Chapter Text
Boris fidgeted excitedly. He couldn’t believe this was really happening! He felt like it was a dream. He might wake up at any moment. He pinched himself. “Ow.” No, he was still here.
“You ready to go, Boris?” Mickey asked.
“Y-yes!” Boris straightened up like a soilder. Mickey chuckled.
They were in one of the smaller tents. The stands and arena were empty except Felix and Oswald talking off to the side, heads bowed over some papers. The buzz of people were at a distance but Boris could still smell the sweets and salts of the confections and the sweat and perfumes of the guests and staff. The air in the tent was slightly warmer than the cool day outside, allowing Boris to take off his coat and leave it by the cat and rabbit on the stands. The sand and dirt floor was perfect for their practice. Mickey offered Boris a long wooden stick. He had one in his other hand.
“You don’t have to be so tense, Boris. I’ll start off easy with you.” Mickey promised. The wolf took the staff gingerly and nodded.
“Thanks for doing this. I know you’re all really busy,” Boris smiled sheepishly to his hero.
“Nonsense,” Mickey waved off his words. “You and your brother don’t let me repay you for fixing my leg over and over again. This is the least I could do.”
“That last one was completely your fault!” Oswald called from the stacked bleachers. “I told you that it couldn’t-”
“Thank you Ozzy!” Mickey cut him off. Felix pursed his lip and looked away, trying not to laugh. Ozzy had a smirk and bright glint in his eyes. Mickey coughed in his fist and planted the end of his staff on the ground. “Now, today we are going to go over some basics that you can practice on your own. Once a week isn’t really the best for practice so I hope you’re ready to do these exercises between us seeing each other.”
Boris nodded quickly. “Yes Mickey, sir.” His tail wagged. “I’ll work hard.”
“Good! So first we are going to work on hand placement and you getting used to the weight and feel of your weapon.” Mickey put the staff in front of him. Boris copied him. “We are going to work on basic blocks, attacks, and motions that will strengthen your hands, arms, and wrists.”
“Okay.” Boris smiled. He glanced at the staff in his hands. “I thought you were a master swordsman though. Not that I’m complaining! I think the staff is what I want but . . .”
“Well, you see this is great practice for swordsmanship. You have to use the same muscles. Arguably the staff is more versatile. The poor man’s weapon in history, it’s a perfect tool for both travel, defense, and training.” Mickey said. The mouse twirled the staff, spinning it in front, before passing it around his hands, circling his body effortlessly. “A lot of folks couldn’t afford swords or weren’t allowed to carry them in settlements but no one would take away a staff.”
“Huh, I didn’t know that,” Boris said.
“To begin, we are going to have you twirl the staff in front of you. Mickey brought the staff in front and stopped. He held it in one hand and turned it slowly showing Boris the hand motion and where to put his hand to pass it off to the other. Boris knew what to do mentally, but his hands were slow and unused to the action. It was a weird disjointed feeling to logically know what he needed and wanted to do yet his body didn’t have the memory his mind did. Boris dropped the staff. He quickly picked it up again and gave Mickey a mortified glance. “Don’t worry. That’s what practice is for. Dropping it now is so we won’t drop it when it matters.” Mickey reassured.
Boris’ pinned ears perked and he found himself nodding. He started again, trying to twirl the staff slowly in front of him. He tried to do as Mickey did and pass the pole from one hand to the other smoothly. Tried being the key word. Mickey made it look easy and Boris knew it could be. Not now though. He reminded himself that he was just starting. He fumbled it a few more times but eventually he got it turning smoothly.
They did it one way and than the other.
“Good! Now we are going to go over a basic attack.” Mickey said. He held his staff in from of him horizontal to the ground. “Now you bring one end forward. Breathe out on the extension. Keep you eyes on the opponent at all times.” Mickey demonstrated. He snapped one side of the pole forward with a jerk. The other end snapped back into his arm. Mickey smiled at Boris. “And be ready for your arms to hurt after practice.”
“Okay,” Boris said. “I can do that.”
Mickey showed him a few more times. Bringing one side forward and then the other with tight swings. Boris did it and whimpered. Okay, that hurt. Mickey wasn’t even flinching! It was hard to put as much force behind it as Mickey wanted. Boris found himself hissing instead of breathing. He had Boris aim high where heads would be and low at legs. Switching between the two. Left, right, left right, up, down, up, down. When they were done Boris’s forearms were stinging.
“Alright, now a simple block,” Mickey grinned at Boris proudly. “Remember to always aim for the arms. You won’t be able to stop a sword with this. They’ll cut through the wood like it’s nothing. You don’t want to risk breaking your staff. The forearms are what you want to block.” He held the staff up. “And as always, you footing is key.” Boris copied his stance. Mickey walked around him and pulled one leg forward and lifted his arms more. “I’m going to attack now.”
“Wha-ah!” Boris flinched. His arms nearly buckled when Mickey’s staff snapped against his. He could see the staffs bend with the force. Than Mickey pulled away.
“Good,” Mickey nodded.
Oswald was chuckling from the stands. “His expression! Go easy on the poor kid Mick!”
“I’m fine,” Boris grumbled. “Just got surprised.”
They worked on more blocks including a sweeping block that would push an attack to the side. Mickey focused on hand grib and footing. Then they went back to spinning. Mickey showed him how to spin it on one side of his body, pass it and cross over to the other side. Again, Mickey made it look smooth and effortlessly.
Boris whacked himself on the back of his healing leg and his head before they called it a day.
