Tom remembered everything like it was yesterday. Everyday he was constantly haunted by the mere fact that he felt partially responsible for Allison's death. The small fight they had, having been more severe than their usual disagreements, had sent him away in anger. It was probably one of the biggest mistakes he ever made, and if he could refine the past, he would have returned instead of abandoning her.
He knew she couldn't take on the Ink Demon alone.
The monster had taken and imprisoned her inside his lair. Tom had no idea Allison was gone until he came to the realization that he needed to apologize. When he returned home, she was not there, and when she didn't arrive, Tom fretted the worst and immediately ran out the door. If he died saving her from the Ink Demon, then so be it. Tom would do anything to protect those he cares about...whether it was Allison or not.
Careful not to come into any contact with ink, Tom made it inside the demon's home and immediately found Allison lying in the throne chair, unconscious. Bendy didn't seem to be around either, so the wolf proceeded in rescuing the angel. Falling on his knees, he gently pulled Allison towards him and held her in his arms. He examined her features, where a few scratches and bruises stood present, and that made it a clear indication Allison had put up a fight.
Tom was surprised she wasn't killed. Thank the gods she was still alive, but such joy would be expressed later. Right now, they need to leave before Bendy returns. Carrying Allison in his arms, Tom took another look at that gorgeous face before stepping down the throne. Now, what mattered most was getting back home safe and sound.
However, the sudden heavy breathing somewhere above them made Tom stop dead in his tracks. Turning his head, Tom noticed that the Ink Demon returned and was in his beastly form. Great. Tom was hoping to not run into him today, but guess that didn't go as planned.
Bendy was infuriated to see someone stealing his prisoner. Snarling, he roared at the trespasser. Tom didn't hesitate and ran before Bendy jumped down from his post, chasing after them.
Tom was lucky enough to find a small hole in the wall that would help them escape. If he'd been a tad slower, or even hesitated, both he and Allison would have found themselves mutilated by sharp teeth.
With the Ink Demon's booming roar echoing throughout the tunnel, Tom held onto Allison close until they reached the light.
Allison looked nothing like herself when they returned home. Tom gently placed her atop of the bed and inspected her injuries. Poor thing. What had that monster done to her? If Tom hadn't left that day, none of this would've happened. However, now that he returned, they could finally be happy. All they needed was each other, and nobody else. Now, they could start a new life right here in the studio.
A life that would've been great...and promised...if Allison hadn't become pregnant.
Tom was furious. He knew this wasn't their child, and if it were, there was no proof. Allison never combined her ink with Tom's, so the fact that Bendy at some point bonded with Allison only made Tom angrier. This was something Bendy likely did purposely, easily sensing the bond Tom and Allison have.
It's true what they say: The Ink Demon does take whatever he wants.
Allison was also troubled, but she did her best to stay optimistic. She was against hurting something that was part of her, and she informed Tom that the offspring would have good potential, only as long as it was kept away from the ink. Tom still wasn't convinced, insisting Allison either terminate or abandon the child in the far depths of the studio. Allison was quick to refuse any suggestions.
Tom couldn't stay mad at Allison forever, so he vowed to protect her, and only her, at all costs. Whatever happens to that monstrosity growing inside her didn't matter to him. Though he secretly kept his anger hidden from Allison, Tom made sure to have her stay hidden from the Ink Demon as much as possible.
No doubt Bendy was searching for them since their escape. He actually lurked more often around the studio now, trying to sense Allison's whereabouts. A few Butcher clones would also be found slaughtered from time to time, but when Tom had to roam the studio for important tasks, he could tell by these aftermaths that they were warnings. And it was indeed interesting to find a bone or two present in the crime scene.
Everyday would Tom return home to Allison, and she'd always greet him with an embrace and peck on the snout. Ignoring her growing condition, Tom was always content with her given acts of affection. She'd also have warm soup ready, fix his arm, and stroked his back for a massage when he needed it.
Allison knew that Tom was always ignoring the thought of her child. Knowing he was disappointed that this was something they couldn't have together, Allison knew that there was a second chance. Once the child arrives, she already knew Tom would love them as much as he would their own.
"Tom, I know that you are upset. You can't hide it from me, no matter how hard you try," she began. "But, promise me that if anything happens, you will do everything you can to protect my child."
Tom kept his head opposite of her, trying to ignore that warm smile that weakened him every time. He would never love a child that was a part of that...THING! However, he had to remember that this was Allison's child as well. If kept away from the Ink Demon, and the ink itself, this child could probably have no complications. Both himself and Allison were humans, so the idea that this child was also part of that made this whole situation seem like it could work.
