Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Logan's head laid on her desk. The deadline was quickly approaching and only half, if not less, of the panels were done. Logan was exhausted from staying late yesterday to try and make a dent in the pile of panels to be done. Noticing that she was out of coffee and wanting to rest her hand and mind, they get up and head to the break room.

As she makes it towards the break room, she can hear Joey proclaiming something or other. Logan didn't really care, she just wanted coffee. As she walks in, there is a lull in the conversation. The other person Logan recognized was Sammy Lawrence. The musician director gave her what could be a glare, but that was Sammy's usual expression so who knows.

Logan poured herself some of the crappy coffee and took a sip. Joey walks over to her and asks, "Are the panels ready yet, the deadline is this Friday!" 

Logan looks down at him and deadpans states, "No, but they should be done by tomorrow." Joey huffs and takes a seat nearby a table. At the mention of Tuesday, Sammy becomes somewhat frustrated and angry. He storms towards Logan.

"That's not enough time for ME to complete the music and you know it." 

Logan sighs; they weren't paid enough for this crap. "Well too bad, can't help you there." This makes Sammy's anger even worse.

"You're just doing this to spite the music department aren't you!"

"It's not my fault that we have fewer people to animate and storyboard! It takes longer, so suck it up!" Logan retorts.

Joey at this point has left the break room in fear of injury. Sammy and Logan were now yelling at each other at the top of their lungs. "You're sleeping on the job!" Sammy accused.

"I am one of the hardest workers here. Ask Henry if you really think that!" Logan and Sammy were within 2 feet of each other staring the other down. Daring the other to back down. However, they were both as stubborn as mules.

Suddenly, hands wrap around Sammy's torso and lift him off the floor. "Hey, what are you doing, I'm..." Yelling as he is carried out of the break room by Norman Polk, Logan's close friend, coworker, and defuser of arguments. Logan gave him a small smile of gratitude. He nodded his head in acknowledgment as he took the now flailing Sammy Lawrence back to his office. Logan gave a sigh of relief, before cursing to themself as they hurried back to their desk to finish the panels. The most annoying part, however, was her coffee was now cold.

Chapter Text

Sammy was walking towards his office, having fought with Logan for the umpteenth time. As he got there, he noticed his door was slightly a jarred. He stood there staring at it. It was not unusual for someone to accidentally leave the door open when draining the ink from the stairs, but for some reason it off put him. He slowly walked into his office. Nothing was out of place, but something was still off. He went to take a seat while looking at the note on his desk that only said, “Good luck ;P

Logan was chatting to Henry about favorite pasta types and weapons when a yell rose out of the Music director's office. 

“LOGAN AMBER, You little s**t!” Henry shot Logan a concerned but amused look. 

Logan just shrugged and stated, “He has no proof.” Both of them started laughing; Logan thinking that this was the best one yet, moving all his furniture 2 inches to the left.

Chapter Text

Logan ran; if she stopped running that thing would capture her and they just couldn’t have that. She turned the corner, a dead end. Logan spun around, and there it was. The Ink Demon. It slowly approached her. Logan willed her body to do something, anything! But it didn’t move. They felt like they had no control over her body. At this point, the demon was standing over her. Ink dripping from its figure. Logan watched as it put its finger under her chin so she would have to look at it.

Its smile seemed to get bigger somehow, seeing the pure terror in her eyes. “I do hope you realize that you’re MINE !” The Demon growled in pure delight, as it slammed Logan against the back wall. A big hand covered her nose and mouth. Logan couldn’t breathe! Her body was limp, but she could feel herself crying as she watched the Demon. The Demon started to chuckle as her vision faded.

Logan shot up from her bed. She was sweating a storm and they were crying. She started trying to do the breathing exercises Henry taught her, but it was difficult. Looking at the clock, the time read 1. Logan looked down at her bare arms. From what they could see in the moonlight, the ink was almost pulsating. Logan got up and made themself a cup of coffee knowing that they wouldn’t be able to fall back to sleep. As she stood there in the dark, the only thing she could think of was that wretched demon’s words, “you’re MINE!”

Chapter Text

Sammy was sitting in his office looking over the latest song he was working on. Sammy was growing more and more frustrated by the minute. Not only did he have to finish this piece today, but he also had to get it recorded. The big problem was he couldn’t figure out the rest of the song and the singer was sick!