He was both relieved to have gotten through his first practice with his idol and disappointed with where he was at. Practice would improve it. Boris went over to join Oswald and Felix. The cat offered him a drink of water which Boris took gratefully. “Good job Boris. How do you feel?” Felix asked.
“Sore, but good,” Boris smiled. “Mickey is a good teacher.”
“Ah shucks,” Mickey chuckled.
“Well hey! Before ya go, you should get to see what you’re working toward, right kid?” Oswald asked.
“Oh I don’t know Ozzy. I think he’s tired,” Mickey said.
“Oh c’mon Mick! Give the kid a show. Something to aspire to,” Oswald stood up. He gave his brother a lopsided smirk and a mocking glint entered his eyes. “Unless you think you can’t do it.”
Mickey’s brows jumped up. That same competitive look came across the mouse. “I didn’t say that.” He twirled his staff. “You’re on!”
Oswald and Mickey moved back to the middle of the tent. Felix patted the seat next to him. Boris sat down, clutching the staff in his hand. “Should we be worried?”
“I don’t think so,” Felix smiled. “I think they’ve done stuff like this plenty of times. You watch how Mickey works with his staff. This is a demonstration after all.”
Boris wanted to say he didn’t need a demonstration. He had a master’s memories in his head, but . . . it wasn’t every day he got to see how berries Mickey was in person.
“Think you can keep up?” Mickey called.
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Oswald laughed. He flicked his wrists and two daggers appeared in his hands. Boris gasped. Oswald lunged forward, bringing the weapons down on Mickey. The mouse blocked his arms the way he showed Boris. Oswald changed his grib and went to slash Mickey’s side. Mickey spun the staff, tossing one of Oswald’s arms away and blocking the other. Oswald slide the blade up toward Mickey’s hand. Mickey flipped the pole and the rabbits hand with it.
They were a blur of motion that was difficult to follow. Boris did his best to keep up with the actions. Mickey used both the staff and his body. Like one was an extension of the other. Kicks and blows were exchanged. They each were able to block each other’s dangerous hits. Oswald would go to slash and jab at Mickey’s sides, his head, his hands. Mickey in turn would aim for Oswald’s head, stomach, and legs. They were agile and deadly. It was obvious they had been doing this for years.
“See his foot work? He hardly gives Oswald an opening,” Felix pointed out.
“He doesn’t move a lot when he’s on the defensive,” Boris said.
“You noticed that,” Felix smiled at Boris. “Good. He’s standing his ground and redirecting or absorbing Oswald’s blows. Where as when he attacks he has to swing or jab and usually push forward. Or try to.”
Oswald jumped, Mickey spun and kicked him away. Oswald rolled and hopped back on his feet. Mickey stumbled and used the staff to catch himself. “Last one Mickey!” Oswald warned. The daggers disappeared and a thin blade took it’s place. “Block this!” Oswald pulled his arm back and threw the blade. Boris gasped.
Mickey straightened, spun his staff, and side stepped. He knocked the blade out of the air. Boris let out a sigh of relief. Felix patted his head reassuringly. The cat smiled and looked back at the brothers. “Great show you two!” He called out.
“You good Mick?” Oswald trotted over to pick up his knife and check on Mickey. The mouse was leaning on the staff now. Boris wondered if something went wrong with his leg, though it seemed the prosthetic was fine from a distance.
“I’m fine! Just need a second to sit down,” Mickey said. He used the staff to head to the stands and take a seat. Felix offered him some water like he had Boris. “Thanks Felix.”
“No problem,” Felix assured.
“Is you leg bothering you Mr. Mickey?” Boris asked gingerly.
Mickey waved his hand dismissively. “Some days it’s fine and others it aches. I’m okay, really.” Boris’ ears folded back. Mickey reached up and flopped his ears around with a laugh. “Really Boris. Don’t make that face. What did you think of the demonstration?”
“You two are amazing!” Boris immediately gushed. “You were so smooth in all your moves. It was like the staff was a part of your body! And-and the way you stood your ground was amazing! And you’re so fast!”
Oswald chuckled. “Well you sound excited. Look forward to doing that yourself and more kid. Just keep practicing.”
“I will Mr. Oswald!” Boris beamed.
It wasn’t long after that Felix and Boris left with plans to return next week. Felix took Boris’ staff and slide it into his bag like it was nothing. Boris wished he had a bag that could do that alias, he only had ideas on paper so far. They passed an older couple that spotted them and started to talk to each other in hushed voices. When they got closer the pair fell quiet and the man lifted his hat politely. It wasn’t that Boris wasn’t used to looks and stares, but it was weird that it was curiosity and awe instead of contempt.
“Felix, uh, can we go get me some long pants sometime soon?” Boris asked.
Felix’s ear perked, pushing the rim of his hat up before they lowered again. “Sure Boris, but summer is just around the corner. You sure you want long pants?” The cat looked over at him curiously.
Boris looked away, a little self-consicious. “Yeah, it’s-see it’s because of the scar.” Felix raised a brow and looked down at his leg and back up. The bandage was still there but his wounds were practically healed. In their place were jagged pale scars that stood out starkly against his dark fur. His back wasn’t so bad with his shirt but the back of his leg where Bigby’s claws dug in, that would be easily visible. He knew he shouldn’t be worried about it. It wasn’t that bad like Cuphead or Mugman’s chest scars. It wasn’t on his face like Bendy’s. But he’d rather have one less reason for people to stare.
“Okay,” Felix said. Boris glanced over at him. “It’s okay, Boris. No reason to be embarrassed. We’ll get you pants in a couple of days.”
