ITT au is mine. @ask-joeydrewstudios belongs to @cozylittleartblog
Chapter 10:
The corner of Sammy's mouth twitched upwards it what could almost be considered a smile. The band was performing excellent today (for once) and having Susie's angelic voice part of this piece only served to increase his good mood. Everything was perfect… which is why Sammy shouldn't have been surprised when everything came crashing down. A large shadow fell over the band as something very large ran across the floor behind Sammy, shaking the room with every step. It roared as it crossed the room, an angry terrifying sound. The band members immediately panicked, many falling out of their seats as music sheets and instruments were scattered everywhere. Sammy barely kept his balance as he spun around quickly for the source of interruption, only catching a glimpse of a giant creature of ink before it disappeared into the wall.
"Was that Inky?" Susie asked in shock and worry, running out of the recording booth and up to Sammy.
"Maybe… I don't know…" Sammy replied, still struggling to process what just happened. "But whatever it is… we need to stop it! Having something like that running around can't be good…"
"Come on," Susie said, grabbing Sammy's hand. "We have to get Henry!"
Susie began running upstairs, pulling Sammy along with her. (The only reason Sammy was going was because Susie was holding him, not because he might actually care for the little toon. Nope not at all, no matter how much Inky loved to just sit and listen to the music he created.) Hopefully, Henry would know how to calm Inky down.
Down in the toy department, Shawn was chatting softly to his two plushies as he worked. He paused when he noticed his plushies were suddenly looking elsewhere. Turning to look for himself, he was in time to see a giant ink creature come through a portal in the wall. It roared and ran through the room, easily knocking over the shelves in its path before disappearing through the opposite wall.
"Was that Inky?" Shawn asked, glancing at his plushies. One of them nodded slightly, giving Shawn all the confirmation he needs. Scooping up his plushies, he made his way to upstairs.
Up in the animation department, things were busy as usual. No one was prepared when the giant ink creature came barreling through with a loud roar, knocking over a desk and spilling ink and papers everywhere. The creature soon disappeared, leaving the place in chaos. Joey and Henry came running to see what the commotion was about just as Norman and the toons came running in.
"Inky is having a panic attack," Norman explained, cutting right to the chase. "Worst one we've ever seen."
"We were just watching cartoons!" Bendy chipped in. "He just freaked out suddenly when it ended!"
"Don't worry," Henry assured, giving the panicking toons a smile. "I'm sure I can calm Inky down."
The toons didn't seem completely convinced, but they did relax more. Joey instructed everyone nearby to move closer to the walls in case Inky came through again. Only a few moments later, another ink portal began to appear. Henry ran out and stood right in the path.
"Inky! Stop!" Henry said as Beast Bendy came running out of the portal. Beast Bendy skidded to a stop right in front of Henry, towering precariously over the animator that for a moment it seemed like he was going to fall on top of Henry. Once Beast Bendy had regained his balanced, he let out a whine and nudged Henry with his large head. Henry smiled at the large toon and comforting hand on him.
"There we go…" Henry said softly, rubbing Beast Bendy's head. "It's alright…"
Those watching smiled at the sweet sight and toons sighed in relief at seeing their friend calm down. Joey thought it was best he leaves so as not to further upset Inky and began to step away. This turned out to be a mistake though as Beast Bendy's attention immediately snapped to him. Beast Bendy snarled at him, leaping over Henry to tackle Joey to the floor.
"Joey!" those around called out in worry as Beast Bendy roared in his face. Several people moved forward to help, but he waved them away. While he might not have had a direct hand in creating this Bendy, he was still on one of his toons. And Joey could tell that something bothering Inky that he needed to get out of his system.
"What's the matter, Bendy?" Joey quietly asked the snarling toon, using Inky's real name in hopes of reaching him. "How can I do anything to help you if you don't tell me what's wrong?"
Beast Bendy roared again, the clawed hand holding Joey down digging into the wooden floor, but this time a word could be made out. Along and pain filled Why?
"Why..?" Inky both roared and sobbed, his words becoming clearer as he shrunk down into his Ink Demon form. "Why..? Why… did… you… kill… me..? Kill… so many… Over… and… over… nothing… but… death… and… pain…"
Joey wanted desperately to comfort the hurting toon, but he could tell that wasn't what Inky needed right now. Inky had obviously been bottling up all these emotions for a long time and now they all needed to come out.
