(Popgoes and Candy sat in silence the following day inside their home before Popgoes broke it with a sigh.)

Popgoes: Candy...what did you see?

Candy: ...everything.

Popgoes: Nathan showed me a lot. About your restaurant's history...but I saw you. But...blood was coming from your eyes and...and I thought I heard a child's voice coming from you.

Candy: ...you did...

Popgoes: I...I don't want to force you, but...what happened?

Candy: ...Fazbear's ego and carelessness ain't the only reason I hate him.

Popgoes: I...figured.

Candy: The other reason is because he just sweeps something so awful under the rug while I'm still haunted by what happened to my restaurant...

Popgoes: ...how about you start from the beginning? And if you need to stop or take a break? Go ahead.

Candy: ...it all started with three men named Roger, Nathan, and Charles. They were all close friends and decided to open a child-friendly theater together. It was around the 1960's, when Fredbear's Singing Show was still just an attraction at a circus. The theater was pretty popular, all the kids loved the shows and the characters there.

Popgoes: ...but then, one day, Roger came in drunk and was accidentally killed by Nathan. Charles followed soon after.

Candy: Exactly. And a little girl named Mary Rose had seen the whole thing. She, of course, was traumatized...but managed to face her fears and testify against Nathan in court, sending him to prison. He died in there...but meanwhile, a company called Rowboatics Corp decided to take on the Rat and Cat Theater brand and made start of the art animatronics. And...the Cat animatronic was...was my prototype. The first version of Candy The Cat.

Popgoes: ...Cat is...you?

Candy: Heh. More like my 'older brother', I guess. But, back then, they weren't advanced enough to do anything on their own besides sing pre-recorded songs or dance with janky movements...so, they only started moving when the spirits of Roger and Charles possessed them, attacking Mary's little brother. The kid was hurt, but he didn't die. The theater shut down on its own opening day needless to say.

Popgoes: They wanted revenge on Nathan?

Candy: Not just him...spirits aren't exactly the most rational, especially after being killed. With time, they can mature and think like a regular person again, but...well, they're driven by emotions the moment they die. And both Roger and Charles were driven by anger...they blamed Mary for their deaths too...

Popgoes: What?! But it wasn't her fault!! She was a little girl!!!

Candy: Yeah, tell them that. Like I said, spirits kinda just act on the last emotion they fell after death...but they've matured enough by now, and they still blame Mary, so fuck them. Anyway, Rowboatics decided to switch directions and made two new attractions. My brother, Cage and the second Candy alongside his friend, Blank. They were still pretty old fashioned, but around this time? More complicated A.I was starting to become mastered, so Cage and Blank, with enough time could learn to think for themselves like you and I do. Rat and Cat, however, wanted payback for getting replaced. So, even though the restaurant was doing just fine, they used some tricks to get Cage to attack someone and get it closed all over again...but that wasn't enough.

(Candy took a deep breath, likely because this part of the story was hard for him especially.)

Candy: Rowboatics refused to give up, especially since this was around 1987, where Freddy's was the most well known. Our restaurants were rivals...so, they decided to keep Cage in storage and keep Blank as a main attraction. They then created me, my sister, Penguin, and Chester...but that's when Rat and Cat made their move...they kidnapped two children, a twin brother and sister, while Cindy and I were being assembled.

(Popgoes covered his mouth in absolute horror.)

Candy: ...their names were Tim and Tina...they were put inside the assembly line and died, their blood becoming scattered across the parts used to make us...I woke up hearing Tim's voice in my head. His confused and terrified crying...Cindy did too with Tina...and we could feel their anger as they slowly became less like people and more like wild animals...

Popgoes: Oh my God...

