a very small box
——————
The prologue to my personal batim au
---
A loud meow sounded right at the kings ears, waking him from his sleep. He grumbled and groaned as he sat upright, his back aching and his leg feeling as if it were lit ablaze. Bendy blinked down at the noisy intruder who stood ever so proudly in his lap, doing nothing to ease the pain in his legs.
He smiled as he rubbed his eyes of sleep.
"Hungry creature, get off of me. We'll have the cook make us breakfast then?"
A satisfied chirp was given in response and Mono, the well fed orange feline hopped down from the bed, standing ready and waiting for his aching master to follow suit. The cats tail was held high and curled to show his pleasure.
Bendy shuffled his legs off the side of the bed and looked around for his cane. It was not leaning against the bedside like usual. He blew a puff of annoyance at the omen of an ill day and leaned over the mattress to peek under the bed.
"Mono did you knock my cane over when you jumped up here?"
bir-up?
"Somehow I don't believe you're innocent."
Raow!
"Well if I had my cane we would already be halfway down the corridor."
The cat sat down slowly and leaned its head down as if to mimic his master, tilting his head with a bobbing motion.
Bendy sighed before craning his neck toward the foot of the bed, somehow unsurprised that his aide was laying halfway shoved behind one of the legs.
"And you're certain this is not your doing?"
Mono gave no reply as he was far too busy licking his paws.
Bendy shuffled his way towards the foot end of the bed and bent as far down as he could without falling over. Reaching below to grab his cane. Once it was in his grasp he pulled it from under the bed with a grumble and stood it in front of him. Holding the knob with a twitch of his head.
"If it wasn't you, perhaps. Boris came in?"
prr-ow
"I guess we'll never know."
He whispered sarcastically as he hauled himself up, stretching his limbs as he took the first few steps of the day.
"Come on then."
And with the words of activation Mono took to his paws and began padding away with haste, as if he had never been fed a day in his life.
"Well don't wait for me."
Ra-ah!
Bendy watched his little orange friend rush off down the carpeted hallway, almost immediately becoming a very small very quick dot. The dot paused every now and then to check on its taller companion as if to say 'hurry up!'
Bendy made his way steadily down the halls following Mono with a growl in his own stomach.
A wince of pain from the base of his spine crawled towards his neck and caused him to grimace. Mono came running back at the sound of his masters pained hack.
Tender meows and a heavy lean on Bendy's good leg told the king his pet was concerned.
"Just hungry."
Mono tilted his head and then gave one last rub of his head against Bendy's leg before wandering off towards the kitchen once more. Bendy following along, trying to push down the ache in his throat.
An eternity later and the two travelers found their way to the dining hall. Most the staff were quietly wiping off their tables from their personal meals. Others watched as their king entered the room with a small curt bow of their heads. Bendy dipped his head in passing and then took his seat at the center table. Mono hopped up onto the table with a loud howl. Few of the staff gave a chuckle as Bendy put a finger over his pets nose to quiet him.
One of the maids came up to his side and dipped her head. "Breakfast?"
"Please, tell Wilfred the beast is starved, and that his king wants the usual."
She nodded and walked off, disappearing behind a door. Mono watching impatiently with a flick of his tail.
Bendy leaned back in his chair and twisted his neck, still unable to sooth that ache in his bones.
He rubbed his throat for a moment before placing his hand under his chin to rest his head into. Watching as his cat paced the table like a stage.
Each step more proud and sure than the last he had taken.
The graceful motion of the small tamed creatures stride. Almost a dance...
Bendy closed his eyes to shut it out. The ache growing more feverish in his spine.
Before long the maid returned with a plate of scraps from the night prior for Mono to feast upon. Stirring The king from his spiraling broodiness.
She then placed a bowl of steaming soup in front of Bendy and as soon as she placed a cup down onto the table she was gone. Like a ghost.
"Mono, I believe we're haunted."
The staff that lingered gave a quick laugh before hushing themselves once more. Bendy listened out for their whispering, finding that everything had gotten slightly louder this morning.
Mono, the target audience however. Was completely focused on devouring his entire plate before he even dare thought about talking back.
Bendy looked down at his bowl and noticed it was lacking in the meat department. "... Huh."
Still he took his spoon and ate without much more concern.
After the meal Bendy got up and began towards the kitchen, a few peering paper eyes looked on in silent question as he entered the swinging door. Mono eagerly padding alongside his master.
The room was bright, warmer than the weather outside. Pipes leading from the ceiling towards sinks and gas ovens. Bendy continued onward until he came across a counter top with half of an uncooked roast laid out. Ingredients strewn about.
"Wilfred?"
The rumbling of a pipe over head sounded as the only response. Bendy flicked his tail and glanced over to the counter top again. Mono had leapt up and was currently sniffing at a potato.
"Get down."
Merup
"Get!"
Bendy shooed the feline off the counter and then returned his attention to the absent cook.
"WILFRED?"
He shouted.
"King?"
Loud shuffling stomps gave away the hidden cook, crouched at the stoves open maw.
"How was breakfast?"
He asked as he stood up, patting his apron to wipe off his hands.
