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-The Temptation-

|~This one-shot contains strong language and explicit scenes of blood and violence. Themes of horror are also used. Reader discretion is advised.~|

The fury in every fiber of his being lay dormant, a hungry beast, fit for a killing machine. A vengeful creature, bitter and cold, unwavering and interested in every move he makes. A shadow that makes the same movements, yet plays a far different game. Something he swore never to release, never to nurture, as that would drive an irreversible rift between himself and the others.

The others.

Oh, if only they knew.

He glares daggers into the clock, willing it to go faster as the others begin their nightly routines that will, eventually, lead into silence as they separate to charge. The hesitation lingers in his chest, as brutal as the first time he felt it.

The Star hates when he does this.

But it knew, same as him, that this was the only way he could manage himself without lashing out at one of the others. Undoing all his progress when he has a (somewhat) healthy outlet seemed ludicrous at best, and stupid at worst. It let him do as he pleased under the guise that, if he went too far, it would put him back in line.

He accepted that.

Though it was hard to accept that The Star had a collar around his neck and a leash to accompany it, he knew that he’d be dead without it, so he’d just have to deal with the consequences that came with its presence.

His claws tap away at the paneling on his leg, having switched from his normal attire to something with more…maneuverability. He admits that he hates these clothes with a passion, as, with them, come the memories of the forest with its cold grass and harsh winds. Wearing these cursed clothes feels like he’s digging up those long-buried feelings all over again, and he hates to admit just how much fear it strikes into him.

However, he knows these thoughts will have little to no effect on him when he finally begins the trek to his…outlet. Nothing really mattered to him then, other than completing the journey and fulfilling his desires in what Sun would call a ‘disgraceful’ way.

So what? He’ll be a disgrace if it brings him comfort. Sun can’t fault him for that.

By the time that his musings finally come to a close, the world outside his room is silent. Blood Moon is curled up in their nest, a stuffed bat that Lunar gave them tucked against their chest, held tightly in both arms. Eclipse slips off the side of the bed as quietly as he can, slinking over to Blood Moon’s side to pull a blanket over them as they give a slight stir and groggy blink in his direction.

“Hey, Dad.” They murmur, voices slurred by exhaustion. Eclipse gives them a small smile.

“Hey boys. I’m going to go out for a walk, alright? I’ll be back before you wake up.”

They give him a hesitant look, clearly still torn over past events. “You sure? We could come with…”

“No need. I’ll be just fine.” Their father assures them, and they finally give a small nod before settling back down, beginning to drift off as Eclipse stands at his full height once more. He watches them for a moment longer before turning towards the door, claws clamping down around the knob.

The excitement that twists within him is almost unwelcome in its intensity. He pushes it down, willing himself to keep calm as he pulls the door open, slipping outside and closing it behind him with a soft ‘click.’ The main part of the attendant’s room is dark, save for the soft light that peeks out from Moon’s room. He’s probably helping Lunar get situated for the night.

Sun is sprawled out across the couch, as usual, snoring softly, limbs stuck out at odd angles. Eclipse has always wondered how his counterpart can possibly find a position like that comfortable, but he’s in no place to judge. If they have one thing in common, it’s their horrible sleeping patterns and uncanny ability to squirm like snakes in their slumber. It’s horribly embarrassing, really, though Eclipse would never admit to it aloud.

Rays is neatly curled on a few spare cushions and pillows behind the boxes near the ladder, a single blanket cocooning him. Eclipse casts a faint frown in his direction. He offered the other more things to lay on, and more blankets, but he refused. He said he was comfortable, but it’s awfully hard to believe watching him sleep like that. However…Eclipse doesn’t tell him how to live his life, and he doesn’t plan on starting now.

So, instead, he moves on towards the door that leads out into the theater. The door shuts behind him with a soft click as he exits.

The trek out of the pizza plex is quiet, but that doesn’t help to quell the anxiety that stirs in Eclipse’s chest. He feels the heat of The Star become more and more intense the further he goes from the Daycare, and he knows that’s it’s last attempt at luring him back- a warning, clear as a summer day. He struggles to ignore its call, knowing that this is for the better if it distills his need for violence.

His feet guide him to the front doors easily enough, but his mind isn’t truly in the walk. Letting out a heavy sigh, he gazes up at the shutter that comes down to cover the main entrance. Freddy smiles back at him, but he knows the real Glamrock Freddy would do the exact opposite if he knew where Eclipse was going. His claws curl into his palms, and he finds it unfair that the pain is less jarring than the paranoia that gnaws at his head.

