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Miraculous Adventure in Joey Drew Studio.

Chapter 4 pt 3: Colossal Wonders of Destruction.

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~}i{ Outside the Studio }i{~

"There really is a group for family and friends of individuals that have been taken by Joey Drew Studios," Tom said as he, Sabine, the Lês, and Claudie Kanté walked into a gymnasium filled with other people.

The banner over the refreshments table read "Joey Drew Studios' Victims Advocates".

Mrs Lê looked at Claudie when she asked, "How did you know that there was such a group so quickly?"

Claudie took a deep breath before she said, "My Aunt Cassey is one of the founders of this group. She helped form it with some of the first families to report their loved ones missing when Joey Drew Studio was open... Her older brother used to work there as the Head Projectionist before he went missing..."

"Claudie! I didn't know this happened to your family before!" Mr Lê gasped in shock.

Claudie shook her head when she said with a small smile, "Aunt Cassey isn't related to me. I just call her that because she's a good family friend. Her brother was best friends with my father after her brother disappeared mum and dad kept in contact with her. And... *Takes a deep breath* I called her after That Day and told her about our children and how they ended up in the studio and she's... The best person to talk to about what happened, and she helped me calm down so I wouldn't get Akumatized again. She also told me that she'll talk to the other members of the group to see if they can push their annual meeting a little early because of what happened to our kids."

Mrs Lê placed a hand on Claudie's shoulder when she said, "I'm sure I speak for the rest of us when I say that we appreciate the notion."

That was when they heard someone call out to them. The three families turned to see an older woman with grey hair that was tied back in a small bun, age wrinkles decorated her face in a way that just added to her appeal but didn't hide a beauty mark under her right eye near her nose, and she wore a muted blue outfit that seemed to suit her just fine.

Claudie recognized the elderly woman immediately when she said with a small smile, "Aunt Cassy! I missed you, but..."

The elderly woman, Cassy, pulled Claudie into a hug when she said, "I know, deary, I know. I wish it were happier circumstances too." Cassy then turned her attention to the Lês and the Dupain-Chengs when she said, "The same for you, I wish we would've met under happier circumstances too."

"I second the motion," another voice said, but this time it belonged to an elderly man with a grey receding hairline, wore a dark grey semi-formal suit, and had a thin greying moustache.

"Uncle Greg, it's good to see you again too," Claudie said with a small smile. The elderly man, Greg, returned the small smile before he moved until he was next to Cassy. Claudie glanced at the two other families when she said, "Ah, right, *Motions to Greg* this is Gregor Piedmont and his wife *motions to Cassy* Cassandra Piedmont. They're two of the founders of this Advocate group as well as family friends of mine. Aunt Cassy was good friends with my parents."

"Piedmont?" Mr Lê said before he asked, "Wasn't that the surname of the man who made the amusement park here in Paris, the one that recently added in a Ferris Wheel a few months ago?"

With a small sigh, Greg said, "Yes, that was my father, Bertrum Piedmont. He was an Amusement Park Designer and Engineer, and one of the best in his fields at the time. *Sighs* He might not have been the most attentive father, but he was at least there when it counted." Cassy placed a gentle hand on her husband's hand. Greg looked at his wife and smiled. The elderly man then said, "Back when I was in college, my father was supposed to speak at my Engineering Course Seminar, it was something both of us were looking forward to. But when the Seminar happened, dad never showed. I knew he had a meeting with Joey Drew earlier in the day, which is what I told the police after mother and I filing the missing person report."

That was when Tom asked, "I have a question. If your father was a builder of amusement parks, why was he meeting with an owner of an animation studio?"

Greg replied with, "I heard my father talking about building a Bendy-themed Park. Uh, Bendy being the mascot of the studio. I know my father talked about it being one of his biggest masterpieces, *sigh* at least until the next project he would've worked on." The elderly man shook his head fondly before he said, "That was my father, always thinking that he could top his last project and he had the ego and drive to do so. But it was that ego of his that made me immediately suspicious of Joey Drew when he told the police that he and my father reached a "mutual" agreement before he left his office. I told the police that that was a load of bull and told them that my father was going to have a few choice words when talking to Joey Drew about the park he was building for him, more about who was going to get the credit for the park. Apparently, Joey Drew tried to claim the whole thing as his own or something like that."

That was when Mrs Lê asked, "And how did the investigation progress from there?"

Greg gave out an annoyed huff when he said, "The police were more inclined to believe the "Nice, calm, personable businessman" over the the "Overly concerned family of the missing". And I felt even more concern about my father when I learned that there were other family and friends of workers of Joey Drew Studios that just disappeared and were never heard from again."

Cassy placed a hand on her husband's shoulder when she said, "It was the same skit with me and my brother, even after I showed the police the letters Norman sent me that listed his suspicions on what was happening inside the studio. It was like Joey Drew convinced the police that we were just over-reacting to our loved one just "taking a break from communicating with them", at least for a while."

Sabine placed a hand to her chin when she said, "That's... A bit of an unrealistic story for Mr Drew to use... Especially if they've been in constant communication with their loved ones. That would've been the first sign of something being wrong."

Greg shook his head when he said in a rather exhausted tone, "That's what the majority of some of our original members told the cops, but as I said before, they were more willing to listen to someone that was not in a state of panic than the ones who were."

Mr Lê couldn't help but say, "That sounds wrong... And the opposite of what the police should've been doing."

That was when Cassy said with a huff on anger, "That's what all of us founders of this group thought and vocalized. To say we were outraged that the police believed this man over all of us and our concerns was an understatement. At least until they heard about a reliable building inspector disappearing when he went to check out the Joey Drew Studio building after it closed."

Tom was the one to say, "That's... Oddly similar to our children's situation with that Liar at school."

"The one that made those fake maps to the real Joey Drew Studios? And the one in the news who also broke our little grand nephew's wrist?" Greg asked with a raised brow.

