Chapter Text
In another time, in another place, a different series of events happened to a group of familiar people. These events changed the course of everything. It truly is amazing and horrifying what one little change will do. What the loss of a single person can affect.
This story is a familiar one. One that you most likely already know. That is until this point in time. Here, in a narrow alley far away in the depths of Toon Town, a change. A decision made a moment sooner. An action taken a moment later.
There was a flash of blue. Mugman flinched.
“Boris!” Bendy shrieked. This couldn’t be happening.
“Be-Bendy,” Boris choked wetly. The demon covered the hole with his hand. Blood soaked through his glove in seconds. It puddled around them on the cold concrete. The wolf gagged as he struggled to breathe.
Mugman took a step back and another. His stomach sunk with each motion until he felt like he was going to be sick. Stars, he hated this.
“Hang on. Hang on. It’s okay. You’ll be okay. I swear, you’ll be okay.” Bendy murmured nonsensical reassurances. Eyes wide and forcing a smile that was more like a grimace. “We’ll get you to the hospital and you’ll be fine. They’ll be able to help you.”
There was no way they’d get there in time. No way a normal doctor would be able to save the kid. Cup’s bullet had hit him dead center. Cussing hell, it had almost hit Mugs! If he had been a moment sooner, it would have! Cuphead. Mugman ripped his eyes away from the hysterical demon and dying wolf to look at the haunted, thousand-yard stare of his older brother. His hand was trembling, half-lowered with steam rising from his finger. He was pale as hell and breathing shallowly. Not good.
A cry of pain had Mugs look back. His heart broke.
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Bendy apologized as he tried to pull Boris as gently as possible into his arms and stand up.
“B-Bendy. I-I-” Boris gurgled. “Sor-” His body spasmed in pain. He’d lost too much blood already. The alley was cold with dread.
“Shh. It’ll be okay. You’ll be okay. Big bro is here. Won’t let nothing happen to my widdle wolfie. We always get up and keep going. Right?” Tears were streaming down Bendy’s face, but he kept that smile as he talked. Trying to be as reassuring as possible. “No matter what. It’s always been us against the world bro. I’ve got you. We’ll be okay.”
Mugman couldn’t cussing watch this. “I had to.” Mugs’ eyes went back to Cup. “I-I had to,” Cup murmured. “It’s the damn job,” he whispered.
Mugs grabbed Cuphead’s arm. “C’mon. Let’s get outta here before someone sees us.”
Cup didn’t look away. “Mugs. I-”
“I know. We have to go,” Mugs stressed.
“Boris? Boris wake up! Boris!”
Mugs didn’t turn around. He couldn’t. He was a starfallen coward. He pulled Cuphead back with force and dragged him out of that dark, cold alleyway.
“BORIS!”
Xedo’s tail flicked back and forth with irritation. It’s been two weeks since he had heard anything in regard to the B-Brothers. Two horrible, painful weeks. They had found the body outside of a hospital. Confusion and fear had taken wing with the articles to the public. Boris BBro Dead, Killer At Large. No sign of Bendy anywhere. No puddle of ink at the crime scene, so he was still alive, wasn’t he? Or had those that had been hunting them taken him with them? Xedo hadn’t been able to find any answers.
A pair of detectives had come by some time ago with news, that had been before they found Boris. A huge conspiracy, an attempt at a cover-up, and now with Bendy missing, it could work. To Xedo’s frustration. The commissioner was in with the mob, murder attempts on the doctor in prison, and Fairfax ran around as a messenger for killers. There was a messed up system here and he feared it went all the way up the chain to the mayor’s office and the Sykes brothers! His own former boss, Robert Sykes! But he didn’t have proof and without the Bbros he had lost his best chance at the evidence. They were using Bendy as a scapegoat and it was working.
He was suspected of arson, theft, breaking and entering, evasion of arrest, destruction of property, homicide, and fratricide. Alice and Holly had been very upset at the turn of events. Anyone that had spent more than a minute with the boys knew for a fact that Bendy would have never hurt Boris. He had loved the wolf. Xedo was certain that it was the mob or those men that had been after them. Maybe the commissioner or the Sykes had done something. The longer the silence went the less hopeful Xedo was that they would ever hear from Bendy again. Two good kids lost and for what? Why stop this? Why stop Wiseton? Xedo didn’t know, not yet. But he was determined to find out. He wasn’t alone either. Holly and Alice were with him. The detectives were proving to be resourceful with inside information.
They knew the risks. They knew digging put them in danger, but Xedo would never be able to sleep at night if he did nothing. Those boys deserved justice. The sick deserved a cure. The people deserved answers. Wilson deserved to have his name cleared. And by the stars if Xedo wasn’t going to do everything in his power to try.
Cuphead stared out of the dirty glass and let the cigarette smoke escape his mouth. The sun was just barely breaking over the horizon. His head cussing hurt. He couldn’t bring himself to close his eyes. He felt heavy and numb and cussing sick.