When all hope was about to be lost Sammy heard the most amazing voice he had heard in a long time. It was so melodious and it held the tempo amazingly well. Sammy bolted from his chair, determined to find whoever was singing.

~~~~~

Grant sang the last few notes of the song as he finally reached his office. He heaved a sighed and sat down setting up for a long day of math and impossible projects. Grant was about to put his pen on the paper in front of him when Sammy kicked down the door.

“Were you the one that was singing!!!!!” Grant dropped his pen in surprise which left an oddly placed ink drop on his paper. 

He cursed himself, putting his pen in the inkwell, “Yeah, I was singing a bit as I walked in.” Sammy slammed down the sheet music he was clutching in his hand on Grant’s desk nearly knocking off some papers. 

“I… I need your assistance ” Sammy said quietly. Grant couldn’t believe it, Sammy, Sammy Lawrence was asking for help, his help. 

Grant nodded looking down at the sheet music adding a couple of notes here and there. Finally, he handed it back to Sammy. Sammy slowly read through the music. 

“This is perfect!” Grant started to blush. As Sammy left to go back to his office, he quickly added, “Oh and by the why Grant, we’re going to have to record what you were singing earlier.”

Grant was completely fluster and before he could put in his complaints, Sammy was already gone.

Chapter Text

Logan was a bit excited as she walked into work that day. She was turning 21 today, though they hadn’t told anyone. Logan sat down at their desk excited for the day and started her work. It wasn’t until her lunch break when someone approached her.

Logan was sitting in the break room nibbling their sandwich when Wally approached them.

“Is itn’t your birthday today, Logan?” 

“Yep,” Logan said cheerful as a small crowd, consisting of Shawn, Jack, Johnny, and Norman, appeared. 

“Well Happy Birthday, Logan. How old are you now?” Jack asked.

Logan proudly stated, “I just turned 21!” Shawn nearly collapsed.

“Why didn’t you tell us! This is a big one!”

Logan shrugged, “I’m not too big on birthdays…”

“Well, today we’re goin’ to celebrate.” Logan didn’t even try refusing as everyone scattered off.

For the rest of the day, Logan received multiple Happy Birthday wishes. Sammy even gave her wishes, though still as grumpy as usual. 

Right before the end of the day, Jack approached them. He had a small smile. 

“I’m here to collect you.”

Logan giggled, “Should I close my eyes or do you care if I keep them open?”

Jack shrugged, “Do what you like, though close your eyes when we get there.” 

“Sure thing Jack.”

Jack leads Logan through the twist and turns of the studio ending up in front of the music department. Jack nodded his head. Logan smiles and closed their eyes. They felt as Jack softly grabbed their hand leading them into a new room. Supposedly the band room.

“ Surprise !” Yelled a chorus of voices around the room. Logan happily opened her eyes. There was a hurriedly made banner hung across the room saying, Happy Birthday Logan! Steamers where everywhere along with balloons. Logan couldn’t help but think that nearly everyone was here. They all decided to create this party just for her in such short of a time. And with that thought, Logan burst into tears. Wally who was earlier trying to contain his excitement by bouncing rushed over to Logan clearly distraught. 

“Logan I’m I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to-“

Logan grabbed Wally’s hands, pulling him in for a hug. “This the BEST thing anyone has ever done for me.”

 Wally looked up to her with wide eyes. “You aren’t upset?”

“No, I’m not, I’m absolutely ecstatic! Let’s get this party started!!”

The party started. They played games, caught up with some of her coworkers they hadn’t seen lately and had some cake. The party was going great. It wasn’t until Shawn sat her down at a table with a pack of beer, Logan felt nervous. Most people had gone home, the only people left were Shawn, Henry, Jack, Norman, Joey, and Wally. 

Logan looked a bit apprehensive towards the beer. Joey must have made an exception to let alcohol in the studio. Everyone was seated around the table now. 

“You don’t have to have any but it is your 21st birthday,” Norman reassured. 

Logan thought about and reached for one. “I’ll try it this once.” Logan opened the container carefully. Putting it up to their mouth, they took a sip. “Ack!” Logan cringed, “It burns and doesn’t really taste too good.” 

Shawn chuckles, “Acquired taste, takes time to like it.” Logan couldn’t help but laugh.

Shawn, Joey, and Norman started having some drinks. Everyone laughing and just having a good time. Logan would have a couple of sips of her drink every once and a while, while talking and watching. A warm feeling seemed to fill them and very quickly, unnoticed to them had finished the beverage.

Wally slipped into a chair next to Logan. It was quieter here than near Shawn and Joey’s crazy antics. Wally took note of Logan’s cold look staring at the table. Head resting on their arms, a single bottle stood there.

“How you doing there, Lo?” Logan lazily looked at him and grumbled. Wally couldn’t help but giggle, “Only one drink and ya already like this.” Nearly seconds later the sound of glass breaking was heard. Henry, Jack, and mostly sober Norman looked over to find that a bottle near Logan had been swiped off the table and broke.

“Time to go home,” Henry called, frustration laid on his face.

 Wally grabbed a broom sweeping up the broken glass, hearing Norman mumble, “Geez how many did ya drink Lo?” 

“Only the one, still a bit much for them. I reckon.”

Norman hummed pulling Logan to her feet. 

“You make sure you get Shawn home okay hear Franks.” 

“Sure thing Norman!” Wally grinned

Everyone left the studio in pairs. Henry our a drunken Joey in his car waving goodbye before driving off. Wally was supporting Shawn as they trudged to the closest subway station.

All that was left was Jack, Norman, and a grumpy Logan. Jack got into the driver's seat as Norman helped Logan into the back. 

“Where do you live Logan?” Jack asked realizing that he hadn’t asked earlier. Logan mumbles an answer that did not reach Jack.

Norman nodded, “I know where it is I’ll tell you were to turn.” 

After not long the uncomfortable atmosphere lifted as Jack and Norman started chatting, normal routine.

The small group eventually made it to Logan’s apartment building. Norman took Logan up many flights of stairs while Jack stayed in the car. He didn’t want to invade Logan’s personal space uninvited.

Norman took the key unlocking the door to her apartment to be met by a black cat. It waved between their legs before walking back in. Norman guided Logan to her bed. Her quickly getting under the cover passing out cold. Norman couldn’t help but chuckle after putting her glasses on their bed stand. Then gave the cat a quick scratch behind the ears, it purred loudly. Leaning in to his touch. Norman quietly closed the door thinking how they show probably not have Logan drink again before thinking about how good sleep would be right then. 

Sliding into the car Norman looked to Jack, “Let’s go home.”

Chapter Text

On the 15th of August there was an outdoor office party celebrating hitting the biggest deadline. There was barbecue and games. The workers were setting up a baseball game for everyone to play. Logan sat watching Henry making burgers and Sammy chasing Wally for a prank he had done earlier. Walking over towards Norman she accidentally scraped her right forearm on a tree.

Hissing from the small cut they started toward to studio door to get a band aid.

"Hey has anyone seen the bat?" Shawn asked.

"Oh I bet its inside let me get it I was already walking over there." Logan shouted. 

"Thanks Lo!" Shawn exclaimed.

Deciding to get the bat first Logan opened the storage closet near the stairs to the music department. She picked up the bat, it was well-balanced.

"BANG" Went something down the stairs, interrupting Logan's thought process. She crept slowly down the stairs. Everyone should be outside, she reasoned, what if it was an intruder! They could hear their heartbeat now. Logan gripped the bat ready to hit the intruder, as she opened the door.

She couldn't see anything unusual, but a marking on the ground. They slowly walked up to it. Her stomach became queasy, it was a pentagram. Soft chanting could be heard. She turned around to head back to the party.

However, she ran into what could only be described as a humanoid ink creature. She tried to back away from it but it grabbed her head and still cut forearm, pushing her into itself. Logan hiss in pain at the ink hitting the cut, but that was least of her worries, when she realized the creature wasn't letting go. She started flailing, she couldn't breathe! The creature was holding her mouth and nose. Their flailing got more and more intense. Her ears were ringing with the chanting. Their lungs burning. Her body couldn't take it any longer. Her mouth opened to breathe, but there was only ink. She felt the ink filling her lungs, she was getting more and more light-headed. Logan's vision was turning black. As last resort, she swung the bat as hard as she could at what would the creature's head.

The creature shrieked as it was hit, letting go of Logan in the process. Logan fell to the floor gasping. She pushed herself back up and hit the creature again before sprinting out of there as fast as she could. She was wheezing and coughing by the time she slammed open the door to the outside. Everyone paused, there was Logan clutching the bat, covered in ink, crying.

"Logan!" Called Norman in worry as she proceeded to pass out.

Norman ran over and scooped her up, checking her pulse. It was dangerously slow. Norman preceded to run them to the nurse office. Everyone followed, Henry at the lead. Henry, once Logan was on the bed, checked over them and determined that she was in a coma. Wally was close to crying, Norman just had a blank look in his eyes. Alison and Susie changed and cleaned Logan into something more comfortable than her vest and button down. They also notified Henry of the now pulsing black where Logan had an open cut.

Now that Logan was as stable as she could be, everyone left except Henry, Norman, and Wally. No one felt like celebrating anymore. Even Sammy looked upset. Although Sammy despised Logan, he didn't want to see her hurt.

At this point Henry had wrapped Logan's wound which was looking worse every minute. When Joey Drew walked in with his usual "happy" self, everyone glared at him. He wasn't at the party.

Norman stood over the small man growling, "You did this didn't you!" Joey's smile faltered a bit.

Henry stepped between the two and asked, "Will you stay here and watch Logan while I talk to Joey." Norman huffed, but sat down.

Henry took Joey into the next room, and firmly asked, "What did you do Drew."

While nervously fiddling with his thumbs, Joey replied with, "I was doing a ritual to make our cartoons immortal."

Henry was silently staring at him, "And?"

"And, um, Logan might have walked in on it and left before it was over...?"

"What does that mean." Henry cooly asked.

"It means," Joey slowly stated, "she's partly immortal." 

Henry's once stern face turned to one of anger, "You turned her immortal, like me!"

"Well by where she walked out, no natural causes should kill her, but thought out ones shou..."

Henry was fuming now, "YOU CAN'T JUST F%#& DO THAT TO A PERSON JOEY!"

"But you can..."

"NO but's Joey! You have no idea the PAIN that I carry and now you've given that PAIN TO LOGAN!" Henry was standing over Joey looking like he was going to rip Joey apart. Joey grew silent.

Henry let out a breath, "Get rid of your ritual books, or by god I will, Drew.” Joey nodded stiffly and proceed to bolt out of the room.

Over the next couple days Henry stayed next to Logan. He never moved from that room. He barely slept, but when he did it was lightly. Norman came by every day and put flowers near her bed. Wally made a get well card, which he got everyone to sign. Logan was the same, slowly breathing, asleep. Until the eighth day, her birthday.

At exactly midnight she sat straight up, coughing and wheezing, eyes wide open.

Henry quickly put his hand on her back and told them to breathe, "Listen to my voice, Logan. In. Out. In..." When they were able to get their breathing under control, she looked at Henry. Henry gasped, her once beautiful emerald green eyes were now black where the white sclera was supposed to be. Logan was now squinting. Henry quickly handed her their glasses.

Logan put them back on as Henry asked, "How are you feeling?"

Logan raspily answered, "Thirsty." Henry went over to the tap and quickly handed her the glass of cool water. She smiled thankful and sipped it.

"Anything else you need slash want?"

"Actually my arms and neck are itchy." Henry pulled up the sleeves of the sleeping gown. Logan gasped, her arms looked like there was an old black pine tree needles tattoo. Henry took a look at her neck as well, it looked the same of her arms.

"What do you remember last?" Henry asked. Logan recounted her plight of the ink creature, ingesting ink, suffocating, and the chanting. Henry just nodded understanding the full story.

"Here's what I have found out. You walked in on a ritual that Joey was conducting to make the toons alive and immortal. You ingested the enchanted ink and now are basically immortal." Logan was flabbergasted. "I'm going to help you the best I can, Lo" hugging Logan close. Logan could only nod. She was now forever stuck at the age of 22. And it was all Joey Drew’s fault.

Chapter Text

Logan sat in the infirmary bed staring at their bandage arms. Henry had gone to get coffee in the other room. She heard a gasp, looking up it was Norman. He had already enveloped her in a hug. They sat there in silence for a moment.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Norman said pulling back from the hug. He gasped, Logan’s white of her eyes were black instead of white. Logan recoiled slightly, they had a feeling that this would happen  a lot. Norman quickly shook off his surprise, pulling out a box from behind his back. “Happy Birthday Logan!” Logan took the box and carefully opened it. Inside was a beautifully made, emerald green scarf. Her hestince worried Norman, “I um saw you eyeing it the other day and um I-”

“Thank you so much, Norman!” Logan hugged the scarf closed to her a big smile on their face. Norman gave a soft smile, hugging her once again.

“I’m glad you like it.”

Chapter Text

Logan was sprinting after Wally. Shawn looked through the door of his “office” seeing Wally being chased by, what could only be described as a human glitter bomb. 

“I’m sorry Lo” Screeched Wally. Logan only ran faster. Wally veered to the stairs and raced down them as fast as he could without injury. Logan was not far behind. 

“You’re going to pay, WALLY FRAN--- Ahhh!” Logan’s foot misstepped and sent her tumbling down the stairs. Wally was already at the base of the staircase. Having stopped when he heard the yelp from Logan. Logan was screaming until a sickening SNAP could be heard, her lifeless body tumbled down the rest of the stairs. 

Wally as gently as he could hold Logan close to his chest, she wasn’t breathing. Wally broke into tears, it was just a stupid prank, it wasn’t supposed to hurt anyone. The world was a haze until he felt a hand on his shoulder. Henry’s hand. Thomas Conner had watched the whole incident had immediately ran and got Henry. 

“What happened, Wally?” Henry asked calmly.

“She was… chasing me,” he sobbed, “she fell down the stairs…. And there was this horrible SNAP!” 

“So it was an accident?” Wally could only nod. Henry took Logan’s corpse out of Wally’s hands. They sat there for what felt like hours.

Logan sat straight up gasping for air. Wally’s eyes now puffy and red filled with delight. 

“Lo, you’re alive, you’re okay!” as he gave her the biggest hug he could muster. Logan still dazed and confused gave him a little pat. Once Wally let her go, Henry helped Logan to their feet. 

“What happened, all I can remember was falling down the stairs, and horrible pain, then a...a…” Logan’s voice stuttered at the end. 

Henry sighed, “From what I’ve gathered, you can’t die accidently, which is what happened.” Logan was closed to crying, even though she wasn’t in extreme amounts of pain, her neck in particular was sore and that place it was, she couldn’t put words to it. Wally was either excited or concerned, or both. 

“That was my first death…” Henry could only nod grimacing. It brought back memories of his first death which, let’s just say was much more bloody than Logan’s, but the confusion and soreness they must be feeling was the same.

“Ah darn it!” Logan exclaimed as she looked at her bandages. Her once nicely wrapped arms were bloody black and slightly torn. And of course still covered in glitter.

“Let’s go to the nurses office and patch you up,” Henry said as he led Logan near the elevator, “Also, Wally, be more careful when you play a prank next time alright.” 

“Yes Sir!” Wally saluted as he went to go clean the glitter up from the stairs and floor, but not without carefully watching his footing. Logan would alway be very careful on steps from that day on.

Chapter Text

Logan was not a morning person. Everyone knew that. So when Logan would stumble into work, no one would greet her, until she had her first cup of coffee. Like usual, at exactly 6:45 Logan walked into the studio door, set her things down, and went to the break room. In her dismay no one had started the coffee yet. She quickly got the coffee together and waited. Henry walked in smiling, he was a morning person. They both gave a nod in acknowledgement as Henry sat down and ate his breakfast, also waiting for coffee. 

Finally, the coffee was done. Logan got out a cup for the two of them, pouring Henry’s first and handing it to him. 

“Thanks, Lo” he said as he walked out of the room presumably towards his desk. Logan poured herself some coffee, but looked at it disheartenedly. She needed something more today, last night was a rough night, night terrors. Looking around she noticed a container of what would be creamer near the coffee maker and poured a lot into her cup. Yawning, she went to her desk and sat down. Logan took a huge sip of coffee and immediately felt more energized. 

That day Logan got through more panels than she ever had. They were on top of the world. Henry was very surprised to see she submitted at least 35 different panels. Throughout the day she continued getting coffee and putting the creamer in as well. So, it wasn’t until 3 when logan completely crashed. She fell right to sleep on their desk still in the middle of a panel. Henry walked into the room, shocked. Logan never slept on the job before. He sighed in concerned as he grabbed a blanket from a closet.

“I know you had a long night, I’m going to help you.” Henry wrapped the blanket around Logan’s shoulder. Took off her glasses, patted her head, and left the room.

Logan woke up groggy and blind. Putting on her glasses, she looked at the clock it was 6:30. Logan got ready to leave, kind of embarrassed for sleeping.  

As she clocked out, she heard Henry’s voice nearby asking, “ Hey Logan can I walk out with you?” 

“Sure thing Henry.”

As they walked out together, Henry asked a peculiar question, “You got done a lot of work today. Was it something you put in your coffee?”

“Um maybe?” Logan said uncertainty, “I did put some kind of new creamer in it.”

“Was it this one?” Henry pulled out the container that the creamer was in. Logan nodded. Henry gave her an inquisitive look. “Logan I do hope you know that that ‘creamer’ was actually ink, right.” Logan could only look at Henry in shock as she looked down at her arms they were a darker black than before.

“I wonder…” Logan looked at Henry with anticipation. “Maybe because you have ink in your system already the ink, instead of harming you, gives you an energy boost!”

“Like a candy bar, though because I crashed some time after ingesting it!”

“Exactly, Lo!” Henry and Logan broke out laughing. Logan found out something new about her ‘ink poisoning’, and thought the ink ‘creamer’ would be good for nights like last ones.

Chapter Text

Logan awkwardly stood outside of the gym entrance. Henry had said be there at 7, but he was nowhere in sight. Logan then saw a figure run around the corner of the building. Logan chuckled as Henry reached her sweating and out of breath. 

“Sorry I’m late. Time just flew by, you know.” 

“I know” said Logan amused at his determination. They both had walked inside and Henry showed her to a small, empty room, which had mats on the ground. “So, why am I here again?”

“We’re here, so, I can teach you how to fight. Now that you’re basically immortal people might try to harm you for it and it’s good to know in general.” Logan nodded in understanding as Henry took off his vest and rolled up his sleeves. He motioned Logan to do the same. She complied but was hesitant because of her “ink poisoning”

“Okay first I’m going to show you how to punch correctly.” Throughout the night Henry taught Logan how to punch correctly and efficiently as well as the basics of escaping a person's grasp. Eventually, they took a water break and sat down together. 

Logan sat there silently, but mustered up the courage to ask, “Henry, I know this is a personal question, but how did you first die?”

Henry took a deep breath and told Logan his story, “Before you worked at the studio, there was only Joey and I and maybe a few others. So, because there were little people working there I would stay late to work on the animation. One late night I was walking to my car and heard a scuffle in the alley next door. I walked over and to my surprise someone was being robbed. I rushed over and punched the guy in the face. The person being robbed ran, presumably to call the police. The masked figure pulled out a knife and stabbed me in the stomach. I fell, as the guy ran. I had lost a lot of blood when Joey, who was about to get in his car was notified by the victim, ran over to help me. Apparently, instead of getting me to a hospital or just letting me die, he did the ritual which make the user’s desired entity immortal. It was right after the ritual when I had died of blood loss. When I woke up, I was very confused.” Henry then chuckled, “I almost choked Joey for that.”

“Thank you. Henry, I… I don’t know what I would have done without someone like you helping me through this.”

“No need to thank me Logan, I’m sure you would have done the same.” Logan just nodded. Henry then stood up, “Well, it’s getting late, and we both need rest.” Logan and Henry walked out of the gym. The stars were bright in the night sky. It soothed Logan.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Logan.” 

Henry started to walk away, when suddenly Logan asked, “Can we do this again sometime?” 

Henry only smiled and said, “Of course, Lo.”

Chapter Text

“I’m going to need chicken blood, salt, five candles, and a bottle of alcohol.”

“Alcohol? For the spell?”

“No, that’s just to make me feel better about ripping a hole in the universe.”

Skye sighed as the memory replayed. That had been an eventful day, to say the least. Joey had nearly botched a spell and wreaked havoc, as usual. He’d also gotten moderately drunk, which of course helped absolutely nothing. It had been up to Henry to do damage control which left Thomas, Wally, and themself to clean up the resulting mess.

Then of course there were the… after-effects. It seemed all of Joey’s spells had some sort of rebound, and the ones that didn’t were the select few he hadn’t managed to mess up in some way.

This time was the literal rip in space and- presumably- time in the middle of the animation department. Henry had made everyone in the immediate area leave for the break room, or at least out of the animation department. Sammy interrogated (read: yelled at) Joey as to what was happening and why, Joey? Can’t you leave something alone for once?

Skye had gone to see if there was something they could do to help, maybe try to nullify it with their powers or something along those lines, but they’d tripped and ended up just a little too close to the portal/rip/whatever-it-was.

~~~~~

Logan sighed as she laid her head against her desk. They had another night terror, stuck in the studio with unearthly creatures and running for her “life”. Logan could only hope that the nightmares would stop being so frequent, so that they could, finally, get some rest.

