Chapter Text
Boris ran. He ran and he ran. He had been able to escape by jumping off the wall, his heart shooting up into his throat. The further he got away, the more despondent and resentful he grew. Why was it going like this? Why did Mickey act like Bendy? Why did neither of them trust him? Listen to him? He should have just taken him. Boris should have snatched him away instead of trying to talk. If the traps had worked, Boris wouldn’t have been forced to run. If the monsters had done their job, he wouldn’t have to be out there in the first place! This was supposed to be Sarah doing this for him! But she had to fight that numbskull, Michael Bradley!
Michael.
This was all his fault. He had danced around those monsters. He had seen every trap and trick. If it hadn’t been for him, they would have gotten Mickey in the Labyrinth easily. Then Boris would have been able to show him how good it was!
The wolf got to a door and dove into the Labyrinth. He sighed in relief as the wariness faded away and the music of the Record strengthened him again. He paced back and forth as he started to seeth. Michael had been pitted against him from the start! He had turned Mugman against Boris, he’d attacked Sarah, he’d pushed for Boris to be left behind or tied up.
He was right there. In the Labyrinth. Not now but back then. Boris could feel it. Remember it. He couldn’t see it, of course, but he knew.
The wolf started heading toward the hall without really deciding to go. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. His emotions were boiling. His mind replayed Mickey’s glare and Bendy’s words over and over. He thought about Elijah leaving, Avery’s smile, chasing down every single person he cared about in a panic, feeling desperate to save them, his arguments with Holly, stealing from her again.
None of this would have happened without Michael Bradley.
Boris didn’t even use a door. He walked toward the wall and went where he wanted. He found them, himself, Mugs, and that scum in a room. It looked like they’d just settled down to rest. Mugs was asleep. And he had just snuck off to talk to Sarah. Stars, it would have been better if he had just listened to her in the first place. The fella’s memories were horrible, and his expectations were the worst.
Boris had to move back to avoid his past self running into him as he slipped out the other door. That was too close. He had to be careful. He couldn’t run into himself. The consequences of that mistake would be dire. Boris was just about to slip back next to the door after he’d left when the shadow of a man walked through it.
Michael scanned the hall, missing him but catching the disappearing tail of the other Boris. His knife was in his other hand, and he walked soundlessly over the floorboards past Boris as he searched for the other wolf.
Holy sun above. He had been ready to kill Boris back then just for going out on a little chat. It was amazing he had ever gotten any sleep around the nutcase.
“Boris?” Michael called out in a low voice looking around the corner.
Boris changed his staff into the pipe he used to carry. The wolf raised it slowly up, creeping behind the man. He wanted Boris to fight? He wanted the wolf to be a villain? Fine by him! He didn’t care anymore! Boris would show him a fight.
The man frowned, turning the corner and walking down the hall after past Boris.
Boris tightened his grip and swung with all his might to hit the man across the head.
One second Michael’s head was there, the next it was gone. A solid leg slammed into the side of his ankles, sweeping Boris’ feet out from underneath him. Lurching forward from his crouch, Michael jumped on top of Boris, pinning his arms with his knees. His large hunting knife raised above his head, ready to come down.
Michael froze, face contorting with confusion. “Boris?”
Boris growled. He was too strong. Boris couldn’t pull free. And fast! Boris didn’t stand a chance in a fair fight!
Good thing this wasn’t a fair fight.
The wolf opened a path for himself. Boris dropped into the floor and out of the wall. He was in front of the kneeling man. He imagined his pipe, spun it, and lunged to swing at Michael like a baseball. A snarl escaped him.
Michael dropped to the floor like he was doing a pushup and bowled into Boris’ legs, slamming him back into the wall. His hand came up, grabbing the wrist that held the pipe. “Finally showing your true colors, eh?” he grunted as he fought Boris, rising from the floor.
“You’re the one with the knife,” Boris hissed. He couldn’t sneak up on this nutcase! He was too fast!
“Fair point. But I like to live,” Michael chuckled. “So I’ll be keeping it, if you don’t mind.” He reached up and started to yank the pipe from Boris’ grasp.
Boris’ thought fast. Strength. He needed to be stronger and faster than this man. Pull from the memories. Make it his strength. This was his reality. Boris snarled and shoved.
Michael’s eyes widened as he was thrown back and slammed into the far wall, arms up and knife between himself and Boris. He grunted as he hit it and slid down a little.
Boris again lunged forward fast, hands on his pipe. He spun it upward, aiming for Michael’s hand and that knife. If he could just get that thing away from him!
It sent a jolt of pleasure through him to see the surprise on the man’s face at his speed. He had barely a second to react.
To Boris’ surprise, instead of trying to dodge the blow, Michael stepped forward to meet him. They slid together before Boris could stop himself. Michael turned sideways, grasping Boris’ wrist and the front of his shirt. Using Boris’ momentum, he flipped the wolf over his shoulder, slamming him down onto the ground. Boris wheezed as his breath whooshed out of his lungs from the blow.
“A good fight takes more than brute strength and speed,” Michael lectured grimly. He wrenched the pipe away from Boris. There was a flicker of sadness in his expression.
Boris glared up at him. He hated this. He hated that he was always on the ground. Hated the people that towered over him. He hated this so much. All this power and what had really changed?
“Let me take you back to your friends, boy. Is whatever Sarah promised you really worth it? Worth betraying your friends?” Michael questioned. He was wary now, body tensed and ready for Boris to try and attack him again.
Boris pulled himself to his knees. “You. Are such a schmuck,” he panted. “Funny you mention betrayal since you’re one of the people that turned them against me.” He reached for the wall and got on his feet. Betrayed? He was trying to save them! Why did no one understand that!
A look of confusion crossed Michael’s face. “Boris, whatever she’s said, it’s not true. She twists reality. Not just what you see, but what you think. They aren’t your enemies. Neither am I. You need to hold onto the good memories. You have to trust them.”
Boris raised a brow. “She’s not the only one.” Boris stepped up on the wall, crouched, and jumped, throwing his whole body at Michael in an attempt to knock him over.
Michael spun to the side, allowing Boris’ pipe to jut out at the last second so that it caught Boris in the stomach.