The door to their bedroom opened. He heard Mugs yawn and then groan. “Please tell me you slept.” Cup didn’t respond to that. Mugs approached the table. Cup didn’t turn to look at him. “At least tell me that it’s just coffee in that mug.”
Cup took a deep breath.
“Damnit Cup! You can’t do this to me!” Mugs swiped the mug away. Now Cup pulled his eyes from the view to give Mugs an annoyed scowl. That didn’t deter his brother from pouring his drink down the tiny sink and setting the empty mug inside. Damnit. It’d still been half full. Mugs rested his hands on either side of the sink, back to him. “Look Cup, you can’t torture yourself.”
“‘M not,” Cup muttered.
Mugs hunched his shoulders. “You didn’t have a choice. You can’t punish yourself for something ya have no control over.”
“It’s just a job Mugman,” Cuphead said dully, glancing back at the window.
“I know. But ya didn’t want to do it. You feel bad and now you’re-you’re-” Mugs sighed in defeat.
“I’ll get over it. I always do,” Cup said. “Just another name on the long cussin’ list of names we’ve had handed to us. Still have to take care of the other one.”
“He-” Mugs bit his tongue and shook his head. “Ya know what? I’m gonna get us breakfast.” A smile broke out across his face. “Some big fluffy pancakes.”
Cup frowned. “We-”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it has a huge smile for you.” Mugs beelined it to the door with that dopey smile on his face. “In the meantime, you try to take a nap. Love ya bro!” And the door slammed shut before Cup could say another word.
Cup rolled his eyes. “Idiot,” he muttered without any energy behind it. Cusser was pitying him again. He got that it was a job so Cup didn’t need his stupid pity. Just a bit of a drink and a few days to unwind and he’d be right as rain. Cuss the Bbros. They were like every other petty thief. Scum that thought they were better than the real monsters because their crimes ‘never hurt anybody’. But that wasn’t true at all. That damn owl was dead because of them. So was the witch in New Orleans, not that it bothered Cup much. If they hadn’t done it, he sure as hell would have after she cursed him like that.
Cup tapped the table, only feeling darker. The rock in his stomach grew heavier. He knew he was full of stardust, but he had to. He didn’t have a choice. Just like Mugs said. They shouldn’t have gotten involved.
Cup shut his eyes against the morning glare and sighed. It was to get home. To free Mugs. He was doing all of this sunblazing stardust to get Mugs free of this hell.
They wanted to see Elder Kettle again. He wanted to apologize to the old man. He should have listened. He should have never gone over the cussing train tracks.
“Cuphead! Cuphead come on!” Mugs called to him. He was waving toward the woods. “Run Cuppy! Get away!” Cup was panting, feet working fast. He glanced behind him. The Devil was just leaving his casino, face twisted in a furious snarl. He opened his mouth and howled flames into the air. They had to escape. If they could just get home.
“Cuppy!” Mugman shouted.
Cup turned and gasped. He skidded to a halt. His heart pounded in his ears. A little girl in a teddy shirt with pigtails pulled up her long hair. A bloody gash on the side of her head and chest. “You don’t deserve it.” Cuphead shivered.
Beside her was a young wolf, his chest had a gaping bleeding hole in it. His tear-stained eyes were full of cold anger. “You will never go home. You’re a monster!”
“A monster!” The girl echoed.
“You should have died! Not us!” They said together.
“I-I didn’t have a choice,” Cup pleaded. “I-“
“Murderer!” The girl accused.
“You’ll kill him too.” Boris pointed behind Cup.
With dread, Cup turned around.
“C-Cuphead,” Mugs gasped. He was in the air, held up by the Devil’s claws buried in his torso. He was reaching for Cup, a pained smile on his face. “Cuppy. Run.”
“MUGMAN!” The demon ripped his soul out. Cup tried to run toward him. To reach him. Arms held him back. He glared at his attacks to see the glares of the wolf and the girl.
“This is your fault.” The girl said.
“All your fault!” The wolf growled.
“No!” Cuphead gasped and fell. He grunted, his back hitting the floor with a thud. Cup grunted and glared at the peeling ceiling. A nightmare. A stupid cussing nightmare. Damnit. His head was killing him. He raised a hand to his sweaty forehead and groaned. Cuss him. He stayed there for a minute, allowing his back and head to pound in unison with his heart before sitting up and forcing himself to go into the bathroom. He turned on the cold water and washed the sweat from his face.
This hell was never cussing ending. He felt like he was sinking. He dug in the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of pain meds they had stashed with some other basic first aid. He looked up at the mirror. Shadows under his eyes, face pale and clammy, and a dead look in his eyes. Cup gritted his teeth. He shouldn’t feel bad. It wasn’t his fault. Damnit! Anger flared and his fist shattered the glass. He ripped the whole damn thing off the wall and chucked it behind him with a growl. The mirror and cabinet crashed against the wall with a loud bang, punching a hole in it before thudding against the floor, glass going everywhere.
