The Exalted Guard

Separate Ways/A New Threat

"And in a shocking announcement today, William "Fazbear" Afton, owner of the popular and lucrative children's restaurant chain, has temporarily closed down the latest Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. This comes as a shock to the community, considering the restaurant has been open 24/7 even during harsh weather conditions," the reporter's voice crackled slightly as it emerged from the hospital room's TV. Outside, a torrent of rain poured down to the earth in a staccato pattern. Dark clouds covered the sky, making what should be early morning sunshine feel more like a gray, gloomy afternoon.

Jeremy and Mike had their attention glued to the screen. Jeremy was on Mike's right, sitting in a chair with his uniform still on. He wasn't as hurt as his friend, so his clothes were still intact. He would scratch at his head as he watched the News with a nervous feeling in his gut.

Mike, on the other hand, was in the hospital bed with an I-V in his left arm. A heart monitor was sitting right next to it with its own wires and diodes placed upon his body. He sat up in bed in his green hospital gown. The older nightguard grunted and shifted in the bed while scowling at the TV.

The reporter continued, "While Mr. Fazbear refused an interview with us, he did give a public address to explain the shutdown."

The screen transitioned from a man behind the desk to a woman holding a microphone in front of the familiar, round form of Mr. Fazbear. His eyes kept darting to the side while he spoke to the reporter, "I regret to inform the public that Freddy Fazbear's will be closed for an indeterminant amount of time. Some...hoodlums broke into the restaurant last night and damaged the animatronics. The restaurant will remain closed until we can get repairs done. That is all."

The screen went back to the man, "That is all the information Mr. Fazbear shared with us. The police are already searching for anyone who coul—"

Mike hit the power button on the remote sitting on his bed. The TV winked off, causing the man to let out a sigh as he laid back against his pillow. He turned towards the younger nightguard at his side, "Jere, be straight with me, what happened last night?"

Jeremy started wringing his hands as he spoke, "Well...what's the last thing you remember?"

Mike shook his head, but smiled, "You're not supposed to answer a question with a question, Jere. But the last thing I remember was you getting knocked away by that fucking bear after you tried to fight him with a fan. Why'd you do that anyway? You knew it wouldn't work."

Jeremy looked down at the floor, "I-I wanted to help..."

"Hey, I'm not saying it was a bad thing. I just didn't expect something like that out of you. You did good," Mike saw the tension drain from Jeremy's body and continued, "After that, my vision went red, I lost control of my body, and charged right at that brown fuck. And from there, it's just blank."

Mike shrugged while indicating that Jeremy should tell his side of the story with a wave. The younger nightguard nodded, "I'm about the same. The attack knocked me out and I didn't wake up until I was in the ambulance. They took me to a normal hospital room since I didn't have any real injuries. The doctors say I have a minor concussion and some head trauma. But I should be fine as long I don't do anything too strenuous."

"Is that why they've got your head wrapped up like a Christmas present?" Mike indicated the gauze that wrapped all the way around Jeremy's head.

Jeremy scratched at the wrapping, slightly irritated by the dry sheets, "Yeah. They cleared me to leave today. I can go whenever I wish."

"And what about me? Do I have a green bill of health too?"

Jeremy flinched at the mention of Mike's condition. He fidgeted for a time before answering, "W-well they...they...the doctors say that you're almost completely healed. You should be able to get out of here in one more day. But—"