Boris dropped to the ground, curled up on himself. It hurt. He felt like he couldn’t breathe. He felt like he was going to be sick. He turned his head to glare at the man.
Michael looked sadly down on him. The man was exhausted. He was trying to decide what to do. Whether to call for Mugs. While the other part of his mind told him that if Boris didn’t concede, this wouldn’t end until the wolf was dead. The other part of his mind shied away at this thought, filled with disgust and apprehension. Boris was a child. His daughter was a child.
Boris sneered. Oh was he in for a nasty surprise. “Don’t let that stop you,” Boris hissed. He glanced at the pipe still in Michael’s hand and willed it to change into a snake. The serpent hissed and twisted around to strike. Boris lunged up at the same time.
Michael jerked back in surprise. His knife flashed down, and the serpent’s head dropped to the ground. Boris’ hands wrapped around Michael’s. Boris twisted and pushed the blade into Michael’s stomach. He crashed forward, thrown off with his own momentum.
They both slammed into the wall.
For one moment Boris thought he won. Michael’s face crumpled in pain and surprise. Boris felt elation and then horrified dread and then morbid curiosity. He pulled back to see the damage.
The knife hadn’t gone through. It pressed deep into the cloth.
But the cloth wouldn’t give. It was like metal. It shimmered where the knife fought to slice through it. The magic! He’d forgotten!
An elbow came up, catching him under the chin. Boris saw stars. He stumbled back, hands going to his muzzle. Michael bolted back towards where Mugs slept, giving up any pretense of trying to fight the wolf. He’d made his decision.
Boris was stunned for a moment that he was running. Cuss! Not Mugman! He had to stop him before he go—Wait. Mugman. A devious smile spread across Boris’ face. Boris raced after Michael, his pipe in hand.
Boris willed an illusion of Mugs to appear around the corner. “Michael? What’s going on?” He seemed alarmed.
“Killer problem,” Michael said, yanking him along as he continued to run. “Sarah’s gotten to your friend.”
Mugs grabbed his wrist and twisted it. “I know.”
Surprise flashed across Michael’s face just before the fake Mugs forced the man into an arm lock. The knife dropped to the ground. Boris didn’t hesitate, he brought the pipe down with a sharp ‘ thump’ to the man’s head.
Michael crashed to the ground. He blinked, lolling on the ground as he tried to regain his senses. Blood poured down the side of his face.
Boris smirked down at him. “Sarah might not do doubles, but that doesn’t mean I can’t.”
Michael pawed the ground for his knife, but his movements were erratic, and Boris knew his vision was spinning.
Boris lifted the pipe over his head. “Good riddance.”
Feet pounded around the corner. “There you are!” Mugs gasped in relief.
Boris dropped the illusion of the fake Mugman and the pipe instantly and changed his eyes to appear normal, his heart jumping. The wolf perked his ears. “Oh Mugman!” Boris gasped, glancing over his shoulder. Damnit! The real one. He had been so close! This pest would have been gone, and it would have saved him and Sarah so much time and energy! Cuss! He needed an excuse for this! Do something! “Thank the stars! We need your help!”
“We?” Mugs’ brows furrowed at Boris, confused, still tired. He hadn’t noticed Michael. Yet.
Michael found his knife. “Run . . .” he groaned as he struggled to rise. Boris was lucky his head was still spinning, and Mugs couldn’t quite hear him.
If only he had a few more seconds. But he wouldn’t be able to fight off Mugs and Michael. Just like Mickey and that angel. He wasn’t strong enough. His other self would be here soon. He had to leave. Boris offered a hand down. Michael’s eyes flashed furiously. “Michael and me. There was a monster thing he fought off! I woke up and came to see if I could help.”
“No, that’s not . . .” Michael tried to grit out.
The wolf leaned forward. “Try it, and I kill everyone,” Boris threatened softly. “I’m not Sarah. I don’t play by her rules.” It was an empty threat, but Michael expected the worst from him, so why not use it?
Michael’s eyes widened. He half rose, clutching his side, growling.
“Oh cuss! Michael!” Mugs knelt beside him. “Boris! Why didn’t you wake me up? Damn. Do ya think you can stand, Mike? No, you probably shouldn’t. Boris, get your bag and the first aid.”
Boris pulled back, widening his eyes innocently, sure to look fearful. “Can I help you move him back? I don’t think it’s safe here. What if it comes back?” Boris asked.
“Then, I’ll shoot it! Get the damn first aid!” Mugs barked, tossing a glare at Boris.
It wasn’t the only glare. Michael stared furiously over Mugs shoulder at Boris as the Dish turned back. Boris allowed himself a smile before he turned the corner. He hadn’t finished the man, but he had won. It felt good. His frustration simmered down a little.
Boris slipped away from there and back to the mansion. Was it childish? Probably. Did he care? Not really. He was so tired of feeling like a constant failure. Every choice felt like the wrong one, so why not just enjoy what he could? If all he would get was glares and raised voices, what did it matter?
Neither Sarah nor the Night Terror had returned yet. The new additions were being handled by the Labyrinth and it’s rooms. The new rooms from Talent Town were an interesting and fresh addition to the old ones of Fairmont. The rush of memories and emotions were a welcoming flow to the living place. The Record sang sweetly with the swell of a feast.
Boris hummed along with it, both frustrated and excited. He had won his first fight. A real fight! Well, he had his scrapes on the streets, but this was different. The rush that came with the fear of death was a whole new level of power! The guilt he used to feel after hurting someone else, even a bully, was hardly there too. It was a distant light on the horizon. Easy to ignore. Easy to push away. It was easier than remembering Mickey and Bendy’s rejections.
Boris wanted to gloat. He wanted to tell . . .
The wolf’s smile slipped. He couldn’t. He knew that. But if the present was impossible, then maybe the past? He glanced at the window, dark mist churned outside. Boris checked on them.
Boris considered. He could go back instead, find Bendy when he was alone here. It wasn’t like Boris would really tell him what had happened. Just to be with his brother for a little while. The two of them. Like old times. Boris nodded. That would be good, right? Then why did it make him feel nervous?
I’m saying you would never do this!
