
Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/14126640.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Major_Character_Death, Rape/Non-Con,
      Underage
  Category:
      F/M, M/M
  Fandom:
      Five_Nights_at_Freddy's
  Relationship:
      William_Afton/Michael_Afton, William_Afton/Elise_Afton, William_Afton_&
      Henry_(Five_Nights_at_Freddy's)
  Character:
      Dave_Miller_|_William_Afton, Michael_Afton, Elise_Afton_(OC), Henry_(Five
      Nights_at_Freddy's)
  Additional Tags:
      Mentions_of_Elizabeth_&_Louis_Afton, Child_Abuse, Sexual_Abuse, Rape,
      Rape/Non-con_Elements, Parent/Child_Incest, Blood_and_Violence, Platonic
      Friendship_between_Former_Friends, Canon_Universe, God_that's_a_lot_of
      tags, But_it_is_to_be_expected_if_you_got_both_of_them_in_there, I_advise
      you_to_PLEASE_take_the_warnings_into_consideration, Do_NOT_read_if_you
      are_triggered/turn_off_by_any_of_them, Still_getting_used_to_this_whole
      system_so_bear_with_me, Also!_Elise_is_my_OC_of_the_Afton_mother
  Stats:
      Published: 2018-03-28 Words: 8270
****** Impugn ******
by Jaunty
Summary
     impugn (v.) - to challenge as false (another’s statements, motives,
     etc.); cast doubt upon
     -----------
     When did it ever came to this, he'll never know as Michael laid his
     head helplessly along the wood that is soon wet with his flowing
     tears. How could he have, though... Even years ago when he had been a
     curious child, everyone has been played a fool.
     ...That is what he wanted to believe, however. It's complicated when
     you can't help but seek the one who is to give you the love and
     approval the minute you come into this world. Michael didn't even
     know anymore and quite frankly, he didn't wish to. The past had
     always been a sentimental one for him, after all.
     -----------
     A look at the lives of a father and his son as what it had used to be
     to where it all ends
Notes
     Very explicit in the first part (incestuous rape) and third part
     (graphic violence) so you have been ADAMANTLY warned!
     If y'all need references as to what my headcanon is for their
     apperances, here is what I have in mind:
     William
     Elise
     Michael
     Henry
     This is not beta'ed in the slightest though I did attempt to clean up
     any glaring errors. Be aware that there may be some spelling/
     grammatical errors.
See the end of the work for more notes
                                   V - V - V
 
Darkness is what greeted Michael when he first opened his blue eyes after a
couple of hours of sleep. Exhaustion from the long school day and having to
deal with extracurricular activities caught up to him the minute he arrived
home, his head barely hitting the pillow before he fell asleep. Michael glanced
over to the clock beside him, showing that it's nearing seven in the evening.
His stomach rumbled at the brief thought of missing dinner but that was quickly
dashed when he heard near inaudible footsteps downstairs. He knew them all too
well but it never fails in causing his blood to freeze.
 
'He's late tonight...' the teen thought as he lifted his sore body up. Wearing
simple shorts and a gray t-shirt, he left his room to greet his father, hearing
shuffling and other materials moving about in his office. Michael's hand along
the banister tightened its grip before he approached the room. The door's
creaking had William stop in what he was doing, turning to see his son blankly
staring back. It may have been the trick of the light but Michael could have
sworn there was the curl of his lips and a shadow over his father's eyes.
 
“Michael.”
 
His name spoken in a soft baritone, William straightened to his full height,
running a hand through his blond hair that was collected in a low ponytail. A
similar look of weariness crossed his features and the boy wondered just what
the man has been doing lately. Ever since Louis passed and Elizabeth still
missing, things have been more than tense between them and it, unfortunately,
wasn't just that.
 
Papers that were held are now shoved into a drawer then he turned towards the
younger man. “I'm sorry but I'm afraid I won't be in for dinner tonight. Late
night work and having to get this all done by the morning..” he chuckled though
Michael failed to see the humor in it. William likewise agreed but he hardly
gave it any thought. It seems the conversation ends prematurely as the man is
more focused on organizing his desk and reading over some documents than strike
a chat with his son. Which, to be frank, Michael certainly had no qualms about
it and he didn't said anything as he quickly left the room.
 
The house is far too quiet for Michael's taste. Usually, the television would
be on to some cartoon that Louis would watch, Elizabeth would be having a tea
party with her newly bought dolls or having a few of her friends over, and his
mother...
 
Michael pursed his lips as his mind took a trip down memory lane, his movements
slow as he searched around for something to fill his stomach. He didn't mind if
it's days old; if it helped him survive for another day, he'll take it. Just as
he closed the last cabinet, Michael's breath hitched slightly at the sudden
presence behind him. How on earth a man could move this quickly and silently is
beyond him but any attempts to move or protest were lost on his tongue. The
warmth at his back almost had the teen leaned into it but he knew better. Oh,
he definitely knew but it didn't stop him from becoming pliant in his father's
hands.
 
Not when it's been a somewhat welcomed gesture that Michael hated himself for
even appreciating.
 
There were no words, no snark or anything to mock Michael as William's hands
rested at his waist and dragged him backwards, sitting on the chair with his
son atop his lap.
 
