A Nightmare Within a Dream: Chapter 1 - The Dream
#1 of A Nightmare Within a Dream
Zee is 17 and an engineering student at WaterField University. Struggling with money Zee becomes the night guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria, where strange things happen and his non-belief of ghosts gets turned around in a complete 180. People from his past he hoped he would never see again start to re-appear and he's forced to live through hell and back to keep hold of his sanity.
A/N: Welcome to "A Nightmare Within a Dream" this is the first fanfiction I've ever written, so please forgive me for any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. I'm not the best at writing even if I do enjoy doing it. I hope whoever reads this enjoys the story. So go on and read the first chapter! Go on! Shoo!
Chapter 1
The Dream
"Help! Please, someone, help me!" I cried, banging against the locked metal door. "I don't want to die!"
"Where do you think you're going?" whispered a cold, deadly voice into my ear. Cold icy breath snaking down my neck.
Before I could turn around I felt blinding pain piercing into my back and out through my stomach. Looking down I saw the silver blood-covered tip of a long thin knife protruding from my stomach. And as soon as it appeared it disappeared, being pulled out of my flesh with searing pain. The floor below me shifted into a black void and everything around me disappeared into oblivion. Looking around myself I saw nothing but a black void of nothingness. And then I fell, screaming into the void.
"AAHH!" I shot up from my bed, screaming my head off and drenched in a cold sweat. "J-Just a dream... I-It's just a dream..." I breathed out in relief. Yeah, just a dream. A dream I've had every night since I was 8. Throwing my sheets off my body, I climbed out of bed and made my way out of my room. I stepped out into a tiny living room, connected to an even smaller kitchenette. I had no sofa or TV in my living room, and I hardly ever used the kitchenette, seeing as I didn't usually have enough money for food in the first place.
Glancing at my watch it read 7:03, perfect, 2 more hours till my classes start. My grandfather died a few months ago, and this watch was the only thing he's left me. The watch was silver with tiny black-diamond stars spotted around the clock face. Each number on the watch was also carved from black-diamonds, and the band of the watch was made of fine black leather. And studded along the edge with small silver stars.
Sigh, turning back around and re-entering my room I set about to get ready for the day. Pulling on a pair of jeans, a white T-shirt with a black fox printed on the front and back, my usual black hoodie, and my old and worn-out pair of black and red sneakers. Grabbing the blacked-out, circular shades from my bedside table, and slipping them over my eyes, I was ready for the day.
Combing back my black hair with my fingers, I decided to just head to the college campus, and see if I can help any of the professors with setting up their classes. I grabbed my backpack full of books and left my apartment, locking the door behind me.
Covering my nose with the sleeve of my hoodie, I cringed at how bad the building reeked of drugs and piss. I quickly made my way down the hall towards the stairs, passing the usual cracks that snaked across the wall, and the patches of mold growing in the corners.
Reaching the stairwell doors and throwing them open I ran down the stairs, taking 2 at a time. The stairwell was horrible, constantly littered with trash, me being the only person in this damn building that tries to keep it clean. The railing was probably the worst safety hazard in the building. It was so busted, and covered in so much rust you could catch tetanus by just looking at it.
As I reached the bottom and was about to open the door to the outside world, it swung inwards, an old man in a very smart and expensive-looking suit walking through it.
"Mr. Robinson?" I asked, shocked and confused at the sight of my friendly old landlord dressed up so fancy. He was old, in his 80s I believe, with a few strands of brown hair combed over his balding head, a clean-shaven face, and hazel eyes filled with kindness and wisdom.
"Ah, Zee! Good Morning," smiled Mr. Robinson, "What are you doing up so early?"
"Couldn't sleep, got up early to go help my professors with setting up for their classes," I replied, "What's with the suit, sir?"
"Oh, just some business I had to attend to, nothing you need to worry about, Zee," Mr. Robinson responded, his smile slightly wavering.
"Mr. Robinson, can I ask you a favor?" I'm not sure this is a good idea asking this, I honestly feel bad for asking this but I really need some help.
"Certainly, what can I do for you, Zee?" answered Mr. Robinson, leaning more on his oak and silver cane.
"I... uh... I don't really have a job..." I stuttered out before being interrupted.
"You have until the end of next week." Smiled Mr. Robinson.
"But I didn't even ask you anything yet," I said, stunned at Mr. Robinson's response.