Bendy shrugged and took a step closer, craning his view up just to look the man in his eyes... To the best of his ability.
"Mono enjoyed his slop, O' pig."
"I didn't ask about the cat your majesty, though I do appreciate he enjoyed his meal. I was asking about you."
Bendy gave a long wave of his tail and found himself a seat on a lone stool. It was always just out of the way. far too small for the giant he called a chef to use. He pulled it closer and sat down with purpose, holding his cane with both hands.
"Lacking in protein."
"Oh pish, I cut that ham myself."
"Then explain why there was merely three chunks?"
The cook scratched his head with a grumble. The utensils that hung on his tusk clattering with each unspoken word.
"I'm running low on meats sire, specifically the kind that make your favorite cuts."
"Did you not just get an order?"
"Well I sent one up to the office to be placed as an order, but it hasn't come yet. Plus the yards empty."
"... No game..."
"Not a hare."
"Or hog."
"Or hog..."
Wilfred growled defeated. He took a knife hanging from his tusk and moved past his king with a thud in each step. A moment to fix his apron and then he began carving the roast he had been working on previously.
Bendy watched for a moment, lost in thought.
Had I been letting myself get carried away in my hunting? Though I swear I had left enough of the breeding population alone...
Chop. The knife had sliced through bone and the crunch pulled the king's attention. Wilfred didn't seem to notice as he was busy preparing what would eventually be dinner.
His inky tail swayed a little more enthusiastically at the scent that now struck at Bendy's nose.
I'll have to have the gardening team start tagging a few of those animals.
Bendy leaned to the side to watch as Wilfred reached over to a spice jar and began to slather the meat head to hoof. Feeling an itch in his fangs as the cook then doused the hog in oil.
"Wilfred."
"Sir."
"When was that hog killed?"
"Uh,"
The cook let out a snort as he thought, tapping a foot. "About two days ago, it's been chilled in butter since then and once I'm finished with preparing it, it will stay in the oven slow roasting til tomorrow morning."
"Was that the last hog to be added to your stores?"
"I believe so, but I don't often get the big ones like this."
"So you're going after smaller pigs?"
"Yeah, the smaller ones."
"Small, or young?"
"Just small, as in skinny. I leave the thicker ones for, special occasions."
Bendy flicked his tail, that told him nothing of use. His mind felt like it was being drained. A flare arose through his spine.
If it's not me, though I can't be certain of that just yet. And it's not Briar...
Bendy sneered and jerked his head to the side in his frustration. This the cook took notice of.
"King, if I may suggest something to you?"
"Speak."
"So long as your leg doesn't protest, why don't you go for a walk around the grounds?"
He motioned with his head towards the window, continuing his work with removing the less desirable bits of the meal to be.
Bendy followed his gaze to the outside and saw the dulled and damp grass and foliage that could be seen from the window. A small peek to the world outside.
Where it already seemed far too empty to be his castle grounds.
"I'll see if I can."
"It'd be good for your head, and maybe for your ache."
Bendy turned his gaze back to the cook with a squint. Wilfred gave a grin.
"You've been twitching since you got here sire, somethings got you. I assume it's your eh, how'd you put it? Affliction?"
"Wouldn't surprise me."
"I know you get twitchy when you need to let it out."
"Apparently this is more noticeable with every passing day."
"No one knows, they just assume it's your leg."
Bendy leaned on his cane and raised a brow, coiling his tail curiously.
Briar finished his preparations to the roast and took a moment to crack his knuckles.
"I'll save the gossip for later. Let me put this in the oven. You go on and find something do, or someone to order around."
"I'll have you hanged for giving unprompted orders to a king." He teased.
"You couldn't find a rope strong enough to hold me without snapping." Wilfred snapped back with a laugh.
Bendy gave a grin and then pushed himself up, taking his tail and using it to push the stool back out of the way as not to bother the cook.
"I'll tell you what I find in the yard. See if I can figure out whats happening to the hunting stock."
"I'll be waiting for it, good to have you visit me this morning."
"My pleasure."
He said in a small bow, turning to leave.
Three steps in and Bendy noticed Mono had run off again.
"Mono?"
Wilfred shook his head and began searching the kitchen.
"If he's in here he'll be at the jerky..."
"Always..."
Bendy twisted around looking in the darker corners of the room, feeling a slight dread the damned cat may have found a way into the oven in some horrible conscience to his natural curiosity.
"Mo-"
He was cut off by Wilfred holding the orange hissing ball out to his king. Bendy took a step closer and opened his arms to take his pet back.
"One of these days your sneaking off will be the death of you..."
---
About an hour had passed since Bendy's visit with Wilfred. Since then he and Mono had been relaxing in the study. Bendy was slowly flipping through a book, unable to fully focus on the words written on its pages but unwilling to put it away. His mind craving something to do but his body screaming to rest. His 'ache' still nagging at his joints. That however he planned on easing in the cover of night. Until then he sat. Bored.
Mono had been curled up tightly in his lap for a while now, sleeping soundly.
Another page turned, another twinge in his veins. Maybe he would be less agitated if the weather were nicer.
