Chapter Text
Felix stood in line with the others. The angels had dropped them off just outside of a place called Talent Town. It was a strange looking place with a towering wall surrounding a city built atop a hill. On one side of the city were two great mountains that grew close together into a narrow ravine and on the other was a glittering wide river. Pine trees mostly dominated the area much like the circus. They were left by the angels with strict instructions not to leave the city until the curse and Bendy’s situation were handled. Felix was still annoyed there even had to be a situation, but he decided to count his lucky stars and stay positive.
Alice couldn’t join them because her brother was going to make sure she was okay before letting her go ‘back to her mission’ on the Surface. She didn’t seem thrilled to be separated from them, but she didn’t fight him. Hat was more than happy to leave them. He seemed more interested in getting his businesses back together in Hell and on the Surface. He hardly seemed bothered with the Devil’s annoyance at him or the angel’s warnings about his rights. He seemed too cheerful for some reason. Maybe it was getting the host back. Maybe it was simply him not getting killed at that moment. It was hard to say. He did stop to check on Bendy. Much to Felix’ agitation.
He didn’t really say much, and Bendy wouldn’t even look him in the eye. There was some kind of understanding that was passed from Bendy to Hat though. Hat sighed and waved a hand, with a small spark of green fire, a card that looked like a business card appeared in his hand. “When you are ready to talk burn this, and we’ll talk,” he said. “But.” Hat hesitated for a moment. He seemed to consider his words. “You know you don’t have to hold back now.”
Bendy hadn’t reacted beyond taking the card and stuffing it in his pocket. It aggravated Felix to no end, but at least, the choice was in Bendy’s hands to contact the old demon.
Mickey, Donald, and Oswald stayed with them to Felix’ surprise. He would have thought they’d want to go home after all this, but no, they stubbornly wanted to stay with their group. Mugs was a bit out of it, but he was able to stand. Holly stuck close to him, helping make sure he was cared for. Boris brayed a couple of times but was alright besides that. He didn’t like the hooves and seemed to sway as he stood, like he wasn’t sure how to balance on them.
Now they were standing in a line to enter the city. The sun had long since set, and the shadows of the mountains quickly turned the air from cold to freezing. The lights of the city seemed warm and inviting beyond the stone wall. To Felix’ surprise, there seemed to be a few colors mixed in with the city light. Signs of magic. If there were such open displays of magic, did that mean the city was under close angel observation? It would explain the angels’ willingness to let them stay here and why the flight was a while. It wasn’t the nearest town to the circus. Felix was pretty sure they had passed over a few others. So, it wasn’t that they were free but on a longer leash. Regardless of that fact, this place appeared interesting. There weren’t a lot of places that relied on magic to help run the city structure. He wondered what they would see.
He also wondered why the line was taking so long. What were they doing? Screening people? There were a few groups leaving, but it didn’t appear people were being turned away. Both Bendy and Mugs were practically falling asleep standing up. The spirit of the group was also very low, despite the fact that they were all safe. Well...nearly. He had heard about what happened with the fallen angel, Cazziel.
Felix glanced over at Bendy again. The demon had hardly said two words since being saved. When Boris kept trying, Bendy had told him that he didn’t want to talk right now, and the wolf had backed off with sad donkey ears. Felix wondered if Bendy was still trying to process everything or if he was in shock. A lot happened in such a short amount of time after all.
Boris, on the other hand, didn’t take Bendy’s silence very well. He had fallen mostly quiet after that. Mickey and Felix had tried to help, but the wolf would only give distracted half-answers, and any conversation died quickly.
Cup and Holly hovered around Mugs worriedly. Felix had looked at him and agreed with what the angels and Hat had said. Some magic sickness and exhaustion. He just needed rest. Cup seemed on edge about something, but he wouldn’t talk about it, and Holly was just as quiet as Boris.
All in all, they were alive and holding themselves together by threads and silence. Felix really hoped this magical place would be helpful to their weary souls.
When they got closer to the front of the line and the city was hidden completely by the wall, Felix noticed that people were being divided to go into different doors. Uh-oh. He had thought it odd enough when he saw people parking their vehicles or leaving buses to get in this line but figured the inspectors that circled those vehicles were just careful. This though, what was it?
“Excuse me.” Felix tapped the shoulder of the older gentleman in front of him. “Do you know what this is about?” Felix indicated the rows of doors that people were separating to stand in front of and enter one at a time after being called.
“Oh, is this your first time coming to Talent Town?” The old man smiled. “It’s nothing to worry about, sir. They are just inspecting talents and issuing stars so you can get into the city.”
“Issuing stars?” Ozzy stepped up next to Felix. The cat stiffened for a second before he forced his shoulders to relax.
“Yes, you see this city is focused on people using their talents to the betterment of others around them. They give people stars that allow them access to certain areas and resources that usually you’d have to pay for. This way people that might have had a rough time in life have a chance to contribute.”
“Interesting,” Felix said.
“Contribute how?” Mickey asked. Felix noticed that the mouse had started to faintly limp. There was probably something wrong with his prosthetic. Hopefully they’d get to look at it inside the city and fix it.
“Well, say you have a four star talent,” the old man surmised. “But you barely get ends to meet in other places. Here you can work and use that talent to say, oh, go to college and serve the professors there in research. Or say it’s a three star talent and you’ve never been hired before, they’ll find a place for you most days.”
