Since Henry vanished, Allison had been meaning to have a personal confrontation with Sammy. The angel strongly believed the music composer could've played a role in Henry's disappearance, but with no evidence to go with this accusation, Allison couldn't point her sword just yet. If the idea of other souls managing to reach their freedom were indeed true, then that meant Sammy couldn't be the one responsible right?
And if anyone were to know anything about the Ink Demon they called "Bendy", Sammy should have some answers...
Right?
Stepping into the village full of Lost Ones and Searchers was risky, especially with the hatred established towards angels, so Allison knew the only place to confront Sammy would have to be in the recording studio. Thankfully, Sammy had lost much faith in Bendy as a savior and wouldn't be too driven on hurting the angel – As long as she didn't do anything to provoke him. Knowing Sammy however, Allison knew she was going to have to make things clear and valid. Otherwise, her attempt of receiving any information from Sammy would ultimately prove unsuccessful.
Allison was also aware to keep this a secret from Tom. As soon as they had finished dinner last night, the two slept peacefully until Allison awoke to begin her quest. Careful not to wake her partner, she took her sword and was on her way. Reaching the correct floor that led to Sammy's sanctuary, the angel wasted no time and journeyed across the way by foot.
Allison was somewhat familiar with this section of the studio, but she didn't care much about the Music Department. All that was set here were dimly lit candles, Bendy cutouts, and satanic symbols that surely summoned any cult Sammy was leading. However, considering his outrage of Bendy rejecting Henry all those years ago, the musician was in a state of disarray and likely didn't worship the creature anymore. But that didn't mean Allison still shouldn't be careful. Sammy was just as dangerous as any other threat in the studio, created or deformed by the ink.
Allison made her way into the recording studio and approached the gate to Sammy's sanctuary. She knocked on the metal barrier three times – each trembling with a loud clang – and patiently waited for the gate to open. She didn't know whether or not Sammy was inside, but considering that this was his domain she was stepping in, it wouldn't be long for her to find out.
As she continued waiting, the angel couldn't help but turn her head to the recording booth beside her. She didn't know why, but upon staring at this room, she felt that there was something familiar about it. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but if she didn't know any better, she felt that maybe she's been inside there before...
"What brings you here?"
Recognizing that voice, Allison turned around and maintained her fearlessness upon seeing Sammy standing ominously behind her. Glowering her gaze up to where his eyes should've been, Allison made sure to hold her sword tight. Hopefully, she wouldn't have to take on Sammy if she needed to. It would be a shame for him to meet his end again...but this time to an angel.
"I think it's obvious that you know why I'm here, Sammy." she remarked.
"Unfortunately, I'm afraid I don't." Sammy replied, taking a step forward and towering over her, "And if I did...I wouldn't care."
"So you don't care that souls are ascending and managing to leave this place? This...Hell?" she replied.
Sammy continued to eye Allison in complete silence, but he stepped back to instead focus on the recording booth window. Placing his hands behind him, he replied to her. "Of course it matters. Do you believe I want to stay this way? In this...dark, inky abyss of a body? I'm just as interested as you are. Yet...I myself do not understand why."
Allison didn't know whether or not to believe him, but by his monotone, she figured he might actually be telling the truth. So if Sammy truly knew how the Lost Ones were managing to free themselves, wouldn't he have tried to seek his as well?
However, the thought of Bendy being a culprit for Allison's stay here lingered. Surely, Sammy should be able to give her the answer to that one.
"What about the Ink Demon?" she asked, "We all know he's the one keeping souls like you and I trapped here."
"I'm afraid the lord I once served would not know, nor care, about who stays and goes. The Ink Demon shows no mercy for us that remain trapped here, especially to angels." Sammy remarked as he slowly turned his head to scowl at Allison. She was unfazed by his demeanor and maintained her glare before he faced the window again.
"I am but a devoted man. Those who are like me always thrive and are spared. Those like you are just sheep yet to be killed. If the Ink Demon were to choose between you and I, it's quite certain he'd slaughter you first."
Allison didn't reply to his insult and just gripped her sword tighter. She was about ready to swing at this idiot.
