I'm so sorry for the delay, I've just been a bit focused on other things at the moment, like college 👀 But also, thanks for all the questions that I've received so far! I have to finish replying to some, but thank you so much nonetheless!

Art by me!

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'Rinnng! Rinnng!'

The phone began ringing, alerting the Neighbor as he rested his newspaper down and got up from the couch, walking past the others as he made his way to the phone.

"Hello?" The Neighbor waited for a response from the person on the other line.

...

"..Yes.. he's here.."

...

"..Ok, I'll get him .." The man responded, before calling Bendy down. The little demon came running down the stairs with curiously on his mind. "Yes?" The neighbor handed him the house phone. "There's someone who wants to speak to you."

Bendy's brows furrowed. Who could possibly want to speak with him? Felix? Hopefully not Boris and he highly doubted it was Alice. He took the phone from The Neighbor and placed it close to his face to hear the person.

"Hellloo..?" He timidly spoke into the phone. A guy with a western accent responded on the other side.

"Hello, is this Bendy the Dancing Demon by any chance..?"

The demon was a bit hesitant before answering. "Y..Yes??"

A moment of silence rang from the other side of the phone, leaving Bendy confused. "Uh.. hello?"

"Sorry sorry! It's just.. Are.. are ya really sure?" The person finally spoke again. "Are ya really Bendy?" They sounded desperate.. but why? Bendy repeated his reply. "Yeah, I'm Bendy.. but, who are ya? And how'd ya know my name?"

"Oh- My mistake! I should've introduced myself first." The person apologized, taking a second to composed themselves judging by their emotional, but relieved tone of voice. "Folks around here call me Bandit and truth is, I've been looking for ya my whole life!"

Bendy stood there. What did he mean he's been looking for him? For what reason?

"Hold on.. For me?? Why? Who are ya exactly?" The demon didn't want to sound like he was attacking, but he definitely wanted to know what was going on and who this guy was. "Ok, ok! How about I tell ya how I found ya in the first place and why I'm here. Please I beg of ya, don't hang up."

Bendy debated for a few moments. Maybe he should give this person a chance. He'd be lying if he'd say that he wasn't interested in this person's story. But even so, Bendy didn't think he should let this unknown guy off the hock, especially since he said he's been looking for him. What did he want? And with Bendy for that matter.

Despite all of these questions running through the demon's head, he came to a conclusion and sighed. "Alright.. explain yaself." The request was subtle, but it was no less different than a demand. The person, the one who calls himself Bandit, smiled on the other side in relief. "Can do!" He cleared his throat.

"So, I wanna start by askin': Ya probably already aware of the man: Joey Drew, correct?"

The demon froze at the very familiar name.

"Yeah.. yeah, o-of course I know him... What about him?"

"Well, many years ago, Joey Drew had an idea one day. He thought about doin' a kinda side project to his work he was already workin' on. I'm guessin' that bein' yaself, of course, right?"

Bendy raised an eyebrow. "Yeahhh.. but how do ya know about that?"

"He told me himself. Yaself and ya other friends were made from what they call.. The.. Ink Machine, right?"

The demon became more and more hesitant to respond. Has this guy met before Joey before? I mean.. it really wasn't a secret to how cartoons are made, but it made Bendy feel a little more suspicious, despite it all. Was he even telling the truth?

Bandit suddenly realized what he said and apologized again. "Oh- I'm sorry again! I'm gettin' ahead of myself! L-Let me continue.

So his idea, was to make a whole other place with a new idea in mind for a new cartoon. At the moment, his process of makin' the whole thing was secret, from everyone and his current employees.

He decided to go western, an interesting choice, but he thought that it'd be cool. His form of new characters he had in mind was different however. This time, he thought it would be interesting to make puppets instead."

'P..puppets? Joey.. made puppets?!' Bendy thought, as more questions danced through his head now that this new information was being given to him.

"So.. ya tellin' me, that Joey made puppet cartoons and he didn't tell me, Boris, Alice or anyone he was originally workin' with?" "No no." Bandit corrected him. "He made wooden puppets, ones that live by strings and stuff."

"Y.. Ya serious, right?" "I am, Bendy! But now that ya know that, I'll explain who I am." Bendy decided to remain quiet as Bandit continued speaking.

"So at the time, his new secret cartoon was named Showdown Bandit, that's me!"

"... So-"

Bendy stopped himself and thought for a moment, letting that part sink in. "So ya were part of Joey's creations?" "That's right! So is everyone here where I live! In Showdown Valley!"