“So the higher the number of stars, the better off you are with opportunities?” Oswald asked. “What, they just give you stuff?”
“Well you serve your talents to them in return. Whatever that talent may be,” the old man said with a smile.
“Sorta like washes dishes to pay for a meal,” Donald muttered.
“Yes.” The old man nodded. “But so much more than dishes.”
“What if you have a low star number?” Oswald asked.
Sadly, the old man didn’t get the chance to answer. He was ushered forward and quickly put in a line to one of the doors.
“Alright, you’re next,” one of the people in uniform said.
Felix smiled awkwardly. “Uh, my group is—”
“You’ll see them on the other side after your talent evaluation,” the guy sighed.
“And I have a letter,” Felix said. It was from the angels. To help with the ‘inconvenience’ of their displacement.
“There will be an office to your left after you get on the other side of the wall,” the man explained flatly. Felix wondered how long his shift had been.
“Thank you.” Felix smiled and stepped to the line he gestured to. Felix watched as the others got divided up. Boris had his hood up and tail tucked. Felix really hoped they didn’t have to be checked out too closely here. He was sure that the letter in his pocket was supposed to explain all that. They better not hold up the wolf pup over that. They were all too tired to deal with border security or whatever this talent evaluation was.
He could tell after the events of today, no one was comfortable with being separated again. There was a lot of shifting and glancing at each other.
Cup disappeared first. Ozzy after that. Then Donald and Mickey. Boris seemed so reluctant to go. Felix, depressingly, was half prepared to see the kid bolt.
That seemed to revive Bendy a bit. He gave Boris a thumbs up before going in. The wolf, with a defeated look, went into his. Felix entered and looked around. It was nice to finally get out of the cold. He was sure there was frost on his whiskers.
To his surprise, it was a rather normal-looking room. Plain worn carpet, off white walls, plain light fixtures. There was a door on the other side. And two chairs in the middle of the room. In front of one was a desk. A person was sitting at the desk. He had two huge stacks of papers on either side of the desk, a clock, a phone behind him on the wall, and a vase with a bouquet of flowers and a birthday card in it.
“Welcome to Talent Town. My name is Aron,” the young gent said. He had a standard hair cut. He wasn’t handsome but nor was he ugly. He had a sharp suit on, the jacket tossed over the back of the chair. He had on a badge next to his suspenders. Five metal stars glinted in the room’s light from the badge. “Please have a seat, and may I have your name?” He tapped his pen on the paper in front of him.
Felix took off his hat and sat in the other chair. “Hello. I’m Felix the Cat.”
“Where are you from, Mr. Cat?” the man asked.
“Oh, uh, well we came here from Toon Town,” Felix said.
“Very good, Mr. Cat.” Aron wrote down something. “Now, could you tell me what you think your talent is?”
Felix smiled and scratched the back of his head. “Well, I am very gifted when it comes to languages, both written and spoken ancient and modern, though the older they are, the harder it is for me to understand.”
Aron nodded. “And what is your occupation if you have one?”
“I’m an archaeologist and author,” Felix said lightly.
The young gent finished writing and set the pen down. “Now I am going to evaluate your talent. This process will only take a couple of minutes. Once I am done, I will issue you your stars. They will be attached to a badge that you will wear over your breast pocket. Please sit still as I check your talent.”
Felix’ ears raised. “Check my talent? May I inquire how you do that?”
“Certainly.” Aron raised a hand and narrowed his eyes. “My talent allows me to observe others and their gifts. For example, your talent is language, but you are also very good with children and very patient. You had to learn the patience though. That didn’t come naturally to you.”
“Fascinating,” Felix said. It was much like the professor’s talent.
“This allows me to get a better idea of the nature of your talent, how strong it is, and assign you the appropriate number of stars,” Aron explained.
“So what are these stars?” Felix asked.
“Imagine it like a pass or a library card. The more stars, the more access you have to things around the city,” Aron said.
“So if I have few stars, there would be areas I can’t go?” Felix asked.
“More like you would have to pay the full price instead of the discount price,” Aron said.
“How are the stars measured?” Felix inquired with a raised brow.
“By how much a talent can contribute to society.” Aron smiled.
“What’s the limit?”
“The most a person can have is five. The lowest is one,” Aron explained. He lowered his hand and picked up the pen again.
Felix nodded. It was interesting. He wondered how this would affect their group and how different the social structure was inside the wall. That reminded him. “I thought I saw color while waiting outside the city.”
“Yes, there are some here that use magic. They have created an interesting delivering system and some alternative power and light sources for the dirigibles.”
“Dirigibles?” Felix asked.
Aron smiled. “You’ll see Mr. Cat.” He set the pen down and pulled open a drawer. He pulled out a badge and a few stars. “This will be your badge. It is your responsibility to wear it. If you forget it, you are considered a one star. If you lose it, you can come to the Talent Town Star Offices that are throughout the city and get a new one for a small fee. There are also public maps and tourist information in those locations. We hope you have a good stay in Talent Town, Mr. Cat.”
“Thank you.” Felix accepted the badge and glanced down at it. Three stars. So he was in the exact middle. He clipped the badge on his coat and headed outside. The inside of the city was amazing. Beautiful architecture, curving pathways, tall buildings, wonderful stone work, and colored balloons. Well, not balloons, little dirigibles. The color was coming from inside. They had baskets and streamers and were quite decorative. Felix shook off the amazement and fascination he had to find his group. He could discover the functions of those balloons later.