Hot breaths tickled at his ear and the scruff of a beard making his skin itch
as one arm went to secure itself around his waist and the other reaching over
to grip over a sensitive area at his thigh. Michael gasped when nails followed
it, unable to do much without having to face the wrath of his father (and the
teen did not wish to bring forth that anger again. He would have died that
night if he hadn't been that obedient). He knew that this time was going to be
borderline primal. William's shoulders were as tensed as a guitar string and
self-control is barely retained as his hand slowly trailed up to grip Michael’s
length, obviously wanting to savor the moment before indulging into the main
course.
 
Blue eyes slowly closed and Michael's face twisted into one of disgust and pain
as he tried to block out the touches even if every brush, stroke, and grip soon
had him moaning and trembling. The boy whimpered when he felt his shorts being
pulled down to leave his lower half bare and a chill traveled up when he heard
his father unbuckling his belt in a hurried manner. Desire soon pooled within
the depths of his stomach, much to his horror.
 
It would always be like this and he believed it to be due to how deceivingly
gentle William could be.
 
Lips would be touching at sweaty, sun kissed shoulders as though he is tending
to a lover though nails are to be dug deep into Michael's hips so that he is to
be lifted then sinking down on his thick length, having the young man cry out
at the size stretching him despite previous times they have done this. Honeyed
words filled his ears as William set a steady but sharp rhythm that had his son
twisting against him in pain that soon melded with the growing pleasure that
had Michael's cheeks flushed and lips parted to let out the whines and moans,
cries following as his father changed the angle that resulted in his length
jabbing at his prostate with every thrust.
 
That thread of self-control soon snapped and Michael found himself being lifted
up then roughly bent over the table with the edges digging into his stomach
uncomfortably. That is to bruise for sure but that's far of any concern as
William shoved his length inside, movements now erratic and fingers holding
onto Michael's hips in a grip that marred the skin. Breathy curses and growling
promises mixed with his son's cries as he scrambling for purchase, grasping at
the sides of the table as it creaked below them.
 
When did it ever came to this, he'll never know as Michael laid his head
helplessly along the wood that is soon wet with his flowing tears. How could he
have, though... Even years ago when he had been a curious child, everyone has
been played a fool.
 
...That is what he wanted to believe, however. It's complicated when you can't
help but seek the one who is to give you the love and approval the minute you
come into this world. Michael didn't even know anymore and quite frankly, he
didn't wish to. The past had always been a sentimental one for him, after all.
 
                                 IV – IV – IV
                                        
“Daddy..?”
 
He smiled at William as he set his own blue eyes upon his son, a gentle smile
at his lips. “Yes?” Michael’s gaze flickered downwards, glancing at their
joined hands before asking. “I’m…afraid.” They didn’t cease in their strolling
back home ( William had ended work early and he had enough time to pick up
Michael from school ) but the man did appear surprised by his son’s confession.
 
“Of what?” he inquired curiously. “Is it about your grades? Are your peers
treating you well?” Michael giggled at his father’s protective words, shaking
his head at the questions. “No, it’s not that. It’s…” His smile faltered as he
lowered his head. “It’s about the new baby. I’m afraid that I won’t be strong
enough to help them. I’ve…I’ve never been a brother. I don’t know how it is!
And what if you and mommy pay attention more to them than me? I–” Laughter
interrupted him, prompting Michael to stare up to see William laughing to his
heart’s content. It wasn’t malicious or mocking, however.
 
If anything, his eyes were shimmering with amusement and care as he stopped
them both in the middle of the road and lowered to meet at eye level with
Michael. “Son,” he murmured, his deep voice instantly soothing the troubled
child. “I understand that it must be very confusing since it’s only been you
all this time but your mother and I decided that another child will be good for
us! You will have someone to play with and trust me, it’s not all bad to have a
sibling. Not that I have one but your mother definitely does!” He then made a
face that Elise would typically don when telling stories of her rowdy siblings,
making Michael laugh at the silly image.
 
William joined with his son in this merry moment, him reaching up to ruffle at
the boy’s hair. Blue eyes twinkled with mirth as he continued. “So, don’t be
afraid of this new change. Yes, it may look scary but your mother and I will be
there for you. We’ll welcome your new sibling with open arms.” As he did so
now, Michael quickly going into his father’s warm embrace. The man picked him
up, placing a kiss at his cheek as he resumed their way back home.
 
Michael smiled into his father’s shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around his
neck. He is now in a better mood than he was at school.
 
“Daddy?”
 
“Hm?”
 
“Where would they come from? Are they gonna be delivered like our mail or
something?”
 
An awkward silence then a pleasant chuckle. “You’ll learn when you grow up.”
William grinned when the boy groaned, complaining that he was big enough to
know stuff.
 
                                ...............
                                        
Elise is a beautiful woman, many would say. Even back in England, she had been
considered a gem, always radiating with a bright smile that lilted with a cocky
light to it that some can't help but admire. The native blood of Spain ran deep
in her and it shows by her accent and sun-kissed skin. The same tone that her
son inherited, to which she grinned upon seeing Michael running up to her to
greet her.
 
“Hey, mijo!” she laughed as she scooped the boy up in her arms which took some
effort thanks to her protruding abdomen.
 