“Really?” Boris asked, his ear perked.
“Yes, really,” Felix chuckled. “I don’t mind people seeing my scars, but that’s not true for everyone. It’s okay Boris. There’s nothing wrong with that. You don’t have to explain it to me.”
“Oh, th-thanks Felix,” Boris smiled warmly. “There’s uh, one more thing.”
“Yes?” Flex asked.
“I think we should talk about the Labyrinth.” Boris tucked his chin a bit. “No, I should talk about it. There’s some things I’ve been meaning to share with everyone but I wanted us all to be better first . . . and together. Though we don’t really know when Alice will be back, but if I keep waiting I’ll feel like I’m keeping secrets so . . . yeah.”
A hand landed on Boris’ shoulder. He glanced over to see Felix grinning at him. “Okay, I’m proud of you Boris. It wasn’t easy for you to tell me that, was it?” Boris shook his head. “I’m glad I’m someone you feel like you can talk to. I’m sure the others will be open to what you have to share.”
“I sure hope so,” Boris muttered. They walked together to the house, Boris feeling anxious, but he had planned to do this for a while. He couldn’t push it off anymore. It was time for him to lay out everything he knew. It wasn’t exactly easy to pull everyone he wanted to talk to into a room together. Bendy was in the middle of studying. Cala wanted to follow Mugs. Boris had to explain it wasn’t a secret meeting but it was a difficult one. It wasn’t that Boris didn’t like Cala, it was just that he didn’t want to explain more than he had to. So he just wanted the people that had actually been in the Labyrinth. They would understand. Stars knew no one else would.
They met in the library, sitting around the comfortable couches, chairs, and books. Boris took a deep breath and reminded himself that these were the people that saw most everything. He didn’t have to keep secrets or be nervous.
“Today I wanted to talk about what happened,” Boris looked around the group. Felix, Cuphead, Mugman, Bendy, and Holly. Snowball scurried around the couch playfully. “About the Labyrinth and some things I think you all should know.”
Holly perked up. “One minute.” She reached into her bag and dug out a familiar device. “Let me see if I can have one more join us.” Boris lifted his ears curiously.
“While H does that, can I ask why now?” Mugs lifted a finger up almost like he was holding up his hand in class.
Boris’ ears folded back. “Well, I wanted us to be a bit . . . better first.”
“Makes sense,” Mugs shrugged.
“So this is that big talk you’ve been workin’ yourself up to,” Cup muttered.
“Alice!” Holly said. “Took you a while.”
Bendy jumped, his eyes widened. Boris looked over at Holly. She turned her compact around to show Alice’s face through the little mirror. “Alice!” Several of the others exclaimed.
“Hi everyone! Stars above, is it good to see you all again!” Alice grinned warmly at them.
Bendy slammed his hands over his face. Boris frowned. “Bendy?”
“We could have contacted her through magic this whole cussing time?” Bendy muffled frustrated screams.
“Ooooooh. Oh we are dumb,” Mugs laughed.
“Speak for yourself,” Cup grumbled and crossed his arms.
“Well, I did try Boris and Bendy but neither of you ever answered.” Alice glanced away. “I figured you were busy.”
“Tried to-“ Boris stopped. “Oh! Oh no, my watch broke, remember? I don’t have it anymore.”
Boris glanced over at Bendy who was turned away, staring at the far wall with an uncomfortable expression. “Uh, mine too. It’s gone. So-guess we couldn’t have gotten in touch. Though we really should have thought of that…” He looked mortified.
“Nice goin’ genius.” Cup snickered. “My watch is peachy.” Bendy shot him a deadly glare.
“Cuphead! I’m glad you look so well. Are the stitches healing well? Any side effects?” Alice asked quickly.
Cup blinked owlishly. “Uh, n-no. I’m fine.”
“That’s so great!” Alice beamed and then she turned to Bendy. “And you.” Her voice suddenly dropped. Bendy straightened, surprise overtaking his frustration. “And you!” She turned to Boris. The wolf flinched and pointed at himself. “I’m disappointed in both of you! You both are terrible at writing letters! Holly had to fill in all the gaps. What was all that nonsense you sent me, hm? You think I wouldn’t notice things being glossed over? Losing your watches or forgetting is one thing but hiding things?”
Bendy’s jaw dropped. Boris winced. “W-well, but-”
“I didn’t want to worry you. You’re so cussing far away, what would you be able to do?” Bendy demanded.
“That doesn’t matter! What matters is that I understand how things are going! Really going! I thought you’d trust me enough to be honest with me Bendy,” Alice glared at the demon. That took the fight right out of him. “And Boris.” Boris shrunk into himself. “I wish you’d given me more information. I’ve been trying to find the people you wanted, but it’s been rough.”
“S-sorry,” Boris dipped his head. “I thought their names would have been enough.”
“Names? Find people?” Felix asked.
“That’s part of what I wanted to talk about today,” Boris said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
“Then let’s start at the top, yeah?” Cup looked around the table before his eyes rested on Boris expectantly. “And don’t skip the details, alright?”
Boris nodded. So he started. He explained that he still had their and several other memories. He went into the visions of the past, the ink machine and the people he had seen there. He told them that he had sent several names to Alice hoping she’d be able to find anything on them.
“I can’t believe you didn’t say she was the Lady of Despair!” Alice cut in. Her voice and expression was brimming with exasperation. “I’ve spent so many hours looking for her.”
Boris frowned. “How was I supposed to know that her weird nickname was the famous one and not her actual name?”
