Survive the Night. A FNAF 1 fanfiction. Book 1

Chapter 1: Shadows of Deception

Michael Afton sat on the worn couch in his father's office at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. The dim light of the old lamp cast shadows across the room, giving it an eerie feel. He was there because his father, William Afton, had asked him to work the night shift. "We're short on employees, Michael," his father had said. "I need you to watch the animatronics at night." Michael had reluctantly agreed. Despite his reservations, he wanted to prove himself to his father and show that he could be trusted with responsibility. William watched his son from behind his desk, a sinister smile on his lips. "Good boy," he muttered as Michael signed the contract. He had another reason for hiring Michael. He had grown tired of his son, seeing him as a disappointment. Tonight, he hoped the animatronics would do the job for him. As Michael handed the signed contract back, he looked up at his father. "Dad, are you sure about this? I mean, the stories about these animatronics..." William's smile faded slightly, replaced with a cold, calculating look. "Michael, you know better than to believe in silly stories. Besides, it's just a couple of nights. You'll be fine." Michael nodded, though unease gnawed at him. "Alright, I'll do it. I won't let you down."

"See that you don't," William said, his tone dripping with a subtle menace. "Now, go get yourself ready. Your shift starts at 12 tonight." Just then, the door to the office creaked open, and Henry walked in. "Oh, hi Michael," he greeted, a note of surprise in his voice. Turning to William, he continued, "William, have you seen Charlotte? I can't find her anywhere." William's eye twitched with annoyance. "No, Henry, I haven't. Have you checked the puppet box? She might be there again." Henry smiled, relief washing over his face. "Thanks, Will. I'll give it a look." He gave Michael a nod and exited the room. As the door closed behind Henry, Michael looked back at his father. "Puppet box?"

"Yes, it's a new animatronic we just installed," William replied curtly. "She likes to wander off to look at it. Now, focus on your job, Michael." Michael hesitated. "Dad, why do the animatronics need to be watched at night? Can't we just turn them off?" William's gaze hardened. "They're part of the attraction, even at night. We need to make sure nothing happens to them. Besides, they have... a certain unpredictability. It's better if someone keeps an eye on them."

Michael felt a chill run down his spine. "Unpredictability? What do you mean?" William leaned forward, his face inches from Michael's. "It means, Michael, that you need to be vigilant. The animatronics are delicate and expensive. Any damage to them would be costly. Do you understand?" Michael swallowed hard. "Yes, sir. I understand."

"Good," William said, leaning back in his chair. "Now go. Take Evan and Elizabeth to the playground until I call you in for work." Michael nodded and stood, casting one last glance at his father before heading out of the office. As he looked for Elizabeth and Evan, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his father's words than he was letting on. Meanwhile, William sat back in his chair, his sinister smile returning. "Let's see if you can survive the night, Michael," he whispered to himself, his eyes glinting with malice. 

Michael led Evan and Elizabeth out of the restaurant into the afternoon sunlight. The air was warm, the sky was clear blue, and there were sounds of children playing in the nearby park, offering a stark contrast to the eerie vibe of the pizzeria. Michael felt a slight easing of the tension that had knotted his shoulders. "C'mon, Evan!" Elizabeth called out, already sprinting toward the swings with her usual burst of energy. Her bandage-clad knee didn't slow her down one bit as she reached the swings and began to pump her legs to go higher. Evan followed more slowly, his steps hesitant. He glanced back at Michael, who offered an encouraging nod.

"Go ahead, buddy. Have fun." Michael watched his siblings with a mixture of affection and responsibility. Elizabeth was bold and confident; her expressive nature often led to dramatic declarations and mood swings. But she had a protective streak, especially toward Evan, who needed it. His little brother was smart and capable but prone to anxiety, often seeking reassurance. Evan took a seat on the swing beside Elizabeth, giving a tentative push. "Liz, do you think I can go as high as you?" Elizabeth grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Of course! Just keep pushing. And don't worry if you fall; I'm here to catch you." Michael found a bench nearby, sat down, and stretched his legs. He pulled out a small notebook from his pocket, one of his father's few gifts he had given him, he had filled it with notes and diagrams. Tinkering and experimenting had always been his way of coping, a solace in the chaos. He flipped through the pages, trying to design an animatronic that his father would be proud of, but his mind kept wandering back to the night shift ahead. "What if something goes wrong?" he muttered to himself, the unease creeping back. The stories about the animatronics, the sinister look in his father's eyes—it all gnawed at him. His thoughts were interrupted by Evan's excited voice. "Michael, look! I'm swinging really high!" Michael looked up and smiled, seeing Evan's face lit up with joy, a rare sight given his usual anxious demeanor. "Great job, Evan! Keep going!" Elizabeth, now slowing down, called out, "Michael, come push us! We want to go even higher!" Michael laughed, standing up and tucking the notebook back into his pocket. "Alright, alright. I'm coming." He walked over and gave them both a firm push, eliciting squeals of delight from his siblings. As they swung back and forth, Elizabeth started talking about her latest ballet routine and a dress she wanted to design. "It's going to have sparkles and lace, and maybe a big bow at the back. What do you think, Michael?" Michael nodded, listening with interest. "That sounds amazing, Liz. You're really talented, you know that?" Elizabeth beamed. "Thanks! Maybe one day I'll make you a cool outfit. You know, something to make you look super important." Michael chuckled, the warmth of the moment easing his worries slightly. "I'd like that." The afternoon passed with more laughter and playful banter. Evan's anxiety seemed to melt away as he engaged in a game of tag with Elizabeth, who was merciless in her pursuit. Michael watched, content, though a part of him still brooded over the night ahead. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the playground, Michael called out, "Alright, time to head back. Dad is probably waiting for us." Elizabeth groaned but complied, while Evan simply nodded, tiredness evident on his face. They walked back to the pizzeria; the structure was now bathed in dim light.