Though that still felt like wishful thinking.
A creak in the floor caught his ear and he turned to see who had joined him. Smiling in welcome when he saw the wax wolf.
"Boris, I was wondering where you were."
Bendy closed his book quietly, putting it away on the table beside him. He then leaned on his shoulder as he watched his friend join him. Boris sat on the opposite arm rest of Bendy's chair and wagged his tail slowly. Giving a sort of 'Been around' head sway.
"I have a question for you."
Boris tilted his head curiously with a nod.
"Did you come into my room last night? My cane had fallen over and somehow ended up at the very end of the bed."
Boris looked up with an open mouth as he thought. Bendy saw a smile forming on his muzzle before the wolf looked back down and with a sly shrug and a nod.
"Did you need something?"
He shook his head slowly. holding up a hand and waving it as if to say 'not really'.
Though as if to immediately contradict himself Boris pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and tapped it a couple times before handing it to the king.
"Whats this? were you visiting to show me this last night?"
He nodded.
With a roll of his eyes Bendy took the paper and gave it a look over. A newspaper clipping, the headline reading. 'Diseased livestock'
Bendy raised a brow now properly intrigued. He continued reading.
people from around the ink kingdom have been reporting their animals falling ill and collapsing dead days after losing their color-
His interest now lost at the mention of losing colors. Surely the kingdom of ink wouldn't be losing its colors. He thought with a huff of pride. His temple flared in pain at the notion. His tail flicked as he handed the paper back to Boris.
"That sounds fake."
Boris shrugged and then flipped the paper over and tapped the printed photo. A blurry image of a shriveled chicken laid in a field. And granted while everything was typically monotoned when printed out, but something did feel wrong about that picture. The chicken seemed to have been crumbling away. Hollowed out.
"I'll have someone look into it."
Boris gave a satisfied nod. "It feels important." he muttered.
Bendy tilted his head.
"If you believe it to be true then something might be up... I have another question for you."
Boris blinked, resting his head in one palm and giving his king a teasing glance towards his lap where Mono still lay asleep.
"I plan on going on a walk around the castle grounds later. And seeing as you're concerned about this sick animal business, and our apparent lack of pigs at the moment... Would you mind coming with me?"
Boris gave a quick nod and then slid into the chair, pushing his friend further to the side and waking Mono in the process. The cat lifted its head confused as it stared up at Boris, his tail now puffed and jittery with displeasure.
"Sorry." Boris whispered and offered his hand to the cat for him to sniff. Mono leaned closer to do just that, after a moment his tail unpuffed and he relaxed back into his master's lap now content.
---
One step outside and Bendy could immediately smell something was off with the air. Something unpleasant hung in it like poison in a chalice. He did his best not to wince at the smell.
Boris seemed to have noticed it as well, his nose flaring with his breaths.
Mono rubbed against Bendy's leg and gave a purr in question, still holding his tail high.
"I suppose we shouldn't linger."
Bendy said in a quiet tone, he was mostly talking to himself when he spoke. As if he were trying to talk himself into walking.
Boris gave a wag of his tail and then started heading down the path, Mono following him with a spring in his pawsteps.
Bendy felt his muscles tense as he followed the two out, hoping this walk would ease the pain to at least be more bearable.
The squelch of the grass beneath his boots hit Bendy's ears and borrowed into his skull unpleasantly, He longed for a dryer day to fall upon the kingdom soon as this weather had seemingly brought on a mood that hung over him like a cloud.
Boris tread onwards into the brush, carefully avoiding the spikier branches of the bushes and trees he passed. Bendy attempted to follow just as gracefully but his injured leg and the mud did not agree with his plans. It was as if the whole ground were suddenly a pitfall. Growling with each step he took.
"How's it look over there Boris!"
Unsurprisingly there was silence for an answer. Bendy paused and flicked his tail. The spines on his neck began to push against his collar from all the frustration of it all. He bit his tongue and began to look around the area from where he stood. His cane wobbled from his jittery hand. The mud tugging at his boots, pulling him farther into the ground. Bendy felt a chill roll up his back, though he couldn't decipher if it was his own unease or the weather itself. He pulled his legs up to move to a dryer spot, though that task was just about as hopeless as asking for a warmer day. Or as fruitful as asking Boris to speak.
"Tsk..."
Bendy went back to observing his surroundings, taking a deep breath and trying to do so calmly.
The air still smelled of something awful, sickly. As if the feeling you got before you puked could translate as a scent, that is what it smelt like. And if there were animals around they were nowhere near this area. The usual birdsong or shuffling in the brush was gone. Not a sound was heard. No squirrels or snakes or bugs. Not a single bothersome fly to be found.
Bendy looked on, studying each tree in hopes of spotting a sleeping sparrow tucked away somewhere on a branch. His tail coiled stiffly.
"Boris? Are you Still with me?"
There was a quick movement from the bushes which pulled the king's attention. Facing the source of the movement Bendy saw Boris, his head hung and looking worried.
"There's nothing here."
The wolf said with a sigh. Bendy let out a breath himself, dropping his head with gritted teeth.