There was a crowd of people doing the same. All waiting or hunting for someone else or their supplies and vehicle they left outside of the city.
It was chaotic and difficult to get through. Felix decided to head toward that office building Aron had pointed out to him. It was a Roman style building with white pillars. Easy to spot. The stairs would also help him find the others.
“Felix!”
The cat looked up to see Mickey and Oswald waving at him. Looks like he wasn’t the only one with that idea. Felix smiled and made his way over to them. They both had on their new badges. Oswald had three stars and Mickey had five.
“Hello Mickey, Oswald. Any sign of the others?” Felix nodded.
“Not yet,” Mickey said.
“Hey Felix, seems like we’re in the same boat.” Oswald smiled.
Felix did too. He felt his cheeks heat a little and his chest flutter. It was nice to see the rabbit smile again. He hadn’t since Cup and Felix got back to that tent. Ozzy had seen what happened. All of them had been quiet. Felix was grateful the rabbit hadn’t gone mute again.
“Uh, yes, the same. I guess languages would only be useful in scholar work or in a heavily mixed area.” Felix smiled.
Oswald nodded. “Same with ‘magic hands’ and such.”
“Oh! There’s Donald!” Mickey said. He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Donald!”
The duck looked up and narrowed his eyes before coming up to the stairs to join them. “This place is stupid!” he quaked. His badge showed one star. “How long do we have to be here?”
“They didn’t like your talent then.” Ozzy chuckled softly. “That’s too bad.”
“Shut it, you cussing wise guy!” Donald snapped. “What’s so good about damn card tricks anyway.”
“Rude,” Oswald said gently. “What I do is magic!” He lifted his good hand and did jazz hands. The one in the sling stayed still.
Donald scowled and crossed his feathery arms.
“Well technically, you folks don’t have to wait around for us.” Felix’ ears fell, and he smiled a bit awkwardly. “You can head back whenever you like.”
“We’re not just going to leave you hanging after today in some foreign country.” Oswald put a hand on Felix’ shoulder. “What those angels are trying to pull with Bendy is stardust. I’m not going to sleep well at night until I’m sure him saving my tail didn’t get him sent to the cussing guillotine.”
“Yeah! Same here,” Donald quaked and nodded. “Feather ruffled cloud scum.”
Felix’ smile softened. “That’s very kind of you.”
“Yeah, well, a busted arm is a lot better than it could have been.” Oswald sighed. Felix tail twitched with the idea. He didn’t want to linger on what that meant.
“Didn’t the angels heal you? Cup had a bad burn, but it’s fine now,” Felix asked. He thought they had healed everyone.
“Yeah, they did. Seems busted bones need time to set or something like that. I’m in this thing for a couple of days.” Ozzy shrugged.
“Couple days is better than a few weeks,” Donald muttered. “Impatient schmuck.”
Oswald groaned. “Well, I guess you’ll have to do everything for me for the next couple of days, Donald.” He smirked.
Donald scowled. “How’s that any different from cussing before?”
“I could at least button my own shirt?” Oswald snickered. “And scrub my own back, but sadly I am completely helpless like this!” Felix’ face heated. He tugged on his coat and tried to hide his face.
“Then you can suffer.” Donald turned away.
“What a mean ducky,” Oswald pouted. “What if I can’t even eat! I can’t hold a knife and fork! Would you let me starve Donald?”
“Yes,” Donald said flatly and helped Mickey look over the crowd.
The rabbit leaned closer to Felix. “And this is what I call ‘friends’. I should raise my standards.”
“Shut your smart mouth,” Donald said without looking back. Ozzy chuckled.
Felix did too. Too close! The handsome bunny was too close! “It’s always the ones closest to us that are the meanest for some reason.” Ozzy grinned, then seemed to get distracted.
“Oh, it’s glassface and his brother. Over there.” Oswald pointed.
Felix looked out and easily spotted Cup and Mugs. “Cuphead!” Felix called and waved. They looked over. Mugs waved back, and the two headed over.
“Hey! Anyone else?”Cup asked as a greeting.
“Not yet,” Mickey said.
“Finding the pipsqueak in this is gonna be a cussin’ nightmare.” Cup frowned. His badge had one star. Mugs had four. The younger brother still looked dead on his feet. He let out a huge yawn and swayed a little where he stood. They needed to get him a bed.
“I have this letter from the angels to the city. I think it’s to help us get a few rooms,” Felix said.
“Then how about you and I go cash it in and these fellas get the rest of the gang?” Oswald offered.
“Yeah, get us some rooms so when we get the Bbros and Holly, we can just go.” Cup sighed. He reached into his bag for something and hissed. He yanked his hand out. Felix jumped as the man scowled at his bag.
“Meeeeeeep,” came a low warning growl from his bag. A black big of fuzz glared from inside the darkness. Six other pairs of eyes blinked open to stare up at the cupman.
“Well, hot damn.” Cup raised a brow. “Stowaways. So that’s where you little fluffballs went.”
“Cup?” Felix questioned. Cup waved his hand.
“Don’ worry. Just a bunch of dandehogs,” Cup said. The black one hissed and buried deeper into the bag. The other eyes disappeared as well. “Go get that thing taken care of.”
“When did they get in?” Mugs muttered and raised a hand to his mouth. “Ugh, I think I’m gonna be sick.”
