Chapter Text
Arrulon wasted no time dismissing Zora and Kaden from the house after that. He held the rest of them back to ‘let the family have some time,’ and Orlith refilled their teas.
“Now that we have that all managed, let’s get to the brass.” Arrulon sat back down, and his smile suddenly became sly. “You two are high class. You’re Prince Stolas’s pupil. I’m sure you have some news about the throne room and the other officials up there. No need to be shy. And you-” he pointed at Bendy, “I want to hear about the Surface. Don’t look so surprised. A demon that doesn’t know demon script but English? You couldn’t have come from anywhere else. Nevermind secrets! Who would I tell here? Of course, you don’t know me well, which is fine. That all comes in time, but I want to be aware of the outer world.”
Murklin stared at the turtle demon with wide eyes, then turned to Bendy and chirped inquisitively.
Bendy blinked. He—just with that! How? How?
“The cuss does he mean?” Reide demanded. “You’re just a tunnel crawler. All that Surface stuff has been with your lessons from Hat, right?”
Arrulon raised a scaly brow. He and Orlith shared a look. “Oh, they hadn’t known? My apologies. I assumed you all were close since Kaden would trust you so fully.”
“Just from that!” Bendy demanded.
Arrulon smiled. “Well, you are also very comfortable with manners, not reacting as these two do. The only people in Hell I know who are comfortable with please and thank you are the Princes and us, who use them regularly for their work. You have a number of tells, really, my boy, but don’t worry; only people who know what to look for would notice.”
Bendy sat stunned and horrified.
Arrulon chuckled. “Oh, dear child! You are safe here. People’s bodies always speak more honestly than their words. I have many centuries of practice. But first, the Devil.” He turned to Murklin expectantly.
The shadow demon turned his teacup in his hands absentmindedly as he signed with his other pair of hands.
“Mel? Must be someone new.” Arrulon hummed. “And I do hope my old friend is doing well. Give the Prince my regards along with the letter. Thank you.”
Murklin chirped and nodded. He signed again.
“Arru dear,” Orlith said.
“Yes, quite interesting. The Devil has a ward,” Arrulon mused. He tapped his beak with his claw.
Bendy cleared his throat.
Reide raised a brow and sighed. “He said—”
“Only if you do it right.” Bendy scowled at him.
Now, the wolf looked offended and lifted his muzzle. “Devil’s been busy with angel and Surface stardust. They had three times where another angel-demon war almost started in the past year. Uh, food is good. Beastlies aren’t too bad. Folks have been disappearing, though. And someone named Mel is working for the Devil, I guess.”
Bendy glanced at Murklin to gauge what he thought of Reide’s translation.
Murklin gave the wolf a flat look and signed again.
“I should give it style.” Reide smirked.
Bendy rolled his eyes.
“Now, your story, young man.” Arrulon turned to Bendy. “I am quite intrigued. You don’t strike me as a halfling, so how did you come to the Surface?”
Bendy heaved a big sigh. Well, cuss. The cat was out of the bag. So what was the point in hiding it? “I don’t know.” Arrulon frowned. Bendy shook his head. “I really don’t! My earliest memories were from up there. And before you ask, no, I don’t have parents. There was no one.” That he could remember clearly, at least.
“How old were you?” Arrulon asked.
“About eight? Maybe,” Bendy admitted and cradled his cup between his hands.
“And you don’t have any memories before that?” Arrulon asked.
“Self-preservation?” Orlith suggested. “A memory spell?”
Bendy remembered being told there was something in his head, but he wasn’t going to share that or the fuzzy dream-memories he had. “I don’t know. I’ve just always been up there,” Bendy said. Not that he was completely sure of that. After all, he had to be from somewhere, and down here made the most sense. The question was how he got to a little meadow of flowers in the forest.
“Interesting,” Arrulon said. “Then what is it like growing up there? The food, the magic, the people?”
Bendy furrowed his brows. Oh. That was right. Most of them never had and never would see the Surface unless something changed. They only had the stories and news passed to them from demons like Bendy, the Lords, and the Princes. Stars, what would it be like? Did they think he came from some mythical land of honey and leisure? He didn’t want to burst bubbles but he wouldn’t lie either. Bendy took a deep breath and reflected on his childhood.