"Did you find any bodies?"
Boris looked up and bit his lip hesitating to find the words. Though it did look like he wanted to say something in reply. Bendy waited as Boris came closer.
"Only one, it looks half dissolved."
"Dissolved?"
Boris nodded slowly and looked back over where he had emerged from. Bendy followed his gaze and tried to step towards it, though he only took that one step. Boris took one of Bendy's hands and held it firmly. Causing his king to stop and look back at him curiously.
"Do you think I can't handle gore?"
Boris shook his head.
"You'll fall."
Bendy exhaled and slowly took his hand back with a shake. Boris tucked his own hands into his pockets and cocked his head to the side. 'Let's go back' was his wordless message. Bendy lingered in his spot, his legs shaking. Boris again cocked his head. "I don't want you to embarrass yourself."
"Can you take the creature and pull it out into the open, I need to see it."
Boris nodded, making his way around Bendy towards the bushes again. Bendy watched until Boris stopped short. Turning to stare.
"Go back." Boris whispered sternly. His pity making Bendy feel more hollowed suddenly.
"You and Wilfred both..."
Bendy scoffed as he slowly began to walk off, careful to avoid the worst of the slick mud in his travels. Boris gave a "Hey." which Bendy glanced back at.
"I know, I know, you worry." Bendy said softer than before.
Boris's tail rose stiffly for a moment in protest before he gave a wag before returning to his mission of getting that dead pig for his king.
Once Bendy had gotten back on the path he felt relief in his joints, his legs no longer felt as overworked. Looking down at his boots and the mud he would surely track inside when he decided to go back. "Damn this weather..." He sighed. A moment went by before he realized he was alone, Boris was still hauling the pig he was certain but it felt like something was missing. Bendy's thoughts traced back to before he had even stepped foot outside, his tail arching as he recalled his pet. "Mono!"
He looked around his immediate area in case he had somehow overlooked the small cat, but his distinctive orange pelt was nowhere to be seen. "Mono?"
Continuing his search he met eyes with Boris who had the dead pig dragging beside him. "Boris have you seen-" Mono appeared just then from behind Boris, his tail low as he was not fond of the mud.
"You damned cat."
Boris stifled a laugh and then dropped the hog at Bendy's feet. effectively saying 'here'.
Bendy crouched down, holding his cane tightly. "grey..." He muttered hushed as he examined the body before him. Much to his surprise there was no true sign of struggle in this death. No tears from being hunted and ripped by teeth, no mess from a slash. It was drained of color and seemingly of its blood... Bendy assumed though it had been dead for at least a day and had bled out from the holes it was covered in. It's skin falling apart as if it were withering away from the inside. Producing that horrid smell Bendy had been struck with since he first came outside.
Boris grunted asking for Bendy's attention. The king looked up.
"I saw two more pigs in the distance."
"How did they look?"
"Sick."
"Shit..." Bendy closed his eyes and held his breath, snarling.
"Were they greyed out?"
"One was, the other looked dulled. Tired."
Bendy looked back to the body before him and studied the holes that dotted its skin. Blistered and festering with rot. The sight burning itself into Bendy's mind.
"Boris."
The wolf perked his ears and leaned closer to listen.
"Go into town, ask around. See if there are more sick creatures that look like this close by. Lets see if that newspaper wasn't being hyperbolic."
Boris gave a quick nod and then offered his hand to Bendy. The king took it and was lifted back up to stand. Bendy wiped off his hands on his vest and then gave a flick of his tail. Unsure of what he could do about this new finding. "This isn't natural..."
Boris gave a glance at those words. Looking from the pig back to his king. His tail lowering.
"I'll be in my study. I hope to see you again tomorrow."
"I'll be back."
The king watched his friend for a moment as he left towards the front gate. Bendy looked back down at the pig. Disgusted by what had become of his game. Fearful this illness was another omen. The air shifted from foul to sour. Metallic, for just a breath. And then it was gone. Back to the stench of death. Bendy watched the fence line for a while as if something were hidden beyond before calling to his pet. Mono padded up and leaned on his leg, his tail wrapped loosely around Bendy as he stared up to his master.
"Let's go."
---
The morning came far too quickly for the king. His bones felt twisted and knotted, his legs sore and begging for rest. He blinked blearily as his head spun, sounds felt like too much, scents rushing at him like an assault. His chest felt crushed and hollow. Memories of the night being washed away like a bad dream. A dream... His hands were tense and his fingers posed like claws ready for a strike. His body lay half curled as if he had just fallen faint and not moved until he awoke.
Where am I?
He thought for a moment, fighting the weight of the world as he attempted to sit himself upright. He was cold, very very cold. And everything felt far too heavy around him.
Did I even sleep?
Bendy held a hand to his forehead and covered an eye, taking a deep breath as he repositioned his legs to be underneath him rather than to the side. His muscles twitching aggressively in protest.
Once he was able to process his surroundings, he found himself outside. By the cellar door. It wasn't the first time he had awoken here, and it probably wouldn't be the last. He held himself tightly as his head continued to pound with the effort of staying awake.