Sabine nodded before she said in anger, "Yes, that petty brat. She had to gulls to claim that our Marinette was jealous of her "many accomplishments and all the celebrities she's met". Problem was that Marinette KNEW some of the people that brat "claimed to know"! Heck, even We know Jagged Stone never owned a kitten, especially when he has Fang, his pet crocodile. And then the nonsense about that brat being Ladybug's BFF. I'm sure Ladybug stated that Chat Noir was her best friend and she wouldn't allow a civilian to claim that title because Hawkmoth could use that to get their Miraculous."

Tom couldn't help but add in a puzzled tone, "Strange that Hawkmoth didn't act on that "information", considering that lie was posted on the Ladyblog."

That was when Claudie said, "Yeah, that is a little strange. I thought the bastard wanted the Miraculous from Ladybug and Chat Noir, and using Ladybug's "BFF" would've been an easy and painless way to do so. I'm sure he would've at least tried that once after learning of that "news", yet he didn't." This was something they had to tell the heroes about when they see them.

That was when Greg asked Claudie in a worried tone, "Excuse me, but if you don't mind me asking, but weren't there three others in the group with Max and little Markov?"

Claudie nodded before she said, "Yes. Kim was in that group, you've met him before. Marinette and Adrien are apart of the group."

Cassy then asked with a raised brow, "But that means that there are four families that should be here, however, it's just you, the Dupain-Chengs, and the Lês. Where's Adrien's family?"

The other families shrugged or shook their heads when Tom said, "We invited him to come with us to this group, but he refused. Said something about an important meeting that he couldn't miss."

That was when Sabine huffed out, "He may be a competent designer, but I don't think he's a good parent... I get that people grieve in their own ways, but his son is with our children in that death trap and he thinks it's a good idea to go to a meeting? It's just!"

"Bizare?" Tom finished with a hand to his chin.

The families couldn't help but wonder... What was more important to Mr Agreste than the possible loss of his son?

~}i{ Inside Joey Drew Studios }i{~

Team Psi watched in horror from a safe distance away from the octopus ride, Bertrum, continued to swing and slam his arms in a mechanical motion. Even though they were keeping a safe distance away from the thing, it just terrified the team that they had to fight the giant ride filled with malice and anger that wasn't even directed at them.

After who knows how long, Norman said, "Damn it! That thing's not going to be easy to take down, especially when it's attacking the way it is."

That was when Kim asked, "Uh, exactly how do we even take it down?"

Everyone in Team Psi looked at each other at this. Yeah, that was a good question... How ARE they going to defeat this monster? The thing doesn't have an Akumatized Object to target, it was super huge, it had multiple limbs for it to use, and Team Psi didn't know where to strike first. Plus Bertrum only stopped moving for a few moments before starting up again, but that was easy to keep track of.

That was when Markov noticed something happening when Bertrum moved his arms. "The bolts on Bertrum's arms appear to be... Off somehow," The AI commented as he glanced at the rest of the team before saying, "Do you think that the bolts weren't properly screwed on?"

Marinette asked Max if she could borrow his phone since it was already on. The bluette quickly used the zoom feature on the video to get a closer look at the bolts. Norman was certainly impressed by this type of advancement in camera technology, but now was definitely not the time to gush or ask any questions about it. Marinette watched the close up for a few seconds before saying, "Markov's right, the bolts do seem to be off-kilter. Hm, maybe knocking those bolts off might be how we're going to take down Bertrum."

"It's a start," Norman said as Marinette zoomed out and gave Max his phone back. The Projectionist then said, "But it's certainly ain't gonna be easy. We need to time our attacks just right for them to succeed."

"You don't need to tell us twice," Adrien said before he lunged for the axe and returned to the rest of the group before one of the arms hit the ground where the axe was. He then said, "But we're going to need more than just one weapon to take this thing down."

Kim couldn't help but agree as he took the axe before Max said, "There has to be other things we can use as weapons laying around this area. Problem is finding and getting to them without getting hit by Bertrum." That was when the ride slammed the arms to the ground with a thunderous smash, making the team jump a bit. That was when the techie said with a gulp, "We might be breaking more than bones if we get hit with that force."

When Bertrum started swinging his arms again, Marinette said, "Stick close to the walls! They're too far for him to reach! So we should be safe while we look around for anything to use as weapons. When we find some, we'll regroup and then strike the bolts when the arms are down. We need to dart back to the walls as soon as we lop off the bolts. Let's try to attack the same arm at once, to take them down quicker."

Everyone nodded at the plan before they hugged the walls to search for anything they could use as a weapon against the monster ride. The walls were a safe spot from Bertrum's reach, but a few sections were a little too close for comfort. Boris tackled Max to the ground and out of range when he thought one of the carts was about to hit the techie. The impact of the tackle caused Max to lose his grip on his phone. The device slid under one of the Bendy-themed benches, now it was filming the underside of the bench.

"I'm okay, Boris," Max said as he pushed his glasses up with his left hand, and realizing that his phone was missing. Boris pointed to one of the benches, indicating that's where his phone slid. The two quickly moved out of the way of an oncoming arm. "We're going to have to retrieve my phone after we defeat Bertrum," Max said loudly, to both tell the others of the team over the noise the octopus ride was making and to signal that they weren't being seen by the camera but their voices are being recorded.

Marinette and Adrien immediately caught onto that when the bluette shouted, "I found a pipe!" Before she dropped her voice and whispered to the black Kwami, "Plagg! Claws Out!"

"So did I!" Adrien called out before he quickly whispered to the red Kwami, "Tikki! Spots On!"

Boris dragged Max to a closed metal door that was definitely out of Bertrum's range. Markov followed and then hovered near the two as the others regrouped. Lady Noire, Mister Bug, Kim, and Norman were ready to strike the moment Bertrum's arms were lying limp on the ground.

The moment Bertrum stalled and his arms went limp, Team Psi launched their attack. Lady Noire and Kim struck the bolts on the left side of arm #1 while Mister Bug and Norman struck the bolts on the right. They all knocked off the bolts on the first strike and causing the arm to disconnect from the ride. They quickly bolted for the walls as Bertrum started back up and started swinging his arms wildly as the wires from the base of the now missing arm sparked wildly.

"The plan worked!" Markov cheered happily.

True the plan worked, but it seemed like Bertrum was moving faster and hitting harder than before. And they needed to attack three more times to take off all the arms if they were going to defeat Bertrum. But... They can do this, they will do it!