"Why..?" the Ink Demon continued to sob, clutching Joey's shirt. "Why… did… we… have… to… suffer… so… much..? Why… did… you… make… me… kill… them..? Why… did… you… turn… me… into… a monster..? What… did… we… do… to deserve… everything… we… went… through..? What… did… I… do..? Why… did… I… have… to be… chained… up… when… I… hadn't… done… anything..? Is… it… only… because… I… wasn't… perfect..? An… abomination..? Why..? Why… couldn't… I… have… been… perfect..? Why… couldn't I… have been… what you… wanted..? Why… am I… such… a mistake..? If only… I had… been… perfect… Then maybe… you would have… liked me… It's all my fault… Because I never figured out how to be perfect…"
As Inky continued to sob and ramble on, his form shrunk down even more, leaving the crying toon curled up against Joey's chest. Moving very slowly so as not to alarm Inky, Joey sat up and carefully cradled the toon against his chest. Joey gently rocked the toon back in forth, rubbing Inky's back. Slowly the sobs quieted down into sniffles though tears still poured down his cheeks.
"Now I want you to listen to me very carefully Bendy," Joey said once he knew the toon was calm enough to listen to him. "It's not your fault. I don't care what that other Joey told, you did nothing wrong! You are not a mistake and don't you dare blame yourself simply because you aren't "perfect". No one, toons included, is meant to be perfect. You are wonderful just the way you are and that other Joey was just too blind to see it. Don't let anything that other Joey said continue to haunt you. He's a liar after all, right? Anyone should be proud of helping create such an amazing toon like you. I'm sure your Henry is and everyone hears has loved having to get to know you. And while I know that you have no reason to care about what I say or even believe me, but I am proud of you!"
Inky pulled back from Joey to look him in the eye. After a moment of staring at each other, Inky did something that absolutely shocked everyone in the room… He hugged Joey.
Joey froze for a moment in surprise, before returning Inky's hug.
"Thank you, Joey…" Inky whispered, his voice full of sincerity. Joey was speechless and just nodded as tears fell down his own eyes.
"Uh… Joey..?" Henry's voice cut in, sounding nervous. "What's happening?"
Joey and Inky broke their hug only to notice a glowing ritual circle had somehow formed around them.
"The ritual that brought Inky here is complete," Joey explained, realizing what was happening. "He's being sent back to his own universe…"
"But… but…" Bendy tried to think of something to say. He was happy that Inky could go home, but he didn't want to lose a friend (practically another sibling really.)
"It's alright," Inky smiled as the glow started moving up his body, smiling contently at the toons and all his other friends that had gathered in the room. "I want to go home… thank you for everything! I won't forget you!"
"We went either," Alice agreed, putting a comforting hand on Bendy and smiling at Inky. "Say hi to everyone there for us!"
"I will!" Inky chuckled, his whole body starting to glow as he turned back to Joey. "I'm glad you aren't like my Joey… Please… never lose your good heart…"
"I won't…" Joey promised.
"Don't worry, we'll keep him in line," Henry grinned. Inky giggled and gave everyone last wave goodbye before he disappeared in a flash of light.
So I’m writing another batim fic for @ask-joeydrewstudios in replacement of “New Inky World” because we all know at this point that that’s not going to be finished
Here’s a preview:
“I-wha-what do you mean?” Joey asked shocked. Henry couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. This man was in for a real shock.
“Exactly what I said. My version of Joey killed me years ago.”
Joey rose his hand, wondering if it would be safe to touch the poor man’s shoulder or something, but he stopped short when he heard a chuckle. The inky man’s body had shaked a little with the motion of laughing so shortly, and suddenly he didn’t feel like this was a good idea to be so close. The inky man chuckled once more, straightening his posture just slightly. Without much warning, the man broke into loud cackling and laughing, swinging his hand up to hold the side of his head as he leaned back.
((The sketch came out so well I had to color it out. More fun shall be had on @ask-joeydrewstudios once I type out the next chapter, but this art was fun!))
I have drawn the trouble makers at work. Watch out Wally has come to hear the gossip and to pull pranks. The designs of the characters belong to @ask-joeydrewstudios or @cozylittleartblog
((MERRY PRE-CHRISTMAS EVE! It’s gonna be short because I’m typing on my phone, but @scipunk63’s fics want me to write. For @ask-joeydrewstudios))
——————-
A gentle laugh sounded, making his dog raise her head, ears pricked. “Ya here something girl?” He chuckled, not expecting her to suddenly take off. “Wha-POPPY!”
He leapt after the golden retriever, brushing passed happy couples and giggly children, desperately chasing after his fluffy companion.
Finally, the dog stopped, having tackled some random blonde to the ground, licking her face. “Poppy, heel!” The dog let out a whine, ears pulled back, brown eyes wide and pleading.
“Aw is she your dog?” The woman cooed. “She’s so cute!”
