:3

Beep beep! Beep beep! Beep beep!

I groaned and opened my eyes. I looked over to the cardboard box that serves as my bedside table, where my phone buzzed. I turned on my lamp and grabbed it. But looking at the alarm name, I immediately felt better.

School!

Today, Mike had finally let me go to school. I know it won't be easy, what with me being a giant robotic cat, but I don't care. All my life, I had wanted to become an author. I'm so proud! To do that, I had to go to school. A week ago, I had begged Mike to let me go. He talked to Fritz, Jeremy, and Kevin, and they decided that I could.

"Val! Come one!"

I grinned. For safety reasons, what with Vincent not being found and all, Mike agreed to let Bonnie and Foxy come with me.

I hopped out of bed, and opened the door, and ran out backstage. I saw Foxy and Bonnie playing popball, a game we made up when we were little. You have to have a small object- sometimes we would use Freddy's hat, not that it went well- and you use your legs to keep it off the ground the best you can. But we changed it, so each person gets five bounces, then they bounce it off to the next person, who has to catch it and so on and so forth.

As Foxy kicked the can they were using to Bonnie, I hopped in and took it. I bounced it up front once, then tossed it behind be, where I caught it backwards, bouncing it twice, tossed it back up from, then kicks fit to Bonnie.

"Sweet!" He laughed, and took his turn. I stepped back. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was forgetting something, but shrugged. It probably wasn't important. I grabbed the bag that I've had for years, and turned as Mike, Freddy, and Teddy walked up.

"Excited?" Mike said as he got closer. I nodded.

"Well, I hope you guys have fun. And I would hurry. School starts in 15 minutes," Freddy said in his deep voice. "Of course, sometimes I wish you could take one more," he sighed as he glanced at Teddy. His younger brother was leaning on one of the tables, arguing with Foxy, saying you shouldn't pass the ball in popball.

"Keep it. It could be the only thing you have to yourself!" He growled.

"Are you crazy? Where's the fun in that?" Foxy argued.

I rolled my eyes. Sometimes, Teddy argues just to argue, even if he believes the other person is right.

I looked around. "Where's Mangle?" I asked, my heart sinking as I noticed the pink and white fox was gone. But I wasn't surprised.

"She said she was busy," Mike said. He must have noticed my look of disappointment, and added quickly, "I think we have another birthday, and she wanted to talk to BonBon and T-Chi about it."

I felt grateful for him, even when I knew he was lying. The night guards did most of the work raising me, whenever Mangle was "busy". And she always was. Except for when I'm in trouble.

"So, Val, you ready?" Foxy said as he came up, distracting me from my thoughts. I sighed and nodded. My adoptive brother put his arms around me and squeezed. I smiled.

Mike wrapped us in a big group hug. Of course, Teddy stayed in his spot leaning against the table.

"Remember- Valerie, you especially- be careful. I wanted to keep this from you, so that you won't worry, but I can't take any chances. Vincent was spotted last night. Close. Closer than I like," Mike confessed. I couldn't hide my shock. This isn't good.

"I don't like you guys going out on your own. But I guess you have each other. Anyway-" he broke off as his ringtone went off. Mike looked at his phone, and read the text. His face lost its color.

"Mike? What's wrong?" Bonnie took a step forward.

"N-nothing. Jeremy has it under control. Anyways, you guys should hurry up and head to school. Gotta keep the story going. We can't stray away from the plot. The author will get mad," he stuttered. Mike, are you kidding me? I said no breaking the fourth wall.

"Sorry..." he muttered under his breath, so quiet I strained to hear him. Then his eyes widened.

"Huh? Mike, what are you talking about?" I asked. Even Freddy looked confused.

Mike looked at his watch and looked back up. "Well, time to get to school! Don't wanna be late on your first day!" He said as he shooed us out.

"What was all that about?" Foxy asked as we got outside. I shrugged and raced off. "Beat me if you can!"

Excuse me while I talk with my assistant...

Mike...

I know, I know....

This is probably the hundredth time. Now Kevin has to fix the fourth wall again.

I'm sorry.... it slipped.

Call him up. He won't be happy. Tape is expensive.

Then use glue.

F**k off, Mike.

Hehehe...