The next time Bertrum stalled, they rushed to the closest arm and struck the bolts simultaneously before they retreated to the walls for safety. Two arms down, two to go as Bertrum sped up yet again. The monster ride's speed was faster now than it was before and it was slamming the remaining arms harder than before too. That was going to make this task a bit harder.

The third time Bertrum stalled, Kim, Lady Noire, Norman, and Mister Bug launched their attack on arm #3. They all knocked the bolts off on their first try before they bolted back to the wall. They bearly made it because Bertrum started up faster then it did before.

The best word to use to describe the octopus ride right now was "Berserk". Bertrum was flailing, spinning, and slamming the one remaining arm in random patterns now.

Boris wrapped his arms around Max in a protective manner as the monster ride gyrated out of control as the sparks from the exposed wires lit up the air. The attacking members of Team Psi took a few calming breaths as they waited for Bertrum to stall so they could attack. They just needed to wait.

The moment Bertrum stalled, they attacked the final arm. The axe Kim had snapped in two as soon as he broke off the bolt.

As soon as the last arm was detached, the centre of Bertrum started spinning around as sparks and steam emitted from every little opening from the ride. The attacking members of Team Psi backed away from the ride when this started, all worried about something crazy happening that might cause them more trouble. It took a minute before Bertrum finally started slowing down before grinding to a halt. The doors slowly closed on the face/head of the former amusement park builder.

Everyone waited in the silence for a few minutes before they all sighed in pure relief, glad that this fight was over. Max went over to the bench that his phone was still recording under as Lady Noir quietly whispered, "Plagg, claws in." and Mister Bug quietly whispered, "Tikki, spots off." When the heroes returned to their civilian selves, the two Kwamis floated next to their current holders, both were relieved that everyone was okay.

As soon as Max got to the bench, he knelt as used his left hand to search for his phone. Once he found it, he pulled it out from under the bench and quickly inspected the device. "Okay, my phone isn't damaged and it still recorded everything," the techie said as he checked the video that was just recorded. He let out a soft sigh when he saw and heard that it didn't catch the Miraculous Transformation phrase. Max then said as he looked up at the rest of his team just in time to see Norman pull down the 3rd lever in the now open door, "But it only saw the bottom of the bench during most of the fight." That last line was more to tell everyone that it didn't catch the heroes on film.

Kim shrugged when he said, "Well, it heard the fight, so good enough."

Marinette then said, "And we just found the next switch."

Norman looked at Bertrum one last time before he said, "Shame what happened to Mr Peidmont, but judging by the Audio Log, it sounds like he was also at fault in this... *Sigh* Cassandra and I use to love those kinds of rides when we were teens."

"Cassandra?" Adrien asked in confusion.

That was when Norman replied as he turned to the blonde, "My younger sister. Her name's Cassandra Polk, but everyone tends to call her-"

"Cassy," Max interrupted as he looked at Norman with wide eyes.

Norman turned to the techie when he said, "Yeah, it's her nickname. How'd you know that?"

"Um, before I give a definitive answer, did your sister have any distinguishing characteristics?" Max asked, but judging by his tone, he seemed to already know the answer.

Even though he was a bit confused by the question, Norman replied with, "She's got a beauty mark under her right eye near her nose." He moved his hand to indicate where it would be located on his face, before remembering that he didn't have one anymore. The Projectionist then asked, "Is that distinguishing enough?"

Max nodded before he said, "Yes, it is."

Kim scratched his head when he asked, "Wait a minute, what are the odds that Norman's sister has the same nickname and beauty mark as Aunt Cassy?"

Max glanced at Kim when he replied, "Pretty high if they're the same person."

Kim couldn't help but say, "Ah, that makes sense... Wait... *Realization* Oh, Wow, just... Just... Small world."

That was when Adrien asked, "Um, mind filling the rest of us in on this?" Marinette and the Kwamis nodded in agreement.

Max quickly explained that a family friend that he knows as "Aunt Cassy" is Norman's younger sister. The techie stated that she kept in touch with his grandparents even after her brother "disappeared". Marinette couldn't help but comment in a rather surprised tone, "Okay, I agree with Kim on his statement." That was something that all of Team Psi could agree on.

"I do hate to ruin the moment," Adrien got out before he added, "But can we get out of here this area? I'm starting to smell something a weird and it seems like it's coming from Bertrum." That wasn't a lie, there was a rather strange smell that was lingering in the air that did seem like it was coming from the destroyed octopus ride.

That was something that they all could agree on, so it might be a good idea to head on out.

Max looked at the active camera before he said, "Well, I think it would be a good idea to end this Log. I know we haven't gone over everything that has happened, but I think it's best not to linger around here for too long and this Log is long enough. So Max of Team Psi, signing off." And with that, he ended the video and then slid it back into his pocket.

Team Psi then left the area and returned to the Haunted House to pull lever #3 and followed the charge on the cable to their next task. They came to a metal door that was opening, over it was a sign that read "Maintenance". They trooped into the hall to see a few posters of Cartoon Bendy inside a train and the words "Choo Choo" graffitied on the walls several times.

Adrien and Marinette stopped in front of the first "Choo Choo" while Markov, Norman, and Boris stopped in front of one of the posters, they were wondering what these train references were supposed to mean. Kim and Max continued walking down the hall, only glancing at the writings and posters. However, the moment they passed an arch in the hallway, a door suddenly slammed shut and separating the jock and techie from the rest of the team.

Adrien was the first to bang on the door when he said, "Kim! Max! You alright?" Hoping that the two in question could hear him.

That was when Marinette, Adrien, Plagg, Tikki, Norman, Boris, and Markov heard the Walkie-Talkie spring to life when they heard Max's voice say, "*Kshz* Guys, what happened? Is everyone alright? *Kshz*"

Marinette answered the device when she said into it, "Yeah, we're fine. Looks like the door closing mechanism was triggered somehow and now it won't open on our end. But what about you two?"

They heard Kim's voice come through the Walkie-Talkie this time when he said, "*Kshz* We're okay, but the door isn't opening on our end either. Guess it's just going to be me and Max for this switch task. *Kshz*"

Adrien took the Walkie-Talkie before he said into the device, "Just be careful, okay. I mean, after Bertrum it's best to air on the side of caution."