Boris frowned. It was Bendy. Past Bendy. What did he have to be nervous about? Boris marched toward a door and went for it. He ended up surprising Bendy, but then he was happy to see him. Boris smiled, but he had to force it, which was odd. Boris followed Bendy through the doorways. It was obvious Bendy had no idea how the place worked and was going in circles without realizing it. He didn’t mind. Bendy’s negativity though, that bugged him.
Why was Bendy so negative? Was it that memory of that Travis kid? Bendy had never talked about him. Boris had no idea why. He had recently gone through that, hadn’t he? Was it the cops and the orphanage or just everything in general? Boris refuted all of Bendy’s negativity with optimistic comments, but each one grated on his patience. Couldn’t he just have Bendy happy?
Bendy sighed. “Boris, maybe it’s time we try something else.”
“What should we do then Bendy?” Boris asked, raising his ears. He couldn’t suggest anything. He’d give himself away. Why was he feeling so annoyed? Boris watched his brother think. It was odd actually seeing the thoughts that went with his expressions. There were a lot more doubts in Bendy’s head than Boris would have ever imagined. He would question what felt like everything. Even give up before a new idea popped up for him. Finally the demon looked up. He’d figured it out.
“What?” Boris asked, stopping his walk to watch his brother.
“What if we climb?” Bendy turned and headed to the stairs.
Boris wanted him to explain his thoughts out loud. The memories he was turning in his head. “Isn’t that—I mean, how would that help?” Boris changed his question quickly.
The demon shrugged. “It’s something new,” was all he revealed. Boris frowned but followed. Did he always edit himself so much? Sure, his memory of that basement was a bit scary, but so what? They’d seen far worse.
“Well, this was an experience,” Boris said sarcastically. The wolf turned to leave, but Bendy grabbed the back of his shirt. For a second, Boris’ heart jumped in fear.
“You go down, you disappear,” Bendy warned him with a stern frown. He let go of Boris’ shirt and waved for him to follow. Boris did his best to look like Bendy hadn’t startled him. He was lucky the demon was distracted. He thought he’d been caught, which was ridiculous! This Bendy had no idea of the things that were coming! Disappearing down the stairs was the least of his worries. Boris swallowed his snort and instead followed Bendy into a kid’s room. The demon looked around and then out the window.
“Bendy?” Boris questioned.
“I think I have an idea,” Bendy said. “Let’s keep going though. I want to be sure.”
Boris was half tempted to tell him that his idea was right and not to waste the time, but again, it would only bring him trouble. It was also annoying that Bendy still didn’t explain himself to Boris or what he was thinking. The wolf followed through a number of other rooms, feeling more and more like a dog on a leash as the minutes went by. His frustration heated to anger. They stopped at a juncture in a church.
Bendy paused and looked around the fog drenched hall. The windows allowed the outside in. “What’s this?” he asked. Fairmont, before it all came crashing down.
“I think it’s a hall that connects two buildings,” Boris answered. The living quarters here and the main church on the other side, not that Boris would say that. The cold fog brushed his fur and the smells of decaying leaves and dirt drifted in.
“We could try the window,” Boris pointed at the window with a smirk.
“They’ll just act like more doors,” Bendy disagreed. “And we are on the second floor. So there is a fall even if we didn’t have the stupid portal stardust.”
They were doors and paths. Not portals. Boris again held back his thoughts. Could he not take a joke either? Maybe he was the problem. “So are we crossing the bridge?”
“Or we could just go back through this door here,” Bendy pointed back.
Boris frowned. Was Bendy scared? It . . . felt like it. Why? “But wh—”
“Hello! Bendy! Are you there!” Mickey called out.
Bendy jumped a foot in the air. Boris furrowed his brows. Mickey? Again! No! This was past Mickey. The demon sighed and pulled out Holly’s little magic watch. Oh. Those things. Cuss, that reminded him. He needed to go hunt her down at some point. It wasn’t like time was a big deal here, but Holly was still too clever for her own good. Boris walked away, distracted, glancing around the Labyrinth for Holly and even Mayhem, though he suspected she wouldn’t allow herself to be spotted unless she wanted to be.
The girl just seemed to disappear from the Labyrinth entirely. What had Mayhem done to her? Boris had no clue.
Boris was in the middle of trying to search for where she could appear again when a voice cut through his thoughts.
“Boris!” Bendy’s voice broke his concentration. “Where did you go? Boris!” His voice was full of worry.
Boris turned his head to call back to Bendy when a scent stopped him. Copper? No, blood. Boris’ ears folded back, and he followed it to the door. He . . . couldn’t see what was inside. What? He didn’t remember anything here. Was it some future event? Mayhem again? Something else? What was going on?
“Bendy.” Boris remembered he was still there.
“Boris! Thank the cussin’ stars! Don’t scare me like that!” Bendy sighed like Boris had scared the daylights out of him. Boris frowned. Wasn’t that a little dramatic? Did Bendy really think he was that helpless? Why couldn’t Boris stop feeling so annoyed with his brother?
“Bendy? Are you still there?” Holly’s voice called. Boris stiffened more. Her.
“Heh, sorry Holly. I found Boris. We’re okay,” Bendy said sheepishly.
“Oh, that’s great news!” Holly sighed like Bendy had. Cussing—They really didn’t think he could take care of himself! Like they actually thought he was so helpless! Weak! He ran this show! If only they knew what he’d been through! “We’ve also got some news for you.”
“Oh?” Bendy asked.
Boris held back his grumbling. “Bendy,” Boris muttered instead. He had a more important situation he had to deal with.
“And what is that?” Bendy asked Holly but glanced at Boris to acknowledge that he heard him. Boris didn’t turn to return eye contact. He was too focused on the door. His future self wouldn’t just come crashing through, he hoped, but what was with the strong smell of blood? He could almost make out other scents under the blood. His own, Holly’s? The Night Terror? He couldn’t be completely sure. He couldn’t hear anything either.
“We think you’re in a Labyrinth,” Holly started. Boris rolled his eyes. For the stars’ sake, they were so behind! Yes genius! It was a Labyrinth!
“Bendy,” Boris narrowed his eyes. Angry he was being ignored.
