Touched By An Angel

The Vault

*YOUR POV*

We walked into the vault room and Alice gasped. I followed her eyes and my jaw dropped open in shock. The vault door appeared to have been ripped off its hinges, and there was inky residue around the open space. I looked over at Alice. "We're going to have to go in, aren't we?" I asked, getting a nod in return.

"Unfortunately." I reached over and took her hand, which caused the angel to look at me in confusion. I shrugged.

"It feels safer. Besides, I do like you." A blush crept across Alice's face as we stepped into the vault. There were ink splatters on the walls and a door to our right. We walked towards it when I noticed a box on the floor. I released Alice's hand and knelt next to it, quickly opening it to see what was inside. It was empty, with the exception of two film reels and an ink stain.

"Looks like whatever was here was taken a long time ago," Alice said. I nodded and stood, already knowing what it was. I turned to face Alice.

"Look, I know where we need to go. But it's not going to be pleasant. The Ink Demon has something that we need. I'm going after him." Alice stepped closer.

"You want to go to his lair? Are you crazy? That's death!" I sighed.

"Well, that's where the trail seems to lead." Alice shook her head.

"No. Absolutely not. I won't lose you. I'm going. After all, it's probably close by." Her gaze flicked to the door. "Probably through there. But it won't be easy to open. I'll need three years, a crowbar, some sort of counter balance..." While she was lost in thought, I noticed a movement in my peripheral vision. The figure walked up to the door and slammed their fist into it, sending the doors flying open. It turned, revealing...

"Tom?"