“So many hours Boris,” Alice pouted and groaned dramatically. She wasn’t being serious, Boris could see the humor in her eyes but he didn’t doubt she was also frustrated.
“I’m sorry! I’ll make sure to use nicknames.” Boris huffed. “Right dancing demon?”
Bendy frowned. He crossed his arms in front of himself and huffed. “Woah, hey. Don’t drag me into this.”
“C’mon pipsqueak, it might be what the historians remember you as some day.” Cup snickered.
“Whadda call me glassface?” Bendy snarled at Cup. He raised a fist threateningly.
“Settle down,” Felix called for order. “Please Alice, you have more to share?”
Alice explained what she could find and what she couldn’t. She also explained that she had spotted the Chalice.
It was like she had launched an electric shock through the group. The air was charged with tension, the lighter teasing forgotten. “Well this is a quandary.” Felix said. “The next and final part is located but it is in one of the most secure strongholds in the world.”
“Alice got to it,” Mugs pointed out.
“But she was unable to do it undetected and she didn’t get away either,” Felix refuted. “I doubt any of us would have gotten that far on our own.”
“And the only reason my punishment is so light was because I wasn’t planning to take or use anything,” Alice added.
“Can’t we just ask ‘em?” Cup suggested. “It’s a deadly disease that’s spreadin’ around the world. Angels are all about helpin’ the common folks down here, right? Should be easy.”
Alice pulled a face. Cup frowned. The angel hunched her shoulders. “I don’t know.” She admitted.
“Whadda mean?” Bendy asked.
“I-something is wrong up here. I don’t know. Like Cuphead and Mugman being sent back. There’s holes in the history. Things aren’t adding up. I don’t know if we can trust that they’d just give it over.” Alice said. She sounded like it pained her to admit it. “I mean, I think most of them would be on our side if we explained but I don’t like it. It’s shady.”
“Can you figure out what’s goin’ on?” Mugs asked.
“I’ll try,” Alice nodded.
“And do be safe Alice,” Felix said. “If they really are willing to keep the part despite the sickness they are willing to lose lives over this. Whatever secrets you uncover, be wary of whoever hid them. We don’t know how far they’ll go to keep them.”
“The cat’s right Alice. You could ruffle some dangerous feathers with your pokin’ around. Don’t be reckless,” Cup added. Boris was surprised that he had been so calm this whole time. Then again, maybe him already knowing about the memory stuff had taken off the worst of any explosive anger.
He went back to his explanations. The memories he had retained, what the Labyrinth had used against them. The angel trails seemed to shock Alice. The hole in reality and the disjointed information he could sort of gather. How he’s felt and where he stood on the Instrument and what he understood of it. Once he was done, his throat was dry and he had a little bit of a headache.
“And you’ve just been carryin’ that around with ya this whole time?” Mugs asked. Boris shrugged. Mugs jumped up and threw his arms around him. Boris’ eyes widened. “Stars! I knew it was rough, but that’s a lot! Ancient memories and trials, all our stardust too! No wonder you’ve been down!”
“It’s okay,” Boris assured, returning the hug. “I’m a lot better. I just hope we can use this to help us.”
“Well I would say so,” Felix said. “We can research these names and Yen Sid and these other leaders that divided the parts and machine.” Felix looked at Cup and Mugs. “It seems the dishes took the machine itself.”
Cup snorted. “Don’t go lookin’ at us. We don’t got a cussin’ clue where that damn thing could be.”
“But Cup, we do know the Legendary Chalice,” Mugs mumbled, pulling away from Boris.
“Uh, how?” Bendy frowned. “That was thousands of years ago.”
“She’s a ghost,” Cup groaned. “A fickle ghost that comes and goes as she pleases. We’ve only ever seen her like twice!”
Felix perked up. “A spirit? Really? Fascinating. Where did you local her?”
Cup frowned. Mugs smiled awkwardly. “On the isles and uh, a ghost train.”
“A . . . ghost train?” Felix furrowed his brows.
Boris groaned. “Not that ghost train.”
Mugs shrugged. Cup rolled his eyes. “It was headed to New Orleans. That was months ago though. Cuss knows where she is now.”
“Still, that’s a lead,” Felix said. “She would hopefully know where the machine is hidden.”
“You sure that’s everythin’ you wanna share pup?” Cup raised a brow.
Boris blinked. He thought back on everything. He tugged the chain up, revealing the little whistle. “I-I think so. I mean, there might be more memories I could find but I’d have to-”
“No!” Everyone said at different volumes. Boris jumped.
“Don’t use it, please.” Mugs said.
“Not with the risks and uncertainty,” Felix said.
The wolf nodded sheepishly. He quickly tucked the part under his bandana and shirt. Then a thought hit him. Boris blinked. “D-does that mean we’re this close to finding everything we need?”
“Woah, you’re right, Boris!” Mugs grinned.
“Uh, we don’t have a way to find her,” Cup shook his head. “Don’t go throwin’ a party yet.”
“Plus we still have to figure out how to get the part too.” Bendy sighed and rested his chin on the palm of his hand. “We aren’t done.”
“No, but this is a step forward,” Felix smiled. “Now we research, we continue to recover, and we prepare. We’ll be finishing this quest in due time. Every small accomplishment is working toward the success of the quest as a whole.”
Boris felt light after that. He was free of his burden. Everyone had things to focus on and think about. They had a direction to work toward for the part and the machine. They were going to get the cure. It felt so close. It felt real. Everyone dispersed after that. Mugs gave him another hug. Cup nodded to him. He seemed oddly distant. Bendy ruffled his ears and Felix told him he was proud. It really was good to finally let everything go. Alice bid them goodbye. Holly lingered.