Sammy noticed that she didn't reply and turned to eye her. "Would you not agree?"
"The Ink Demon will never take anything from me." she remarked, "Even if that means a second chance."
"Careful angel." Sammy warned as he turned back to her, "You never know what'll set off his wrath. Best to give him whatever he wants when he wants it. You might just die before you even think about it."
"Thanks for the useless information, Sammy." Allison sneered as she turned to walk away, "Guess I'll just figure this out on my own."
"I'd be wary if I were you." Sammy warned, "The Ink Demon will know what you're up to, and he'll do whatever he can to make sure you don't get it."
Allison turned her head to glare at him from the corner of her eye, but she decided to ignore him and proceeded to stroll out the room. Though she tried her best to keep a stern face, there was something about this warning of Sammy's that the angel couldn't help but be concerned over.
In fact, if she didn't know any better, it scared her. The idea that Bendy would stalk and prevent her from reaching her freedom meant this was going to be even more of a challenge than she realized. If Bendy discovered her plan to leave the studio, he'd undoubtedly be searching for her and Tom like a hound. Then he'll slaughter them like pigs, or in Sammy's words, like sheep.
Allison didn't know what else she could do. There was nothing to defeat the Ink Demon, and there was nothing she could do to get her life back. Whatever the reason was behind her being trapped here, a world completely separate from life itself, she needed to know.
She just wanted to be free.
Was that so hard to wish for?
Joey Drew used to say that there was nothing wrong with dreaming...
And that wishing for the impossible was just human nature...
But in this world...the world of Joey Drew Studios...wishing had been a terrible sin.
"You look absolutely gorgeous!"
"That man is gonna be bluffing when he sees you in this dress!"
"He ain't gonna be able to keep his eyes, and his hands, off you!"
The entire dressing room was filled with women, gushing about Allison the moment she entered the room. Though most of them were aunts, friends of her mother, and well-known acquaintances, Allison couldn't be more than blessed by all the love and support.
Today was Saturday, February twenty-third.
And today was officially the day she was to be wed to Thomas J. Connor.
Allison held her white bouquet and examined her features in the mirror. Her blonde hair was presented in a bun, her veil was draped over her face, and her flowery lace wedding gown exposed her elegant beauty. The only form of color that stuck out were those cherry-red lips behind that veil, but it was curved into one of the purest smiles anyone would see.
"Oh, you're just beautiful!" Mrs. Pendle gushed.
Allison turned away from the mirror and faced the room of women, glowing with excitement. Her father would be here soon to walk her down the aisle, where an entire church would be filled with familiar faces, and a man she never imagined she'd fall in love with waiting at the altar. And despite Mr. Thomas J. Connor not being a man of words, she knew that underneath that attitude, there was indeed a heartwarming man.
Despite all the outpour of attention, Allison knew that this day could be even more special if a certain guest she invited would attend. Joey Drew may not have been a good boss, but that didn't mean he was a bad person. His studio was the reason why anything special happened in the first place. She wouldn't have met her husband if it hadn't been for Joey, and because of this, she felt that Mister Drew was a very important part of her wedding day.
Hopefully, the invitation she sent would motivate him to come.
"You nervous darlin'?" Mrs. Pendle asked.
"Not at all." Allison replied with a prideful smile.
A light knock then came from the door, cracking open to reveal Fredrick Pendle poking his head inside. His eyes immediately caught sight of Allison, and like any father, he found himself remembering the rambunctious little girl she once was. Now, that little girl was no more, but instead had grown to be a beautiful woman about to be in the care of another man.
Fredrick entered the room and shut the door behind him. He let a soft smile form over his lips. "Are you ready angel?"
"Yes father, I'm ready." Allison replied.
"Ladies…" Fredrick stated, "Do you mind if I have a small word with my daughter?"
The women of the room began to depart back to the church to take their seats, including Mrs. Pendle. She tenderly stroked her daughter's arm and kissed her husband's cheek before leaving and shutting the door behind her. That left Allison alone in the room with her father, but she wasn't worried or intimidated in the slightest. She knew this was a very personal, and perhaps emotional, moment for him. And for that reason, he needed to express his words to her alone.