Candy: ...and even worse? Nathan showed up again, also wanting revenge. He manifested as some kind of Reverse Puppet and used his more matured mind to control his paranormal powers or whatever. Bottom line: he's the reason Tim and Tina were possessing me and Cindy...but a side effect is that they could only really act out at night, so during the day? Cindy and I were in full control. Our restaurant was a smash hit and the direct competitor to Freddy Fazbear's...but once again, Rat and Cat struck. They murdered a security guard, starting up police investigations. And whaddya know, Mary, now around 20 years old or so, was his replacement.

Popgoes: Let me guess...you all attacked her at night?

Candy: ...yeah...Mary used to be a security guard at the Rowboatics Factory where Tim and Tina died, but got fired for falling asleep on the job. Needless to say, she was terrified to see the spirits of those who traumatized her and those that died on her watch were haunting the robots...but with a lot of work and luck, she survived five nights and even a sixth before being let go. I tried a few times to talk to her, but...well, she was still thinking I was possessed. Can't blame the poor gal in all honesty. Needless to say though, we got closed down again because of the police investigations. Rowboatics had one more shot and opened us up with brand new models for me and Cindy. Ohohoho, boy, you can bet Rat and Cat weren't happy with that.

(Candy suddenly clenches his fist as he shuts his eyes to calm himself for a moment.)

Candy: After what happened with Mary, we finally tried reasoning with the spirits...and thankfully, they listened. Cindy and I would spend a lot of nights just holding their spirits close to us, trying to comfort them in any way we could. Things felt like they were going to be okay...until another security guard was murdered by Rat...and the bastard pinned his death on me.

Popgoes: He...he what?

Candy: That was the last straw. Our restaurant was shut down for good and my friends- my family and I were left to rot away inside Rowboatics' old factory. We were there for God knows how long, just...just trying to keep up hope that things would be better. I...I had to keep strong because there was someone with me who was too terrified of everything in the world for me to let him give up hope.

Popgoes: C...Candy, I...I'm so sorry...

Candy: ...Rat, Cat, and Vinnie as Nathan now calls himself found us all there. Whatever beef they had with each other was put aside when someone new showed up to the factory...Mary's daughter. Lynn Schmidt. Well...her full name is Marylin, named after Mary's mom, but everyone just calls her 'Lynn'. Avoid confusion, y'know?

Popgoes: Seems the name 'Mary' is a popular thing in her family, hmm?

Candy: Heh, yeah. Lynn was a high schooler and lost a bet, so the rules of that bet said she had to spend five nights in the factory...needless to say, her becoming friends with two ghosts and a bunch of robots wasn't what she expected. But for the first time, with every day she came there, I could feel hope again. That things were gonna be better...but those three bastards still wanted to hold onto their hate. They figured if they couldn't get Mary, they'd take her kid. Started hunting her down throughout the nights...but on the final one, Lynn came prepared. And Mary was with her daughter to finally end it.

(Candy began smiling suddenly, likely because this was the part of the story he liked.)

Candy: After giving the twins some closure on their parents and a small birthday party? They passed on. Once that was done, we burned the entire factory down and trapped Rat, Cat, and Vinnie inside of it. Cindy and I had to fight Rat and Cat ourselves just to make sure they couldn't leave and managed to get out ourselves. We thought it was over. That they were over...but...well, you've seen firsthand they're still around.

Popgoes: And working for someone. Or Vinnie is at least. He mentioned a 'Master' and that he promised him vengeance...is Mary still alive?

Candy: Yeah, she is. A bit old now, but still kicking. Lynn is actually our new head of security.

Popgoes: Which...now makes me wonder...how did you get your restaurant back after so long? Especially with all your past incidents?

Candy: Heh. Simple. Even if we got out, we were still pretty hurt by that fire. We went into shutdown to preserve our AI's...but Mary and Lynn pulled some strings and the Candy's brand was back. Rowboatics was too, now under new leadership. And instead of sweeping what happened under the rug? We addressed the rumors...tried to give the people who died a decent memorial. We didn't- couldn't lie and just say horrible tragedies were 'rumors' and that they never happened at all.

