Ch. Anything But Normal
"Hehehe..." soft quacks of laughter echo around the park, birds chirping too one another as they watch cautiously as a duck wearing a blue shirt quietly positions himself to pour water on a young fox sleeping on a park bench.
"Donald! Where are you we have to get going for our show!" In the distance a mouse was calling out for the mischievous duck with a bunny following not far behind, he glanced over his shoulder cursing as he saw Mickey and Oswald running toward them. He turned back to the sleeping fox and chuckled dumping the bucket of ice cold water on top of her.
"AH! THAT'S COLD!" The young woman shouted as she was jolted awake, her dark green hair now plastered to her head as her sapphire eyes shot open wide only to turn into a menacing glare seconds later. Her lovely orange and black fur, once fluffy was now glued to her showing off her wavy figure.
"DONALD!" Mickey and the fox shouted at the same time as the mouse and rabbit slowed down to a stop, Oswald saw the fox shaking and shivering from the cold water and chuckled quietly to himself as Donald collapsed to the ground laughing.
"HAHAHAHA! THE LOOK ON YOUR FACE WAS PRICELESS! HAHAHAH!" Donald cackled as he rolled on the ground wiping tears from his eyes, after a few seconds the duck finally calmed down and stood up. Looking into the burning eyes of the fox he couldn't help but erupt into another fit of laughter,
"Donald that wasn't very nice!" Mickey said placing his gloved hands on his hips, the fox growled, "You'll pay for this duck...just you watch..."
"Karma are you alright? You still have time to go home and change before the show..." Mickey said cautiously as he watched her ring out her tail, "That's fine Mick. I shan't take long...I'll see you guys shortly." Shaking herself out, she walked away gently ringing out her delicate ears as she did. As she walked through the busy streets of Toon Town she noticed a train pulling into the station letting off passengers, 'I wonder if they all came just for the show...Man I'm FREEZING that darn duck! Oooo...is he going to pay.' Karma sighed upon reaching her quaint little house not far from where the show is to be held, racing up the stairs to her bedroom she shed the soaking clothing and changed into something more fiery. Glancing up at the clock on her wall she quickly grabbed a bag and through her scrubs and doctor's jacket into it as she bolted out the door locking up behind her.
"Karma! There you are hurry and get into position!" Mickey directed her to her spot in the line behind Mickey and the bunnies, tossing her bag to Oswald who stood along the sidelines, she got into position.
'Alright Karm, just concentrate and try not to burn anyone this time...' Karma thought to herself as the show started, her hands glowed with blue flames setting alight the wooden batons in her hands. Not a moment later the show started, keeping her distance from Mickey and the group behind her she twirled and twisted her batons lighting up the evening sky. Every now and then she would look out into the crowd to gauge their reactions, when she looked this time there was a cute little demon smiling with his friend, an adorable wolf whose eyes glowed with excitement as he watched the show. Near the end of the show, her arms started to grow weary and she had to watch what she was doing so not to burn the bunnies that danced around her. 'Oh thank heavens we're at the end, I don't think I could do this much longer!' Karma thought relieved when the show ended and she was able to blow out the batons, "Great show everyone!" Mickey said as he walked passed her patting her on the shoulder and giving her a big thumbs up. She smiled lightly grabbing a bottle of water as she walked over to Oswald to retrieve her bag, "Thanks Oswald." Karma smiled at the downcast rabbit who weakly smiled back, "Auntie Karma do you want to come to the store with us?" One of the many MANY little bunnies asked lightly tugging on her outfit, taking out her phone she looked at the time and frowned.
"Sorry bun, but duty calls. I would let your uncle Mickey know where you are going though." She smiled turning to see that Mickey had wondered over to talk to a few fans, giving Oswald a soft pat on the shoulder she threw her bag over her shoulder and jogged to the hospital a few blocks away. Only tonight was going to be anything but normal...
~ With Mickey ~
After congratulating everyone on a wonderful show, Mickey spotted a couple of fans walking up to him. Smiling to himself, he met them halfway.
"Heya boys did you enjoy the show?" Mickey said making the adorable wolf gasp excitedly.
"Y-yes Mr. Mickey!"
"Eh, it was okay..." Mickey smiled at the boys as Oswald and one of his bunny children walked up, tapping him on the shoulder.
"Uncle Mickey, me and daddy are going to the store. You want anything?" He smiled and patted the little bunny on the head and was about to say something when he suddenly heard coughing and someone throwing up behind him. His eyes widen as he turns and sees the little demon boy throwing up a black substance, he turns to Oswald having a panic attack.