"Sweetie, you look absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you." Allison chuckled.
"Today, you become Mrs. Connor. Although it pains me to let go of my little girl, I know he's gonna take real good care of you."
"I know he is." she blushed.
"He promised me that he'll always protect you, love you, and make sure you have everything you need to be happy. I know he'll make a great husband."
"I know he will."
"And tomorrow...a very great father."
"Dad!" Allison's cheeks immediately blushed as she playfully nudged Fredrick with her arm. He chuckled and gave her a playful wink.
"Alright, alright, let's get you out there. Everyone can't wait to see you."
"Thank you daddy." Allison grinned before wrapping her arms around him. Fredrick could feel tears stinging in his eyes, but he did the best he could to maintain his composure. This was Allison's big day, and seeing her happy meant everything to him.
Allison would be in good hands from this day forth. Nothing was going to happen to her, and Thomas was going to make sure of it.
Though she didn't remember anything about her former life, Allison knew that when she escapes this world, she'll regain everything she's lost. There would be no more darkness, no more Ink Demon, and no more ink holding her prisoner. She and Tom deserved their lives back, even if that meant going their separate ways. Unfortunately, Allison had lost the memory of her husband, and was oblivious to the idea that was Tom.
Just like how she lost the memory of her son.
Allison had just given birth before she was killed by Bendy. She hadn't been able to fully enjoy the moment of motherhood, and upon her demise, did that memorable event not follow. Perhaps Bendy's intention was to kill her, that way she wouldn't be able to remember Ben. Either way, the ink wiped away her memories of being a wife...and a mother.
She continued to maneuver the boat forward, but that didn't stop her from conversing with Ben and Henry. In fact, it was rather nice to feel happy again. The fact that Ben was so full of joy was inspiring. How can this young boy, surrounded by a world of darkness, be so bright! Sure, he had an episode on the boat that nearly killed them, but that may have had to do with his hormones.
After all, he just turned thirteen.
Allison's thoughts cleared when she heard Ben snicker a laugh. She turned around and grinned to see that bright smile from him again. This boy's fascination for Henry was both amusing and precious.
"So, you're saying you killed the Ink Demon with just a reel?! It was that easy?!" Ben asked.
"Well, it was the only thing I had that seemed to defeat him." Henry replied with a smirk.
"Heh, so much for immortality." Ben huffed in amusement.
Allison couldn't help but release a soft chuckle. Ben noticed her reaction and immediately turned to beam up at the angel.
"There are things about the ink that most of us aren't aware of." Henry explained, garnering both Allison and Ben's attention, "After I learned that my victory was nothing more than a cycle, I always remembered to write on the walls."
"What do you mean?" Ben asked, "What cycle?"
"Anyone that dies here can't move on." Allison jumped in. "We can't go home."
"But I thought this was your home?"
"No." Allison replied with a shake of her head, "It never will be."
Ben paused, not understanding the concept behind there being so much hate in this world. He knew that the Lost Ones were once humans, but he never imagined why there was so much hate. Sure, the studio wasn't a very safe place, but it was the only home Ben knew. And hearing them speak vile about this place just didn't seem to sit right with Ben.
"It's been forty years of an eternal prison I can't escape from." Allison sighed, "It isn't easy living in this world with an Ink Demon right outside your door. Everyday's always about wondering whether I'm going to live or die. I shouldn't have to fear both."
"One thing you should always remember, Ben, is to always overcome the darkness. The ink knows what to do in order to corrupt your mind. It won't let you go either once you let it control you. Don't ever let that happen." Henry warned.
Ben had been frowning upon these statements. He was slightly confused, but he didn't wish to ponder any further about the ink. His mind still couldn't grasp what he is, and whenever Allison spoke to him, he only saw a woman he imagined would make a great mother.
But, how could a thing like him ask her to take on the role of someone special?
Perhaps a song? No, he knew he didn't have much talent with singing. Maybe a performance? Ben knew he was very flexible, and he's maneuvered much skill to do many flips. No, she might think it's silly and boring.