That was when they heard Kim's voice emit from the device when he replied, "*Kshz* Irony aside from me saying this, but you don't have to tell us twice." Then they heard Max's voice say, "That is ironic. *Kshz*"

Marinette took the Talkie back when she told the two on the other end, "Just proceed with caution and alert us to any trouble or updates on getting to the switch, okay?"

"*Kshz* 10-4," Kim's voice emitted from the device before they heard Max's voice say, "Kim, you know you don't have to say that over these right?" That was when Kim replied with, "Yeah, but it just feels right to say it over the Walkie-Talkies. *Kshz*"

Marinette and Adrien gave each other a knowing look as they rolled their eyes at the other's antics. Norman did ask what Kim and Max were referring to and Markov happily explained that Kim liked to watch police dramas and uses the "radio language" that they use in the shows when talking over the phone. The AI also explained that both Max and Kim enjoy watching a long-running crime drama called "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (1) and tend to use a few phrases and lingo from the show. Marinette and Adrien did have to simplify some of what Markov said to Boris and Norman so they would understand a little better.

Suddenly the Walkie-Talkie sparked to life when they heard Max ask them in a rather soft tone, as if he were whispering into the device, "*Kshz* Um, this is going to sound bizarre but is Norman with you? *Kshz*"

Boris, Markov, Tikki, Plagg, and Adrien looked up at Norman, who tilted his head to the side in confusion, as Marinette replied into the device, "He's standing right next to us. Why do you ask?"

}{ On the Other Side of the Door }{

Both Kim and Max were peaking behind the corner of a wall that had a descending staircase that leads into a flooded area, and from what little they could see from their positions, there seemed to be what looks like two train engines sitting side by side. Parallel to the stair was a Little Miracle Station, which was perfect because of the enemy that was currently skulking by in the ink below.

Max gulped before he replied softly into the Walkie-Talkie, "Uh, because there's another Ink Creature that looks just like him in this area and I needed confirmation that it wasn't Norman before try we approach them."

Kim then leaned over and said into the device, "And if this Projectionist is anything like Norman was, then we already have a problem. There isn't anything we can use as weapons and I doubt either of us can take this guy on with just our fists."

That was when Marinette replied through the device, "*Kshz* Avoid combat with them! Trust me on this, Norman was stronger than he looks, still is. So I'm going to assume that this Other Projectionist is just as strong as Norman. Is there a Miracle Station there? *Kshz*"

Both Max and Kim looked at the wooden structure when the shorter said into the device, "Affirmative, so we can run into that if needed."

"*Kshz* Good, I'm going to Cataclysm the door so Adrien and I can take care of the other Projectionist. Uh, maybe Adrien can keep them tied up with the yo-yo while we find the switch. It might be a little weird for us to fight that Projectionist with Norman with us." That was when the two heard Norman say, "Long as Adrien doesn't try the stunt you did, I'm not goin' to complain about what you do with the other guy as long as you don't mix us up. *Kshz*"

Kim and Max quickly glanced at each other in concern before they turned their attention to the metal door that currently separated them from the rest of the team.

}{ Back with the Others }{

Marinette quickly transformed into Kitty Noire and summoned the Cataclysm. "Alright, stay out of the way for this," Kitty Noire said as she walked up to the closed metal door, the others quickly moved out of the way. She then touched the door with the hand that was charged with the Cataclysm energy. As expected the door colour did turn to a dark shade of rust.

Kitty Noire, Adrien, Markov, and Norman uttered a "Yes!" While Boris clapped his hands in accomplishment.

The joy turned to shock and disbelief when ink seeped from above the arch and dribbled down the now rusted door. Once the ink cleared, the door was like it was before taking the Cataclysm.

"I don't understand," Tikki stated, waving her paws at the undamaged door, then asked in a bout of confusion, "How did Cataclysm fail? I mean, how did the ink fix what Cataclysm destroyed? Only the Ladybug's Miraculous Cure can undo what Cataclysm does!" It was obvious that this weird event was freaking the Kwami of Creation out of her little skin.

"Plagg, claws in," Kitty Noire said with an aggravated sigh. These words transformed her back into Marinette. Adrien pulled out a piece of camembert for the black Kwami to eat when the bluette said, "I'm not sure, but what I do know that this proves that the Ink is sentient in a way and to an extent."

Plagg swallowed the cheese before he said, "Um, not to make bad news worse, but doesn't this also mean that Kim and Max are definitely on their own for this?"

Now everyone had the 'Oh shit!' look on their face (Well, Norman doesn't have a face but his body language indicated the expression).

}{ On the Other Side of the Door }{

After receiving the strange news, Max and Kim were just as stun at the whole thing as the others.

"We'll locate the last switch. In the meanwhile, try to find something to force the door open if it doesn't open after we throw the switch," Max said into the device as he glanced at the Other Projectionist a floor below.

That was when Kim said into the Walkie-Talkie, "Guess this also means that the two of us are going to have to be like Solid Snake (2) in this."

"*Kshz* Excuse me? *Kshz*" Adrien replied over the device in confusion.

Max quickly replied, "Metal Gear character known for being the best when it comes to stealth. Kim and I sometimes Co-Op in that game." He then glanced at the two train engines that sat motionless in the flooded room before he said into the device, "This area appears to be much smaller than Level 14 so it might be easier to get cover. But we're still going to have to be careful though."

}{ With the Rest of the Team }{

Marinette bit her lip when she said into the device, "Please do. The rest of us will try to find something that can open the door."

Kim replied with, "*Kshz* 10-4, and don't worry, we'll keep you updated on our progress. *Kshz*" With that, the Walkie-Talkie went silent.

Norman noticed how tense Marinette was when he asked, "You're still goin' to worry about them, aren't you?"

Marinette fidgetted a bit when she said in a slightly frantic tone, "They're on their own! How can I not worry! I mean, I trust and know that they can do this task, but I can't help it! After everything that we've faced so far and all the things we learned, I'm just scared that something is going to happen and we're not going to be able to help them!"