William chuckled as he climbed the steps of their home. “Now what did the
doctor tell you about lifting heavy objects?” Michael pouted while Elise rolled
her eyes playfully. “I'm not that heavy, daddy!” the boy exclaimed, crossing
his arms while his mother stuck her tongue out at the man while saying,
“Besides, I don't like that guy. He's too...stuck up. Always think he's got the
knowledge of the world in his hands!” She muttered curses too low for Michael
to hear and William had to chuckle as he closed the door behind them. “Darling,
I know he doesn't have the best bedside manner but you have to remember that
you're carrying!
 
Stubborn as you are, I can't help but be worried whenever you
get...adventurous.”

His wife sighed in slight resignation, setting Michael down so he can head
upstairs to change and do his homework. “I know, I know...” she sat down at the
couch with her husband following her, his sharp features becoming concerned as
he observed her.
 
“Stress..?”
 
Elise rubbed at her forehead, nodding quietly. A sympathetic noise came from
him as he embraced her, laying his head atop hers. Her long, brown hair held a
scent that is all too captivating for William, it reminding him of the seaside
shores of a foreign country. It lulled him into a sense of peace, helped rid
some of the stress from working with the franchise.

“Elise?”
 
She played with the Indalo pendant she has always wore her whole life. It's
something of a good luck charm within her home country that would never leave
her sight. “I'm working myself too hard, aren't I?” she frowned, nuzzling into
him. “I just don't understand. I never had this much problem with Michael but
with this one? Not to say that I have a bad feeling about this one, that they
may turn out to be a little pendejo--” That earned a chuckle from William and
she couldn't help but smile at that. “--but I'm kind of worried.” The blond
hummed as he pondered over this. “Well, I suppose it's natural for you to feel
this,” he said, blue eyes focused on a random object of the room (Ah, they were
going to have to clean that section of the room eventually).
 
“I heard that mothers are careful with their firstborn and with their second?
It's more of a concern of your experiences with your own child; you hope that
the knowledge you've gained from that will help with this one. Which, I have
hope that you will do well.” He smiled as he reached down to caress her belly,
her own soft hand reaching up to cover his. “Ah, I hope so,” she sighed out,
lips puckered in a way that she usually does when she's conflicted or in deep
thought. Or both, in this case.
 
“I'm sure I'm worried for nothing. Got to love these mood swings!” William
shook his head fondly. “Mood swings? You sure it's not just the usual you~?”
Elise gasped and straightened up, hand at her chest in mock offense. “Will, you
jerk!” Her husband only laughed until she started to initiate a slap fight! Oh,
she is definitely not going to win this time! William slapped back but in a
lighthearted manner where their silly slaps resulted in them laughing and throw
playful insults at each other. What a surprise, she won when she gained the
upper hand and gave him a disarming smooch that brought an astonished redness
at his cheeks. He coughed bashfully when Elise remarked on how precious and
adorable he's being now!
 
At least she's treating him with some of her powdered sugar cookies she had
just made so it wasn't a total loss~.
 
                                ...............
                                        
“So, about the company...”
 
“Jesus, Henry, now? Can't we just have a nice time of enjoying the quietness
that is the world dead asleep?”
 
Now, don't get William wrong, he is a studious man at heart. No deadline has
ever been delayed or being failed in completing the task at hand. He always
made sure the every part of work is done from the glaring errors to the fine
prints. Naturally, it would all come back to gnaw at what little patience he
has at the time with many having to come close of being snapped at, or people
would put it, being on the receiving end of a very frigid glare that could
freeze hell itself. It's a shock to many that Henry would be seemingly
unaffected by such an intense gaze, such as now that his good friend is doing
to him to which he sighed. “I'm sorry,” he rued, fingertip tapping at the neck
of a beer bottle as they sat along the patio of William's backyard.

“But you know we're going down the shitter, right?”
 
Of course, how could William forget...
 
The moment the notice came in, both men gawked at each other like they were
smacked in the face. They hadn't noticed that sales had spiraled down that it's
beginning to effect their finances and within a short time frame, as well. Not
only did they had to cut back on quality work but it's threatening to become a
bankrupting situation that could set the whole franchise six feet under.
 
Henry has stated on numerous occasions that they were going to fix this in
which William couldn't help the admiring grin. Leave it to his best friend to
always see the silver lining beyond the goddamn horizon.
 
And honestly, that positive outlook paid off with their finances steadily
rising lately, and growing stagnant at a decent level but that didn't mean they
were in the clear just yet. There were the complaints; oh, the goddamn
complaints and threats of absurd lawsuits. Honestly, people had so much time on
their hands that suing companies has become something of a sport to the bored
and insignificant. They were now on the verge of one that could jeopardize the
whole thing and could lead them into bankruptcy for good if they aren't
careful. It was one thing after another, William had lamented and he realized
that he is not above to taking drastic measures if it meant keeping the
business alive and his family on a decent living.
 
“-ever since then.”
 
William blinked, having to come out of his daze to catch the end of Henry's
tirade. “...Pardon?” Henry glanced at the blond then chuckled fondly. “Like
wife, like husband~.” William made an indignant noise, wanting so much to toss
something over to the man but a beer bottle hardly qualifies as something
appropriate to throw at someone. “I've been talking about how things have been
getting' to me ever since Caroline left.”
 
…...
 
Ah.
 