“Well, I can’t say it was amazing. I lived on the streets, stole food, and fixed up junk to sell for scraps. There was an orphanage, but it was obvious if I stayed there, I’d never leave until I was an adult. So, the truth is that it was rough,” Bendy said. Reide stared at him. Arrulon didn’t move. Orlith’s scaly brow knit together in pity. Murklin watched him with wide eyes. “But it wasn’t terrible. I learned how to swim, how to build, how to read and write and draw. I got to chase fireflies and watch meteor showers. I danced and made a friend and told jokes. I was able to get work and a place to live.” It hadn’t been a bad life, really. “I didn’t worry that someone would kill me at least. It’s not kill or be killed up there.”
Arrulon nodded. “I can’t imagine it would be.”
Bendy finished his tea to get rid of his dry throat. “They weren’t friendly, but it wasn’t like down here. Sure, I had a few fights, but it was hardly every day.”
“How many have you eaten?” Reide smirked.
Bendy felt a chill race down his spine. He gave the wolf a glare. “I didn’t . Look, they are afraid of us. Their fairytales have tons of demon villains. It doesn’t help that most folks find magic dangerous and threatening. All magic. It’s not part of everyday life up there for a lot of them. If I had tried something as dumb as eating someone, I could kiss a peaceful life goodbye.” Reide shrugged at Bendy’s words. Bendy rolled his eyes. “I didn’t use my magic a lot growing up. I tried to hide it mostly so people wouldn’t be so jumpy. It worked most of the time.”
“That’s crazy.” Reide shook his head. “Just crazy. What demon doesn’t use magic?”
“This one.” Bendy crossed his arms. “Until last year. I didn’t really have a choice with everything hitting the fan.”
Arrulon’s eyes lit up. “Something changed?”
Bendy hesitated. He almost mentioned the ink illness. Almost. Then he remembered what they had said about sickness down here. He remembered what Hat was doing with that lizard in Flug’s lab. Bendy refused to end up like that. So, instead, he mentioned a different truth. “I was framed for a murder. I ran like an idiot. It all got cleared up eventually. During my running, I met Hat.” Bendy folded an arm on the table and rested his chin on the other one. “And the rest is history.”
“So you mean to say you didn’t know cuss until you met Hat?” Reide asked.
Bendy tilted his head in acknowledgment, his tail flicking nervously.
Reide stared at him. “Ya know, I feel real dumb not figuring that out myself. I mean, it’s so damn obvious now that it’s been pointed out.” Murklin huffed in agreement.
“Were you happy?” Arrulon asked.
Bendy blinked. “W-what?”
“Were you happy up there? Or are you? Do you think it’s worth it after seeing what it’s like below, or would you rather have grown up here and away from the Surface?” The old turtle leaned forward, his eyes sharp even as his smile was encouraging.
Bendy’s eyes widened. What sort of question was that? Bendy’s eyes drifted down to the clay cups, saucers, and teapot. The carefully carved stone table and sewn cushions. Would he have rather lived down here? What would it have been like growing up down here with demons? Growing up with no shame and even an expectation to use his magic and powers? As a high-class demon, he’d have been someone people would have respected. The sneers wouldn’t be disdain but envy.
He glanced at Murklin. A kid, sure, but he seemed so comfortable and sure of himself, as if certain of his place in the world and the expectations on him. Then, he glanced at Reide. He was cocky, humorous, ridiculous but charismatic, and surprisingly reliable. He couldn’t imagine growing up with friends like these, to be expected to be great instead of a menace, to have his purposes and life set before himself so assuredly instead of fighting every day for scraps.
But.
Could he give up the sun? The fireflies? The Christmases with a junkyard tree? Nevermind the manners, what about the value of life? Would he trade that for the dismissive kill-or-be-killed mindset? Was having somewhere to fit in worth the values he’d learned up there? What about the kindness and love Boris had shown him? Would he have to give that up? Sure, these demons were understanding, they got his struggles like no one up there did. But would they ever cry for him? Would they have stolen, lied, and suffered with him through the cold winters?
Bendy reached for the goggles on his head only for his hands to come up empty. He felt a pang in his chest. Something must have shown on Bendy’s face because Arrulon spoke up.
“I am sorry. I did not mean for my question to distress you,” he spoke gently.