Well, what else can he do to ask?
"We're here."
Ben's thought bubbles popped when Allison addressed their arrival to the dock. Great, Ben was tired of being in this boat, and he felt like he could really use a wardrobe change when he reunites with Tom. The wolf would throw a fit if he saw all the gunk of ink stained on the boy, and he'd force him to clean up until not one speck remained. Tom was a neat freak like that, and messes were never tolerated in their household.
When they reached the dock, the trio departed and stepped through the door. Then, they entered down a long hallway full of doors and offices permeated with ink.
"Lead the way Ben." Allison smiled as Ben returned one and instantly took charge.
They walked...and walked...and walked...and walked! Unfortunately, this place could be so huge sometimes. Ben loved to explore the world he lived in, but this hallway was starting to irritate him. It just seemed to never end, and the longer they ventured, the more Ben just wanted to plop down on his bed. Henry and Allison must've felt the same too since they were getting wary of their surroundings. However, the more they walked, the darker it became. And with no light source nearby, the two adults were getting worried.
"Uh oh, looks like it's getting dark up ahead. Are you sure this is the way?" Allison asked.
"It's the only way. We can't go back." Ben replied.
"Don't worry Alice, the way to go is to keep going forward. It's probably just as dark from the way we came. If Ben knows this is right, then we need to trust him." Henry smiled confidently, "I think a little devil like himself should know much about the studio."
"Well, he's not wrong." Ben grinned before winking at Allison.
Allison folded her arms and expressed a smirk. "Little devil huh? Hmm, I think I could see that."
Ben gave her another wink before turning his attention back to the dark hall ahead. With a confident smile, Ben knew that he had to rely on his instincts to get them through. If he was truly part of the ink that made Bendy, then his abilities should be able to get them past this darkness.
"Take my hand." Ben turned back to Alice with a smirk. "And Henry, take her's."
Henry and Allison listened before they began to venture down the pitch-black atmosphere. Slightly on edge, the two adults feared that if Bendy was nearby, they wouldn't be able to witness his streaks of ink lingering near. It seemed for these two, the only instinct they could rely on was sound. On the other hand, Ben was capable of seeing and hearing through this just fine. Henry found it puzzling, but he was too busy worrying about ink monsters to care.
"Stop." Ben whispered as he halted in his tracks. Allison and Henry's hearts began to race. This meant that Ben was able to see something they didn't.
"What's wrong? What is it?" Allison murmured.
Ben said nothing as his pupils glanced around the darkness, following the movement of something. When he didn't reply, Allison and Henry grew concerned. Ben bit his lip and kept his eyes locked on what was pacing back and forth ahead of them. He maintained his glare, and that was enough to finally make a smile across his lips.
"Okay, let's go."
"W-Wait, what did you see?" Allison inquired.
"Oh nothing, just a horrifying experiment of lost souls fused into one. Their heads stick out all over the body right, and they always look so sad. But when they see people, they get angry and bounce all over the place. When they see me though, they look me in the eyes and always run away."
Fear was enough to leave Allison and Henry absolutely speechless.
Ben shrugged with a grin, "It happens all the time. I've dealt with them before. It's a good thing you can't see them though because I don't think you'd want to leave your room if you did."
Still silent.
"Okay, let's go!" Ben beamed as they continued on their way.
Sammy awoke from bed upon hearing the cries of a Lost One outside his den. This was the thirty-fourth time that someone cried over that sickening child today! It hasn't even been no more than two hours since Ben had fled the village, and some of the souls here have been absolutely over-dramatic.
At this point, Sammy has had it.
Angrily storming out, Sammy emerged from the shadows and turned to the Lost One sniffling near the entryway. The man hadn't noticed him step out and continued to release tears for Ben. A Searcher and another member stood next to their companion while Sammy maintained an angry scowl.
"Why did he have to betray us?" The man sniffed, "Why? Why?!"
Sammy can't believe these idiots think that a child was their ticket to freedom. Has the ink really stripped knowledge from these fools to bestow them the "Lack of common sense"?