Even so, he moves forwards, placing his hand onto the shutter. With a creak and whine of mechanisms overdue for maintenance, it slides upwards and away from Eclipse’s lightly glowing hand. Only after he has slipped outside does it close once more.

He takes in a deep breath of the chilled air, letting it soak into him and ease the warmth his panic had produced. The nearby trees sway gently in the light breeze, and Eclipse watches the moon claim dominance of the sky overhead. It’s ironically peaceful, despite the acts he intends to commit.

His walk begins, and leads on into the later hours of the night. By the time he approaches the rusted door that leads into the ring beyond, the time blares threatening numbers at him from the corner of his vision.

1:20 AM.

He approaches the doorman, even so.

“Back again, I see?” The gentleman greets, flashing Eclipse a sly smile. The animatronic gives a swift nod.

“Who’s in it for tonight?” Eclipse asks, rays shifting with soft clicks that seem to amuse the man before him.

“Rodger. He’s got some new toys, so I’d be weary if I were you. Beth said she’d have a little fun, too, but she seemed tired- I doubt she’ll be down for an entire fight. Cole and Amy managed to get the okay from their doc’s, so they’ll be back in it too. A few newbies showed up earlier, but I doubt they’ll do anything serious. They’re young, and probably just here to impress some friends or somethin’. Go easy on ‘em, will ya?”

Eclipse cracks a smile of his own, at that, giving the doorman a slight chuckle as he brings one hand up, tapping at his chin in mock consideration.

“We’ll see. Depends on if they say the right things. If not…they’re pancakes.”

The doorman hears the amusement in the animatronic’s tone, and he barks out a laugh before swooping in to grab the door. He opens it and urges Eclipse inside.

“The fight starts in ten. You know the drill.”

Eclipse gives him a swift nod, then ducks inside. The darkness beyond fills him with unmistakable dread, but that only fuels his desire to get in the ring and expel all this energy. He makes his way around the outside, scouting out everyone himself- he trusts the doorman, sure, but not enough to let all precautionary measures go in favor of sitting back and waiting for the fight to begin.

“Always be sure to make judgments yourself. You don’t know what you’re up against until you’re face-to–face with it.”

KillCode’s words are like parasites, stuck in his head for as long as he can remember, no matter how much he would rather learn his own lessons instead of sticking to the ones that traitor put in his mind. It’s hard accepting the fact that KC will be a part of him, somehow, someway, for the rest of his existence. Hard to live with that knowledge after his abandonment.

“Look who it is! I was wondering if you’d show.”

Eclipse stops and turns, facing the owner of the voice with a plain look on his face, giving nothing away. Rodger stands in front of him with a big, cocky gin, as usual. A glance down tells Eclipse that said ‘new toys’ are a pair of daggers, custom made and flashy as a new porsche.

“I thought weapons weren’t allowed?” He comments mildly, giving the man a dubious look. Rodger scoffs, waving a hand dismissively.

“I’m not gonna bring ‘em in the ring, dumbass.”

Eclipse narrows his eyes, the iris of his blind one glowing a faint amber, barely visible amongst the abyss of blackness around it. Cole comes up, then, shoving his elbow into the side of Rodger’s rib cage with a mischievous grin on his face.

“Be nice! The dude can flatten and flip you like a pancake!” He comments, rolling his eyes as Rodger mumbles under his breath. Cole then gives Eclipse a warm smile.

“I was hoping you’d be here on my first day back. I’m looking forward to that rematch.”

Eclipse chuckles. “How’s the hand?”

“A lot better! I got my splint off about a week ago, and the x-rays confirmed that it was all healed up. Just a little sore now, but nothin’ major.” The young man explains, keeping Eclipse’s attention just long enough for Rodger to raise a fist. His hand comes out for a cheap shot, but Eclipse catches his fist before it makes contact, raising an eyebrow as Rodger gives him a nervous smile and chuckle.

“This is why you didn’t graduate, Rodger.” The animatronic quips casually, releasing the easily broken flesh and bone in his grasp.

“Shut the fuck up, frisbee face.” Rodger snaps, but Eclipse simply smiles, revealing his sharp teeth. They gleam with a type of malice that seems obvious enough to make the man back down like a scared puppy. Cole turns to give the older man a frown, looking him up and down as if wondering what to comment on first.

“You’re a mess, man. You gonna be okay in the ring tonight? You know what anger does in there, dude…” He looks away at the last sentence, looking over to Eclipse as if searching for his support.