Tikki floated over and patted Marinette's cheek when she said, "It's normal to worry about your friends when you know that certain situations are dangerous, especially think kind. But don't forget that they are Holders too." The little red Kwami was trying to both calm Marinette down and make her understand that her friends are capable of defending themselves.

That was when Plagg said, "Yeah, but they don't have their Miraculous or Kwamis with them."

Adrien glared at the black Kwami when he said, "Plagg, Not Helping."

Markov couldn't help but say, "May I point out that that we do trust Kim and Max in this endeavour and we should do our part by finding something to break down the door so that we may assist them if needed." The AI said this more to calm the bluette down rather than aggravate the situation.

Adrien placed a hand on Marinette's shoulder when he said, "Bugaboo, I get it, we just fought a huge opponent and we got another enemy that's just looming over us watching our every move. You're just worried that something unexpected is going to happen and we're not going to be able to save our friends. I am too, but both Kim and Max are capable of taking care of themselves and I'm sure they'll find and throw the switch we need without even alerting that other Projectionist." This helped the bluette calm down a bit.

With that Norman and Boris signalled the AI, heroes, and Kwamis to follow them out of the hall to search for something or anything that can break the metal door down. They might've trusted the athlete and techie to accomplish the task, but that still didn't stop them from worrying about them.

~}i{ Outside the Studio }i{~

Viperion confronted Madame Emerald and Bunnyx about their strange behaviour, it took a good number of Second Chances to achieve it, but the two eventually told the older teen what they knew. About what Future Bunnyx told them and to say that Viperion was shocked at finding out that Ladybug and Chat Noir were half of the team trapped inside Joey Drew Studios was a literal understatement. The Snake Holder knew that they had to tell the rest of the team, and maybe confront Horseshoe about the news from the future.

So now the Temporary Heroes were having an emergency meeting. And Bunnyx, Madame Emerald, and Viperion told Mitsubachi, Drak-Kon, and Horseshoes what they knew and how they knew it. The elderly hero seemed to pale at this before he sighed and told the temporary heroes the truth. Though Alix was serious about maybe beating down on whoever gave a pair of inexperienced heroes Miraculous, but after learning that that was how he was trained and how he was supposed to select potential heroes, Alix was less willing to punch him... Okay, yeah she was still gripping on that issue but it's not like she could punch Master Fu's teachers.

Viperion told Master Fu that what he was taught was both outdated and counter-productive in this era. And Master Fu had to agree... Especially now that he realized just how important teamwork was between the heroes, he told the temporary heroes this.

"Perhaps I should've allowed Ladybug and Chat Noir to learn of each other's identities sooner. While I'm not sure about the whole thing with them being sent to Joey Drew Studios, I believe it could've helped prevent that liar from getting as far as she did with their civilian lives," Master Fu said with sadness in his voice.

That was when Drak-Kon asked, "Dude, does that means we can tell each other who we are under the mask?"

Wang Fu gave the heroes a small smile when he said, "Yes."

The heroes couldn't help but smile at one another.

But an Akuma Alert interrupted the moment. So they decided that they'll reveal their identities to each other after they take care of the Akuma.

~}i{ Inside Joey Drew Studios }i{~

Kim and Max patiently waited for the Other Projectionist to sulk past the stair before the even attempted to go down. They descended cautiously and quietly, so as not to alert the enemy. They were able to see the two train engines sitting side by side in the ink-filled room. The two grimaced when they saw a wooden crate that had a rather large pile of disembodied hearts from other Ink Creatures. Gross! They quietly followed the Other Projectionist, at a safe distance so that they weren't seen and wouldn't be taken by surprise if they were to turn around. Soon they were close to the front of the train on the left side of the room. Kim and Max could easily see another flight of stairs that lead up to another area, but it was blocked off by a lift that was piled high with heavy-looking bags. There was an Audio Log on top of a wooden crate near the lift with the bags, but both teens agreed wordlessly that it would be a bad idea to listen to it now with the Other Projectionist in hearing range. Maybe they could swipe the Audio Log on their way back after finding the switch they needed.

Max and Kim carefully peered around the train they were at to see the Other Projectionist move towards another switch that was labelled "Lift Control". The logical conclusion was that that switch was to raise and lower the lift blocking the staircase. Max signalled to Kim that they needed to get to the switch. The taller of the two nodded at that. They patiently waited for the Other Projectionist to turn right at the train before they quietly made their way to the switch and passing by another wooden crate that had also had a large pile of disembodied hearts from other Ink Creatures. Again, Gross! But it did raise the question of why did some of the Ink Creatures want the hearts of the other Ink Creatures? Twisted Alice Angel needed them, since she literally gave them a task that involved collecting them... Urg! Think about that gross idea for after they get away from the Other Projectionist.

They peered around the head of the train on the right, just in time to see the Other Projectionist turn right at the end of the train. The moment the Other Projectionist was out of sight, they took the opportunity to throw the switch. The moment it was thrown, the lift started rising and unblocking the stairway they needed to get up. However, the lift was loud and it alerted the Other Projectionist to Kim and Max's presents. The Other Projectionist's made a screech before their light was trained right on the duo before they started charging at them.

"Shit!" both boys uttered as they bolted towards the now open stairs. They would've gone for the Little Miracle Station, but the Other projectionist was blocking that stairway, so they had no choice but to go up the other stairs and just hoped that the Other Projectionist didn't climb the stairs or there was another Miracle Station upstairs. Much to the boys' horror, the Other Projectionist followed them up the stairs. Luckily, they were a lot faster than the Other Projectionist.

When they got to the top of the stairs, they realized that it was just a balcony all around. Max spotted the switch they needed on the other side, so he and Kim raced over towards it as the Other Projectionist closed in on them. "Kim, flip the switch as quickly as you can! Then we'll head to the Miracle Station!" Max shouted as they rushed towards their target. Kim only nodded as he raced ahead towards the switch. The moment the taller teen got to it, he immediately yanked the switch down.

The moment the switch was activated, pure darkness enveloped the entire area. Kim, who's adrenaline was still pumping through his system, didn't register it until he collided with Max, who was right behind him.