“Cuss them! Cuss this! DAMNIT!” Cup punched the wall, making a new hole. He stood there, panting, ticked, and with nowhere to direct it but at himself. He waited for Mugs to appear and tell him off or try to lighten the mood. When he was only greeted with silence he went back into the crummy living space. Where-
There was a knock at the door. Cup frowned. He approached the door, ready for a fight but expecting to see his stupid brother. He cracked the door open to a sliver and peered down at a balding man with thick glasses. “Do you mind keeping it down? Some of us are trying to work.” The man said.
Cup narrowed his eyes. The man shifted, but he didn’t drop the annoyed frown. Cup let him wallow in his discomfort for a moment longer before looking away. “Sorry,” he gruffed.
The man nodded, seeming to pick up that Cuphead wasn’t someone to push his luck with. “Thank you. Try not to get a noise complaint from management. They don’t have a lot of patience in this building.” The man said before turning away and scurrying down the hall in a quick retreat. Cup snorted. Trying to use authority on him was like trying to stop a bear with a fly swatter. Moron.
Cup shut the door and turned to the mess he’d made. He looked down at his bleeding knuckles with a click of his tongue. Whelp. He better clean this stardust up before Mugs saw it. He glanced out the window and paused. The sun was high in the sky now, people were walking around on the street below the dirty window. Cup furrowed his brow. Mugs said he was getting breakfast. How long had he been gone? How cussing long had Cup been out? He checked a clock on the wall. Just as his chest was getting tight he heard the doorknob turn. The dish man let out a sigh of relief.
“Damnit Mugs,” Cup swore. “What the hell took you so damn long? You almost had me worried you cussin’ moron.” He turned to give his brother an annoyed glare and froze.
“Heya,” Bendy smirked. “Expecting someone else?” He glanced at the mess against the wall and the glass on the ground. “You and your bro have a fight?” He seemed amused by the notion.
Cuphead’s hand went up, bullet ready. Bendy also lifted his hand and Cup stiffened. “You don’t wanna do that. After all,” he tossed the straw and the blood-stained scarf on the floor between them, “you won’t get ta hear his last words if you shoot me.”
Cuphead stared wide-eyed at the stains. That . . . wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be true. There was no way in hell this cusser had been able to get Mugman. No. Cussing. Way. The blue bullet brightened as he fixed a deadly glare on the demon. “Like I’d buy that moonrock. Cuss off.” Mugs was a trained assassin. He was one of the cussing best and this damned pipsqueak had barely used a whisp of magic since they had started hunting him. He wasn’t a threat. He was barely a challenge compared to Hat! Some starfallen low-class demon scum from the pits! He was just good at squirming away from a fight! This was a ploy to cuss with him! Mugman was cussing fine!
Bendy’s smirk became sharp, his eyes burned with hatred. He lifted his hands slowly. “What? You don’t think a brother for a brother is fair?” He didn’t have gloves and what once were his fingers were sharp claws. Now that Cup was looking, he could see it. Blood matted his fur. The sleeves that dusted the demon’s elbows were stained. There were spots on his clothes. Stains on his boots. He didn’t have an injury in sight. Ice entered Cup’s veins. The room darkened and the demon’s eyes glowed red. “He called for you, you know? He was gonna bring you some pancakes and a milkshake. So cussing sweet of him.”
“Cuss you!” Cup snapped. He didn’t believe it. He cussing couldn’t. He fired as the demon lunged.
Featherworth fought to keep her expression professional. The officers by the doorway were breathing deep, faces pale and grim. She had a feeling she already knew how bad it would be. Her partner Ringtail stuck her head in first and cursed. “Damn. Yep, it’s just like the other cussing one.” She clicked her tongue and marched through, her tail swishing behind her.
Featherworth stepped into the unit and sighed. Blood. So much blood and pieces. She couldn’t even call it a body. The place was a wreck. Burn holes, slash marks, overturned and destroyed furniture. No one would be able to call it a living room anymore. Far too much death for that.
Oh stars, Rachel was rubbing off on her. She must never know.
“Do we have any details?” Featherworth asked. She shoved the questionable cooping aside for later consideration.
“Like what? The brand of grinder this poor cusser was dragged through?” Ringtail snarked.
Featherworth frowned at her disapprovingly. Ringtail didn’t drop her grin. The crow pulled out her notepad and flipped through the pages. “Two attacks in one day. Claw or slash marks. Dismemberment-”
“Disintegration is more like it,” Ringtail said.
“Thank you, detective,” Featherworth said. Ringtail would hear ‘not another joke. Not one more or I will pull out my gun and shoot you in the foot’ in Joan’s tone though. She promptly went out into the hall to see if the officers had found any witnesses. That left Joan to comb the small unit for clues. She couldn’t get much. The place was bare of personal effects. She couldn’t find an id for the victim, much like the first. Her best guess was that there was one victim here. The autopsy would have to tell her more. The burns were new but not unfamiliar to other locations she’d investigated. Joan narrowed her eyes. Could these be the same ones they’d found around Sillyvision? Was this connected to the Wilson case? The BBrothers? Or just Bendy now. The crow’s frown grew deeper. She had the pieces, but not the picture. She took notes of where the burns were.