“Hang in there Mugs. We’re almost to a room.” Cup wrapped an arm around his brother, and Mugs leaned on him miserably.
Felix nodded and turned to enter the building. It was actually better than he expected. The place the angels got them was up the hill in a nice part of the city. It had parks and restaurants nearby and several places for tourists to enjoy. The angels had also given them a large sum of money for their stay.
Oswald whistled as they left the building. “That is a lot of cash.”
“I guess they do feel bad about inconveniencing us,” Felix muttered and stuffed the lot into his bag.
“This is going to be a five-star experience. Think I can find a way to get angels to owe me more often?” Oswald asked.
Felix shrugged. His experience with angels was a very mixed bag, and his opinion of them as a whole was a mix of feelings too. Disappointment and amazement.
When they left with a few maps of the area; they found Bendy, Boris, and Holly. Holly lagged behind the other two as they climbed the stairs to join the rest of them. The three weren’t looking at each other or the group. They all seemed tired and very tense. If a pin had dropped between the three of them, Felix was sure they’d all jump out of their skins.
“I have the place the angels gave us. Let’s get to the other side of town and go to bed,” Felix suggested.
Everyone agreed with the amount of energy they had left. Felix took quick note of the badges on the three. Holly’s was a four, Bendy had five and Boris had one. Felix furrowed his brows. One star for music? He would think the wolf would get a bit more than that.
The bus stop was a quick find and a bit crowded. Felix couldn’t say he complained about having to stay so close to Ozzy for the ride, but he was distracted by the worry he held for the others. There was obviously some troubled feelings in the group, despite Mickey and Oswald’s best efforts. They were all too tired to really enjoy the amazing views and culture shown through the bus windows.
Felix tried, but the packed place hid most of it from his view. He admitted defeat and instead looked forward to a bed himself. When they got to the hotel, it was like pulling up to a palace. The stone lions and fountains were impressive. The entrance was grande with a tall ceiling and chandelier.
Stars, he was too tired to focus. He’d appreciate it in the morning. They got to the front desk. “Hello, we are here for some rooms booked under, uh.” Felix frowned. “Oh bother, what was the name?” He sighed and pulled out the paper. “Here.” He passed it over instead of figuring it out.
They dragged themselves up to the rooms on the fourth floor and divided up. Cup and Mugs to a room. Donald and Ozzy, Mickey and Felix, Boris and Bendy, and Holly had a room to herself. The reaction was instant. They all went to their rooms and were out.
Or nearly all of them.
Now that Felix had a bed, he didn’t know what to do with it. His mind continued to review the events of the last few days. Mickey did not have the same problem. He was out in the other bed in a matter of minutes. Felix sighed and quickly gave up. He went ahead and started working on his next manuscript until his mind calmed enough for him to sleep. He heard some shifting in the hall hinting at others facing his same struggle. He got up and listened through the door. Peeking through the keyhole he spotted Cup leaving. Felix sighed. He didn’t need to be nosy. He headed back to bed, this time sure he was tired enough to sleep.
“Okay, everything we need is in the bathroom,” Boris said.
Bendy gave him a tiny nod and walked in, shutting the door. Boris sighed. He hated this. If this was how it was going to be for the next day...Maybe Mugs was well enough for a visit. The wolf left a note and went out and down the hall to the Cup brothers’ door. He knocked gently for it to open a crack. Mugs looked at him in concern.
“Boris. What’s wrong?” Mugs asked through the crack.
Did he look so pathetic that his greeting had to be that something was wrong?
“N-nothing,” Boris stammered out.
Mugs frowned and waved him in. Boris did so, slipping in through the crack that Mugs offered him. He saw why Mugs had the door held so. Four little dandehogs gazed at him from different spots in the room beyond. They were all in a row on the back window, watching them with curious eyes. There was no sign of Cup around. Maybe he went out for a smoke or something.
“Don’t mind them,” Mugs said and walked into the room. He collapsed on the bed and folded his legs under him. “So, what’s really going on?”
Boris swallowed. How much did Mugs know? Boris guessed he’d find out. He went over and sat next to him. Instantly, he was swarmed by four tiny little bodies. One scampered up his shirt, sniffing curiously as it clung to the cloth. Another landed on his shoulder and nibbled at his scarf, tugging at it. The other two landed on his head and a moment later he felt tickling from inside both his long ears.
“Uh.” Boris blinked. Mugs laughed.
“Cup is gonna be so mad. He’s been tryin’ to get them to calm down since we got them back! Usually little animals love him, but these guys are wary as all get out.” Mugs snickered. “The look he is gonna have.”
Boris sighed. “I don’t think I can handle another angry outburst.”
“Mreeeeep!” a little voice spoke from inside his head. Boris cringed.
Mugs stopped laughing and helped free him of the magical rodents. They didn’t want to though. The one on his shirt clung to the cloth stubbornly and protested loudly when Mugs tried to remove them.
That got the attention of a dark dandehog Boris hadn’t noticed that had been hiding under the lamp stand. It gave a loud and angry sounding growl.
“Can’t have babies in his head.” Mugs frowned without looking away. He got one out and started working on the other. “Maybe tie your bandana around your head.”
The one Mugs had detached scampered up his arm and disappeared into Mugs’ scarf. Mugs had to settle for only removing it and the two in Boris’ ears. The one that had examined Boris’ handkerchief had taken its cue from Mugs scarf dandehog and had hidden somewhere in the folds of Boris.’ This meant that it had almost all together disappeared, and they were afraid of crushing it.