"Have you lost your mind!" Sammy barked, "You are sitting here rotting away, and yet, you mope for a dimwitted child that always comes here! I will not stand for any more despair over such an ignorant boy!"
The Lost One paused as he kept his eyes locked on Sammy, but he only grew more emotional upon the harsh words. Burying his head back into his knees, he wailed even louder. Taking a deep breath, and holding the bridge of his nose to maintain his composure, Sammy didn't know what else he could do. He didn't have his weapon handy, but even killing this man over Ben was something completely unnecessary.
"Tell me…" Sammy sighed, "What is so special about that child."
"You don't know?" The female Lost One queried. Sammy removed his hand from his face and gave her a look.
"Know what exactly?" The composer challenged, placing his hands to his waist.
"Our lord has given us a child that will set us free!" she stated joyously. However, her expression changed into anger when she received a snicker from Sammy, "What's so funny? It's the truth."
"I simply find it amusing that you believe our lord created this child as if he wanted to." Sammy cracked a smile. The man stopped crying and immediately snapped his head up at Sammy to send a glare. Sammy continued to laugh, but when he noticed that the trio was upset, he figured they were serious.
"Ben is the offspring of our lord and the angel. We had been sulking in the archives...and then...we heard screams. It was from the angel! Something horrid was happening to her, and we wanted to witness her pain. But when we were halfway...we heard...a baby."
"And how does that prove he's the son of Bendy?" Sammy questioned.
"Because he's perfect! He has everything any of us could ever ask for! What kind of life from the ink does not have to suffer the same way we do?" she finished.
This information was enough to acquire Sammy's attention. He never thought about Ben's existence till now, and with this news, it seemed plausible. Ben was created from the ink that invaded everyone's minds – pure darkness from the mechanics of the ink machine – and yet, he wasn't deformed or corrupted in the slightest. How can that be? Was it because he wasn't brought to life and instead from the womb of an angel?
Sammy shivered at the thought, but if Alice carried an offspring as the result of her ink combining with Bendy's, then he didn't see how it was impossible. Bendy's ink was the most powerful and unusual substance in the studio, and it's even powerful enough to conceive a child it seems.
"Hmmm...interesting." Sammy smirked as he held his chin in deep thought, "I am quite curious to see if this theory of yours is indeed true."
"Y-You are?"
"Why yes. I never imagined that this boy could be the result of a complicated birth. If he truly belongs to Bendy, then that means he must mean something to him as well."
"What are you saying?" the woman hissed, suspicious of where Sammy seemed to be going with this.
"Simply that if we find the boy, capture, and bring him here, the Ink Demon will be vulnerable without him. Then, he'll have no choice but to set us free."
"So you want to use Ben as a pawn?" the man asked.
"Precisely."
The trio exchanged worried glances since they were unsure about this plan. Sammy may be their leader, but he wasn't the brightest with ideas. The Henry sacrifices failed, and Bendy slaughtered him each time from it. But if Ben meant everything to their lord, then that meant they could initiate their own sacrifice to take Ben's life so they can be spared instead.
Despite not noticing Sammy's true intentions, they agreed nonetheless. Sammy was satisfied in seeing how quickly they agreed with him and grinned confidently.
"Now, find that boy and bring him to me. And have the swollen ones get the cage ready. We want to make sure our guest feels right at home when he returns, don't we?"
"Dad! I'm ho-"
Ben gasped when he saw what had become of his home. It was absolutely destroyed! The doors were nearly clawed off their hinges, the table was nothing but pieces, and the stove had been stripped from its wiring and thrown across the room. Staring at the wires from the wall, Ben could see that they were still sparking, which meant that this must've happened before they arrived. Ben also noticed the giant claw marks and dents of sharp teeth punctured on the stove. This signaled that Bendy was here and must've thrown an immense temper-tantrum.
Allison and Henry then entered the room and were just as shocked.
"Oh my goodness! What happened here?" Allison inquired.
"I-I don't know!" Ben panted anxiously when he saw no signs of Tom anywhere. "Dad! Dad, are you here?!"
