After getting some permission while in disguise from the mayor to set up a new game stand, it was time to introduce the ponies to the work of a security guard in a fun filled game of horror and imagination. The stand itself was very small, barely ten feet in each direction, there was a flap to enter the guard station from behind, where a screen was waiting alongside the controls. On either side of the seat along two close walls were the doors and windows alongside two buttons, one labeled light and one labeled door on each side. The objective was simple. To manage your power and keep an eye on the animatronics and survive. As each person only got one shot rather than several for the sake of time, they had one life each. If they could get through the five sections, or 'nights' that each consisted of ten minutes, or so, then they would win the grand prize, a thousand bits.
To make it fair on the ponies, I had posted a list of tips and another board worth of lore outside the attraction for people to win, and with that deliciously large amount of prize money, came the temptations of both adults and foals, especially since it only took one piece of candy to enter. I was both nice and particularly sadistic with that. Such a low entry fee, so much candy to be collected, hah. There were a total of four main animatronics since I wanted to emulate the feel of the first game I was ripping off from my own dimension, only in reality, and I'd save the second game for next Nightmare Night if someone beat the first one. Internally I chuckled to myself as the first contenders came at my stand, depositing the candy to the greeter and walking beneath the broken down looking golden animatronic that sat on a stand above the doorway, looking dysfunctional and super creepy per usual.
First Contender: Doctor Whooves.
Walkng past the stand he gave a raised eyebrow to the image of the golden mechanical bear that was above the tent, he had been walking while dressed up as a rather odd salt shaker, for one he was carrying a plunger in one hand, and a cooking whisk in the other, and his hat had a strange rod hanging off it, that was limp due to the cloth not being strong enough to support a plastic tube that had been painted silver and modified to have some sort of quasi-mechanical eye attached to the end of it. "Hmm another mystery perhaps?" he asked to no one in particular, I had declined to leave a real greeter, the stand was mostly unmanned but still active, the doctor himself took out a piece of candy after reading the sign thoroughly, "Many rules for such a small tent... Hmm, might as well give it a shot."
I smirked at that, and when he inserted the candy into the slot, the tent flap came open with a hiss, and a dark chuckle emulated out of the golden bear as the good Doctor passed underneath, and took a seat. Behind him the flap closed shut on its own, and he gave the exit a curious glance, before the game began to start up with the ringing of a modified device, I couldn't use an actual phone without the technology being present on Equestria, but robots still belonged in the realm of science fiction for them.
In its stead was a old timey looking phone that looked more like it belonged in an old western movie rather than a pizzeria.
He pressed the button regarding it, having read the instructions, and the speaker began to crackle up, with the show, the phone itself was mostly for show, but the quality was still top notch, "H-hello? Hellllooooo? Uh, I wanted to record a message for you to help you get settled in on your first night. Um, I actually worked in that office before you. I'm finishing up my last week now, as a matter of fact. So, I know it can be a bit overwhelming, but I'm here to tell you there's nothing to worry about. Uh, you'll do fine. So, let's just focus on getting you through your first week. Okay?"
"Oh, a bit of a story with this game? Lovely, just lovely." The Doc Whooves replied cheerfully.
"Uh, let's see, first there's an introductory greeting from the company that I'm supposed to read... Uh, it's kind of a legal thing, you know." The phone guy ran off continuing to speak after a second of the sounds of shuffling papers and continuing his quote from the company in a mild monotone, "Um, 'Welcome to Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. A magical place for kids and grown-ups alike, where fantasy and fun come to life. Fazbear Entertainment is not responsible for damage to property or person. Upon discovering that damage or death has occurred, a missing person report will be filled within 90 days, or as soon property and premises have been thoroughly cleaned and bleached, and the carpets have been replaced.'"
Doctor Whooves now looked mildly concerned, "Okay so they're really serious about getting people spooked then." But the phone guy talked over him.
