4:30 AM.
Too early.
Thirty minutes before the official wake-up call, but here I was, sitting up in bed, cold sweat dripping down my neck.
The nightmare clung to me like smoke.
I saw Evan again — small hands, trembling, reaching for me.
"Michael... help me..."
I was there, standing frozen, staring as Fredbear's jaw opened wide.
Evan's terrified eyes locked onto mine, his tiny fingers slipping from mine.
"No!" I had screamed, lunging forward, too late —
SNAP.
Blood sprayed.
His body fell, the laughter of kids around us twisted into something hollow and cruel.
Flames roared up from nowhere, licking at my legs, searing my face.
I stumbled back, metal body burning, wires snapping, sensors blaring red.
William stood in the shadows, watching with empty eyes.
I could feel my throat tearing as I screamed.
Not again.
Not again.
Then — darkness.
The heavy weight of guilt wrapped around me like chains.
The smell of ash, the metallic taste of regret.
"Michael... why...?"
His voice echoed one last time before the dream shattered.
I gasped, shoving the covers off.
Ran a shaking hand through my messy hair, feeling the faint mechanical hum under my skin.
Alive... and not.
Perfect skin, perfect smile, dead core.
"God... I can feel my sweat soaking everything," I muttered.
I rose quietly, crossing to the window.
Outside, neon billboards blinked, casting pale blue light across the room.
And there it was:
HISTORIC ALLIANCE WITH DEMON SLAYER CORPS!
TODAY: MEDIA REHEARSAL, PRESS CONFERENCE, CEREMONY
I let out a dry chuckle.
"Great. Full idol schedule."
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
5:00 AM, official wake-up.
But of course, the crew was already stirring.
Susie groaned, pulling her blanket over her ears.
"Ugh, why is it always this early...?"
Elizabeth rolled over, blinking sleepily.
"Do we... really have to wear the heels today...?"
Tia slammed a fist on the nightstand.
"Let's just get this over with. Stage, lights, whatever."
Jeremy yawned wide.
"Can't we just sleep for five more minutes...?"
Charlie sat gracefully, brushing her long red hair.
"Big day, girls. Big day."
Cassie gave a sleepy hum from her corner, followed by a yawn as wide as her whole face.
And William — always William — stood silently in the corner, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
I smirked faintly.
"Always the early one, huh, William?"
In front of me, the holographic schedule flickered to life:
[TODAY'S SCHEDULE]
5:20 AM: Shower
5:30 AM → Hair & Makeup
7:00 AM → Stage Rehearsal (Demon Slayer Corps)
10:00 AM → Press Conference
2:00 PM → Photo Shoot
5:00 PM → Alliance Ceremony, Live Broadcast
Formal Outfit Required: Gold-Black Performance Costumes
I let out a long breath.
"Just another day," I muttered.
"Another perfectly normal, demon-fighting, alliance-signing, public-relations day."
Jeremy peeked over, grinning.
"Hey Mike, you're already up?"
I gave a tired smile.
"Bad dream."
Elizabeth looked at me quietly, her gaze softening.
"Evan again? Brother..."
I didn't answer. I didn't have to.
They already knew.
We weren't just animatronics anymore.
We weren't just machines.
We were idols.
We were warriors.
And today, we were diplomats — standing shoulder to shoulder with the Demon Slayer Corps, against Muzan and his new shadow, Morina.
"Alright," I murmured under my breath, clenching my fists.
"Showtime."
And we headed to the washroom.