“There were others. But each time they left, whatever that place is, it spread. It didn’t start in the town. It started in the woods, and when people came back, it came with them. Linda’s the only one who seems to be the exception. But we’re not sure why.”
Because she was a lying, back—stabbing cheat! And it started in the hotel, not the woods. And it didn’t follow them per say. Boris wanted to click his tongue but didn’t. Like he was going to give Holly more information. Oh no! She didn’t need help. “So if we leave and go to Talent Town or even Toon Town, it’ll show up there?” Bendy guessed.
Oh, it was going to happen anyway. It was far too late to worry about that. They kept talking about things that didn’t matter or he couldn’t do anything about. That Leticia woman outside. The barrier that had caged Sarah and the Night Terror so long. Lying to each other about being safe. Boris was tempted to rip his ears off or just march into whatever was on the other side of the door and doom himself for whatever happened to sate his curiosity.
“Bendy!” Boris hissed. Bendy waved at him, not even looking up.
Boris’ eye twitched. He wanted to hurt him. Boris just wanted to land a good punch on the jerk. Make him as frustrated as Boris. How had he put up with this? It’s not like Bendy was doing anything different from what he’d done before. Keep Boris on a leash, drag him around and ignore what he had to say. Someone to sit and listen when it was convenient! So he didn’t feel bad or lonely! Boris clenched his fist. “Bendy!” He barely held the anger. It came out as a whine instead. Did he even really care?
No, he was getting his frustration with the present Bendy mixed up with the past. It wasn’t fair. Still, Boris burned with resentment and disillusionment.
“One minute, Boris!” Bendy told him. He went back to the others. “Are they okay?”
It was the others! Always the others! Ever since they had left Sillyvision! What about him?
“We haven’t been able to reach them,” Alice said. “Just you and Cuphead so far. How are you faring Bendy? Any trouble?”
Oh. Boris could bring them trouble. He could do a lot now. Really make them see him and stop ignoring him. Stop treating him like a burden. Like he was a stupid kid! Stars! He had made a whole world for them. He’d done so much for them. He’d become this to help Bendy, and now Bendy wouldn’t even come when he called! It had all been a huge waste!
Damnit!
“BENDY!” Boris snapped.
“WHAT!” Bendy snapped back. Boris glared at him.
If he wasn’t curious about the blood, Boris would have been done. He would walk away knowing that this was all useless!
“Through the door. It’s blood, Bendy! It reeks of blood!” Boris backed away from the door, hoping Bendy would open it so he could see what was going on.
“Blood?” someone asked from the watch.
“Hang on guys,” Bendy said, his brows furrowed.
A thump sounded on the other side of the door. Boris scooted another step back, ready to run if it was him. Bendy flinched in fear.
“Bendy,” Boris hissed.
“We got this,” Bendy promised. Who was he kidding? Bendy opened the door to reveal blood. A lot of blood.
It looked like one hell of a fight. No one was there. Boris dared to get closer. Bendy nearly walked in. Boris grabbed him. Bendy gave him a confused look. Boris frowned. “You’ll disappear,” he said as an excuse.
“Damn. You’re right. Even if we wanted to go in, we can’t.” Bendy stepped back. Sure. Go with that. “Can you tell who’s blood it is?”
Now that he was this close, he could. Boris sniffed around the doorframe. Wait. What the hell? “It’s . . . mine.” But that didn’t make sense! What could have done this? What will do this?
Bendy flinched. “W—what?” His eyes widened.
Boris shook his head. “I—I don’t know! That’s what I smell!” Boris waved a frustrated arm over the scene. He kept sniffing. Anything else. Something under the scent of blood. There had to be someone or something else! There was. It was just hard to pick up in all that mess. Sweat. Magic.
Holly.
She did this? How? Or was it Mayhem? Their scents were the same! Was that anomaly really that ruthless? Was Holly? What was this situation he had stumbled upon? Bendy saying his name distracted him.
“Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to ya,” Bendy said.
Boris looked over at Bendy’s serious expression. What a strange thing. Boris actually felt annoyed by that instead of comforted. What good would Bendy be in this? Against that witch girl? He’d probably take her side if he was in this fight.
Boris relaxed his expression. “Yeah. I know I’ll be okay as long as I’m with you, Bendy.”
Bendy nodded, feeling assured. Bendy went rambling off with the others again. The wolf turned the facts he had for this over in his head. It was bad. This was his blood. He’d have to do something to tip things in his favor. He half listened to the others. Boris jokingly mentioned a ‘ghost’ run in that actually got Bendy mad. They almost started to argue. A bang from inside distracted them.
Boris grabbed his pipe. Was the fight still going on? Bendy took way too long saying goodbye. Boris had to think. He couldn’t go in there and risk running into himself. He could send in this Bendy. If there was any fight ahead, Bendy hadn’t mentioned it later, but that was fine. Maybe his future self could use him. This Bendy still trusted him completely, after all. A demon against that witch might help as long as Bendy didn’t turn on him. It was a risk.
“We gotta go.” Bendy finally shut the watch and stepped through the doorway. A look of surprise crossed his face. “What the hell?”
If the situation wasn’t so dire Boris would have snickered.
“Uh, I guess we get to go in and find out why it smells li—” Boris stepped forward and went back to the mansion. “—ke it could be a very bad fight for me.” He sighed. Hopefully Bendy would be useful.
Why hadn’t he said anything though? Probably assumed Boris would have known? It wasn’t like Boris and Bendy had been able to really spend any close brotherly time together without Bendy being completely out of the loop on literally everything.
Boris grit his teeth. Maybe that was a part of it too. Boris had always thought Bendy was so smart and dependable. He’d never would have known about all the doubts had he not peeked in his head. Plus, if he was so smart, why couldn’t he just figure it out! Why couldn’t he have remembered Boris when it mattered? Why hadn’t he discovered a plan to fix all this? Why was he rejecting Boris’ plan? It was the best one they had!
Maybe Bendy just didn’t care about saving his life anymore.
Boris growled in his throat. He couldn’t go back. He had already tempted fate once by being too close to his past self. He didn’t want to run into his future self and stop existing all together.