Ben took off straight to Tom's room and ran inside. When he didn't see his father sitting at the foot of his bed, and his toolbox still sitting in the corner of the room, that's when the boy believed his father had been taken. The images of Bendy snatching Tom and opening his massive jaws to devour him traumatized Ben. If Tom died, then that meant he'd have no family. Bendy would be all the family he had left unless he asked Allison to be his caretaker.
But if she says no, who else would he have?
Henry and Allison followed before they saw the boy fall to his knees and cry. Slowly, they walked and leaned themselves down alongside the boy as he continued sniffling. At this point, he needed all the love he could get.
"Hey buddy," Henry spoke softly as he stroked Ben's back, "Don't lose faith. I know Tom. He wouldn't let the Ink Demon get him that easily, right?"
Ben lifted his head and wiped his tears with his arm sleeve. "Yeah?"
"And if I know Tom, he loves his son more than anything in the world. So he'd go and find him if he ever disappeared, right?"
"Y-Yes sir."
"Well, guess that means Tom is out there somewhere. Best we leave and find him. Come on, we need to get you back to your father."
That seemed to cheer Ben up a little, but he felt even better when Allison decided to give him a soft peck on the head. Ben's eyes widened and his cheeks flushed when he realized Allison had kissed him. It was the peck that a mother gave when she saw her child in despair. He smiled up sweetly at the angel, to which she responded by offering her hand to him.
Ben didn't hesitate and took Allison's hand as they followed Henry out of the safehouse. And not once did Ben ever feel the need to look back.
Now, it was time to move forward.
"So, where should we go now?" Allison asked.
Ben pondered for a moment, but he lit up when he had an answer. "Oh, we can go to my place!"
Henry chuckled as he turned back to Ben. "Your place?"
"Yeah! I have a personal sanctuary I built myself. Nobody knows about it, not even my dad, so I don't mind sharing it with you guys! You'll be my first guests!"
"Ah, your own hideout." Allison giggled, "That sounds wonderful."
"Lead the way." Henry replied with a smile. As soon as he said those words, Ben gleamed with that joyous smile and released Allison's hand to scurry before them.
"Alright, follow me! Oh man, I can't wait to show you! Just promise you won't tell my dad. This'll be our little secret."
"Your secret is safe with us little devil." Allison chirped.
With that said, the trio took off down the hallway. As they ventured further and further, with Ben's blabbering of excitement going on and on, one of the doors in the hall slightly cracked open. Along with another...and another...and another.
Cardboard heads peered out as they watched the three figures until they turned a corner. They recognized that voice. They can recognize that voice from anywhere!
Now, it was finally time to seek revenge on the boy that did them wrong.
Twisted Alice hissed as she threw a syringe of Tom's ink into her lower torso. Taking a deep breath, she pressed the lever down and forced the ink into her system. She sighed in relief when she felt energized again, but this wasn't the ink she wanted. Of all the life forms in this studio, there was only one being that had everything she could ever desire.
Ben.
That "perfect" Alice had taken what was rightfully her's, and as a result, Bendy had discovered their plan and took Allison to prevent them from succeeding. If Alice had known forty years prior that Allison would fall pregnant from this, she would've killed her and used the child as her gateway to freedom.
She remembered those events like it was yesterday. Allison drank the concoction, Alice tried to murder her with her bare hands, Allison escaped and Alice chased after her. Lots of other things happened after that too, but what infuriated Alice most was that Bendy had heard and found the angels. Hopeful that the beast would harm Allison, Alice had fled and left her for dead.
But it seems that the monster felt the need to spare her. For what, she didn't know, but that meant Bendy had gotten what he deserved. He ended up getting himself entangled in their little scheme without realizing it, and lost a good chunk of his power.
And as a result of his involvement, Ben was conceived and born in the ink world.
That power was the only chance Alice had to perfection, and both Allison and Bendy had ruined it for her.
But, there was one thing her mother always used to say...
All good things always come to those who wait.
And soon...Bendy won't stand a chance when the new Ink Demon finally comes to town.
To be continued in Chapter 12...