She had been a remarkable woman, William remembered but something happened
within the marriage that resulted in a very bitter divorce. One that the Brit
couldn't even imagine just what had set the couple into a volatile state that
ended with a nasty turn of events. Rumors around town had spread that Henry had
been nothing but a stubborn fool, a man still too young to take the bull by the
horns who continued to view work as a priority more so than his wife and
daughter. William didn't believe that for a single minute. He knew that Henry
absolutely adored his family and would do anything for them but apparently,
neither had knew the price of working hard to climb the ladder of success and
both had paid the price for it.
 
At least the man had acquired custody of his daughter; he loved his little girl
more than anything in this world.
 
William could relate; Michael had been a ray of sunshine alongside his mother
and with another on the way, he couldn't have been more elated than he was when
Elise announced her pregnancy with their son. With that being said, the blond
bit his tongue in not wanting to stir irate feelings in his friend in fear that
Henry might take it the wrong way that William is rubbing his own successes in
his face.
 
But with the man openly speaking of it, he felt more at ease. The whole dilemma
was a tricky one to maneuver around to begin with.
 
“I figured it was that,” William said, taking the last sip of his drink before
glancing at him. “You've been...different, lately. I don't want to sound like a
prick but you have to really catch a break sometimes. Charlie's been spending
more time around here than at your house.” That seemed to strike a chord in the
other, his brown eyes lighting with surprise then it slowly devolved into a
look of sadness, one that had his whole features appearing quite aged. It's
sadly grown to full effect by the way Henry's hair is already starting to
develop gray streaks despite being at the prime age of past thirty years. Poor
bastard...
 
“My baby girl has been sayin' as much,” Henry grumbled, setting his bottle down
as he worked his fingers at his temple then roving over his face. “She's so
young yet it's like she's been kissed by some angel's blessing. I hope she
hasn't given ya too much trouble about the whole thing...” William shook his
head with a wave of his hand. “She's behaving as her father has taught her.
Always having fun with Mikey and keeping him company.” Henry chuckled upon
hearing this, nodding. “That's good...” he hummed, leaning back in his chair.
“I don't mean to miss out on what she's been doing but with everything going on
and my having to make sure the house doesn't turn into a fuckin' pigsty,
it's...it's getting rough, man.” A brief look of sympathy is given by William
but it's replaced with a tenacious glare.
 
“You're giving up.” An accusing statement rather than a hesitant question.
“Hell no!” Henry scowled at him as though William spat out poison. “Ain't no
way in God's country am I giving up on all of this. I ain't gonna be like
Caroline. Not gonna chicken out just because I got some angry bastards
breathing on the back of my neck to make a quick buck out of slander.” William
pursed his lips as the chair creaked under him from leaning back on it. A
silence, neither comfortable or awkward, befell on both. Henry is staring up at
the night sky while William focused his gaze at his lap where one leg is
crossed over the other. A refined gentleman, Henry would often poke fun at.
 
“I made a promise to her.”
 
Cornflower blue eyes peered over at the man, who was still staring at a
particular star that's twinkling rather brightly. “I promised Caroline that I
would make everything better. I promised that I would give Charlie the whole
world, if I could. After a fight, she had came to me, asking if we were
breaking up and right there... I never wanted to see that look again. It's like
I was about to be shipped across the seas with the hope of no return.” William
kept silent, either out of respect or curiosity so Henry continued. “I told
her,“Baby, listen to me. I'll admit, your mother and I had our differences and
she's sayin' one thing while I say another. I'm afraid it's not looking too
good for either of us but I promise. I promise you that I'll make it up. Not
sayin' that we'll stay together but I'll make sure to keep ya happy as much as
I can.” Not even a week later, Caroline and I signed the papers and that was
fucking that.”
 
William had fully turned towards Henry, knee almost touching his as surprise
and ruefulness is crystal clear in those eyes that seem to illuminate in the
dim lighting behind them.
 
“Henry-”
 
“Ever since then,” Henry continued despite his friend's quiet start. “That
promise has became a weight on my shoulders. Then came the guilt for even
thinking of it as a burden. Why was I even imagine that, Will?
 
I would never view her as such. Not my daughter...”
 
At this point, William is extremely uncertain if it was the alcohol loosening
Henry's tongue in revealing all of this or he just trusted him well enough to
spill out the troubles. Observing him, it was though confessing it had lifted a
certain weight. He appeared more at ease though there is the definite sign of
his brown eyes watering. An urge suddenly gripped at William, causing his body
to go on auto-pilot as he turned more and enveloped the man into a tight hug.
Henry blinked into a slight stupor at the gesture. Surely, it's the alcohol
doing the work of him returning it a moment later, sinking into William's hold
with a shaky sigh. A warm hand is felt caressing his back and at that moment,
Henry could have opened the floodgates. The tears were starting to sting at his
eyes and gaining weight to prepare in falling down his cheeks.
 
He refrained from doing so, however. No, he wanted to uphold an image for
himself. The father that would never buckle under this amount of pressure. It
may have been more to himself than wanting to convince the other man otherwise
but it's all Henry's got to aid him in continuing on. He laid his forehead
against William's shoulder, inhaling a scent that reminded Henry of oak and
mint.
 
“Fuck, man. Sorry, I didn't mean to...”
 
