Chapter Text
The still night silence stretched throughout the Sullivan Village. All was peaceful as the residents slept heavily.
At least, most of them did.
Soft cries filled the air, stirring Felix the cat awake from his light slumber. Sighing tiredly, the cat man buried his face into his pillow, and would have dragged his blanket over his head if he could. Only it was currently being hogged.
A foot nudged Felix in the back. “They’re awake.”
Part of him wanted to ask if she could help him just this once, but Felix was not in the mood for Kitty to literally kick him out of bed and remind him of their little agreement. He got to keep the “little monsters” he felt responsible for, and she’d help when she absolutely had to, but all three of them were his responsibility.
Especially during the long nights where they didn’t want to sleep.
Sitting up, Felix gave a yawn and stretch before he made himself get to his feet and walked out the room. Traveling through the house he shared with his long term girlfriend, the cat man soon found his way to what used to be the spare bedroom, and opened the door.
The crying instantly stopped, and happy little voices started going “Dada! Dada Dada!”
Despite how tired he was, Felix couldn’t help but smile as he closed the door behind him and walked over to the single crib. “Little stinkers. Did you wake me up just because you missed me?”
Little hands made grabby gestures toward him, causing Felix to chuckle as he bent over, and scooped up the wolf, angel, and demon babies into his arms.
He still could barely wrap his head around how quickly these three were developing. Only a week after bringing them home, they started walking and saying simple words. If Felix hadn’t seen them be “born”, or whatever someone wanted to call three little creatures emerging from the melted corpse of the ink demon, he’d be wondering just how old exactly these babies were.
Felix was already scrambling to keep them from running around everywhere in a village that just barely tolerated three demons living among them because their hero was caring for them. It was kinda a good thing that they were very clingy to him, but also not because the three babies barely slept, at all, which meant Felix barely slept.
Letting out another tired sigh, Felix gently bounced his three kids in his arms. “I love you guys so much but pleeeeaaaase let me sleep.”
All Felix got in response was Boris, the little wolf pup, licking his chin as his little tail wagged harder. Poor little Bendy the demon and Alice the angel kept getting smacked by their brother’s tail, but neither seemed to mind.
Laughing over the sight, Felix looked around the room. Besides the single crib (all of them screamed loudly when placed in separate cribs) in the room was a changing table, a dresser full of different baby clothes, and soft toys in the corner, which looked extremely appealing to the cat man right about now.
Well aware he probably wasn’t going to get any sleep in his own bed, Felix accepted his fate and moved to the corner of the room, before carefully collapsing on top of the soft plush toys. “Okay, you three win. Just let Dada rest his eyes, please?”
Felix wasn’t expecting much of a response. Though the kids could talk, at best they could say right now was Dada, Nana, Gra-da, ya, and no.
However, he didn’t expect for them to be absolutely silent either.
Cracking his tired eyes open, Felix looked down and watched as all three of his kids were now settled down and sleeping peacefully in his arms.
Thank GOD.
Letting out a relieved breath, Felix closed his eyes and let himself rest.
Kitty would be irritated with him when she’d wake up in the morning without him in bed, but Felix couldn’t bring himself to care. All that mattered was that his babies were finally getting some much needed rest, and he finally had some peace.
_______________________
Watching through the window, 3 year old Bendy, Boris, and Alice all watched and waited patiently. Not daring to look away in case they missed anything.
A soft chuckle filled the room before a hand gently ruffled Boris’ head, lips gently kissed Alice’s cheek, and another hand rubbed Bendy’s back. “You know you kids can go do something instead of waiting. Your Nana is making dinner, and I'm sure she'd love your help.”
Being the only one willing to look away, Alice turned to her grandad Rex with big adorable eyes. “We miss Daddy. He said he'd be back today.”
Sitting down in a rocking chair close to the window, Rex smiled at his grandkids. “He said he'd TRY to be back before the end of the week. You know how crazy his adventures can get. Might take him a bit longer.”
