What lies in the shadows~~~ Michael Afton x Reader

This has been proofread, but I'll read over it again this weekend! As always though, let me know if you see an error! Enjoy!

EDIT (7/28/23) This chapter has had several big changes. proofreading on this chapter and chapter 16 will be done this weekend.

Edited again on 12/07/23

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The vent leads to the bridges over Fazerblast. Though I don't ever recall being told about this bridge, considering I work for the maintenance department, you would think it would probably be important for me to know about it. Though much more to my surprise, just beside the bridge lies a well-hidden room. There's a bed, an arcade game, and the name Vanny is scribbled on the wall.

I share a look with Michael as Gregory communicates the findings to Freddy.

"Freddy, that rabbit lady's in a secret room above Fazerblast. It looks like a hideout. I think her name is 'Vanny'." Gregory's voice comes out quietly as he peers through the window.

" 'Vanny' It is very similar to Vanessa... and Bunny. That cannot be a coincidence." Freddy replies.

I'll be the first to admit that would be a very odd coincidence. Is Vanessa really that kind of person, though? She gets a job here just to... My shoulders slump, and the dread hangs over my head just at the thought.

"Do you think Vanny is Vanessa? Do you think Vanny's behind the missing kids?" Just as I let my demeanor fall, I watch as Michael's does too, just at the thought. "It just astounds me, you know? We had tightened up security, and people who weren't even part of the security department helped. We busted our asses to go out of our way if we saw something suspicious. Just to think the person was right there the whole time... It's sickening." I ramble off.

"I think we need to not worry about it until we get there. We will figure it out as we go." Michael rested a hand on my shoulder. "With this new information, we are a step ahead."

"Come on, let's get going. There's no telling when she'll return to this room." Michael leads the way back and out of the prize area. Freddy is there, waiting for us. The other three discuss the next course of action as I filter out their voices.

My mind remains foggy as I try to distract myself. All this time, and it was most likely her. It leaves a nasty taste in my mouth and a lump in my throat. It makes sense, though. The missing kid cases started right as her mood shifted. Even if it's not Vanessa, knowing that room even existed could have been a big help. If the bunny is behind the missing kid's, that is. The sickness hits me full force as the thought crosses my mind. How could we have missed it? All the kids we could have saved if we had caught on—or would we just end up like them? Could she overpower us? She would have nearly gotten to me if Michael hadn't stepped in at the right time. Even then, she was able to knock him down.

"You ok?" I hear the deep British voice break through my thoughts.

"Yea. Sorry. Just tired! It's been a long night, and we still have a ways to go."

"Don't lie. I know that face. I'm not stupid." Michael's eyebrow raises into an 'are you serious? look'. I turn my head back to look ahead to watch Gregory and Freddy. Gregory seems to be looking at the map on his fazwatch. Probably trying to find a location they had settled on while I was lost in thought.

"I know it sucks to think the culprit might have been right under our noses all along, but bloody hell, you can't sit here and dwell on it, love. We have other things to worry about. In the end, we can put a stop to it tonight if we have to. We can't undo it, but we can put those kids' souls to rest." Michael goes on.

"I know you are right, but it doesn't make it any less sickening." I side-eye him, not fully wanting to look at him.

"I know. Trust me, this isn't my first rodeo in a situation like this." He let out a humorless chuckle. "That's a story for a different time, though. We might have to commit a little arson tonight, but we'll get there when we get there."

Michael's sentence doesn't register at first, but when it does, I snap my head towards him. "Huh!?" I watch as he stifles a laugh but doesn't elaborate any further.

"Where would the security office be on this level?" Gregory snaps his head to look at Michael and I.

"That's a Michael question." I reply as I turn to look at Michael. I give him the stupidest smile that I could plaster on my face. We are trying to lighten our moods just a little. I can feel Michael's eyes burning into me, and just before he answers, he flicks me on the forehead. He breaks the silence as I snap my eyes open. I pout and rub my forehead.

"I think getting to the security office is important, but I think we also need to worry about the animatronics too. There's one down in the main lobby of Fazerblast. It's easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. There might be something useful there, but we'll be able to check the cameras while we are in there for any animatronics in the surrounding area." Michael explains. I nod along as I listen to what he has to say.

"Wait. Question for (Y/n). Don't you know how to shut them down, (Y/n)?" Gregory asks.

"Technically yes, but I shut them down after I've hooked them up to the computer in parts and services. Even then, that's not a full power-down, more like slumber mode. They have an emergency shut-down. I've used it once when Foxy went rogue. That was a year ago, though. I don't exactly remember how to do it."

"So it's settled; we'll head to the security office on this level, and then we will go from there." I let Freddy and Gregory lead the way. I fall behind with Michael.

"What's the reason for stopping at this security office? I know you said there might be something helpful, but won't this just slow us down? I mean, the quicker we get these parts, the better, right?" I lean into Michael so I can whisper.

"I know you're curious, but let's not be in earshot of Freddy. I don't want him hearing the plan." Michael whispers back.

So, we slow our pace as we make our way down from the viewing area. We let Gregory and Freddy get several steps ahead of us before Michael finally speaks up. He still keeps his voice a whisper, though.

"In all honesty, Gregory was right; Freddy will need those upgrades that the other animatronics have. We need to get them. I just didn't think Freddy would roll with the idea." Michael looks at me as we walk. "If this office has what I think it has, It'll be extremely helpful."

"Michael... This may be single-handedly the stupidest idea to go along with Gregory. We won't be able to guide them to parts and services. They don't follow my orders anymore. An emergency shut-down will be hard. How do you think we can do this?" I question him.

"We could decommission them." He responds nonchalantly.

I give Michael a look. "Even if we could decommission them, They'll alert Vanessa. You know this isn't a good plan. How are we going to steer clear of Vanessa if she knows where we are?"

"We grab the part and head for parts and services quickly."

"What happens when she finds us there? She'll know where we are once she sees the missing upgrade."

"Guess We will just have to install the upgrade fast. Good thing we have one of the greatest mechanics here on our side." Michael offers me a warm smile.

I try not to let the comment inflate my ego. I also don't need him to see the blush on my face. I can't give him the satisfaction of knowing he has that effect on me. For now, I just have to hold on to hope that he's not wrong about this.

"Sure, whatever. You just better pray this doesn't get us killed."

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Hello! Sorry for not updating! I got a new job, and one of my college classes was a math class, so it was taking all my focus! I'm back, though. This chapter isn't anything special. It was really a warm-up chapter to get me back into the swing of writing. I definitely missed writing for this book, so I'm really glad to be back! I hope you guys have a great week! I'll see y'all soon!