(OLD) The events of the convention, Volume One

Chapter Fourteen - Bonnie

Bonnie didn't think she could cry. Being a robot made that pretty obvious. That, and she'd never had something to cry about.

Turns out, she was right and wrong at the same time.

She couldn't cry, but her body could shake until it hurt. Her voice could refuse to go above a whisper.

Her heart could break.

The only thing that didn't happen was liquid coming out of her eyes.

Liam was lying on his back in front of them while they frantically tried to stop him from bleeding out. By they she meant her, Foxy, and Mangle. Freya seemed to be in a kind of stupor. She was sitting on the stage, eyes glazed over, like someone had reset her entire mind, blowing everything she thought was true into oblivion. Chica had taken one look at Liam, had a semi-panic attack, and volunteered to run and get Veronica's help.

She hadn't come back yet.

Foxy had taken on a kind of fierce panic, hiding the latter with the former. Working the hardest out of all of them, doing whatever Mangle deemed necessary. For it was Mangle out of all of them who was being calm and rational, who wasn't panicking, who surprised them all.

Bonnie could tell she was nearing her limit.

Just barely on time, Veronica burst through the double doors with Chica hot on her heels.

I get one of you banging on my door at FOUR IN THE MORNING, yelling and telling me to come here, and when I get here I see five unconscious men in the parking lot and the front window smashed! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?

Bonnie moved aside to show Liam's body, and felt Veronica's anger turn into shock, and then to sadness. She looked at Chica. What happened here?

Bonnie cut her off. That isn't important. Liam is dying now and we don't know how to fix this.

Veronica sighed. I can take him to a hospital.

Good. Do tha-

No. Freya's voice sounded detached.

Bonnie whipped around. Freya, are you insane? If he doesn't get help, he'll die.

We can take care of him! We have to!

You're not thinking clearly, Freya. Chica, help me pick him up.

I SAID NO!

Foxy belted her on the back of the head, and she fell to the floor. Ye'd best be off.

Bonnie nodded. Her and Chica carried him to Veronica's car.

They'll ask questions. You know that.

Someone broke in. They tried to take us away. Liam stopped them.

And they put six rounds in him?

YES! GO ALREADY!

Veronica drove off.

Bonnie and Chica walked back in. Freya was still sitting on the floor, looking as if she wanted it to swallow her.

They'll fix him.

Freya's tone was bitter and full of sadness. What if they don't?

Bonnie's voice quavered.

They have to.

_ _ _

It was three days before Veronica called the convention.

Those days were spent cleaning the place back up, and practicing their acts. Nobody's heart was in it, however.

Freya stayed in her shocked stupor for an entire day. After that, she helped, but when not doing things would just walk around somberly, speaking to no one.

Everyone else managed a little better.

After three days of this, the phone rang. Everything went dead silent, and Bonnie picked up the phone. It was Veronica.

He'll be fine.

The words were like a balm to her soul. When's he coming back?

Tomorrow. I shouldn't have to remind you guys to be gentle with him. Guy's been through a lot.

She paused, then added, kept muttering your names in his sleep.

Bonnie hung up. When she turned around, there were four expectant faces staring at her.

She said he'll be fine.

Sighs of relief echoed like thunder in a canyon.

Chica clapped her hands. Well, what are we waiting for? We totally have to surprise him. When I'm done, he won't even recognize this place!

Bonnie smiled for the first time in days. That sounds great.