Total Insecurity

Something New

Being carried around by a giant bear wasn't as scary as Gregory first thought it would be. He was finally able to laugh as Freddy stuck his too-large head in a too-small cutout. He was able to just about touch the bright, glowing lights that drew his attention all too easily. He was able to run and jump and climb and be a kid.

He had never felt like a kid before.

Eventually, the sight of all the rooms drained, and even Freddy had grown tired of it. "Do you want to go somewhere new?"

"New? How new?"

Freddy shrugged, reaching down to cradle Gregory like he was much younger than he was. "It's upstairs, so not too new, but new enough to be fun."

Gregory thought for a moment before nodding his head. "Okay... And you'll... you'll stay, right?"

Freddy's eyes seemed to soften, the glow dimming ever so slightly. "Of course, son. It is my job to protect you, so that's what I will do."

Gregory hummed with satisfaction, allowing himself to burrow his face in Freddy's so fur. When they reached the new door, Freddy placed Gregory down, offering his chest cavity as a place to rest instead. After shifting to get comfortable, Freddy began walking down the stairs, his footsteps echoing far too loudly to be comfortable. They eventually found themselves in a flatter area, and Gregory grunted when Freddy suddenly stopped walking.

"Freddy? What's wrong?"

"Gregory, I feel as though you are broken. I will be taking you to the nearest first aid station."

Before he could deny it, Gregory felt Freddy start to almost run around a few corners, grunting softly as he was pushed against the sides of his little place. Freddy stopped and almost pulled Gregory out, placing him in the white cabinet. Freddy examined his arms with a frown, eyebrows furrowed. "You have some scrapes on your arms. Why didn't you tell me?"

He bit his cheek, avoiding Freddy's blue eyes and staring at the floor. "I-I didn't... I didn't think you'd care..."

Gregory could see Freddy deflate from the corner of his eye, and he had to bite back his own tears. "Gregory..." Freddy whispered but stopped himself.

The animatronic stood, pulling the red curtain and standing at the entrance the two came through. When Gregory peeked through, he could see Freddy staring across the room, somewhere beside Gregory.

Then the light of a flashlight appeared. "Freddy, what are you doing out here? You're supposed to be on lockdown!"

Freddy shifted, and Gregory could see his blue eyes dart towards him. "I am sorry, Officer Vanessa. I... I do not know how I got here..."

"Well, your system crashed and you totally ruined the show." 'Vanessa' huffed, crossing her arms. "Now, Parts and Service have you on reduced power as a safety precaution."

Freddy seemed to wilt at that, fidgeting with his paws. "I... apologize."

"Anyway, listen, we're way past closing, and I think I saw some kid running around on the security feed. If you see absolutely anything, notify me immediately. I've already told the others." She placed her hands on her hips, barely paying any more attention to the animatronic in front of her. "Now get back to your room."

And then she was gone.

Gregory frowned as Freddy walked back to him, opening the curtain the rest of the way and silently putting bright, neon band-aids on his scratches. "F-Freddy? Are you okay?"

The bear nodded. "Yes, son. I'm fine." Freddy stood, brushing the dirt from his knees and opening his chest once again. "Would you like to keep going?"

Gregory huffed softly, climbing into Freddy again before the bear started moving. "Where even are we?"

"We are underneath the Pizzaplex. These utility tunnels connect all the attractions and make it easier for the staff to get around."

Gregory felt the ghost of a smile on his lips as he looked up. "So we can go anywhere?"

He could feel Freddy laugh, a deep vibration coursing through him. "Correct. Fazer Blast, Money Golf, Roxy Raceway: they are all connected here. Guests are never allowed down here, but you are a... a special situation."

Freddy continued walking, and Gregory hummed softly as he played with his fingers, picking at some of his older band-aids. With the ever calming motion of Freddy's footsteps, it was easy to notice when the animatronic began fumbling. Knocking on the small 'door', Gregory called out to Freddy. "Are you okay? You're walking funny."

"I-ah, I seem to be running low on power. It seems as though my recharge cycle had not been complete when we left my room. I am looking for a charging station now."

Gregory nodded, curling up a bit more as Freddy's core seemed to rise in temperature every few steps. After walking up a few stairs, Freddy pulled Gregory out of his chest, setting the boy on the floor.

"I am terribly sorry to go back on my promise so soon, but I cannot join you for a short while." Gregory felt his legs shake ever so slightly, imagining being lost and on his own in such a big place, where something could easily jump out a scare him. "You must continue without me, but I will guide you on this Fazwatch in case you get into any trouble."

Gregory stared at the small gift box Freddy was holding out to him, gently taking and unwrapping it. Inside was indeed a Fazwatch, and the boy put it on as Freddy stumbled towards the Charging Station. "I will be able to send you encoded messages, and you will be able to use the map and camera features later on. I will meet up with you later, so do not be afraid."

Freddy's eyes soon went blank, signaling that he had begun charging once more.

"I don't know if I can do this on my own..."

He waited a few moments, silently praying that Freddy would suddenly have a full battery and be ready to go, but he knew that time was passing, and the passing time was too valuable to be wasting.

Turning around, Gregory looked at his surroundings, jumping at the sound of a cleaning bot to his right. Beside a double set of doors was a small screen with a white and pink bear, walking through what looked like snow. Walking towards it, Gregory placed his small hand on the screen, jumping slightly when it played a small chime.

"'File Saved'? What does that even mean?"