All the satisfaction of beating up Michael had burned out on dealing with Bendy. Past Bendy hadn’t really even done anything! Maybe that was the problem. The wolf sighed and stepped away from the door. He twirled the pipe, changing it back into a staff. It was better balanced, and the length was correct. Things he didn’t know until he had studied the memories of bo staff fighters.
Sarah and the Night Terror were still gone or busy. He probably should go find Holly, but that seemed impossible.
The music grew louder, pulling his attention out of his thoughts. The Record? It was an energetic piece but not exactly what Boris would call uplifting. Maybe grand was a better word. Was it calling to him? Why? The wolf took a path through a few rooms before entering the hotel. The large ballroom that served as the Record’s room had changed a bit. The ceiling seemed taller. There were more pictures on the walls and ceiling. The rug was thicker and of odd patterns. They almost looked like runes. Boris approached the Record and stopped.
“Uh,” Boris wasn’t exactly sure what to do. “Hi. Did you summon me?” He was seriously talking to it. The music slowed and changed to something remorseful and sad. “What? Do you feel bad for me?” Boris folded his ears back. “What do you want?”
The Record stopped. There was a scratch from the arm and then silence. The Record changed and Boris’ eyes widened. The table disappeared. The disk widened and stretched and turned. Boris backed up a few steps as the Record and phonograph changed to a grand piano.
After it settled, the bench pulled out invitingly. Boris blinked. “You want me to play.” No answer came but the invitation was unmistakable. The wolf, unsure of what else to do, sat down and rested his hands on the keys. “I don’t know what good this will do but fine.” The wolf sighed and started to play.
The branches parted before him easily. He stepped on silent paws as he followed the scent of baked goods and the human. How many times was it now? He’d lost count. Why was he still doing this? Boredom? Hunger? Hardly. Maybe it was to test the situations. To relive these moments again and again, seeing what he could change.
Morbid fascination.
He’d escape, eventually. There was no way to truly contain an immortal being after all. Not like this. And he had to admit, his bloodthirsty side had so missed the feeling of torn flesh between his fangs and claws. The screams of his victims as they were consumed. The desperate searching of town folks. But the missing never appeared again.
How very nostalgic.
Though the various attempts at his demise were just as annoying as before. The slashes to his throat, the knives to his belly, the fire that seared his fur and flesh. The pain of bullets. The hunters, so many hunters, that stood over him or claimed to kill him.
It had been fun to get even with some familiar faces, even if it was just a looping mirage.
“Oh dear. I expected to find you in a dream. But somehow . . . this makes more sense. A nightmare fits you better,” a cool lilting voice chuckled from behind him.
A new voice, a change, interesting. “Is it a nightmare if I’m the monster?” Bigby turned, following the scent, amused. It hadn’t been there a moment before.
“No one told you to make such a mess,” the voice said from beneath a tree. It contained the same type of dangerous humor. A figure stood in shadow there. Tucked underneath the brush, the figure’s eyes shone like an animal in the night.
“No matter what I do, this ends in an excruciating attempt to kill me. After that a new one or the same one starts all over again,” Bigby explained to the eyes.
The person, a woman, stepped out of the darkness to reach out and touch the side of his face. A familiar form, familiar curves, hair. She looked like the May child. She even smelled the same. But he knew on instinct the moment he saw her that this wasn’t the same person. The clone smiled gently, sweetly even, reaching up to caress the fur of his cheek. “That’s why I said it suits you.”
No scent of fear, no hesitation, and willing to stand so close to him while daring to insult him. Whatever she was, she perked his interest. She didn’t strike him as a foolish hunter, she was quite confident in her ability and safety. For a moment, the thought of swiping his claws at her crossed his mind. He dismissed it instantly. He’d rather talk than bathe in more blood. This was the first real chance of a conversation he’d had in quite some time after all. “So why have you come, and who are you exactly? You wear a familiar face but you are not the child that I met in Talent Town.”
Her smile lingered. “I like that,” she said with emphasis. “You get right to the point.” She dropped her hand and fingered the edge of her witch’s hat. “Who I am is Mayhem. I’ve come to do you a favor.” She smiled, eyes shimmering as she looked at him.
The wolf raised a brow. “I highly doubt that.”
She considered that and shrugged. “Then I guess you don’t care if one of your little followers dies.”
His Pack?
She hummed. “Or maybe even all of them. After all, Sarah will get hungry eventually.” She grinned up at him.
“Child, if you are one,” Bigby said, “threatening my Pack will do you no good. Attempting to claim you want to help my Pack will not win you my trust.” The wolf’s smile fell.
“Oh, I don’t have any interest in your trust, mr. serial killer,” Mayhem replied.
“And yet you claim to come here in some act of charity in doing me a ‘favor’.” The beast scoffed.
“Not an act of charity,” Mayhem corrected. “I’m not boring like the angels. A favor. For a favor.”
“Because nothing comes free from the wicked,” Bigby chuckled.
“My thoughts exactly.” Mayhem smirked at him. “You see, the precious little traitor Boris led your Pack into the Labyrinth in order to save his own people.” She looked up at Bigby. The pup? Well, that was a turn. He hadn’t expected that, but he had thought the child had a strong sense of loyalty. This would complicate things. Bigby didn’t allow any of his thoughts to reflect on his face. “Avery wolf is about to die.” She pulled her hat off her head. It transformed into a broom that hovered in the air. Sitting on it with her legs crossed one over the other, she continued. “I propose to help you escape this place and lead you to Avery in exchange for future aid when I am in need of it.”
The wolf crossed his mass arms. The offer was vague enough he considered biting off her head and leaving it at that. Her smile widened a little as she watched him think, as if she had heard him and were laughing. “I am not one that cares for vague deals. How do I know this ‘one favor’ won’t bring me an eternity of trouble? I have no issue doing the most heinous of crimes either. I do hold issue with no guarantee that whatever this favor is, that it will follow me into the next coming and bring strife to my little wolf Pack.”
She tapped her face thoughtfully. “You do have a point.” She leaned forward, broom swinging. “How about this then.” She raised her hand. “I pledge on my and my master’s name not to harm your little pack with our deal.” She paused, smile widening. “And to sweeten things a little bit more for you. . .” She grinned. “I can give you a way to die when you so choose.”
