Animatronics Awaken

Betrayal and Distrust

Cheyanne's POV

"Who...who wasn't real?" I stammered in disbelief. I was curious to know whether Golden Freddy was telling the truth here, or if he was coming up with a lie to cover his dirty deed. But why would he lie? He never has before, and for all the time I've known him, he's been nothing but sweet, kind, and protective. A bit mysterious and intimidating at times, yes...but there was no way in hell he would harm someone. Despite my question, I knew who he was talking about but refused to believe it. How could someone create a fake person...one who spoke and moved...one who you could touch? Or...could we touch her? I never noticed someone physically touch Rachell. Could that have been for a specific reason?

"Rachell," Golden Freddy said, hushed, as soon as the name came to mind. "She was a hallucination created by Nightmare."

I released my resented stance, mortified at what I just told him a few seconds prior, You might as well have been the one to die. "I'm sorry..." I mumbled, lost for words. Tears came to my eyes as I realized how much I overreacted. I waved my hands in front of me, struggling to even speak. Golden Freddy rested his eyes on me, waiting patiently. The sorrow had not lightened up; he was probably hurt by my words and the fact that Justin now hated him. And I felt terrible for it. So much so, that I didn't even know what to say. One apology can't make up for the way I treated him in those moments. "I didn't realize," I finally spluttered. It wasn't much for an apology, or anything really, but it was all I got.

Golden Freddy nodded, clearly unsatisfied with my answer. "You came to conclusions before I could even explain," he said gently although I knew misery and anguish remained inside. I nodded honestly, admitting my mistake, hoping to ease the tension. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. For a moment, I was afraid he was going to scorn me like a troubled child; but that faded as he sat on the ground. I remained in my spot, confused about how to react. "Are...you okay?" I asked, tilting my head, my eyes filling with concern. "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, I'll listen-"

"It's not that," Golden Freddy sighed. "Well it is, but-," he trailed off, gazing into the empty air. "It's more the fact that I don't think Justin will ever trust me again. If you were that quick to judge, imagine how he's feeling. Ellie too...god, she was so furious that I was hiding something. And she should be. Also - the fact that I tried to keep it a secret from both of them! I'm so stupid...I should've known that Justin would've found out either way and maybe if I was honest, they would understand..."

I remained silent, unsure how to comfort him. So, doing the only thing I knew to do, I sat next to him, in the same criss-cross position. "We'll just have to explain it to Justin," I shrugged. "The same way you explained it to me."

"He's not gonna hear me out," Golden Freddy replied in misery. "I'm supposed to be wise but instead I screw everything up."

"Oh, come on, Golden," I said. "Not everyone's perfect. Hell, look at me. I've done some shit in the past. Just because you're our guardian and supposed to protect us or whatever - it doesn't mean you can't make mistakes either."

"So how did you know that this Rachell wasn't...real?" I asked once he didn't respond, trying to change the subject. Seeing Golden Freddy so upset, in his weakest state, made me automatically believe him. He's never acted this way before, so I knew the subject was important to him. He didn't mean to hurt Justin...he didn't mean to hurt anyone. And that's what was breaking him.

"Turns out Gabe isn't that secretive when he talks with his colleagues," Golden Freddy smiled, recalling the memory. "But I don't think he realizes that I overheard. And he gave us this offer as part of his game, I believe." He stiffened up suddenly and his eyes went blank.