"... I.. I can't believe this.." Bendy said to himself, slapping his free hand on his forehead. "It's true I tell ya! But ya know the craziest thing about all this is?" "And what is that?"

"Joey claimed me as.. ya little brother.."

Bendy froze. "Ok.. now ya jokin'.. Ya gotta be jokin'.." "But I ain't, I swear I'm not! The man declared that we're brothers. He wanted'ta tell ya. He wanted to tell everyone before he.. he.. He left before he could.. But he didn't want to keep all of this a secret forever."

The little demon stood silent. He needed a minute to take everything in. So, Joey was in the process of making a separate cartoon show and didn't tell anyone. He made puppets to be the ones featured in it and one of them turns out to be Bendy's younger brother. He.. he did ALL of this.. and.. and he didn't tell Bendy.. and not even Henry?!

Everything was so hard to believe, to even take in all at once. And after all these years Bendy nor anyone else in his studio never knew, until years later when Bandit finally found him..

".. so.. how do ya feel?" Bandit spoke up reluctantly, both concerned and curious about the cartoon's reaction to everything he was just told. "I.. I don't know how to feel right now.." "It's a lot'ta take in, I know. I'm so sorry ya had'ta wait this long'ta hear it."

Bendy said nothing as his mind was still processing everything, like a updating screen trying upload data into it's system. The small cartoon suddenly thought of a question he needed ask. "So.. what else did Joey tell ya about me?" Bendy just wanted to know. He just wanted to know more now. He needed to know if this guy was actually being real about all this.

"Well, he said that yaself and ya friends were made in some sort of "Ink Machine"? I think that's what it was called. I remember, he told me so much about ya! He told me how much ya hated the little skirts and dresses he made for ya. He told me how ya had trouble gettin' along with some of the other cartoons. He even told me how much ya love to draw. Now that sounds excitin'! I would really love'ta see ya drawin's! Oh! And I also remember he tellin' me somethin' about ya always wanted'ta start a.. Movement Rights Act for cartoons with.. different sexualities?? I think that's what he said."

"... so.. everythin' is real.. everythin' y.. ya said is true.." Bendy said quietly to himself. There was no way anyone else would have known those things, at least the last part. The only people who ever knew about that silly idea was Joey and Henry, no one else. The little demon remembered the first time he thought about that movement, but Joey rejected the idea completely and Bendy was too afraid to tell anyone else, besides Henry. At the time, he was scared of what people might think of him because of the thought he had. So all this time, he kept it to himself, burying the idea in the back of his head, almost forgetting about it, until this person, Bandit, finally made him remember.

"Of course everything I said was real!" Bandit commented, confirming that he did in fact, hear Bendy. "There would be no way that I would make this up! Ever since Joey told me about ya, I was so excited'ta finally meet ya! And now I have!"

"What if... I meet ya in person?" Bendy asked suddenly.

Bendy needs to see it. He needed to see all of what Joey has created behind everyone's back to truly confirm this was real. He needed to see Bandit.

"My word, that would a splendid idea! Oh- but I'd have to clean up my home a bit first. This place ain't all that fancy after all." "T-That's ok. Where do ya live? I can come a-" "Its alright! I can send a carriage for ya!"

Bendy blinked. "A.. what?" "A carriage! I'll send one to pick ya up." "Ya.. ya serious??" "Absolutely!"

"A.. alright. Um.. when will ya bring it?" "Tomorrow?" "Ya.. y-ya wanna bring one tomorrow?" "Sure thing! If that's alright with ya." "No! I-it's fine."

A second of awkward silence came from the demon, unable to know what to say. "Uh.. also.. how exactly did ya find me?" Bendy asked as he finally came up with something else reasonable to ask.

"Oh! Well I can definitely assure ya, it wasn't easy. Sure, I heard of ya from Joey himself, but that didn't help me about where ya could be, especially since he.. ain't here anymore.. So I had'ta look for ya myself and it took me quite a lot time. But eventually, I found one of ya friends and he told me where ya were. I think his name was.. Boris, right? That ring a bell?"

Bendy sighed deeply. "Yup, that's.. him." He figured that would be one way Bandit would find him. Only Boris. He's always been too much of a nice guy.

"So um.. I guess I'll see ya tomorrow then huh?" "Yup! I'll send the carriage for ya! It will arrive at noon! I can't wait'ta finally meet ya in person!" Bandit replied with excitement in his voice, practically jumping for joy.