Bendy shook his head. “No. I just—I just never thought of it. Some things would have been easier. But I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the Surface and the people up there. It’s—they’re just very important to me. I can’t imagine trading them for anything.” Not Boris. Not the friends he’d made recently, either. “My life has been hard. Maybe some people would even think it’s been cruel, but it’s my life.” Bendy shook his head. He didn’t have the words he needed to express his feelings. He was proud of where he’d gotten. He was a damn good mechanic and a good big brother. Then, he’d become an adventurer with an amazing group of friends. If only they hadn’t—
“You remind me of someone,” Orlith suddenly said, her voice warm and smooth.
Bendy raised a brow. The feathered lizard raised a claw to one of the tapestries. She pointed out the little elf-like person. “Her life and struggles would invite a lot of pity and disdain from many. You see, she lost the ability to use her magic. Even the basics were mostly beyond her.”
Reide flinched and hissed. Bendy didn’t understand why he looked so disturbed. Murklin gave a chirpy whine and signed, his tails flicking anxiously between him and Bendy.
“Yes, Murklin,” Orlith said, “it is terrifying not to have your magic. She was understandably distressed. She hailed from the city, and to not have magic there was practically a death sentence. There is no way to defend yourself. So many jobs would be impossible. Her life was over in her eyes. We were able to show her a new way with us.”
“The dear was a ray of sunlight in our community. Despite her weakness, we all loved her, and she would take on any task asked of her with zeal.” Arrulon chuckled. “She came to love her life and even her struggles. She wouldn’t have changed a thing, I think.” His eyes turned sad. “I don’t believe she ever understood the effect she had on others around her. It wasn’t magic, it was just her kindness and thoughtfulness.”
“What happened to her?” Bendy asked, his voice soft to match Arrulon’s.
The turtle shook his head. “Disappeared into the tunnels years ago. We think she may have gone into the seventh level, but no one knows for sure.” Orlith reached over and patted his shell.
“The seventh? What kind of hairbrai-” Bendy elbowed Reide to shut him up. “Ow!”
Arrulon smiled, though his eyes remained distant and sad. “Her mate, a shadow demon of some renown, had passed. I believe she wanted answers. I’d rather believe that than the alternative.” He sighed. “Some days, I imagine she’ll come crashing through our door again, hands flying with a new idea or wild story to share.” Arrulon shook his head. “Imptails. Look here, I’m holding you up now with my old ramblings. You best head to Kaden’s home for that supper and get home. We don’t want any of you boys in trouble.”
Bendy blinked. He had no idea how long they had been there. It could have been a few minutes or a couple of hours. Regardless, he felt reluctant to leave. Despite the scary perception of the old turtle, something about him had Bendy wanting to stay. He wanted to hear more from him and Orlith. Reide got up, as did Murklin. Bendy followed reluctantly. The world felt like it had shifted beneath him. Just enough to be noticeable. He didn’t know if it was bad or good.
They were just leaving, Orlith wishing them well, when Arrulon spoke up. “Oh yes, young wolf. Come here for a moment.” Reide turned around with an annoyed look. The turtle rested a huge claw on his shoulder. It practically swallowed Reide’s side. Bendy didn’t make out what the turtle said to him. Reide flinched as the turtle patted his shoulder and smiled warmly before letting him go. Reide fell back into step with Bendy and Murklin as they followed Arrulon’s directions to the house. The villagers stared as they walked, not with hostility, but curiosity.
“What was that?” Bendy asked.
Reide shook his head. “I have no damn clue. I think that turtle has a few screws loose.”
Bendy frowned. He doubted that. Arrulon had seen right through all of them, not that Bendy had been the best at hiding his shortcomings.
Murklin snorted and signed, his four eyes narrowing with mirth as he turned his head to look at the wolf.
“Yeah, well, your mentor isn’t all she’s cracked up to be! I bet she’s the weakest fighter out of all the Princes.” Reide snorted with a raised muzzle. Oh, cussing stars, this was asking for a fight.
Murklin gave him a flat look as he signed.
“Ha! Duh, she’s a Prince! But I’d like to see her try that against someone like Prince Anzu,” Reide said.
The two bickered back and forth the entire walk, which thankfully wasn’t that far. The hut was situated on a ledge a couple of feet above the cave floor. It was smaller than Arrulon’s hut but larger than some of the other huts Bendy had seen in the village. A line of stairs had been carefully carved up the side of the ledge to make a more easily accessible entrance. Large pots as tall as Bendy’s shoulder housed rough glowing crystals and rocks. Instead of a door, there was a thick tapestry across the entrance. Bendy could hear the muffled voices of conversation inside. He knocked on the doorway.