Boris let out a puppy-like whine. “But we want him to tuck us into bed tonight…”
“Well I'm sure your mommy can do it. She's good at tucking you in right?”
All three siblings glanced at each other, each one of them making a face over recalling how Kitty puts them to bed.
Their mommy, didn't really do mommy things. They'd see how other kids in the village would run up to their mommies who'd hug and kiss them, but their mommy didn't really like doing that. She didn't like hugs and kisses, she didn't like making them sandwiches with smiley faces in them, she didn’t like reading books with them, and she didn't like wishing them a good night.
Their daddy liked doing that. Which made them miss him more.
Noticing movement in the corner of his eye, Bendy looked back out the window, before gasping happily. “DADDY!!”
Running through the house and out the door, all three siblings squealed in joy as Felix got down to his knees and held out his arms. The cat man groaned as his kids slammed into him so hard he nearly fell over, but soon laughed while hugging the three tightly. “Hey you!! Oh my goodness I missed you three so much!”
Pulling back a little from the hug, Boris pouted. “You were gone FOREVER!”
“Was I really? Gee, felt longer than that being away from my favorite kids!”
That got all the kids to giggle as their dad got up, though noticing something, Bendy’s eyes widened a little. “Daddy! Your nose! What happened??”
Tensing up slightly, Felix rubbed at his nose and found there were still small traces of blood staining his fur. Before the cat man could try saying anything however, Rex spoke up as he came closer. “Always gotta come home with a new adventure injury huh son? You're going to make your Mom and I worry.”
Getting back to his feet, all while Boris clung to his back and giggled, Felix smiled and hugged Rex before holding onto Bendy and Alice’s hands. “Sorry Dad. Were the kids good for you today?”
With a chuckle, Rex led the way back towards the house as Felix and the kids followed. “Yeah they were fine. Honestly I don't see why Kitty thinks it's too difficult to get work done around the house with these three around. They're adorable little helpers for your mom and I.”
All Felix did was hum in response to that, choosing not to comment about Kitty.
For the rest of the afternoon Felix spent the day at his parents house and caught up with his kids over dinner. Alice talked about fishing with their uncles, Boris bragged about grandad Rex showing him how to fix things, and Bendy showed off all his drawings he made while Felix was gone. Felix happily listened to and praised his kids before telling them all about the adventure he went on and the people he met and helped along the way.
By the time dinner was over, Felix hugged his parents one more time, before taking the three siblings and heading home. However, he did make a quick stop at the flower shop before it closed. The shop owner quickly gave Felix his usual choice of flowers, all while avoiding eye contact with the three kids. Bendy, Boris and Alice were used to people doing that, though they never understood why it made their dad look so grumpy.
Leaving the shop, Bendy looked up curiously at Felix. “How come we always get flowers for Mommy whenever we go home?”
“She likes putting flowers in her favorite vase. It makes her happy.”
Tilting his head, Boris asked. “Is she not happy right now?”
“W-well no. She's a little upset with Daddy right now.”
Holding Felix's free hand, Alice gasped softly. “Ooooh, is it because you were gone so long?”
Their daddy smiled a little, but it didn't look like a happy smile to the three siblings, it looked weirdly sad. “Something like that…”
The four of them all walked in silence for a while after that, until Bendy spoke up. “Should we get flowers so mommy's happy with us?”
That got Felix to stop in his tracks before he looked down at the kids in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Mommy doesn't like to play with us, or do anything with us. If we give her flowers, will she like us?”
Felix's eyes went wide at that, and a heartbroken look came across his face as he got down on his knees to be at the kids eye level. “Aw kids… You never need to give people things to get them to like you. Mommy just, shows she cares in funny ways. Okay?”
All three kids responded with an “Okay Daddy.” And gave Felix a hug before they all finally made their way home. Felix gave Kitty the flowers, and said something softly to her that the kids couldn't hear. Kitty in response just huffed and turned her back to Felix and the kids as she went to go put the flowers in her favorite vase.