"Heh, y-yeah.. I'll.. see ya tomorrow then." Bendy said his goodbyes. "See ya tomorrow too brother!" Bandit said with a smile. Then Bendy hanged up the phone.

Brother...

Brother...

Brother...

The same word echoed through Bendy's head as he stood there, trying to make sense of everything he had just heard. He... has a brother.. A long lost younger brother.. and he never knew till now. This will have to get some getting used to.

As the demon remained in deep thought, he clumsy found his way to the couch and sat down next to the Neighbor, who was still reading his newspaper. He glanced down at Bendy and noticed his focused in thought expression. "Are you alright? What happened on your phone call?" The Neighbor asked concerned.

"I have a brother.." Bendy responded, not looking up at the man's face.

"You WHAT?!!" Cuphead and Mugman exclaimed in unison. Bendy looked up and saw that the cup brothers were also here on the couch too. "I don't ever remember you having a brother!" Mugman added. "Well apparently, I do now or, I guess.. I always have."

Cuphead felt just as baffled as his brother. "You have to joking right? There's no way you really have one. I mean-" "Listen.." Bendy protest. "It's hard for me to believe too, but I do, alright? I just talked with him on the phone and apparently.." Bendy got up from the couch as he began ranting, using his hands dramatically to explain.

"Joey never told me, or anyone else about this, and now it turns out that I have a younger brother that has been lookin' for me his whole life!" The demon exclaimed to the three, sitting quietly on the couch. "And now, I'm seein' him tomorrow after all this time! I don't know how it's gonna go, but man, I sure hope I find some answers and explanations on why Joey had to hide all of this from me! Ya had one job Joey! I don't know why that's so hard for ya to understand!" Bendy sighed deeply in the end. The three on the couch just looked at each other with mixed emotions.

"Well.. I think this is great news for you." The Neighbor reassured the cartoon demon. "How do you feel about having a brother?" "..We'll..uhhh.. nervous? It's all still new to me, ya know? He said he'd be bringin' a ride for me tomorrow at noon."

"Do you know how long your staying there?" Mugman asked. "Probably a day. I just really need to see this for myself." "Well then you better pack for your trip." "Yeah... OH YEAH! I gotta!" Bendy then ran upstairs, passing Fran and Freddy on the way to pack, and leaving the Cup brothers and The Neighbor on the couch to process what just transpired.

"What's wrong with Bendy?" Fran asked curious by the little cartoon's sudden actions. "He's got a brother and their meeting tomorrow so Bendy went to go pack and he freaking out over it." Cuphead managed to say in one breath. The bear and the girl stood motionless for a moment.
"...What??!" They finally exclaimed at the same time.

^^^^^^^^^

The next day:

"Are you still sure about this?" Freddy asked Bendy as he waited outside with everyone else. "Positive." The demon shortly replied, not taking his wandering eyes away from any sign of the carriage he was promised. It was almost noon and the demon was ready and packed for the day to come. All he needs to do now is wait... with everyone else outside since they decided to wait with Bendy.

The Neighbor had a pair of binoculars he used to look for the right vehicle. As the group continued to wait and talk, it was now 10 minutes past noon. The demon started to think that maybe all of this was just a bunch of-

"Is that a carriage?" Sal noticed the old moving vehicle coming their way. Everyone looked in the same direction. "It certainly is." The Neighbor concluded with his binoculars. "Hey Neighbor, can I see those?" The man handed Bendy the tool as he used it to see the incoming vehicle. It was a western looking carriage that was being pulled by a.. puppet horse?? Bendy could not believe it.

"...well *honk*.." Bendy expressed with his failed attempt on trying to swear. Bandit was right.

The carriage's big wheels stopped as it pulled up in front of the house, as Bendy decided to approach it hesitantly. "Is this the home of Bendy the Dancing Demon?" The puppet driver asked. "That's.. me." Bendy replied nervously. The driver took notice of the demon, his eyes widened. "It's you.. my gawd it's really you.." He said. "No one believed Bandit would find you after all of these years, but it looks like he really did. Wow.. Joey's first creation.. it's an honor to meet you in person." "It's.. an honor to meet ya too..?" The demon said through nervous chuckles.

The puppet driver came down the carriage and opened the passenger door for Bendy. He was dressed in an western fashion, wooden and a bit old looking. But one of the things that stood out the most to Bendy, was his strings. The strings that were connected to his joints. The strings that seemed to led to.. somewhere.

"Bandit is very excited to meet you. He told everyone how nervous and happy he was to finally meet find you." The wooden driver smiled. The demon gave shy smile back as he carried his small luggage and started climbing into the vehicle, then he turned around to the group.