"Someone get him out of here!" Mickey says as Donald runs over and drags him away as he watches in horror and sadness as the boy fights through his attack.
'Oh no...Not another one...that poor boy.' As the boy's fit comes to an end Mickey sighs sadly.
"Bendy, hold on! I'm here!" The wolf kid said trying to comfort the little demon kid.
"Are you okay? Should we call an ambulance?" Mickey asks watching as Bendy took a few deep breaths and was back to normal again, "Uh, no thanks...I hate doctors..., right Boris?"
"Huh? O-oh r-right, we had a bad experience..." Boris said nervously as he helped Bendy stand up right.
"O-oh well...alright then…Is there anything I can do for you boys? Hey I know! Would you like to join me for lunch? My treat..." Mickey said trying to smile.
"R-really?! That would be great! Thank You!" Boris jumped up excitedly causing Bendy to chuckle, "Hehe...hey Boris your inner fangirl is showing..."
~ With Karma ~
"Oh man I'm getting too old for this..." Karma huffed as she quickly changed clothes in a bathroom by the nurses' station, "Come on Karma you're taking a million years in there!" A sassy bunny nurse said tapping on the bathroom door. Rolling her tired eyes playfully she shoved her clothes into her side bag, straightened her lab coat and scrubs and walked out of the bathroom accidentally hitting the rabbit nurse in the face with the door.
"OW! WHAT THE HELL KARMA?!" She screeched rubbing her nose as she glared at the giggling fox, "I'm sorry Fanny but if you don't want to be hit then don't stand behind the bathroom door." The bunny glared at her friend before huffing and plopping down in a chair at the nurse's station, "I don't know how you could be a doctor Karm, and you aren't even old enough!"
"I'm twenty-one, that's old enough! You're just jealous because I out-rank you." Karma said chuckling as she looked over the floor charts for that night, "Yea whatever Karma...did you even go to medical school?"
"Didn't have too when you are the child prodigy of one of the best doctors around." She replied slyly making Fanny's face fluster in frustration..."Oh that's right...well good for you..." Fanny rolled her eyes playfully smirking at the young doctor as she looked over her last assignment for the evening.
"You get anything interesting tonight Karm?"
"Not unless you count the recovery ward as 'exciting" She said using air quotes. Fanny giggled, "Well you could always sing to them again...that seems to soothe them some."
"That's true." Karma said smiling just as the emergency room doors slammed open and a young man with a cup-head ran in with a young man bleeding in his arms. Both girls gasped,
"Dear Lord what happened?!" Karma exclaimed quickly running to get the young man onto a stretcher as Fanny ran up and began to hook him to IV's and something to help stop the bleeding. The young man with a cup-head was mumbling something before turning and bolting out of the emergency room, 'Well this is going to be interesting...' Karma thought as she got ready for surgery.
~ With Bendy and Boris ~
On the way to the restaurant Bendy suddenly got slammed into the wall by a young man with a cup-head, "Did you miss me? Don't worry this will be quick and painless..." he had his pointer finger pointed at Bendy's forehead as it started to glow blue Bendy did the only thing he could...he kicked the young man where the sun doesn't shine causing him to fall to his knees and grimace...
"BORIS RUN!" Bendy said running away as Boris ran from Cuphead's brother, "Why you little...so that's how you want to play it huh?!" Cuphead said getting up and chasing after the boys, his finger glowing blue as he fired a shot after Bendy who ducked out of the way causing the stray blast to hit his brother Mugman.
"M-Mugs?" Whimpering Cuphead falls to his knees as the boys stand there shocked, Cuphead rushes to his brother's side and sobs, "M-Mugs h-hang in there just l-let me, just let me take you to...Hey! Hey no! Open your Eyes! Open them now!" He gently picks up Mugman bridal style, Boris whimpers, "S-sir please let us h-help..."
"Did I say your death was going to be quick and painless? My bad I meant that I'm going to enjoy tearing you limb from limb." Cups says with glowing red eyes as Bendy grabs Boris and tries to run,
"Let's get out of here Boris, he's gone crazy!"
"B-but what about?" Boris says starting to cry as they start to run,
"He'll help him out on his own, it's not our problem." As they run Bendy notices that Boris is crying and rolls his eyes, "For the love of why are you crying Boris? They both deserve to die!"
"B-but they didn't seem all that bad s-something or someone is making them do this. I just know it...The poor guy…h-he just shot his own brother!" Bendy's glare softens as he slows the pace thinking they are far enough away. Bendy gently pulls Boris' face down to his level and squishes his face saying in baby-talk, "Who's my wittle woofy?" Boris smiles and mumbles a little as Bendy wipes a stray tear from his eye, "I can't hear you."