Though looking a little upset over Kitty doing that, Felix put on a smile as he herded the kids to their shared bedroom, helped them get ready for bed, and read them a story. Once he was done, he tucked them all into bed, and kissed them all good night.
After Felix kissed him on the forehead, Bendy giggled a little. “Can we all go to the park tomorrow? Mommy too?”
Handing Bendy his plush jester doll, Felix rubbed Bendy’s head. “I’ll talk to Mommy about that. Sleep well kiddo. Love you.”
“Love you too Daddy.”
Felix then proceeded to walk to the door, and closed it behind him, leaving the three siblings alone.
Rolling over in her bed, Alice hugged her rag doll as she looked at her brothers. “Do you really think Mommy will actually go to the park tomorrow?”
Boris huffed as he nuzzled his bunny plush. “No. She never wants to play with us.”
Neither Bendy or Alice argued with that. What could they say? It’s not like Kitty ever actually tried playing with them, or talking with them.
Sighing, Bendy closed his eyes and hugged his toy tighter as he tried to go to sleep.
__________________________________
CRASH
5 year old Bendy’s eyes snapped open at the loud sound. Sitting up in bed, the young demon lifted his blankets up, allowing his brother and sister to rush over and hide in the covers fearfully, right as yelling could be heard coming from deeper within the house.
Mommy and Daddy were fighting again.
They never fought in front of the three siblings. Felix always made sure they never saw it and waited for the kids to either be out of the house or go to bed before he and Kitty started arguing. Though the kids weren’t clueless. They could tell when their parents were about to fight, and how their Mommy got REALLY mean towards Daddy when she got angry.
She got angry at the weirdest things too. Mommy got mad when Daddy forgot to pick up eggs, meanwhile Daddy would never get upset when Alice forgot to put away her toys. Mommy got upset when he got a stain on the shirt she got for him, while Daddy helped Boris clean his favorite sweater after he spilled juice on it. Mommy got REALLY upset when Daddy didn’t get her the new fancy hat she wanted, but Daddy always loved the simple drawing Bendy made for him.
It always confused and scared the siblings when their Mommy got so angry at things that didn’t bother Daddy.
Covering his ears, Boris whined. “She sounds really mad tonight…”
Alice hugged her brother tightly. “She’ll stop soon. Daddy will get her to stop soon.”
THUD
All three kids gasped at that sound, and how their Dad cried out. His stomach told him something really bad was happening, so without hesitation Bendy climbed out of bed, ignored his siblings calling out to him, and hurried out of the room.
“KITTY STOP PLEASE! IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!”
“THAT WAS MY FAVORITE VASE FELIX! I HAD THAT FOR YEARS!”
“I-I’LL REPLACE IT I SWEAR!”
“REPLACING IT WON’T FIX ANYTHING! I am so sick of you acting like this! We’re one week from getting married, Felix! ONE, WEEK! Yet still you are such a wreckless, childish, LOUSY MAN! YOU CAN’T KEEP ACTING LIKE THIS AS MY HUSBAND!”
Peaking around the corner, Bendy’s eyes went wide in horror as he watched Kitty raise her hand with a rolling pin tightly in her grip.
SMACK!
Felix cried out as he hit the floor and covered his face. Blood started to drip through his fingers.
“DADDY!!”
Running forward, Bendy was about to yell at his Mommy to stop, when she suddenly turned around quickly, and swung her hand holding the rolling pin.
WHACK
Stars exploded in Bendy’s vision as he hit the floor and instinctively curled up in a ball.
It was weird, the feeling Bendy was getting. His head hurt, but so did his heart. He wasn’t sure which hurt worse.
…This weird feeling, was so familiar.
He then heard his Daddy gasp in horror and scream. “OH MY GOD! BENDY! KITTY WHAT DID YOU DO?!”
“I didn’t see him! He got in the way!”
Warm safe arms quickly scooped Bendy up and held him close. “KITTY YOU JUST HIT HIM!!!”
“THAT WASN’T MY FAULT! HE GOT IN THE WAY!”