“You do seem more short-tempered than normal.” He adds curtly, and Cole nods.

“None of your business.” Rodger glares at the both of them, and Cole backs off with his hands raised in a show of innocence.

“I’m just worried about you, dude! We may be opponents in the ring, but that doesn’t mean we have to hate each other outside of the ring, too.”

The look that Rodger gives the younger man makes Eclipse uneasy, so he steps between the two before a fight can break out prior to the scheduled one that begins in about two minutes.

“You really think he’s that unstable tonight?” Cole leans forwards to peer around the animatronic that plays sentinel between himself and Rodger, looking up at his protector anxiously.

“I think you should sit it out tonight.” Eclipse says instead, watching wearily as Rodger turns on him.

“You ain’t gonna think shit about me, robot! You don’t get to order me around! You know what? If you’re so worried about what I might do to little ole’ Cole, how about you duke it out with me? Right now?” The enraged man shoves Eclipse back, and he staggers, if only out of shock due to Rodger’s unexpected reaction.

“Hey! Rodger! Leave him alone!” Cole shouts, moving forwards to push Rodger back before he can truly begin to bear down on the animatronic. Beth and Amy perk up from across the room, stopping mid-conversation to watch the situation unfold.

“Whatcha gonna do if I don’t? Push me ‘round a bit, little guy? Try it, see what happens.” Rodger snarls, advancing on Cole right as Eclipse comes back to his senses. He looks over to the girls and gives them a pleading look, and Beth is the first to get up despite her obvious exhaustion. Amy isn’t far behind.

“Leave the kid alone, he’s been doin’ well despite his age. Don’t pick fights where we don’t need ‘em, either, Rod.” Beth interjects, beginning to gently urge Rodger off towards one of the seats that are kept against the wall for viewing. Amy checks in with Cole, who simply waves her off with a gentle, “Thank you, I’m fine, sweetheart.”

Eclipse turns his attention to the doorman. He watches with a curious expression, then motions outside to the crowd awaiting a place within the audience. Eclipse gives him a nod, then urges both Cole and Amy off towards the rooms in the back used for prep. Within ten minutes, Beth and Rodger join them. A few new faces arrive, as well, just like the doorman had said- but he’s right, they do look young and scared. Eclipse has half a mind to tell them to leave, but knows that they’ll refuse. The younger ones are usually here for a reason, whether it be to get a girl or impress a friend.

Cole grabs his gloves and tugs them on, the blue fabric sliding easily over his skin. Amy does the same with her own red variants. Rodger grabs his yellow pair, and Beth, her green. Eclipse disconnects the tips of his claws and slides them into a pocket in his pants, slipping on his own orange gloves as the newbies decide on which color they want. One of them chooses purple, another pink, navy, white, and, finally, brown. There are more new arrivals tonight than normal, but Eclipse isn’t worried.

“Do we know the pairings for tonight?” Beth asks tiredly, rolling her shoulders.

“Uh, yeah- I got the list right here-” Cole cuts in, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket. He tosses it onto one of the benches, and everyone else gathers around for a look at who they’ll be up against.

Eclipse searches for his name, and wishes he skipped this night when he finally finds it. Rodger. Of course, he’s against Rodger tonight. He has another fight near the end with one of the newbies, too, and the poor guy looks about ready to piss himself when he reads the same thing. Rodger narrows his eyes at the paper, a sly smirk spreading across his face as he slowly raises his head towards Eclipse.

“Looks like I’ll get that fight after all.”

Eclipse looks away, his oil boiling. He storms his way over to his locker, grabbing the orange, tattered shirt within before quickly stripping his fancier shirt and vest off. He practically throws his nice clothes into the locker where the shirt just was, a wave of guilt washing over him as he stares at his garments not long after. He slips the worn shirt over his head after retracting his rays in order to make sure he doesn’t ruin it more, then carefully folds the clothes within the locker into more organized and respectable piles. Once satisfied, he closes the door, slipping the lock back into place.

“Hey, um…Clippy?”

The timid voice behind him makes him turn, giving Cole a curious look. Odd. The children used to call him that when he was a daycare attendant. Then again, it’s just a nickname, right? Lunar gave him one, too.

He wouldn’t be so bothered by it if Cole didn’t seem so alarmed that he actually responded.

“Yes, Cole?”

Cole startles, at that, giving him a grateful smile. “I um…I wanted to thank you. For...sticking up for me. Or…protecting me? I don’t know. I wanted to thank you either way.”

Eclipse reflects the young man’s smile. “I could say the same for you. You got a lot of guts.”