Popgoes: That's very brave of you, Candy.

Candy: Heh. Thanks. But, despite having new leadership? The new CEO, Miss Destiny, thought it'd be a whole lot smarter to have us run the restaurant to avoid any human employee casualties...with some minor exceptions.

Popgoes: So, that's how you own the restaurant!

Candy: Exactly. Cindy and I are co-owners actually...but unfortunately? Freddy's withstood the test of time too. They got one helluva legal team apparently.

Popgoes: I...noticed...but thank you. For telling me all of this. I-I'm really sorry that all happened. You didn't deserve that. Mary didn't deserve that and those kids and guards definitely didn't.

Candy: Yeah...but hey. The bright side to it all?

Popgoes: Hmmm?

Candy: When I see those three fuckers again, I'm kicking the snot out of them.

(Popgoes laughs, rubbing the back of his neck.)

Popgoes: I-I'm sure you'll teach them a lesson or two!

Candy: You mean we'll teach 'em a lesson or two! We're Popgoes and Candy! The dynamic duo! Batman and Robin!

Popgoes: ...who's Batman?

Candy: Obviously me.

Popgoes: Really?

Candy: What? I fight the best!

Popgoes: True...but I have superpowers now apparently.

Candy: Which I still don't totally understand by the way!

Popgoes: Neither do I!

(Popgoes and Candy laugh before suddenly, Candy pulls him into a hug.)

Candy: ...thanks for listening, man. I...I needed that.

(Popgoes' eyes soften as he gently pats his friend's back.)

Popgoes: You have my back and I have yours.

(The following day after a hearty breakfast, Popgoes and Candy prepared for yet another adventure. Popgoes even realized it was the final page of his journal.)

Candy: You good?

Popgoes: Looks like I may need to pick up another journal, haha!

Candy: I'm sure this next one's got one. Ya ready?

Popgoes: As I'll ever be!

(Candy fires the portal and they begin walking towards it.)

Candy: And remember, unless it's some kinda universe that needs help? We just leave. Especially if it ain't home.

Popgoes: Right, right!

(They leap inside the portal, go through the same fall...only to then land on a small boat in the middle of the ocean. And not only that, but both Popgoes and Candy are wearing pirate outfits with red and green bandanas wrapped across their heads.)

Candy: ...OH DEAR GOD, I HATE THIS PLACE-

Popgoes: Am I wearing an eyepatch-?

Candy: WE'RE LEAVING! WE'RE LEAVING RIGHT NOW!!!

Popgoes: Candy, what's wrong?!

Candy: ARE YOU BLIND!?! LOOK AROUND!!!

(Candy gestured to the fact that they were surrounded by nothing but open waters. Popgoes, however, wasn't getting the hint.)

Popgoes: ...are you seeing a shark or-?

Candy: I SEVERELY HOPE NOT!!!

Popgoes: Candy, please explain!

(Candy grabs Popgoes and shakes him.)

Candy: WE'RE. SURROUNDED. BY. WATER.

Popgoes: ...y-yes?

Candy: I'M A CAT. CATS DON'T DO WELL IN WATER!!!

Popgoes: ...ohhhh...

Candy: NOT TO MENTION, WE'RE ROBOTS!!!

Popgoes: Aren't we waterproofed?!

Candy: YEAH, BUT THAT DON'T MEAN WE GO SWIMMING!!! WE'RE LEAVING!!!

(Candy takes out the portal gun and is about to fire before suddenly, a large shadow looms over them.)

Popgoes: ...uh oh.

Candy: Don't tell me. We're about to be captured by pirates.

Popgoes: Yup.

Candy: They got swords and cannons?

Popgoes: Most likely.

Candy: ...bring it on.

(A chain suddenly ties them up and they're yanked into the air towards the large ship.)

Candy: BOOOOYAAHAHAHA!!!