Feeling someone gently hold his face, Bendy opened his eyes that were now spilling with black tears, and saw how his Daddy was now looking at him with big scared eyes with blood staining his face. Behind him, stood Kitty.
“Now look at what you made me do, Bendy.”
A snarl came from the little demon as he felt an overwhelming amount of rage bursting from his very soul. His body started to drip a black substance, and his clothes began to make a ripping noise. “SINNER!”
Forcing himself up, not noticing how he knocked over his Daddy or how he now towered over a horrified looking Kitty, Bendy grabbed her and pushed her until her back slammed hard against a wall.
“SINNERSINNERSINNER!!! MOMMIES AREN’T SUPPOSED TO HURT DADDIES! YOU’RE NOT A MOMMY! YOU’RE A TERRIBLE SINNER!!!”
All Kitty did in response was scream and struggle to break free out of Bendy’s grip. The demon was ready to continue yelling and roaring at her until Felix got in front of Kitty and blocked her from Bendy’s line of sight. “BENDY! LET HER GO! NOW!”
Bendy roared back. “SHE HURT YOU!!”
Wincing over how loud Bendy was now, Felix did his best to remain calm as he gently took hold of Bendy’s arm. “I know, she shouldn’t have done that, but you shouldn’t have to protect me. It’s MY job to protect you… It was my job, and I failed you. Bendy, I’m so sorry…”
Staring at his Daddy, who was now silently shedding tears, Bendy found his anger that made him feel like he was going to explode, slowly change. That anger, started to make him feel sad, so sad that it felt like it was squishing his heart.
Sobbing, Bendy let go of Kitty to instead hug his Daddy, who was now starting to get taller, or more accurately Bendy was getting shorter. Eventually, he felt how Felix scooped him up now that he was small enough and held him in his arms tightly against his chest, shushing him gently as the little demon continued to cry against his shoulder.
Then, the front door slammed shut.
Eyes wide, Felix turned and watched through the window how Kitty ran out of the front yard, and towards the village.
SHIT
Acting quickly, Felix ran towards the bedrooms, grabbed his magic bag from his room, then ran straight into the kids room. “Magic Bag, grab everything you can as fast as you can!!”
Doing as Felix said, the Magic Bag hopped out of Felix’s grip and started consuming all of the kids belongings, all while Boris and Alice watched in scared confusion. As Felix quickly got Boris to climb onto his back and scooped up Alice, the little angel asked. “What happened?! Daddy you’re hurt!!”
When Magic Bag finished swallowing up the last of the toys and clothing, Felix grabbed it and ran towards the front door. “Nevermind that! We’re going to Nana and Grandad’s house!”
The minute they were out the front door, Magic Bag turned into a horse and sped off as soon as Felix climbed on with his kids holding on tightly to him. While Boris and Alice cried and questioned what was going on, Bendy stayed silent as he held onto his Daddy and processed what just happened.
Processed what he just turned into.
____________________________________
It’s been two days since they went “camping”
At least that’s what Daddy kept calling it, but Bendy, Boris, and Alice knew better. They weren’t really camping.
They were all running.
Kitty went and tattled on Bendy to the village, and people tried to chase after them with weapons and fire.
Thankfully, Daddy and their family were faster.
Grandad Rex got all their uncles, aunty, and cousins while Daddy helped Nana Stella collect everything they needed so they could leave. Uncle Jax was a little sad he couldn’t take all his magical animals with him, but he said he was sure their friends would take good care of them, and that he was happy his whole family was safe as he hugged Aunty Essie, Inky, and Winky.
The saddest one though seemed to be their Daddy. He tried his best to hide it, but Bendy, Boris, and Alice knew.
After he tucked them in for the night in their tent, and tried to make sure they fell asleep, the minute Felix stepped out, the three siblings instantly sat up and crawled to the front of the tent to listen to their Daddy talking to their grandparents.
“Felix sweetheart, this isn’t your fault.”
“Yes it is! I should have- I can’t believe I let her-!”