Loud slow stomping sounded from behind the door, a clack from the lock and suddenly a creaking telling that the door had opened wide. Bendy sat motionless as the steps stopped at his side.
"Good morning king."
"Wilfred."
"You want something to cover up with?"
"Please."
Wilfred wrapped a large thick blanket around Bendy as gently as his large stone hands could. Bendy took the ends and tucked them around himself, nuzzling his face into the fabric and taking another breath. Shrinking further into himself. Now fully aware he was only wearing this blanket as any sort of cover. Feeling as see through as a glass window.
"How long have I been laying here?"
"How should I know? I just came to check on you. You are a heavy sleeper you know."
"Did you try to wake me?"
"Hell no, and risk a death sentence? Nah. I'm saying it rained last night and you were out sleeping in it like it was nothing."
Bendy glanced up at is cook with a glare, his stare softened after a blink as he did not feel like trying to hold his front in the moment. Without saying it the cook had confirmed Bendy had been out here for more than a few hours at best. Shivering beneath the blanket, He felt as if he were recovering from a hangover. Perhaps he did get some rest after all, but laying naked in the rain definitely did nothing to help his aches however. He held tightly to one end of the blanket, rubbing it between his fingers.
"Do you have anything I can drink with you?"
"I got a bucket of water, but trust me you don't want to drink it."
"Oh please, tell me you planned on dumping it over me."
"I was."
Bendy held his tongue as the cook gave a hearty laugh.
His giant friend reached down and patted his back, making Bendy fall forward a bit with each tap. While it was rough Bendy felt some form of comfort in the action.
"I'll get you a tea, how bout' it?"
"I'll take that."
Wilfred grunted a laugh and then turned to head back inside. Pausing only briefly to ask a small question.
"Sir, you want to come inside?"
"... In a minute."
"Right, I'll be back then."
"I'll be here."
Bendy said giving a weak wave of his hand to the cook. Wilfred walked off, out of sight. The echos of his footsteps were just that. Echos.
Bendy sat, pondering the night prior to the best of his waking abilities. Trying to remember what all had happened. Visions Blurred into one collage of shifting memories. He was unsure which ones were true or just his own ideas...
A searing pain sent its way up his spine and striking his neck before disappearing. Causing a sharp breath to escape forcefully out of the kings weary mouth. He tensed with a shiver of the aftershock and gritted teeth.
Once the moment passed however, Bendy felt the air around him grow easier to bear. He felt less heavy. As if something inside of him had been satisfied, at least for now. He looked into the sky and blew out a breath, his silent prayer for the day. Leaning back on his arms as he saw the mist from that breath rising into the grey cloud laden sky. Deciding maybe he wouldn't stay out here much longer after all.
Struggling inside, clutching the wall with all his might. Bendy made his way into the kitchen through the cellar. Using anything he could as a way to hold himself upright. Wishing he had his cane with every wavering step he took.
Somehow he made it to the stool Wilfred kept around for him, sitting down and rewrapping the blanket around himself once he was settled. Looking around the kitchen as he caught his breath from the strain of his efforts.
A nudge at his leg got his attention and so Bendy looked down, seeing Mono rubbing up on him and walking in circles around the stool. Purring loudly.
"Well good morning to you too."
He reached down tenderly and stroked Mono's head. The cat only purring louder with each touch.
"You'll never guess where he was hiding."
Wilfred said as he rounded the corner holding a tray, a kettle sat on one end with a cup at its side and a plate on the other end of the tray. Bendy looked up meeting the cooks gaze.
"Neck deep in a jar of jerky as always."
"As always." Bendy sighed glancing back down to his orange companion. "So I take it he's already had his breakfast?"
The word breakfast sounded off a trigger for Mono to begin meowing urgently as if he were starved.
Wilfred nodded with a grin. Placing the tray down on a counter top and pouring the tea into the cup to hand to his king. Bendy took it and held the cup close, letting the warmth surround him for a moment. Taking in its calming sweet scent.
"I wasn't sure if you were hungry or not, but I made up a couple slices of ham for you. Might not be the best bacon I've made but, it is what it is."
"Thank you."
Bendy took a slow sip from his cup and felt the warmth enveloping his every fiber once he swallowed.
Mono jumped up onto the counter and gave the plate a sniff, Bendy watched with a squint in his eyes as his pet hovered over the plate for a moment before turning his nose up and walking to the end of the counter and leaping down.
Bendy looked over to Wilfred with a suspicious frown. The cook rubbing his chin in question as he was fully prepared to swat the feline away. Bendy lowered his suspicions and returned his attention to his tea.
"Dare I ask if you poisoned this, cook?"
"You really think I'd kill off my favorite customer?"
"Mono never turns away from food, he was just yelling for some..."
"I'm just as shocked as you are sir."
Bendy swirled the cup a bit before taking another sip. Wilfred looked over the plate as if he was rethinking how he cooked it, suddenly unsure if he should have offered it to the king. Bendy coiled his tail around the legs of the stool, gripping the cup as if it were going to jump from his hands. Feeling as if the omens from yesterday were coming to fruition. His stomach churned at the thought.