Cole lets out a laugh. “I don’t know if I’d call it that! Maybe mock confidence? I’m not usually one for confrontation…”

Eclipse leans down, eye-to-eye with Cole. “I hate to break it to you, but I’m not sure you’d be a good fit for ring fighting then.”

Despite how intimidating him being so close to Cole would normally be for anyone else, the boy seems everything but scared. In fact, at the animatronic’s remark, he begins to laugh again. Genuine laughter, tears of joy coming to his eyes that he swipes away once he begins to calm down.

“Maybe you’re right. But I gotta get some money, and this is a pretty effective way to do it quickly.” He explains, and Eclipse leans back at those words.

“What’s the rush? Why not just get a normal job?” He asks. Cole brings up a hand to rub subconsciously at the back of his neck.

“I have one. I gotta be waking up in six hours for it, actually. Money is just…worth less, these days. I want to…” Cole pauses, at that. He remains silent for a few moments, then lets out a breath.

“I want to buy my childhood home before it’s demolished. It’s set to be taken down next summer, and I wanted to buy it so that Amy and I can settle down in a quiet neighborhood. There’s not much around the house anymore, since that side of town has been abandoned for quite some time. It would be great to start a family in, now that all the crime has moved on to places that have more to offer.”

Eclipse catches the slight wobble to Cole’s voice, and he feels a pang of sympathy for him that The Star latches onto, creating a dull pain that urges him to ask more questions. Such a sucker for drama.

“Shouldn’t you have inherited it?”

Cole shakes his head. “My older brother did. He wanted to start a family of his own, so he sold the house because he couldn’t pay for all the repairs it needed.”

Eclipse remains silent, then, in a solemn voice, he asks; “And you can?”

He immediately regrets asking that, because the tears that Cole had been holding back now begin to drip down his face. “No. But I’ll find a way. That's all I have left of my parents. I have to restore it. If not for them, then for the childhood I partially missed out on.”

Without much thought, Eclipse reaches out a hand and carefully lays it onto Cole’s shoulder. A frown is set on his face, listening to the soft sniffles of the young man before him. He shouldn’t have to struggle like this…not at such a young age.

With a joyless laugh, Cole wipes his tears and musters up a sad smile. “Oh, what am I doing? Spilling my life story to someone I barely know- I’m so sorry. None of that should be your problem. Sorry for dumping it on you.”

Eclipse shakes his head. “No. Thank you for telling me. I’m honored you trust me with all that.”

Cole’s smile slowly begins to warm up, but he brings a hand up to playfully punch Eclipse on the shoulder before he allows himself to spill anything else. “Thanks, Clippy. I appreciate it.”

Eclipse opens his mouth to reply, but Cole’s name is called alongside one of the newbies before he can. He gives Cole a simple nod instead, patting him on the back, nudging him towards the entrance to the ring.

“Show ‘em what for, kid.”

Cole gives a firm nod and jogs over to begin his first fight of the night. Eclipse watches him go with a smile.

When Cole returns, it’s obvious who won. He only sports a few bruises, while his opponent is covered in cuts and bleeding from his nose. Eclipse can’t help but grin, giving Cole a thumbs up as he crosses the room and settles at Amy’s side once more.

Eclipse then sits down on one of the benches and begins to patiently wait for his own name to be called, nervously keeping track of the time as he does so. He catches Rodger stealing dirty glances at him, but pays no mind to his aggression. He’ll get his revenge in the ring, surely.

It feels like forever before he is finally summoned alongside Rodger, but he knows it’s only been thirty minutes, says the clock in his head. He takes a deep breath and lets it out to calm his nerves, knowing that it’ll do little in the long run. He only hopes that he can keep his temper in check for whatever Rodger tries to throw at him. He can’t lose his cool in front of a crowd.

He gets to his feet and makes his way towards the entrance to the ring, giving a quick wave to the audience as they begin their cheers of excitement once again. The betting board that hangs over the door tells him that this crowd has a lot of confidence in him, and he wonders momentarily what they would do if he let them down. He hasn’t thus far, and doesn’t plan on starting now, but…the other fighters are adapting to his presence, and, thus, getting better at fighting him.

Before he can get himself prepared and situated to start the fight, the bell rings. He stands idly for a moment, brows creased, as if wondering if he had heard it right.

Then Rodger’s fist connects with his back, and he staggers, having been caught off guard by the sudden attack. His hands catch on the cords that run along the edges of the ring, and he can’t help but stay put, frozen, before he feels another fist collide with the back of his neck. It sends a jolt of pain throughout his body, and the instinct to protect himself overrides the fact that this is, in fact, not a truly deadly circumstance.