“Uh, thanks?” He picked up his dogs leash and gently tugged. “Sorry ‘bout her,”
“No, it’s fine.” The blonde said before standing and offering her hand, a slight distant look on her. “I’m Rose. Rose Jones.”
Pain hit him. How long had it been since he thought of his baby girl he could… would never see again? “Thomas Conner,” he grunted, taking her hand and shaking once, frowning as her grip tightened.
Joey had banned children from the studio. None were allowed, under any circumstances. Or at least that’s what he said… And then Sammy Lawrence came along, and the old man decided that making his life hell was better than some silly rule.
“Samuel Lawrence is the most responsible man I know. He’d be delighted to babysit.” Joey said, leading a trio of small children to the music department. Among them were Anne-Maria Lawrence, Junior and Dotty Polk. The grandchildren and sibling of some of Joey’s best workers. They were also some of the biggest troublemakers their families had ever seen.
“Mighty good thing of you to let the little ones into your studio, Mr. Drew.” Norman laughed, following the crew to the department. “Junior and Dotty finally get to see how their grandpop works AND get to annoy the hell outta that Samuel Lawrence.”
“Well, I got to thinking about my silly rule when Henry had to go on maternity leave with his Kori.” Joey began, “I thought to myself ‘Joey, it be easier on the workers if they could all watch their little ones here and work instead of finding someone to watch them at home’.”
“You also thought it be a good way to spite that ball of hate you call a music director?” Norman smirked. “Anything to see that man squirm?”
Joey gave a kind smile. “I work to damn hard to let that Sammy get away with missing deadlines and building himself a sanctuary without consulting me first.”
“Watch your language in front of my grandkids, Mr. Drew.” Brown eyes narrowed. “I don’t care what Ms. Annie say, but if either of my grandkids come back to my house swearing like you, I’ll slap the ink stains right off your face, and you know I would.”
“Don’t you worry about them, Norman.” The producer shook his head. “Its Sammy who ought to watch his mouth.”
The group stopped in front of the man in question’s office. The plaque reading “Sammy Lawrence” was particularly shiny today, as if it itself was hopeful of today being a good day-
“Grandpop, I bet I can get my gum to stick to that sign!” Junior announced, loud enough to startle Sammy from within the confines of his office.
It was seconds later that Sammy could be heard racing to his door and tossing it open. His frazzled face poked out shortly after.
“You’d better not, kid!” His sharp tone echoed through the halls, causing the three children to jump. “Joey, what in God’s name are they all doing here!?”
“Why, they’re here for you to look after them.” The older man cooed. “Just for the afternoon, of course-”
“You know what I meant!” Sammy glared.
He didn’t have long to glare, however, as Dotty Polk saw this as her opportunity to approach the young man and dump the contents of her juice pouch directly onto his nice dress shoes. Even though it made quite the puddle, Joey and Norman couldn’t hold back their smirks or snickers.
“What on earth would you do that!?” Sammy exclaimed, clearly straining to hold himself back as he turned to Joey. “This is completely inane, even for you, Joey!”
“You looked like you were gonna catch fire, so I put you out.” Dotty explained, earning a loving hair ruffle from Joey.
“It’s only for three hours, Mr. Lawrence. Besides, you’re the least busy.” Joey laughed.
“What about Wally-!? My sister likes him, and he had a mop so he can clean up after them-”
“Don’t be silly! Wally is far too busy with- things.” Norman shrugged. “Have fun, Samuel.”
With that, the two gentleman started down the hall, leaving a frantic Sammy behind them.
Ask Joey Drew Studios Sammy ( @ask-joeydrewstudios ), Hell’s Studio Sammy ( @doodledrawsthings ) and my in-game version of Sammy chatting about Joey’s nonsense™
These three are my current source of inspiration :3
Joey sighed and closed his book, rubbing his eyes tiredly. He had gone over the ritual several times looking for the smallest mistake that could have caused the other Bendy to get summoned to his world. But no matter how many times he had combed over the ritual and his notes he always came to the same conclusion… there was no mistake. The ritual had been performed perfectly leaving only one result that Joey wasn’t very fond of, that the help that the other Bendy needed could only be found by having him in this world.
Joey could try and send the other Bendy back to his own world anyway, but that was risky. It could clash with the previous ritual and end up making a gateway between the two worlds or it might only work part way, leaving the other Bendy torn between dimensions. No… as much as Joey hatred to admit it, the best thing to do was to wait for the ritual to complete it’s course naturally. To let the other Bendy remain in this world until he got the help he needed after which he would automatically be returned to his own world. Of course, there was no telling how long this would take or what the other Bendy would end up revealing about the other world in the meantime.