Once she was done, Joan stepped out of the unit and found Ringtail further down the hall. She waited for Rachel to finish her conversation. Without prompting, Rachel shared what she had gathered. “Two witnesses. An older man and a single mother. They both heard the racket. The man was next door and had his wall blasted through. He ran away screaming. Said it was ‘an unholy blue. Magic! Savage magic!’” Rachel faked a deep tone and wheezed, like an old man. “The woman saw someone fall past her window, but couldn’t give any details. The person ran off like a cheetah. She didn’t go out since she had her baby with her.” Her partner sighed.
“Let’s take a look,” Joan said, already heading to the stairs. Outside, they found the spot. The window was open. There were a few speckles of blood headed in the direction the woman had indicated but they went cold after only a block. No clear footprint. No discarded clothes or weapons. Nothing seemed to be dropped by the suspect. It was frustratingly clean.
“How the cuss did they climb down?” Rachel scowled back up at the window. “Lady made it sound like they jumped, but that’s the third cussing floor. How’d they not break a leg? Or leave us something?” She waved her hands at the ground. “A print! Something! Cusser had to be covered in blood.”
“Rachel,” Joan warned coldly. The raccoon froze and bristled. First-name warnings meant Joan’s patience was thin and Rachel knew that. Joan dropped to a knee and looked at the ground closely. It was packed dirt except for this one spot. It had been disturbed. Like a giant shove had flipped it. They had covered the tracks. Joan brushed her hand over the dirt but didn’t find anything more. How would they have done this so quickly? The woman would have been able to give them more details if they had stopped to do this. It had to have been almost instant. Which didn’t make sense unless…
“I don’t like it,” Rachel said. “This stinks of dark magic cussery.” The raccoon came to the same conclusion Joan was.
“Maybe,” Joan said. “But one thing is for sure.” She stood up and stared at the ground and then up at the window. “We have a killer on the loose.”
Alice didn’t know what to do. What was she supposed to do? Avery was trying to steal the Ink Machine part. He wanted to trade it away for some promise to free the doctor and Red from prison. She had to stop him but she didn’t know if what she was doing was right! If only she could talk to Bendy or Boris! If only that tragedy hadn’t happened. Stars above! She couldn’t find Bendy and she couldn’t protect the one thing they had worked so hard to get. If only she was a better angel! Curse her!
She didn’t have time to waste. She had to run. She’d tricked the wolf and now all she could be was a decoy as Granny got the Doll to Xedo safely. Stars be with her. She prayed the night was enough protection.
“Stop, ya floozy! Gi’me dat Doll!” Avery shouted after her. Alice picked up speed instead. She made it to the end of the alley and onto the street. She spun towards Betty’s shop without a thought. The angel swore she heard him right behind her. No magic, no halo, no way to stop him without him asking questions and becoming suspicious. She didn’t dare look back. She had to be fast. She had to be the distraction. Another block and she was panting for air. It was harder to hear him with the pounding of her heart in her ears. Did he have a weapon? Was he not using it in fear of damaging the Doll she didn’t really have?
“I said stop! Ya crazy broad!” Avery barked far closer to her than she had thought. Her heart jumped into her throat. The dark didn’t help her panic. Every shadow felt sinister, every car was a potential enemy. Avery’s friends, come to collect. To catch her. Something brushed her hair. “Ya can’t escape, girly,” Avery panted. Right behind her.
Alice shrieked in surprise. She took a corner too fast and tripped, hitting the wall. Bricks slammed into her shoulder and she flailed to save herself from falling. A large hand wrapped around her arm and shoved her back into the bricks. “GOT YA!” Avery barked in her face. “Now hand over that Doll before I-” A shadow slammed into Avery and shoved him further into the dark of the alley. Alice gasped, her arm wrenched free and stumbled. She caught herself on the wall. Her body shook with adrenaline and fear. Avery grunted. “Get off!”
Alice looked up, rubbing her arm. There, sitting atop Avery was the silhouette of a familiar horned figure. “Bendy?” Alice wheezed. She couldn’t believe her eyes. He was difficult to make out in the dark.
The figure grabbed the front of Avery’s coat and slammed him into the ground violently. Alice flinched. Her eyes widened with surprise. Avery groaned. “And what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Bendy demanded in an icy tone. Goosebumps shot up Alice’s arms as a chill worked its way down her spine. The alley was growing frigid with his power. Still, Alice took a cautious step forward.
“S-she was tryin’ ta steal da Doll man! I swear-” Avery yelped as Bendy again slammed him against the unforgiving ground. “Ya’re cuzzin’ crazy.” Avery whimpered.
“I don’t like cussing liars.” Bendy hissed. The alley became darker. Alice had to swallow back the urge to run away. “You were threatening her.”
“No! No! I just wanted ta get da Doll! I swear! Just da Doll!” Avery flailed.
“Alice,” Bendy’s voice had her freeze like a deer in headlights. “Do you have the Doll?”
The angel swallowed. “N-no,” her voice was small. She felt like a child caught doing something wrong.
