AN: Merry Christmas everyone!
As preparations continued for Norman's restoration ritual continued, Bendy began spending more and more time alone in his room. He spoke less than normal and could barely even muster up a smile anymore when he tried to convince everyone he was fine. It was clear to the rest of the family that the little devil was falling into a depression.
Norman felt so guilty about it that he tried to have the ritual postponed until Bendy was more accepting of the circumstances. Bendy, when he heard about this, felt immensely guilty himself. He insisted that his foul mood shouldn't prevent Norman from getting the happiness he deserved after suffering so long. The Projectionist gave in and thanked the devil for understanding.
"Has Bendy come out at all?" Linda asked glancing up the stairs.
"No," Henry sighed, glancing up himself before going back to his notes. "He wants to able to support Norman, but it's too hard for him right now. He's probably going stay in his room for the rest of the day until he feels like he can be happy for Norman rather than jealous."
Linda nodded sadly and went back to directing the toons who were moving furniture around in the living room. There had been several discussions on where to hold the ritual. Henry had originally suggested the backyard, so as not to potentially damage anything in the house. But being seen by the neighbors was a concern. Even if most of those nearby accepted the toons, or at least tolerated them, they didn't want to push that trust by performing a ritual out in the open like that. The woods had been a real possibility, but there was still the chance that someone could stumble upon them. They also didn't want to be so far away from home in case something went wrong.
This is what lead to Linda making sure everything was moved safely out of the way and tarps covering everything. Henry was working on the large tarp on the floor, carefully drawing out the ritual circle in ink. He doubles and tripled check every line and symbol, making sure everything was right. He did not want this going wrong, not after Norman trusted him. Once he was sure everything was right, he stood up with a sigh.
"Is it time?" Norman asked, a mix of nervousness and excitement coloring his tone.
"Yeah, it's time…" Henry sighed, standing to the side as he held Joey's book open. "Just stand in the circle there…"
Norman did so and the others began placing drawings of Norman's humans form and even a few photos that Norman's wife had provided, though she didn't know what they were to be used for.
"Okay… Let's do this…" Henry said, taking a deep breath to steady himself before he began to chant. "Viribus incumbere invoco extra meam. In consilio meo et liberabo figura atramento anima continentur …"
Henry's eyes began to glow with his golden ink as he continued his chant. The photos and drawings began to glow as well, spreading along the painted lines until the entire circle was glowing. Slowly, the glow began to climb up Norman, enveloping his entire being and forcing everyone but Henry to look away from how bright it was. Soon the chants came to an end and Henry just watched, hoping this would work.
Slowly the glow began to fade, but the ink remained golden as it slowly began to melt from Norman's form. Everyone's breath was held in anticipation as the projector dipped away, leaving a human head behind. Smiles began to grow on everyone's faces as more and more of Norman was revealed. The ink melted completely into a puddle around his feet, revealing his restored human form.
"Norman?" Henry asked breathlessly, causing the man to open his eyes and look at Henry. Henry was surprised to see that Norman's pupils had a pie cut, but it made sense. After so long as a toon, it made sense that Henry couldn't erase every trace. The ink will always be a part of Norman, but he was no longer enslaved by it.
Norman smiled and was about to step out of the circle when he felt something shift beneath him. He glanced down, drawing everyone's attention to the ink puddle. Everyone felt worry and confusion as they saw the ink beginning to move on its own.
It moved out from under Norman and began to gather itself at the edge of the circle. It formed a small ball before molding into a more complicated shape. Small arms and legs began to solidify along with a really big head. A light began to shine as a mini Projectionist began looking around at all of them.
"What is that?" Norman asked, breaking the silence. The mini Projectionist looked over as soon as Norman spoke and ran over to him, hugging him in the leg. "Henry?"
"I… I don't know?" Henry replied, looking between the mini toon and his notes. "I'm not really sure how this happened… but at least he doesn't seem dangerous…"
"We can worry about this little cutie later," Linda said, picking up the mini Projectionist, earning a hug from the little toon. "As far as I can tell, the ritual was a success and that's something to celebrate."
Everyone relaxed at that and swarmed Norman, cheering and admiring his restored body. Henry laughed and put the book away. The ritual might not have turned out quite as he was expecting and they would have to keep an eye out for any worrisome side effects, but that was for later. Right now was a time for the family to enjoy this great turn of events.
Hopefully Bendy would feel up to celebrating with them soon as well…