"Here I am..." Boris answers louder and smiling as Bendy pulls him in for a hug, "Oh my gosh Boris! Are you okay?!" Mickey shouts running up to them, "W-we heard a gunshot a-and I was so worried are you okay?" Mickey wraps Boris into a tight hug as Bendy just stands there watching the entire thing, Boris blushes and smiles as his idol comforts him.
"Aww…I missed you too buddy!" Mickey says smiling as Boris realizes what is going on and tries to play it cool.
"I-I mean what's up? So like, what you up to?" Boris says trying to act casual not realizing that he is leaning on Bendy's head, Mickey completely oblivious to Boris's sudden change just answers his question.
"We heard some loud noises, so we just wanted to check it out." Mickey says as Donald stands behind him crossing his arms, "I bet Karma's got her hands full at the hospital…"
"Who's Karma?" Boris asks innocently as they enter into a nearby restaurant where a certain black cat was sipping his tea and reading a newspaper. As they enter Mickey offers them supper before explaining about the multi-talented doctor,
"She's a doctor here at the local hospital and one of the performers in my show! We've known each other for years so we're practically siblings!" As they walk closer to the counter with Donald and Oswald pulling up the rear, the saddened bunny sees a familiar looking cat at the bar and without realizing what he was about to do he rushed up and hugged the cat from behind.
"Holy crap!" Donald exclaims as Mickey and the boys try to get Oswald to snap out of it before he kisses the cat, "Donald watch your language! Ozzy! What are you doing?!"
Finally waking up from his trance Oswald blushes and lets go as Mickey tries to comfort him, "Ozzy what's gotten into you? Are you okay? Maybe you should eat something…" pausing he looks back to the cat and apologizes, "I'm so sorry I don't know what's come over him…"
"Oh no that's alright…who can say no to a hug? Hehe…." The cat sits there blushing as Mickey directs Oswald over toward a table, Boris and Bendy look around the small shop when Bendy's wide eyes realize who's sitting at the counter. Boris notices as well and urges Bendy to go talk to him,
"Go talk to him!"
"Okay okay, I'm going…" Bendy tries to contain himself by taking a few deep breaths and casually strolls up to the counter.
"Um…H-hey Mr. Felix right? I love your books."
"Oh why thank you, I'm happy you love them Mr.….?"
"Bendy…my name's Bendy! And it's a pleasure to meet you." Felix smiles with a tinge of blush,
"It's a pleasure to meet you too Bendy, oh there go your friends…the mouse and the uh…bunny…" Felix says dreamily not really noticing as Bendy explains why they were there.
"Not really, Mr. Mickey just invited us to lunch for some reason…" He shrugged as Boris walked over passing Mickey and Oswald,
"Is everything okay Mr. Mickey?" Boris asked innocently wondering what was wrong,
"Oh everything is fine, Ozzy just needs some rest. I'll be with you shortly." Mickey says setting Oswald down at a table, "Stay here and I'll get you something to eat." Oswald sighs and starts writing on his little blackboard.
"What's this? S…o…r…r…y…? Oh you're okay Ozzy! I can't stay mad at you!" Mickey says hugging the sad bun.
Bendy and Boris sit down at a table as well and gush about how they both met their idols,
"Wow I met THE Felix! He says he's going to write another book soon!" Boris smiles a cheeky grin and winks, "Looks like we both met our idols today…This seems like a good day."
"SLAM!" Both boys look over to the door to see a very angry Cuphead, Boris's fluffy wolf ears flatten to the sides of his head as Bendy starts to pull him in the opposite direction of the crazed man.
"M-Mister? Is your brother okay?"
"Boris, No we need to get outta here!" Bendy says through gritted teeth. A few seconds later Cuphead starts to laugh hysterically and fires up his 'hand' gun. Bendy and Boris duck out of the way of his blast and dart out the door with Cuphead close behind.
Darting into a nearby alleyway they peer around the corner to see Cuphead looking for them, "No need to hide you guys…I'm just going to KILL you that's all…and I'm going to enjoy it…" With eyes a blaze he scans his surroundings before continuing his little speech, "I'll always find you…I'll make sure you never rest…Never….never…" quietly he repeats the word never over and over as he begins to sob and breakdown falling to his knees.