(They land on the deck of the ship with a large thud, groaning slightly in pain as someone walks right over.)

???: Seems the fish be biting today, Cap'n!

(Popgoes' eyes widen. That voice is familiar to him...he looks and suddenly sees...Manora?)

Popgoes: ...Manora!!!

Pirate Manora: Aye? How do ye know me name!?

???: THEY BE WITCHES!!!

(From the distance was Chester, who was hanging from a hammock.)

Candy: Chester!?

Pirate Chester: SEE!!! SEE!!! THEY BE WITCHES!!!

???: Aye, calm down!

(Then, the captain of the ship leaps down from the wheel. And sure enough, it's a variant of Saffron.)

Popgoes: ...Saffron-?

(Captain Saffron suddenly holds a sword up to his neck, grinning.)

Pirate Saffron: Ah, ah, ah! It be Captain to ye! Or I'll toss yer bodies right off the plank!

Candy: ...don't you mean make us walk the plank?

Pirate Saffron: No. Now, on to business! Lads and lassies! What do ya say we should do with 'em!?

Pirate Chester: WE BOIL THEM UP AND EAT THEM!!!

(Popgoes and Candy's eyes widen in horror as they look at each other.)

Pirate Blake: ...sheesh, lad! What is your deal?

Pirate Blank: Aye, don't mind him. He be a bit crazy without Cap'n Candy to keep him in line- Hey...wait a minute...

(Blank walks over and looks Candy up and down before he gasps.)

Pirate Blank: By Davy Jones' saggy beard!!! This is Cap'n Candy!!!

Pirate Saffron: Eh?

Pirate Blank: Look!!! Look, it be the spitting image of him!!!

(Manora then yanks on the chain, suddenly freeing both Popgoes and Candy, only for Candy to suddenly be hugged by Chester.)

Pirate Chester: CAP'N, I MISSSSSED YOUUUUU!!!

(Candy, obviously very homesick, hugs back. But the sadness of it not being the real Chester eats away at him.)

Candy: ...yeah...I missed you too, buddy...

Pirate Blank: Aye, if only 'ol Cage were here with us!!!

Pirate Sara: We thought ye were dead!

Popgoes: ...that's because he...he might be.

(Saffron whipped around and then pointed her sword right at Popgoes.)

Pirate Saffron: Explain yourself, rat! What be your name and why are you with our old captain!?

(Popgoes raises his hands, backing away as he looks at the face of his friend longingly before Candy gets in front of him.)

Candy: Whoa, whoa! Fellas! He's with me!

Pirate Sara: ...he be with you?

Pirate Stone: CAW! I don't buy it! CAW!

Candy: He was literally on the ship when you kidnapped us!!!

Pirate Stone: ...CAW!

Candy: ...Pop, does your friend usually do that back home?

Popgoes: No, he finds it scary.

Candy: The word 'caw' or the actual bird call?

Popgoes: Well-

Pirate Saffron: YER FANCY YAPPIN' MAKES MY BRAIN HURT!!!

(Saffron points her sword at the two of them.)

Pirate Saffron: Ye definitely ain't Cap'n Candy, but you got his face alright! So explain yourselves!!!

Pirate Blank: Or we throw you overboard!!!

Pirate Manora: Aye, not sure about the fancy weasel! I might keep him~

(Popgoes' face reddens and he gives a nervous smile.)

Candy: Well...uhhh...I am Candy, but...not your Candy.

Pirate Chester: ...huh?

Popgoes: We're not from this world! We're from another dimension!

Pirate Blake: ...another dimension, you say?

Pirate Saffron: BAH! They be crazy! What in the seven seas is a 'die-mention' anyway!?

Pirate Chester: MAYBE IT BE A SPELL!!! AND THEY'RE WITCHES!!!

Pirate Sara: Enough with the witches!!!

Popgoes: O-okay, to put it simply? I'm Popgoes and this is Candy! We're from another realm! That's a lot like this one! And that's how we know your names!!! Different versions of you exist!