Logan sat straight up like someone pinched her arms and neck. She looked around the empty animation department in search of the culprit of this weird feeling. Suddenly, they noticed something strange, their green scarf was waving around wildly, but there was no draft in the room! Logan hid behind her desk as best she could, feeling a dip in the atmosphere.

A vacuum-like ripping sound filled the room, which was accompanied by screaming, but it wasn’t Logan’s. Logan cautiously looked towards the sound. There on the floor laid a humanoid figure. Logan very carefully approached the figure. Who knows what this could be, probably Joey’s doing, another of his rituals. Logan scoffed, now standing over the creature. 

Building up enough courage Logan asked, “Hey are you alright?”

~~~~~

Skye groaned. The portal- it had to be, with what just happened- seemed to be gone after it spat them out who-knows-where. They contemplated just staying on the ground with their eyes shut for as long as they could, but before they could follow through with that decision they heard a voice above them.

“Hey, are you alright?” Well, there goes staying on the ground for an indeterminate amount of time. They cracked open an eye to see a person standing above them, their expression unclear. Skye opened their other eye and pushed themselves up with another groan. They weren’t really in the mood for a conversation, so they did what they did best- pulled out the sarcasm.

“I dunno, what do you think?”

~~~~~

Logan was a bit taken aback, but remembering her own experience, they would have said the same thing; if they hadn’t passed out.

“Sorry, stupid question; I understand. I … um have experience in a similar scenario.” Logan put out her hand to help the person up. Under her breath they mumbled, “I’m going to murder Drew for this!” Raising her voice to say, “My name is Logan.” Logan suddenly remembered her eyes, crap her EYES she thought! Hopefully, before the person looked up, Logan tried to cover their blackened eyes with her hair, not wanting to freak out the already confused person.

~~~~~

Skye took the proffered hand and pulled themself up, holding back another groan of pain. They shook their head, banishing any lingering static from the portal and looked up at their… savior? Companion?

“Logan, huh? I’m Skye, but my friends call me Phoenix.” They noticed that Logan was trying to cover their eyes and was about to wonder why when they saw- black where white should be, with piercing green irises. It was odd, to say the least, but not the strangest thing they’d been witness to.

“Oh! I should probably ask this, goodness knows it would probably make things a lot easier- um, Logan, right? Could you tell me where we are right now? And probably when?”

~~~~~

“Oh yeah, right. This is Joey Drew’s Studios. And it’s October 21, 1930.”

~~~~~

Skye gaped at the stranger. “1930?!” they asked in a strangled voice. They knew it was likely they’d been sent somewhere different than what they were used to, but this was certainly not what they were expecting!

They began to pace, shaking their head and muttering to themself. “It makes sense that I would still be in the Studio, seeing as there’s so much magic that it likely acts as an anchor for stuff like this… what caused it to go so far back, though? There’s nothing connecting it to this era so there shouldn’t be anything… Maybe the building was around during that time?”

~~~~~

Logan watched as Skye paced back and forth. “You said you were in a different version of this studio right?” Logan paused in thought, “Well, we make cartoons here, so does your reality make something similar to this type of cartoon?” Logan grabbed a sketch of Bendy and handed it to them.

~~~~~

Skye took the proffered piece of paper and nodded almost immediately upon seeing what was on it. “Oh yeah! Bendy the Dancing Demon is our main focus!” They handed the paper back and gestured as they continued. “It’s a little difficult getting it shown seeing as it’s an old-style animation and a lot of the stuff now is more 3-D or live-action, but there are some people who are big fans of it! They like having something more old-fashioned and ‘original,’ and it’s a nice challenge!”

They stopped to breathe and looked to Logan to see their reaction. On second thought, if it really was 1930, Skye probably shouldn’t be going around blabbering about stuff like 3-D animation or how this sort of thing was considered ‘old-fashioned.’

~~~~~

“I um… 3D animation?” Logan wasn’t sure what she was hearing. They knew that Skye was from a different time, but using ‘old fashioned’ to describe what the studio did animation wise, was saying that 1930 is very long ago for her. “What year did you say you were from, Skye?” 

~~~~~

“I, um- I didn’t, did I?” They gave a nervous laugh, rocking back on their heels. “I’m from 2018. It’s October 21 there, too.”

I hope I didn’t mess anything up, Skye thought. All those time-travel stories say you’re not supposed to give anything away or make any significant change… I might have failed big-time…

~~~~~

“Oh… OH!” No wonder Skye was, well, shocked when they heard what year it was. Logan had to sit down. “That’s um like over 80 years, I thought that you were only like 30 years or so off!” Logan couldn’t believe this, “Wow! You really do have to get back to your reality don’t you?”

~~~~~

“That would probably be best, yeah.” Skye glanced around, taking in the room. “You know, this isn’t actually all that different from my Studio… makes me wonder…”

~~~~~

“Well on the topic of getting you back…  I bet Henry and, annoyingly enough, Joey could get you back.” Logan sighed, “I have a feeling they would know what to do. I’m also intrigued by what all the differences between the studios are.”

~~~~~

Skye nodded. “That sounds good. Should we go find them? We could compare studios while we walk,” they offered.

~~~~~

“Sure thing. Let’s check Joey’s office first and if they’re not there then we’ll try the breakroom.” Logan said as they got up. Logan and Skye started walking in the direction of Joey’s office. Logan in the lead since this was their reality and all. “So who works at your version of the studio?” Logan wondered who would be the same and who would be different.

~~~~~

“Well, Joey’s the boss, technically. And Henry’s head of Animation, Sammy’s head of the Music Department, Thomas and Wally are maintenance mostly, and Shawn’s the driving force behind the Toy Department. Jack’s the lyricist, cause- and don’t tell him- Sammy sucks at writing lyrics. Grant’s in charge of finances. Thank goodness for that; I don’t want to imagine what would happen if it was anybody else.”

They paused to take a breath. “Susie and Allison are voice actors, and they’re really good! Johnny plays the organ, Norman’s in charge of the projectors and stuff… and I think that’s all the major players!”

Skye turned to Logan. “Your turn! Who works here?”

~~~~~

“Well actually you said basically everyone who works here. However, Allison isn’t a voice actor, she plays violin, though she would make a great one. Also, Joey contracted Bentrom Piedmont to create something… I’m not so sure what it is. Oh and I work in the animation department.” Logan paused for a moment, “Oh yeah, what is your job?”

~~~~~

Skye was going over the new information and jumped when Logan addressed them. They gave their companion a bright, if apologetic smile. “I’m an intern! I’m not really part of any specific department, though. Mostly I do whatever needs doing, but that’s what makes it fun! I never know what I’ll get to do next!” They skipped for a few steps, thinking. “You’re an animator, right? What’s it like?”

~~~~~

“That sounds fun, we don’t have any interns here yet. As for being an animator, well, it’s fun, but a lot of hard work, definitely with Joey’s deadline. It’s definitely worth it.” Logan stopped walking. “Here we are Joey’s office.” Logan knocked on the door, but there was no answer. She proceeded to open the door, but no one was there only papers. “Well let’s try the break room.” Logan then decided against her better judgement to ask, “Hey, has anything… weird or bad happened at your studio… I mean other than this?”

~~~~~

Skye glanced around the office. That’s a bit different… “Hmm… nothing that could really be considered ‘bad,’ I don’t think. There’ve been plenty of weird things, though, for sure.” They chuckled. “Pipes burst more often than you might think, and the animation and music departments have almost gone to war a few times. Not to mention Joey’s… hobby, I guess? It’s weird, and it can be pretty annoying, but for the most part it’s nothing really dangerous. It wouldn’t be Joey Drew Studios if it wasn’t. Why do you ask?”

~~~~~

Logan wondered whether or not to tell Skye what had happened to them. “Let’s just say Joey’s the reason I’m not completely normal anymore.” Logan than quickly added, “Oh, I’m sorry if that sounded vague.”

~~~~~

“Oh, I know what you mean.” Skye laughed, the sound only slightly forced. They glanced at Logan, wondering whether or not they should elaborate, then decided eh, might as well.

“It’s not vague at all, really. Let me guess, it’s something to do with magic? A ritual, maybe? I’m all too familiar with it, trust me.”

~~~~~

Logan sighed, “I well, it happened eight days before my birthday. I was getting a bat for a baseball match we were going to have. I walked in on Joey’s immortality ritual and got suffocated by an ink creature. I ingested a lot of ink. However, I escaped before the ritual was over. I passed out and awoke on my 22 birthday told that one I was basically immortal and will forever be 22. And second that I now have “ink poisoning” on my arms and neck.” Logan pulled down her scarf to show Skye. “Oh and let’s not forget my eyes!” 

Logan had sat down against the wall. Why did she do that! They didn’t need someone to pity her. Skye didn’t need this, they just needed to go home.

~~~~~

Skye winced as Logan recounted their story. Sounds like this Joey’s a bit more magic-crazy than the one back home. An immortality ritual, really? At least Henry can knock some common sense into him.

The inky lines on Logan’s skin wasn’t the strangest- or most concerning- thing they’d ever been witness to. Neither were their eyes, though that raised a bit of a red flag. I don’t think anyone’s eyes are like that back at my Studio. Combined with that ink poisoning, that’s gotta suck at least double.

They watched in concern as Logan sank down against the wall. In consolation, they joined the animator, crossing their legs and leaning their head against the wood behind them.

“You know, Joey’s messed up a ritual or two back in my Studio. Not that they haven’t had any effect on anyone, but for the most part they aren’t permanent.” Skye heaved a sigh. “There was… this one time, when- I don’t know exactly what happened, but I guess something went wrong, or the effects were stronger than he thought, but there was this burst of magic through the studio. Nobody really seemed to be affected, but I started… seeing things. I didn’t know what was happening, but I shrugged it off because it was minor and didn’t really affect me. Then they started getting stronger. I remember walking into a room one time, I don’t remember which one, but I saw- I saw what looked like Boris, except he was strapped to a table and there was ink everywhere and it was so, so awful.” They choked on a breath before continuing, “I ended up dropping everything and almost ran right out of the building. Henry found me and asked what was wrong. I almost couldn’t tell him, but I did… After that, it just kept getting worse.

I started feeling as though I was really experiencing what I was seeing… like I- like I was there. Eventually it got to the point where I couldn’t work. Joey came up with a ritual to help lessen things, maybe even stop them.” They smiled ruefully. “It worked, but something else happened, too. It turned out Joey used the wrong spell, and things got… interesting.”

~~~~~

“I… Boris strapped in a to a table?” Logan wondered if… “I have dreams where stuff similar to that happen to your visions!” Logan enveloped Skye in a hug. “Also, thank you for hearing me out! ...If you don’t mind me asking …. Interesting?”

~~~~~

Skye leaned into the hug with a laugh. “Oh yeah, interesting. Thanks to that spell, I’m now effectively immortal, more or less. Or so I’ve been told, anyway.” They sniffed. “The dang spell turned me into a lich, can you believe it? Of course, I can’t turn into(?) my lich form unless I seriously injure myself or have some sort of out of body experience, but I can use some of my powers.”

They flicked their wrist and a small flame appeared above their palm, bright and warm. They held it out to show Logan. “Neat, huh? Not that it’s very helpful in an animation studio, if you know what I mean.”

~~~~~

“Woah that’s really cool.” Logan watched the flame flicker and dance. “The only ‘power’ that I have, that I know of, is if I ingest a small of amount of ink I get a ton of energy, but later I crash.” Logan giggled. “Kinda like a huge sugar rush from a candy bar.” Logan stood up and offered their hand, “I guess we’re immortal buddies now, right Phoenix?”

~~~~~

Skye gave a grin, teeth sharp and bright in the light of the fire. “I guess we are, Logan.” They extinguished the flame and took Logan’s hand, pulling themself up. They gestured down the hall and bowed, “Shall we?”

Chapter Text

Logan laughed, “We shall.” After walking for a bit they came across the breakroom. Logan peeked her head inside and saw Norman, Shawn, Sammy, and most importantly Henry. “Oh hey Henry. We need your help with something.” Logan said as they entered the room. Skye following a bit behind. 

“Oh sure thing Lo what’s…. Who’s your friend?” Henry asked looking up.

~~~~~

Skye waved. “I’m Skye Quinn, sir. It’s nice to meet you.” They nodded at the others in greeting but stuck close to Logan.

A thought struck them, and they turned to whisper to their companion. “Should we tell them the whole story or just Henry? Does he even know about this sort of thing? Like, portals and stuff?”

They didn’t want to doubt it; after all, this was Henry. But at the same time, he wasn’t their Henry. And those weren’t their Sammy, their Norman, their Shawn. They didn’t know these people, didn’t know how different they might be compared to their coworkers back home.

~~~~~

“Henry can we talk to you in private?” Logan understood Skye’s concern. If they told everyone in the room what happened, it would spread like a wildfire. Definitely since Shawn is a bit of a gossiper. They really didn’t need that.

“Sure thing. I’ll be right back guys.” The guys just nodded and returned to the conversation, except Sammy. At this point Logan, Skye, and Henry were heading towards the door. 

Sammy stood in front of the door and accusingly asked, “Why can’t you tell us, huh, Logan?”

“It’s none of your concern, Sammy.” 

Sammy leaned into her face, “If it isn’t any of our concern, why are you taking Henry, why can only he know?” Logan gritted their teeth; they didn’t need this right now!