"If I ain't back by tomorrow.." He told the gang. ".. call the police." The group understood and the driver was left questionably confused. The others said their goodbyes as the puppet closed the passenger door and hooped back on his seat at the front of the vehicle, riding away to their destination.

^^^^^^^^^

It felt like an eternity for the little demon riding in the old western carriage, as he sat in his seat bored and a bit tired. But in the end, he didn't regret his decision about any of this. Sure, he had no idea what was coming for him, but he left ready enough for almost anything.

The demon looked out the window to see.. desert? With a few cactus here and there. And for some reason, it was kind of dark too, despite it being only the middle of the day. Where the heck was he??

Up ahead, he noticed a little town.

The lights in some of the surrounding town help with the darkness. However, it did make the rusty old western buildings and places a little more mysterious, but honestly, it intrigued the little guy more than anything.

He then noticed a big rusty sign that said:

Welcome to Showdown Valley

The demon then noticed a big group of puppets waiting by the entrance. Where they all waiting for him?!

"We're here." The wooden puppet notified Bendy. The carriage suddenly came to a stop as the driver jumped down from his seat and once again opened the passenger door for Bendy. Hesitantly, the little cartoon walked out with his luggage.

The question in his head was answered when the group suddenly approached him, some looked shocked, some looked excited to see Bendy. The puppets all looked western as well, judging by their appearance. They all greeted him and asked questions about him actually being Bandit's brother. Some were excited that they had finally met Bendy, and some were amazed by the fact that Joey's first creation he had no strings. Through all the comments, Bendy could only reply a "yes" or "no" and a weak smile.

"You must be Bendy, right?" A lady puppet suddenly spoke up, making the crowd go quiet.

The little demon looked up to see the lady. Her eyes slightly glowing under her olden western hat's shadow, making her look a bit more mysterious. "Y-yeah, that's me." He stammered, unsure of how to reply to his current situation right now.

She moved through the crowd, until she was in front of Bendy. "I'm glad you made it. Bandit has been high over heels for you all day. Poor thing couldn't contain himself, he's even been trying to fix up place for you." "Oh.. really?" Bendy attempted smile. "That's right, but enough of that, name's Lorelei Undertaker. I'll escort you to Bandit now."

She apologized for the sudden interruption and informs everyone that Bendy was going to meet his brother now. The residents of the town understood as Undertaker and Bendy walked in silence. The little demon breathe a sigh of relief, gripping his luggage strap tightly. Did Joey really make all of this? It still was so mind boggling. Though, Bendy couldn't tell what was more crazy, the fact that Joey made this behind everyone's back, or the fact that he has a younger brother.

"Sorry about all that commotion." Ms. Undertaker spoke up, looking down at the smaller demon. "They're just all excited to see you." Bendy blinked. "Oh- no no! I-it's alright! They weren't much trouble." It was silent for another minute before Undertaker spoke again.

"If I must ask.. What was your experience with Joey Drew? I'm only asking out of curiosity."

Flashbacks and memories came in and out of the little demon's head, both good and bad, as the question lingered in his mind. All the things he did.. The person he was.. Should he lie? If Bendy had to be honest, he had and still has total mixed feelings about the man. Bendy sighed. "He was... an interesting guy.." The demon managed respond. "He.. kinda felt a dad to me sometimes.." Undertaker hummed. "I see.. I definitely agree, he was indeed an interesting man. Sometimes, it felt like his head was somewhere else, somewhere far, ya get me?" Bendy thought for a moment. Though it wasn't hard to pin point what she meant, Bendy knew or at least had an idea of what she was talking about.

"Yeah.. I know whatcha' ya mean." "But I will say, he also did seem like a father figure to Bandit at times. The man seemed more... fixated on him then the rest of us at times. I guess, back then, he just really wanted him to "play his part" more, as we would say it around here. He never had much trouble doing so, till.." Undertaker stopped herself. "Never mind.."

Bendy was left with more questions, confused by what Undertaker meant. "Play your part?" What does that mean? What.. happened?

"I will say; things have changed since the man was here. Things that I don't think you're aware about, considering you've never heard of this place till now." Things have.. changed? What did that also mean? Did Joey do something? "I would explain everything, but Bandit volunteered to do the telling to you."

The two walked inside one of the old buildings. It wasn't any better from the inside. The place was littered with dusty old boxes and other different scenery. But most importantly, it was still dark like outside, say for a few lights here and there, big and small, illumining areas of the rooms.