"I may just go back to my room... I need to get dressed."
Wilfred looked over to Bendy with a pained expression, turning his gaze away as Bendy stood up from his seat.
Placing the cup on the stool and holding the blanket closed with one hand.
"... Did you by chance grab my cane when you got this blanket?"
"Yeah, got it right here sire."
Wilfred walked off for a second and returned with the cane, it looked like a toothpick in the stone giants hands.
Once he had his aide again Bendy took his pet and left the kitchen, shuffling through the dining hall.
A cough pulled his attention before he could reach the door to the hallway. Bendy looked back over the room, landing his gaze on his table. A paper figure sat in his seat, seemingly playing with a fork.
"Oh! My king!"
Joey sounded shocked to see him, though until just now Bendy had assumed the room to be empty. He remained silent as he wanted nothing but to find something to wear that wouldn't fall off of his frame so easily. Joey stood and made his way closer to Bendy, still holding that fork. Bendy eyed it's metallic gleam as Joey had made it to his side. Glaring as the paper man had overstepped his given boundaries by coming too close.
"Tail..."
He spoke firmly.
"Oh forgive me, it's just I had been looking for you since yesterday. Theres news of some disease spreading and the locals don't know what to make of it."
Bendy gave a long sigh and then blinked. Turning his head slightly away in frustration.
"I'm looking into that as we speak, I've sent someone out to investigate it. Should be back with news by tonight."
Joey seemingly froze, his tail raised stiffly as if this news wasn't exactly what he had wanted to hear.
Bendy held his gaze on the man as he wasn't comfortable with how close he was, still holding that fork. Be it just a fork, it was being held by a man who gave off the worst aura Bendy had ever known. And yet he was one of his advisers. Thoughtfully picked by his father many, many years ago.
Joey took a small step back, still far to close in he kings opinion. He glanced at the fork in his hand and then quietly smiled while tucking the utensil behind his back.
"Well if you have the matter sorted, I'll make myself useful elsewhere?"
"Go check the staff, I'm sure they'll be wondering what to do if this illness reaches the castle."
"Right away, sire."
Bendy kept watch as Joey sat the fork onto the table nearest him and then walked out of the room somewhat stiffly, as if he was trying to avoid stomping.
Bendy made sure Mono was with him before heading out himself. The cat was clung to his side, perfectly content with just standing there.
"Come on Mono."
Mr-ow
After a long walk and a few curious looks from some of the workers who had caught their king in the halls with nothing but a blanket over him. The two had made it back to Bendy's room. Where he immediately headed for the closet. Pulling out a pair of pants before anything else, quickly putting them on before going back to finding a shirt or any extra layers.
Once fully clothed Bendy sat down at his desk and grabbed his old journal, flipping through the pages until he landed on one which had a few names he had all but forgotten written in between bouts of his traveling notes. Though the first page he stopped on didn't have the names he desired, he flipped through a few more before he found it. Reading them over a few times before reaching for a piece of paper.
Just as he took out a pen he realized Mono wasn't in his lap. He peeked around the room a bit, finding the cat laying on the disregarded blanket he had tossed to the floor when he got dressed.
Bendy watched as Mono slept, curled tightly into a ball. His breaths slow but steady.
The sight calming his mind a bit.
I'll wait for Boris to come back before I make any decisions.
Bendy turned back to his journal and took a moment to scan the rest of that page he had it turned to. Feeling a soft wave of nostalgia hitting as he remembered the days he had wrote in it. This was a pain he could never mend. He closed the book and slid it to the back of the desk.
Hopefully I won't be waiting too long...
The minutes passed like hours and hours felt like blinks. Mono had at been sleeping soundly on that blanket undisturbed this whole time. Bendy had gotten up and left his room, He had moved from his room to his study as he recalled that is where he last told Boris he could be found. He had taken the journal with him as he felt he would need it.
Another hour, another minute, another breath. Bendy waited. It grew darker outside and the air grew colder. He watched the hallway as if the notion of turning away would lead to catastrophe. As if Boris would burst in laughing proclaiming its all some joke.
Bendy bit his hand and closed his eyes as the dull self inflicted pain slowly swept up his arm. God he wished this was nothing but a joke. His mind begging for him to keep watching the door.
Footsteps, he had heard footsteps seemingly nonstop for what felt like hours. It was getting hard to tell if they were actually there, if someone was in the halls. Or if he was hallucinating.
It was becoming maddening.
"Bendy?"
Boris called out, standing in the doorway. Bendy stood up so fast he nearly forgot his weak leg in the moment. Falling back into his chair with a huff.
"Where have you been?"
Boris gave his king a look that felt harsh, he gave one annoyed stiff wag and then made his way over to Bendy's side.
"Yes right, in town... Whats the verdict?"
"It's everywhere."
Bendy felt the words slip away from his mouth and fall back into a pit. He couldn't form a single thought beyond dread of what was becoming of his kingdom. The image he had of prosperity and health crumbling before him.