~~~~~

Skye leaned away at the show of aggression. Sammy may have been a jerk back at their studio, but at least he wasn’t awful. This Sammy seemed to lean more towards that end of the spectrum. Glancing at Logan, they saw the discomfort on their face.

With a burst of (bravery? determination?) they stepped in front of Logan to level a look up at the Music Director. “For your information, sir, this is, in fact, a private matter. I doubt anyone here would want the rest of the Studio knowing their business, would they? We asked Henry because he is the most qualified for this matter out of everyone here, and I don’t think you would want anyone to deal with a situation they are unqualified for. Am I right?”

~~~~~

Sammy looked like someone slapped him. He growled as he took a seat at a table. This allowed the party to leave the breakroom. Once outside in the hall Logan let out a sigh and fidgeted with their sleeves, “Thanks, Skye. I… I really appreciated that.” Logan felt bad if anything. Skye shouldn’t have had to step in.

~~~~~

“...It was no problem.” Skye smiled at Logan, though it was strained slightly. Looking to change the topic- and get both of their minds off the incident- Skye turned to Henry. “So, is there a good place to talk? Away from prying eyes and listening ears? Because that would be great.”

~~~~~

Henry took a minute to think, but lit up. “I know the perfect place.” Henry was about to lead the way, but Logan remembered they were one person short. 

“We also probably need Joey as well.” Henry nodded and lead the group to the stairs next to the elevator on level P. Now in the stairwell, Logan was a bit confused, but Henry only smiled as he pushed on the wall. Before Logan and Skye was a secret room, which seemed to be Henry’s secret getaway. 

Logan and Skye walked in but Henry remained outside, “I’ll get Joey. Be back in 5 minutes okay?” Logan barely nodded, they couldn’t believe there was a hidden room here. Henry only smiled and as he closed the door said, “Oh by the way, it’s nice to meet you Ms. Quinn.”

~~~~~

“Ah.” Skye blinked as the door closed, cutting off their view of Henry. “...not what I thought would happen, if I’m being honest.” They glanced around and heaved a sigh. “As much as I hate to admit it, it’s probably for the best we get Joey for this.” They shifted in place, eyes darting from one wall to another as they waited.

After a few moments of quiet, they cleared their throat. “He-hey, Logan? Uh, this might be weird, and maybe not even a thing in this time but you know I’m gonna ask anyway-“ They coughed, cutting off their rambling. “Um, what- what do you prefer to be called?”

~~~~~

Logan had taken a seat at the nearby table still in wonder of the room. “Oh it’s fine. You can call me Lo if you want, it’s what my friends call me so…” Logan notice that Skye seemed to be looking around the room in an almost panic. “Skye… are you okay, you seem a bit um… panicked?” Logan warrily stood up and placed their hands on Skye’s shoulders. They weren’t quite sure what was happening, but it looked close to a panic attack. Logan hoped physical contact would help; it helped Logan when she had panic attacks.

~~~~~

“No! No, I’m… I’m… alright, I’m not too great right now,” Skye admitted. “And it’s- it’s not about the name thing, though I appreciate it. It’s, um,” they floundered, trying to figure out how to say it without sounding too weird (they hoped). “You know the whole pronouns thing? Like he/him and she/her and all that?” The pressure on their shoulders was helping, but they could do without the small room.

~~~~~

“Oh you mean what are my pronouns?” Logan then understood why Skye was having trouble asking, it is a weird subject. Logan grew a bit flustered but said “I use she/they pronouns. How about you?” Logan really hoped they weren’t putting Skye in an awkward situation since some people are questioning and don’t know yet. Also, Logan had yet to meet someone with other pronouns, then the norm.

~~~~~

At Logan’s answer, Skye felt themself relax. “Ah, okay, great. That’s great! I use they/them! I just wasn’t sure if that was a thing that was… accepted? Here? Or something?” They smiled up at Logan, feeling like a weight had been lifted from their shoulders, despite the fact that Logan’s hands were still there. “Also, I should probably tell you that I may possibly be just a little claustrophobic. Just a bit. This room could be bigger, but it’s fine. Mostly.”

~~~~~

“I will keep those facts in mind, for the future.” Logan smiled down at Skye, glad that they were mostly okay. 

Creak. Logan looked over to see Henry open the door and in stepped him and Joey. Logan almost immediately took her hands off Skye’s shoulders, stiffening. They had avoided Joey the best they could, almost refusing to talk to him since the accident. Logan really didn’t want to get help from Joey Drew , but sadly it seemed to be a necessary evil. 

Joey’s flashed a smile at Skye, introducing himself, “Hello! My name is Joey Drew. I’m the owner of this company.” Henry coughed loudly, but Joey ignored it, “And what might be your name? Also I’ve been told that you and Logan need help with something, what might that be?”

~~~~~

Skye straightened when Joey spoke, unease prickling up their spine. Oh, so this was Joey. I think I understand Logan’s attitude towards him now.

Clearing their throat, they answered neutrally, “I will tell you my name is Skye Quinn, sir. And I need a way to get back to my timeline. I’m sure you’re knowledgeable about this sort of thing,” they flashed a grin, which was only partly bared teeth. They got the feeling that this Joey (fed on?) flattery, similarly to the Joey at their Studio, only worse. If that was the case, they were going to milk it for all it was worth.

~~~~~

Joey’s smile seemed to get impossibly bigger, but now he was intrigued. “Another timeline you say? You are right, I am quite knowledgeable on that subject.” Henry looked a bit skeptical, but didn’t say anything. “I will get you home as soon as possible. But first I need my ritual books,” he looked over at Henry with what Logan could assume was a ‘go get them’ face, but Henry showed no sign of moving. 

Logan saw Joey’s smile falter a bit. “I’ll be right back!” he left the room. Logan relaxed once Joey left the room, blowing out a breath that they were holding. 

Henry smiled then guestered for Skye to sit at the table and asked, “Well Skye, how about I tell you a bit about myself and then you tell me abit about yourself?”

~~~~~

Skye took a seat and gave a tired smile. “Sure, sounds good,” they agreed. “You’re not gonna tell Joey anything, though, are you?”

~~~~~

“Only if you want me too.” Henry understood why telling Joey any of this was very… unnecessary. “I’ll start first, my full name is Henry Carl Stein and I am married to my wife Linda.” He smiled, “Your turn.”

~~~~~

“My name is Skye Robin Quinn. I’m an intern at Joey Drew Studios.” This was better; Skye was already feeling more at ease. Henry’s assurance that he would not tell Joey helped immensely.

~~~~~

Henry nodded, seeming to understand the entirety of the other reality. “How is everyone over there by the way?” Logan was a bit surprised, had Henry reality jumped over there once? However, knowing Henry, he probably wouldn’t tell them outright.

~~~~~

“Everyone’s good!” Skye was only slightly surprised at Henry’s question. “You do a good job at keeping things running smoothly, especially between the animation and music departments. Without you, or, well, my Henry I guess, they probably would have gone to war at least once!” They snickered at the thought. “What about you? How are things here? Logan’s told me a little bit, but I’d like to know more.”

~~~~~

“Oh everything is doing well. Though two weeks ago I got sick and had to stay home for two days. And well let’s just say, I came back and Logan was wearing war paint and a paper hat.” Henry chuckled at the thought as Logan blushed slightly. “Also, Joey has a huge project up his sleeves. Who knows where that’s going to go.”

~~~~~

Skye laughed at the mental image Henry’s description conjured before frowning slightly. “A project?” They ran through their knowledge of possible futures(?), trying to parse out what Joey’s new ‘project’ could be.

“Hey, can I ask? Um, is there, uh, is there somebody named Bertrum Piedmont around? Or have you heard that name or something? Or something with Gent?” The only things they could come up with were the theme park or an expansion on either the Studio or the Ink Machine…

~~~~~

Henry thought for a moment, “I believe I did run into a Bertrum Piedmont not too long ago, but I never asked him why he was here. But Gent… Joey hired them to help with the ink machine .” 

Logan flinched at the mention of the ink machine, before adding, “I heard from Susie that Joey wanted her for a project, but she didn’t tell me what it was.” Logan had a bad feeling about these ‘projects’.

~~~~~

Skye felt their heart sink at the words. “Oh. Okay then-this is- this is probably not good. Um. I mean, well it could be different seeing as it’s a different universe or whatever but I’m not sure-“ They stood to pace, but stopped and turned to Henry.

“Is Susie still voicing Alice Angel? Also, how do you feel about possible-maybe visions of the future?”

~~~~~

“I um…” Henry was surprised at the concern. “Susie is still voicing Alice as far as I know, but visions of the future, I mean it’s not out of the realm of possibility.” 

Logan fidgeted, “Could dreams be visions, too? I’ve been having… horrible, vivid dreams recently, of the studio.” Logan was pacing across the floor.

~~~~~

“Mhmm, yeah. Certain things happen which lead to the... decline of the Studio. I’m not sure of the order, but if what you’re saying means what I think it means, it could be happening very soon.” Skye felt dread creeping up their spine, but fought to keep their expression neutral.

~~~~~

Logan felt like throwing up, if the things she saw in their dreams came a reality… well, thing would be getting horribly, deadly. “I there must be something we could do! I mean…” At that exact moment, there was a knock on the door. Logan quickly shut her mouth, and gave Henry and Skye an uneasy look as they walked over and opened the door. There stood Joey Drew in all of his horrible glory. Smiling like there was no tomorrow, holding multiple ritual books. 

“Hope you didn’t miss me that much.” he said cheerfully as he put the pile of books on the table.

~~~~~

Not at all. Skye moved closer to Logan as they watched Joey. “That’s certainly a lot of spellbooks, Mr. Drew. Are you sure there's a spell that can help me in one of those?” They kept an eye on Logan, noticing their friend’s unease.

~~~~~

“Yeah, there should be a spell to get you home in one of these.” Henry seemed to glare a Joey and the books. “We should-”

“May I speak to you outside, Drew? ” Logan walked towards the door motioning Joey to step out. “Oh, sure thing Logan.” 

He walked passed Logan and into the hallway, “Start looking through those books.” Logan gave a half hearted smile and close the door behind her.

~~~~~

As soon as the door closed, Stye heaved a sigh. They sat down again and dragged one of the books off the pile. “Might as well start looking, right?” they joked. As they read through the tome, they kept an eye on the door.

“. . .Henry, how… involved are you in the Studio? Like, do you have any major say in what happens?”

~~~~~

Henry grabbed one of the books and flipped through it. “Well my official title is Head of The Animation Department, but Joey and I are supposed to be partners. We founded this company together, but as you can tell, Joey took most of the credit.” Henry seemed a bit grim, but brightened up a bit. “However, if I do push I can get Joey do or not do something, but there are things even I can’t stop him from doing. Example, the ink machine.”

Meanwhile outside the door, Logan was having a ‘friendly’ conversation with Joey. “I’m surprised that you came for my help, Logan .” Logan tried not to show that he was already on her nerves. 

“Let’s get straight to the point, the only thing you’re going to do is send Skye back home and that’s it, no lollygagging. No sneaky conditions or questions. AND NO experiments! Do I make myself clear?” 

Joey laughed, “Why, I would never do something like that! Are you nervous because of the accident? ” 

Logan leaned over Joey, glaring at him. “We both know that was no accident! ”

~~~~~

“Yeah, it’s similar in my Studio. Joey’s officially in charge, but he has to clear any big projects with the heads of the departments. He still does stupid stuff without telling anybody, though. If it’s really stupid or potentially dangerous he gets told off by you- er, Henry or Norman or Grant or even yelled at by Sammy.” They chuckled. “He gets yelled at a lot.”

They glanced through the book before them. Nothing time-travel or portal-related here. They put it aside and moved on to the next. That’s one perk of working with Joey Drew, they thought bemusedly. You learn to read fast and either find what you’re looking for or move on. Pretty helpful when you’re making sure somebody isn’t doing anything stupid.

~~~~~

Henry chuckled at the thought. He turned to a page in one of the books, “Oh… um let’s use this one as the very, very last resort.” Henry showed Skye the page. 

‘ Alternate Reality Jump Spell ’

Items:

Candles
Bowl
Knife
 

Sacrifice (preferably human)
 

 Water
“I would prefer to get you home without any deaths involved.” Henry glanced at the door, putting the book to the side. “So how has your visit been? I know this might be a bit much.”

~~~~~

“It hasn’t been too bad, I suppose. I mean, the circumstances are less than favourable, but there’s nothing I can do about that. It’s interesting to see all the differences between this studio and mine.” Skye took another look at the spell.