Turning to Allison, Tom gently grabbed hold of her hand and gave it a light squeeze. By the look in his eyes, Allison knew his message and grinned joyously. Finally, Tom would promise his commitment in protecting the both of them!
Now, they will become a complete family.
Allison finally underwent childbirth, and with her anxiety, Tom wasn't sure what he could do to ease her stress. Her hair was a mangled mess as she lay in bed, trying her best not to overtly react to what her body was experiencing. Only having the sheets for support, Allison continued to heave as each pain was striking harder than the last. Tom was supportive enough to stay at her side and hold her hand, but he had to eventually leave to keep an eye out for any lurkers that could be outside their home.
And if the Ink Demon came, Tom would be ready for him.
No more than an hour later was when Allison finally began to officially have her child. Tom regretted leaving her alone, but he had no choice but to stand guard. Her screams of misery were so agonizing that Tom easily winced at each one. No doubt all ink creatures, and possibly the Demon himself, were able to hear her and quickly find their way to the hideout. Yet, if Tom and Allison were discovered at any point, they'd have no choice but to relocate into a new domain as soon as possible.
The shrill cries of a wailing infant then finally took over.
The unbearable torture was now over! The child was here! Eager to see the infant for himself, Tom dropped his axe and ran back inside.
Unbeknownst to him, a few Lost Ones had heard everything and slowly emerged from behind the large crates.
Tom slowly opened the door of the bedroom, afraid of what he's to witness in his love's arms. Seeing Allison alive and happy made Tom instantly stare at the bundle in her hold. The confident smile she plastered on her lips eased Tom's concerns, but not before she asked him kindly: "Would you like to meet him?"
It was a boy!
He had a son!
Tom silently walked towards the bed before Allison lovingly stroked her son's cheek. Grinning when Tom was close enough, Allison gently shifted her son away from her chest so Tom was able to get a good view of him.
Oh, thank goodness!
Tom had nothing to fear when he saw his newborn son. The time he spent worrying about how much it would look like Bendy faded when its appearance was identical to Allison's. Oddly enough, it showed no signs of being made from ink other than its dark hair. This child was very human on the outside, but lord knows what could've lurked on the inside.
"I named him Ben," Allison proudly stated. "Come Tom, hold our son."
Tom froze upon his sweetheart's insistence to hold the small child. He didn't know whether or not that was a good idea. What if the baby sensed he didn't like him? His cries were something Tom wasn't used to yet, and sort of made him nervous. However, Tom was a brave individual and wouldn't let a small being like a baby make him a coward. After all, Ben was perfect! Just like his mother.
As Tom sat himself down beside them, Allison gently directed him in the path to holding a baby. She giggled when he didn't understand, and it took several attempts to adjust him properly until he finally got it right. Tom stiffened when Allison took no hesitation and placed the child in his arms. Tom could then feel his ears sink back with fear as the newborn immediately fussed once again. Tom felt himself beginning to panic and tried to give the child back to his lover.
"Tom," Allison giggled, "You're too stiff. Loosen up and relax. He'll feel more comfortable that way. There's nothing to be afraid of. You're doing fine."
Tom eased his tension upon her reassurance. Taking a deep breath, he lifted his spirit to properly embrace this tender moment. Ben's cries then ceased when he finally began to return to sleep. Tom silently watched him doze off and couldn't help but gently stroke a finger across his son's cheek. When he slept, Tom definitely saw much Allison in him.
As Allison watched them peacefully, her smile faded when she noticed the room immediately shift to darkness, and a familiar figure now stood before them. The angel quickly reached for her sword while Tom jumped to his feet.
And that's when Tom rememberedā¦
He'd left the axe outside.
Bendy stood there as ink continued to rapidly drip from his body. As much as he wanted to kill these rebels, his focus wasn't on them today. Instead, he was here to find out what creature had caused that high-pitched wailing. Allison sneered at the Ink Demon, making sure he understood that if he took another step, he'd get a fight. Tom was also ready, despite not having any kind of weapon handy.
Bendy tilted his head, surprised by the sudden anger he sensed from them. He wasn't here to cause trouble, but he would if they continued to feel threatened. After taking a step towards them, Bendy suddenly stopped short when he began to detect the sound of another heartbeat.
There was a third stranger in this room, and from Bendy's senses, it was something like him.
