In the Darkness There Is Shade

9 - The team's ultimatum

The wind calmly rustled the leaves of the oak tree by the high school building. Inside, Leo, Lily, and Theo sat side by side, studying physics.
- I hate physics - Theo whispered.
- And I love it -  Lily replied.
- I prefer technology -  Leo added.
You know we don't have technology anymore - Theo added, bored.
- I know! Those were good times. Much better than now. I still can't believe all this has happened since I arrived. It was my fault.
- What are you talking about? - Lily asked, worried.
- If I hadn't come, William Afton wouldn't have tried to lure us out, Noah would be alive, Max would never have gone missing, our team wouldn't have gone missing, and Freddy and the other animatronics would have remained hidden from the city.
- Don't say that! It all happened, yes, but look at it from the positive side! It brought us back together after all these years apart!  Now we can only count on us, even though we didn't know each other at all before! It's good that you came. Don't blame yourself for all this! - Theodor said comfortingly.
Leo smiled embarrassingly, and looked out the window. Dark clouds indicated that it would rain in a while. The wind moved the leaves more strongly than before, and the air became colder.
Suddenly the bell for recess rang. Everyone started packing, except Leo who already had everything put away.
He slowly stood up, and walked over to Jack, Charlie, and Stella.
- Hey, I want to talk.
All three of them looked at the boy, but obediently followed him, putting their backpacks by the classroom. Finally, they reached the door to the outside, which was open so they could get some air.
All four of them went outside and sat down at a bench with a table.
- What did you want to talk about? - Stella asked, bored.
- I wanted to apologize.  Yes, I blew up, and yes, it was unnecessary. You may not forgive me, but I count on your help. Golden Freddy came to me, and he asked for help. For our help.
- Leo, who is Golden Freddy? Do you think we'll just forgive you? - Jack asked.
- No. I don't count on forgiveness. I count on help. Only help. Can you do this for me? For Noah.
Stella looked at Charlie and Jack. For a moment they communicated with their eyes, until Charlie finally said,
- There are certain conditions for our help.
Leo gasped quietly, but listened to his friends.
- One, you will find a way to save Noah - Stella began.
- Two, you will destroy William and end the Freddy's topic - Jack added.
- Three, you will leave us alone in the end - Charlie finished.
- I promise. I will. Thank you - Leo replied and left.
His team was rebuilt.  There was only Noah left, and the fight with William. Leo didn't feel completely ready, but he didn't complain. He had to do this. For the sake of his friends. For the sake of his father. For the sake of Thunder Bolt.