The questers followed a narrow hall until they came across an open area similar to the entrance of the temple. A set of stairs laid before them and floating on a pedestal at the top of the steps was the machine piece. The Book! The guardian appeared before the group giving them a smile.

"Well done chosen ones! You have passed the test of knowledge. The piece is now yours," he explained stepping to the side to let them take the steps.

"Wait! What was that during the test," Felix asked, "All of the people looked like each of us and some people we know. Why?"

The dragon gave a small sigh as his smile faded, "My apologizes. I am forbidden to speak of such things. I do hope you understand, but you'll find out on your own eventually."

Felix frowned at the guardian's answer. How would they found out themselves? All they knew was that those figures played key points in both the rise and fall of the ink machine along with the guardians. Felix put a hand on his chin as he tried to go over everything the figures had said along with their riddles. Maybe there was a hint somewhere to answer his question.

While Felix was deep in thought, Bendy and Boris had both decided to head up the steps to collect the piece. Bendy carefully reached for the book in fear that something might happen if she took the book too fast. Grabbing it, she pulled it off the pedestal gently as it landed in her hands. It looked like the book had not been touched at all. In almost perfect condition. The title of the book was called "The Illusion of Living." Sadly, it looked as though the author hadn't put their name anywhere on the book.

Bendy handed the book over to her brother so he could put it into his bag. Walking down the steps, they met back up with the other three who were quietly waiting for them. Cuphead instantly wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Now we have the second piece. Boris check the map to see if a new location has popped up," Bendy instructed her brother as he nodded pulling out the map.

When he did, lo and behold, a new spot was marked on the map. It looked to be close to the sea which was just east of their current location. Both siblings smirked as Boris put the map away. The guardian had led the questers back to the entrance of the temple. But before they left Bendy had to ask the guardian something. She stepped out of Cuphead's embrace to approach the guardian to ask.

".....Now that we have the piece...... What will happen to you," Bendy asked looking at him in slight worry.

He simply smiled as he explained, "Now that you have the map I am no longer guardian of this temple. My soul will finally be freed from this servitude and be able to enter the heavens. As for the temple, it will vanish as soon as you leave as if there was never one to begin with."

Bendy nodded in understanding, but frowned. The guardian noticed and touched her shoulder in an encouraging manner. There was no weight or anything to the hand making as though there was nothing there.

"Do not fret. For I am glad to be free of this accursed place. I have been waiting for so long to leave," The guardian explained gently, "The other guardians will feel the same way after you have collected the pieces..... especially my wife. She was not one for staying in one place for so long."

Bendy snapped her gaze up at him in surprise. Another one of guardians was his wife? He simply nodded the unanswered question form her mouth. He removed his hand from her shoulder taking a step back.

"Now then. You should be off. You still have four more pieces to collect before you can fix the machine," The guardian explained as everyone nodded in affirmation.

As they walked out of the temple, Bendy couldn't help, but look back. 'May you find peace in the after life........... Spyro......' Bendy thought as she blinked in confusion. Why had she called the guardian that? She shook her head gently as she let Cuphead carry her, because of how tired she really was. As she started to fall asleep in Cuphead's arms she couldn't help,but wonder...... How did she know the guardian's real name?

~~~~~~~

A short chapter for this one, but there now you know who the guardian actually is! How did Bendy know that though? Well you are just gonna have to wait and find out! Antebellum96 Out!