They walked through a hallway with different doors, each step they took made the wooden floor board creak,

Eventually, they went though one of the doors. As soon as they entered, Bendy heard distant talking between two people. And as they walked further into the room, the cartoon could heard them better.

"And you're certain this person is your brother?"

"I tell ya! I'm certain it's him! No doubt about it! I heard him over the phone and he sounds amazing! But ya know.. I'm kinda nervous.. What if.. W-What if he doesn't like me?! Do I look presentable enough??!"

"Bandit, you've asked me this more than once today and my response is still the same: You look alright."

As the two turned a corner, Bendy was finally able to see the ones talking. The first one was behind a counter made from wood and iron. He too had that mysterious shadow under his glowing eyes and wore a beige tanned apron, orange tinted glasses and had strings attached to him. Undertaker then cleared her throat, catching the other two puppet's attention. The second puppet turned around, his eyes catching the little demon. He wore a cowboy-like attire, topped with a cowboy hat and boots.

"I believe you have some company Bandit." Undertaker said to the puppet cowboy, moving aside. The demon stared up at the cowboy. The other had his eyes fixed on the smaller demon too.

Bendy walked closer to Bandit, they're eyes not leaving each other's for a second. Everything was silent as the two took a moment to look at each other, head to toe. Bandit was the first to speak.

"A-Are... are ya Bendy?" He asked, clearly nervous, fiddling his hands together.

"I..  I am.. N.. Nice to meet ya.." Bendy gave a small smile, feeling a bit nervous himself.

Bandit said nothing. He felt overwhelming emotion, but mostly happiness as everything hit him all at once. He smiled from ear to ear, Bandit couldn't be more happier right now.

"YEE-HAW!! I'm so happy to finally meet ya!!" Bandit exclaimed, scooping Bendy off the wooden floor and hugging him tight. "Wow ya strong.." Bendy attempted to say as his body felt like it was being crushed slowly by a lovable hug. "Oh oh! Sorry!" The puppet heard the demon, setting him back down as Bendy chuckled.

"So.. ya must be Bandit huh? I'd never thought this would actually be happenin', when ya.. called me over the phone that is.. I thought ya were jokin' with me." "Ya know.. if I'm bein' honest.. same here. I thought I would be ready for this, but I guess I wasn't."

"Not to mention, you were hyperventilating on the floor, in your hat, for 25 minutes, when Undertaker told you he was on his way." The male puppet behind the counter commented about Bandit. "Doc! Don't tell him that!" Bandit exclaimed, feeling flustered, making Bendy chuckle again. "It's alright." He assured Bandit. "Bandit, didn't you have something to show Bendy?" Ms. Undertaker says, reminding the puppet of what he wanted to do. "Oh- That's right!" Bandit then excitedly grabbed Bendy's hand and led him outside.

"Where we goin'!?" The demon asked, gripping his luggage as the puppet continued to lead him. "To my place! I wanna show ya somethin'!" Soon, they entered another building, almost the same as the other one they were in as they walked through another hallway of doors.

The brothers then entered a room with cases that looked like they could be used for storage, an opened case on the wooden floor, a long wooden table with scattered pictures and papers on it, and a few lamps that illuminated the shadowy darkness of the room. "This is ya room?!" "It's my place overall." "But- there ain't much here!" "I don't got much to begin with, that's why. But besides that, there's things I wanna show ya." Bandit walked over to the table and Bendy followed. The demon looked at the arrangement of pictures first, picking up one. The cowboy brought one of the lamps closer to Bendy for him to see better.

The picture showed Joey Drew and every other puppet in the town, including Bandit. He looked so happy. "My god.." Bendy mumbled as he took in everyone's faces, including Joey's. "That was years ago.." Bendy looked up at Bandit, putting on a small smile as he continued. "That was right before he told me that you were my brother.." He picked up another picture from the pile and gave it to Bendy. This one showed just Bandit and Joey smiling together. "He sat me down one day and told me that I had a brother. I can't remember the last time I felt that overjoyed.."

Bandit found himself needing a second, then continued. "I've wanted' ta meet ya for a long time.. I don't know why Joey didn't let me see ya sooner.." The cartoon looked at Bandit once again. "Ms. Undertaker.. she told me that yaself and Joey were close, that he felt like a dad to ya too.. She.. she also said somethin' about Joey really wanted ya to.. play ya part?"

That comment made Bandit's eyes widen. "She also told me ya had things to tell me..?" The puppet reminded quiet. This made Bendy concerned, but even more curious.".. Ya ok?" Bandit turned his head away, and sighed sadly.