“Son, you stop that right now. You are in no way responsible for Kitty’s actions.”
Oh so carefully making a little opening to peek out of the tent, Bendy, Boris, and Alice all watched as Felix paced around the campfire as Stella and Rex watched. Running his hands through his messy fur, Felix’s tail twitched. “I am responsible for my kids, Dad! For years I watched her act so coldly to the kids! For years I thought things would be fine if I just handled most of the parenting! I swore to myself she’d never get angry with them like she gets angry with me!! I kept them in a harmful environment and now I ruined everything for my whole family!! We’re all on the run from The Demon Hunting Knights and it’s all my fault!”
Firmly stopping Felix by planting her hands on his shoulders, Stella looked her son right in the eyes. “Felix the Cat you listen to me and you listen closely, young man. You are not at fault! If you want to blame anyone, blame US. We’re your parents, you tried telling us you were struggling, and we never noticed how cold and distant Kitty was with the kids. You needed us, and we FAILED you…”
Stepping into Felix’s line of sight, Rex spoke. “We’re sorry we never noticed Felix, and we’re sorry we made you feel like you couldn’t ask for help. You grew up so fast and took so much responsibility to help us and others, but you have every right to ask for help when you’re struggling. Let us help you now.”
Felix’s head dropped slightly, and to the kids' alarm, they watched as their Daddy started sobbing as their Nana and Grandad hugged him. “I don’t know what to do anymore…”
Gently running her fingers through her son’s fur on his head, Stella kissed him on the cheek. “We’ll figure it out sweetheart. Everything will be okay…”
Quickly sharing looks with each other, and seeming to mutually agree, the ink siblings cautiously climbed out of their tent, and started moving towards the adults as Alice sheepishly spoke up. “Daddy?”
Felix tensed up and kept his back to the kids while Stella and Rex turned to face them. Pulling away from the hug, Rex stepped forward with a kind smile. “Hey now, it’s far past your bedtime kids. What are you doing up?”
Not responding to their Grandad, the three siblings all watched as their Daddy was quickly trying to wipe his face to get rid of his tears all while their Nana rubbed his back.
Being the first to move, Bendy wrapped his arms around his Daddy, and was soon followed by Boris and Alice who did the same. Their Daddy became as still as a statue for a little bit, then made a weird sound that sounded like a sob and a laugh as he got down on his knees and hugged the three siblings very tightly. “I’m okay guys, I promise. I’m sorry for worrying you…”
Bendy purred softly and Alice tried her best to wipe away their Daddy’s tears as Boris spoke. “It’s okay. We love you Daddy.”
“Oh, I love you guys too. I love you so much.”
They all hugged like that for a while, both Boris and Alice continued to say comforting words to their Daddy, but Bendy stayed silent, preferring to just hold onto his family, and take in the feeling of all of them being okay.
They were all safe and okay. For now.
______________________________________________
Practically glued to their Daddy’s side, all the kids looked around the big fancy castle their whole family was walking through.
Their Grandad called it a miracle when they were actually granted permission to enter the Disney Kingdom. Their family was running really low on food supplies and it was really hard to keep a family of 12 fed. Especially when they couldn’t stop long to hunt in fear of being caught by the Knights the adults kept talking about.
They were apparently really mean people who were super scary and cruel to monsters and demons… like Bendy, Boris, and Alice. Apparently they were also super mean to people who were nice to monsters and demons. So the family were trying to find a safe place to live and hide from the mean Knights that wanted to hurt all of them.
Sure explained why their Daddy didn’t sleep much anymore. Whenever any of them would wake up at night, Felix would be sitting close by them, watching the entrance of their tent with his claws sticking out. He only ever did that when a villager back at their old home would approach them and try to say mean things about Bendy, Boris, and Alice.
When they found out about the Disney Kingdom, all the adults practically rushed all of them there as fast as possible, and Grandad Rex almost begged the guards at the kingdom border to grant them sanctuary. At first the big round mean looking guard tried saying no, but a nice guard with buck teeth and a funny laugh welcomed them all in after seeing the three siblings and Inky and Winky. He even offered to help them talk to the royal family to find a safe place to stay since he was best pals with one of the princes of the kingdom.