“You know, sacrifice can mean different things. Though I suppose for Joey it would be that sort of sacrifice.”

~~~~~

Henry nodded, remembering the time when he came across Joey doing a ritual and having to tell him to stop using people.

A creak could be heard as Joey and Logan walked into the room. Joey’s usual smile still there, but Logan’s face was of frustration and concern. “Any luck?” She asked.

~~~~~

Skye tilted their hand in a ‘so-so’ motion, flipping through another tome. “There’s a few that could work, but I’d rather find one that’s more likely to guarantee to work. Also something that preferably doesn’t include anything even remotely similar to blood sacrifice or anything of the sort. That could make the spell more stable, but it also has the potential to be an anchor for something we don’t want.”

They looked up at Logan. “Come join us; we could use the help. Plus, it’s probably more interesting than standing around and watching,” They smiled.

~~~~~

Logan nodded sitting down grabbing a book off the the pile. Joey did the same.  Everyone sat in silence for about 30 minutes, with every once in a while someone gasping, but then finding it did fit what they needed. Logan gasped and reread the page they were on. “I think I found something!”

The others look at her to continue, Logan read the page aloud.

“ Time Travelling Spell

Materials:

A Watch
Ability to Speak
Put the watch on, then say the following spell 3 times:

Gods and goddesses, bless this watch for me,

Make it give me the power to time travel,

So let it be,

When I am wearing this watch, 

Make it let me time travel when I say the following words:

Let me travel to the place and time in my mind.

Then thinking of the time and place I want to travel to.

Do this for me please please please.

Then say the following 1x:

By the power of three, so mote it be.”

Henry nodded, “I think that just might work.” Henry turned to Skye, “We’re getting you home. Now does anyone have a watch?”

~~~~~

“Unfortunately, no. I didn’t bring mine today.” Skye felt a thrill of elation go through them. This could get me home! Though I’m not sure if time travel is the best choice, it does make sense.

They felt their face warm as their cheeks stretched into a grin.

~~~~~

Joey looked around his person finding no watch. Logan quickly took off their watch, “This should work.” Handing it to Skye, Logan added, “Also from what I can tell you could come back and visit if you wanted too!” Logan was happy that she wouldn’t have to say goodbye to Skye, only see you later.

~~~~~

“Alright! Let’s do this!” Skye jumped up from their seat and held the watch high. Grinning still, they turned to Logan and hugged her tightly. “If it doesn’t work, I’ll just have to find another way, won’t I?”

They stepped back, strapping the watch on and going over the spell in their head. “Oh, I should probably tell you. This will probably work a little differently than the book says. My magic tends to affect whatever spells are cast, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!”

~~~~~

Henry nodded in understanding as he made sure everyone had backed away to give Skye room. Joey was quite literally being held by Henry, his excitement growing. Logan couldn’t help but smile. Henry looked at the two people on either side one last time. Giving a thumbs up to Skye he said, “Alright Skye, give it a try.”

~~~~~

Skye nodded, pushing down their nerves. Taking a deep breath, they recited the spell, reaching for the magic in their core. They felt the air around them compress and change, and they looked around at the others one last time, smiling.

Streaks of red lighting/electricity(?) raced around them before there was a flash and rush of wind. It quickly dissipated, leaving a lingering smell of ozone.

~~~~~

The group watched as Skye recited the spell. The air seem to get heavier and red electricity/lighting surround Skye. There was a loud “POP” and Skye was gone.

“It worked!” Joey said surprised. 

Logan gave him a glare, “Was it not supposed to work?!”

“No, I just never used the spell before.” Joey said as he collected his spell books and walked out of the room. 

Henry gave Logan a concerned look, “We need to be ready for anything bad coming our way, but we’ve had enough excitement for today. Let’s go.”

Henry and Logan headed out of the room. Logan seemed to linger for a second looking at the spot Skye disappeared. “I’m sure they made it and I’m even more sure that they will come back.” Logan nodded glancing back one more time before she closed the door.

~~~~~

Opening their eyes, Skye found themself in a familiar place- the stairwell leading to the Music and Toy Departments. Concentrating, they felt for any familiar signatures. Nothing in their immediate area, maybe that way- there! Towards the offices, then.

They made their way upstairs, only stumbling a few times. Nobody else was around, it seemed, though they checked each room as they passed them. Eventually they stood in front of Joey’s office; they could hear voices inside, some muttering and some raised in worry. Without waiting another moment, they opened the door and stepped inside.

“Hey everyone. You miss me?”

Chapter Text

Logan was walking past Heavenly Toys when her vision went sideways. Before them was the elevator. Except a snap could be heard, and screaming, Henry’s ‘screams’. Her vision cleared and found herself on their knees. Logan clumsily got up and bolted to the elevator. “Henry!” Something bad was going to happen.

~~~~~

Joey slowly made his way to the elevator. He groaned in frustration, walking with his cane took forever. 

“Hello!”

Joey looked around, “Henry??”

“I’m stuck in the elevator…” Joey opened the gate and carefully looked up the elevator shaft to see the bottom of the elevator halfway on a floor.

“I’ll go get help…” SNAP!

“Henry ! ” Logan ran towards the elevator brushing against Joey. SNAP!

~~~~~

Hands grasped Henry as he and the elevator past by. Pulling Henry into a hug. They breathed heavily. Gripping Henry like a lifeline.

“ Henry, are you okay?! ” 

Henry kept his head against their chest looking at the ground, trying to catch his breath.

“I….yeah.”

“ I’m so glad you-- ”

Henry stiffened, he didn’t recognize his rescuer’s voice. It was like Joey’s, proud and excitable, but more gentle more… feminine like when a friend is bragging about you. He stumbles as the person lowers him back to the floor and stands straight up. Henry looks up at the person's face and gasps. They had four eyes!

They looked down at Henry one hand rubbing their neck, another clutching the cane. The last two on their waist, sending Henry a big smile. 

Henry squints looking at the features of this new being. 

“Joey… Logan… is that you?” 

The being’s smile faltered. “Yeah…. I mean… We mean… um” Their calm face turned to one of panic. Who were they?

“Hey. Hey!” Henry seeing the beginnings of a panic attack grabbed two of their hands, “Look at me.” The being widely looked down at Henry, their breathing all out of whack. “Breath with me…. In…. Out….” The being followed Henry’s lead and calmed their breathing. After they calmed down Henry glaced around. “We should get to Joey’s office.” They nodded, it might not be the best idea to let anyone else see them.

~~~~~

“Okay from what I’ve gathered, you are a combination of Joey and Logan.”

They nodded, shifting in the short chair. “Do you have a name?” 

They thought for a moment, “ Jordan, I would like to be called Jordan. ” Henry nodded. “I know this is cool and from what I can tell you seem nice, but I need you to unfuse so Joey can go to a meeting. It’s better that nobody outside the company sees this.” 

Jordan twitched nervously, “ I’m not sure how to do that… ” 

“Well,” Henry looked deep in thought, “you seemed to have fused over the like interest of rescuing me, so if you, Logan and Joey, were to argue over something maybe you would unfuse.” 

Jordan nodded their head euthicalsicly. “ What would be something they would fight over? ” 

Henry looked deep in thought, “I’m not sure, let's brainstorm.”

~~~~~

Jordan couldn’t help but shift uncomfortably in their, Joey’s chair. It was too low and a bit too small. And their arms. Oh their arms! It was annoying figuring out what to do with all four of them. So Jordan folded the top two on the desk and the other two figited under it. Though they did have the urge to gnaw at their fingertips. One hand went to do just that, another pulled it back down. To try and distract themselves, they watched Henry as he sat in thought, but quickly looked away when he noticed. The feelings they had for Henry were a bit convoluted, but over all Jordan felt like they’ve known Henry for a long time. Jordan couldn’t help but look up to him and want to keep him safe and happy. He was their best friend, a mentor. They shook their head. Unfusing! they had to think of unfusing. It was odd. Jordan almost felt angry or frustrated that they had to unfuse, but the other part of them understood that they must at least for a while. However when trying to find a conflict to fight over there seem to be a restraint in memory.

“I’ve got it! What should we do with the budget.” 

~~~~~

The response was almost automatic. “ We should obviously use it to make sure the animations get done on time. ” “ No we should expand and create more of a market! ” Jordan grind their teeth in frustration. “ If we have no animations there will not even be a market!! ” Jordan’s many hands were clenched in rage. “ We have to keep up with the demand for more products!!! ” 

Pop!  

With a burst of light two figures tumbled away from each other. Logan on the left, Joey on the right.

“Welp I’m glad we sorted that out.” Henry gave Joey a look, when he was about to interrupt. “We will talk about this later. Joey has a meeting to catch.” Henry left the office with Logan in tow. “I need some coffee.” Logan couldn’t help but agree.

Chapter Text

“ Ugh why can’t he just see it the way we see it! ” They knew they shouldn’t be this angry about it but they couldn’t help but grip their cane in frustration. “Hey Jordan- 

Spinning around fast, they accidentally hit Wally with their cane. He laid limb on the floor covered in red. Jordan could see they were also covered in red. The cane clattered to the floor. They shakily looked at their hands. 

“Hey Jordan what do you think—- Jordan what happened.” Jordan looked over to see Henry standing in shock and quickly they bolted. They could barely hear Henry as they made it to their office. Locking the door they slid down to sit. Two hands in their hair the others shakingly held out in front of them, Only just know noticing they were crying as tears drip down their chin into their red soaked hands. They hurt Wally! They hurt their friend, someone they cared about. Despite that they felt a slight smile and it scared them. Was their sanity really that close to collapse! Would they hurt others, are they not safe to be ar— 

Their thoughts were interrupted by banging on their door. 

“Jordan open the door!” Henry called out. Jordan shakily replied, “ I… I can’t do that. ” 

“Why not?”

“ I… I don’t want to hurt anyone, I don’t want to hurt you, Henry ” they choked out.

They heard Henry sigh and sink down. 

“Jordan I don’t know what you think you did but you didn’t kill Wally.”

“ I.. what? ”

“He’s not dead Jordan.”

“ Wha...what am I covered in then? ”

“Red paint. Wally was holding red paint when you hit him. And before you ask he’s only unconscious with a bloody nose.”

Jordan unlocked the door and opened it to see Henry standing there. Arms open. Jordan wastes no time in accepting the hug. 

“ I thought I killed him, Henry! ”

“I know but you didn’t, it was an accident.”

Jordan couldn’t help but sob into Henry’s shoulder. “Let’s get you cleaned up and then we will go see him. He should be waking up soon.”

So there Henry and Jordan sat waiting for Wally to wake up. Jordan can’t help but worry, what if Wally doesn’t forgive them, they’d never forgive themselves if they had scarred Wally for life. Henry rubbed circles into their back and whispered words of encouragement in their ear. Wally’s eyelids flicker as he slowly opens them.

 “Ugh my nose.” Jordan couldn’t help but flinch. Slowly Wally sat up, still a bit disoriented. 

“Thank goodness you’re alright you had us worried sick.” Wally looked over at them and smiled but looked a bit confused.

“If you don’t mind could you tell me why I’m in the infirmary?” Jordan couldn’t help but shift uncomfortably.

Henry gave Jordan a small look before giving his full attention to Wally. “What is the last thing you remember?” Wally puts a finger up to his chin as he thought, “Well I remember walking up to Jordan to ask them what they want to do with the extra red paint, but they were facing the other way so I called out to them. They quickly spun around and I woke up here.” 

Henry nodded, “From what I’ve gathered when Jorden spun around they accidentally hit you in the nose causing you to hit the floor and become unconscious. At the same time the red paint you were holding went everywhere. This made Jordan think they accidentally killed you.” 

Wally’s eyes widened “Oh!” 

“ I’m so sorry Wally! I didn’t mean to hurt you! When I saw you on the floor covered in what I thought was blood I panicked and-“ 

Wally cut them with a hug. “I know you did mean to hurt me, I’m fine and I forgive you.” Jordan couldn’t help but start crying as they wrapped Wally into their arms. “ You’re my friend and - “

“You’re my friend too Jordan, I understand.”

Jordan softly smiled, “ I’m just glad you’re okay. ”

Chapter Text

Logan wandered their daily commute, ready to start the day. Logan quickly skidded to a stop. The almost passed Accounting. They had planned to catch up with Grant.

Giddy they knocked on his door. There was no answer. Logan shrugged their shoulders, must not be in yet. They started to walk away before skidding to a halt. There was a muffled cry coming from beyond the door.

“Grant are you in there?” They knocked on the door again, “Are you okay” When there was no answer, but what could be heavy breathing. Logan, tried to calmly, open the door.

They gasped in surprise, the room was a complete outer mess. Papers all over the floor, ink was spilt on the desk smudging some papers, and in the middle of it all sat a shaking, crying Grant.

Logan rushed over to Grant. They carefully took his clenched hands from his face and hold them tightly. “I’m here Grant, I’m here.”

Eventually his glazed over eyes looked up to Logan’s emerald ones. He’s chocolate ones now even more shiny as more tears fell from them. Logan pulled him close embracing him in the biggest hug they could muster. They sat there in that hug for one knows how long. Grant’s tears stopped coming and Logan released from the hug, keeping their hands on his shoulder though. 

“Thanks I needed that..” Grant almost mumbled. His face was red from crying, his breath still slightly fast but with each passing moment it became more and more calm. 

“It’s fine, I’m here for you. No matter what.”

Grant pulled Logan into a hug once more. This time it was a bit different.

Though both their eyes were closed, a white light surrounded them until a humanoid being sat there hugging themself.

All three of their eyes opened with a slight smile. This quickly turned into a look of intense concern as they saw their three arms. They stood up and paced the small room. Seemingly mulling it over in their head. Before coming to a stop with a sigh of perhaps relief.

“Hey Grant I was wondering…” Johnny stood open mouthed at the opened door in complete shock. Sure he had heard of Jordan and caught a belief glance at them, but he didn’t think, he just didn’t think… 

“ Oh Johnny, so nice to stop by,” The being smiled at him.

“No problem G...um…”

“ Lance, call me Lance. ” They hold their hand out to shake. Johnny hesitantly took it but the hesitance quickly became eagerness.

Chapter Text

Joey always considered himself as a fair and an understanding person. That was what he thought wholeheartedly until Henry left. 

Chapter Text

Logan was returning to her desk from handing in some panels. Logan slowed their pace as they reached his desk. They sat down at Henry’s desk. It had hardly been a week since he left, but Logan still missed him so much. He said he would stay in contact, but it just wasn’t the same. She covered their face in an attempt to not start crying.

“Are you okay?” Logan jumped slightly looking around. She was the only person in the room.

“Hello?” they asked uncertainty.

“Down here.”

Logan looked down at the desk on it was a simple drawing of Bendy. Logan was wondering if they were going crazy, until the drawing waved at her. Logan completely fell out of the chair landing with a “thump”. The Bendy drawing gave them a concerned glace as Logan pulled herself back on to the chair.

“I’m insane aren’t I!” Logan just couldn’t believe they finally lost it.

“Nope! I’m really talking to you miss.” 

Logan took a deep breath. “Let’s start over. My name is Logan Amber. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’m Bendy, Bendy the Dancing Demon and it’s nice to meet you too, Miss Amber. Now are you okay, you seemed very upset.”  

“Oh um… a friend of mine used to work here at this desk, he recently left.” Logan’s mood seemed to droup.

“Oh I’m sorry for your friend.” 

“Oh it’s okay, I’m sure he happier now.” Logan thought for a moment. “His name is Henry. He was the lead animator and co-founder of the studio. Your creator…technically.”

Bendy seemed to absorb this and smiled, “Like a dad?” 

Logan chuckled, “Yeah.”

Ever since that first encounter Bendy and Logan became friends. Logan would tell Bendy about the outside world, other workers, and Henry. Bendy would share all sort of shenanigans he’d pulled and sometimes helped Logan out with poses and story ideas. It made the studio a little less melancholy. However, Logan did warn Bendy against showing his presence to Joey. Bendy of course would only want to be friends and want to chat, but Logan feared that Joey would do something much worse than hangout and ask questions/answer questions. But other than that Logan was glad to make a new friend.

Chapter Text

Logan merrily walked down the hall of the music department having just set up a prank, heading out for lunch. They reached the organ room and knocked.

“Come in.” In there sat Johnny, Sammy Lawrence's younger brother. Logan may despise Sammy, but Johnny and them were close friends.

“Hey want to come to lunch with me.” Johnny smiled,

“Sure thing.”

“Oh but first we should get Grant.” Logan said leading the way to the elevator. Once they got to the right room.

Logan knocked on the door.

“Come in” said the horribly sleep deprived Grant. The moment Grant saw Logan and Johnny he knew he wasn't going to have any alone time.

“Hey Grant, we're going out for lunch, you should come.” Grant dismissed the thought Johnny conjured. 

“I can't, too much to do.”

Logan looked down at the papers on his desk and sighed, “Grant you need a break, come on.”

Grant was about to refuse even though he saw Logan's concerned gaze and Johnny's puppy dog eyes, but Logan had an ace up her sleeve. “I'll buy you a chocolate milkshake.”

Grant bolted up and started walking to the elevator. Logan and Johnny snickered. Grant couldn't resist those chocolate shakes.

Everyone had a lot of fun. Johnny rencounter embarrassing stories making the trio laugh until their faces were blue. Grant relaxed from his usual guarded stance and enjoyed his milkshake, and the company. And Logan, well Logan was glad that her friends were happy and relieving themselves of the stress of work. It was a nice lunch.