Boris reached out to place a hand on his shoulder, but Bendy shook his head and gently pushed Boris away. Holding his hand for a moment instead before dropping it.
Boris stepped back. Uncertain.
"Tell everyone to stay inside... I need to think about how to handle this properly."
"There's, something else."
"Speak, tell me. What else?"
"It's spreading to the citizens now. I saw a few, was told about others."
Bendy placed his head in his hands.
"Quickly, Boris... Go."
The wolf dipped his head and then ran out, Bendy stayed, his mind circling.
Circling around with the stress of responsibility.
He grabbed his cane and for a moment wished he could slam it into the table and smash everything in the room. But he held his cane steadily, and he let that feeling escape through his breath. He felt it crawl out of his skin as he swayed his tail. And once it was manageable he stood up, and made his way back to his room.
I'll make a public warning tomorrow... And then I'll begin looking into a way to stop its spread.
Once he was back in his bedroom Bendy fell on his bed. Hoping he would wake up. But he did not, in fact he only grew more tired.
He closed his eyes and folded into himself, wrapping his tail around to encircle himself completely. Laying frozen. Laying still. His eyes felt heavy, but he did not feel like sleeping. His mind spun endlessly with questions.
The bed shook. Bendy focused his eyes and saw Mono had joined him, the cat bending its head down and offering a well meaning lick to his face.
"Stop that..."
Mono paused and then slowly made himself comfortable nestled in the empty space between Bendy's stomach and his folded legs. Coiling up into a ball of warm fuzz. purring loudly as he laid his head against his master.
Bendy took this as his sign to stop for the night and rest. Worrying would get him nowhere after all. He knew this at heart.
Bendy gently reached down and pet Monos head. This made the cat reach up and begin to make biscuits in the sheets. Bendy watched for a moment before he closed his eyes. Feeling the world slip away from his grasp as he fell asleep.
---
Three days of back and forth from Boris, three days of Joey asking where he can be useful. Three days of searching for his missing cat.
Mono had left in the night and since Bendy had awoken those three days ago he had but one goal. Everything else could wait.
He sat on his throne, listening to personal stories from his staff. How they were concerned about the spreading of this illness. How it seemed to be getting closer to the castle by the day. 'what is the plan? we can't just hide ourselves away from it.' was all he heard. Bendy was growing fed up with it all. His mind unable to process anything without his own lingering dread that somehow he was more focused on his cats whereabouts than some illness threatening his kingdom...
It's all so much, too much. All at once.
There, stood before him currently was an older butler who served his father before him. The inky fly had been rambling on for what felt like two hours now. His hands constantly moving about. Twisting and toiling and wrapping around themselves, he looked shriveled with his age. His tone more grumbled and annoyed over how everyone else seemed to be acting about the current state of things. No semblance of concern towards what may be the worst illness to sweep the kingdom in recent history.
Bendy couldn't focus on the words this old man was saying. But each one hit his ears with enough force to cause a headache. Each nagging gravelly syllable slamming into his skull, feeling like a kick in his jaw hinge.
The urge to send the man out was overtaking any curiosity about what this butler may actually be trying to say. Bendy felt this fly's breath with each exhale between spoken words. Regardless of how far they stood apart... His mask of a calm and patient king slipping further and further with each passing second.
"This younger generation, over dramatic-"
It was far passed overwhelming now, the urge to leap out of his seat and sink his fangs into this old inky pests neck clawing at his mind like a rabid beast.
"Thank you, you may go now."
Bendy finally spoke, holding his tongue back as his frustration clawed at his soul. The butler quieted down and shrunk into himself. Fidgeting with his hands, holding a sloppy fearful look on his face before he bowed his head and silently turned to leave the throne room. Joey, who had been standing off in the corner. Walked up to his king with a slow careful pace. Bendy eyed him from the side, his inner monologue just repeating the words 'get away' over and over until the paper advisor spoke.
"Will you be seeing any more people today sire?"
"No. I'm finished with that today."
Joey's posture shifted to something more confident.
"Do you need anything of me?"
"No, you can take your leave."
"Thank you."
Joey held himself proudly and walked on, leaving through the side door. Bendy closed his eyes and hung his head with a growl. Doing his best to relax before he got up, he planned on continuing his search for Mono. As that was at the forefront of his mind.
"My king!"
A voice stopped him from even trying to stand. When he looked up to see who had called to him he found his ever dedicated composer bowing deeply in the corridor, paused as if he were waiting for permission to enter the room in full. Bendy felt conflicted on granting him that permission, but nevertheless dipped his head in welcome.
"Samuel, come in. But please-"
"I will be quick, lord."
Sammy cut Bendy off as he rushed into the room, once he got past the halfway point between the door and the throne he stopped and took another bow, and a breath. Bendy could tell he had been running around before he got here. His breaths were so heavy.
"I know you have been looking for your pet, and I may have found him."
Bendy immediately sat up straight, leaning forward and lifting himself up. His tail swishing furiously as he took a silent step towards Samuel. Who saw this and stood up from his bowing, his face a mix of a weary smile and a sickly frown.
"My lord he was outside last I saw, but he looked duller than usual."
