Second Ring - Snatched by the Fox

Midnight struck without celebration, merely another set of beeping, one that died gradually before it became an echo in Magdalena’s ears. The silence that filled the office made her hug herself, as if she was truly a frightened child all over again, a whimper escaping her. The fact that she’d seen Chica so close to her the previous night, seeing those teeth, only filled her with further dread as to the next night.

The weight of William’s hand on her shoulder made her stiffen, before she glanced up at him. Misshapen, a corpse wearing the skin of rotten gold, he was at least able to manage a kind and concerned expression. “Don’t worry. You did well last night, Magdalena.”

“I-I know, I’m...” Her fingers pressed tighter against her skin, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I’m scared.”

“They should recognize you as a child, or...that’s what I’m gambling on.” His hand raised from her shoulder, gently rubbing the top of her head. “But if they try laying a hand on you, I’ll be there. I promise.”

It took her a few moments before Magdalena forced her body to relent, lowering her hands as the rabbit-man continued his attentions. It was only when she was able to give a nod that he finally drew back, taking the monitor with his one hand, even as she headed to the left door to begin their task.

They were already late, and it was her fault. She’d just have to apologize in the morning, so she thought, swallowing. Before she could say a word, though, William’s voice cut into the dark.

“Foxy’s already—no! Magdalena, the door!”

She had no time to question, her hand heading to slam the door button, but instead of the door fully closing, it was stopped, one fur-covered hand lifting it.

“Aye, an’ what ‘ave we ‘ere?” The door was pushed up the rest of the way, resetting the door mechanism, but before Magdalena could reach for it, the arm grabbed her own. A pair of golden eyes gave a quick examination, before she felt herself being pulled out of the office. “A wee lass! Aye, yer parents gonna be worryin’ about ye...”

“W-wait, let me go!” Magdalena craned her head to look over to the office, noticing that William hadn’t begun making chase.

Where was he?

Turning back to look at the fox, Magdalena shook her head quickly. “N-no, this is a mistake, I came with him...!”

“An’ ye gon’ be in danger if ye stay with ‘im. Yer fatha’ migh’ give me th’Black Spot if he knew!”

“My father...?” She blinked, even as the two entered the dining area. The party hats on the tables seemed to sparkle as the dim lights hit them, as if they were replicating treasure in here, of all places. “Look, you’ve got to be m-making a mistake! My dad is—”

The sound of metal meeting metal cut her off, and the fox animatronic was on the floor, crumpled as though he were a toy house toppled. Standing behind the fox, William held a metal chair, and from what she could tell, he was breathing heavily, silver eyes flicking up to meet hers.

“William!” Relief flooded her, even as William set the chair aside. “You don’t know how glad I am to see you, but...how did you get here?”

“The other hall. I figured Foxy would turn you into a hostage if he knew I was right behind you.” William glanced about, his eyelids narrowing. “Frankly, I’m surprised he’d bring you here, or take you beyond here. He usually only goes between Pirate Cove and the office...”

“It doesn’t matter, w-we should get back before he wakes up.” Magdalena glanced down at the fox’s body again. He was going to be mad when he woke up, that much she knew. “A-and what about the others...?”

“Still on the stage.” A sigh escaped him, before he patted Magdalena’s shoulder. “I apologize, it was entirely my fault. I should’ve been keeping an eye on the Cove as soon as midnight struck, and you were very nearly taken somewhere likely...unpleasant.”

What? She hadn’t expected him to apologize for something that she’d considered her own fault, but she nonetheless smiled. They could at least discuss it properly in the morning. “Hey, don’t worry about it. Let’s go back in there and show those guys who’s boss!”

“That’s the spirit.”

---

Six AM arrived with the sound of beeping, simulated children cheering, and Magdalena’s entire body finally relaxing as she slumped down to the floor. While the two had no need for sleep in this strange hell, Foxy’s stunt had left her—left her wound up, to put it nicely.

How many more nights would it take to pass the ring? And how much more frightening would they be? And where was Fredbear? Didn’t Mr. Hippo say he’d be around?

Her train of thought was stopped as she felt William sit beside her, gently rubbing her head as if she were merely a frightened animal. Magdalena could only blearily look up at his hand, before leaning against him, allowing her eyes to close as she attempted to calm down.

“You’re doing all right. I’ve known adults with less tenure than yourself, usually ending in...well, death.” William paused, before he lowered his voice. “Even so, Foxy’s behavior was unusual. Perhaps they, indeed, still register you as a child?”

“He...did call me a ‘wee lass’, said my parents were probably worried, something about...something about my dad...”

“Your father?”

“Yeah, but...” Magdalena sighed. “But he’s missing, and my mom said that he’s probably dead. She never told me much about him, just said he left her a note and he was gone, but she...really loved him, you know?”

“I see. Your mother may have felt it better not to divulge such tragic happenings, but if your father is involved, then something may be important.” Another lull, one in which William finally pulled his hand away to tap at his chin, the bony fingertip clinking against the metal of his jaw. “Of course, Foxy is the most cunning of them. I wouldn’t put it past him to bluff.”

“W-well, he kinda implied my dad would be really mad if he found I was with you, for some reason.”

“The animatronics all hate me. I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Magdalena looked up at William, rabbit suit and bones, before asking, “Why do they hate you?”

“I’m sure you’ve been told this is my personal hell.”

“No, I mean...why? Why this for you? What did you do?”

“...I’ll tell you when I am ready. For now, we should be focusing on surviving.”

She nodded, giving a slight smile. “Thanks...I don’t know what I’d do without you, William.”

“No thanks are needed. You needed help, and the animatronics seemed more than ready to frighten you than lend a hand.” William’s eyelids seemed to raise in what Magdalena hoped was a sign of happiness, or at least understanding. “If we stick together, perhaps we both can find something in this place, don’t you think?”

“Yeah...yeah, I think so.”