"Blah blah blah, now that might sound bad, I know, but there's really nothing to worry about. Uh, the animatronic characters here do get a bit quirky at night, but do I blame them? No. If I were forced to sing those same stupid songs for twenty years and I never got a bath? I'd probably be a bit irritable at night too. So, remember, these characters hold a special place in the hearts of children and we need to show them a little respect, right? Okay."
"I didn't even say anything to confirm...What's an Animatronic anyway Is it those things that were on the sign outside and that bear thing above the tent?"
"So, just be aware, the characters do tend to wander a bit. Uh, they're left in some kind of free roaming mode at night. Uh...Something about their servos locking up if they get turned off for too long. Uh, they used to be allowed to walk around during the day too. But then there was The Bite of '87. Yeah. I-It's amazing that the pony body can live without the frontal lobe, you know?"
"Not very well without it, that manages a lot of functions you know." The Doctor retorted, though he was quickly catching on that the message was automated.
"Uh, now concerning your safety, the only real risk to you as a night watchman here, if any, is the fact that these characters, uh, if they happen to see you after hours probably won't recognize you as a person. They'll p-most likely see you as a metal endoskeleton without its costume on. Now since that's against the rules here at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, they'll probably try to...forcefully stuff you inside a Freddy Fazbear suit. Um, now, that wouldn't be so bad if the suits themselves weren't filled with crossbeams, wires, and animatronic devices, especially around the facial area. So, you could imagine how having your head forcefully pressed inside one of those could cause a bit of discomfort...and death. Uh, the only parts of you that would likely see the light of day again would be your eyeballs and teeth when they pop out the front of the mask, heh."
The Doctors face turned a slight shade of green at the mental image of that. Great, it was working. Though a bit too well.
"Y-Yeah, they don't tell you these things when you sign up. But hey, first day should be a breeze. I'll chat with you tomorrow. Uh, check those cameras, and remember to close the doors only if absolutely necessary. Gotta conserve power. Alright, good night"
"Right... conserve power... There are more than one stage of this game?!" Doctor Whooves said to no one in particular as he spotted the mark that said Night 1, "Well at least its already hour 3. Wow that time flew by past in that guy's monologue..."
He checked a camera, "And now we have... a curtain with an out of order sign... a few tables... ah there they are, across the pizzeria! Wow, they aren't very good looking for whatever they were called. Is that a bunny? Horrid thing looks more like a something out of a lovehoofian horror novel than a child entertainment restaurant."
Great, he was talking to himself.
He turned the camera momentarily to check on the curtain and that was when they moved. First was the chicken, Chica, who was now creeping out of the stage spot and towards the kitchen, ever wary of the gaze of the camera. Bonny however went off the stage and into the middle of the pizzeria, to stare at a camera while standing next to a table full of party hats. When he flicked back only Freddy was left on stage, staring at him. "Wait, where did the other two go? Oh wandering, right..." The Doctor spoke again, and he flicked through to the center camera, "Well theres the bunny. Nice to know he can see me too. Hello creepy things, you know bunnies aren't purple right?"
Bonnie of course didn't respond.
"Right, well lets see where the hungry lookin' one went... he flicked through a few screens, "Ah, there it is." he announced to himself, as found her, "Thought you could sneak off when I wasn't looking weren't you? Now, to check on the brown one again, and the curtain..."
Bonnie the rabbit continued his way down the hallway as he spoke to himself, "Curtain check, Freddy check... and Bonnie... gone? where did he go this time?" he flicked through the cameras but after checking each one he couldn't find him. "Huh...?" he looked away from the screen towards the left door.
Bonnie's face was next to his, already inside.
He turned pale. "Oh."
Screeching ensured.
Second Contender: Bon Bon, Ie: Agent Sweetie Drops.
A small line had started to collect as the early game began to pick up. After the Doctor himself was found outside the game tent massaging his temples and muttering about a metal bunny, others had started to take notice. The next pony of interest was Bon Bon, who was all but joined to the hip with Lyra normally. But it seems she was momentarily separated from her due to distraction, and her interest only grew stronger upon seeing her friend quaking in his horseshoes. She herself was dressed up as a detective, I guessed, judging from the Sherlock Holmes hat, light brown trench coat and fake pipe that spewed bubbles when blown into.
