Return To The Machine

Chapter 14

The banging on the door persisted as Parker and Rosa readied themselves for an attack. Sammy reached into his pocket to put away the record he had. "What do we do?! Is there another exit?" Parker asked alarmed. "No, the one door is the only way out. Those Ink Searchers are relentless. They won't stop until they get what they want. We'll have to fight through the crowd." Sammy then reached for the door handle to open it. "Are you ready?" he asked intensively. Rosa nodded her head while Parker shrugged, unsure. Sammy opened the door and the Ink Searchers began crawling towards them, arms stretched out.

Rosa was the first to lunge out to try and take them on. Parker hesitated. It wasn't until he saw Sammy struggle that he thought he should do something. Taking the ax, he brought it down the creatures. Sammy found a long broken wood block and decided to use that as a temporary weapon. "Don't let them touch you!" he warned them. Rosa managed to destroy more and headed towards the exit of the music center altogether. Parker managed to hold them off a little longer and followed after her. Sammy on the other hand fell back.

"Slimy creatures. If only the great savior himself looked at you as a wonderful creation. Yet we're all a curse. Oh well, farewell my friends. I won't miss your presence." With that, he was out right behind the other two. When they were all out, Sammy slammed the door shut to the recording room, using the wooden block and a chair to keep it shut. The creatures screeched as they banged on the door. Parker began hyperventilating as Rosa sank down to the ground in relief. "I'm not sure... but I can guarantee that Susie is looking for someone."

"How can you be so sure?" Rosa asked. "Well for starters, I've never seen so many Ink Searchers in one place at the same time without Bendy. Second, Ink Searchers in general are hard to bargain with. Susie must've done something to get their attention. Haven't you ever seen her?" Sammy explained.

Shaking her head, Rosa sighed. "I've only ever seen her in photos. And I doubt she looks the same as she does now." Sammy huffed and looked out into the studio. A laugh filled the silence briefly before it disappeared. "Well... we better get out of here. They know we're here. It won't be long until they send more." Sammy said. Parker looked at Rosa. "Shouldn't we... tell him?" Rosa shook her head immediately. "Listen! We appreciate your help and all but- we've gotta go on our own!" Rosa said, pointing in the opposite direction.

Looking at them, Sammy began laughing. "You're hilarious. Do you really think two juveniles can survive on their own? I mean based on your experience," Sammy began while glancing at Rosa. "You barely know your own home. Probably hiding out with what we call, the Resistance. And you," Sammy looked at Parker. "You're definitely not from around here."

Parker sighed in defeat knowing it was true. "Was it the clothes that gave it away?" he asked. "No, it was your shoes." Parker looked down at his black and green Vans. He held back a chuckle and groaned. "I can't help it if they look great!" Rosa smiled. Sammy rolled his eyes. "I should come with you both. Who knows. You might need my help." Sammy declared.

Before Rosa could reply, Parker immediately intervened. "No, no way! Absolutely not! You were trying to kill us not too long ago! Why should we trust you?!" he snapped. "Parker! We need him! He could help us get around places I've never been before!"

"Are you serious?! This is the same guy that wanted to sacrifice us a while back! I can't believe you're actually considering working with this guy!" he snapped. "No offense, Parker, but you've barely been here even for a second! And I know I don't know too much either, but this is the best chance we've got! Please... we've got to find a way!" she replied. He shook his head, looking back at Sammy who stood there calmly. 

Still reluctant, Parker gave a sigh. "Fine. But only because we don't know what we're up against ahead." he said. "Except don't you think I'm letting him out of our sight any time soon." he said. "I won't let him hurt us. Thanks for looking out for me though!" Rosa replied, brushing her hand against his shoulder. Parker lightly blushed, watching her walk off. As Sammy walked past him, he let out a small chuckle. "I can tell you two are rather close." he scoffed. "Puh-lease. I'm pretty sure she's got better taste than this." Parker replied with a slight groan.

"Believe what you want. Now come on. We've gotta get out of here." he added following Rosa close behind. Parker grumbled to himself and then chased after them with the ax in hand.

Little did the group know that there was an Ink Searcher who worked for Susie lingering in the shadows. It had stalked Sammy out from his hiding spot.

It lingered back to where Susie hid in her little shelter to hide away from Bendy and the others threatening her existence.

Making it back to Susie, they formed into a female figure before bowing before Susie. "My Angel... I've located Sammy. He has the two children out there." they told her.

Susie's back was faced the Ink Searcher. She barely lifted her head where she was facing the wall while sitting at a table. "And... the Wolf?" The Ink Searcher shook her head, looking down at the ground. "Unfortunately... there haven't been any sightings of him in weeks."

"No matter. Capture the three. Bring them to me. I'll die before I ever let him have any power."