The Inky World Of The Ink Machine

Chapter 29 - Poor Wally

Wally

November 1930

A normal day at the studio. People in and out. I have to say, I sometimes feel lonely here. I am only a janitor at Joey Drew Studios. Why should anybody even care if I'm here. Joey only stays at his office. Only twice a week he goes throughout the studio.

Even though I am alone, it doesn't stop me from getting my work done. And do you think anybody is proud of me? No. Nobody. Not even Mr. Drew.

It was all the same until I thought to do friends here at the studio. It was hard, but finally I found a friend. This fellow's name was Henry Stein. After we became friends, he introduced me to his best friend, Norman Polk.

A nice guy I have to say. When I had to stay late at night, I always knew that Norman was there too. We had good conversations. Norman would stay "accidentally" here, only to give me some company. Henry would too, but he had a wife, Linda.

One day as we had a day off, we went to Henry's house and got indroduced to Linda. She was a very nice woman. We even had so much fun. We four spended that day on our fullest.

I always remembered them. Sadly one day something bad happened.

Joey started to be very bossy and overwhelmed his employees with work. My job was only to clean so I didn't count. After everyone was done, Henry and Norman went immediately home. Even as they were tired, they goodbyed me before they left.

One day...Henry quitted.

I totally understand him. Joey was a big weight to take. Me and Norman wished him luck in his new life and that he won't get a boss like Joey in his next job. Luckily he didn't.

Norman started being less tired sense some time. As I was passing him, I tried to help him by giving him secretly some food like sandwiches. Norman always appreciated it.

And then are days like today. November, a cold month at the year 1930. As always after finishing their work, people left the studio. Also Norman this time, telling me a goodbye.

Since some months, Henry isn't here. I miss him being here around. Still, we are relieved that Henry doesn't have this weight anymore.

Well, back to where I was, Joey stayed today a little longer. He and this Thomas Guy went to a room, where a normal employee didn't had access. They even told me to stay out there. And if they keep a janitor out of a place, that means they're hiding something.

I waited until both of them left. I was very tired. It showed 3 o'clock in the mornin'. What the hell were they doin' there?

So they left and locked the studio. Perfect for me. I wasn't plannin' on comin' back home today.

The room was locked. How swell for me. Luckily I found keys on the floor, that belonged to this Thomas Guy. I picked them up and opened the door.

I quietly sneaked into the room. I wasn't alone. A man with a robotic red glowing eye crouched in front of a... machine? This machine, it was noisy, messy and made big amount of ink. Who needs that much ink anyway?

The man started a conversation with himself. He said things like "Fred, you can do it.", as well as "Bring Typhon to life.".

I don't know who that Typhon Guy should be, but after Fred did some kind of ritual, it came out that Typhon is some kind of a monster. A Smokedevil.

As Fred gave him a hand, Typhon was pulled into the machine. Fred started panicking and ran out of the studio, breaking a glass from one of the windows.

I, on the other hand, came closer to the machine I checked around and it was...
something very different.

I then noticed footsteps all over the room including mine and his. So I cleaned it up.

I had to make sure Joey wouldn't find out. If Joey would see this room clean, he would know it was me because I am the one who cleans it up. But earlier there weren't footsteps.

So I filled a bucket with this ink from the machine and made a trail of ink, surrounding the Ink Machine. After it was done I left the room, locking it behind me.

I was on my way to the door as suddenly Joey opened it, me being in the spotlight.

"Gosh, Wally. Where you the whole time being in the studio locked up?"

"Yes, Sir. I was in the Music Department, cleaning the infirmary."

"Oh my...I'm so sorry, pal. I didn't mean to."

"I know that, Sir."

"You're probably very tired right know. Go home. I give you a day off."

"Really?"

"Really. Now, you should make your way."

"Thank you, Sir."

"No problem, pal."

And so I went home. It wasn't normal that Joey would give a day off. He was suspicious. Just like this Fred Guy in the night.

Next week we are going to be introduced to something. I might know what that should be. I guess I am right.

But I can't tell it now. Also not about this man and the Smokedevil. Because if someone finds out about it all...

I'm Outta Here!