of enjoying the atmosphere further, a different change of phase from the upbeat music outside.

The cold beverage cooled your throat when you took a sip, looking around to see if you could spot any familiar fellow—there was none.

At least, at first, yes.

"Cold drinks at such a hot day fits the weather nicely, don't it?" you were startled by an unfamiliar voice beside you.

You once again shifted to look at your left, and surprisingly, there stood the surprising animatronic of an hour ago. He was leaning on the counter since sitting on the stool that's too small for him might damage the furniture, his long blue ears casted shadows onto the countertop, his large, bulky figure quite similar to Freddy's.

"Oh... its you." Your voice was low, unsurprised. His face has been flashed everywhere that you somehow found it quite unimpressive to see him up front, bold in his metallic casing.

The newfound changes coming in straight, it was making you weary on what to expect from now on. Not to misunderstand, but its not like you were complaining, maybe, this could cut the gang some slack in their performances? But one thing is for certain, the hype caused by the new contender will not die down anytime sooner.

But considering that, why is he here? Why are the customers absent from his presence? Isn't he supposed to be flocked by now? By kids and grown-ups alike?

"I saw you in the crowd earlier—you were talking to the others... I've heard about their behavior towards employees, it honestly impressed me how you casually communicated with us, sentient beings." He waved by a nearby crowd that casted looks his way, dismissing them to place his attention back to you.

"It's a complicated story, I work as a security guard here. It just so happens that I took the day shift after the night." You responded, locking the straw of your beverage between your lips to take a sip.

"Huh, isn't that risky for your health? You work too many hours of shift, don't you sleep? I didn't know humans nowadays are too risky." Bonnie questioned alongside his comment, leaning onto the countertop where he stayed, the distance between both of you was still adequate.

"I take breaks and naps here and there. Why do you ask so much anyways? Aren't you supposed to entertain people with your presence?" you couldn't help but retort back in a not-so-friendly way. One of the things you hated the most are people who questions your life choices—you know your body more than anyone does.

"Why be so salty? Its like you're not happy that I came back." He commented, though he didn't sound offended, more or less, he sounded amused.

"It's not that—don't assume stuff. I'm getting back to work, and you should too." You finished your drink as fast as you could without suffering from a brain freeze and got off the stool. The staff bot nearby took your empty glass to clean, and you left without giving Bonnie another look.

You weren't trying to be mean; you just needed more time to get used to his presence. It took you long to befriend the main cast of animatronics, you just found yourself quite weary.

Weary, a term to describe you lately.

You eventually left Bonnie Bowl, your flashlight still strapped to the holder on your tactical belt, moving ever so slightly as you walked out. You don't know how much time has passed, but eventually, the afternoon performance was going underway, with Freddy and the rest now on stage.

It must've been easier to hide emotions as robots, isn't it? Despite the mixed feelings earlier, the animatronics looked as if nothing has happened at all.

You decided to go out for a while, being in the Pizzaplex for most of your time must've messed with your head.

You went to the security office where most of the lockers are and proceeded to change clothes in a nearby restroom, wearing a casual shirt and some jeans, a back-up attire you had in the locker should you need to go out. It has been policy that should employees need to temporarily leave during shifts, they should not be seen outside in uniforms. You didn't have to let anyone know that you're leaving, after all, they wouldn't notice.

The only things that were left at your disposal is your phone and wallet, the only things you'll probably need anyways. You left the security office and eventually left the Pizzaplex, taking in the afternoon breeze that swept against your skin. People were outside, the cheers and hollers of children were audible, and yet, the tranquil breeze of the wind was soothing.

At this time of the day, its usually busy in the café your friend works in, so, it would be best not to visit for the moment. Just like you, she also went back to work after her injury—the odd guy still remained to assist, however.

What goes on with her life is none of your concern, however. You simply took the quickest route towards the apartment you rented. Perhaps, they're right, you needed rest.

The keys were chained to your wallet for easy access, allowing you entry to the home you barely stay in. it was slightly messy, with the laundry you've ought to remind yourself to do, or to bring in a laundry shop. The moment you caught sight of your bed, you immediately plopped down and kicked your shoes off.

Sleep, something that college students are rarely blessed with. Even after graduation, they're not privileged of such.

Sleep has invaded your mind and lulled you to slumber almost immediately, with the lights off and curtains closed, it felt like nighttime has pulled you to your long needed rest.

A few hour's sleep will be quite nice.