Bendy's heart sunk and he bared his teeth and took another step. reaching back for his cane with his tail, coiling it around the shaft and pulling it to his hand to continue down the steps. Meeting Sammy's gaze as he passed the inky spider.
Samuel turned to watch his king as he left. Bendy continued on through the halls, his steps felt certain but wobbled every time his hooves hit the floor. His footsteps sounding down the long corridors and echoing off every carved detail in the walls. For a moment he heard a second set of steps sounding behind him, unsure of each step. Those stopped after a moment, Bendy pushed it aside as he continued on. Making it to the lobby and the twin staircase that lead to the front doors. He turned down the closet stairs and made his way down, down down until he reached the ground floor and steadily hurried to the doors. Pushing them open with a huff and immediately shoving himself outside. It was damp and there was a chill in the air, but none of that mattered. Bendy looked around the front yard holding a breath. The door creaked behind him, and when he turned to see who had followed him out none other than Sammy stood in the opening. Still waiting for his permission to get closer. Bendy, now facing the spider with his whole body took a step closer and held himself as tall as he could posture.
"Where did you see him?"
"The feline went back towards that side of the castle."
Samuel pointed firmly, his arm steady though his breaths were still wavering as if he were unsure of himself. Bendy followed his pointed finger and began to step into the mud, caution thrown to the wind as his feet were sucked into the marshy puddles. The rain had been relentless the last few days, making what was already a damp and muddy kingdom into a marshy landscape. Every step sent mud oozing from underneath him. Bendy determinedly trudged onward.
He has to be here.
Suddenly the smell, which hadn't truly left since his last outing. Came rushing back to greet the king once more. It was worse than before, hitting his eyes now and causing them to water.
Bendy wiped his eyes as he turned the corner and scanned the area. Mud, brown filth. An overly watered shrub, saturated from the over abundance of this mess. The amount of slick soil made his skin feel itchy.
Paw prints.
He paused to figure out where they were headed and then rushed towards that destination. His cane digging farther into the mud with each step.
Following the prints led him to the back of the castle, right under a window. Bendy looked around for a mere second before the scent punched him in the face once more. He crinkled up his nose for a moment before calling out in desperation.
"MONO!"
Silence. Nothing but the already present sounds of a wind blowing in the distance inevitably going to bring in more storm clouds in the night. The rustling of leaves from the trees in the yard. And one sad quiet bird, singing out a lonesome call.
Bendy continued into the yard, looking around until he decided to turn towards the smell. Frozen once he saw a gray cat laying against the side of the castle. 'No...'
He made his way closer to the body and fell to his knees. scanning over the holes that covered this poor creature head to toe. 'No... No it's not-'
Bendy held his breath once he saw the collar around its neck.
The studded blue strings made Bendy's world crumble beneath him. The ground felt as if it were trying to swallow him whole. His weight became too much to hold up. Reaching out to his pet tenderly.
"Mono..."
A shaking and raspy breath escaped from his decaying companion. An attempt to give one last meow. Bendy shook his head fervently and took Mono in his arms. The eraser cats skin crumbling in his hands.
"I told you, I told you to stop wandering off."
Mono, weakened and dying. Nuzzled his head into the crook of Bendy's neck. one last purr resounded throughout his cavity filled body before his breathing stopped. The purr ending soon after. Bendy held Mono tightly, unable to let him back down.
Squelching steps sounded just behind him, stopping before they reached his side.
Bendy did not turn towards face him, but he knew it would be Sammy. He felt conflicted. Unsure if he should be thankful that this devout man had told him Mono was here. He wanted nothing more than to get up right then and scream, to rip his throat and carve him in two.
Or if he should be glad he got to see his beloved pet one last time before this illness consumed him.
He held Monos head and gave it a stroke before letting himself loosen his grip. Glaring back at Samuel.
"How long had you known he was out here?"
Bendy asked, his tone full of bitterness and each word practically foaming out of his mouth.
Sammy took a step back.
"I hadn't known. Thats why when I saw him a moment ago, I came straight to you."
The king, still cradling his deceased cat, took one arm and gripped his cane with a force. Sammy watched as he stood himself up, faltering as he took those first few steps towards him.
"Go."
"Yes Sire."
Sammy wasted no time in leaving.
Leaving the scene, leaving the castle grounds. Leaving the king to himself.
Bendy shivered as he looked down at Mono, still nestled in his arms. Limp but still warm.
His eyes welling with tears from both the scent and his emotions.
"I'm sorry Mono..."
Bendy whispered, his legs beginning to shake.
"- But I can not bury you yet. You'll rest soon, but I need you a little while longer."
Once he made it back inside Bendy took to his office. Laying Mono on the desk carefully as he left to grab some supplies from his closet.
A few pieces of wood and a box of nails was all he had on hand. But it would be enough.
Grabbing a saw Bendy sat and began to cut away at the wooden planks to make them evenly sized. hammering them together into a box. He sanded down the edges and laid a cloth in the bottom. Taking his pet and tucking him into the box gently, slipping his pets collar off of his neck before offering one last tender stroke and closing the lid.
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