He ducks under the next blow, grabbing Rodger by the wrist as his arm extends into the place Eclipse just stood. With one sharp tug, Rodger’s face connects with the metal joint of Eclipse’s arm- where the elbow would be, for a person. Eclipse can’t help the wicked smile that crosses his face as his opponent staggers back, holding his nose with one hand, eyes wide and wild with a mixture of different emotions.

Eclipse advances on him before he can recover, just as Rodger had done earlier. He balls his hand into a fist, pulls it back, and throws it full force into the man’s stomach. Rodger doubles over, crumpling to the ground once Eclipse removes his hand. Satisfaction soaks into the animatronic as he watches the wretch tremble pathetically on the floor.

Until he’s not trembling. Until his leg flashes out and, in one swipe, he somehow has Eclipse on the ground.

He pounces on the stunned animatronic before he can even think to react, alarm flashing through his eyes before everything…goes dark. He knows he’s still awake, he can still feel his limbs and hear the whirling of his fans struggling to keep up with his panic, but…

He can’t see.

He lashes out, shoving Rodger off so hard that he hears the man collide with the cords on the other side of the ring. One of his own hands comes up to gingerly brush over the remains of what once was his good eye, horror seizing him as he feels bits of glass fall away beneath his touch. He blinks. Once. Twice. Three times.

Still nothing.

He hears Rodger getting back up again, stiffening as his careless, cocky footsteps slowly make their way towards him. What is he supposed to do? Fight blind?

He makes sure his systems are set to reboot either eye as soon as possible, then carefully stands up. The rush of air is Eclipse’s first sign to move, and he quickly side-steps before Rodger can land the hit.

Eclipse grabs hold of Rodger’s arm and uses the momentum produced by the man’s movement to trip him up. Once he knows his enemy has lost his footing, Eclipse brings his own leg up and shoves his knee into Rodger’s ribcage.

The loud cracks and snaps radiate around the room in a sickening manner, but he can see none of the reactions, nor the damages he has done. He stares blankly downwards, off to the side, not quite towards where he assumes Rodger now lays, but not quite away from him, either. He can feel the oil leak down his own face from his newly blinded eye. All remorse he might’ve felt flees the moment this sensation begins.

The room is silent now that the rush has begun to fade. Not one word is said. No whispers, no gossip, no one making a move to call 911. It is dead silent. It reminds Eclipse of the day he lost himself, lost his job and his mind. How none of the children cried or began to scream.

They were all quiet, for the first time since he began.

Then, the room erupts into cheers. Eclipse lifts his head, soaking in the praise as a way to avoid the guilt that gnaws away at his insides. Yes, he won. That’s what he came for, right? To win?

Why doesn’t winning feel right?

Eclipse’s eye that has so long been his bad one begins to flicker on. The colors of the room are all washed out, the people around him blurred and disfigured, but it’s better than no sight at all.

Rodger lays at his feet, eyes glazed over, mouth still hanging open in what Eclipse assumes is an attempt to scream. Blood leaks out in a pool around him, merely pixelated red dots, like a 64-bit horror game in the eye of his killer.

One of the man’s daggers lays off to the side, soaked in oil from tip to hilt.

Eclipse convinces himself that he had this coming, but he has trouble believing it fully. As he steps away and begins to trail back towards the back room, he hears chatter of nearby patrons, so excited in the face of such carnage. This is what they came for. Not the fighting. Not the thrill of betting who’ll win.

No, they came to see people die. That’s what they’ve always been here for.

Cole is in front of him before this night has even begun to sink in. He has tears streaming down his face, old and new mixing and making him look like a mess.

“I knew he’d pull out a knife, I just knew it!!” He shouts, moving back from Eclipse just long enough to tear his gloves off and slam them down onto one of the benches.

“Cole-“ Amy begins from the background, but Beth lays a hand onto the younger woman’s shoulder as a ‘let him feel this out’ gesture. She does just that, but still seems worried.

Eclipse remains silent, shock forcing his mouth shut. He feels as if his throat is full of oil despite knowing there’s nothing there.

Cole’s hands are clenched into fists at his sides. “You’re not going back out there tonight. No way.”

Eclipse lets out a strangled noise. He brings his hands up to the sides of his face, tugs on his rays, and tries again.

“I have to. I have another fight.” He grits out, slowly lowering his hands once the tugging becomes painful.