“We’ll just free your ears and leave the rest for later.” Mugs sighed with the patiences of a tired parent. “So what’s up?”
Boris started from the beginning. As he made himself talk, he watched Mugs’ expression. He wasn’t too expressive with his emotions, which was odd for Boris. He was used to Mugs pulling wild looks and exclamations, but as Boris went into his confession of running away, the fight he and Bendy had in the circus, and the stupid moment he had left and gotten caught by the Ringleader and Facilier, Mugs remained quiet and thoughtful.
By the time Boris finished with Bendy’s silence, his throat was dry. “So, that’s it. I think once we are allowed to get back to Toon Town that...well, I don’t know.” Boris admitted. “I’m a bit...It’s not gonna be…”
“Things will be different?” Mugs finally spoke up.
Boris nodded slowly. They would be, wouldn’t they? Holly and a good number of them weren’t talking to Boris directly, or they watched him with that guarded expression he had come to recognize from the adults that worked in the legal system like the police.
“Do you regret what you did?” Mugs asked after a long time in silence.
“I...I don’t know. I couldn’t not come, Mugs.” Boris sighed. “You’d do it for your brother, right?”
Mugs blinked. “I love Cup, but I don’t think so.”
“Wh-what?” Boris looked up at him in surprise.
Mugs shrugged. “Felix and Alice are real dependable, and if they think me goin’ is a bad idea, I might’ve stayed. Better to have them get Cups than for them to be worrin’ about me.”
Boris stared at him. Really? But he...no. It wasn’t the same. Cup wasn’t...sick. They didn’t have a time limit they were trying to beat like he and Bendy were. Cup wasn’t like Finley.
“But I also understand where you’re comin’ from pal,” Mugs said.
Boris blinked, his weird ears perking up. Mugs glanced up at them before refocusing on Boris’ face. “Ya see, Cup would have.”
Boris tilted his head. “Uh?”
Mugs chuckled. “Cup woulda done what you did, and I understand my bro.”
Boris furrowed his brows. “I don’t get it. You said you love him, but you’d stay behind. Then you say that Cup would have done the same thing?”
“We both love each other Boris, but the choice of running away or not isn’t really about that, is it?” Mugs raised his brows. “It’s just that I would trust the others to save Cup, and he wouldn’t to save me.”
“B-but it’s not like that! They were-”
“Oh no? It’s not Boris,” Mugs scoffed. “C’mon! Don’t start lyin’ now.”
Boris’ stupid donkey ears fell. That was it? He didn’t… “But they were trying to seperate us.”
“No, they weren’t. You came up with that. They were tryin’ to save us and give themselves the best chance they had.” Mugs lifted a finger. Boris shook his head. “But that’s okay. You were scared, you panicked. I get it. You don’t trust them.”
“Doesn’t that mean Cup doesn’t trust them either?” Boris retorted.
Mugs nodded. “Yep, but he’s tryin’ to come around, and you’re runnin’ away.”
“No, I’m not! I’m not gonna run again! I’m here! Bendy’s here! Why would I run now!” Boris growled.
“Not all runnin’ involves feet bud.” Mugs smiled. “But I’m happy you came to talk to me. We really are friends if you’re doin’ that.”
Boris frowned and grumbled before he sighed. “I still think you’re wrong.”
“That’s alright buddy! I’m used to bein’ wrong.” Mugs smiled.
“Why are you so smiley,” Boris huffed. This wasn’t going to work. Mugs didn’t get it. What had he even hoped to get from talking to him? Help? With what? Bendy? The others? “Do you think they’ll try and make me stay behind now?” Boris muttered.
“Not unless you give them more reasons to. Do you think Bendy would leave you behind?” Mugs’ tilted his head a bit.
Boris quickly shook his head. No matter how upset Bendy was with him, his brother would never abandon him. Bendy had more than proved that. Even if...
“And will you leave him?” Mugs asked. Boris snorted. “Then what do you have to worry about?”
Boris blinked. What did he have to worry about? Bendy’s words came back to him from the circus. Boris stared at Mugs for a long moment. The dandekid popped out of his scarf and scurried to a new spot on the fabric, disappearing again. “Does Cup ever make you feel...lonely?”
Mugs smile slipped for a moment. A look of surprise crossed his face before it became thoughtful. He dipped his chin in his scarf. Boris waited patiently, secretly grateful that Mugs was taking his questions seriously and really thinking about it. “Cup,” he said slowly. “He’s done a lot for me. He tries too hard, and in a lotta ways, I look up to him, but there are some days…” Mugs sighed. “There are days where it’s like he’s in a far away place I can’t ever reach or understand. There have been times I’ve been lonely with him. And there are days I think I’ve made him lonely. Maybe even lonier.” Mugs furrowed his brows.
Boris hunched his shoulders. The faraway, sad look seemed to suddenly age Mugman. “Sorry,” Boris muttered. Mugs blinked, and his smile was back just like that.
Mugs shook his head. “Don’t be. It’s alright. Sometimes Cup is a hard person to talk to. I’m sure Bendy can be too. Ya just gotta be patient and be there for them when they need ya, right?”
He made it sound so easy. Boris wasn’t sure what he could do for Bendy anymore. Not without facing things Boris didn’t want to think about. He nodded slowly. Mugs must have noticed, because he suddenly changed subjects.“Wanna play go fish? My upset stomach isn’t gonna let me sleep.”
