Reanimate The Future

Chapter 17: The Darkness Within

The Ink Machine. Standing tall, ominous, and lonely. Clanking away as it continued to run on its lonely island. The Ink moat running peacefully around its border. Henry stood just at the edge of the moat, gazing up at the Ink Machine just ahead of him. Feeling the fear starting to build up inside him, trying not to tremble in terror. Staring blankly at the opening in front of him, then glancing at the ink to see his reflection in it.

"Henry" Said Joey as he tried to get Henry's attention for a moment, making Henry turn around to glance over in Joey's direction.

"Be careful... have your wits about you... and always watch your back" Stated Joey as a warning to Henry, knowing that he needed all of the help he could get now.

Henry nodded as he turned his gaze back at the Ink Machine. Taking in a deep breath as he started to walk into the ink. Wading through the river as he tried to make it to the other side. Keeping a tight grip on the crowbar, knowing that he would most likely need it. Eventually making his way to the other side and dragging himself up and out of the moat. Slightly exhausted as he got to his feet. With the ink dripping off his clothes, making him look like an ink creature himself. Then turning his gaze to the archway at the Ink Machine.

Slowly Henry started to edge his way into the ink machine. The noise of the machine being its loudest inside the walls. Hearing the clanking pounding like a bad headache. Grinding of gears sounding like screeching. Still being able to hear to footsteps echoing in the eerie environment. After a small corridor walk there was a turning into what appeared to be the main room. A small circle room, with a throne set in the centre. Raised up slightly on a little mound of ink.

There on the throne was Cherry. Metal cages from her body was ripped off. Wrists and ankles bound with old film reel. Even though she probably couldn't run the demon was making extra sure of it. Her head held down, looking at the floor. Trying not to cry but still letting some tears fall. The only thing missing was... Bendy.

"Cherry" Whispered Henry as he edged forward slightly, hoping to catch Cherry's attention but not the demons attention as he still could gage where Bendy was.

Clearly Cherry had heard his voice, twitching slightly as she was snapped out of her state. Slowly raising her head to look dead ahead of her. Having eye contact with Henry, with his eyes filling with shock. Cherry's left eye now stained black, the same colour as the ink. With a single strand trailing down her cheek, staining her skin black. Then on her other cheek was a trail of tears running down her face. Henry could easily tell that she was suffering, still having no idea what Bendy had even down to her.

Without even thinking Henry rushed at Cherry. Ripping off the movie reel bindings and letting her collapse into his arms. Hearing her coughing and spluttering over his shoulder, feeling how weak Cherry was. Still Henry kept Cherry in his arms, noticing she had calmed down slightly from her fit.

"Henry... what... what are... you doing?" Questioned Cherry as she looked up at Henry, her eye now back to the way it once was but still confused as to why he was even here.

"Getting you out of here" Stated Henry as he picked Cherry up in his arms, making sure Cherry was safely in them before he turned around only to be faced with the demon.

Bendy now having a completely different stance. Bigger than his previous size, with a hunched over position. Kneeling on both of his hands which could've easily been half the size of a human. A grin more pointy, like knives hanging from shelves. With horns now standing twice as tall and just as sharp.

"I don't think so... Henry" Said Bendy as he edged his way forward towards the pair of them, and before Henry could even react Bendy raised his hand and flung the pair of them through a wall in the ink machine.