After exchanging a few words with the doctor, most of it being incomprehensible to the detective mare, she decided to see just how scary this 'bunny' was. Her first night was easy enough, the same monologue from before, but she paid the attractions more rapid attention than the casual monologue that the Doctor had distracted himself with. Occasionally she would mutter to herself but it was too low to pick up.
"Uhh, Hello? Hello? Uh, well, if you're hearing this and you made it to day two, uh, congrats! I-I won't talk quite as long this time since Freddy and his friends tend to become more active as the week progresses. Uhh, it might be a good idea to peek at those cameras while I talk just to make sure everyone's in their proper place. You know..."
"Already ahead of you..." she muttered, a serious look on her face.
"Uh... Interestingly enough, Freddy himself doesn't come off stage very often. I heard he becomes a lot more active in the dark though, so, hey, I guess that's one more reason not to run out of power, right? I-I also want to emphasize the importance of using your door lights. There are blind spots in your camera views, and those blind spots happen to be right outside of your doors."
"what a tragic over sight as well as the limited power one." she spoke a bit louder to herself, "It's almost like they want their guards to die."
"So if-if you can’t find something, or someone, on your cameras, be sure to check the door lights. Uh, you might only have a few seconds to react... Uh, not that you would be in any danger, of course. I'm not implying that. Also, check on the curtain in Pirate Cove from time to time. The character in there seems unique in that he becomes more active if the cameras remain off for long periods of time. I guess he doesn't like being watched. I don't know. Anyway, I'm sure you have everything under control! Uh, talk to you soon."
as the phone clicked off, Bon Bon checked her left and right and promptly closed the door in bonnies face as he tried to get at her. the animatronic clanked its face against the lowered door, and took a short bit of looking at her in the window. Bon bon gave him an annoyed glance, "Shoo. You may of gotten my buddy, but you aren't getting m-"
A yellow hand landed on her shoulder.
She flipped around, and fired a grappling hook from her coat into Chica's face. The hook bounced off and stopped dead on the edge of a room corner before hitting the ground. It didn't dent the animatronic but it did tilt its head, after which point it began screeching at her.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Bon bon screamed as the animatronic promptly grabbed her as she whacked her hooves at it, "Grappling hook, you failed meeeeeee!" as she lost the game.
Third Contender: Prince Blueblood
The third contender I didn't even see coming. Luna was arriving soon, and he was already visiting? Did he know in advance? As he parade by the streets his interest was taken by the thousand bit reward, it was a paltry sum in regards to the treasurey of canterlot, but it was still considerable enough for his interest to be caught, easy money he probably thought.
"You two. How does this game work?" Prince Blueblood demanded the two shivering ponies outside the stand.
"You don't wan't to go in there." Doctor Whooves stated, he had recovered a bit more, "Not meant for the... the faint of heart..." He wheezed.
"Nonsense, there is nothing on this night that can frighten me!" Prince blueblood snorted, "Once again I ask, how does this game work?"
"I-instructions are on the sign." Bon Bon told him shakily, and as he read the sign he snorted.
"Sounds simple enough, so simple in fact, a guard could do it. Time to test this 'games' true worth of terror." Prince Blueblood strode into the stall and sat down on the chair, "Ready when you are showponies."
The game had begun...
Night three had arrived in a flash, before either of us could of guessed. Prince Blueblood was faring extremely well as his eye for detail caught himself on the edge of defeat and back into the precipice of victory on numerous occasions. I would of sworn he had played it before, as on night two his diligence on the machines wandering around had emptied the battery precisely moments before the third nights bell would chime a new beginning. For the most part he was rather conversational. Showing a genuine interest in the phone guy, but as the third night commenced, the following conversation occurred.
The phone guy of course started it, "Hello, hello? Hey you're doing great! Most people don’t last this long. I mean, you know, they usually move on to other things by now. I'm not implying that they died. Th-th-that’s not what I meant. Uh, anyway I better not take up too much of your time. Things start getting real tonight."