“Bendy! Guys! Come in!” Kaden threw the tapestry aside and practically dragged them all inside. The inside of the hut was cozy with a light blue flame in the fireplace. Mats, rugs, and cushions made up a very cozy and almost nest-like living room. A kitchen and dining area was set up on the other side, similar to Arrulon’s and Orlith’s. The low table was surrounded by cushions for comfort. It was a bit warm in the space but not stifling. A dark, open hall led to the back half of the house.
Zora was just pouring what smelled like stew into clay bowls. He nodded to them in greeting. “Make yourselves comfortable. Dinner will be served in just a moment.”
Bendy and his friends oriented themselves around the table. There was art on the walls here. It was paintings, mostly. Some were the splattered mess of a young child, and others were careful scenes of caves and fields and gardens. There was even one of the Surface, or Bendy supposed it was. The mountains were too big, and the sun was huge. Little things like that were off, but it was still the same carefully crafted style of the others.
Zora took a bowl and disappeared into the hall. Reide leaned toward Kaden across the table. “I get to see your room and give you stardust if it’s a cussing mess.”
“What!” Kaden protested.
“It’s only fair after the muck you’ve dragged me through for my house.” Reide grinned a wolfish grin. Kaden scowled and crossed his arms.
“How’s your mom?” Bendy asked to avoid a fight.
Kaden’s annoyance melted into worry as his arms dropped and his head lowered. “She’s tired and thinner. She needs that medicine.”
Bendy pursed his lips. “I’ll get it. Don’t worry.”
“You’re gonna need money,” Reide said dryly.
“I know. I can probably borrow some from Hat and pay him back,” Bendy muttered. “Not excited to owe him anything, but it has to be done.”
“Ooooh, owing a higher demon a loan? That’s a dicey game there, Bends, even if it’s your mentor. You sure about that?” Reide smirked and leaned against the low table. “He might ask ya to kill someone.”
Murklin hummed in agreement and signed, his tails flicked behind him as he stared at Bendy. “It’s not wise to ask for a loan or favor without an agreed-upon repayment. You never know what will be asked of you,” Kaden interpreted for Murklin.
Bendy turned an annoyed look at the shadow demon. “But two people could die! What else am I supposed to do? Ask nicely? Find a diamond down here to sell up there? You and Hat said that was a bad idea! I don’t have time to wait for this honey business to take off. They need help.” Bendy waved a hand at Murklin. “Hat is the only rich fella down here I know that might lend me enough. At least without making the worst offer ever.”
The shadow demon snorted a laugh and shook his head as he signed.
Kaden perked up. “What do you mean?”
Bendy gave Kaden a confused look. What had Murklin said?
Murklin’s eyes narrowed in a smile as he signed again.
“Apparently, furball here is loaded,” Reide said.
Kaden and Murklin gave him an annoyed look. “‘My mama owns one of the highest-end tailor shops in Hell, and I’ve worked there since I was ten. And I’ve been saving for just as long. I’ve got enough to start the honey business and then some,’ is what he actually said.” Kaden continued to give Reide a deadpan look before turning back to Murklin. “So, are you going to help? Is that what you mean?”
Murklin shrugged and signed again. Sadly, Bendy didn’t get to find out what he said.
“Are you all ready for some food?” a new voice asked.
“Mom!” Kaden jumped up in surprise. “What are you doing up?”
A new demon approached the table. She was an interesting sight to behold. She had round, mouse-like ears, and horns like her son’s. Though her face was more deer-like in Bendy’s opinion. Her hair was long curtains of vines and leaves. She had four, slim arms and two legs that ended in hooves. One arm held Zora’s supporting arm; two others cradled her slightly swelling belly. Her long tail ended in thorns. She smiled warmly at all of them. “I couldn’t help but greet new faces. It’s such a rare treat down here. Besides, these brave ones brought me back my son. I have to thank them in person.”
Reide cringed. “You really don’t have to.” It wasn’t his usual distaste; he actually looked sick.
Bendy elbowed him. “Don’t be rude,” Bendy hissed under his breath.
“Rude? Can’t you sense her magic?” Reide whispered back. “She really shouldn’t be up.”