“Hey,” Boris smiled. “Thanks for contacting Alice. That was smart.”
Holly looked up and smiled. “Thanks. I’m proud of you for sharing with us what happened, Boris.”
“You listening to me first was a big help,” Boris admitted sheepishly. “I just hope that some good can come from any of it.”
“There already has,” Holly said firmly, “Trust.”
Trust. Was that really what he had earned with this? He didn’t know. A clearer consciousness maybe. Though trust had to start somewhere. Either way it was a step in the right direction. He felt like he could breathe again. “I hope so. Alice was pretty mad.” Was he bad at writing? Sure he didn’t share everything but he hadn’t known if she was the only one reading it! And what had Bendy put? Boris shook the thoughts away like cobwebs. “Was there something you wanted to talk about?”
Holly hummed. “Now this is only an idea,” she started. “I haven’t really had time to think it through. But it’s something that came to me as I was thinking about our weapons design ideas, so I thought I would share.”
Boris perked up his ears in interest. They had been working hard on their ideas. They even had a couple test runes and spells figured out. Holly had proven to be a great partner to work with. She was insightful and made sure they were both on the same page with a design or idea.
“You know so much about building things. I know a lot about rune magic.” She quirked the side of her lips and kind of shrugged. “Working together on things has been fun. I’ve enjoyed getting closer to you too. What if some day, we worked together on starting a runes items shop?”
Boris furrowed his brows. “A runes items shop?” He parroted slowly. The words felt strange. A magician’s shop coming to mind.
Holly’s face darkened. “Y-yeah, like we would design magic items people could use and sell them. I mean, at first it would just be us, but I was thinking about it and if things worked out in the long term other people could make the items and we could just design. I mean, magic IS still out there. And I want to show that to people in some way. That it’s not a myth or obsolete. The world is magical. But I understand if you don’t like the idea. You’ve got Bendy after all. I’m sure you two have your own ideas for the future.” Nervous words came out of Holly’s mouth on a string with no apparent sign of stopping.
A flash of an automobile shop came to mind. A house on the lake. An argument. A town in ruin. A dream-Boris cleared his throat and with it, the memories, even if the tightness in his chest wasn’t so easy to shake off. “N-not really. A magic shop would be really unique. Being able to bring spells into the average day-to-day world would be amazing. I mean, Mickey’s leg is better than any of the things the hospitals could have offered him. And your compact just let us talk to Alice even if phones aren’t.” There were concerns. People’s rejection of magic in general, the fear that it’s too dangerous to use, laws or regulations they might need to learn about. “I would love to try.” Boris said, pushing all the doubts to the side.
Holly’s face brightened and she grinned. “Berries. Going back to some of our prototype sketches…” The two of them went over their latest model for weapons, which involved runes that compacted the materials of Boris staff and involved a blood prick to activate Holly’s cross-bow. Boris wasn’t too satisfied with either design but it was where they were starting. And who knew where they could go at this point? There was a world of possibility ahead.
Dimitri was bound in indecision. Her nose twitched as her eyes ran over the familiar sight, texture. She breathed in, trying to reclaim her nerves. An unpleasant thrill chased its way up her spine. What should she do? What was the right choice? What if she made a mistake? Her fingers clenched and unclenched. She half reached out and then pulled back. Wait! She knew what to do!
Dimitri half turned towards the heap of children on the bed. “Sophie! What should I wear today?”
Sophie’s snout and eyes poked out from in between Masha and Rosie’s prone forms. “Definitely the flower sun dress. You haven’t worn that since we got here. You’ve been in work clothes half the time. It’s a complete shame, Dimitri, with your physique. You should have already gone on at least three dates since we got here. But not one of the guys in this house even know you're a girl because you’re wearing pants all the time. You’re gorgeous, and I refuse to let you leave this city without at least kissing one boy.” Sophie was more than ready to supply a lecture along with her advice.
Dimitri gave her a deadpan look. Oh the complete and total confidence of a nine-year-old. She grabbed the dress and tossed her nightgown at Sophie’s head, putting on the sun dress. “I’ll take that into consideration,” she told Sophie with a wink.
Sophie wasn’t having any of it, though. She pulled the night gown grumpily off her head. “I’ll set you up. Don’t think I won't!”
Sergei shoved her foot in Sophie’s face. “Mquiet. Sleep,” he muttered, clutching little Nikolai like he was a stuffed toy.
Dimitri ducked out of the room before the impending chaos inevitably ensued. She chuckled. Checking that she had everything she needed, she tiptoed through the house, careful to not wake anyone. Her search through the Cup brothers' things had given her nothing to work with. No solid proof to come forward with that they were still lying to the people in this house. It had nearly boiled her blood when she’d listened outside the living door to hear them tell some story about working for the mob. It would have been a brave move--if it were true. Though she had to admit they had big stones, giving the questers half the truth to get away with stealing the parts. It was also twisted.
And this way, even if she took the bullet and broke her contract, they wouldn’t believe her. They had known those two fibbers far longer than her. Their stock with the questers was much bigger than hers. She couldn’t trust either of them. But especially not the Mugs fellow. He looked more innocent but he was the better liar by miles. That sweet face and well-meaning smile didn’t hurt either.
Besides their rooms, Dimitri had done a loose search of the whole house with nothing to show for it. She’d come to the conclusion that if there was anything to find, it would have to be on their persons. And she wasn’t stupid. There was no chance of pickpocketing them. She’d be caught in a heartbeat.