Boris snorted at the emotional whiplash. Seemed Mugs was either done with the conversation, or he was saving Boris from having to say anything. “Okay,” Boris agreed weakly.
Felix tossed and turned in his sleep.
I’ll take everything!
“No,” Felix muttered.
I’m sorry Felix.
Felix gasped and sat up. He looked around the room. Mickey was still asleep. The room was dark with thick curtains over the window. It was just them in the hotel room. Felix steadied his breathing. He was fine. Stars. It’s been a long time since he’d had that nightmare.
Felix got up and changed. He was fine with the amount of sleep he got. He peeked outside to see the sky starting to lighten. It was early, probably too early for most everyone to be awake. Felix would have a couple hours to himself.
He left his coat and hat but took his badge and bag as he left the room. Maybe there was breakfast being served or something for him to look at it. He had been too tired to really look around after all. Felix swished his tail and headed down the richly decorated hall. The paintings were of Greek and Italian origin or inspiration. With white ruins and rolling hills, cliffs and oceans. Felix assumed the artists must have been to Greece or Italy. The dark carpet and rich woodwork made the paintings stand out all the more. It made one feel like they are in a far off place rather than the truth.
Felix took the elevator down to the first floor and let his feet carry him whichever way. The hotel was grande. The first floor had tall ceilings, beautiful mold work, and pillars. The windows were huge and showed the snowy garden. Felix could easily imagine flowers replacing the snowy spaces between bushes. He found a hedge maze that looked like it could be fun. A gift shop with candies, knick-knacks, photos, art, and toys.
There were a number of lounges, chairs, and couches circling low coffee tables and placed near large fireplaces. There was an in-hotel restaurant that seemed to be about to open. Workers were flitting about behind the closed glass doors and a bar that was dark. He also saw a sign for an indoor pool.
Felix got one of the city maps and headed to a chair close to one of the fires. He needed to find some interesting locations in the city. Hopefully, find something everyone could enjoy and help them relax.
“Hey, I’m surprised to see you here.”
Felix looked up to see a very handsome, and slightly bedraggled bunny. He hadn’t bothered to brush his hair. His arm was in that sling. His shirt was a bit rumpled, and his eyes were a bit dull with shadows underneath them like he had hardly slept at all.
“I’m an early riser,” Felix said. “What about you? Shouldn’t you be resting?”
A ghost of a wry smile passed Oswald’s face as he took the seat across from him. “I did my best.”
Felix forgot about the map and the plans as he watched the exhausted rabbit.
“D-” Felix stopped himself. He didn’t really know what he wanted to ask. Or how to word it. He knew he couldn’t pretend yesterday didn’t happen, but at the same time, he didn’t know how to bring it up. This wasn’t like Nightmare Night. This wasn’t something that they fixed. Someone had died in the fight. Many died before that. Bendy was almost killed over laws and political ideologies. They had won, but it didn’t feel like a victory. It was just the bitterness of the fight, and the weight of loss. It was obvious in the way Ozzy, Bendy, and Holly carried themselves. Felix had heard what happened, but he didn’t see it. They had, and they were carrying it, and he wasn’t sure what to do about it. Death...everyone seemed to handle it differently.
“Are you okay?” Oswald asked. “You have a really serious look on your face.”
Felix jumped. His fur stood up in surprise before he sighed and calmed.
Oswald’s mouth twitched, almost like he was fighting a smile. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Ah! No! No!” Felix lifted his hands. “You’re fine! Er, I mean, I’m fine!”
Ozzy raised a brow slowly at the cat.
Felix forced a chuckle. “I guess...I want to help, but I’m not sure how.” He dropped his gaze to the map on his lap. “I know what it’s like not wanting to talk about something and needing space. What happened yesterday...What you saw...I-I’m not sure what I-”
“It’s okay Feels.” Oswald shifted forward and put his hand on Felix’ shoulder. “I will be okay. Yes, I had nightmares last night. Yes, I won’t ever be able to forget seeing that or hearing it. It was so fast and so surprising. I don’t really have words for it. Yes, I was terrified for myself and the others. I was sure I was going to die for a moment there and probably would have if it hadn’t been for Holly, Bendy, you, and Cuphead. This isn’t something that can be erased, ignored, or fixed. I will need time Felix. As will Bendy and Holly. As will all of the angels that witnessed it.” The rabbit sighed and sat back.
Felix blinked. “Time,” he muttered.
“You just be the nice fella you’ve been and listen when someone wants to finally talk about it,” Oswald said and shut his eyes.
“You sound so wise,” Felix said and smiled.
Oswald snorted. “I’m not a genius, but.” He sighed and sunk lower in the chair, “I’ve had some experience.”
Felix furrowed his brows. Was he talking about his late wife? Felix didn’t want to bring her up. It was still a difficult topic for him. “You too, right?” Oswald suddenly asked. The rabbit opened an eye and peeked at him. “I’ve gotten through half of your books now. You’ve been through some harsh stuff yourself.”
Felix’ ear twitched. His face heated. Oh stars. He had forgotten Oswald was reading his work! “I-It wasn’t that big of a deal.”
“Not that big?” Oswald opened his eyes and raised his ears. “You were being shot at or chased!”
Felix shrugged. He had always been targeted. Ever since he got his bag. His idea of danger and everyone else’s was a bit different because of that and a number of other reasons.
