The loud bell marking 6AM startled her as she was searching through the room. No trace of the small child was found, but then again she only got the chance to look over half of the corridor.

She hurriedly ran back to the cove and tied the balloon to a support beam in the corner, hoping the kids wouldn't touch it.

As if on que, they came running in.

Mangle yipped terrifyingly as a mob of small human beings rushed towards her as fast as lightning. The fox ran as far back on her stage as she could, then propelled herself upwards onto a support beam, climbing up in hope to escape. Before she made it too far, a child grabbed hold of her ear and refused to let go.

The animatronic screeched as the ear was ripped out of her mechanical head, but kept climbing despite the pain. That was the good thing about being a smaller robot, climbing wasn't so difficult!

***

The parents started to leave and their children followed behind like small ducklings.

Mangle sighed in relief and slid down the pole, her head still aching a bit from her ear being ripped out and loud screeching of excited children.

The fox noticed the balloon was gone, and looked around. She found it scattered in pieces across the stage and huffed angrily.

Speaking of being scattered, her ear was still missing, and she had no idea where it disappeared off to. It might not even be inside the restaurant anymore.

Mangle rubbed her head and looked around. Making friends was something she always loved, animatronic or not. The vixen was determined to find the kid, even if it took her all night!

Just as she hopped off the stage, she collided with a big blue metal thing.

"Agh!?" She said, falling back.

T-Bone.

In his hand was her ear, and he reached out out it in her face. "I think this is yours?" He said, smirking.

"O-Oh, yes, thank you!" She responded, taking it from him and placing it back into her endoskeleton. Obviously, some parts and wires were missing, so it hung a little loose. But at least she had it!

"What's got you in such a hurry?" He asked.

"There's this robot kid I met yesterday. he handed me a striped balloon and then disappeared. I was hoping to find him again before tonight ends." Mangle smiled, remembering his adorable child-like face.

T-Bone nodded and looked around. "I think I saw him once or twice, around here somewhere. Mind if I help?"

Mangle smiled and hugged him. "Thanks! I think he's somewhere over there."

She pointed over to the Game Area, and the two headed off.

T-Bone took one half, and Mangle took the other. You'd expect the Game Area to be small, but it was actually quite big.

The vixen continued to look behind game machines and small tables, until she felt a tug on her tail.

"Hi!"

She turned around and smiled in success.

"Hello, Balloon Boy!" She said gleefully.

The two animatronics talked for about two or three minutes. Minor things such as what tomorrow would bring, or the other animatronics came up.

"M-Mangle?" Balloon boy quivered as a dark shadow was cast upon them.

Mangle's heart stopped as she instantly knew who it was, considering the top hat in the shadow. The fox shot up and stood in front of Balloon Boy defensively.

"Ah, Mangle. I see you've made a... 'Friend'. Who is this disgrace?"

Mangle growled. How dare he say that! "What do you want, you sad excuse for a 'leader'"

Fred was dumbfounded. Never had she said anything like that before, but usually she was cowering away. "Why, you little-" He raised his hand up, and she cringed, expecting a hard slap across the face. But instead, a large hook stopped the force.

"Y-Ye won't tou-u-uch the lass"
_______________________
What's this?
Did Elaina FINALY decide to put some MangleXFoxy action?

Yes, at chapter 16 I think there should start to be some loveeeee XD
Sorry about not updating since like...April 12?
Whew.

Until next chapter, my amazing readers!