Unable to focus any longer or even stand to be in his office, Joey headed out and made his way over to Henry’s desk gave the other Bendy the bad news. But instead of finding the toon, Joey only found Henry working at his desk.
“Henry,” Joey spoke up, making the animator jump in surprise. “Where’s the other Bendy?”
“Our Bendy took him on a tour of the studio. Don’t worry, they’ll be fine,” Henry assured seeing Joey’s slightly panicked look. “The other Bendy’s mostly harmless really. It just seems like he was really scared by being suddenly summoned here. He’s not going to hurt anyone.”
“I know that and it’s not what I’m worried about,” Joey replied in concern. “There’s a reason the other Bendy reacted the way he did especially to me. My counterpart in that dimension has done some terrible things to both his toons and his employees and I just worry how people will react when they learn just how dark some of those dimensions became because of me.”
“Joey, you are not your counterparts,” Henry replied firmly, looking the man in the eye. “So what if that other Joey shares your name? So what if he’s technically you? So what if he has done horrible things? You are not him! You are a good person, a great friend, and a loving father to the toons. No matter what we learn from the other Bendy, it won’t affect how people see you. That other Joey could be the worst person in the history of his dimension, but no one will even think to compare him to you. And anyone that does will have the rest of us to deal with. It’s going to be fine.”
“Thanks, Henry,” Joey said sincerely, feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from him. “But we should still find the other Bendy and let him know I won’t be able to send him back to his own dimension anytime soon. Hopefully, he won’t be too angry with me about that.”
“He’ll probably be upset about not being able to go home, but I know he’ll understand that you’re trying your best,” Henry reasoned as they began making their way through the studio in search of the two devils. As they passed various workers, most just greeted the two as normal as they went but a few of the newer employees seemed more skittish around Joey than usual. Joey felt a pang of hurt and dread at the sight, realizing the other Bendy must have already started opening up about his home dimension. Henry noticed Joey’s change in demeanor and shot him a concerned glance.
Before he could say anything though, they were distracted by music coming from an open doorway down the hall. Pushing through the small crowd gathered at the doorway, Joey and Henry came upon an amusing sight. It seemed that the two Bendy’s were having a dance off with Boris and Alice being the judges. Whichever Bendy was taking their turn would be doing more elaborate and ridiculous moves in an attempt to one-up the other, getting both cheers and laughter from their audience. It came to its climax when one of the Bendy’s (it happened too fast to know which one it was) tripped and crashed into the other. The two devils went tumbling across the floor until they ran into Alice and Boris, the group of the becoming a pile of limbs and giggles.
Joey took the opportunity to give all the lingering employees a stern look. Taking the hint that the show was over, the employees hurried back to their duties. Henry moved forward to help the toons get up, the other Bendy immediately letting out a happy whistle at seeing him. Once the toons were situated, Joey stepped forward. While the other Bendy did watch Joey with suspicion, he didn’t outright glare like he did the last time Joey saw him. Joey could help but feel happy and hopeful about this. That if a Bendy who had suffered under one of his dark counterparts could look at him with something other than loathing, then he truly was nothing like his counterparts and never will be.
“Hello Bendy,” Joey said, addressing the other Bendy.
“We’ve decided that he’s going to go by Inky while he’s stuck here,” Joey’s own Bendy spoke up. “Wally suggested that so people wouldn’t be confused.”
“It’s a good idea,” Joey agreed, turning his attention batch the other Be- to Inky. “Because unfortunately, I won’t be able to send you home until the ritual has completed its course. I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do.”
Inky hissed angrily, though if it was directed at Joey himself or just the situation, Joey couldn’t tell. Either way, Joey had to fight against the urge to take an involuntary step back as his instincts were telling him that the toon in front of him was a predictor. Luckily the feeling went away as soon as his Bendy put a comforting arm around Inky.
“That just means you and I get to hang out more,” Bendy said with a grin, getting a small smile from Inky in return. Joey was so proud of his toons, watching how they had easily accepted Inky and were doing their best to make him feel welcome here. Trusting his toons not to cause trouble (well… nothing more than usual), Joey headed back up to get some work done. He was still the head of his studio after all and he needed to attend to it.
The rest of the day passed by without incident though there was a small issue when it came time for people to go home. Inky really wanted to go home with Henry and it took a lot of persuasions to get him to stay in the studio, though he wasn’t happy about it. Inky disappeared once Joey started putting the toons to bed and Joey couldn’t find any sign of where he went. Hoping everything was alright, Joey retired for the night himself.