Low and behold, they were now going to meet the king, who wanted to see the WHOLE family.
Leading the way, Rex spoke as he held his wife’s hand. “Everyone, be on your best behavior. We need to make a good impression. If we don’t get permission to stay here we’ll all be back on the run.”
Feeling his Daddy’s hold on his hand tighten, Bendy looked up at him. He looked like he was trying his best to keep calm, though his tired eyes gave away how nervous he was. With his other hand occupied with holding Boris’, Bendy gently nuzzled the side of his head against his Daddy’s hand. Which earned the little demon a small smile as Felix squeezed his hand again but in a more playful manner.
They all soon found themselves standing in front of the large throne room doors, and watched as the castle staff opened said doors.
Deeper in the room, sitting on his throne, was the ruler of the Disney Kingdom, King Walt, an older, yet powerful looking mouse man. He spoke with a strong, yet gentle voice. “You may approach.”
Walking in with their family, the three kids all kept their heads down towards the ground as they clung to their Daddy nervously. When they all came to a stop, they listened to their Grandad speak. “King Walt, we are humbled by you agreeing to meet with us all.”
“It’s my honor to meet such a clearly loving family. I hear you are here requesting permission to settle in my land. May I ask why?”
Their Grandad answered. “We were chased out of our home by the people in our village. My son has adopted and raised three wonderful little children who we all love with all our hearts, but many people don’t see them for the children they are, and for weeks we have all been moving around to avoid being found by the Demon Hunting Knights. We’re running low on supplies, and a life on the run isn’t a life for the little ones we have in our care. Please, I beg of you, grant my family permission to take shelter in the safety of your kingdom.”
Things were quiet for a while, which made the kids feel all the more nervous.
Then footsteps echoed through the room, and king Walt’s voice spoke. “Are these the three children you’ve adopted, young man?”
Their Daddy spoke. “Yes your majesty. This is my daughter Alice, and my boys Boris and Bendy.”
“...Why, those are such wonderful names. Hello there little Bendy.”
Looking up when his name was called, Bendy was met by the sight of the king, kneeling before him, and smiling with a gentle expression that even made it look like his mustache was smiling with him. “It’s very nice to meet you. Tell me, do you have any dreams?”
“We, are going to make dreams come to LIFE, all, thanks, to you.”
Eyes going wide in terror, Bendy screamed as tears ran down his face and clung to his Daddy for dear life. “NONONONONONO!!!!!”
Extremely alarmed by this seemingly out of nowhere reaction from Bendy, Felix quickly got down to his knees and held his son who proceeded to wrap his arms and legs around him. “Bendy! Bendy, it’s okay! Sssshhhh!”
Instantly jumping in between the king and his distressed brother, Boris ignored how his sister grabbed at him and growled. “LEAVE MY BROTHER ALONE!”
As his wife rushed to calm their other grandson, Rex turned towards the king who had gotten back to his feet. “Y-your highness I am so sorry! They don’t usually act like this I swear-!”
Putting his hand up to signal Rex to stop, King Walt shook his head. “You have no need to apologize, I understand that the children are just scared. Oswald, could you escort this man to a safe quiet space where he and his children can rest while I continue discussing things with the rest of his family?”
“Yes Father.”
Unwilling to let go of his Daddy or lift his head up off of his shoulder, Bendy felt as his Daddy scooped up his brother and sister as well before they were all led out of the room. Boris was still growling despite Felix’s attempt at getting him to hush, while Alice was doing her best to hug Bendy as he continued to cry.
“I’m so sorry prince Oswald, I promise they’re just really scared right now, they’re the sweetest kids you’ll ever meet! Your father was so incredibly kind to them and-”
The prince interrupted Felix as they walked. “Hey, it’s okay. My father said he could tell that they’re scared. Here, we’re approaching a guest room. It has a bed if your kids need somewhere comfortable to rest.”