The wolf threw his head back and laughed. “You? Kill me? Do you know the powers that bind me to this cursed living?”
“Your little deal with the Devil, isn’t that right?” Mayhem folded her arms, smiling smugly.
Bigby leaned done so they were exactly eye to eye. The two grinned at each other. Bigby found her amusing. He didn’t really believe that she would be able to kill him, but if she was offering, why not take it. As long as the Pack was clear of any fallout this child had in mind, what did he care? This was an amusing offer. Even if he was fool in taking it, this promised more fun than anything he’d done in the past few decades. “Very well Madam Mayhem. You have yourself a deal. Beware if anything bothersome comes to my wolves, I’ll disembowel you and devour you alive.”
Mayhem swept a hand over her forehead. “You promise?”
Bigby’s smile grew. “Want me to swear it on my master’s name?” he mocked.
She bit her lip, eyeing Bigby hungrily. “What a naughty wolf.” She offered her hand. “Very well, we have a deal. Shake on it?”
He gave her a wolfish smile in return and his paw engulfed hers.
There was a flash of light. A glowing band wrapped around both their hands and wrists, forming an intricate pattern and glowing purple before vanishing into nothing. “The seal has been set. The deal has been made.” Mayhem let go of his hand. “All you need to do is break this cycle. The next door you step through will take you to Avery.” She winked. “I’ll see you later then.”
The wolf watched her walk away. He glanced at his wrist. No visible sign of the band was there but Bigby was no fool. Magical contracts were like that. It was still rather vague but what hadn’t he done at this point? The huge wolf smirked and then turned back to the path. The little girl was long gone but her scent and that of the package she carried lingered. Best he finish this quickly and find that door. He had to get to Avery and the others.
Play time was over.
Moving through Boris’ memories ended up being ridiculously straightforward. Follow the wolf. However, Holly and Cannikin didn’t figure this out until after they had spent nearly eight hours wandering around Sillyvision.
Boris had stepped through a door. They had followed. At first, she’d panicked, thinking they’d wandered out of Boris’ memories, but there the wolf had been again. Except this time he was younger.
“Where is this?” Holly murmured, looking around as Cannikin floated beside her.
“Seems to be some office or center,” Cannikin said. “Maybe the city hall?”
“I’m sorry!” Boris squeaked.
“Come on! We’re three minutes late,” Bendy’s voice snapped. Holly turned her head to see Bendy and Boris standing in front of a man in a uniform behind a desk. What was this?
“Look, you two were supposed to show up at five.” His drole and annoyed voice grated on the nerves.
“This seems like a sticky situation,” Cannikin said, eyeing the uniformed man.
Holly hummed, nodding. “Lets get closer and see what’s going on.” She sprinted up the stairs, the ghost right behind her.
Bendy was too short to lean his arm on the tall desk, but he seemed to want to lean over the desk and reach for the man beyond it. Boris was clinging to his arm, half hiding behind him. The room had only one other person, and they kept their head buried in a hand full of papers in the corner. “Hey! We have to see our probation schmuck! C’mon! Where the cuss is he?” Bendy snapped.
“Watch your tone,” the man warned coldly. “If you had been here on time, you would have seen him. It’s not my job to find him.”
Holly frowned. “Sir, there’s no need to be rude! Have a bit of compassion!”
Bendy clenched his fist. “Why you—”
“Bendy no! We can’t get into more trouble!” Boris begged.
Holly looked at Cannikin. “They can’t see or hear us, can they?” she said with a sigh.
The ghost drifted in front of Boris and waved his hand in front of him. The wolf didn’t react, big eyes focused on the man on the other side of the desk. “I suppose not.”
She should have guessed. Not that talking to a memory would help that much. Would it? Holly gave the ghost a wry smile. “There’s no supposition in that. If they’d seen you, they would have jumped.”
Cannikin chuckled. “Boo, I guess I’m just a ghost then.” Holly laughed at that.
Boris stepped around Bendy. “Please sir, Bendy and I really need to find him. We have to meet with him. If we miss our meetings, we’ll get in a bunch of trouble! We could get arrested.”
“Oh no,” the man huffed sarcastically. “That would be such a tragedy.” He looked down at his desk, seemingly dismissing them.
Holly scowled. Walking up to the desk, she glared at the man, putting an elbow on the desk and propping her head on it as she watched them.
“He’s quite the charmer,” Cannikin commented dryly.
Holly glanced at him, humming in agreement. She wasn’t sure what to say in response to that. Her emotions were mixed. What really lay inside that head of his? Obviously not what everyone had expected. She watched him specifically as the memory continued.
Bendy looked ready to punch the man but Boris had placed himself in the demon’s way. The wolf wrapped his fingers around the edge of the desk and rested his muzzle between them. He widened his eyes looking teary and extremely vulnerable and scared. “Y-you’d have a child sleep on the cold cement of a cell? Three minutes late because my brother wanted to bandage my hand after I split a blister working all day on car engines and bodies? The work we do to earn a proper keep and make up for all the hardships dear Sillyvision suffered before?” The man looked up and raised his eyebrows. Boris continued. “All I have known is the streets, starvation, and struggle. This is my chance to do better, to be better than a crook. Are you saying that being late three minutes will decide if I can be a good citizen like the officer said or a horrible, crocked, conniving wolf?”
The man opened his mouth but it seemed the pup was on a roll. A tear escaped. Holly was honestly impressed with Boris’ acting skills. After what she’d been through, she shouldn’t. But she was. “If only I had gotten a little help! Instead, I’ll go back to that cell and decide that the effort isn’t worth it! I’m just a wolf and can’t ever be redeemed! I’ll just have to continue on as the worst toon there is.” But, the manipulation also made her uncomfortable. Six months ago it wouldn’t have. It would have endeared her. But now she couldn’t help but question what was genuinely Boris and what was him trying to get his way. She understood that they’d had hard times. People had given them a hard time but, at the same time, she felt sort of sick watching.