She’d been going in circles about what to do about this situation. It almost physically hurt knowing the truth and only being able to watch. When she and Bendy had talked, the guilt she’d felt had been almost too much for her to take. She had only one more idea really. It was to sneak into their room while they were asleep and going through their day clothes. Especially that coat Cuphead was always wearing.
Dimitri padded down to the kitchen where Granny was cooking. She pulled the eggs out of the ice box and started to help with the cooking. With the huge imposition they were making, she’d insisted on helping. It wasn’t going to last much longer though. Boris was doing better and her mama would be done settling in with the new pups soon. She’d have to wait for them to leave before she did something as desperate as sneak into the Cup brother’s rooms though. She wouldn’t put them in danger.
The Warner zanies were already there. The younger boy was sleeping on his eggs and eating at the same time. Mugman was sipping on his mug of coffee, his head suspiciously darker like he had poured some of the drink in. Cuphead was next to him, looking at the morning paper with narrowed eyes, scanning it more than reading it. Dimitri glanced at the article he was reading: Milk Prices Climb Again. Well. So much for her hope of getting inside his head that way. Albert was putting butter on a huge cut of toast. No sign of the Bbrothers yet or the doctors. Should she be worried? Only half the occupants of the house were here.
When Boris walked in, still looking bleary eyed, Dimitri sidled up to him and gave him a tight side-hug. “How ya doing kiddo?” she asked, giving him a grin.
“Hmmm,” Boris hummed, half asleep. “I think I had a weird dream.” He yawned wide, showing his cute fangs.
“Uh? What was it about?” she asked.
“I don’t remember. Something with twirling and feathers I think,” Boris shook his head. “Or was it leaves? Paper?” He shrugged, letting the attempt to remember go. “Bendy didn’t get all the bacon yet, right?”
“You better hurry,” Mugs told him. “He was awake when I left.”
Dimitris ears perked. “Really? He hasn’t been through yet though.”
Cup glanced up curiously. Their eyes met and they both scowled. Mugs chuckled and waved a hand at Dimitri. “Taking his time gettin’ ready prolly. Stars knows Hat’s a tyrant with the studying. He might be tryin’ ta catch up on something.”
Cup grumbled something too low to hear but suspiciously sounded like a swear. Looks like the quota of ‘accidentally’ stepping on his toes during dance lessons was going up today.
Just then, there was a yip from the backyard. It was a sound any canine would recognize. A noise of distress. Dimitri turned, pushing through the back door.
“Yayyyyyy!” Victor raised his fists in triumph. A fox thrashed in the bushes, snarling viciously and showing fangs. It’s head was caught in a loop. It looked like Victor had set up a trap the creature had stuck its head into to get at some food.
“Don’t just stand there,” Valentino jumped back as he attempted to loop one of the fox’s feet. “This was your idea, Victor. Help!”
“Oops.” Victor reached out with his loop. The fox snarled and barked.
The back door opened and Molly stepped out. “Boys! I told you not to mess with the local animals!” she huffed. Both boys froze, ears folding back. The fox twisted and pulled at the loop on it’s neck.
Dimitri put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Mol,” she said, patting her. “It’s not safe for a critter like that to be so far into the city anyways so we can trap it and release it back outside the city.”
Molly sighed, folding her arms. She shrugged. “If you say so, Dee.” Her expression was deadpan.
What was that about? Dimitri frowned. She’d have to talk to Molly at some point. She might be depending too much on her lately. It was really stressful with this many kids around and no mama to lay down the boot.
Dimitri poked her head into the back door. “Hey Boris! Come over! Got something to show you.” She called out to the pup. He was munching on his breakfast.
The wolf perked up his fuzzy ears with a raised brow. He grabbed his bacon off his plate and stood to follow. “Coming.” Boris stepped out the door. “Oh wow.” His eyes widened. “You actually caught it!” He said impressed.
Dimitri grinned. “Almost. Not quite there.” The fox made a high whining noise of warning as they got closer. She clapped Valentino on the shoulder. “You want to show him how to use a loop?” she asked.
Valentino slowly smiled and nodded. He pulled in his rope again and started a gentle twirl over his head. The fox leaned backward, but started choking itself and so had to pull closer again. The rope flew through the air towards the fox’ head. It jerked to the side, but Valentino jerked his wrist pulling the rope to the side with it. The loop tightened around its head, forcing it to stay in position.
Dimitri turned to Boris. “You wanna give it a try?” she asked.
“I-I don’t know how,” Boris admitted sheepishly. “I mean, sure. I can try.” The wolf took a step forward and took a rope. “So how do I twirl it like that?” The fox growled, muzzle full of fangs as it glared at them.
“It’s all about momentum and tension.” Dimitri kept the rope low and tight, twirling it in a circle. “Here, you try.” The wolf clumsy swung the rope in a lopsided turn. It took him a moment to try and get a rythme. The fox’s claws scraped against the ground as it tried to pull back, twisting its head one and then another.
“Whoops. Looks like it’s about to get away. But I’ll show you more later,” Dimitri told Boris. He nodded. “Wanna finish things off, Victor?” she told the other twin. He gave her a sassy shrug and step before spinning his rope. The fox, held prone as it was, didn’t have much ability to pull away this time, so it was an easy loop for Victor. Dimitri stepped forward, taking the most dangerous job for herself. While the twins held the fox from their lines Dimitri knelt next to the fox and cut it free from the main trap. The fox yipped and snarled. It jerked and even tried to twist around to nip her. The boys were forcing it forward out of the bush though. And Dimitri angled her hand so that the moment it’s head poked out she gripped the back of its neck. She lifted it up, holding it from the scruff. She panted a little and breathed out. “Now, are you a boy or a girl, pretty pup?” She lifted the animal to inspect it.
