Chapter 20 - The Cleansing Fire

"You played right into our hands. Did you really think that this job just fell out of the sky for you? No. This was a gift... for us. You gathered them all together, in one place... just like he asked you to. All of those little souls, in one place. Just for us. A gift. Now, we can do what we were created to do. And be complete. I will make you proud, Daddy. Watch, listen, and be full." Circus Baby says to Michael. Suddenly, Henry's voice can be heard throughout the ventilation shaft. "Connection terminated. I am sorry to interrupt you Elizabeth... If you still even remember that name. But I am afraid you've been misinformed. You are not here to receive a gift. Nor have you been called here by the individual you assume. Although, you have indeed been called. You have all been called here, into a labyrinth of sounds and smells, misdirection, and misfortune. A labyrinth with no exit. A maze with no prize. You don't even realize that you are trapped. Your lust for blood has driven you in endless circles, chasing the cries of children in some unseen chamber always seeming so near... yet somehow out of reach. But you will never find them. None of you will. This is where your story ends. And to you, my brave volunteer... who somehow found this job listing not intended for you... Although there was a way out planned for you, I have a feeling that's not what you want. I have a feeling that you are... right where you want to be. I am remaining as well; I am nearby. This place will not be remembered, and the memory of everything that started this can finally begin to fade away... as the agony of every tragedy should. And to you monsters trapped in the corridors, be still... and... give up your spirits... They don't belong to you. For most of you, I believe there is peace, and perhaps more, waiting for you after the smoke clears. Although for one of you, the darkest pit of hell has opened to swallow you whole. So, don't keep the devil waiting, you fucking monster. My daughter, if you can hear me, I knew you would return as well. It's in your nature to protect... the innocent. I'm sorry that on that day, the day you were shut out and left to die, William was unable to lift you up into his arms, the way you lifted others into yours. And then, what became of you... I should have known you wouldn't be content to disappear, not my daughter. I couldn't save you then, so let me save you now. It's time to rest, for you, and for those you have carried in your arms. This ends... for all of us. End communication." Henry had started a fire to burn everything that was left from Dave's misdeeds, including Dave himself. Except this time, he made his restaurant a confusing labyrinth, that he wouldn't even have time to escape from. "YOU THINK YOU'VE WON?! THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING! YOU'LL NEVER KILL ME! I ALWAYS COME BACK!" Dave can be heard yelling throughout the burning pizzeria. Meanwhile, Michael sees a bonnie-like figure coming towards him. "Father?" Michael asks. "Yes Michael, it's me..." William says. "Father!" Michael says in tears, as he hugs William. William hugs back. "Although, I'm afraid this is the last time you'll be able to see me, Michael..." William says. "Wh-what?" Michael asks, confused. "I can't go to heaven. I made a deal with the gatekeeper of limbo. I'm sorry, Michael..." William says. Michael starts to cry, as the flames continue to engulf everything. Michael and his father continue to embrace each other, as their energy fades, and eventually, nothing remains.