Stained

Chapter 1

You grab your badge, your wallet, and your car keys. You'd been to the Ypsilanti Fredbear's location years ago, and the characters seemed harmless enough... that is, until the whole thing with that kid. You recall the devastating news footage and the statement of the owners.

Now, six months later, they're hiring employees for their new franchise, called... oh, something like the old one. Freddy's Diner, maybe. The name is in your pocket, but you're too lazy to look right now.

You go to the phone to call your girlfriend. You're supposed to meet her tomorrow morning, but you don't think you want to anymore because of your new night job.

"Hey, Adria," you tell her with a yawn. You haven't adjusted to this sleep schedule yet.

"Hey, Jeremy. What're you doing calling me at 11:00 on a Sunday?"

"I'm working at that... new Frazbear's place. I'm the night guard."

"What? Wait—why?"

"'Cuz I need money. I need a new car battery."

"What're you getting, minimum wage?"

"Yeah, but it's the best I can do."

"Okay. Why you'd call? Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I just thought... you know, since I'm doing, y'know, this night job, if maybe I could... take a rain check on tomorrow. I'm just gonna be so tired—I doubt I'll be much company."

"Okay, I understand. Want to aim for next week?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll be adjusted to the sleeping pattern by then."

She giggles. So understanding. "Okay. Be safe."

"Oh, come on." You laugh a little. "I'm just making sure no one steals the nonexistent money in the cash register. The place opened last week."

"Okay, sweetie. Love you."

"Love you, too." *click*

You do love her. She's been there for you during some tough times—when your mom died from thyroid cancer, when you lost your job at the post office, and even when that guy outbid you on that eBay auction for the Black Widow action figure. But, you can't help but feel that... something's missing. You crave something... different and dangerous—something sexually exciting, perhaps.

You hate yourself for thinking such thoughts. Adria is a wonderful girl—wholesome as Greek yogurt.

You descend the stairs from your third-floor apartment. Your Ford EXP is the epitome of American engineering, styling, and coolness. Too bad it has to sit outside away from your loving care all night.

As you drive to the restaurant, you wonder what this job has in store for you. This place has those robots—that'll probably be freaky. Like, watching them in the shadows? The place probably has security cameras, right?

The parking lot in the plaza is empty aside from your car, a Honda Civic, and the box truck belonging to the carpet outlet three doors down. It's 11:53 PM, and someone is waiting for you inside. He opens the door and introduces himself as Ben.

"Nice to meet you... Jeremy, right?"

"Yeah. What's it like working here? I used to be afraid of the dark—can you imagine?" You both laugh out loud.

"It's okay. Pretty dull work during the day. But...."

A distant clank echoes from deeper inside the building. You inquire as to what it is.