~~~~~

Logan went to ask Johnny out for lunch, but as she opened the door to the organ room, she could tell something was wrong. She looked down at the keys of the organ, they were stained red in one corner. Logan choked back a sob. Finally, understanding why she hadn't seen him all week.

Logan would still go out with Grant, but it was never the same, it hadn't been since Johnny had disappeared.

Chapter Text

Logan was drawing the last line of the frame. Whipping their brow as sweat dripped down their face. It must have been the hottest day of the summer. Out of the corner of their eye, they saw a blur, someone they have never seen before. Logan looked behind them to see this mystery person had already walked past. He was tall, not as tall as she but still pretty tall. Thin but well built yet he walked almost like he just got his legs. His chestnut brown hair laid haphazardly on his head. Must have been only in his late teen’s early twenties. His shirt was old and slightly dirty, but the thing that really caught Logan’s eye was his right hand. It was blackened at the thumb and index. An artist, Logan smiled. She would have to find out more of this aspiring artist and then turn around going back to their work.

Over the next couple days Logan easily found out that the teen was the new gofer. Buddy. Logan wasn’t sure if it was a nickname or not but it didn’t matter. However, it was a shock to find he was stationed at Henry’s old desk, it hadn’t been used for years. But it was the only usable desk left and as Logan suspected he was interested in becoming an artist.

Chapter Text

The door stood imposing an ominous beige. Their hand hover over the rough wood. Why were they here, she wondered. Why did she decide to respond to his letter after years? Taking a shuddering breath they knocked.

The door swung open. There he stood, it was almost a smack in the face. He was old, much older than the last time she saw him. His hair was silver now, not the blonde mess it used to be. And he seemed to be even short than he used to be.

“Oh, Lo-”

“It’s Wren now.” 

He took a moment, “Wren I must say I’m surprised to see you.”

“I’m surprised I’m here too, Joey” Wren admitted.

Silence surrounded the two as they took stock of each other, having been years since they both have last seen each other. “Come in come in” Joey moved to the side gesturing for Wren to come inside.

Joey’s house was filled with old memorabilia from his animation career, there was even a framed photograph from Henery a shared friend of theirs. Wren stood in the middle of the dank kitchen, too nervous to sit down. The room itself was quite small, could have been cozy.

“I have a favor to ask,” 

“Hmm”

“Will you keep an eye on her… I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be around and I want to make sure she will be taken care of”

“I’ll keep an eye on her” There was an unspoken understanding that she wasn’t doing this for him.

Chapter Text

Logan’s headache with a dull pain. They opened their eyes slowly as to not cause anymore discomfort. They almost wished that she didn’t. Before her stood a humanoid ink creature. However it seemed to be more of a person than the other Henry and them had encounter. It was wearing pants with suspenders and holding Henry’s axe, but the odd thing was it was wearing a bendy head, from a cut out, like a mask. Henry was to their right, tied to a pole, just waking up. 

Logan tried to ask what they were doing here, but all that came out were muffles. Not only was she tied up in a chair that thing also gagged her. 

“There we go now. Nice and tight. We wouldn’t want our sheep roaming away now, would we?

No, we wouldn’t.”

Logan could only stare. She could never forget that condescending voice. Sammy Lawrence! “I must admit I am… honoured you came all the way down here to visit me. It almost makes what I’m about to do seem… cruel.”

Sammy placed the axe down much to Logan’s relief, but tensed up again when he said he was going to do something ‘cruel’.

“But the believers must honour their savior. I must have him notice me.”

What is… did he… has he lost his mind? Logan’s thoughts were interrupted when Sammy leaned forward into Henry’s face and then into her’s. Logan glared at him.

“Wait. You look familiar to me… that face…” He turned away quickly shaking his head.

“Not now. For our lord is calling to us, my little sheep. The time of sacrifice is at hand!” Sammy now stepping away a bit as Henry and Logan share a look a great concern. They were going to be sacrificed!

“And then, I will finally be free from this… prison. This inky… dark… abyss I call a body.” Sammy continued to monologue. Logan was so done at this point. They started thrashing around trying to get the bindings loose or something! Logan was cursing but the only thing that could be heard was angry muffled shouting. Sammy leaning towards Logan put his finger to his face(?) mask. “Shhh… Quiet! Listen! I can hear him. Crawling above. Crawling!”

Noise could be heard above making Logan shiver. Sammy grew more and more excited, moving around almost anticy “Let us begin. The ritual must be completed! 

Soon he will hear me… he will set us free.” He walked into the side room. 

Logan and Henry were now really freaking out. When the speakers turned on in front of them, Sammy’s voice in a odd rhyme almost like a song.

“Sheep, sheep, sheep. It’s time for sleep. Rest your head. It’s time for bed.

In the morning, you may wake. Or in the morning, you’ll be dead.

Hear me, Bendy! Arise from the darkness! Arise and claim my offering!

Free me! I beg you!

I summon you, Ink Demon! Show your face and take this tender sheep!”

The whole room was shaking violently as the big gate opened. Logan felt completely helpless until they heard clanging and growls(?) from the room Sammy was in. “No! My lord! Stay back. I am your Prophet! I am your-” Logan cringed as they heard Sammy’s screams. 

Luckily Henry was able to get out of his bindings and was now helping logan with hers. Henry grabbed his axe and Logan broke a leg off of the chair to use as a weapon. 

“Let’s get out of here!” Henry and Logan worked their way through the searchers. As they walked through the hall everything seemed calm, but Logan didn’t trust it. Henry was in the lead cutting down boards until a “Clang” could be heard. His axe broke, but luckily there were no more planks left. In front of the pair was a room filled with ink, with a door on the other side. It seemed to tease them. Logan’s arms prickled with pain, and drop the wooden chair leg, as Henry walked toward the door.

“ROAR” before them was Ink Bendy. Logan and Henry bolted to the left, which had just opened. Logan could hear it behind her as they ran through the halls, Henry was slightly behind her. Turning the corner Logan tripped, but Henry caught them and kept running. Turning the corner again, they saw a door. Henry ran faster trying to get there before the demon could. Henry sprinted into the room and Logan quickly barricaded the door. The thing banged against the door, but it seemed to hold.

After they caught their breath, Henry and Logan walked into the next room as a can of bacon soup rolled out from a hallway the couldn’t see into. Henry and Logan went on guard as a cartoon wolf walked out. “Boris?” Henry said in shock. Logan could only sigh a breath of relief, hoping thing wouldn’t get worse. 

Chapter Text

Logan stood at a cross section, Angel or Demon. She rolled through the question in her mind. 

“Which do you want to take?” Henry said snapping Logan out of her thoughts.

“How about I take Demon and you take Angel?” Henry shrugged and walked to the right. Logan, not wasting any time walked into the Demon room. They groaned- the floor was completely covered in ink. She slowly trudged through the ink coming across another tape recorder. She pressed play. It was Joey Drew, her boss.

“There’s nothing wrong with dreaming. Wishing for the impossible is just human nature. That’s how I got started. Just a pencil and a dream. We all want everything without even having to lift a finger.  They say you just have to believe.

Belief can make you succeed.

Belief can make you rich.

Belief can make you powerful.

Why with enough belief, you can even cheat death itself.

Now that… is a beautiful, and positively silly thought.”

Logan could only stand there in unfitted rage. How dare he! He was the reason she was like this! He made it sound real hunky dory, but did he understand the agony? No! He admired the feat. Logan brought their fist down on that damn audio log, crushing it to bits as she made her way out of the room. Not wanting to make Henry worried she sped down the hall, with only one thing in mind. Interrupting the ritual was an accident, but Joey continuing, when he KNEW she was there, was no accident.

Chapter Text

Logan sat against the wall. They really just needed a quick break from all the running around that Henry ‘agreed’ to do for ‘Alice Angel’. Henry and her had split up to find parts. Logan had found one gear, but she had little hope to find another. 

Logan’s eyes start to go burry, the room was a bright orange, intensified. Her body screamed for her to run, but she didn’t know why. Logan threw herself into the Little Mericle Station, hyperventilating. She couldn’t breathe! Logan tried to slow it by breathing in and out; four seconds, hold, then eight seconds. Once her breathing was more under control, she looked out of the peephole.

There was ink covering the wall, much more than before. Then they saw it, the Ink Demon. Logan grew paralyzed in fear as the creature, from long ago in her past, passed by the Little Miracle Station almost unaware, though they were quite sure the demon knew that someone was nearby. As quickly as he came, the demon disappeared into ink.