It wiggled stiffly and snarled. Its tail wacked Dimitri. She gently caught it with her other hand. “Girl you are then. Let’s get you inside,” she said cheerfully. The animal remained tense, but had gone silent. She looked at Victor. “So did you yokels prepare anything in case your crazy scheme worked?” she said with a little amusement.
Victor grinned. “Yup!” He pulled a collar out of his pocket. “Can we keep it in the room? Pleaaaaase?”
Dimitri shook her head. “That’s not a good idea. She might pee on the floor, kiddo. She is a wild animal and she’s pretty scared right now. Animals tend to let it go when they get scared.” The fox made a strange guttural-sounding cough. It almost sounded like a scoff.
Victor’s face fell. “You can still play with her until we have time to take her outside the city tonight. But until then we can just have her in the backyard.”
Dimitri knelt down. She held it’s head firmly while she had Boris put on the collar. She watched the fox carefully, making sure it wasn’t in a position to snap at him. They got an old chain from the kitchen and attached it to the porch railing. Half-an-hour later, the fox was all set up with food, water and adoring children to coo over her. Masha especially had been taken with the fox. She sat in front of the creature, staring wide-eyed at it, her lips rounded and her hands gripped in front of her. Dimitri knew exactly what was going on in the little one’s head.
“Ish shoooo fluffy,” she whispered like it was a secret. She turned to look at Dimitri. “I wanna pet it,” she said tearfully. The fox laid on it’s stomach, watching them intently.
Dimitri rubbed her sister’s back. “‘Fraid that’s not a good idea Masha. This fox is wild. She’ll bite you.”
Masha pouted, uncharacteristically sulky. Well, when it came to fluffy things, it wasn’t uncharacteristic. She mussed Masha’s hair. “Hey, how about I go get you a treat instead?” Masha puckered her lips, nodding.
Dimitri turned to Victor. “Keep an eye on her while I grab something, okay?”
“Okay!” Both twins said at the same time. Dimitri trotted inside to the kitchen. They’d made cookies recently so she grabbed a few before heading to the backyard.
And there Masha knelt in front of the fox. Stroking her from head to the tip of her tail. The fox kept its head low, ears back, and light eyes watching every move Masha made. Its tail would flick each time her little hands would leave it. Besides that it didn’t move.
Dimitri’s heart pounded. She stepped closer, veins pounding with the fear that the animal would bite her sister. She moved slowly, kneeling next to them. But the moment her fingers curled around Masha’s waist, she pulled her back. Masha gave a gasp in surprise.
The fox jumped, fluffing up, and yipping at the sudden move.
“Are you okay? Masha?” Dimitri desperately checked all over the little girl, finding no scratches or bite marks. She turned to Victor and Valentino. They were hunched over a bag, pulling out dog toys. There were brushes, balls, and a bottle of soap to start.
“Okay boys. You’re done.” Dimitri wasn’t a huge fan of being stern but there was the time and place.
Victor and Valentino looked up in surprise. “What?”
“Masha was petting the fox. You were supposed to be looking after her. Really, kiddos, I was gone for less than a minute,” she sighed.
The two of them gave her wide eyes. “But--” Victor started.
“No buts, ya’ll are grounded for the rest of today. And this fox is gonna be gone by tomorrow morning. If you want to have fun like this, you gotta make sure your little brothers and sisters are safe first.”
“But we’re the ones who caught it! It’s our fox!” Victor protested.
“Don’t give me that, Victor. An animal’s an animal. Just because you caught it, doesn’t mean it's yours. Now go back inside and help Granny. You can play again tomorrow but you’re done for today,” Dimitri said firmly.
“This stinks!” Victor kicked a rock. “It’s unfair!” It went flying, narrowly missing the fox. It hopped and barked. He gasped, his face blanching. He clenched his face, racing away before Dimitri had a chance to say anything.
Valentino stood by himself, mouth twisting. “Sorry,” he mumbled, ducking his head down. As he headed back inside, he reached out to squeeze Masha’s paw. For all the drama going on about her, Masha hadn’t really been much bothered. She had been playing with Dimitri’s hair and occasionally trying to squirm out of her arms in order to go back to the fox. It looked like she’d have to keep an eye on Masha until tonight.
The fox walked around in agitated circles, fluffed up, and jumpy. Keeping a safe distance, Dimitri knelt down in front of it. “Hey,” she said in a soothing tone. “Sorry about that. Victor didn’t mean to scare you. He’s just got a little temper. Sometimes he doesn’t think about what he’s doing.” She patted Masha’s head, keeping her pressed back as she tried to reach out for the fox again.
The fox stopped, turned to look at her, and let out that odd cough sound again. Dimitri tilted her head. “Funny noise. You’re not sick, are you honey? Maybe we should take you to the vet before letting you go again.” The fox’s ears folded back. It sat down and started grooming its front paws.
