#auception

“And what do you think you’re doing?”

You let out a small shriek, practically jumping out of your skin. The amused chuckle that followed told you all you needed to know. “Ah- h-hi, Jester…”

“Hello again, visitor,” he said with his all too familiar calm, calculating smile. “I do believe I asked you a question. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you how… upset I get when I’m ignored.”

You involuntarily shuddered. No, you didn’t need that reminder. “Just, uh- just takin’ some notes.” You flashed a sheepish smile. “I, um- I hope that’s ok?”

His head cocked to the side, sharp grin still ever present. “Notes for what purpose, exactly?”

You wet your lips nervously. “I… I want to be an author someday…” You shyly admitted. “I have a story idea for my first book. It’s horror themed so I thought… what, uh- what better way to get tips than from a horror establishment, ya know?” You giggled, but it was not a joyful sound. It was anxious, likely from a combination of the topic of conversation and whom you were having it with.

The Jester’s eyes flashed with curiosity and, dare you say, interest. He hummed before he held out his hand. You blinked. “Huh-”

“I wish to read it, little mouse,” he clarified in a tone that made it sound as though he was speaking to a child, “I will sample your work.”

You frowned, initially wishing to refuse. You knew the Jester didn’t really like you, and you always felt a shiver crawl up your spine when you crossed paths because of it. But then you gave it a little more thought… Pierrot had told you that Jester read a lot, so it was an activity he clearly loved. You weren’t sure about favorite genres, but given where you were… you were sure he at least enjoyed horror. Perhaps, if you were lucky, he might be willing to give you some feedback? And so, with a sigh, you turned the pages of your notebook to a draft you particularly liked. He gave a satisfied nod as he plucked it from your hands.

Shattered Reflections(?) Scene Drafts? the margin read.

To be honest, Jester was not expecting much from your work; he just couldn’t picture Pierrot’s little pet as a skilled writer, but he was in a good mood and desired some entertainment. However, the more he read, these thoughts… began to change.

You watched nervously as his smile slowly faded, his face gaining a more thoughtful look to it. He lowered himself onto one of the audience seats near him as he continued to read. You watched his every move, muscles tensing further with each page he turned. Oh, this was a bad idea, wasn’t it… You wrung your hands like the skittish mouse you were as you waited for him to finish so you could take back your notebook and run on home.

"As much as I would love to see you try and fail we can't risk him getting away. Also we need him alive so we should get your fat ass off him before you crush him."

"Rude!" He shifted again

"You take the legs I do the arms."

"Fine, but only if you hold him still so I can gag him."

"Deal."

The two dishmen worked together swiftly tying his legs and arms together, effectively immobilizing him.The bindings they used were made from some kind of cream colored silky material with writing from a language he didn't recognize on both sides. The skin and fur under the wrappings felt of a slight chill and were numbed. The second the pressure on his back and the hands on his limbs left Bendy flipped himself on to his side. Glaring up at the two as he as he panted trying to catch his breath.

"Gez Mugs he got you good." The Red one looked between the two bleeding marks on the Mugs mug and forearm.

The Mugs twitched In annoyance. "I am very aware of that. Let's get that gag on the little devil so we don't get turned into porcelain teething rings."

"CUSS YOU!"

"Are you two Knights or hunters or something! I ain't never made no deals with no ones, ever!"

The dish brothers turned to the demon, shock dusted their faces for a fleeting moment.

"Well! You two here to kills me or what. You'res dish folk so don't tell me you's are poachers, sniffen out some magic ingredients!"

The red one stuck his hand in pocket to pull out a roll of gauze and toss it to his brother. Before kneeling down to the restrained demon and patted him on the cheek. "Nah toots we were paid good money to bring you in alive and in relatively good condition."

Bendy snapped at the retreating hand. "Don't tell me it's that old man that owns the Mountain club for gents. I already told him I ain't that kind of dancer. And even if I were i'd never dance for that creep!"

"We don't work with dat schmuck, we may be hitmen but we're standards." The red cup grabbed him by the shoulders and twisted him midair. Slamming his back into the hitman's chest as he wrapped his thick arms around the demon's sternum and held him tight.

"Wait! Someone's payen ya to do this right?!"

The blue dish man stalked closer to him, arms outstretched holding a strip of fabric.

"What If I can give you's something! In trade! I'll give you's something and you's twos leave me alone!"

The blue dish tilted his head and perked his eyebrow. "Oh yeah. What are you offering."

"I-" Bendy's eyes frantically swept the alleyway desperately trying to think of something, anything he could give the hitmen. "Magic! I could give ya magic! Or-or a deal, a demon deal!"

The red cup restraining him laughed sending vibrations through his rib cage. "A demon deal! Yeah right, I learned My lesson a long time ago. We got lucky! The plague killed the stupid cusser who held our contracts! Sides we already got magic."

The blue dish surged forward with the fabric gag. Bendy was barely able to pull up his legs in time to catch the man and push against him. He pushed harder causing Bendy's legs to begin trembling under the strain.

"What about money? I have money!" He cried out desperately.

"Your Highness?"

Himeno buried her face into the back of Rita's shoulder, not wanting them to see the hurt in her eyes when they're speaking like that. The higher octave, the formal speech that reminded her of her position. All that screamed innocent femininity that was nothing like the adventurer she fell in love with.

Her fingers gently traced over the center of their chest, her other hand clenching above their other shoulder as she could feel the dark magic that replaced her beloved's heart and soul. It was cruel that she one she loved was turned into a puppet unaware of the curse placed on them. Even if their feelings for her remained the same, it all still felt so wrong as she held them in her arms.

"I promise you, Rita. I'll heal you," she said quietly.

Her words seemed to have confused the noble as they looked at her, their lifeless eyes imitating genuine concern. "I'm unsure what you mean by that, Your Highness. While I am not doubtful of your skills, I don't believe there is a way to heal my illness."

Himeno clenched her jaw as she wrapped her arms around their waist, bringing them closer. She fought the tears stinging her eyes as she spoke. "It's my job as the crown princess to attempt the impossible. I swear I'll save you from this, Rita."

"Your Highness-" They were stopped when she raised a hand, placing a finger to their lips.

"Just call me by my name... please... Just when it's only the two of us."

Rita took her hand with both of theirs to lower it close to their chest. "If that is what you wish, then I will do so, Himeno-sama."