Turning his attention towards Allison, Bendy remembered what events transpired when she'd been held prisoner. And having come across her and Tom multiple times, there was no way this powerful essence was from them. Bendy knew he was the only powerful being, and the fact he's sensing a fragment of himself made it evident that whatever was in Tom's arms was in relation to him.
And made from the same ink he was made of.
Now desperate, the Demon was insistent to take the child from Tom, but Allison quickly sent her sword straight into his torso. Bendy stopped short before slowly turning his head to Allison. Terrified, Allison knew she was going to regret having made such a decision.
Bendy immediately reached for the sword and removed it from his stomach. Dropping the weapon to the ground, the Ink Demon now decided it was time to stop being generous, and finish this another way.
"Tom, take Ben and go!" Allison shouted as Bendy began to shake and change shape.
Tom shook his head, glaring at her as Ben wailed in terror.
"GO!"
Just as he was about to escape the room, Bendy angrily swiped at the wolf fleeing with his offspring. Tom was instantly knocked to the ground, but still had Ben protected in his arms. The baby continued to cry as they fled, and Bendy was ready to charge after them. However, that's when Allison jumped to her feet, and reached for her sword.
Bendy growled and slowly turned back to face the angel, towering over her as she sent him a sly smile.
"You'll never...ever...have him."
Snarling, Bendy roared before sending her across the room with his massive hand. Allison crashed to the ground and groaned upon the harsh impact. But just before she was able to get back on her feet, Bendy threw his hand over her to prevent her from fleeing. Growling at the angel, the Ink Demon leaned his head close and couldn't help but sneer in rage.
Tom knew Allison was gone.
The Ink Demon had taken her from him. Again. And this time⦠permanently.
Ben continued to cry upon sensing the demon, but the wolf did the best he could to calm him down before they were noticed. Now hiding inside Tom's former office, Ben still didn't seem to be suppressing his cries. The last thing Tom wanted to deal with right now is stress. The Ink Demon may be the father of this child, but he was never going to get the chance to ever meet or have Ben.
This was Tom's son! Forever and always!
Tom was fortunate to have finally eased Ben's crying since Bendy was now outside the room. His footsteps were first heard creeping over their heads, but that quickly transitioned to them now sounding right outside the door. Ben quietly fussed in Tom's arms, but the gentle rocking seemed to continue suppressing his fear. The baby released another whine, and that caused Bendy to instantly freeze from moving. Hoping he wouldn't charge into the room, Tom anxiously waited for Bendy's decision while holding Ben close, and a gent pipe in the other.
Unable to detect Ben's presence, Bendy had no interest entering the room, and Tom saw his lurking shadows fade from under the door. Relieved, Tom instantly dropped his form of weaponry, continuing to hold the newborn. As soon as Bendy had gone, Ben began to gurgle a smile as he locked his eyes on Tom. Tom looked down to get a better look at his son, feeling a sense of pride and attachment.
However, there would be plenty of time for bonding later. Right now, Tom needed to get them both somewhere safe.
And somewhere the Ink Demon will never find them again.
Bendy returned to his lair, boiling with anger upon his failure for claiming Ben. He was beyond furious that Boris with the metal arm had gotten away. With his child no less! Bendy had no idea this spawn of his existed until he was able to sense traces of his ink lurking inside.
He was even surprised, and oblivious, to the fact that the steps he took with Allison resulted in an impregnation. Unbeknownst to them, it had something to do with Allison's former life more than her current one.
He tried to express love and kindness at one point. Maybe Allison wasn't the first, but he certainly did try. Every form of life just turned him away, and all he wanted was a friend. Bendy tried to display kindness with Twisted Alice too, but one touch from him resulted in a grotesque deformation. However, when he encountered Allison personally that day, nothing horrific happened. And because of this, it was as if Allison was the pure goodness he's always craved for in his life.
She was the one, and the one capable of carrying his demonic spawn no less.
Bendy wanted her to become a part of him, and have everything she was in return, but apparently that didn't go as planned. Instead, she bore a monster made from his ink, and endangered this world with something far more powerful than him.
Yet, a child like this could become part of the love Bendy's always wanted, but that pesky wolf had the only other being that'd accept him in his custody. Wherever they ran off to, Bendy knew he would find them. Whether he found the child first, or Tom, didn't matter. All Bendy wanted was revenge, and to punish Tom by taking the only love he has left.
And then slaughter them both until nothing remains!
So until then...
The Ink Demon would always be watching.