"You were going to ask for an extension on your rent," chuckled the old man.
"Uhh... Yeah, I was," I said, "T-Thank you, sir. I really needed this."
"It's no problem, Zee. Just take care of yourself, you look rather sickly."
It's true, I am starting to not feel well, but I don't have the money to buy medicine so I couldn't really do anything about it. "I'm fine Mr. Robinson, really. I should get going now, I'll see you later, sir," I lied, pushing past him and into the cool fresh, drug and piss free, January air.
Entering the classroom of my engineering/robotics class, I saw my favorite teacher setting things up. "Professor William," I greeted, walking towards him and dumping my bag down in a chair.
"Mr. Phillips, what are you doing here so early? Class isn't for another hour," asked Prof. William.
"Couldn't sleep, got up and decided to come and see if you needed any help setting up."
"Well, that's very kind of you. And a matter of fact, there is something you can help me with," said the professor, pulling out from under his desk a large cardboard box. "I could use some help setting these many boxes of pars on each desk."
"What are they?" I questioned, moving closer to his desk to get a better look.
"It was supposed to be a surprise, but I think I can let you in on the secret," smiled Prof. William, pulling out of the box smaller basket containers of parts for a tiny robot. "This class, I'm going to have you all build a small robot, to see ahead of time who might pass the upcoming project test, and who will fail."
"Oh right, the test where we have to build our own working robotic machine, right?"
"Just the one! I'm sure you'll pass, you've impressed every professor here with your skills."
"Thank you, sir. But I'm not sure what I'll be doing for the project next month."
"Well, you have some time before you have to decide, now help me with these parts please."
And so I did, taking a few of the baskets full of wires, tools, parts, and power sources (which were just batteries). And helping with anything else I could.
After finishing up, I left the classroom and made my way down the large empty hall to the restrooms. Entering the restroom I instantly went to the sink and turned on the cold water, splashing some into my face, after removing my glasses of course. Ever since I got up this morning, I felt like someone has been watching my every step. Looking at myself in the mirror, my eyes had bags under them, my skin was paler than normal, and my hair was disheveled. I combed my fingers through my hair, trying to straighten it out and getting it to look just a tad nicer; which of course failed. Looking at myself in the mirror, I noticed someone standing in the dark, shadow-filled corner of the bathroom. Instantly I shoved my glasses back on and turned towards the figure. Only to find no one was there, just an empty graffiti stained tiled wall.
"Where do you think he could be?" asked an angry and annoying voice outside the restroom.
"How am I suppose to know?" replied a weaselly and as equally annoying voice.
I know these voices all too well. It was Eric and Riley, Vernon was probably with them as well, he (Vernon) doesn't talk much so that's probably why I don't hear him. Eric, Riley, and Vernon, were 3 of the richest people on campus. They mainly bought their way into college instead of studying and getting in legitimately. They are also the people that make my life hard here at WaterField University. The door to the restroom opened, and the 3 people that I hate the most walk-in.
"Zee! Finally! We've been looking everywhere for you!" exclaimed Eric, he was tall at 6 feet and dressed in all black. Black button-up shirt, black leather jacket, black jeans with chains, and a pair of black fancy and expensive-looking shoes. His black hair done up in a crew cut.
"Eric, what do you want? I have no money on me so I got nothing you could want," I replied, trying my best not to just attempt to push past them and run. I had to stand up to them eventually, and today I'm not in a good mood. With having no sleep, no food, and my patience waning thin. I felt like I could slug Eric across the face and break his nose. But I was too scared to get physical... again. Last time I tried to fight back against them I ended up in the local jail for the night.
"You may not have any money but that watch is new," smirked Eric, he glanced at Vernon and Riley and gave them a sharp nod. At their boss's signal, they left the bathroom and stood outside standing watch for anyone who would get in Eric's way.
"Don't you even think about it! This was my grandfather's, and there is no way I'm letting you have it!" I growled, glaring at Eric from behind my glasses.
Eric stepped forward cracking his knuckles, his face morphing from a smirk into anger and disgust. "I'm going to put a murdering bastard, like you into your place!" said Eric, gritting his teeth.
M-Murdering? H-How did he find out? I never told anyone! Except for- Before I could finish my thought a fist came flying across my face, hitting me square in the jaw. I fell to the floor, the taste of iron overloading my tastebuds, my glasses flying across the bathroom and smashing against a wall. I heaved myself onto my hands and knees, liquid building in my mouth, I took a breath through my nose and spat out what I could. A glob of blood and saliva splatting against the cold tile floor.