“Can you even see?” Cole asks in exasperation.

“Sorta.”

“Sorta isn’t good enough.” Cole snaps, quickly making his way over to his locker.

“What are you doing?” Eclipse asks, voice wavering.

“Putting my shit away. I’m taking you back to wherever you call home.”

Eclipse’s eyes widen, and he shakes his head, waving his hands in a frantic motion.

“No! No, no. You don’t need to do that. I’ll be fine, really. The other guy’s a lot worse, lemme tell ya-“

“Yeah, he’s dead. He would’ve made sure you ended up in his stead, trust me.” Cole tosses his gloves into his locker and pulls out the shirt he came in with, discarding his tattered, blood-stained one in return.

“No, Cole. I’m not leaving.”

The boy stops, letting out a heavy sigh. His hand shakes as he grips his clean clothes, one still loosely holding the locker door open.

That one is shaking, too.

“Why? Why?? He would’ve-“

“Killed me, I know.”

“No, you don’t know!” Cole raises his voice, but it cracks, and Eclipse feels his chest ache again as tears begin to fall down the young man’s face once more. “You don’t know what he’ll do! He’ll kill you and walk away like nothing happened! He’ll be proud of it! He’ll kill again, and again, and again, and he’ll never be held responsible because that’s just part of the sport. But it isn’t! It isn’t part of the sport!”

Eclipse has stood and watched Cole fall apart long enough. Rattled as he is, he steps forwards and wraps his arms around the boy, surprised when he immediately hugs him back and sobs brokenly into his chest.

It’s so…familiar. Familiar in the worst way, holding Cole like this.

“Why do his actions bother you so much?” Eclipse asks with slight hesitance, and Cole sniffles in his arms.

“He’s done a lot of bad things to a lot of good people. I’m glad he’s finally paid for it.”

“Is one of those ‘good people’…you?”

Cole remains silent at that question, and Eclipse is fine with receiving no answer, of which he doesn’t.

It takes what feels like no time at all for Eclipse to be summoned for his second and final fight. He can’t exactly say he’s as ready as he was for the first one- and, honestly, he wasn’t ready for that one, either. However, he soaks up the cheers in place of his own confidence and decides that will do for now.

His stunted stare darts over to the entrance to the back room, giving Cole a reassuring smile despite his own hesitance. It seems to calm him, if only slightly.

He then focuses back onto his opponent, straightening himself out. His shadow falls over them like a wolf over an unsuspecting rabbit, but, judging by their expression, Eclipse knows that their attack won’t be as sudden as Rodger’s was the first time around. The slight tremble to their entire body gives away everything that the animatronic needs to know. Some part of him is baffled that he allowed Rodger to get such a jump on him, as the man was maybe half Eclipse’s size, just as this new challenger is.

He won’t allow himself to be overpowered- not again. Not by a human, a mortal. In their eyes, he could be considered a god. In the place of easily torn flesh is reinforced metal, a core of infinite power hidden just behind it. Hearts ripped from their chests, while his own would scorch the hand of whoever dared try to harm him in such a way.

The shouts behind him are drowned out, the bitterness rising like a tidal wave within him. The poor scrap beneath him takes a single step back, just enough to portray how out of place they truly are here: in the lion’s den, where people like them go to die.

But they laid their life down before him, and who would he be not to accept it?

The grin that had begun to grow on his face twists into a sneer.

He lunges, barrelling into his victim, forcing them down onto the floor of the ring within the blink of an eye. They had no time to react, really, and they were at a disadvantage from the start. This whole fight was unfair from before it even began.

He pulls his fist back, preparing to pummel the practical kid beneath him. In one swift moment, his hand comes down, connecting with the cement floor just beside their small, squishy head. They flinch and let out a small whimper, cowering away from him, but he finds no satisfaction in their fear.

“Be still,” He hisses, slowly moving back to tower above them. More cheers erupt behind him, echoing around the room, and he soaks them up as his challenger falls limp as a corpse. Although there is no blood on their head from the supposed hit, there is still blood from Rodger’s death on Eclipse’s hand, which should look convincing enough.

The praise warms his chest in a far more satisfying manner than anything The Star could provide. He raises a hand into the air, feeling the power of a thousand gods settle within him as the shouts raise in volume and begin a whole other wave of celebration. Celebration, all for him.

He then steps off to the side and grabs hold of his opponent's leg, dragging them out of view of the patrons. Immediately, they sit up, trembling from head to toe.