"A-alright Mugs let's split up. A-and you l-look over t-there r-right…n-n-no! My right you idiot! Yay teamwork! Hahahaha!" Peeking around the corner they watch as Cuphead laughs hysterically, Boris's eyes fill up with tears as Bendy just sighs trying to think of what to do. As Boris goes to take a step forward Bendy holds his arm out in front of him and shakes his head, "No bro I know what you're thinking and I'm not going to let you take such a risk. I'll do it myself." Taking a few steps out Boris nods and watches sadly as Bendy peaks around the corner only to have his eyes widen as Cuphead holds his finger to his head, glowing blue and about to pull the trigger.
"HEY! What the heck are you doing!? Are you crazy?!" Bendy yells grabbing Cuphead's hand and forcing it down toward the ground, with the most defeated look on his face and tears flowing down his cheeks he whimpers to Bendy.
"Who am I kidding? I killed him…I'm the one that needs to die…" Bendy stays silent for a moment before trying to comfort him,
"You know full well that was an accident, it wasn't your fault."
"My fault or not I still shot him….none of this matters now…it's all over…its either both of us or nothing…" a fresh round of tears starts up as Cuphead leans forward and cries into Bendy's chest, "I just wish I could have told him that I loved him you know?" Bendy wraps his arms around him in a comforting manner and just lets him cry,
'I can't imagine what he's going through…A world without Boris? That'd be awful.' After a few seconds of sobbing Cuphead goes silent drawing Bendy's attention…he listens and realizes that he's still breathing and sighs relieved.
"B-Bendy is he okay?" Boris whimpers nearing the two as Bendy stands up holding Cuphead bridal style and nods, "Yea he's just sleeping…come on we should probably take him to the hospital."
~ With Karma at the Hospital ~
It was getting late and Fanny had left already leaving you and Dovil alone for the evening, as you were making your rounds you hear faint talking echo throughout the hallway. 'That sounds like Dovil…probably another patient.' As she rounds the corner she sees Dovil talking to the young demon that she spotted briefly during that afternoon's show.
"Please don't tell him about us when he wakes up." Dovil nodded and watched confused as the demon and his wolf companion walked out the door, "Hey Dovil what was that all about?" Karma said walking up from behind making the chick jump slightly.
"O-oh Doctor, just another patient…he tried to commit suicide…poor dear…" Dovil said pointing into the room next to her at a familiar man lying in bed fast asleep.
"Hmm….thank you nurse, I can take it from here. You better get going before Fanny gives you an earful for missing drinks with her." Karma giggled watching the chick's eyes widen in surprise before quickly grabbing her bag and heading out the door, "Thanks! See you tomorrow!"
Taking a deep breath she glanced at the clock on the wall before looking out the window and watching as the sun finished it's decent. She sighed running her hand through her dark green hair before sitting down at the nurses' station and starting paperwork for that evening, every now and then she'd stretch and look at the clock.
'Wow 10:00 o'clock already? Better make my rounds,' she thought standing up and stretching her tired bones, the floor check went off without a hitch until she got to Mugman's room… 'Sniffles? Is he….crying?' she thought poking her head in and noticed that Mugman was still asleep but he had tears rolling down his cheek. Karma smiled softly and gently walked into the room so not to disturb him and stood above him placing one hand onto his forehead to check for a fever and sighed, "Good no fever…" Sighing she wiped a tear from his cheek and softly began to hum unaware of someone walking through the emergency room doors toward her station.
Singing softly to the sleeping teen she watches for any signs of abnormalities in his machines, when she turns back to him ending her soft tune she smiles softly noticing that Mugman was no longer crying but sleeping peacefully once more.
"Sigh, good no more tears kiddo…" She stands smiling and walks out of the room quietly closing the door behind her,
"You have a lovely voice Karma….it'd be a shame if anything happened to it…" Her ears perked up before folding flat against her head, gripping the door handle briefly she let go and turned toward the voice.
"Hanson…what are you doing here this late? Your shift doesn't start for another few hours…" Eyes narrowed she stared at the brawny wolf, she noticed his hair was a complete mess and his red eyes told everything, "You're drunk Hanson. Go home and come back when you're sober."
"Hmm…what pretty eyes you have Karma…you know I've always found you…very attractive…" Karma's eyes started to water, her nose wrinkling at the stench of booze on his breath.
"Sorry but I'm not into work relationships…" This angered the wolf causing him to pin her to the wall next to Cuphead's room making the young cup stir awake,
"C'mon baby…don't be like that…Here I've got something that will loosen you up." Hanson said reaching for a syringe filled with black liquid in his back pocket,
"No thanks, I have a job to do Hanson." She said pushing him away from her, Cuphead now fully awake sat up and stared out the open door as a very beautiful doctor walked by with an angry wolf stalking behind her.