As the lights slowly turned back on, the duo stood back to their feet as they quickly glanced around. They immediately noticed something was missing from the scene.

They looked over the balcony to give the area a complete lookover when Kim said in a bit of a frantic tone because of the adrenaline still in his system, "Okay, what the hell happened? The Other Projectionist just! Just up and vanished without a trace! I know I shouldn't complain about it, but come on! They were right behind us one second and then they weren't!"

Max pushed his glasses up with his left hand when he said in a slightly winded tone, "I agree with you on that..." He looks around the area again for any signs of the Other Projectionist but didn't see any. Max sighed before saying, "But since when does anything weird that happens here make any logical sense?"

Kim couldn't help but reply, "Good point..." They start making their way to the stairs when the taller said, "Let's log the Audio Log and then radio the others to tell them what happened." Max agreed before they headed for the stairs. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, they made their way over to the crate with the Audio Log. Max pulled his phone out of his pocket and readied the recording app, once he nodded, Kim pressed the play button for the Audio Log.

The Voice of Joey Drew filled the air from the Audio Log when he said, "I believe there's something special in all of us." Kim and Max couldn't help but roll their eyes at this as the Audio Log continued, "With true inner strength, you can conquer even your biggest challenges. You just have to believe in yourself and remain honest, motivated, and above all, who you really are... Okay, let's stop right there. I can only do so many takes of this trash a day." Max and Kim couldn't help but gasp in shock at the sudden change of tone and wording. The Audio Log continued in Joey Drew's voice, "And tell the guys in writing I want more use of the word dreaming in every message. Keep railing on that, get it? Dreaming! Dreaming! Dreaming! People just eat up that kind of slop. Hmm... What? It's still on? Well, turn it off, damn it!" With that, the Audio Log ended with a click.

"Well, now... That was telling," Max commented as he just stared at the tape recorder.

Kim folded his arms when he said, "No kidding. What a lousy hypocrite! Okay, given what we've already learned from the other Audio Logs, Norman, and the Lost Ones, this isn't that much of a surprise but the bastard doesn't even believe the crap he spews! And again, another parallel to Lila! Maybe Boris' theory about them being related has some merits after all."

Max couldn't help but say, "Yeah, I can't help but agree with that..." He then stopped the recording and titled it accordingly as Kim pulled the Walkie-Talkie out of Max's pack and radioed the others.

"Guys, we threw the last switch and we're heading back to the door," Kim said into the device. He then added as he and Max walked towards the entrance stairs when he added, "We found another Log from Mr Drew and the Other Projectionist seemed to have vanished after we threw the switch."

"*Kshz* You sure? *Kshz*" Marinette's worried voice came through the device in a curious tone.

Kim then said into the Talkie, "Yeah, we're sure. It's weird, but then again this hellhole isn't exactly built on logic. Right, Max?" The techie verbally agreed as they made it to the base of the stairs. "Listen, we're going to head up the stairs to see if the door's open, so we'll see you soon."

Marinette's relieved voice came through the device again when she said, "*Kshz* Alright, we'll head back too, and we're glad you two are okay. See you soon. *Kshz*"

"She was worried about us, wasn't she?" Max asked with a small smile, but judging by the tone he was using, he already knew the answer to that.

Kim placed the Talkie back into Max's pack when he said, "Yeah, but we can't blame her. I mean, after our run-in with Mr Piedmont, I'm sure we'd still worry if it was them here instead of us." Max mumbled something along the lines of having a point before they started on their way up the stairs.

The moment their feet touched the first steps of the stairs, a sudden light flashed from behind them that was accompanied by the screech of the Other Projectionist. Without thinking on both their parts, Kim and Max bolted up the stairs right towards the Little Miracle Station. The taller quickly opened the door to the wooden structure as they both squeezed into it and then closed the door as soon as both of them were in. And just in time as the Other Projectionist reached the top of the stairs.

The Other Projectionist looked around the vicinity before their projection lends landed on the Little Miracle Station. They tilted their head to the side as if they were confused as to what the structure was. Max and Kim could feel their hearts stop as the Other Projectionist took a step forward as they reached a hand out towards the Miracle Station.

Suddenly, Max's vision wrapped as the Other Projectionist let out a screech as they turned to look at something that was out of the duo's sightline. A few seconds later a black figure rushed into the two's sight and started fighting with the Other Projectionist.

"Bendy?" Max murmured as he and Kim watched the Ink Demon punch the Other Projectionist in the gut. The taller of the two wrapped an arm around the shorter's shoulders and pulled the other close as the battle between the two Ink Creatures continued.

The battle came to an end when Ink Bendy grabbed the Other Projectionist by the throat and hoisted them into the air. The Ink Demon then ripped the Other Projectionist's head right off their body. Max's visioned cleared when the Ink Demon dropped the inky corpses. Ink Bendy then threw the Other Projectionist's head at the Miracle Station, causing the duo to flinch at the impact.

That was when Ink Bendy seemed to notice that the Little Miracle Station was occupied and fear was the only thing that Kim and Max could feel in that moment.

}i{ With the Rest of the Team }i{

A chill raced down Plagg's spine as the group made their way back to the Maintenance Department. Tikki noticed the other Kwami's sudden stop and asked, "What's wrong?"

Plagg wrapped his paws around himself when he said, "Please tell me you're joking?! You didn't feel that?"

The others watched (minus Markov since he can't "see" them, but he can hear them so he's just turning towards the sound) the Kwamis' interactions when Tikki replied as she tilted her head to the side, "You mean that exciting feeling? Yes, I feel it, but why is it making you uneasy?"

"Seriously?! You don't feel it?! That creepy feeling that just oozes danger?!" Plagg practically shouted in distress. His whiskers were vibrating in nervousness during this.

Adrien got between the two Kwamis when he said, "Plagg, take some deep breaths and calm down for a bit, okay?" The black Kwami took a few long, deep breaths. Once Plagg was calmer, Adrien asked, "Now, please explain what you mean by this "Creepy Feeling" and why you think Tikki should be feeling it too?"

