Third Ring - Unscathed by the Fire
After the experiences in the second ring of this strange hell, the third ring was brighter, more fun. Magdalena couldn't resist her curiosity, beginning to explore the ring's area.
(Originally written April 11th, 2019. Magdalena's in a freaking ~coma~, but only her adult self is there bc I don't have an 18-year-old set for her.)
“Magdalena, wait!”
Magdalena ran through the hall, hearing William’s voice fading behind her. For some reason, she felt braver, more capable—and perhaps it was the changes to her appearance that helped, or the flood of new memories that came with it. No longer was she a scared teenaged girl, barely fifteen, but now she was an adult!
Or, well, almost. Eighteen was still in her teens, right?
Passing tables, turning down halls, she soon found herself at what appeared to be a prize corner. A large box that looked like a present was in the back, and numerous plush dolls were on a shelf nearby. It was tempting to steal one of the Bonnie ones, if only because it reminded her of William, but she merely smiled at one.
Absently, she knew that the present had music playing, although she couldn’t quite place what sort of tune it was. It was certainly more lighthearted than Freddy’s Toreador March, and Magdalena found herself humming along to it.
It was only when she spotted a shadow rising out of the corner of her eye that she turned, back to the door, fists raised as if she could do anything useful.
A puppet-like creature had risen from the box, its face a permanent smile, even as two purple tearstains streaked down its face. The white pinpricks in its eyes only served to remind Magdalena of Golden Freddy, and she braced herself for the hallucinations, the echoes in her head.
“You’ve arrived.” The puppet’s voice was soft, gentle, even as it drew closer to her. The voice was feminine, childish, prompting Magdalena to blink and attempt to relax. “And he’s not with you...?”
Magdalena shook her head, before whispering, “Who...who are you?”
“I am their protector. I am aware. And I am not afraid, not anymore.” The puppet’s head tilted, before it continued. “And you won’t be safe for much longer.”
“Because I’m an adult, aren’t I? Or...I’m supposed to be?”
“Yes. But don’t worry. Even if I cannot bring you under my protection like the others, I can help you.” Tendril-like fingers reached into a box, before pulling out a bracelet. It offered the bracelet to her, the glowing purple light on it blinking occasionally. For a moment, Magdalena could almost swear that those pinpricks dimmed, almost seeming kinder, less frightening.
Pale fingers reached to the bracelet, taking it, fitting it onto her wrist as she spoke quietly. “Have...you met Fredbear? I was told to look for him...”
“He comes out on his own time, but you already met him.”
“Golden Freddy, then?”
“Yes...but you should head back. The others...are waiting.” The puppet pulled away, floating backwards until it stepped back into its box, the lid closing.
After that, there was only silence as Magdalena stared at the box.
“There you are!” William’s hand moved to Magdalena’s shoulder, then her head, as if checking for injuries. “Are you all right? The camera to the Prize Corner shut down after you left, and none of the animatronics were moving...”
“Yeah! Don’t worry, I’m fine.”
The rabbit’s silver eyes trailed down, before his eyes narrowed. “And...that bracelet?”
“Oh! This?” Magdalena held it up, shrugging. “The puppet in there gave it to me.”
“And she...it didn’t harm you?”
“She?”
“...never mind. Let’s focus on the animatronics for now.” William picked up the monitor, averting his gaze once again. “There won’t be much for you to do in this ring, but still, stay alert and use the flashlight to keep an eye on the hall.”
“Yes, sir!”