“Ya can’t buy dat! Dat dame was runnin’ off wit it!” Avery yelped. “She’s a lyin’ cheat! A-a-urk!” Avery choked. Bendy’s hand was tight around his throat. Alice gasped.
“Listen,” Bendy growled. The air grew icy. Alice could see her breath. She shivered, frozen in indecision and fear. “You betrayed us. You were going to give away the one thing that would help numerous people. Sell us out for a dame that doesn’t give two moonrocks about you. And when you're caught, ya have the guts to bad mouth Alice? You think you can cussing blame her and I’d buy that stardust? Are you stupid?” Avery clawed at Bendy’s arm, desperate to make him let go. He kicked and squirmed. Alice realized Bendy was choking him to the point he couldn’t breathe. “We risked our starfallen lives for that damn Doll. And you think you can just trade it away like some cussing trinket? You thought you’d just get away with that load of stardust? Huh? That I wouldn’t find out?” Bendy chuckled. There was no humor in it. “What a damn joke.”
“Bendy. Stop. H-he can’t breathe!” Alice took another step toward him. She lifted her hand toward his shoulder. “You’ll-” There was a sicking snap. Alice froze. He’d just snapped Avery’s neck. Like it was nothing. With one hand! Alice stared in horror. It couldn’t be true. She didn’t understand. Why would he do that? No. This wasn’t right. Bendy stood up and turned to her. His eyes were a brilliant red before they dimmed. Alice was shaking. She didn’t know if it was from the cold or the fear. “You killed him,” she whispered. “Why?”
“I’m tired of letting scum get away with hurting anyone they cussing please. Sick of it. They get what they deserve. I’m not gonna hold back anymore,” Bendy spat on Avery’s body. “Where’s the Doll, Alice? Where were you going to hide it?”
Alice gulped as those eyes turned back on her. He took a step forward and Alice barely held back a scream. His clothes were spattered with blood and he had a bandana around his neck. One lens of his goggles were cracked. His fur was ruffled and blood-matted. The look in his eyes was sharp and predatory. “I-I-Granny was-she was to take it to Xedo. I didn’t-I couldn’t-” Alice gasped.
Bendy’s brows furrowed. “Don’t cry. He doesn’t deserve your tears, Al. He was going to hurt you. I’ll get the Doll to Xedo. You go rest. I’m sorry you had to go through this.” Bendy said, dully. His dead tone didn’t match his threatening eyes.
She was crying? She lifted a hand to her face. He was apologizing to her? Bendy turned away and started down the alley. He had a slight limp, but it didn’t seem to slow him down. A swell of emotion rose in her. “Wait!” She called after him, taking a step but freezing when he half turned to face her. Conflicting feelings cascaded within her. Bendy was kind. He’d just killed someone so casually. He was hurting. He was dangerous. He was a demon, but he hadn’t felt like one until now. Not really. He was a demon, but he hadn’t been a monster then. What about now? She wanted to say something. But she didn’t know what. She didn’t know if she wanted to approach him or run away.
Bendy didn’t leave her the chance to figure it out. “You should get out of here. If anyone sees you with that, you’ll get in trouble.”
He was leaving. “B-but what about you?” Alice found herself asking. “Will I never see you again? And won’t they find you? Wha-”
“It’s best if you just forget about me, Al. Really. I can’t be a good person anymore.” Bendy muttered.
“But-”
“Goodbye Alice,” He said with one last sad glance. With a grace that surprised her, Bendy leapt up and grabbed a rung from the fire escape. He scaled it quickly and disappeared from sight. Alice shivered again. Suddenly she couldn’t stand to be there anymore. She didn’t dare look back. She didn’t want to see. The angel ran. She ran and ran until her lungs hurt, her body shook, and her chest ached.
She banged into someone. “Ah!”
“Sorry! Sorry,” the woman apologized. She was vaguely familiar. “Oh! You’re Alice, one of Bendy and Boris’ friends.”
Alice heaved a sob.
“What happened! Are you okay?” She asked, eyes wide with worry.
“I’m not! Nothing-n-none of it is okay! It’s-it’s all wrong!” Alice gasped and grabbed her hand.
“Come on. It’s okay. Can I take you anywhere? Are you hurt?” The kind girl asked.
“Betty.” Alice pleaded. “B-Betty’s sh-sh-shop.”
They burst into Betty’s shop, Alice still sobbing.
“Good graces! What happened!” Betty squeaked. Alice couldn’t tell what expression she made. She was blind with tears.
“Betty! B-Betty!” Alice sobbed and fell into the other woman.
“What happened?” Betty wrapped her arms around Alice. “Who are you?” Betty demanded of Alice’s escort.
“I’m Holly. I don’t know,” Holly shook her head, bewildered and worried.
“He-he-“ Alice couldn’t say it.
There was someone in his living room. Xedo had felt it. Not heard anything, but there was a shift of some kind. He pulled out his handgun from his safe and crept from his office. He took slow, practiced breaths, a million possibilities in his head. He paused for only a second before swinging around and raising the firearm.