“Nonsense,” William's smooth voice rumbled through him, his shoulders shaking
by his chuckle. “That's what I'm here for, Henry. Ha, so who's the soft one
here?” Henry laughed as he pulled away, lightly punching at the other's
shoulder. “Fuckin' dweeb,” he jested with a tone that many would considered an
old man trying to be hip. William rolled his eyes with a fond scoff as they
rested once more against their chairs. The solemn air between them had all but
dissipated as the two chatted about their days and activities they're thinking
on doing with their families.
 
“Mm. Oh, Henry...”
 
“What?”
 
“Don't want to alarm you...but there's a huge fucking spider on you!”
 
The shriek that his friend did had William borderline cackling like a madman,
hand resting upon his face as Henry smacked at himself to kill the offending
arachnid. Realization hit him upon hearing his friend's laughter and he whined
in displeasure. “Fuck you, man..!”
 
He was responded with rich laughter that filled the air.
 
                                III – III – III
                                        
The stale, dusty room burned at her nose, threatening a sneeze that would no
doubt sound too loud in this compacted office. Elise had sneaked in here in the
after hours when not a soul could be found in the industrial corridors. She had
been told that while she had free reign to do as she pleases, she held no
reason to ever come down to the maintenance floors where the animatronics are
built for the children. Curiosity guided Elise around like someone holding her
hand as she inspected the large facility that her husband would usually hide
away in when he wasn't busy with paperwork.
 
Even with shadows that were disfigured by lights and parts often found
scattered about, none had prepared her for what she has discovered within
William's office.
 
Papers were strewn about with monitors registering nothing but static and an
overall clutter suggested nothing of importance at first...until Elise cast
aside the papers to find a folder. Her forest green eyes read the red ink
titled “DATA” across a line of tape. Opening it, she found what appeared to be
blueprints for a design that she's quite certain isn't child friendly.
 
“What...” she whispered under her breath, brows furrowing in bewilderment at
the notes jolted alongside these uncanny designs. It was no doubt William's
handwriting but the contents...
 
“Seems to be working properly for him. Almost perfect but have to make sure
Foxy doesn't short circuit like last time.”
 
“Motorized cupcake so it could move on its own though without Chica's help.
Perhaps have her toss it?”
 
“Doing extremely well. Subsonic frequency is at the perfect level and it's only
for Louis's ears only. Almost had Michael and Elizabeth affected as well.”
 
...No.

Elise's vision became slightly blurry as she read over the words over and over
again. She doesn't want to believe it. No, it couldn't have been him that wrote
this! But Louis... It couldn't be! Realization dawned on her as her mouth is
covered by her hand.
 
The numerous occasions when her youngest son has cried for her protection
against the monsters. The ones that often keep the boy up at night. His
descriptions, while startlingly specific, were attributed to his imagination;
it was of no secret that Louis harbored a strong dislike of the animatronics at
the diner so Elise had simply dismissed it as nothing but the overworking mind
of her often frightened son.
 
But this...
 
' Then all this time... Louis had been-! '
 
Before she could finish that thought, her eyes caught a sticky note attached to
a paper filled with words she didn't bother to read. What was on the note had
her blood boiling at an alarming rate.
 
“Punished Michael for trying to start up an attitude regarding Elizabeth's
activities. Boy's becoming too irritating lately so I figured to set him
straight harsher now. Elise never noticed.”
 
Her breaths were coming in quick and short, eyes hardening to where they appear
to be fortifying into pure anger. How dare he! Elise had her suspicions and
even with William's constant reassurance that it was merely the children
growing up to be difficult individuals, her intuitions tossed that out by
warning her that something was amiss, the two most obvious having been her
sons.
 
Michael would often wear a look of resignation and affliction, a subtle veil of
fear whenever he thought someone wasn't looking at him. Louis often cried about
the monsters that would come for him for nights on end but with Michael's rough
comments and Elizabeth's dismissal, he quiets his claims though would often
tell his mother about them on occasion.
 
And she had simply cast them aside as silly imaginations...
 
“Louis, I'm sorry...” Elise gasped out, a tear falling as she closed the folder
and dropped it on the desk, ready to leave to confront that son of a bitch. Her
eyes, however, caught another note on a blueprint that's set aside. Something
about...a scooper?
 
A few tests had been underway and William had apparently achieved success
about-
 
“Elise.”

Forest green eyes widened then they slowly lifted to meet the cornflower blue
that once upon a time brought mirth and relief in seeing. Now, it was like
gazing into sheets of ice; the icy look promptly sending chills down her spine.
“William,” Elise greeted back, narrowing her eyes in enmity. “What is all this?
What have you done lately?!” Soft footsteps sounded as he advanced in her
direction, his well-defined features unsettling by the shadows. “Something that
you have no business in looking through,” he smiled crookedly as his fingers
flexed. Elise squared her shoulders, a protective tone setting upon her words.
 
“I'm taking the children away. Away from you. Not until you give me a damn
explanation for this!” William's eyes gleamed dangerously as he sneered at her.
“Darling, I don't think you're in any position to demand something so absurd.
You're tired! Let me help you sleep...” That did it. He had accounted for her
quick temperament but it's been a while since William has witnessed his wife in
a sparring match with anyone. A swift right hook caught him off guard, causing
him to stumble back and giving Elise the opening she needed. However, William
recovered quickly and he caught her next punch, twisting her arm in a way that
caused her to cry out. Her knee shot up in response to that and it connected,
making the man groan in pain where she jerked herself away from his grip.
 
