The Life Behind an Animatronic IV- Solace

Chapter 17 - Corruption

We worked hard to try and set up the party. Banners were displayed, confetti was sprinkled on the floor and cake was being baked in the kitchen. Nightmare was adamant that we make it as real as possible. I was setting up streamers alongside Spring Bonnie, who seemed dejected as we did so.

"This feels so wrong. It's like we're committing murder together." He whispered to me.

"It's what we have to do. We can't just keep putting up with this." I replied in a low tone. We had to keep the true intent of the party a secret from the others. While their help might be appreciated, they could warn Golden Freddy ahead of time, especially Fredbear.

As if just thinking about him summoned him, the yellow bear entered the party room and looked around, confused. Spring Bonnie and I gave him smiles trying to show excitement, but it was hard to do so with the true intention blotting out any happy emotions the bright scene could manifest.

"What's going on here?" He asked.

"We're having a sort of party! To cheer everyone up." Spring Bonnie replied. Fredbear looked uncomfortable already. Was he buying it?

"Doesn't this seem sort of...I don't know...weird? Or a waste?" He hesitantly questioned.

"Nope, not at all. We need to boost morale and, after a meeting, we decided that this is the best option." His friend reassured. Fredbear didn't seem all too convinced, but he sheepishly sort of shuffled toward us.

"Well then...do you need any more hands?" He asked. Spring Bonnie smiled and looked around. He spotted the table cover, a festive pattern of balloons and bright colors used for private birthday parties. He handed him a roll of it.

"We need the tables covered, please." He instructed. Fredbear nodded and began to unravel the cover and drape it over a table. I watched as he smoothed out every wrinkle he could find, tug the sides to make it even, and then brushed off any particle of dust or filth that was on the covering. He wanted something seemingly so trivial so perfect, it was almost unsettling.

I was working more quietly now. Fredbear made me uncomfortable, and I was worried that he was heavily judging me in his mind. The idea of him harboring hatred toward me was enough to make me avoid him. However, as I kept my head down and continued to apply streamers, I realized that he and I were almost face to face with our work areas. He was also avoiding eye contact with me.

It was painfully awkward. The only noises were the rustling of the party materials and our footsteps. As I stood near the edge of the table and used a chair to boost myself up, I didn't hear Fredbear moving. I looked over and saw him staring up at me, as if waiting for something. I must have been in his way.

"Ah, s-sorry..." I mumbled and quickly finished my task. I stepped down, brushed the chair off and gently slid it back into place. I then took a step back and allowed Fredbear his space.

As I applied more tape to hang the streamers, I thought about something. I was making an effort to try and befriend Springtrap, Spring Bonnie, almost any animatronic here. Why was I giving Fredbear different treatment? Maybe he'd open up if I extended an olive branch.

"So...how long have you known Spring Bonnie?" I asked. Fredbear was silent. I could tell he heard my words, since one of his ears twitched. I continued speaking.

"I've known him only for about a week or more now." I said, trying desperately to get him to speak. He was still silent. Spring Bonnie was listening in, watching us.

"Oh, Fredbear and I have known each other for decades now. I'd say more than forty or fifty years, right?" He said, trying to help ease the tension as well. While I was grateful for his response, I wanted Fredbear to be the one to tell me. Spring Bonnie approached his friend and gave him a soft nudge with his elbow. Fredbear just glared at him for a brief moment before continuing his task.