Her eyesight returned to what it’s supposed to be and her body no longer felt like fire. Logan as quickly as she could, they scooped up the one gear and sat with Boris in the elevator. They never wanted to experience that again, but knowing how the studio was, she knew it would happen again. So, she took the peace where they could.

Chapter Text

"Take the lift down. Say hello to an old friend." Logan sighed as she and Henry got in the elevator. They really hoped that this was the last “errand”. Henry sent Logan a small smile his face filled with determination. Stepping out of the elevator, Henry picked up a heart from a disfigured butcher gang member. They started down the stairs until they heard Alice’s voice, "Shhh... there he is. The Projectionist. Skulking in the darkness. You be sure to stay out of his light, if you don't want trouble." They watched the creature with a projector for a head walk across the opening. 

Logan froze. Hoping with all the life in her that this wasn’t who they thought it was, that he got out before all of this. Henry glanced over at Logan; if this is who he thought it was, Logan would be devastated. 

They both headed down the stairs into the ink. They came across an audio tape. Henry hit play. “Now I’m not lookin’ for trouble…” Logan’s throat seized. They couldn’t deny it any longer. Logan's eyes filled with tears as Henry enveloped her in a hug.

“I thought of all people he would have… he would have…”

“Left.” Henry sadly finished her sentence.

Henry let them go and they went on with the job, Logan wanted to be out of there as fast as possible. They split up, Henry went right, Logan went left.

Logan slowly traveled through the dimly light corridors, collecting hearts as she went, clutching their green scarf. She slowly turned the corner as she came face to face with The Projectionist. The creature went to grab her with a loud screech, but Logan dodged. Thankful she ran into the Little Miracle Station.

Logan burst into tears, curled up in the corner wishing she could have done something. Anything! 

And outside unannounced to her sat The Projectionist, trying to piece together why that thing felt so familiar.

Chapter Text

Once they had flipped the switch Henry and Logan head towards the small set of stairs. Logan still shaken from seeing The Projectionist, having been told to wait, but when hearing a screech, she just couldn't sit there.

“SCREECH!” The Projectionist showed up behind them suddenly. Henry ran into the Little Miracle Station. Calming his breathing until he realized that Logan wasn't with him. He tried to get out but the door had jammed.

A hand grabbed the back of her shirt causing Logan to tumble down the stairs. Once she landed the creature quickly grabbed her front holding her to be 'eye level'. Logan barely struggled tears flowing down their face. The Projectionist shuttered his lense and Logan closed her eyes, waiting for the pain. It never came instead a pair of inky arms engulfed her in a hug. Logan hugged back crying.

They broke apart. “How did you know?” Norman pointed at her scarf. Logan smiled holding his 'head' in her hands.

They headed back up stair. However as they did, Logan stumbled her vision going orange, blood on fire. Norman pulled Logan to him as the Ink Demon showed up.

In one quick swop Norman threw Logan into The Little Miracle Station. The Ink Demon and Norman screamed at each other throwing punches, until The Ink Demon grabbed Norman's head and tore it off.

“NNNNNOOOOO!” Logan screamed Henry holding her back.

Bendy chucked the 'head' at the door. Lowered his face eye level with the door smiling wide before he dragged away Norman's limp body.

Logan broke into tears and there Henry and Logan sat mourning from her best friend.

Chapter Text

"Betrayed! Abandoned! I trusted you, I gave you everything! And you left me to ROT! Why? WHY?!" Sammy screamed.

Logan backed up from the axe swinging lunatic. "How is he still alive!" Henry only shrugged. They had no weapons to defend themselves with.

Henry sucker punched Sammy multiple times, but got an axe in the arm. Logan jumped on Sammy, but he flung her off as Henry punched him again. He swung at Henry again, nicking his side. Logan punched Sammy but he retorted with a cut across Logan's forearm.

Logan screamed in pain, ink dripped from her arm, burning! Henry uppercut Sammy as he ran to Logan, but as he did so an axe was seen through his stomach.

Henry gasped for air as a substance bubbled from his lips and dripped down his chin. He fell limp to the floor.

Logan couldn't think, Henry was dead! Sammy Lawrence KILLED HIM!

Logan smacked him as hard as she could, making Sammy's ridiculous mask fly off. He screeched and ran to the middle of the room yelling, "No! Don't look at me! Stay AWAY!" Logan walk towards him ready to punch him in the face.

She stood in front of him. He grabbed her injured arm as she threw the punch, making Logan hiss in pain. "Ah. You lied to me!" With his other hand he raised Logan up and threw her to the ground, stepping on her cut forearm.

"You said I’d be free." Logan tried to pull their arm away. "Well I'm going to FREE you now! Free your HEAD right off your SHOULDERS! " Logan struggled to move her arm, his foot preventing escape!

Sammy raised the axe above his head, singing, " Sheep, sheep, sheep. It's time for sleep! " Logan couldn't escape him she was going to die! Logan starred as Sammy Lawrence swung down the axe.

Suddenly an axe was in Sammy's head as he fell dead next to Logan, but the damage was done. The axe cut into Logan's neck. She screamed as it hit the 'ink poisoning'.

Logan watched as Tom held another axe above her, but thankfully instead of finishing the job, he helped her up.

Henry bolted up gasping for air, the massive hole in his chest gone, turning to see, a more than half dead Logan, Tom, and Allison.

"I'm glad we showed up when we did." Allison said concerned as Logan's eyes rolled back, unconscious, but alive. Henry could only nodded grimmly. As Tom and Allison stood guard, and Henry ran to Logan to apply first aid.

Chapter Text

Henry slowly walked through the small corridor. It was dimly lit, and he had to squint to see. As Henry rounded the corner, he was hit in the head. He really needed to stop being put unconscious.

Henry awoke to the sound of the drumming of fingers. He shook his head to clear up the dizziness he felt. Looking around he noticed he was in a much brighter room now, however he was strapped to a chair. It was then he realized there was another figure in the room. They were staring intently at him, like a predator.

This person's hair was a mess, clothes inky and ruined. Their arms were covered with ink up to the end of their sleeves. Their neck was black. But the most shocking thing was their eyes, god their eyes. They had no eyes, just an inky abyss.

“Logan?” Henry said in shock.

“Oh, hello Henry .” The figure cooed. Henry could barely look at Logan, her glasses were gone, her once shy-like stance was replaced by a terrifyingly powerful one. This was nothing like the kind, funny Logan he used to know. This was a hardened, hatred filled shadow. “I see that you're shocked by my new appearance. I made some modifications.” Henry could only stare at lost for words. “Remember how I was barely immortal.” Logan started to snicker at the thought. That was all Henry needed to know that she had completed that horrible ritual. She had let the ink take them over!

“After you left here, Henry , well everything became Hell. People, people I had cared about died and became unearthly creatures. Shadows of their former selves. I wrote you a letter, begging for you to come back and help, save us all from this damnation. You didn’t come to our rescue, you didn’t even write back!” Logan was growling animalistically now. 

Logan who had been leaning over Henry at this point stood up and smoothed down her shirt, calmly continued. “So I did what I had to do and killed him, Joey Drew. But by then it was too late, none of us could escape. I wrote you that letter, Henry . You could have stopped this. But you didn’t, so now I’m going to KILL you Henry. I’m going to KILL you over and over again, until the end of time. You and I can’t die, so I’m going to enjoy every time your body goes limp, every time you cry in pain. Cause this will NEVER END! ” 

Henry cried in pain as his once friend ripped out his heart. Henry started to cry, wishing that this could have been different, as he lost his consciousness.

Chapter Text

Logan groaned they could feel the exhaustion tugging at their eyelids but they quickly shook their head. They needed to stay aware just in case. They gripped the wrench to help them focus. Henry glanced over at Logan taking in their drooping eyelids, slouched posture, and dragging feet. All these signs seemed to shout ready to pass out.

“Hey Logan,” they seemed to snap out of their daze, quickly looking to Henry. “You should take a rest.” Logan was about to reassure that she was fine. But a firm, yet comforting hand rested on their shoulder quieting the thoughts of refusing. 

They sighed in welcomed defeat, “You’re right, but if anything happens, wake me up.” Logan began to walk towards the elevator, “No buts Henry!” They whisper yelled behind them. Henry turned to say something back, but he just shook his head and continued to trudge through the studio. 

Not even 15 minutes later Henry was turning those awful gages. Henry was a bit on edge. He hadn’t seen the Ink Demon in awhile and him making this much noise would surely attract its attention. However it failed to show, even after he got every power source. At this point, Henry was more than confused he was worried.

Henry hurried quickly towards the elevator. He could have sworn that the air seemed to drop in temperature. He just hoped it was his avid imagination, that Logan liked to often remind him of. Henry finally made it to the elevator. Taking in a shaky deep breath he press the call button, fighting the urge to press it repeatedly. He’s just paranoid, Logan is fine, they can handle themself. Henry tried to reassure himself but there still was a seed of doubt. Thankfully the elevator started to raise up almost making him smile in relief. As quickly as relief came it was almost as quickly gone. Logan wasn’t in the elevator with Boris.

Logan awoke in pain. They felt like someone ran them over with a bus. Sluggishly they opened their eyes to only see a panel and grated floor. Slowly they push their self up trying to not make their head hurt more than it already was. 

Taking a deep breath Logan began to scan the room. Definitely not the elevator or any other room she’s been in. Two things seemed to stand out to them among the bleak room: multiple projections seemed to showing different parts of Bendy episodes and second was a decrepit plush chair sitting upon what looked like a pile on ink and gears. Broken chains hung from it. Logan might have called it a throne but if this was owned by who they think it’s owned by, they don’t deserve a title consisting a throne.

“Ah it seems Logan has awaken from their slumber.” Logan gritted their teeth in pain. “It seems I’ve finally caught you hmm?” Logan could almost feel the words bounce around in their brain. She wasn’t even sure if the words were spoken out loud. Sharply their head was tilted upwards towards the demon. “You’re supposed to look at people when they’re talking, Doll.” It seemed to hiss. Logan quickly swat the inky hand away from their face. It chuckled, neatly folding its hands behind its back. “Nearly forgot how feisty you are…” Logan was done with this bs. They rose to their full height ignoring the pain. They wanted answers.

“Why am I here, you surely need me for something.” The demon tilted its head. 

“What says I need you for something?”

Logan crosses their arms, “I’m not dead yet, so that leaves only one option.” It seemed to smile even more.

“Still always to the point.” It began to circle around Logan like a vulture. “I need you to help complete my plan.”

“And what’s this so called plan..?” It chuckled as It picked up Logan by the shirt. Logan started to flail. Hitting the demon the best they could, struggling to escape Its grasp. 

Leaning close it smile widened, “I’m smarter than that, Doll.”

Logan gasped in pain as a tail pierced their abdomen. It tossed her to the ground. Logan grunted as they tried to crawl away. Footsteps(?) sounded behind her. “Doll where do you think you’re going?” It slammed Logan against a wall. “I wanted to get more personal with you Doll.” Logan paled, no he couldn’t!

 The Demon cover Logan’s mouth muffling their screaming. As the ink touched they gasped it was so cold. Logan pushed and pulled the paneled wall, but it continued to pull her in, tears were streaming through her face at point. But her hold was getting weak with blood lost and constant pulling. The ink consumed Logan until no more screams could be heard.

Chapter Text

It had taken approximately four months, close to a dozen botched rituals, and many, many near-sleepless nights as well as many long shifts, but it was done. Skye, with Joey’s help (and a few others to make sure nothing bad happened) had figured out a way to connect the two Studios without stranding someone in the wrong era or ripping apart the space-time continuum- hopefully.

They stood in the breakroom (on the first floor, the one that actually had a working coffee machine...sometimes, and comfortable seating), a medium-sized mirror in front of them. This was it. They took a deep breath and let their magic flow as they recited the spell.

Some time ago, they had recreated the spell that had sent them into Logan’s studio. They hadn’t had much time, so they had found her desk and dropped off a small package before leaving, checking to make sure they weren’t going to be caught. It wasn’t much, containing only some food (candy), some comics, and the second mirror, which was needed to connect and anchor the spell.

Skye had thought long and hard about what to bring, not wanting to overwhelm their friend but also introduce Logan to some of the things they enjoyed, so the animator wouldn’t be too lost when Skye inevitably went off about some topic or other. Henry, Norman, Wally, Shawn, and even Joey were consulted on what they should or shouldn’t bring.

...Some suggestions were better than others.

All that aside, everything was ready, and Skye grinned nervously as the spell activated. Hopefully Logan was doing alright, and had figured out what the mirror was for- though maybe not, since Skye didn’t really leave a note explaining why there was a package with no address on it at their desk. ...They probably should have left a note.