Heels clicked along the tiled flooring as she threw punches left and right,
allowing her rage to take quick control. William blocked at most of them but
the ones that connected sent flares of pain that caused his vision to blur for
a split second. A smack across her face then a fist drove into her abdomen,
Elise coughing up spittle and bits of blood. William laughed at the sight.
 
“Never knew this was foreplay to you.”
 
Green eyes glared venomously in his direction in which he chuckled lowly.
“Could have spiced up the bedroom between us, sweetheart!”
 
A leg went up but William caught it with his other hand. Confusion crossed his
features, however when Elise grinned in her usual cocky manner at him. She
suddenly threw her entire weight at him and the two fell to the ground with
grunts and yells. Elise straddled him and proceeded to pummel at his face with
strong fists, gaining a few in before William held up his arms to block them.
Taking his chances, his large hands took hold of her forearms and he tossed her
to the side. She yelped as she landed roughly on her side, rolling to her back
just as her husband came forth and wrapped his hands around her throat. She
gasped sharply, eyes widening as her hands flew up to shove them off but
William's grip is constrictive.
 
Grinning hideously, he applied more pressure to where she began to choke, her
left hand flailing slightly. “You think I'll let you go free after this?” he
hissed menacingly, relishing in her panicked fear and light that's slowly
dimming within her eyes. “As much as I love you, Elise, I can't allow you to
take our precious children away. I am their father, after all and I'm afraid
you've overstayed here as it is.
 
Especially when you've been a nosy little bitch.” A quick squeeze and Elise
strained a cough, her hand searching for a weapon. Anything!
 
William started to lean down, strands of his hair curtaining his face as he
went to give her a kiss goodbye just as her vision started to fade. Just as his
lips brushed against her did, her hand had touched at a broken piece of metal.
She brought it around in whipping speed, the sharp end slashing at William. He
cried out in pain as he could feel the tip dragging across mid abdomen, blood
drawn with ease. He released his grip on her to bunch his hands at the wound,
Elise coughing harshly as she inhaled large amounts of air. The metal slid out
of her grasp as her hands flew up to her throat, still coughing and retching.
Frenzied blue eyes stared at her then catching sight of a crowbar nearby. A
bloodied hand took hold of it and he rose to his feet, the pain becoming numb
by the adrenaline surging through him.
 
Elise was hunched over on her knees as she finally regained her breath, gasping
at the sight of William raising the tool high above his head with bared teeth
and eyes flaming in absolute fury.
 
“W-William..!” She rose a hand to feebly defend herself. “D-Don't! Please-!”
 
The first swing fell atop her head, a sickening crack followed by a strained
scream and when her head hung, William swung the blunt side of the crowbar
against her face, delighting in the agonized wail when it broke her nose and
crushed one of her eyes. She fell back to the floor but that didn't stop
William. Each swing against her head and face is filled with a strength that is
searching to kill. To watch the blood stain at herself, the floor, and her
husband as he stood over her body to keep swinging.
 
No words came from him as he merely grunted and growled with each hit, the hook
used eventually to bluntly shred at her face. “Just fucking die!” William
yelled out as he landed the final blow that had her skull briefly caught on the
hook before slipping off. He stopped to survey the scene before him, heavy
breaths flowing past his lips as his eyes scanned the bloody, pulverized
remains of what used to be his wife's face. Her good eye is hanging out by the
socket, still attached, teeth broken shown by her unhinged shattered jaw, and
her head had been caved in and opened to show bits of brain matter.
 
William stood there for a moment, the crowbar clattering to the ground beside
him as he reached down to pull her by the legs.
 
Blood trailed behind her as he dragged her corpse into a large bag used to
collect trash, most notably machine parts and other items that weren't large
and cumbersome equipment. Before he went to lift her body, he noticed the
necklace she would always wear. Stained with her blood but still intact.
William stared at it until he unfastened it and pocketed it then stuffed the
body in the bag. He made sure to toss the bloodied metal piece and crowbar
along with other materials so it'll look just like the rest of the garbage
tossed out. He dragged the bag along the floor with near silent grunts until he
reached a large bin meant for disposal.
 
Chucking the bag into it, William slumped against it and slid to the floor,
panting heavily. He groaned as his abdomen throbbed painfully from the gash.
Gritting his teeth to bear the pain now that the adrenaline is wearing off, the
man staggered up to his feet and went about to clean up the scene. The
employees and staff won't be coming in for another several hours so William had
plenty of time. His hand dug into his pocket to fish out the Indalo necklace,
his lips curved up in an adoring smile as he marveled at its simple but curious
design.
 
He gently kissed it, eyes closing as he could still smell the cinnamon scent
his wife held. “I promise to you, Elise...” William vowed in a sickening tone
of devotion and love as his fingers slowly closed over the necklace.
 
“I will take precious care of our children~.”
 