Oswald smiled, his ears falling. “You are always full of surprises, aren’t you?”
Felix smirked. “If I ever run out of them, I’ll be in trouble.”
Oswald chuckled. “Stars. I’m always trouble. It’s because of my dumb luck and Mickey that things are as good as they are.”
“Maybe it’s dumb luck that we both have lived this long.” Felix folded the map and tossed it over to the coffee table.
“Maybe a little,” Oswald admitted. He raised an eyebrow. “Maybe we should hit Vegas when we get back.”
“Stars no.” Felix shook his head. “I have had enough of commercial gambling.”
Oswald smirked and raised his hands. “‘Commercial.’” He used air quotes. “So you are fine with illegal gambling?”
Felix laughed. “More like unofficial games with friends or so.”
“Unbelievable.” Cup stepped around a corner and frowned at them. “I come down here, and the first thing I see is you two talking about gambling.”
“Oh, good morning Cuphead,” Felix greeted.
“What the cuss are you two doing here this early?” Cup asked and plopped down on a couch next to Felix.
“We could ask you the same thing,” Ozzy said.
Cup jerked a shoulder as an answer. “Bro and I are usually up early. He’s still knocked out thanks to that Hat stardust.”
“How did that even happen?” Oswald frowned.
Cup rolled his eyes. That launched him into a retelling of what happened to Hat that made him leave and then link it to what happened to them in the circus. From Facilier to the end. He could only half explain Bendy. They had been separated and hadn’t gotten a chance to really talk alone when they saw him again. Plus there was that trip to Hell.
“Stars.” Oswald frowned. “It makes our stardust in Toon Town almost look cute.”
Cup snorted. “And what the hell is wrong with the pup?” He looked at Felix. “He’s been acting off. Tell your side of everything too.”
Felix and Oswald shared a look. Oswald gestured for Felix to go. The cat grimaced. That was a mess he didn’t want to get into. “Maybe with everyone awake,” Felix said. Though he’d have to look Boris in the eye when he talked.
Cup scowled. “He did something cussing stupid, didn’t he?”
Oswald sighed. “Stole the only lead we had to you fellas and ran like his paws were on fire.” He threw an arm on the back of the chair and looked to the fire.
Cup blinked and wrinkled his nose. “Why?”
The rabbit shrugged. Felix raised a hand to his chin. “The best guess I have is that he felt like we were trying to separate him and Bendy.”
Cup narrowed his eyes and shook his head. “So, then all this cussing stardust and such between him and the others is because of that.”
Felix nodded his head.
“I still can’t believe that Alice was allowed to go there.” Cup glared at Felix.
The cat let his shoulders drop. “We were desperate. I admit it was a bad plan.”
Cup’s frown was telling enough of what he thought of that understatement.
“I take resp—”
“Ah, shut up.” Cup huffed and tossed his feet on the coffee table and crossed his ankles. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He fiddled with the silver case in his hand. “We all cussed up here and paid for it.” He dropped his head back. “We ain’t done with these cussin’ consquences either. We have to wait and see. That’s the load of moonrocks that have been dealt to us.”
“You’re a bundle of sunshine,” Oswald said drily.
Cup chuckled. “Well, what point is there in pretendin’ it’s anything else? We are sittin’ here waitin’ to see if Boris can be turned back to normal and if they are going to kill Bendy or banish him to Hell for good.”
“No,” Felix denied. “I won’t allow that.”
Cup raised a brow. “Oh?”
“I’ll raise hell before I let them punish him for helping people,” Felix said determinedly. He was done with the way people had treated the young man. He was fed up with the facts and lies in his file. He was fed up with Hat’s action and treatment of him. He was done.
Cup grinned. “Berries. I’ll help with the hell-raising.”
“Can we assume that there will be a good end to this? That everything will turn out okay?” Oswald asked.
Felix and Cup shared a look.
“Cuss no.”
“Sadly, I’m afraid not,” they said nearly the same time.
Oswald sighed. “That’s fair, I guess.”
“Hey, mind tellin’ me what happened in that fight?” Cup said. “It’s messed with Bendy and Holly, and I want to know the details.”
Oswald grimaced.
“Cup,” Felix chided.
“What?” Cup asked. “I want to help and to do that I gotta know.”
“Only time will help,” Oswald said.
“No.” Cup shook his head. Oswald scowled. “Time and the right way to handle it. I’m gonna make sure it’s handled right, otherwise they’ll just carry it,” Cup said. He flipped the cigarette case in his hand. “And neither of those two can handle more on their shoulders right now.”
Felix’ ears fell. His attacks. What would this shock do to his attacks? Stress made them worse according to Professor Oddswell. Stars.
“So, I need the details, rabbit.” Cup turned to him.
Oswald sighed. “Alright. The demon ate the angel in one bite. With a big crunch.” His fur stood on end, and he shivered. “It was right in front of Bendy and me. I was pinned under the scum’s hoof. It was so fast.” The rabbit took a deep breath. “That monster broke my arm, and I was going to be next when Holly distracted it. Bendy pretty much saved us after that.”
Cup nodded. “Thanks.”
They sat in silence for a second. Cup put the case in his pocket and lit his finger. Ozzy spoke up. “Don’t think they want that in here chief.”
Cup scowled and rolled his eyes. He stood up. “Fine. Be back in a minute.”
Felix waited a bit. “I’m sorry about him.”