Candy: Yeah! And we came to this world with this thing!

(Candy shows rhem the gun and suddenly, the eyes of the entire pirate crew go sparkly at the sight of something shiny.)

Pirate Saffron: It be the best pistol I ever seen in me life...HAND IT OVER-!

(Candy then shoots it behind them, revealing a large portal. The pirate crew yelps and quickly scrambles back while pointing their swords at the two in a panicked manner.)

Pirate Chester: WITCHCRAFT!!! I TOLD YE ALL!!! WITCHCRAFT!!!

Popgoes: We're not witches!!! It's science! I-I think. Sometimes it feels like borderline magic.

Candy: But we came from that! Ya believe us now?

(The portal closes and Blake slowly walks over to them.)

Pirate Blake: ...I like to read about different realms...and yer saying all those tales are real?

Popgoes: In a way...yes.

Pirate Blake: Well...I'll be damned.

Popgoes: But now that we've explained ourselves...it's your turn. You're clearly not the friends we know.

Pirate Sara: Aye, sis? Ye tell the story! Ye be best at it!

Pirate Saffron: Ah, alright! Settle down, lads. It be a long tale.

(Like storytime at an elementary school, the pirate crew sits down. With Manora suddenly pulling Popgoes right beside her and Sara doing the same with Candy, even grinning at him. Candy couldn't help but grin back.)

Pirate Saffron: Our lives used to be nothing but work and chit-chat...until one day, Cap'n Candy stole the largest ship he could find! I was his first mate, and I trusted that he'd take me on the adventure of a lifetime! He used to be from a family of stuck ups, ye see. Always talking, never doing! But Cap'n Candy? Ohoho, he was a man of action!

Candy: Damn. I sound pretty awesome in this universe.

Pirate Saffron: We made this hearty crew and now lead a life of riches and adventure!!! The beasts we've slain, the ships we've shot down, and the gold we've stolen!

Pirate Blank: Aye, 'tis a pirate's dream.

Pirate Saffron: ...but then, one day, Cap'n Candy went into a fight he couldn't win against a monstrous rodent from the depths of Hell itself...now I tell this crew what to do as the new Cap'n and we set sails hoping to either find that sea cat still alive or more of the usual. 'Tis what he would have wanted. He wouldn't have wanted the sailing to stop just cause he be dead...

Popgoes: O...oh...

Candy: ...shit, I...I-I'm dead here...?

(Chester suddenly hugs Candy, sniffling as he makes a shockingly adorable pouty face.)

Pirate Saffron: ...wish I could say for certain...but now? Now a treasure has been stolen from us by that damned Captain Foxy and his crew!!! We were in the middle of tryna find the bastards before we found ye just screaming in yer pathetic boat over there.

Popgoes: Technically, that's not even ours.

Pirate Saffron: Be that as it may...how about ye use some of yer 'science' witchcraft to lend us a hand?

(Popgoes and Candy look at each other. They were unsure about helping versions of them that were thieves...yet at the same time, they seemed to be as nice as pirates could get. And while it wasn't them, it felt all too comforting to be by their friends' side again.)

Pirate Sara: We could make it worth yer while!

Candy: Oh?~

Popgoes: CANDY.

Pirate Stone: CAW! She means we won't throw you overboard! CAW!

Candy: Oh.

(Popgoes rolls his eyes at Candy once again flirting with Sara, but ignored the dread of him meeting the real one and stood up.)

Popgoes: ...we'll help. But this treasure is yours and doesn't belong to some cursed island or...or some poor villagers trying to get by?

(Saffron suddenly looked appalled.)

Pirate Saffron: How mean do ye think we are, lad!?

Candy: You literally just threatened to throw us overboard...

Pirate Saffron: Aye, but ye can swim!

Candy: NO. NO, I CAN'T.