But Eclipse pays no mind. Instead, he lets out a steady exhale and slowly begins to slip his gloves off, relieved to have finished his final fight for the night. It usually energizes him, to engage in such things, but…the washed out colors in his one barely functioning eye distill any remaining energy he may have.

The gloves come off easily enough. He tosses them onto the floor at the foot of his locker, popping it open after unlocking it to begin changing back to his regular attire.

As he dons his vest, his finger slips into the pocket. The soft crinkle of paper meets his audio receptors, and he winces as he realizes what he’s just touched.

The wrapping paper, from all that time ago. It feels like yesterday, having just started his journey towards what the others have begun to call his “redemption,” but being here is proof of just how little progress he’s made. He knows he’s changed, but…to what length? How much of him is doomed to stay locked in this cycle of madness, always craving just one more victory amidst the defeat of everyone else?

As he finishes straightening out his clothes, he feels sick. Sick of himself, of others, of the world that molded him into something he can no longer break out of. Like a butterfly trapped in a cocoon with just enough room to move, but never enough to fully spread its wings.

“Do you want me to walk you back?”

Eclipse glances over his shoulder, still fixing his cuffs as his dimly lit eye settles onto Cole’s worried figure. It’s odd, turning his head in the direction that he’s grown so used to avoiding.

“No. I’ll be fine, Cole.” The animatronic says lightly, turning away before the pleading look the boy is giving him manages to sway his decision.

“But you’re hurt.”

Why did he have to say it like that? Voice all sad and wobbly and- FUCK, so VULNERABLE.

“I said no, Cole.” Eclipse insists, pulling his claw tips out of his pants pocket to begin realigning them on his hands. “Why does it matter, anyways? Shouldn’t you be scared of me? I killed Rodger. Killed him, no ifs or buts about it. Doesn’t that unsettle you? Aren’t you scared?”

Cole stays silent for a moment. He looks down, away, gaze darkening as if having just been possessed by a shadow.

“I know what Rodger has done. I don’t know much about you, but I do know that you stuck up for me against someone that you knew had weapons. You put yourself aside in order to keep me safe. That tells me that, whatever you are, whatever you’ve done, is redeemable. I’m not scared of someone who was just as much of a victim in that ring as the man that you managed to kill- to end his reign of terror.”

Eclipse…doesn’t know what to say to that. He desperately wishes there was something astounding he could say to make himself look more equipped for a situation such as this, but he’s just as lost as he was when blinded. He remains silent.

“I know I ain’t holdin’ it against you. He raised hell, and by god, it burned him.” Beth cuts in from her seat against the wall, and Amy nods in agreement at the older woman’s side.

Some of the other contestants give quiet nods or begin to whisper amongst themselves, trying to stay out of it as much as possible. Most of them came for a good fight, not to talk about the death of another competitor.

“So…can I walk you home?” Cole repeats, and, much to Eclipse’s dismay, he almost finds himself relenting. Key word being almost.

“No, Cole. It’s…dangerous.”

Cole stares up at him for a few more moments after the rejection, then lets out a heavy sigh that nearly tears the animatronic in two.

“Oka-“

“Fine! You can come, but be quiet and leave at the front doors.” Eclipse cuts in sharply, hating the way his core melts at the grin the boy gives him. With a quick nod, Cole turns to finish tossing aside his fighting gear and give a quick word to his girlfriend, of whom seems immensely worried once she has caught word of his plans.

“He’s a robot! You don’t know what kind of hell-hole he lives in!” Amy hisses under her breath, but Eclipse can hear it clear as a summer day. She isn’t exactly subtle about her more than mild panic, as she waves her arms too and fro like a bird doing a mating dance.

Eclipse finishes attaching his claw-tips and finally deems himself ready to depart from this dreadful night, already stalking towards the exit as Cole gives a quick farewell to Amy before breaking away to trail behind the animatronic.

The first block or two is spent trying to get his bearings, as Eclipse’s limited sight makes it much harder to differentiate where he should be putting his feet. The darkness clashes with the washed out colors in a way that makes it nearly impossible to tell dark sidewalk from dark street. The only guidance he has is the streetlights, which are few and far between on this side of town.

Then Cole begins to hum, tapping Eclipse’s arm whenever the animatronic begins to stray too far into the road. Although the message is subtle and makes no sense to him at first, he catches on before too long.

“You said you live at the plex?” Cole asks quietly after about twenty minutes of walking, earning a conflicted look from his robotic companion.

“Yes. Why?”

“I’ve heard good things about it. What’s your job?”

Eclipse looks away. “I…don’t really have one anymore.”