“Woah!” A hand went up in surrender. “I didn’t know you had a gun.”
“Bendy!” Xedo let out a breath of relief. He lowered the firearm. “Are you insane!” He hissed. “I could have shot you! What the hell happened to you!”
Bendy shrugged as if that was unimportant. He looked frazzled yet calm. Too calm. Like he’d been through a hell of a fight, but that it was long since over. His clothes were wrinkled and stained with dried blood. His goggles had a crack in them. He was wearing a painfully familiar bandana around his neck. His posture was relaxed but he stood against the wall, close to an open window. Like he might jump out at any second. Xedo hadn’t opened that window. Had he climbed up here? There was a box under one of his arms. His light eyes swept the room searchingly. His tail flicked constantly, the only sign of any agitation in his body language. “Where’s Wiston?”
“In bed,” Xedo frowned, “it’s one in the morning, Bendy.”
“Ah,” was his only response.
Xedo waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t so the former reporter pushed. “Where have you been? What happened to you?” Xedo asked, stepping closer.
“Special delivery.” Bendy held up the box. He took a step into the room and set the box on the coffee table. “I don’t have a lot of time to chit-chat so we need to cut to the chase. Avery betrayed us. We’ve decided we’re leaving the Doll with you. Alice and Granny hope you can handle it.” Bendy said it as a matter of fact. “You can. I know it.”
Xedo blinked, struggling to digest what the boy was telling him. “Bendy. What happened to-”
“Those mooks came.” Bendy pocketed his hands. A dangerous spark entered his eyes. “I took care of them.”
Xedo stared at him. “The murders,” he said after a pause. “Two people torn to pieces.” Bendy didn’t react. He just watched Xedo with those blank eyes. “Was that you?”
Bendy raised a brow. “Doesn’t sound like the cops have a lot on it. Good. Probably only have a little while though.”
Xedo’s eyes widened. Torn apart! Murdered! “Stars above Bendy!”
“They killed my brother!” Bendy’s eyes flashed red. The fox flinched back. “They got what they asked for.”
“But it was so brutal!” Xedo felt his fur fluff up. He suddenly had to stop himself from lifting his gun. Which was ridiculous. This was Bendy! He was a good kid. Or Xedo had thought so. He hadn’t imagined the boy was capable. Wait. “What about Avery? You said he betrayed us-”
“Took care of him too,” Bendy waved that away. Like it was nothing.
Xedo was left dumbfounded. What had happened to Bendy? Where had he been? Why was he back like-like this?
There was a spark in his eyes. Something was off. Of course it would be. He’d lost his brother. But murder-it was so extreme. Nothing like what Xedo had come to expect from Bendy Bbrother. But how well did he really know him? “So? What’s been going on since I’ve been busy?” Bendy shifted, half his body turned toward the window as if he was going to bolt any second.
That is when Xedo Tiptail made a choice. He wasn’t sure if it was the right one. If it was a good one. His faith in a number of things had been shaken at the sight of this bloody boy. And yet, with the knowledge he had, the fox didn’t want to chase him out or scare him away. Despite the horrendous actions, Xedo was inclined to think Bendy was in pain and lashing out. At least, that was his hope. So Xedo made a choice. “Why don’t you come in and clean up? You can use my bathroom and I can get you some fresh clothes and a cup of tea. There’s a lot to share.” Xedo sighed. He could hear the wariness in his own voice.
He watched Bendy weigh his words. The demon glanced at the window and then back at Xedo, measuring the risks. Finally Bendy nodded slowly. “A shower would be good. You sure it’s a good idea for me to stay around long enough for tea?” The last question was asked dryly, almost sarcastically. His sharp eyes asked a different question. Are you setting me up?
Xedo shook his head. “You’ll be fine. You’ve been here for a while without any authorities knocking.” Well, there was that one time with the detectives, but the Bbros hadn’t been here. He didn’t need to know that though.
Bendy narrowed his eyes before turning toward the restroom. As soon as the door shut Xedo found it easier to breathe. His mind was still whirling with new information and questions.
What was he doing? What had Bendy done? Where has he been all this time? Had Xedo really just invited him in after hearing all that? Bendy had just admitted to murder. Wiston was sleeping here.
The fox went into the kitchen and numbly put on a kettle. This changed things. This wasn’t just social justice anymore. Bendy wasn’t innocent anymore. But was he really guilty? Xedo’s eyes went back to the gun he had placed on the counter. What would he do if someone hurt Wiston? How far would he go if someone had done that to his little brother? He’d like to think he wasn’t capable of such a thing, but was that really true? Would he be able to justify his anger? Was that what he was trying to do with Bendy? Was understanding him the same as making excuses for him?
What was a clear plan of right and wrong was now tossed into dark uncertainty.
Bendy had questioned if Xedo would turn his back on him. He hadn’t thought he would, but shouldn’t he? He had admitted to killing people! Xedo had Joan Featherworth’s number in his office. It would be simple to get it and go to the phone to call the police. Was that the right thing to do? Was not calling? Would it make him an accomplice if he didn’t? What about the quest? And the sick? What about Oddswell?