                                 II – II – II
                                        
He is trapped. That’s the conclusion he’s deduced upon reaching the room where
various animatronic parts strewn about but before Michael could even take it
in, cables and wires became caught at his limbs. A bind around his chest,
wrists behind his back, and legs, he’s completely immobile. “What the–” It is
so dim within the room that he is unable to see where the wires originate from
as they appear to be moving on their own. He was about to question this whole
thing until HER voice is heard…
 
“You are in the Scooping Room now–” The Scooping Room?! “–Funtime Foxy has
already been here today. Funtime Freddy has already been here today. Ballora
has already been here today.” Michael’s eyes drifted from each animatronic
mentioned and he realized just where exactly he was. This room… This is where
he witnessed Ballora become scooped when he had been within that springlock
suit. So, this is where…
 
“Circus Baby has already been here today.”
 
…What?
 
That foreign sound had him lift his head for his eyes to land on…it. Michael’s
breath was caught when he realized that this…this wasn’t Baby talking. It had
never been her to begin with. It was that thing! It’s using her voice and all
this time, it had guided Michael through this hellish maze by pretending to be
a damn savior. As though it truly wanted him to survive and live to see another
day. “I’ve been out before,” she – IT – continued, its grinning mask sending
chills down the boy’s spine.
 
“But they always put me back. They always put us back inside. There is nowhere
for us to hide here. There is nowhere to go, when we look like this.”
 
It almost sounded solemn, melancholic as though it’s been nothing but a tragedy
for it. Michael even wondered if it’s thinking as one or for these
animatronics. He didn’t know and honestly, he didn’t give a single damn when
he’s caught like this with no view of escape. “I don’t understand…” he
muttered, his blue eyes glancing at the scooper before him.
 
“But if we looked like you…”
 
Michael’s eyes widened upon hearing that, frantically struggling in the wires’
hold as its eyes bore into him as though it’s about to acquire a prize it has
long since desired. “…Then we can hide. If we looked like you…then we would
have somewhere to go.” A pregnant pause. One that had Michael aware of his
increasing panic and heavy breathing that’s making him go slightly light
headed.
 
“The scooper only hurts for a moment.” Following that, an alarm blared above
him, the same one before Ballora has met her end. This time, unfortunately,
there are no other individuals to come and rescue him from his inevitable fate.
 
“No!!”
 
Michael cried out though it had nearly been drowned out by the alarm. Would it
even care? Can it hear him? It’s still standing there, watching him about to
meet his fate. “Don’t do this! Please! This isn’t the way; there has to be–” He
was cut off by the sudden stop of the alarm, blue eyes wide with fear and
panic.
 
Did it…
 
Has it finally–
 
The machine moved too quick for Michael to process as it extended towards him
but when he did, agonizing pain had him cry out before gurgling up blood that
rushed up through his throat. His screams died away in an instant as his
abdomen is ripped opened for his intestines to be pulled out by the scooper.
They rested within it in a bloody pile as Michael’s eyes rolled to the back of
his head, mouth agape for blood to pour out like a macabre waterfall. He could
faintly something from within him dropping to the ground with disgusting plops.
 
The cables holding him up had slowly released him, Michael dropping to the
floor with a whimper. Eyes glossed and pain so great that it had partially
numbed him, darkness began to fill his vision. Legs made of wire appeared as a
blurry sight with its body somehow uncoiling from the body and slithering
towards him, digging through the gaping wound at his stomach and slithering
throughout his body. Michael attempted to speak but he slowly passed on as this
amalgamation started the process of settling into his corpse.
                                        
                                ...............
                                        
' Father. It's me, Michael... '
 
A gloved hand that is hiding the gruesome sight of rotting flesh slid along a
brick wall, low voice reverberating from the figure as he trudged along an
alleyway that helped mask the decaying smell. 'I did it. I found it. It was
right where you said it would be. They didn't...recognize me at first but then,
they thought I wasyou.'Oh, how that statement brought a cascade of violent
chills through him. How Michael loathed having to think of this. A husk he may
be, he just could not scrub away the feeling of his own father upon him. His
essence is somehow tied to the boy's, a forced bond that is enough to churn the
toughest stomachs. The hand that wandered at the wall now returned with the
other to grip at a baggy jacket, hood up to obscure his decomposing features.
 
Scoffing, his tone then turned tender as the memories began to play within his
mind, ones consisting of the past slowly burning like old film. 'And I found
her. I've put her back together, just like you've asked me to...'For the
briefest moment, Michael's steps faltered, jaw slightly unhinging as he
remembered his father's words. Cruel in intentions yet deceptively sweet, he
had tasked his son in saving his sister. In making her whole again to possibly
reconnect the family.
 
He said he would be proud.
 
He said he would be extremely happy if Michael succeeded in this seemingly
dangerous task.
 
William had saw the longing past the fear and defiance. The yearning for that
absent love and desire to make everything right again. To absolve for his sins
that involved his brother's blood upon his hands. His longer fingers would
slowly reach up to caress his son's cheek, a gesture far too intimate yet it
dropped a ball of warmth within the pit of his stomach. His lashes would
flutter and he stared into his father's eyes that were the exact same color as
his.
 
That desperate part of Michael had hoped that what he saw in William's eyes
were of adoration and praise...
 
To be cruel to be kind is what the older man had always said. Is that where his
love had gone, Michael had wondered. Was it within a different language not
known to him and he's simply being ignorant? Yes, his father had been cruel and
wicked to him in heinous ways but there were times when he had been sincere.
Words and actions, Michael believed, did not weigh the same so how could he
resist knowing what his father knows best? Teeth clacked together as he
struggled to rid himself of those thoughts.
 