“Well no turning back now,” they muttered, watching anxiously as the mirror shimmered in front of them. “Nothing to do but wait.”

~~~~~

It was not too long after Skye showed up, when Logan found presents on her desk. Logan was unsure who it was from since nobody at the studio gave her anonymous gifts. As Logan sat at the desk they realized that most of the presents were versions of things she hadn’t seen before; candies and comics. That when it hit her, these must have been from Skye! Logan couldn’t help but smile. It was really sweet of them to send her gifts, but Logan wished she could have talked to them. That was when Logan noticed the medium sized mirror. Logan wondered what it was for, but knowing Skye it was probably important.

A couple months passed and the studio was kinda heading a bit down hill, but Logan kept her hopes up. When one day while working on some panels, Logan looked up to see the medium sized mirror shimmering. They carefully picked up the mirror. Not entirely sure what to do they touch the shimmering mirror.

~~~~~

Skye nearly screamed with delight(?) as Logan’s face appeared. As it was, they managed to keep it to a low shriek before grinning excitedly. “Logan! Omigosh it worked! How are you? Are you alone right now or is there anybody else with you?”

They were ecstatic; after all that time, it worked! They finally had a way to keep in touch with their friend! Skye bounced in place as they looked at Logan, watching her reaction.

~~~~~

Logan nearly dropped the mirror in shock. “Skye! I’m so glad to see you.” They couldn’t help but smile. Logan looked around, she could only hear a faint whistle. “I’m by myself at the moment, though Wally is nearby. I’m doing okay, how about you? Also how did you do this?” Logan gestured at the mirror.

~~~~~

“I’m doing pretty good! Work is... well, it’s work, but if you ask me,” they looked around before leaning in close and whispering loudly, “this internship thing isn’t too bad. The others don’t know what to think of me; I’m the only one who made it past the trials.” They grinned smugly.

“As for this,” they gestured to the mirror, “it took some time and a lot of work, but I got the time-travel/interdimension/whatever spell to connect the mirrors! This way we can talk to each other whenever we want! I tweaked the spell a little (read: a lot) so it only has to be cast once, and it’s attuned to us so we just have to… uh, tap it and say our name or something? I’m not really sure. But yeah! It works!”

~~~~~

Logan chuckled, “Knowing if my studio had interns I think most of us wouldn’t know what to think of you either. And that’s great, we can talk to each other whenever!” Logan shifted the mirror slightly, “How’s your studio doing?” Logan’s gaze darkened slightly, but her small smile stayed.

~~~~~

“The studio’s doing well! We’re trying out something new for the next project- it’s gonna be in colour!” Skye threw their hands up in excitement. They babbled on about small things going on around the Studio and their life outside of it. They talked for almost ten minutes before realizing what they were doing and cutting themself off with a laugh. “A-anyway, uh, how’re you?”

~~~~~

“Oh my studio….” Logan hoped that Skye wouldn’t notice the utter lack of sleep and stress she was going through. “I’m going to be honest with you Skye, everything has been heading steeply downhill. Joey is definitely not in the right mental state, Henry barely seems to stay awake due to the stress and keeping people from killing each other. And Susie isn’t even human anymore!” Logan sighed, “I just don’t know what to do anymore.”

~~~~~

“That’s awful! I-I didn’t think it would happen so quickly…” Skye saw the tiredness in Logan’s eyes and how she was fighting to keep it off her face. A thought occurred to them and they lit up. “Hey, Logan? If you ever want to get away or need to leave permanently or something, you can always come here! I don’t know if you’d want to get a job at the Studio, but you could stay with me!”

~~~~~

Logan wasn’t sure what to say. If she went to Skye’s studio permanently, Logan would be leaving everything and everyone they knew behind. However, Logan really needed a break. “Thank you for the offer, but I don’t think I’m ready to jump ship quite yet. However a visit does sound nice…”

~~~~~

“We can do that! I’d have to ask Joey for help with creating a portal stable enough to get through, but we should be able to do it!” Skye beamed. “Whenever you’re ready, just let me know!”

~~~~~

“Oh, let me grab some stuff then I’ll be ready.” Logan rummaged through a drawer in their desk. Pulling out their extra pair of glasses, a book, and some small candies. Grabbing their coat, they say, “Okay, I'm ready when you are.” 

~~~~~

Skye nodded, then turned and called for Joey. The man himself arrived in a minute or two, carrying a small stack of books and trying to keep the smile off his face. Skye quickly explained the situation, and he nodded, turning to the mirror.

“Well, well! If it isn’t Skye’s alternate-Studio friend! Nice to see you! Now, I heard that you wanted to come visit our humble little business. I’ve got just the spell for that, don’t worry!” He dropped the books on a table and opened one before showing it to Skye. They nodded and the two began to chant.

Skye traced forms in the air around the mirror, which shimmered and sparked with red magic. Soon enough, the surface of the mirror shimmered and changed into a swirling red portal.

“Come on through, it should be fine!” Just to be sure, Skye stuck their arm through and held their hand out to Logan in invitation. 

~~~~~

Logan took a deep breath and grabbed Skye’s hand. As Logan stepped into the portal, she felt a wave of nausea, but it quickly disappeared. Logan blinked a bit to adjust to the light. Looking around they saw Skye’s studio, Joey and Skye. “Umm… Hello.” waving slightly.

~~~~~

Joey grinned and waved back. Skye smiled.

“So! How was the trip? Was there any nausea or dizziness? Any strange side-effects?” Joey examined her and the portal, which was fading back to the cool blue of the mirror.

Skye coughed and tugged on Logan’s hand, shushing Joey at the same time. “Come on, Joey. They just got here. Let them get used to things and then we’ll see how they feel.” Joey drew back but kept glancing between Logan and the mirror, muttering. “Isn’t there a meeting or something you should be at? I think I remember Grant saying something about the finances-”

Joey paled and ran out of the room, leaving the two alone. Skye heaved a sigh and turned to Logan. “You ready to explore our humble studio? See the wonders? Maybe scare a few storyboarders?”

~~~~~

“Give me one second,” Logan pulled Skye into a massive hug. “I’ve been waiting to do that for a while.” Logan stood back up, grinning at Skye. “Okay, I’m ready. Oh, and scaring people… I can definitely do that.”

~~~~~

Skye smiled back, near bursting with excitement and happiness. “Well then, get ready! I know just the people!” They grabbed Logan’s hand and tugged her eagerly out the door. “We’ll have to say hi to the others too, of course! Henry, Norman; Wally or Shawn if we can find them- maybe even Sammy, the big grump!”

Skye knew Logan would likely be apprehensive about meeting some of the employees, but they hoped there would be enough of a difference to put her at ease.

~~~~~

Logan couldn’t help but chuckle a little. Letting Skye take her to their coworkers. They couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. Tension were high at her studio and they were close friends with many of the people Skye wants her to meet. Logan took a deep breath, letting the anxiety wash away. She didn’t know if this Henry, Norman, Wally, Shawn, or Sammy was anything like theirs. Everything should be fine. Besides she had Skye by their side.

~~~~~

The first stop was the offices nearby. This time of day people were generally more relaxed, coming off of break and settling back into their routine. Hopefully this meant people would be more accepting of Skye dragging a complete stranger through the studio.

They stopped in to say hello and introduce Logan, looking around for anyone they knew well. The pair received some curious looks, but otherwise remained unbothered as they traversed the halls.

Grant was next, and Skye knocked before nearly throwing open the door. The accountant was startled, jumping in his seat and turning to see who had come in. Skye started talking before he could open his mouth.

“Hey Grant! This is my friend Logan, you know, who I was telling you about before? She’s visiting for a bit- I dunno how long- but I thought I’d let you know so you aren’t freaked out by a stranger wandering around the Studio. Logan, this is Grant. He’s pretty cool; you’ll like him.” Grant waved hesitantly, an amused (bemused?) smile appearing as Skye barrelled on. “Anyway, we’ve gotta get going. Lots of studio to see, people to meet, you know-”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Logan tried not to stare down the stressed accountant. So similar to her Grant but still so different. Brown hair, a bit shorter but still same curly hair and rumpled clothes. Logan hoped to learn more about this Grant. They gave him a small smile and a wave as Skye started to head towards the next person to meet.

Logan couldn’t help but agape at the studio. They could feel the positive energy through the studio as Skye led her along. The posters so much more crisp, floors were cleaner. This Wally must do a lot of great cleaning. Logan wondered who else knew about Skye’s first adventure and how much they told them. 

“Who’s next on the list?”

Chapter Text

Skye hummed, going through their mental map of the studio. “I would say… the animation department, probably. I don’t think anyone’s lounging around in the other breakroom, so we should be able to see just about everyone!”

They continued through the halls, Skye pointing out small details and describing the layout. The offices occupied three floors, the ground floor, upstairs, and the bottom floor. It shared space with the animation department, which took up about half of the first floor. The music and toy departments were in the- well, it was technically the basement, but everyone called it the bottom floor. There was also storage space here and there on each floor, along with individual offices for department heads.

Eventually the pair arrived in Animation. Employees bustled about, some carrying storyboards while others ferried information or supplies. A pair of animators argued in the corner, gesturing at a clip that was playing on the wall. Moving further in they found the heart of the department- the animation room. Pens scratched on paper and muffled curses could be heard as artists made mistakes and had to go over them or start over.

In the middle of it all was Henry.

He stood next to one of the animator’s desks, pointing something out on their sheet and gesturing as he spoke. The artist was nodding along, looking back and forth between their work and the other man. Satisfied they understood, Henry nodded and turned away, looking over shoulders and conversing with people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Logan took a deep breath, this was more her element. No matter what, a room of working animators always made Logan feel at ease. They followed Skye’s gaze leading to a man who was conversing with some of the animators. Directing them. The slightly tired yet calm expression held his face. Logan couldn’t help but smile, this must be Henry.

“That’s him, right?” Logan quietly said. “Henry.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Skye felt Logan relax next to them. It seemed being in such a familiar environment was helping, which in turn made Skye feel lighter. They smiled, nodding.

“That’s Henry alright. Doing what he does best; helping people. Wonder if he’s done yet…” They knew Henry would notice the two of them sooner or later; it was a special talent of his, noticing people who often weren’t even in the room yet and turning his attention to them. Often he did it without sacrificing attention from whatever else he happened to be working on. There were theories on whether Henry was entirely human, or had been influenced by Joey’s experiments with magic and the occult. No one was entirely sure. It didn’t stop them from being grateful for it.

Sure enough, it took only a few minutes- maybe two- for Henry to realize they were there. He made a final comment to whoever he was talking with before turning and making his way over to the pair. A warm, welcoming smile made its way onto his face as he walked.

“Hey, welcome to the Animation Department. Logan, right? Nice to meet you.” He held out a hand in greeting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Logan hummed and shook Henry’s hand. “Nice to meet you too, Henry. Seems Skye told you about about me then..” They flashed a smile that was a bit nervous, but Logan quickly regained their composure. “Everything seems to be running quite smoothly in here. Always great to see good animation done.” Logan gaze glazed over in deep thought. “No yelling no… Sorry I’m rambling.” Their checks flush in slight embarrassment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Henry chuckled, shaking his head. “You’ve caught us on a good day. Normally things are a bit more… hectic. I’m glad your opinion of us is so high. Having someone who knows how things work helps a lot.” He turned and started walking, leading them out of the room towards a quieter one, where they would be able to talk in relative peace.

As they walked through the halls, Henry nodded and exchanged words with people. Skye mostly waved, pointing out specific people as they passed by.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Logan could easily see the similarities of the studios. Yet the subtle differences seemed to pop out at them. The way people held themselves or their tone of voice. Overall it was peaceful, something which Logan could easily get in pace with. Their small smile and just they way they walked would reveal this to a close friend. They were content.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eventually the trio made their way to an empty office. Skye settled themself in one of the chairs while Henry closed the door, muffling any sounds.

“So,” he began, coming around the desk and sitting down. “How are you finding our humble studio? We’re between major projects right now, so things are a little quieter around here than they usually are. Now, I’m sure if you went down to the Music Department and told Sammy that, he’d be a little more…”

“Shouty,” Skye suggested. They smirked, winking at Logan. Henry winced, grinning wryly.

“...You could say that.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Logan hummed in agreement. Sammy was definitely a “shouty” person. It was funny to learn that Sammy was still the grumpy music director. “Your studio is very nice, even if this isn’t its most busy day. Certainly the break I need.” Logan held a finger up in sudden awareness. “If the art department needs any help while I’m here, I am happy to help out.” Logan didn’t want their sudden visit to slow down production, even if they are there for a short time. Thinking about time, Logan turned to Skye, “I actually didn’t think about how long I would be staying.” They said flushed in slight embarrassment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“That would be wonderful, thank you,” Henry smiled. “But please don’t feel obligated to help; there’s no need to push yourself. If you really want to, though, I won’t stop you.”

Skye beamed. “That would be great! I could show you all around the studio and introduce you to everyone even faster!” When Logan brought up her realization on how long she might stay, Skye waved it off. “It’s okay. Just let me know when you want to go back and I’ll get Joey to set up the portal again. If you want to stay longer, you can stay at my apartment with me! There’s enough space for both of us!”