“Don’t be. That fella isn’t your responsibility and is trying to help. In his own way.” Oswald rolled his eyes. “He is right that stress is not a good thing.”
“Still, he shouldn’t have asked.” Felix frowned.
Oswald shrugged. “I’ll be fine. Worry about the others.”
Felix nodded. “Thanks Ozzy. You’re a great help.”
The bunny blushed and lowered his chin. “It’s nothing.”
After a while, Mickey came down with Donald and joined them. Cup returned. Bendy and Boris were next. Holly last. Mickey asked if they could expect Mugs, and Cup shook his head. As Felix feared, the tension in the air increased with the appearance of the brothers and Holly. The three wouldn’t look at or speak to each other. That seemed to annoy Cuphead immensely. Boris also seemed really uncomfortable. He had his hood up, and his bandana was tied around his head instead of his neck. His tail was also tucked away. He had shoes on that were tied tightly. Felix knew Boris didn’t like shoes.
The restaurant in the hotel was open, and the group agreed that breakfast was fine there. Once they sat down, Mickey asked what they were planning to do today. Felix chimed in that they didn’t have to worry about money.
Boris was shifting and uncomfortable the whole breakfast. Mickey tried to engage him in conversations, but he was very quiet. It wasn’t until they were almost done that he spoke up. Felix noticed that Bendy gave Boris a sharp glare from his seat. The wolf ducked lowered in his seat.
“Um.” Boris cleared his throat. “Everyone, I-I have something to say.”
The table fell quiet as everyone’s focus fell on the wolf. His face was downcast, his eyes on his empty plate. He lifted his eyes and glanced around them. “I’m really sorry. For what I did. For what happened. It...I’m sorry I didn’t trust you or talk to you. I’m sorry I ran. I’m sorry I let you all down. I understand if you won’t trust me anymore. What happened was…” The wolf dropped his eyes again. “I’m just sorry.”
Felix felt his chest ache for the young wolf.
“And?” Bendy pushed.
“It won’t happen again,” Boris added, not looking up. The table sat there in a moment of silence.
“You cussed up,” Cup stated.
Boris gave a small nod.
“Just be sure ya don’t do it again,” the man stated flatly.
“Please trust us next time Boris,” Felix added. “At least enough to hear you out. We’ll work with you, not against you.”The cat sighed. “I also want to apologize. I pushed you too hard, I’m sorry.”
Boris looked up with the biggest, saddest eyes Felix had ever seen. He sniffed and nodded again. Mickey reached over and patted the hood of his jacket. “You’ll be okay. You’ve learned from this after all,” the mouse assured. From her chair across the table, Holly fiddled with the edges of her book. She gave Boris a stiff smile and nodded along with the others.
“Yeah kid. You’re not gonna make the same mistake,” Ozzy chipped in.
It seemed half the table expected the most obvious person to speak up. Felix glanced Bendy’s way too. To his surprise, the demon didn’t look up. He didn’t try to make eye contact with Boris.
Bendy got up and took a deep breath. “I’m going back to my room. I think I’m just going to take it easy today.” He turned around. Boris went to get up and follow. Bendy stopped and looked back at him coldly. Felix blinked in surprise.
Boris’ eyes widened before he dropped his gaze to the table again, misery clear on his face. Bendy turned without a word and left. Mickey seemed surprised at Bendy’s response. Or lack of response.
“Oh for the love of Pete,” Cup growled and smacked his forehead. “This is gonna be the worst vacation, isn’t it?”
Donald and Ozzy shrugged.
“I’m sorry you got hurt, Mr. Felix.” Boris glanced up at him. “Sorry I scared you.”
Felix got up and hugged the wolf tightly. “Pish-posh. I forgot about that completely. I’m just happy you’re okay.” Boris tensed for a second before wrapping his arms around Felix and hugging him back. Felix thought he heard the kid sniffle. Felix just tightened the hug more before pulling back. “It’ll be okay, Boris. Things will get better with time.”
Boris nodded and brushed at his watery eyes. “Yeah. I’ll do better. ’M sorry.”
Felix hoped so. He was still worried. Boris obviously had struggles he wasn’t willing to share, and it seemed there was something going on between him and Bendy. Felix had never seen Bendy act coldly toward the wolf before. It was very strange.
Felix wanted to go talk to him, but he didn’t want to leave Boris like this either.
“Well, no point in staying here,” Donald quacked. “Where should we go today?”
Cup rolled his eyes and got up. “I’m out too. I gotta take care of Mugs, and I’ll see what the cuss is up with Bendy. Rest of ya have fun. See ya when you get back.”
“Oh no,” Ozzy said sarcastically after Cup left. “Not Mr. Sunshine! Now how are we supposed to have fun?”
Donald snorted and laughed.
“Well, is there anywhere that anyone fancies?” Mickey asked with a forced smile.
Holly rose. “I have to confess,” she said. “I don’t have the energy to go out either. I think I’m just going to relax in my room as well,” she said with a polite nod to everyone.
“Alright, we’ll see you later Holly.” Mickey smiled and waved.
“Yeah, take it easy Hol,” Oswald said and gave her a lazy salute.
She smiled and gave them a single nod, disappearing down the hall.
“I’m sure we can also find a show or something,” Felix added. “Sound good to everyone?”
“Sounds good to me,” Ozzy said. “Not a lot of demanding activity is perfect.”