Soon, Bendy heard the sound of a door opening, and the prince saying something to someone else, possibly an employee of the castle, about getting some food and asking for his wife. He then felt as his Daddy sat down on the bed, and rubbed his back to help calm him. “Shhhhhh. You’re okay Bendy, I’m here…”
There was the sound of a chair moving, before the prince spoke again. “Poor little fella, he looks so shaken up. I know my father can be intimidating sometimes but I never expected a kid to get so spooked by him.”
“He’s, been through a lot… I’m doing my best, but lately I’ve been at a loss on what to do.”
“Have you been raising them all by yourself? What about their mother?”
Boris growled, cutting off whatever Felix was about to say. “SHE’S NOT OUR MOM! SHE NEVER WAS!”
Felix quickly tried to hush Boris again, but Alice’s soft sniffles are what got the ink wolf to quiet down. “Mommy’s are supposed to love their kids…”
Bendy could feel his Daddy hug him tighter when Alice said that. Finally daring to lift his head up, the little ink demon looked at his Daddy’s face, seeing the emotional pain, guilt, and regret in his facial expression. Trying to dry his own tears, Bendy rested his head on his Daddy again and softly started to purr.
The prince stayed silent for a long time, before he spoke with a gentle voice. “I see. I’m sorry to hear that. It’s her loss for not getting to know such amazing children such as you three.”
A new voice then spoke up. “Honey Bunny?”
“In here Tense!”
The sound of footsteps grew louder as the new person approached, and the smell of food filled the room. “Goodness, what adorable sweethearts! Oh all of you look like you need a good meal to fill your bellies.”
Alice gasped in awe. “You’re a princess…”
A sweet cheerful giggle came from the princess, before Oswald spoke. “That’s right, and she’ll be queen someday. I’d like you all to meet my wife Ortensia.”
“It’s lovely to meet all of you.”
Curiosity getting the best of him, Bendy finally turned to look at the royals in the room. He didn’t get a proper look at prince Oswald earlier, so he took in the sight of him standing tall and proud with long rabbit ears making him look taller.
However, crouching down in front of him, holding a plate with sandwiches on it, was princess Ortensia, smiling so sweetly in a way Bendy wished Kitty would have smiled at them, at least once.
What really caught his attention though was her appearance.
Staring at her, then looking up at Felix, then back at her, then back at Felix again, Bendy finally said his first sentence that wasn’t just a one word response. “Daddy, do you have a princess sister?”
Though at first looking surprised to hear Bendy speak, Felix couldn’t help but laugh along with the prince and princess at Bendy’s adorably innocent question.
__________________________________
“Princess Ortensia? Bendy is here for your afternoon tea.”
Perking up when the guard told her that, Ortensia put aside the paperwork she was doing with her husband, and gave him a kiss on the forehead as she got up from her seat. “I’ll be back in a little bit honey bunny.”
With a smile on his face thanks to that kiss, Oswald waved to his wife as she left. “Say hi to Bendy for me, good luck getting him to talk!”
Rolling her eyes, Ortensia waved back before she left the room and started heading to her and her husband’s living quarters in the castle where Bendy was waiting.
It’s been 5 years since Felix and his family moved into the Disney Kingdom, and they all have settled in pretty well. Felix’s brothers have gotten jobs around the kingdom and have been wonderful members of the community. Felix’s parents live a nice retired life in a cabin they dreamed of building years ago and now share with their eldest son and his kids, while Felix himself worked as an assistant for Oswald.
Over the past few years, the cat man had become a very dear and beloved friend to Ortensia and Oswald. They watched as Felix worked so hard to do his job AND juggle being a single parent to three demons. Sure he had his parents and brothers help, but he still shouldered a lot of responsibility on his own and never wanted to be a burden, even if it meant dealing with a lot on his own.