Plagg fidgetted a bit before saying, "I don't know how else to describe it. It just makes me feel like someone is shoving a block of ice to me in an unpleasantly creepy way. And I just figured Tikki could feel that sensation two since we both can sense stuff you guys can't..."

Tikki tilted her head to the side in confusion when she said, "The only things I've felt this excited feeling and Buddy's mind. I haven't felt what you've felt Plagg."

Norman looked at Boris at this statement. The Cartoon Wolf had a thoughtful look on his face before he realized that the red Kwami was right.

Marinette couldn't help but ask, "Excited feeling? How often do you feel that?"

Tikki thought about it for a bit before finally saying, "I've felt it a good number of times since we've entered this place, but I haven't been able to pinpoint where it's coming from. It's like a presence that seems to linger in the background unseen." The red Kwami placed a paw to her chin when she added, "I wonder if that excited feeling belongs to our mysterious helper?"

Plagg shuttered when he said, "Well, I'm sure that the creepy feeling belongs to the Ink Demon thing... 'Cause I always seem to get this feeling when he's near."

That was when Markov interrupted by saying, "Hold on, if the Ink Demon is near then... Where are the usual signs of him being here? You know, the ink webs and the disembodies audio of a heartbeat that appears a few seconds before the Ink Demon does?"

"Markov's got a point," Norman said as he looked around the area. He then said, "Bit I'm not seein' or hearin' any of those, unless..."

Adrien, Marinette, Markov, Boris, and the Kwamis looked at each other in realization as their expressions quickly morphed into "Oh Shit!"

Suddenly the sound of metal being ripped out of place echoed through the air and it sounded like it was coming from the Maintenance Department.

A collective "Shit!" emitted from the groups' mouths as they immediately stormed toward the Maintenance Department, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.

Their hearts stopped when they came to the arch that used to have the metal door blocking the way, but now the door was ripped right out of place and was bent a bit and leaning against the left wall. There was also a trail of ink, that looked like something was dragged, that ended at the wall parallel to the severed door. The ink trail ended where a splatter of ink formed on the ground and a projector was laying on the ground, spitting ink as if it were blood.

"Oh, Kwami! What the hell happened?!" Marinette exclaimed before she paled and rushed into the area as she shouted, "MAX! KIM!" The others immediately followed.

The door to the Little Miracle Station opened with a creak before Kim and Max stepped out. "We're okay guys," the taller of the two said with a relieved sigh before he added, "Spooked, but okay."

Marinette sprang to the two and pulled them into a hug. While the initial shock did stun them for a bit, they returned the gesture more so to comfort their worried friend than anything. The bluette pulled away slightly from the two when she said in an relieved tone, "I'm so glad you guys are okay."

"Us too, but we had two close calls," Max said before turning his attention to the projector in the pool of ink. The techie shuttered a bit before he said, "That Projectionist heard us flip the switch to move the lift and chased us up until Kim threw the lever we needed."

That was when Kim interjected with, "But when I did, the lights turned off and the guy up and vanished into thin air. We couldn't see them anywhere in the area until they suddenly appeared the moment we came up these stairs." He indicated the flight of stair right next to the team. Kim then turned to the Miracle Station when he said, "We ducked in there, but it seemed like the guy wasn't affected by whatever protective charm this thing has against Ink Creatures. The dude was about to open the Station when the Ink Demon suddenly appeared."

Max pushed his glasses up with his left hand when he said, "My vision wrapped a bit as he fought the Other Projectionist, and well... *Indicates the ink trail* It's kinda obvious who won that fight. But that wasn't the scary part..." The techie shuttered at the memory of what happened.

Kim bit his lip before he said, "The Ink Demon KNEW we were in the Miracle station! He was looking right at us before he dragged the body away! He KNEW we were there!" He then rubbed one of his arms when he said, "I'm starting to think that the "Feel Familiar" Miracle Station might've been a dud or something if it didn't work... Maybe this *indicates the Miracle Station next to them* one is on it's way to becoming a dud too."

Markov raised a virtual brow when he asked, "While I will agree that your story is certainly a frightening one, I do notice some... Strangeness in it is also telling..."

"Uh, would anyone mind continuing this conversation away from this area?" Norman asked before glancing at the Other Projectionist's head, that was still spitting ink. He shutters when he said, "This... Is a little too close for comfort, if you know what I mean."

Yeah... Might be a good idea to head over to the haunted house attraction...

As Team Psi made their way to throw the final switch to power on the haunted house ride, Max shared the Joey Drew Audio Log they found in the Maintenance Department. The rest of the team had the same reaction Kim and Max did when they first heard it. There were a few unsavoury words thrown about (on Norman's part), but the words used weren't considered bad now as it did back then and the teens didn't understand them anyway. (Ah, swears and derogatory terms are such a product of the times... But I'm still not repeating them because, well, they're still being used unpleasantly).

"Okay, I'm making it official," Marinette said after taking a good deep breath. The bluette looked at Boris when she said, "Buddy, you're theory HAS to be right if there's THAT much of a personality resemblance between Joey Drew and Lila! Urg! It's like they're somehow the same person!" Boris placed a hand on the bluette's shoulder, so try to calm her down. Marinette signed when she said, "On the upside, we got proof that Joey Drew wasn't the sweet, kind, personable guy that he made himself to be. Though, I'm not sure how much good it'll do us now."

Max tucked his phone back into his pocket when he said, "I don't know how Grandpa Ri became "pals" with Mr Drew but I'm so glad he ended that "friendship" with him... *Looks up at Norman* I wish you left the studio with him."

Norman shrugged his shoulders slightly when he said, "Nothin' can be done about it now... And admittedly, I could've left whenever I wanted before all this shit happened, but... I remember hearin' somethin' comin' from under the floorin' of the Projection Booth. It was the same sound I kept hearin' it in certain places in the studio, somethin' from below, and it wasn't construction noise since all this *indicates the games and the decor* happened after I got turned into an Ink Creature... I know I wanted to find out since it didn't sound like anythin' that would normally be heard in an animation studio, I remember Joey tellin' me that it was just my imagination but I knew it wasn't... I don't remember if I even found out what the sound was..."

Markov tapped his claw under his visor when he said, "That's a curious statement because you are implying that Mr Drew was hiding something in the studio and not telling the employees about it."