Bendy gave him a confused look before focusing on her again. At the same time, Zora and Kaden helped her sit carefully on the biggest cushions. There was a muggy warmth about her, almost humid. It felt suffocating and sticky. Was that her magic? What the hell did that mean? Kaden didn’t hide the worry on his face. Murklin sat up straighter, his tails flicking against his cushion as he chittered quietly.
She smiled once she was situated. There was sweat on her brow, and she took slow breaths like she was holding back just how draining it had been to get to the table. “I’m Nomia. It’s a pleasure.” They all introduced themselves. Zora, stoic as ever, brought the food and bowls over. Kaden was quick to serve everyone. The stew was great, almost as good as Granny’s cooking. “Tell us about yourselves. I hope Kaden wasn’t too much trouble for you.”
“No, none at all,” Bendy reassured.
“Speak for y-Oof!” Reide grunted as Bendy elbowed him again. “I’m gonna lose a rib at this rate!” he growled at Bendy.
“We showed him around the city, played a few games, and he helped with house chores. He was determined to get help but also refused to tell us where he was from,” Bendy said. “I was impressed with his character.” Sure, he had been impressed by his character in the arena and his refusal to kill, but they didn’t have to know about that. There was no reason to scare them. “Right, Reide?”
The wolf gave Bendy a look. For a second there, he thought Riede would throw him and Kaden under the bus. Then Reide sighed and rolled his eyes. “He was annoyingly kind and cu-considerate. Drove me crazy! But he was a big help. Don’t mind dropping him off back here. It wasn’t the hassle I thought it’d be.”
Nomia beamed. “I’m so glad to hear that. We were so worried when he disappeared.” That muggy feeling got worse. “I know Kaden’s been worried.” She reached out and took Kaden’s claws. Her eyes had a distant look to them, like she was looking through Kaden instead of at him. “And I’m still upset at what you did, but I understand.” Kaden just stared at her, nearly mournful.
“Mom, I think you should go lie down,” Kaden suggested gently.
Nomia shook her head slowly, but then her eyes glazed over more. “It’s not proper with guests. I shou-”
“It’s fine, Mrs. Nomia,” Bendy said quickly. “We actually have to get back. Murklin has a curfew, but we’ll visit again. We’re Kaden’s friends, after all.”
She blinked slowly, like it took a moment for her to understand Bendy, before she grinned, showing perfectly white fangs. “Friends. Oh, that’s wonderful. Yes, please do. That would be wonderful.”
“Come along Mi,” Zora said gently. He reached down and lifted her completely instead of helping her up.
Nomia jumped a little before giggling. “Zora! The children!”
Kaden groaned. “Mom. Dad.”
“Forgive us. Kaden will see you out,” Zora said with a small bow.
“That’s fine,” Bendy said, standing up. “Thanks for the dinner.”
“Did he just thank you?” Nomia asked as Zora withdrew. Her face shocked.
“He does that,” Murklin said quietly to Nomia as he joined Bendy.
As soon as they were out of the hut, Reide bristled and shook himself out like he was soaking wet. “Ugh! Stars! Ugh!” He rubbed his arms. “I can’t believe I managed to sit through that! How the cuss was she even able to walk? Ugh! My skin is crawling.” Kaden seemed to deflate all the more.
“Have some decorum, Reide,” Murklin sighed. Then he turned to Kaden. “Your parents are sickeningly sweet.”
“I know,” Kaden groaned like he hated it, but it was the same groan Boris gave at Bendy’s jokes. A complete lie. “They’re always like that.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Murklin chuckled.
“Nice to have you talking again,” Bendy muttered, pocketing his hands.
The shadow demon shrugged. “The food helped. I have a bit more energy now, so it doesn’t feel as much like a chore to get the words out.”
“Glad to hear it,” Bendy sighed in relief. “Kaden, next time I come visit, I will have what your mom needs, okay? Try to hold out until I do.”
Kaden nodded. He suddenly threw his arms around Bendy. “Thank you,” he said into Bendy’s shoulder.
Bendy grunted. It was like hitting a rock. Bendy snorted a chuckle before gingerly patting Kaden’s sharp back. “Thank me when she’s better.”
Kaden pulled back and nodded, his eyes glassy. “Yeah, okay. I’ll walk you fellas out of here.”