It wasn’t until Boris was having a fit that Ortensia managed to calm him down, that Felix started accepting help from the prince and princess. He even started opening up to them more about the things he’s been through and how hard it was raising kids with a toxic partner, in a village who just barely tolerated the kids because he was their “hero”, which they had no hesitation turning their back on the moment Bendy was forced to defend him.
It still angered Ortensia and Oswald to this day thinking about all the unnecessary garbage Felix and his whole family had to deal with in that lousy village. The princess was glad they were all safe in the Disney kingdom.
Still, things from the past tend to linger, and cause problems in the present.
Opening the door to her living quarters, Ortensia smiled as she spotted Bendy sitting in his usual spot on the couch. “There’s my smiley boy.”
Bendy blushed and pouted silently at Ortensia, though he didn’t protest when the princess kissed his forehead and sat beside him.
Ever since coming to the kingdom, Bendy wasn’t very talkative. Felix said he used to babble on all the time as a little boy, but after lashing out at Kitty, he had become very quiet and only spoke when he had to, like at school. Speaking of, school was why Bendy and Ortensia had these little get togethers.
Pouring a cup of tea, Ortensia offered it to Bendy. “Did you have a good day at school today?”
Taking the cup, Bendy shook his head no.
“Oh dear, were the kids being mean again?”
Nodding, Bendy took a sip of his drink, before sheepishly speaking. “They threw my sketchbook in the river… Boris and Ellroy got in trouble for beating them up while Alice helped me fish it out.”
Ah, that explains why Ellroy came back to the castle earlier than expected today. Mickey, Goofy, Oswald and Felix were probably going to get together and talk about that later to figure out how to handle the situation.
Pushing that thought aside, Ortensia frowned in worry. “Were your drawings ruined?”
Sniffling, Bendy pulled out his sketchbook and handed it to the princess. “Some of them…”
Taking the book into her hands, Ortensia started flipping through it and checked the damage. The pages had dried, but they were a bit wrinkly thanks to the water, and some of the drawings had bled and turned into messy blobs. “Oh sweetie, I’m sorry they did that. I don’t understand why they do that to you.”
Putting his drink aside, Bendy wiped at his eyes, and reached over to flip through the pages of his sketchbook until he reached the last page.
Though a bit smudged thanks to the water damage, Otensia could make out a few of the drawings scribbled all over the page. Dark figures with expressions of despair and anguish, hands holding medical tools, Bendy in his taller and more demonic form, and some strange figure of a man with his face scribbled out standing before a large mechanical device.
It was, quite disturbing to look at.
Hugging his knees, Bendy softly spoke. “I keep having dreams of these things, ever since the day that changed everything. Bad things happening, people doing things to other people, monsters reaching out for me, and this same man either always saying I’m his dream brought to life, or calling me a mistake and a monster… The kids at school are scared of me because of this.”
Closing the sketchbook and handing it back to Bendy, Ortensia then pulled him closer, and started to softly purr. “They had no right to do that, even if they found your art scary, it’s not an excuse to be cruel.”
Staying silent, Bendy hugged her back and did his best not to get weepy to avoid staining Ortensia’s dress, even if she insisted she never minded. After a few minutes of sitting like this, the princess then spoke. “Your art skills are improving, you know. One of these days we should have you paint a royal portrait for us.”
That got the little demon to snort a little as he and Ortensia pulled apart. Seeing how he thought she was joking, Ortensia continued. “I’m serious! I’d be proud to have your painting hanging in the castle halls someday.”
Gently tilting Bendy’s head up to make sure he was looking right at her face, Ortensia smiled. “You may meet people in your life who will think negatively about you, that’s unfortunately inevitable for everyone, but you must always remember that you are a wonderful, brave, and talented little boy who loves his family to the moon and back. Always believe in yourself, believe in what you can do, and never forget you are loved.”
Just like that, Ortensia got Bendy to smile that sweet happy smile she adored so much.
Things in life were rough, and she doubted it would get much easier as Bendy, Boris, and Alice got older, but she was glad she was blessed with the opportunity to be there for them now.
She hoped her words offered them comfort and gave them strength in the future.