Before I could recover, Eric's foot came crashing into my side, hitting me right in the ribs. Landing on my side I curled up into the fetal position, trying my best to block any blows to my stomach and head. Suddenly the assault stopped.
Eric knelt down and yanked me by my hair so I was looking up into his face. "You're a worthless piece of shit! You have no money, no friends, no family, and you don't belong here! Nobody will ever want someone like you!" growled Eric, "I mean come on, who would want to hang out with a murderer, huh?" Eric then slammed my head into the tiled floor, and darkness overtook me.
Slowly cracking my eyes open, I sat up groaning in pain. My mouth still tastes like blood, my nose was sore, but thankfully not broken, and my sides are hurting so badly I can barely move. I looked at my wrist to check the time on my watch only to find my wrist bare. "Fuck! No no no!" I cried, staring at my wrist, willing my grandfather's watch to return. The watch was the only thing I had left of my grandfather, him being the only person in my entire family that loved and cared about me, unlike my parents. I crawled my way over to my glasses and picked them up. The lenses were cracked, and the frame was bent in several places. But that didn't stop me from putting them back on, I had no desire for the whole school to know I'm a freak, or to see the tears starting to swell in my eyes.
Struggling to my feet, with a great deal of effort and pain, I stumbled over to the sink and washed my mouth out. I left the restroom and headed down the hall back to my class. I pushed the door open to Prof. William talking to the mass of students all sitting at their desks. As soon as I stepped into the room everyone fell silent. Prof. William was looking at me with surprise and concern.
"Mr. Phillips, what... what happened to you?" asked Prof. William, staring at my battered and bruised face.
I remained silent and made my way up a few stairs and slid into my spot on the rows of desks. Everyone was still staring at me, which made me extremely uncomfortable. "Please continue," I whispered, just loud enough for the professor to hear.
Prof. William opened his mouth looking as if he wanted to say something, but closed it and nodded and went back to his lecture. I hardly paid attention to anything he was saying and just dwelled on how I was going to get money to pay Mr. Robinson next week, and what I should do about what just happened. Probably will just leave it alone like always. I need to find a job, and soon. I owe Mr. Robinson so much money, at least 2 months of rent that I haven't paid. I thought, until Prof. William announced for everyone to start work on putting together the small robot provided for them.
I smiled to myself and started working on it, putting together all the wiring and parts like it was second nature. Within around 20 minutes, I had finished mine before anyone else and just sat there waiting for the class to end. It took about 30 minutes before most of the class finished theirs, only a few stragglers were left behind still messing around with their robot.
"Okay, that concludes this class for the day, don't forget the robotics test next month. Make sure you have your ideas ready and start preparing for it," announced Prof. William, as he started to pack up his brown leather bag. Grabbing my bag and rushing down the stairs to the door I was about to exit when Prof. William called to me. "Mr. Phillips! Wait I need to speak to you!"
Ignoring him I just ran out the door, sprinting down the hall and outside into the cool January air. I made my way to the front of the campus, students, and teachers staring at me with a mixture of shock, and worry. A few teachers tried to stop me and ask what had happened to my face, but I shrugged them off without answering and went on my way.
Coming to the front entrance of the campus, which was blocked by a fancy and intricate wrought iron gate, I walked up to the security guard station. It was just a small brick building with a single-window facing the road that wound up into the campus. Knocking on the window I waited for the Security Guard to open up.
"Zee? What the hell are ya doing here mate?" asked Walter Jackson, the front gate Security Guard, as he slid back the window to speak to me.
"Hey, Walt. I'm going home early today, can you open the gate please?" I responded, keeping my gaze down at my feet.
"So what happened?" questioned Walt, raising an eyebrow. "You're the best student here, and you've never gone home early before."
Sighing, I looked up and heard him breathe in sharply at the sight of my face. My glasses were cracked and nearly shattered, bruises and a few cuts, from when my skin split with getting hit around, covering my face, and my lips and teeth were slightly stained red from blood.
"Just open the gate please," I said, wiping away a drop of blood from the corner of my mouth with the sleeve of my hoodie.
"Y-Yeah... Sure thing Zee," stuttered Wal, he turned and flipped a switch, causing the black wrought iron gate to slowly swing inwards. I thanked him and left, hearing the sound of the gate shut behind me with a loud cling.
