Pain. Torment. Hate.

Will it ever end?

Bendy didn't understand why he had to endure this suffering. Knowing the immense disgust his creators have towards him was probably the most despairing feeling ever. It wasn't Bendy's fault he was imperfect, and neither did he ask to exist in a reality where he was undervalued. If he was capable of words, there was only one thing he needed to ask:

Why?

There probably isn't a genuine answer to that question, for no matter what, everyone will always see him as a monster. Humans were heinous beings, yet they were the ones to fear a physical embodiment of their sins. As he lay inside his cage, Bendy could feel the presence of hunger rising again. Joey had stopped feeding him rats weeks ago, and with each passing day that went by, it was becoming impossible to ignore. He couldn't stand the taste of flesh, but being behind bars, there weren't any alternatives.

The office door slowly creaked open and captured Bendy's attention. Believing another worker was here to torture him, Bendy was perplexed when he heard a feminine voice instead.

"Mister Drew?"

"Yes Miss Pendle, come on in. What can I do for ya?" Joey replied in annoyance.

Allison exhaled nervously before making her way over. As she stopped before his desk, she couldn't help but silently gawk at the creature that had its back to them. Allison's seen Bendy before, and despite her fear of him, she knew something seemed to be different given his bony appearance.

"Pendle!"

Allison had to quickly remember the reason for her visit. Clearing her throat, she immediately jumped to her request. "Mister Drew, I wanted to see if it's alright to take Monday off? I'd like to see my grandmother. She's fallen ill and I wish to see her before-"

"Miss Pendle," Joey interrupted with a slight chuckle. "You know I wouldn't mind, but that's only with a three week notice..."

"I know," she replied. "But I was given the news this morning, and my family would like everyone to be at her bedside. If I'd known sooner, of course I would've told you."

"And usually Mondays are your sessions for new episodes, aren't they?" Joey bitterly asked.

Allison swallowed hard before continuing. "Yes, but-"

Joey didn't want to keep reminding his employees of company policies. Working for him, they had no choice but to follow every standard rule. Under no circumstances, especially for the actors, were they allowed to request time off during days of recording sessions. In Allison's case, she was the new actress for Alice Angel, making her presence necessary.

"Look, I wouldn't mind if you gave me the right time, but you didn't."

"I know, and I do apologize, but please Joey. This could be my last chance to see someone I love. Please, just let me go see her."

Bendy could sense the unusual emotions brewing between the two humans. One filled with darkness – the kind driving him to the brink of corruption – and the other being the same feeling of hope he once illustrated to Thomas.

"Enough!" Joey roared, slamming a fist atop his desk. "My answer is no, and that's the last time! Now leave my office!"

Allison was startled by Joey's outburst, and she couldn't help but let the immense pain of heartbreak crush her soul. To not upset Joey any further, Allison let her eyes well with tears before leaving the room. Before she shut the door behind her, Bendy tilted his head upon what he just sensed. He didn't know what that was about, but whatever had happened, it indeed broke the woman's heart.

Something he will someday come to recognize.

Finally,

After thirteen aggravating years, Bendy now felt his loneliness uplifted upon the sight of what belongs to him:

His son.

He stood motionless while continuing to watch Ben shift under the covers. Tilting his head, the Ink Demon focused his attention on the sound of the child's heartbeat. He could tell Ben's heart was special, and that only made the demon crave for him even more. Impatient, Bendy came closer. As he quietly shuffled near, the demon immediately stopped behind the child and loomed over him. Satisfied, Bendy could now reclaim his progeny from that vile Boris that'd stolen him.

As he reached his hand out, Bendy was so close to taking Ben away, but he stopped when he sensed something was wrong.

Ben was too pure. Having been nourished with the traits of good, the child was somewhat "protected" against Bendy's darkness. And for that reason, the demon would be unsuccessful in reclaiming his power. The angelic quality of Ben was in control, and kept the demonic heritage at bay. And while Ben's still able to use Bendy's abilities, the Ink Demon knew this wouldn't be enough to succeed.

However, that didn't mean all hope was lost. Bendy will now be able to retain a connection with Ben by linking through his conscience. Now, he won't need to search in endless loops in finding the boy's whereabouts.

Now, Bendy can finally watch Ben's every move – without physically being there.

And never be separated again!

The next thing Ben realized was hearing the screams of his own voice. He'd been disrupted awake when something sharp tore through the sheet and clawed his back. And upon the room temperature being absolutely freezing, the boy had to ignore it. Gazing up in horror, Ben knew he was in deep trouble with seeing Bendy leaning over him.

"Dad! Hel–"

Ben was cut off when the monster reached for his neck. Gagging as he struggled for air, the boy knew he was ultimately too weak to fight back. Bendy's frozen smile only made the paralysis worse, and it's definitely something that will forever scar Ben's mind. He tried to cry for Tom again, but now found it impossible with Bendy's hand enlarging over him.

Ben was petrified upon seeing a giant beast diabolically grinning down on him. Squirming underneath the monster's hold, Ben cried in agony when his body began soaking up the ink seeping from the monster's arm, causing an overflow in Ben's veins as it slithered up to reach a specific target: the heart.

The excruciating pain that followed was so agonizing that Ben couldn't help but scream.

And the last thing he remembered was that smile; A smile of inexplicable evil that just watched.