The fox went to get Bendy some clothes. He dug through Wiston’s wardrobe and hoped it wouldn’t be too far off to fit the demon. He found a pair of black slacks, a white shirt, and a black jacket. He also grabbed a cabby cap from his office. It was an old hat and wouldn’t exactly hide Bendy’s horns but it would change his silhouette a bit and maybe save him from being identified so easily. The fox knocked on the door twice and left the clothes beside it before returning to the kitchen.
The kettle was beginning to howl by then. He took it off the heat and set up the tea and some crackers and cheese. He paused and went ahead making a couple of ham sandwiches. Xedo hesitated, passing his gun. He wasn’t the sort to just leave it out. Especially with Wiston and his impulse struggles. He didn’t know if he wanted to lock it away yet either. He considered keeping it on him and realized if Bendy really wanted to do something, Xedo doubted a gun would stop him. The fox returned it to its safe. He sat down and set the tea set and snacks on the coffee table next to the box that Bendy had left there. Xedo reached for it curiously but stopped when he heard the bathroom door open. He sat back before Bendy appeared from around the corner.
Bendy’s fur was clean which made him look a little less terrifying. The jacket’s sleeves were rolled up twice so they sat at his wrists. The pants were tucked into his original boots which were mostly free of stains. The shirt was a touch long on him and as Xedo suspected, the hat didn’t hide his horns. He could still see the straps of Bendy’s goggles. The bandana was tied around his upper arm instead of his neck. While Xedo watched him, Bendy scanned the room until he spotted the tea and food.
The demon walked over and sat across from Xedo on the couch, keeping the front door in sight and the window within reach, Xedo noted. “I decided to make sandwiches.” Xedo offered. “Sorry, the clothes don’t quite fit.”
Bendy snatched a sandwich and shrugged. “They rarely cussing do. Thanks for the shower.” He took a large bite of the sandwich and glanced at the door again. “So what’s the news? Anything change?” He seemed to be relaxed but his tail spike was still twitching like a cat watching a mouse.
Xedo hesitated. Bendy was acting all business, casual. Like four deaths hadn’t happened in the span of two weeks. The fox took a deep breath. “There’s a lot. We’ve been able to piece a few things together. The detectives, Featherworth and Ringtail, have done a lot of work, along with Holly, Alice, and myself.”
Bendy nodded and finished off the sandwich. “Real determined, those two.” He picked up a tea cup and sipped it.
“The commissioner is using you as a scapegoat with the help of the Sykes brother. Robert and Bill. Rob is my former boss and the editor-chief of Toon Town Times. Bill owns docks on the pier but it’s known that he has ties with the mob. The commissioner and brothers also have links to the mayor. It appears my former coworker, Jeremy Fairfax has been running messages between them.” Bendy took the other sandwich and nodded. He didn’t seem surprised by any of this news. “We don’t have any solid evidence though. Furthermore, Oddswell’s research that was in the police’s custody has vanished. We think it’s the commissioner’s doing. There have also been four attempts on the doctor’s life. The detectives have been able to keep him safe so far, but who knows how long that will last.”
Xedo fell silent. His throat felt dry. He picked up his cup of tea and watched Bendy for a reaction. A response. Some way to measure his mood. He hadn’t realized how much he’d relied on Boris for a reaction when it came to the brothers until now. Bendy didn’t give much away when he didn’t want to.
Bendy’s tail continued to curl and relax. He finished off the other sandwich and hummed. “So they need evidence? Will Oddswell be free if they have it?”
Xedo considered it. He wasn’t sure. “I don’t know. If we can get the research back or prove that the commissioner and mayor are dirty, we have a better chance. The doctor will at least be safer.”
Bendy tilted his head. His calculating eyes drifted over to the box. “Will you be able to get your job back if Sykes is gone?”
A rock landed in Xedo’s stomach. “What?”
His eyes snapped back to Xedo. “He’s the one that fired you and is selling that junk on Oddswell and ink illness fable stardust, right? If he lost his job, you’d be able to go back, right? That’s what you are trying to do. Discredit him?” Bendy raised his brows like he was asking Xedo if he didn’t know his own plan.
“I-yes, I think so. If the board is in agreement and I can’t see them wanting to lose all their credit with the public because of Robert Sykes.” Xedo said. “They’ll know I’ve been honest with my articles.”
Bendy nodded. “Robert Sykes and Jeremy Fairfax in Toon Town Times.” He leaned back and laced his fingers together. “Mayor Medusa, probably a few of his underlings, and the commissioner. I have no doubt he has some cops with him that are just as dirty.” Bendy shook his head. “A full-blown conspiracy. And that’s not even counting Bill and his little criminal friends.” Bendy took a deep breath. “Alright.”
“Alright?” Xedo perked his ears. “Alright, what?”
Bendy raised a brow at him. Clearly questioning his intelligence. “I’ll take care of them. Get you all that evidence you need.”