Walking along the cracked concrete sidewalk, I started to think of what to do about Eric. Should I call the police? Tell someone? No. Last time I did that I was the one who spent the night in jail. Let's not dwell on that right now. First things first, getting a job. Just as I thought that a piece of paper being carried on the breeze smacked into my face.
"Gah! What the fuck!?" I exclaimed, ripping the piece of paper off my face. Looking down at the sheet of black and white, I noticed it was a page out of this week's newspaper. And right in the middle was an advertisement reading: "Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Now Hiring! Job Position: Night Guard. Requirements: None. $120 a week and free pizza on your first night! Come join the Fazbear family today!"
"Freddy Fazbear's? Why does that sound familiar?" I wondered to myself, folding the sheet of newspaper and sliding it into my pocket, continuing my way back to my shithole of an apartment.
Entering my apartment I found my mail piled on the floor, due to being pushed through the mail slot. Picking up the mail from the ground I ran to my bedroom, my heart racing in excitement when I saw a letter with a wax seal on it. Pushing my door open and dropping my keys on my bedside table I jumped onto my bed and started tearing open the letter. I pulled out 3 pieces of thick and expensive-looking paper. I already knew what it was. It was a response to my application request for an engineering job at Ralf's Robotic WonderWorld of Technology. Ralf's was known worldwide as the best technology-based theme park and robotics company ever! People would kill to get a chance to work in that place, literally. And it's my dream job to be an engineer there and work on their animatronics. I've always loved robots, and Ralf's has the most advanced animatronics in the world. It would be a dream come true just to be able to work on one of them.
Unfolding the first slip of paper I read: "Dear Mr. Zee Phillips, Thank you for requesting an application to join our wondrous family here at 'Ralf's Robotic Wonder World of Technology.' Inclosed are two slips of paper, the first is the application letter. Please fill out the application letter completely, if it is not fully filled out the application will automatically be rejected. The second slip is for any more specifications such as what type of job you are applying for, your qualifications, the schools you attended, etc... The more information we have the more likely you will be accepted. Due to so many people requesting jobs here at 'Ralf's Robotic WonderWorld of Technology,' you will receive our response within two to three months of us receiving your response. Sincerely, Alice Jackem, Manager of 'Ralf's Robotic WonderWorld of Technology.'"
Scrambling out of my bed I grabbed a pen and started filling out the application papers. Once I finished I sealed it in the provided envelope they had sent me. Looking at the time my clock read: 12:06. I pulled the sheet of newspaper out of my pocket and unfolded it, re-reading the jobs section and skimming over the news section. I glimpsed something about some convict getting released early for good behavior before my eyes fell upon that same job application as before. Kind of hard to miss, seeing as it's right in the middle of the page.
"Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Now Hiring! Job Position: Night Guard. Requirements: None. $120 a week and free pizza on your first night! Come join the Fazbear family today!"
Sighing, I crumpled the newspaper up and threw it into the trash bin by my bed. "Might as well check it out, and post my letter on my way there. And free pizza too? That doesn't sound too bad," as if on cue my stomach rumbled loudly, causing a slight twinge of pain. Probably because I haven't eaten in a long time. Making up my mind to check out the job offer, I got up from my bed and started to change out of my dirty and slightly blood-stained clothes.
They watched as the boy they were paid to stalk, made his way into a shithole apartment building. Hell, that place should be condemned on how bad it looks. What was so special about this kid, that their employer would pay so much money to keep tabs on him? But it wasn't their place to question their employer's motives or what they were doing. All they had to do was follow orders, get paid, and leave. Simple right? Not so much. With this kind of job, and with who their employer was, you don't just get paid and leave when you feel like it. All they knew was, there were no loose ends. Period. So, they had no choice but to stalk and keep tabs on the boy named, Zee Phillips. Then their phone rang. Picking it up and holding it to their ear they began to speak to the person on the other end.
"Hello?... Yes, I've been watching him... No, he doesn't know he's being followed... What do you wish for me to do?... Very well, I'll just keep watching him till you get everything ready... Yes, ma'am... Goodbye," they hung up, tossing the phone into the passenger seat of their blacked-out SUV. Starting up the vehicle, the engine roaring to life, they pulled off from the side of the curb and went on their way.
A/N: Thank you guys so much for reading the first chapter! I hope you enjoyed and are excited for more! See you next time!