The morning that followed began as another regular day for Tom. He always woke early to complete errands that will probably take a majority the time he wanted with Ben. Thankfully, that Bendy bot will be able to change that loneliness and keep Tom satisfied for Ben's safety. Though he needed to grab a few more parts, hopefully by tonight would the animatronic finally be finished.

The first thing Tom did every morning was check and ensure Ben was alright. There's always that worrying possibility of seeing Bendy devour the kid's spirit, but Tom trusted Ben enough to know the boy wouldn't engage in anything that'd send red flags.

Ben continued his sleep peacefully, and this gave Tom the reassurance he needed. There was nothing to worry about, and the wolf slowly shut the door behind him. Checking his arm before reaching for his axe, Tom left home and was on his way.

There were many times where Tom's seen Bendy, but he never had much luck in finding the wolf. Tom knew almost every nook and cranny and definitely had no interest facing him. If that time ever comes where they are face-to-face again, the wolf would immediately aime to wipe that stupid smile. Hopefully he'd be able to finish his tasks on time. Perhaps if he gets home early, he'd finally be able to spend quality time with Ben.

Taking different routes and busting wooden barricades, Tom knew the risk was high of getting caught by the Ink Demon. He could care less though, especially since he's quick enough to outrun the beast. However, Tom didn't continue further when he had the strangest feeling that something was following him. It wasn't the Ink Demon, that much he knew, so he figured it was either a Searcher or Butcher clone.

Gripping his axe tighter, Tom stopped before abruptly swinging his weapon. He was quick enough to stop short when he realized just what – or rather who – exactly had been following him for quite some time.

Henry.

After getting such peaceful slumber, Ben yawned tiredly before stretching up in bed. Boy, that sure was one of the most comfortable sleep trances he's had in a long while. Tom was already gone on his errands, so that gave Ben the opportunity to visit the village again. Whether he chats it up with the Lost Ones, or takes another of Sammy's personal belongings, he knew it was going to be another good day in being himself.

Before he could take another step out of bed, Ben yelped and collapsed when he felt the inside of his chest tighten. As his heart beat faster, the young boy screamed in agony upon this unbearable pain he couldn't stand.

Sudden images of an unknown territory buzzed in Ben's mind. He couldn't comprehend why he was hallucinating this place – but whatever the reason – he knew something was calling him.

And that's when he saw...him.

Bendy suddenly appeared in the throne chair, and the child's fear only intensified. Realizing that whatever was happening, and the pain inside his chest that followed, Bendy had something to do with this. And upon staring at the monster longer did Ben notice where the pain was coming from. Bendy's gloved hand was balled into a tight fist, giving Ben the idea that the Ink Demon somehow had gotten control over his heart.

Suddenly, Bendy released hold of Ben's heart and watched as the boy collapsed back to the ground, coughing upon the torture finally uplifted. Bendy tilted his head as he took a longer look at Ben. He looked just exactly like those wretched angels, and not like him at all.

No matter….The real Ben would arrive soon enough.

Bendy telepathically communicates that Ben will be his before cutting the connection between them. Ben was shocked to suddenly be present in his room again, but not before realizing that he never left. Jumping back to his feet, Ben began to panic. It wasn't real! It wasn't real! The dream of the Ink Demon trying to kill him last night wasn't real either!

Was it?

This was all his fault. He should've listened to Tom's warnings and now understood why he was never allowed to use powers. He didn't mean to though! He just wanted to protect the book he found absolutely fascinating from Tom. If the wolf ever discovered his secrets, he'd never trust Ben again. The boy will never be able to interact with ink people, never torture Sammy, and never be able to leave home again. All that would await him was a room and a Bendy bot that'll never truly define happiness.

But right now, things are different. Ben was scared. Unsure of what to do next, he hugged himself for comfort to rid of these dark thoughts.

Tom withdrew his axe upon seeing Henry Stein present before him. Why is he here? After all this time does he now finally decide to show up? Well, if one managed to free themselves from the endless loop against the Ink Demon, would they continue staying?

"Hey old friend, I see you haven't changed." Henry chuckled. Tom responded with an annoyed look. Withdrawing his defensive stance, Tom let the axe drop to his feet and kept his glare locked on the former animator.

And that's when Henry finally brought it up...

"Tom, where's Alice?"

God, why'd he have to ask this? Why now?

Tom didn't want to give Henry any information about what happened. He wasn't sure if Henry knew what had transpired these past forty years, but he wasn't going to get into detail. Lowering his head, Tom lightly shook his head, giving Henry the hint that Allison was gone. Henry understood immediately and was stunned.

"Oh no, please don't tell me. The Ink Demon, did he-"

Tom continued to keep his head downcasted. Henry was in disbelief.

"I knew something happened while I was gone. I'm sorry, Tom."

As much as he appreciated the sympathy, Tom knew there was nothing anybody could do to change Allison's fate. Whether it had involved Ben or not, she'd still sacrifice herself for those she cares about. That confident wisdom of hope was something Tom will forever miss, but now, and unbeknownst to Henry, there's still a part of Allison that lived on.

Tom didn't know how Henry would react upon seeing a hybrid of the angel and demon in the studio. Since these were creatures based off his creations, it would be pretty alarming to see someone like Ben even existing. All this pondering made the wolf debate if introducing Henry to Allison's son would be a good idea. Knowing Henry, there probably wouldn't be anything to worry about. He was not Joey, and that's one reason why Tom didn't mind him.

Making his final decision, Tom gestured for Henry to follow him.

And the two were on their way.