Norman threw the switch labelled #4 and then the final lever to power on the haunted house when he said, "After all that we've learned so far, it wouldn't surprise me if he did and it was somehow responsible for the ink or somethin' along that line."

Team Psi cautiously walked up to the now open haunted house ride to see a track with three cars lined up sitting idle in front of the wall that had the words "Turn Back" graffitied on it.

Kim read the words before he said, "Yeah, I don't think that's an option at this point." The other's murmured in agreement before they made their way to the cars.

After a quick discussion, Marinette and Adrien sat in the first car with the Kwamis, Kim and Max sat in the middle car with Markov sitting in the techie's lap, and Boris and Norman sat in the last car. As soon as they were seated the ride started up. They quickly glanced at each other when they questioned, "Who started the ride?"

That was when they heard the Twisted Alice Angel over the speakers as the ride moved forward, "And now the ride truly begins, Henry. *The cars pass the wooden gate that opened for the cars to pass through before closing behind them*. Come in, and pretend it's all just a bad dream." The haunted house... Wasn't all that scary, the whole thing was outdated and cheesy, especially the jumpscares... Even Boris wasn't even frightened.

That was when Max said as he looked around for some kind of camera, "Ms Campbell, I'm not Henry! I'm his grandson!"

That was when they heard the Twisted Alice Angel snap in anger, "Don't try to lie to me, Henry! I HATE liars! You should know why, right Henry?" Max and everyone else flinched at that. The Twisted Alice Angel then said, "It's a funny thing. How so much can fall apart so fast." Another cheesy jumpscare popped up, it wasn't really scary in all honestly. The Twisted Alice Angel continued, "We never really had control at the studio. Either you in someone's pocket, or you were putting someone into yours. I just wanted what was promised to me. I just wanted to be beautiful! Surely all of you can understand that."

The words seemed to have a very clear meaning behind them, and Team Psi wasn't liking it.

As the ride continued on the path already laid, Max tried to talk to the human side of the twisted angel, if it were still there, "Ms Campbell, I'm telling the truth. Henry's my grandfather. I didn't know he worked here until recently. Please, can we just talk about this? And... We're willing to listen and maybe we can help you out, as long as you leave Boris, Tikki, and Plagg alone." The three in question couldn't help but gulp in fear.

"I thought I told you that I HATE LIARS!" Twisted Alice snapped in anger before she seethed out, "And my name is Alice Angel. You should know that by now Henry!"

Boris latched onto Norman's arm in fear as the Projectionist said, "Somethin' tells me she's beyond reasoning with. She's not even takin' into consideration that Max looks younger than Henry did when he worked here..."

That was when Marinette asked, "But is she beyond saving? I mean, yeah she's done some messed up shit here, but that's because of the Ink, right?" But even to her own ears, it sounded like the bluette was reaching.

Adrien couldn't help but say, "Maybe we should hold off on the Purifying thing until we can figure out if we have an object of Ms Campbell's and if she's able to be saved. For everyone's sake." That was something all of Team Psi had to agree with, even Marinette.

That was when they heard the Twisted Alice Angel say over the speakers, "Do all of you just enjoy the terror of the drop into hell? Because if that's the case... Hang on tight. I've got a surprise for all of you..." With that, the cars took Team Psi past a pair of doors with a giant skull painted on them, and they entered what appeared to be a ballroom with nice gothic horror decor that was packed full of wooden barrels, wooden crates, Bendy ride cart, wooden chairs, and a pile of filled bags stacked high on a wooden pallet.

"Okay, gotta admit, this isn't so bad," Kim said as he looked up at the spooky paintings decorating the walls.

Marinette couldn't help but say as the cars followed the tracks around the room, "Famous last words, Kim. But I'll agree on the decor not being bad."

The doors that allowed them in closed behind them as the cars moved closer to another pair of wooden doors that lead out of the Haunted Ballroom. That was when Plagg said, "Umm, guys... I'm getting that creepy feeling again, but on a much smaller scale..."

Markov couldn't help but ask as the doors in front of them opened into the darkness to allow them to pass, "May I inquire what that means?"

Suddenly, a pair of robotic-looking arms appeared out of the darkness and gripped the front of the first car, stopped them in place and causing the riders to lurch forward. Team Psi looked forward just in time to see a pair of yellow glowing eyes staring back at them through the darkness. As the creature moved out of the darkness and into the light, it shoved the cars back with almost inhuman strength. What they saw made it feel like their guts sank into the seats of the cars they were in. This Ink Creature had the appearance of a Boris with glowing yellow eyes and a metal torso that made it look bigger than it already was (3).

"What the heck is that?!"

~}i{~

To be Continued in Chapter 4 pt 4: Colossal Wonders of Sorrows.

~}i{~

1) I am not going to deny that I enjoy this series, and have watched every episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Original), CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, and CSI: Cyber since I have discovered the series. And to answer some of the questions so no one has to add them to the comments...

I liked the original the best while I like Miami the least. I wished that they continued with Cyber because I thought it was tapping into some good psychology and methodology ground. Mac Taylor and "Doc" Albert Robbins are my favourite characters across all the CSIs. I have rewatched each series at least twice and I would've done more rewatching on all of them until they pulled Cyber off the air (So I've only seen each ep of Cyber twice, but I've watched the others more times). I own my favourite episodes of each CSI series on Itunes. I do understand the scientific talk they use in the show and have used them in real life. And lastly, I plan on tuning into the premiere of CSI: Vegas (a reboot of the original CSI series) in October in 2021 (CSI's 21st anniversary!).

2) I don't play Metal Gear, but I know what it refers to. It's basically a video game character who is known for his stealth abilities. Here's his wiki link: wiki/Solid_Snake#:~:text=Solid,in.&text=According,are.

3) Well, I did need a replacement for Brute Boris in this, since Twisted Alice didn't take our Buddy Boris. Borkis was the perfect candidate for the part. I did modify his appearance a bit in this, more to tell him apart from our Buddy Boris. So I gave Borkis mechanical arms and a chest to make him a bit more distinguished from our Buddy Boris.

~}i{~