The man that had been reading his papers lowered them to eye the scene. The fella at the desk seemed uncomfortable and annoyed. “Now see here—”
“I’ll just have to tell the judge that three minutes was too late to save me from my evil ways.” Boris, forlorned, was truly weeping now. “I’m just a bloodthirsty wolf!”
“That’s not what I—”
Bendy sighed. “I guess we’ll just have to burn everything down instead,” he said it flatly. Holly’s head snapped to him. Bendy! That didn’t help!
“Hey!” The man stood up.
“For stars’ sake, man! Just tell them where the probation officer is! You want to tell your higher ups why Sillyvision burned!” the man in the corner barked. He was trembling and looked at Bendy with horror. Holly frowned at the man. There went another thing that made her uncomfortable. Obviously Bendy had been sarcastic. Was this what it was to be a demon around people different than their friends?
The man behind the desk, frazzled and frustrated, looked from the man to the children. A vein pulsed in his forehead. “Second floor. Room 207.”
Boris instantly perked up and brushed the tears away. “Thank you!” He grabbed Bendy’s wrist and the two raced off to the stairs before either man could say anything more.
Cannikin watched. “They’re rather interesting. Not exactly what I would call conventional but they got through.”
Holly hummed. “They did get through.” She paused, looking at Cannikin. “Why do you think Boris has changed so much?” she asked softly. “I mean, I can see the little issues here. But what made him turn on us?” she asked sadly.
He glanced at Holly. The ghost seemed to consider her words carefully. It was very Mugman of him. After a long moment, he finally spoke. “It could be a number of things. Goals we don’t understand, fears he hasn’t shared, anger that went unnoticed.” Cannikin pursed his lips. “I don’t know this wolf but I understand the sting of betrayal. From what I know in general, it’s usually two things. A root disagreement or selfish choices.” Cannikin rubbed his arm. Holly considered this and nodded. “Shall we?” Cannikin waved a hand toward the direction the boys had run.
“Lets,” she replied, starting after the pair. They came to the room 207 and, upon entering, found Bendy and Boris sitting across a table for an old man with a clipboard and a large mustache under a phenomenally large down turned nose.
“—wasn’t our fault,” Bendy was arguing.
“Regardless, you understand where you stand.” The man sniffed, his mustache twitched. “Any more violations and—”
“I know! I know!” Bendy crossed his arms and sank into his seat. “You take Boris. I get it! But we have done everything! The complaints are just a bunch of schmucks asking for trouble!”
Boris had his fingers laced in his lap and his head bowed, ears folded back. “It was my fault. I didn’t—”
“ Oh no!” Bendy cut him off. “It was them! You were just there! Buying groceries isn’t a crime!”
The man sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Boys, can’t you stay out of trouble for a single month?”
“We’re trying!” they said at the same time.
The man put down his clipboard. “Bendy, your hearing is coming up. You need to be ready. You both are good on work hours, volunteer hours, donation work, and finding suitable living. You just need to stop getting into fights and antagonising every authority figure in the town.”
Bendy huffed and turned his head away. “Not my fault they cus—come to me for a fight.”
“Stop falling for the bait!” The old man waved a pen at him. “If you can’t, it’s harder to defend your right to be in society.” The demon huffed again but seemed to deflate a little with that. “Once you are done with your probation, it’ll be easier for you. I promise, you only have a few more months.”
“Then they can’t threaten to send me away again, right?” Boris asked hopefully, lifting his head.
The old man sighed again. He turned to Boris warily. “As long as you stay out of trouble and your, uh, brother doesn’t get arrested again.”
“I can be good,” Boris said.
“Then why do I have three cases of you pickpocketing and one of assault?” The old man raised a brow.
“In my defense, I didn’t think tying a person’s shoelaces together counted as assault,” Boris said. That one caught Holly off guard. She snickered. “I’m still pretty sure that’s a prank.”
“Oh for the love of the Ancients.” Cannikin shook his head. “If he’s in trouble for shoelaces, there would be wanted posters for me and Dem,” he muttered under his breath. Holly eyed him. Considering Cup and Mugs line of work, she wondered what underworld trouble Cannikin might have been involved in.
“Regardless.” The old man raised his brows and his mustache twitched again. “No matter how much you think they deserve it, please refrain. You have something to prove, they don’t.”
Boris dipped his head sheepishly. “Sorry.”
The man nodded and picked up his clipboard. “As long as you both understand. You’ve come a long way. I wouldn’t want you two to lose all your progress because of some minor problem.”
“Yes sir,” the boys agreed. They didn’t sound excited. They sounded like they were going through the motions. It was a bit disheartening watching Bendy and Boris try like that. It wasn’t fair. They went over some small things. The old man asked how they felt about their work. Pete’s report was satisfactory. Both boys claimed to enjoy the mechanic shop. They wrapped up quickly after a bit of paperwork and then the two left the room and headed out to the street. Bendy and the man behind the desk shared glares before Boris pulled him out the door. Outside, the town’s lights were starting to turn on with the setting of the sun.
“Man, I’m exhausted.” Bendy sighed.
“Yeah, think we have any chicken left at home?” Boris asked, his stomach growled.
Bendy chuckled. “I’ll throw it in a stew.” Holly could think of one chicken in particular she’d be happy to see thrown in a stew, personally.
Boris hummed. The pair walked home, avoiding the busier streets. “Do you think they’ll really try to take me?” the wolf asked suddenly. Holly stopped, turning to watch him.
Bendy looked over with raised brows. “Huh?” Boris glanced at him and then looked away with a shrug and a shake of his head. Trying to dismiss the question, discomfort obvious. “Boris, you know we’re brothers, and no matter what anyone else says or does, we’ll always have each other. No matter what, right?” Holly’s heart sank as she listened.
Boris hesitated. “Right.”
Bendy frowned. “What?”
Boris’ tail drooped. “It’s just hard. What if they really do separate us? What if they try to ship me away on a train like they did to you? What if you go to jail!?” What ifs, what ifs, what ifs. That had to be very frightening. She didn’t think she liked what ifs. In fact, she knew she didn’t like them.
