Rock and Roll like Nobody Knows

Wait

The early rays of the morning sun crept up the mall's exterior. The parking lot was already packed with cars; however, none of them were guests. A rush of employees had been called in on an emergency, including paramedics, no one was quite prepared for the sight they were met with. The rest of the shows were canceled at the manager's request, claiming to the public it was for some minor renovations. 

It was a day you wouldn't forget. but would only seem like a dream. Half of the stories told by the sentient machines seemed too elaborate to be made up by some random coding or program. But those stories were proven true after examining the bowls of the complex, finding the remains of one crushed employee.

There was talk among technicians about scrapping the remains of the mangled mascots. But any word was silenced by a cold stare from Mr. Wensley, especially in regards to one.

"Sir are you absolutely certain?"

"I don't care how long it takes; we are not getting rid of anyone and that's final!"

The words of anger still lingered in the minds of the employees, reminding them today was not a day to mess around. Behind the scenes were messy so to say, a day turned into a week, then a week into a month. 

Every day it was the same question.

"Any updates?"

From every single robot that roamed the building, even the caution signs would follow Mr. Wensly around, making chirps until he answered them.

It grew quiet, and the waiting for something to happen grew intense by the hour. After seven weeks Ace was the first one back online. After ten weeks Cloud was online. After eighteen weeks Cody was online. After twenty-six weeks Rico was online. The newbies were back on their feet, and Sam was very pleased to not be so alone anymore.

But everyone was still waiting for one more.

Twenty-eight weeks.

Thirty-three weeks

forty-two weeks.

Fifty-seven weeks.

Seventy-two weeks had passed.

It was quiet in the early morning. The public was told that something big was coming to the pizza Plex to cover up the long and semi-permanent closing. Within that time a lot of changes had been made, including updated security systems, added attractions, and plans for upcoming projects. One thing remained, but the wait was finally over.

Gregory sat coloring, his mind wandering back to everything that had happened. He wondered if he would be where he is now if it didn't. He remembered the long talks he had with Mr. Wensly as he recovered in the hospital. The man was genuine, and concerned for the boy's well-being, after hearing his side of the story it was hard to leave him in the hands of the foster system. Once released Mr. Wensly had managed to work out an agreement with an agent, allowing Gregory to become an official member of the family. Better yet he was now head security of the building, with proper training provided.

A subtle few knocks at his door snapped him back to reality.

"Come in."

The quiet shuffling towards him wasn't either of his parents, Monty, Chica, or Roxy. He glanced up out of curiosity about who this person was. The green crayon fell from his hands, rolling across the paper. The familiar purpled-grey fur met his gaze. 

"Hi Gregory," an amused grin spread as the rabbit observed the shocked boy's features. 

The tight hug happened in a flash, and the long-awaited reunion was finally over.

"I was starting to think you wouldn't come back..." the boy sniffled, chuckling to himself.

"Me? You know well enough it'll take more than that to get rid of me," Don laughed, ruffling his hair. "Besides you still need your big sister to look after little old you and your shenanigans."

"Hey, I'm not little! I'm still growing!"

"Yeah, but you're still short"

"I'm starting to wish you stayed dead."

Don gasped dramatically, acting as if his words hurt, "How dare my own brother say such a thing?"

Gregory just rolled his eyes.

"Very well I shall tell father of your insults"

"Wait no, don't-" Gregory called out as Don sprinted out giggling, "Donnie don't you dare tell either of them anything!"

"Make me shorty!" her response echoed off the walls as laughter filled the building.