"Ya deserve to know everythin'.. everythin' that's happened.." He turned his head to the smaller demon with sad eyes. "So.. what did happen?" "First, I'll go into detail about how this place can'ta be.." Bandit cleared his throat once more.

"As I've told ya already, when we first talked on the phone, Joey had an idea to make a separate cartoon show with wooden puppets that used strings." Bandit stopped for moment. "But I lied when I said Joey made all of this by himself.. because he didn't make everythin' alone.. he hired two other people to work with him."

"But.. why didn't ya say that from the beginnin'?" Bendy asked. "I-It's not that I wanted to lie, it's just.. I didn't want to think about them again.." The cartoon looked confused. "I'll explain later.." Bandit continued. "Their names were Carl and Buddy. They worked with Joey to get the placed built and the characters made. Ya probably wonderin' how that was even possible right?" Bendy nodded, already having some sort of idea. "Well.. they made the life size puppets, mostly thanks to Carl and Buddy and then.." "By any chance.." Bendy asked suddenly. "Did Joey use a book called "The illusion of livin'" by any chance?" Bandits's eyes widened again. "Yes.. yes he did!" The demon nodded, eyes averted away. "Ya don't need to explain yaself further about that. I understand."

If Joey used that book, Bendy could only think he used some sort of ritual for these puppets to become sentient. He sighed to himself internally. God damn it Joey.

Bandit hummed in response, then continued with his story. He picked up another photo on the table and gave it to Bendy. It was of Joey, Carl and Buddy standing beside the sign that Bendy saw when he first arrived. "The town was named "Showdown Valley", based off of me." He said. "And as the show started, our roles were givin' and were expected to be played." Bendy stayed quiet.

"Ms. Undertaker was meant to take care of the graveyard. The Banker would take care of the bank. Doc, the other puppet ya saw earlier, is the doctor for us puppets and then.. there's me. Bandit. A criminal, a robber.. technically a bad guy, yet the show was about me.. But there was also a clown.." "A.. clown?" Bandit nods, a small smile appearing on his face.

"Yup.. a clown." He hands Bendy another photo from the table, showing a man in a blue and red clown costume. He wore a sad smile as he stood next to Bandit, who on the other hand looked more nervous and a bit scared of the clown. "It was actually Buddy in a clown suit." Bandit said. "But when he was dressed in that, they called him King Bubu." Bendy snorted at the name, before apologizing. "S-Sorry sorry." "It's alright. At first, it seemed like he was havin' trouble adjusting to the clown getup, but soon he seemed to enjoy it a bit." "Besides yaself by the looks of it." Bendy added as he gestured back at the picture in his hand.

"Well.." Bandit rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I also got adjusted to his clown role over time. I thought he was pretty good at it and.. soon, me and him became friends.." The puppet's voice trailed off into a sadder tone again and Bendy noticed this. "What's wrong?" He asked. "..Soon, there were rumors that Buddy committed a crime.. and no one would believe him when he said he did nothin'.. except for me.."

"But.. what did he do?" "I wasn't sure.. but he pleaded with everyone that he was innocent, includin' Joey, but no one listened, except me.. I didn't think he did anythin' wrong, I kept tellin' him that, I even tried to convince everyone else.. but no one listened.." "Not even Joey?" Bandit shook his head. "I tried'ta tell him that Buddy would never commit such an act, but he wouldn't believe me either. I was at a loss, I didn't know what' ta do. All I could think of doin' was bein' there for him.. but I started' ta noticed.. he looked so sad or.. depressed, all the time.. I wanted' ta do somethin' to make him feel better, I wish I could of have done more for him.."

Bendy looked at the photo in his hands, then back up at Bandit. "Then what happened..?" Bandit said nothing as he began rummaging through the pile of photos and papers, until he found it. He looked it over one last time with a clear sad expression written on his face, then handed it to his brother. It read:

To anyone reads this,

I'm sorry for the mess I've caused over this small town. I never wished for this nor did I attempt to cause any sort of crime the town thought I did. I did nothing wrong, but if this is what everyone wants, I can't say no to that. I'm sorry for making this decision. I'm sorry for leaving whoever still cares behind. I'm sorry Bandit, for leaving you behind. I know how much you cared and wanted me to keep my head up high, but I can't do it anymore. I'm so sorry. I hope after I've done what I have to, you'll continue doing your best on your end. Good luck out there, partner.

