A Quest for the Lost

Fun or No? - Freddyland pt. 2

"Tell me what is happening here. Everything."

The group stared at him in shock at the abrupt turn in his tone.

"W-what?" Bryan was caught off guard as the teen stared up at him. He didn't sound like a kid. He sounded more like an army general than anything.

"You have to tell me what has happened here. Tell me what is going on so I can help."

"Why do you want to help?" Freddy asked stepping forward. "You know nothing about us or our world. So why would you want to do that?"

"Not to mention, how would you help?" Lefty cut in. "You're like 5'4" and look like ya lost a few fights."

Michael gave him a deadpan stare. "Let's just say I won far more than I lost." Turning back to Bryan he glared. "Let's get one thing straight before anything else. Even if you don't tell me the whole story, I'm gonna stay here and I will figure it out. So basically I'm telling you to make this easier for me or make me search. And don't forget I'm a child of Athena. So I'll figure it out." He smiled. "So are you gonna tell me or not?"

Bryan took a slight step back, startled by the sudden change in the teens demeanor. He glanced uneasily between him and the animatronics before shaking his head. "No. I can't tell you anything. The last person who got too involved was killed. I... I can't handle anymore on my conscience."

Michael sighed. "Fine. I won't push any further." Not now anyway. Being too pushy would remove any chance of trust. He'd already taken a risk pushing as far as he had. Anymore strain wouldn't be worth it in the long run at any rate.

"Really? You're gonna give up just like that?" Lefty shook his head. "Not much dedication there."

"No..." He muttered his eyes glazing as he focus on his thoughts. His voice changed to that tone he had whenever he wasn't quite there, instead letting  his mind wander his own thoughts "It's not a lack of dedication, it's just not worth it for now. I'll probably ask again later, but now? I won't try and force him to tell me." He had to bide his time for now. He needed to figure this out quickly but he wasn't even sure if the twisted animatronic's,  as Bryan called them, were involved. Still... Michael wanted to help and after what he'd seen they definitely need it. But information was still a big issue and he wondered if maybe Bryan could help him obtain information. He glanced back at Bryan and smiled. "Don't worry about it. Just forget I asked."

 Michael turned to look off the balcony. Bryan must have noticed the curious look on his face because he asked. "Would you like to explore the park?"

Michael despite himself felt excitement rise up. He had work to do but he'd only been at an actual theme park once before with his dad. Before he could stop himself he blurted out. "Really?"

Bryan smiled. "Yeah!" He cheered. "I'll give you a tour and you can ride some of the rides."

"I mean I..." Michael hesitated.

He had work but it seemed like it would be a lot of fun. He knew he should excuse himself to find some way to research his task and such. However he really didn't want to be alone. The memory of being alone in the cave shot through him and he shivered wrapping his arms around himself. Should he do it? Logically, he knows doing it would be a waste of time but he didn't think he could take the loneliness any longer. He jumped as he felt a hand land on his arm he looked up to see Ballora smiling at him.

"Come on," she encouraged, "it'll be fun." He nodded before even realizing it. Something about her calmed him. It sounds weird but she reminded him of his dad. She had the same kind nature and calming presence as he had.

"Let's go!" Bryan laughed. Many of the animatronics cheered along with him although he noticed that Freddy didn't seem too thrilled. Not that Michael blamed him. His attempt earlier couldn't have helped his impression.