Alarm bells rang in Xedo’s head. “Wait! That’s too dangerous. Not with the mob involved! And what would you do if they catch you? The papers are already wild with speculations and they’ll only make it worse if you’re-”
Bendy threw back his head and laughed. Xedo’s words died on his tongue. “You think I care about my reputation?”
“But the quest-you’ll need the public’s support. Oddswell will need to have a good reputation.” Xedo said.
Bendy sighed and shook his head. “Xedo, I don’t think I should show up in any more articles attached to the Ink Machine or Oddswell anymore.” Bendy looked out the window, over the city with a faraway gaze. The city lights reflected in his large contemplative eyes. His tail twitched back and forth. “I’m not on that stage anymore.”
“So is that it? You’re abandoning the quest?” Xedo asked softly. He couldn’t blame the boy. He’d lost his job, his home, and his only family.
“Not necessarily,” Bendy grimaced as if it took him great pains to share this. “I’m the only cusser that can read the map for all we know. I can still get the damn parts.” He glared at the box. “But I don’t need the damn public to know about it. Finding the stupid machine and fixing it, that I can do. You and Oddswell can deal with the sick and the public. I’ll just be behind the scenes. An anonymous volunteer.” Bendy smirked. “A shadow.”
“You’re risking your life, your name, your future even and you don’t want any credit?” Xedo asked. “An explanation at least?”
Bendy snorted. He gave Xedo a bored look. “Remember when you said you would write me as a hero when the time was right?” Xedo furrowed his brows. He didn’t like that far-away tone. “Well, sorry to disappoint. It’s not gonna happen.”
Xedo grimaced. He felt the beginnings of a headache. “Bendy, you can’t mean that. What happened to Boris wasn’t-,”
“I’m a murderer now Xedo.” Bendy snapped. Xedo flinched. The demon was suddenly leaning forward, predatory and threatening. “I’ve killed people. I’m probably going to kill more people. That’s not hero material. That’s not something you can just write away. It wasn’t a cussing accident. I hunted them down. It took me two weeks to find them. I planned it out. And I killed Avery without a cussing second thought!”
Xedo suddenly regretted locking away his gun. Even if it was useless, he would have been comforted to have it near. The tense silence hung in the air like smoke. Suffocating. Bendy stood up in one fluid motion and headed to the window. “Bendy wait.”
“I’ll probably come around once in a while for information, but for your sake, I’m a complete stranger now,” Bendy explained, shouldering his side bag.
“Bendy,” Xedo protested. He got up and stepped around the table, trying to follow the demon. One sharp look had Xedo pause. “You’re not a villain. This isn’t what Boris would want for you.”
The blank look Bendy gave Xedo sent chills down his spine and made his fur puff up. “The hell do you know what Boris would have wanted? You hardly cussing know anything about us. Hell, you’re scared of me right now.”
Xedo pursed his lips. “Because it was obvious how much he cared for you the first moment I met him.” And how much Bendy cared for Boris in return.
Bendy narrowed his eyes. “A whole lot of good that did him.” The demon muttered. Stars, this young man. Bendy didn’t give him a chance to speak. “I am a monster now Xedo. I killed them and I liked it. I’ll finish the quest because it’s what Boris would have wanted, but I’m doing this my way. I don’t care about the damn law or playing nice anymore. Cuss them and this whole starfallen system. So, you don’t have to worry about me.” He sat on the windowsill and paused, watching Xedo for a reaction.
“You’re not a monster. You cared about your brother. Revenge is-” Xedo pursed his lips. “You’re not just a murderer.”
Bendy raised a brow. A smirk crossed his lips. His eyes were cold. “Oh, hey, not just a murderer! I guess you’re right Xedo. That really lightens the weight off my shoulders.” He said sarcastically. “ Oh, wait. That’s right! I’m a serial killer now. It’s three right? Three deaths make you a serial killer?” Bendy laughed.
“This isn’t a joke Bendy!” Xedo knew it was probably not a good idea to yell at the demon, but he couldn’t help the frustration he felt. He was angry. Angry with Bendy but angrier for him. This wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair at all! Not for Bendy and definitely not for Boris. Where was the justice?
“Why not Tiptail? My whole life has been a joke up to this point, I might as well start laughing.” Bendy grinned. It broke Xedo’s heart.
Bendy shifted so he half hung out the window. “Do me a favor. Make sure they give me a good name in the papers alright? I don’t want it to be something cussing stupid.”
“Bendy-”
“After all, if I’m gonna be known as a serial killer, it should be something cussing good. The Shadow Slasher or the Street Reaper or whatever works for a berries vigilante.” Xedo’s chest constricted with grief and pity. “See ya around Xe.” He dropped out of sight. Xedo lunged for the window and peered down into the darkness. He didn’t know how Bendy had managed to land from such a height, but the fox spotted him crossing the street before disappearing from sight.
What this meant for Toon Town, Xedo didn’t know anymore. He went back and opened the box. The fox gingerly pulled out the Doll. The fabric was now black and white. Stitched to be a simplified wolf skeleton with X’ed out eyes.