"Starting to get real? An actual challenge Huzzah!" Prince Blueblood cheered, "For a bit was thinking that those things were going easy on me. Nice to know they're taking me more seriously now."
"Uh... Hey, listen, I had an idea: if you happen to get caught and want to avoid getting stuffed into a Freddy suit, uhh, try playing dead! You know, go limp. Then there's a chance that, uh, maybe they’ll think that you're an empty costume instead."
"Good advice-"
"Then again if they think you're an empty costume, they might try to... stuff a metal skeleton into you. I wonder how that would work. Yeah, never mind, scratch that. It's best just not to get caught."
"Okay, less than good advice."
"Um... Ok, I'll leave you to it. See you on the flip side."
I was starting to ramp up the actions and directions of their movements, was this really the same guy who was rude to Rarity back at the Gala? He wasn't really insulting of a presence as... what was the term... It'd come to me in a moment eventually... Left, right, left. Bonny and Chica tried to get to him. But he countered them both rather easily while maintaining watch on Foxy. Freddy tried to show up as well a few times, but similarly he was countered. Similarly to the last night, when the battery ran out on the generator the theme started up again as all three of the persistent machines surrounded him, only for the bells to go off. Blueblood had been completely unphased by the rather terrifying looking animatronics.
Okay, this was starting to get annoying. What did it take to scare Mr. High-horse?
On 'Night Four' I was going to start pulling out all the stops, movement would start to get more erratic and he would need to keep his senses sharp. But first, for the phone call.
"-ello, hello? Hey! Hey, wow, day 4. I knew you could do it."
"A decent challenge, but not quite there yet." Prince Blueblood conversationally shot back.
"Uh, hey, listen, I may not be around to send you a message tomorrow." A banging sound, was heard, twice in rapid thuds, as if something was hitting a metal door really hard was heard through the phonecall, "It's-It's been a bad night here for me. Um, I-I'm kinda glad that I recorded my messages for you-" The phone guy nervously cleared his throat, "uh, when I did..."
"Oh dear, I think I can see where this is going..." Blueblood said back, in a mildly sad tone, "Hold on in there phone-sir."
Over more loud banging the phone guys voice quivered,"Uh, hey, do me a favor... Maybe sometime, uh, you could check inside those suits in the back room? I'm gonna to try to hold out until someone checks. Maybe it won’t be so bad. Uh, I-I-I-I always wondered what was in all those empty heads back there." The familiar chime of the Freddy Fazbear theme began to spring up, a tune that Blueblood had been familiar with over the last few nights. Elictting a gasp from him as he checked the doors and blocked a sneaky Chica trying to get at him.
"You know..."The phone guy said, before giving a defeated moan, "oh, no -" The rest of the short call was filled with Metallic screeching.
"Well this is rather..." He paused, searching for a word. Bonnie tried to get in, but without even looking he flipped the switch on bonnie, making the metallic face slam into the metal door, "Unfortunate." he said after a measured breathe, waiting briefly for bonnie to leave before checking on foxy and freddy again.
It wasn't until he shut both doors for an extended period of time did he make his error.
Thirty seconds passed with the doors in that state, and then Freddy struck. Screeching at him less than an inch from his face. He didn't even flinch. Much to my confusion.
"Well played." Blueblood said, "I thought that sort of mechanism would be in play. Frankly I've spent enough time here with your repetitive game. Let me guess, night five would of had some demonic chanting for its phonecall?" The puppet for its part tilted its head.
"No need to see me out, I'll show myself out." Prince Blueblood announced to the puppet, inching around it, and leaving out the tent flap, "Nice try though, but a game is a game, no real terror to be had. Would like to talk to your inventor though, a rather well put together act."
Well... Okay then?
The rest of Nightmare Night commenced without a further bit of challenge in comparison to Blueblood's ability. Many shrieks were to be had, and more than one pony probably would need to see a counselor afterwards but it took a particularly devious mind to... well... run the fair.