“Woah, woah.” Bendy put a hand on his shoulder. “Bro, you know I’m not gonna just let’em walk all over us. If they toss me away, I’ll break out. If they send you away, I’ll find you. If you have to run, we’ll run. As long as it’s the two of us, we can take on the world.” An endearing sentiment that felt ominous to Holly now. As long as it was the two of them . . . they could take the world. They could take it. Ultimately, Bendy was what mattered to Boris more than anything or anyone else. He’d shown that back at the Dark Circus.
“Promise?” Boris asked.
What did that mean for the rest of them? For anyone who stood in the way of those words?
“Promise. A bunch a schmucks ain’t gonna stop us from getting a nice house in a nice spot,” Bendy said, gesturing with his hands. “Even if it’s not the lake, we can find some other lake if we have to. Even if we have to grow and hunt our own food and leave Sillyvision behind, we will. You’re what’s important to me bro. I’ll watch out for you. I always have, haven’t I?” Bendy pocketed his hands.
“Yeah, you have. I guess I’m just worried.” Boris sighed. “They all think we’re villains. Even when we aren’t doing anything wrong.”
For some reason, that line in particular hit Holly wrong. It pricked right in the heart. Her hands clenched at her sides. “Not everyone thinks your villains, Boris,” she told him, even though she knew he couldn’t hear her. “Even when you act like one.” There was anger there. Frustration. She was frustrated with herself, frustrated with Boris. She felt so . . . helpless. Her eyes stung. He had made them his enemy, she assumed because his world had been filled with enemies. It was always him and Bendy against ‘everyone else.’ Yes, they had been hurt. Yes, that had been unfair. But just because she hadn’t lived the life they had, didn’t mean she was as shallow and judgemental as those people. Maybe she had her flaws, her weaknesses. But she was trying her best, horsefeathers! Holly sniffed and rubbed at her eyes.
“Are you okay?” Cannikin asked gently.
“I’m fine,” Holly replied, breathing in.
“If you ever need to step back, we can. It’s not like we’ll leave the memory if you need a breather,” Cannikin looked at the boys. “Some memories need time.” There was something in the look. A weighted sadness in it.
Holly shook her head. “I’ve no intention of taking my time here,” she said sharply. “We have no idea how long it’ll take Boris or Sarah or the Night Terror to find us.” The ghost looked at her again, studying her, before he smiled kindly and nodded.
“Forget them.” Bendy pulled a hand out and waved at Boris. “They don’t matter. You’re the best. I know it, and you know it. They can’t defeat the demon-wolf brothers. If we’re villains then, we are the snazziest villains ever! We’re charming, talented, and good looking.” Bendy winked.
Boris snorted, but he was smiling.
“They just wish they could play a trumpet like you can,” Bendy continued.
“Bendy.” Boris blushed.
“I’m serious! You can fix anything. Play anything. And you’re adorable.” Bendy shook a finger at him.
“Please, I’m not nearly as good at fixing things like you are. You don’t trip all the time, and is being adorable really so great?” Boris asked skeptically.
Bendy gasped, a hand flying to his chest. “Excuse me?”
“Oh no.” Boris sighed.
“Did you just insi—suggest that my adorable, angelic, sweet, thoughtful, charitable, polite, thoughtful little brother isn’t the best thing ever?” Bendy planted his fists on his sides.
“Bendy I didn’t me—”
“To think! You would dare lower one as stupendous as he,” Bendy lamented.
Holly smiled a little as she watched. Bendy really loved Boris, didn’t he? So very much. It was a tender thought, but she couldn’t help but think of her father, as sentimental as that was. What would she have done if she could have saved him? It wasn’t a thought she was expecting to have. It surprised her. She wasn’t sure.
Boris rolled his eyes, but he was chuckling now. “I get it alre—”
“Where did it all go so wrong!” Bendy threw the back of his hand across his forehead.
“Alright already! Stars!” Boris threw his hands up in the air. “I just meant I’m worried people might try something! They hate wolves after all! And you being a demon is har—” he cut himself off, freezing in place, a look of horror on his face.
Bendy’s teasing smile fell. His hands returned to his side.
Boris’ ears fell. “I didn’t mean that. I-I’m sorry. I just worry about you. For you. They aren’t nice to you, and it isn’t your fault. You didn’t ask to be a demon just like I didn’t ask to be a wolf. You’re my brother, and I love you. I didn’t mean to make it sound like there was anything wrong with you being a demon. I’m sorry, Bendy.” His voice got faster and faster with each word like he was afraid he hurt Bendy’s feelings. Fear. Boris was afraid. Holly watched the wolf’s tail go limp and the agitation rise within him.
The demon grabbed Boris’ shirt and pulled him down lower. He snuzzled Boris, cupped his muzzle. “Where’s my happy widdle wolfie?”
Boris blinked. The change was immediate. The wolf relaxed and after a few moments. He answered with a soft smile. “Here I am.”
“There you are!” Bendy threw his hands out and grinned. “See? Nothing to worry about? I’m right here, Boris. I’m not gonna go anywhere.”
Boris’ smile grew. His tail wagged. “Yeah, and I’m not going anywhere either! We’re sticking together! No matter what!”
“No matter what!” Bendy cheered. “Now ,let’s get that chicken! I’m cussing starving!” Don’t go for the chicken Boris.
“Bendy,” Boris whined but didn’t lose his smile or wagging tail. “Don’t curse!”
“You’ll never stop me! Mwahaha!” Bendy raced ahead.
“Get back here!” Boris laughed and gave chase until they reached a rather old and simple apartment building. It was small and square with cracked bricks and worn stairs. The two entered their apartment.
Holly and Cannikin watched the brothers disappear. “Now, that was odd.” Cannikin furrowed his brows.
Holly glanced at him. “What?”
“Why would he react that strongly to that? It’s like talking negatively about being a demon is a taboo for the wolf,” Cannikin said. “But the demon seems fine with it.” The ghost narrowed his eyes.
Holly looked at the ghost sideways. “I don’t think Bendy is fine with it either. Bendy just tends to work through his issues without complaining. He’s more focused on ensuring Boris is okay than making sure he’s taking care of himself.” She sighed, running a hand through her hair.
Canni nodded slowly. “It’s just strange. The wolf is more afraid than the demon.”