-Buddy

Dismayed, the little demon slowly looked up at Bandit, who had his eyes focused on a photo in his hand. It was another group picture of everyone in town, the creators and Bandit and Buddy. "I was the first to find him hangin' on that one cold mornin'.. I'll never forget it.." Bendy was stunned.

"And after that day.. there was one death after another.. Joey and Carl didn't know what' ta do.. no one in town knew what' ta do.. I didn't know what' ta do.. So we had to.. cancel the show.." He brought the picture closer to see it better. "Everyone ya saw when ya first arrived was just about everyone left here in Showdown Valley.." "But.. that wasn't a whole lot of people." "Exactly.." The puppet responded, feeling empty as he recalled many horrible memories.

"I remember the days when there were more of us.. when there was a show to put on and I was the star.. when there was a purpose to livin'.. but Joey kept me and everyone else remainin' alive.. because of me.." "What..? What do ya mean?" Bandit turned his head to Bendy. "Every since Joey told me about ya, that's all I could rely on.. that's what I've ever focused on.. So he kept me and everyone alive.."

"But.. if ya wanted to see me.. why did Joey keep everyone else?" "He didn't want me to be lonely.."

The demon let all the information sink in, then nodded. "Joey also told me to stay alive and find my own purpose and live the life I wanna live.. but it's been so hard' ta find that.." Bendy walked closer to his brother, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Well.. ya ain't gonna find that if ya keep stayin' here.." He said.

Bandit sighed, sounding almost tired, mentally that is. "But what about everyone? I can't just.. leave them.." "Bandit.. Joey said he wanted ya to find a life worth livin' and if ya truly want that, ya can't continue to stay here.. with everythin' that happened around ya.. I don't think stayin' is the greatest idea.." The cowboy puppet sighed again, falling slowly to the wooden floor and Bendy followed.

Bandit was lost in a deep thought, wondering what he should do. If he wanted to actually live, he couldn't stay.. he'd have to leave. But then what about everyone else in town, he couldn't just abandoned them.. right? The thoughts only made his head hurt more..

Bendy noticed this and did the only thing he could think of doing at the moment. He wrapped his arms around Bandit and hugged him. He flinched from the sudden action, but slowly hugged back.

"Where would I even go..?" Bandit asked, his voice low as he spoke. "Ya can live with me and everyone else." Their hug separated as Bandit looked at Bendy. "I.. I can?" The other smiled. "Yeah! And then we can talk about Joey's failures and terrible doings together." The cowboy looked at Bendy, taken aback by the sudden comment, but chuckled slightly either way. Then, he found himself curious. "What was ya experience with Joey, brother?"

Bendy froze. "Uhh.. oh boy.." He slowly sat back down next to Bandit, rubbing a hand on his forehead. "That's.. gonna take a while to explain.." "I don't mind." And with that, Bendy sighed. "Alright."

For the next hour, he explained to Bandit everything that's happened to him in his past. From how he was made, how life was in his studio, his relationship with Joey and Henry, how he found some of his hobbies, and even what Joey had done to him and who he is now. He somehow felt that it wasn't too much of a hassle for Bendy to let out his side of the story now, but Bandit patiently listened nonetheless. The two talked, hugged and even laughed through it all, it was enough to make Bandit feel a little bit as well. Bendy even showed Bandit a few of his drawings from his luggage in his sketchbook, in which the puppet found much excitement in.

They soon drifted off to conversations about their similarities and differences. Bendy had a good idea to tally in his sketchbook everything they had in common, and so far, it was hilarious to both of them how much actually they do.

"Oh! Ya know, I wanna show ya somethin'." Bandit exclaimed, remembering the something he wanted to show his brother. "I know this may be weird.." Bandit took his left boot off, revealing a signature on Bandit's foot, Joey Drew's signature. It simply read: J.D. "..But Joey wanted to put his signature on me. He said it's supposed'ta mean that I was a "special one." I think he was referring to my main role as bandit?"

Bendy then gasped when he saw the signature, making Bandit flinch in surprise. "What?! What's wrong?!" He asked, confused. The little cartoon took of his left glove, showing the same signature on his hand. Bandit was felt flabbergasted, his mouth agape. "Oh.." Was the only thing that felt his wooden lips.

"Did Joey happen to tell ya to never show the signature?" Bendy asked. "Yeah. Yeah! That's what he told me too. He also said that no one-" "-Else had it?" Bendy attempted to finish Bandit's sentence, in which he was right. "Yes, yes! Exactly!" The puppet confirmed. Bendy sighed, shaking his head and putting his glove back on. "I swear Joey.. I never really understood his actions sometimes." "Maybe.. now that I think about it, maybe Joey did this to symbolize that we're brothers!" "Ya sure about that?" "Think about it, ain't no one else has these except us, so Joey had' ta write these on us for a reason." "I.. guess ya right?"