It was the foolish side of him talking again...and yet, Michael couldn't help
this simmering flame in his soul. It was unlike the raging inferno that erupted
when he had learned the truth.
 
'But something is wrong with me. I should be dead...'A cracked window greeted
him in his thoughts and while dirty, his reflection along the cracked shards
gazed back at him. White pupils within the dark abyss of his sockets moved from
piece to piece, Michael quickly ducking his head into the hood to avoid looking
at the pathetic waste of life before him. The visual price of foolish and blind
decisions.'...But I'm not. I've been living in shadows. There is only one thing
left for me to do now.'
 
Michael slowed to the stop once he reached the mouth of the alleyway. The
freezing night did nothing to stop him as his nerve endings are all destroyed
and no more now. He could feel nothing but numbness, the pain nonexistent at
this point. The pupils disappeared as he stared at the ground.'I'm going to
come find you.'Then, a sudden rush of bitterness and rage washed over him,
pupils turning from a bright white to a deep violet as Michael viewed the
pizzeria from afar. It was closed for the night, nestled within the heart of
town that is enveloped in darkness. He can only imagine what it is to be like
during the daylight hours...in which he will know soon enough as his thoughts
became caught in a spiraling void.
 
'I'm going to come find you.'
 
                                   I – I – I
                                        
Ascending through the darkness, Michael kept his blue eyes wide to reach the
balloons that illuminated brightly. They are free. They are finally free, he
realized with an elated smile. He has done it. He's succeeded in setting
everyone free. Henry had contacted him beforehand, just before the fire had
consumed them both. Michael could remember feeling his very soul being ripped
from his body yet he welcomed the pain. Joy melded with it as it did with Henry
as he phoned to where Michael had been holed up in, the relief evident in his
weary voice and the words having Michael's heart swelling in fondness and
delight.
 
“You've done well, son. I'm proud of you.”
 
It was only a matter of time until Michael joined with them. He would have
never expected his soul to be judged as fair, worthy in entering paradise. He
followed the bright colors, arm stretched up to touch at them but before he
could...
 
Michael went still as those familiar fingers intertwined with his, the touch
startlingly warm and gentle. He didn't dare follow the arm that came from
behind, his feet touching at an unseen ground. He tried but failed in ignoring
the warm body nearly pressing against his back. Blue eyes lingered at the large
hand until sudden movement at his left had his head turn swiftly to see...his
mother's pendant resting upon an opened palm. It shined a honeyed glow despite
the void around them. Neither spoke though Michael could hear the soft,
rhythmic breathing behind him...and from above. Vision blurring upon realizing
just why his father would even have the pendant after all these years...
 
She always wore it her whole life. It was her prized possession.
 
Swallowing thickly, the young man reached up with his other hand to take the
necklace but what he didn't anticipate were William's fingers slowly curling
around his hand. The touch is so delicate and soft that it had Michael
trembling. Emotions ran rampant where he could not exactly pinpoint the exact
detail of them. He wanted to scream in anger, to cry in anguish, to laugh in
disbelief. He did not want to think of this as real. Redemption is absent
within the bastard and Michael knew.
 
He knows though when he leaned his head up to curse him for everything he's
done, for causing hell and death for everyone involved with this bloodied
history...
 
That smile...
 
Where was the cruelty?
 
What happened to the shadow that usually spread across his face?
 
Michael's breath is caught as William slowly leaned down to press his lips
along his son's forehead, the gentlest touch that the boy could have mistaken
it as a trick of the mind. Yes, it had to be that. Please. Please, let it be
only that-
 
“I love you, Michael.”
 
Tears began to fall at the sincerity behind it... Oh, Michael couldn't even
deduce if it truly was or not. His throat is blocked by a thick lump as he
started to sob, over forty years of burdens and weights lifting to where his
face is etched in complete relief. Why, he isn't so sure and he didn't even
want to. All that mattered was that he and everyone else was free...
 
...All except for the man that is gazing down lovingly at him before Michael is
enveloped by a violet glow then his form slowly faded into small embers. What
replaced his spot was a balloon that is the same color as before. William's
fingertips ghosted over it just as it drifted upwards to join with the others,
an opening high above them appearing like the beautiful blue sky. William
fixated intently on the group of balloons, never breaking his gaze even after
the unseen ground gave out beneath him. He fell through the freezing abyss, the
feeling of malignant claws taking hold of his limbs to pull him down further
and quicker.
 
It did nothing to alarm William; in fact, he is still staring upwards at the
light until it was nothing but a dot that disappeared soon after. An enigmatic
smile crossed his lips as he is then swallowed by the darkest pits of Hell, his
victims' suffering and grief overtaking him that melted that smile away and is
replaced by a stretched parting to bellow out a scream that prolonged into a
fading inhuman wail.
 
                                   O – O – O
                                        
 “These characters will live on. In the hearts of kids – these characters will
                                   live on.”
 
End Notes
     Hmmm, I am thinking on making another piece that details the falling
     out of Henry and William's friendship as well as Charlie's death.
     Idk, depending on the feedback, we shall see
     As always, you can reach me on tumblr if you ever wanna chat, send a
     prompt, or comment!
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