Hanson grabbed her from behind, smiling as she struggled to get out of his grasp before shoving the syringe into the side of her neck. He started to push the liquid into her when he was suddenly hit over the head with something causing him to drop Karma; she pulled the syringe out and glared at it before throwing it onto the floor. A stinging sensation creeped up her neck and down to her chest making her chest burn,
"Grrr…You brat! This is none of your business kid, now get back to bed and stay there!" Hanson said cursing from the floor as he stood up on shaky legs,
"You've made it my business…now leave her alone or I'll make you regret it." Cuphead said standing protectively in front of Karma, Hanson smirked evilly as he looked behind the kid and watched Karma start to cough violently before turning and walking out of the building.
"Ma'am? A-are you okay?" Cuphead said kneeling down and shakily putting a hand on her shoulder, a searing pain shot through her neck as she nodded wearily. Cuphead looked around and spotted a bottle of water on the nurse's desk and quickly grabbed it before opening it and making her drink it, swallowing hard she held her hand up and took a few deep breaths.
"A-are you okay?" Cuphead looked at her with worry in his eyes, she looked up at him and his eyes widened…her eyes were beautiful like sapphires making him blush. She smiled and nodded, "Yes thank you sir, the pain is gone now…" she paused sizing him up noticing that he was in a medical gown, "Um…You shouldn't be up and walking around. We need to get you back to your room…" She said standing up on shaky legs gripping the edge of the counter to regain her balance. Cuphead stood to his full height and watched as she straightened herself out coming up to his chest, he started to chuckle as she directed him back to his room,
"What's so funny?" Karma said as her tail twitched.
"Nothing…it's just….you're so short! It's adorable…" Cuphead laughed sitting on the hospital bed smiling, she blushed and huffed, "I'm not short! I'm vertically challenged…" she paused, "What's your name kid?" "Cuphead but you can call me Cup." He said winking at her making her blush even more,
"Y-yea o-okay Mr. Cup…anyway…" Karma said looking over her clipboard flipping through until she got to his file, "So…how are you feeling Mr. Cup?"
"Just Cup…and I feel fine…" She watched him closely and noticed that happy smile drop to a saddened frown, she sighed and walked over pulling up a chair and sitting in front of him. He observed her closely as the pair sat in silence, she couched lightly drawing his attention, "Are you sure you're alright Miss?"
"Karma…"
"What?"
"My name is Karma…Doctor Karma…." She said casually, he nodded his head and took this time to size her up, 'She is very attractive…' Cups thought to himself drawing a blush before his eyes drifted to the spot where Hanson had stabbed her with his syringe, the spot had grown a very dark red and puffy… 'Ouch…that looks like it hurts…' Karma noticed he was staring at her neck so she tried to cover it up with the collar of her coat but it didn't work…
"Who was that man that attacked you?" Cups said after another moment of silence, her eyes widened slightly as her gaze was downcast. She sighed,
"That was Hanson Wolf…he's another doctor here…" Karma whispered the last part but Cups could still hear it, "He's been after me since I started working here…You know a new, young, single doctor how could he resist?" She said putting her hands together and mocked innocence for a second making Cups smile a little bit, "But he's a jerk, he mistreats his patients and harasses every girl that's not in a relationship it's a pain…"
"Why don't you report him?" Cups said scooting over on the bed's edge making room for her; she smiled softly and sighed again.
"I've tried but he's got tenure…" He nodded and sat in silence for a few minutes before the light ringing of a phone drew their attention.
"I-I better get that…could be an emergency…" Karma said getting up from her chair and walking into the hallway, Cups sat and just listened. After a few minutes she hung up the phone and walked back to the doorframe, she smiled from the hallway the light behind making her look like an angel.
"I have good news, Cup! You're being discharged when the day shift staff comes in." She smiles at him he smiles a sad smile, "Oh and you're brother will be able to leave as well!" His eyes widened as he stared at her, his eyes glassed over as tears threatened to fall.
"M-my b-brother is here? A-alive?" Cups stuttered clutching the blanket, with a relieved smile on his face.
"Yes but you need to get some sleep first, I'll get you up in a few hours so you both can be discharged…" she giggled sweetly, "Now get some sleep, please…I have work to do." He smiled and chuckled as she turned to leave the room, "I'll be just outside if you need anything." He nodded and laid back and fell into a peaceful slumber.
*Chapter 1 end*