Pirate Saffron: We still got standards, lad. This treasure is special to us. Something we're gettin' back whether ye help us or not!

Popgoes: Then we'll help. Right, Candy?

Candy: As long as I don't get thrown in the water or have to fight in the water or do anything with water? Yeah, I'm in.

(The entire crew cheers before Chester once again held Candy tight.)

Pirate Chester: IT'LL BE LIKE THE OLD DAYS AGAIN!!!

Candy: Heh...I guess so.

Pirate Saffron: But now sun's starting to set! Get some rest, lads. I want us up early!! I'll watch the ship-

Pirate Sara: Sis, ye been pushing yerself! Let me.

Pirate Saffron: ...welll...oh, alright. Not Candy, you be with her.

(Popgoes gives a look at Candy, who doesn't seem to mind whatsoever.)

Candy: I'm fine with that.

Popgoes: ...if you keep this up, I will personally make sure you don't meet our Sara.

(As the crew went to bed inside the ship, it was up to Sara and Candy to keep it sailing through the waters. Candy's nightvision came in handy.)

Candy: Man...how do you guys handle being around so much water?

Pirate Sara: Aye, ye getting seasick?

Candy: I'm sick of the sea, that's for sure. But...no. I just don't like water.

Pirate Sara: Hmmm...yer like my Candy one moment and then not at all.

Candy: ...I'm...sorry about what happened to him though. I-I know I don't usually run from a fight, but...well, ya never really think about all the people who would miss you when you're gone, y'know?

Pirate Sara: ...aye. And it's...alright, I...guess.

(Candy noticed a few tears in her eyes before he gently put a hand on her shoulder.)

Candy: Hey, if your sister still isn't sure that he's gone, then maybe there's still hope! I mean...I know I'm stubborn as hell. Death definitely wouldn't keep me down.

Pirate Sara: I tell myself that a lot...but not knowin' almost hurts more than knowin'.

Candy: Yeah...I hear ya.

Pirate Sara: ...yer friend said you knew another me. What she like?

Candy: Oh! Uhh...I don't actually know her. Haven't gotten to meet her yet, but from what Ollie tells me? She's really sweet. Has a motherly vibe...and much like a pissed off mom? She's got a vicious side.

(Sara laughs, seeming very amused.)

Pirate Sara: I don't think anyone's ever compared me to a mother. Me sister and I never knew ours.

Candy: Heh. I didn't exactly know mine either...actually, I don't think I have one.

Pirate Sara: Eh?

Candy: Long story.

Pirate Sara: ...my Candy and I would like to yap on and on...ye ain't him, but...aye, I dunno. This feels kinda nice to do it again...

Candy: ...how'd you know him?

(Sara suddenly blushes a bit before she smiled slightly.)

Pirate Sara: I was 'his pearl'. Me sis may have been his first mate, but...well, he always seemed to have his eyes on me.

Candy: O-oh! Uhhh...shit. Kinda feel bad for sort of flirting with you earlier then...

(Sara laughs, seeming more amused than offended.)

Pirate Sara: Ye aren't the first and won't be the last. 'Sides, I'm a bit guilty meself.

Candy: Yeah. I saw the grin you made during Saffron's story. Gotta say, I'm flattered.

Pirate Sara: What can I say, I have a type. Don't get any ideas though...say. Who's the 'Ollie' fella you mentioned?

(Candy smirks, realizing he has a way to tease his friend again.)

Candy: That's Popgoes' real name. Oliver.

Pirate Sara: ...ohhhh, the crew will love that. Especially Manora. She likes those fancy types.

Candy: Hate to break it to her, but pretty sure Ollie's taken too.

Pirate Sara: Aye, figured...say, what are those things on yer back?

(Candy gasps in delight and pulled out his axes, Sweets and Sugar.)

Candy: MY AXES OF DEATH, THAT'S WHAT!

Pirate Sara: ...ye sure you're not Cap'n Candy?