Finding Sanctuary
Even when carrying two adults and a cat, Bendy could still fly very fast. It only took him a few minutes to arrive at the Connor's home and Bendy landed softly at the edge of the clearing, keeping their distance for the moment.
"Bendy, can you tell if Allison and Tom are like the others or not?" Henry asked once he and Linda were standing firmly on the grass. "Are they going to try and capture me the moment they see me?"
"No," Bendy replied as he studied the souls of Tom and Allison, petting Ink Blot who stayed in his arms. "There is a shadow on their souls, but it's not engulfing them like the others, probably because there are no magic circles here…"
"You mentioned magic circles before… what do you mean by that?" Henry asked, relaxing slightly at knowing they weren't in immediate danger.
"Magic ritual circles, like those painted around the studio," Bendy explained, turning his attention to Henry. "Depending on what kind of circle is drawn, it can have different effects. Somehow several had been painted around our home to amplify the Liar's spell, making sure everyone in the house would be firmly in his hold. I was lucky I had just landed on the roof when they activated…"
Bendy couldn't help but shiver when he thought about how close he had been to becoming just like the others, becoming a bloodthirsty puppet for the Liar once more. Even though Bendy could sense ink, it had been impossible for him to know the circles were there until it was too late. He and all the other ink creatures had left traces of ink in practically every inch of the house so Bendy didn't pick up the circles until they were activated. He knew he was very lucky he had been out flying later than usual and was only caught not outskirts of the amplified spell's range. If he had been asleep like he was supposed, with a circle he now knew was painted under his bed, Bendy knew he would be exactly like the others. Even on the outskirts like he had been, he had barely been able to remain himself….
"And if there aren't any circles here," Henry continued, bringing Bendy out of his thoughts. "Allison and Tom won't have Joey's orders like the others and we should be able to get them to help us."
"They might need some convincing, but the Liar's spell is a lot weaker out here. It's even starting to lose some of it's hold on me," Bendy confirmed, even managing a small relieved smile. While Bendy could still feel the effects of Joey's magic on his mind, trying to bring all his more demonic traits to the surface, they were a lot easier to push back. He no longer felt like he was constantly fighting to stay in control and felt a lot more confident that he won't fall victim to the Liar again.
"Then let's go get their help and free the rest of our family," Linda concluded' beginning to march towards the front door only to be held back by Henry.
"Wait a moment honey," Henry said as he turned to Bendy. "Is there any way you'll be able to turn back into your toon form? It'll be easier to convince them if they don't find the "Ink Demon" on their doorstep."
"I can try…" Bendy replied uncertainly, focusing inward. It wasn't easy, as not only was the Liar's spell still influencing him to an extent but Bendy's own feelings of being in danger made it hard to try and force himself into a smaller and more vulnerable form. But after several minutes, Bendy felt himself shrink down though he was unable to completely revert to his toon form. His wings and tail were still present, his gloves clawed, and ink was still dripping to cover one eye.
"This is the best I can do," Bendy sighed as he looked over his half transformed state.
"Don't worry, you did a great job," Linda assured, hugging Bendy. "No matter what you look like, the real you within all your ink is the only one we care about. And with everything going on, I'm glad you're still with us."
"Thank you," Bendy murmured, returning her hug while Henry came over and rubbed the toon between his horns.
"Linda, can you carry Bendy? It'll help him seem less threatening as I talk to Allison and Tom," Henry suggested. Linda nodded, picking the toon up. She manured him so he was resting on her hip while Ink Blot settled further into Bendy's arms. Bendy leaned his head into Linda's shoulder, his tail wrapping around her waist and his wings folding around himself as a comfort and a subconscious shield as they approached the cabin's door.
Henry knocked on the door twice before it was flung open, Allison appearing at the entrance and immediately holding her sword at Henry's throat. Tom could be seen standing close behind her, holding an ax and glaring at everyone in suspicion.
"Who are you!" Allison demanded, glaring at Henry with eyes glowing very dimly."How did you find our safe house!"
"Allison, it's me… Henry…" Henry replied calmly, holding up his hands to show he was unarmed. "I promise I'm not here to hurt you. I helped you and Tom get out of the Studio. Do you remember that?"
"I…" Allison began, hesitating while Tom growled over her shoulder. Henry waited as Allison seemed to lose some of her hostility. "I… I think I do remember… Henry… the Creator… What's going on?"
"It's a long story…" Henry sighed, smiling in relief as Allison put her sword away. "And we're going to need your help."
"Alright… explain…" Allison said, moving aside from the door and dragging Tom with her. Henry and Linda, still carrying Bendy, hurried inside with the door shutting tightly behind them.