She stood, bouncing Masha to distract her as they went back into the kitchen. The day passed quickly. Dimitri worked on dancing worse than usual. To make Cup feel better about being so terrible of course. It didn’t have anything to do with having an excuse to step on his toes or anything. She successfully stopped Sophie from sneaking out in order to go shopping and look for a boyfriend for Dimitri. She stopped Sergei from sneaking out in order to go to the city library. Well, actually, technically she failed at that because Holly and Boris offered to take him once she had brought the little escapee back inside. Victor and Valentino were offered up as Granny’s slaves for the day, though that didn’t stop them from debating who was manlier between Bendy and Cup. Bendy because of his strength or Cuphead because he seemed more grown up. In order to distract Masha, Dimitri played dress up with her most of the afternoon until it was getting close to dark. Masha had fallen asleep on the bed, so Dimitri tucked her in and headed out to the backyard. Her plan was to use a towel to restrain her and take a taxi out to where she could release the critter before heading home for bed.
When she stepped out onto the porch, there was a gorgeous sunset. She paused on the steps to admire it.
“A-about damn time,” a rough voice growled. Followed by a cough.
Dimitri flinched, looking around. She didn’t see anyone. The voice sounded familiar though. But she couldn’t quite plac--
“Are you stupid? Down here!” The voice barked before dissolving into a coughing fit. “Damnit!”
What. The… Dimitri looked down and stared into the eyes of the fox.
It glared up at her with a burning intensity. It let out that coughing, scoff sound. “Finally!” it said. “Now unchain me.”
Dimitri tilted her head. She blinked. Blinked again. Was there someone hiding underneath the patio? She crouched next to it and peaked underneath. “Hellooooo?”
“What the hell are you doing?” The fox sat. Dimitri swore a look of annoyance passed through its eyes. “I said, unchain me.”
“Are you talking.” Dimiri pointed at herself. “To me?”
The fox scowled. “I’m not talking to the porch furniture! Though I should for all the good it’s doing me!”
“The fox is talking.” Dimitri nodded slowly. “The fox…Is talking. Okay. Well. Um. This is way above my pay grade. I’m going to go get Felix.”
“You’ll get no one, debtor,” the fox’s rough voice went cold. “You will free me from these chains. Do as you are ordered!”
It was that word. That sticky dirty word that made the fox’s familiar voice click. Dimitri felt the blood rush from her face. “You’re Ava.”
“Oh cussing hell below! It took you that long to figure it out!” The fox snarled, showing fangs in the light cast from the window. “Great! Just my luck that even the seemingly smart one is stupid!” She dug a paw at the wood of the patio.
“H-how are you here! L-looking like that! You’re supposed to be in jail.” Dimitri took a step back. She had to run. Get help before Ava could transform and get revenge on her for helping the Bbros at the circus.
Ava looked unimpressed. “Are you finished?”
Dimitri turned, running for the door.
“You breathe a word about me and you’ll break your contract!” The fox called after her. “Do you want to lose your soul tonight?” The breath went out of Dimitri’s lungs, and she stopped cold. Her heart was pounding. “Now, come back here and let me off this chain, stupid!” Ava snapped.
Wait. Let her off the chain? The Ava Dimitri knew could bend metal with her bare hands. Her heart was still pounding but there was a suspiciousness in her now. She slowly turned back and went to the stairs, gulping before looking down. “Let you off the chain?” she said slowly.
“Finally! It looks like you got it!” Ava rolled her eyes.
“Meaning…you can’t free yourself.” Dimitri’s eyes narrowed. The fox stayed quiet. “You. Did they turn you into that fox as punishment? Like a real, non-magical fox?” she asked.
“I’m talking to you, aren’t I?” Ava growled.
“And yet you need me to free you.” Dimitri pressed her lips together. “Why are you here?” It clicked in her brain. “You’ve been watching us!”
A rather disturbing smile appeared on the fox’s face. A grin with a muzzle not made to move that way, showing her sharp teeth. “I have. It’s a very loud, predictable house. Full of habits and secrets.”
Dimitri’s fists clenched together. “What are you planning?”
The fox flicked her tail. “And why would I tell you that?”
Dimitri folded her arms. “And why should I free you?” she said in a very quiet voice. Her body felt weak. She was still afraid of this creature.
The fox scowled, fur bristling. “Because you are my debtor! And I ordered you to!”
Her heart was beating. Her head was spinning. The fear was bubbling. “I made a contract with you for my silence,” she said coldly. “Nothing else.”
The fox’s eyes narrowed. “Free me and I’ll spare your blood kin in there.” The fox glanced at the house.
It was the wrong thing for her to say. Yes, the fear of all the world slammed into her at those words. She had to protect the children! But she was already learning that making deals with monsters didn’t necessarily save your loved ones. Or it saved them only at a terrible price. Dimitri swallowed, making her decision. She didn’t answer the demon, for fear it would try to come up with more ways to persuade her. Instead, she looked around.
“Did you hear me?” Ava demanded.
Finding the rope from when they had caught Ava on the ground, Dimitri picked it up.
Ava’s ears folded back. “And what do you think you’re going to do with that?” She let out that gruff scoff. “I’ll only say it one last time. Let. Me. Go.”
Dimitri pulled on a pair of gardening gloves from the supply box. Moving fast, she went for Ava. The fox yipped and jumped. Dimitri grabbed at the chain, pulling the fox back towards her. Ava pulled away, claws scratching the wood. She snarled before she turned and tried to sink her fangs into Dimitri’s arm. Dimitri hissed but the cloth of her shirt protected her mostly. Gripping the back of Ava’s neck with her free hand, she pinned the fox with her knee and started wrapping the rope around Ava’s snout, making an impromptu muzzle. The demon snarled and hissed at her, withering underneath Dimitri’s weight but unable to escape. The fox glared at her.
Dimitri rose triumphantly, nursing her arm. “I’m not going to let you hurt anyone.”