Cole stops, furrowing his brows as he gazes steadily at Eclipse. The rays click and twist around his head, and he struggles to keep his composure the longer Cole remains silent.

“Anymore?” The boy asks after a long pause, and Eclipse almost winces at the question.

“Just, uh…lost it, a while back. No big deal.” He stutters out, wishing he could find some way to sound more convincing or dignified.

“Why’d you lose it?”

“Enough questions!” Eclipse suddenly snaps, baring his teeth like a frightened animal before beginning to walk again- albeit faster this time around. More of a jog.

Cole catches up with him easily enough, giving him a concerned look that Eclipse can’t bring himself to meet.

“Do you plan on continuing the fights after what happened tonight?” He asks instead, and Eclipse relaxes slightly at the less sensitive subject presented to him.

“I think so, yeah. It’s a good outlet, no matter how toxic it can be.” He explains, and Cole nods understandingly at his side.

“You only do it for the stress-relief, huh? Maybe you should try knitting, instead.”

Eclipse can’t help but bark out a laugh at that, almost doubling over in his fit. He steadies himself before he attempts to talk again.

“I don’t have enough patience for that.”

It’s Cole’s turn to laugh, then, and Eclipse’s face breaks into a soft smile. Something about this kid just…makes him feel at home. Makes him feel…safe. He had almost forgotten what that felt like.

“Fair, fair. Say, maybe you can put in a good word for me? I’ve been trying to get a job at the plex for a while now.” Cole remarks offhandedly, and Eclipse gives a slight pause before his reply.

“Why would you want to work at a place like that?”

Cole looks up and smiles once again at the animatronic. “To pay tribute to an old friend, I guess.”

Both bot and boy fall into a comfortable silence, after that. Their walk is filled with lighthearted jokes the rest of the way back, playful teasing from Eclipse as he lifts Cole over a stray puddle- antics fit for friends, rather than ring rivals.

As they finally stand before the pizza plex’s main entrance, gazing up at its gigantic sign and its large, dim letters, Eclipse can’t help but feel…sad, almost, that he has to say goodbye to the young gentleman at his side. He knows he’ll see him again, but, for once, that reassurance isn’t enough. He doesn’t want Cole to leave at all, because he fears the moment the boy leaves his sight something terrible will happen to him. All the other times this paranoia has spoken to him, it has been right. He’s turned it down every time.

He won’t let it happen again.

“Here-“ Eclipse begins, reaching into his pants. He brings out his wallet from his pocket and grabs a bit of cash, giving it to Cole with a soft, yet intense smile on his face. “Take the bus back. It stops here every hour on the hour, so it should be arriving shortly. Sound good?”

Cole gives him a nod. “Yeah. Thanks a bunch, I was worried about walking back alone.”

“It’s a valid concern to have.”

The two wait for the bus to arrive, and Eclipse looks through his wallet as he waits. He looks through his old cards and notes that remain from his time spent lurking as the deranged killer he once was, and comes to the conclusion that it’s about time he empties out all the things he no longer needs.

Before he does that, though, he pulls more money out and offers it to Cole. He stares at it dumbly for a few moments before slowly trailing his gaze up to Eclipse’s face.

“This is enough for the bus.” The boy says, motioning to the money Eclipse had already given him.

The animatronic shakes his head.

“No. This is for your childhood house. The one you wanted to restore.”

Cole’s eyes widen, and he quickly shakes his head. “I-I could never accept money for-“

“Take it. Make your parents proud, alright? That’ll make it up to me.”

Cole’s mouth snaps shut, and he carefully reaches out for the money as if worried it may simply vanish before his eyes. Eclipse shoves it into Cole’s hand as the bus screeches to a stop beside the sidewalk’s edge.

“Put that away and board before it skedaddles. Catch you later, kid.”

Eclipse playfully ruffles the boy’s hair, and turns to make his way back inside before Cole can even think of trying to return the money to him. He ducks under the shutter as it shakily creaks itself open, then lets it slam back down once he has safely made it inside. His gaze darts over to one of the many windows of the plex, watching vigilantly as Cole stands motionless for a few more moments before shaking himself and rushing off towards the bus.

Eclipse makes his way back to the daycare as the sun begins to peek over the horizon, filling the air with birdsong and the promise of rain later on.

And, just as he’d promised, he makes it back before Blood Moon wakes up. Although, there are a lot of problems he needs to fix before they do actually awaken.

Starting with his shattered eye. Such a pleasant outing.

The AO3 link, for anyone with lorge thoughts