Bandit shrugged with a smile. "I suppose it's an idea. Though I admit, I was annoyed when a certain toy cowboy by the name of Woody, in that awful rat's movie, kinda had the same idea as Joey, who technically had that idea first."

'Wait.. "rat's movie"?' Bendy thought for a moment to what that meant. Then it hit him and his eyes widened with surprise. "Wait.. ya mean that.. that m-mouse?" The demon had trouble even saying his last name, as he already felt disgusted. "Mickey Mouse? Yeah I.. don't really like him." Bandit averted his eyes away for a moment, feeling unsure of his brother's reaction to his opinion. But to his surprise, Bendy grasped Bandit's hands.

"Ya really hate him too?!" He asked with huge smile and starry eyes. The cowboy was taken aback by his reaction, but smiled brightly nonetheless. "I do!" They both laughed. "I guess we'll add that to the list of things we have in common."

^^^^^^^^^

"Ok ok.." Bendy started to say after his fit of laughter. "What's ya worst fear ever?"

"Ropes."

Bendy titled his head. "Ropes??" "Yeah cuz of.. what happened, ya know.. "Oh- Oh right, sorry." "It's alright.." Bandit sighed to himself, but quickly shock away the thoughts and moved on asking a question.

"What about yaself?" "Hm? Oh, um.. hmmm.. I guess my fear who probably be- and this may sound childish, but it's bein' alone." "Really? I don't think that's childish at all. No one likes bein' alone." "I guess ya right about that. And ya know that I think about it.." Bendy wrote another tally on his paper. "Another tally for us having the same accent." "Oh my gosh ya right!" Bandit chuckled and Bendy did the same.

"Alright, I got a question for ya: Are ya by any chance a prankster, Bendy?" "Definitely." The demon smirked. "Ya should have seen what did the other day to my friends Cups and Mugs." "Whatcha do?" Bendy smirked wider, looking almost malicious. "Weeeell.. the other day, I pranked them both in their sleep. And what I did-" He giggled to himself. "I put fake spiders over Cuphead and taped Mugman to his bed. And then, as a late minute idea, I drew on both they're faces." "Did ya really?!" "I did. And when they woke up, their reactions were absolutely priceless." The demon giggled some more.

"That sounds amazin' Bendy." Bandit laughed a bit at his story. "Thanks.. so ya a prankster too?" "Hmm.." The other brother looked away, a little embarrassed. "I try, but I could never really prank anyone.." Bendy got up.

"I think ya can. Why don't ya show me whatcha got?" "Wait.. Ya mean it?" "Yeah, let's go!" Bandit smiled, following Bendy outside.

The brothers sat outside of the town bank, both trying to hold in their laugher. Inside, The Banker sat in his chair bored, resting his head in his head as he sighed. Suddenly, Bandit's microphone turned on. "THIS IS THE SHERFF! YA SURROUNDED!" The Banker scream as he jolted out of his seat by the sudden loud voice that nearly gave him a heart attack. However, he got up quickly as Bandit's voice continued.

"PUT YA HANDS WHERE I CAN SEE 'EM!" The Banker did just that. "NOW PUT YA HANDS ON THE CASH REGISTER AND TAKE OUT AS MUCH MONEY AS YA CAN!" In a frenzy, the puppet started to open the cash register and took out money. Suddenly, he stopped and realized the voice that was speaking to him. Putting the money back, he put his hands on his hips.

"B-Bandit, i-is that you?" The brothers looked at each other. They knew they were in trouble. "UHH.. NO! W-WHO'S THAT? I'VE NEVER HEARD THAT NAME IN MY LIFE!" The Banker sighed. "N-nice try Bandit. B-but, y-you're not getting me today." The cowboy puppet sulked, finally giving up. "DARN!!" Bandit exclaimed into the microphone, before hopelessly giving it back to Bendy.

"Thanks for the microphone brother.." "No problem. At least ya tried." Bendy shrugged, putting the microphone behind his back as it just.. disappeared out of nowhere. "How' ga do that?!" The puppet brother asked, rather impressed. Bendy shrugged again. "Cartoons." He simply said.

"I'll teach ya some things on prankin' some other time." "Y-yeah can?!" Bandit asked, feeling overjoyed with stars in his eyes. "Sure! I ain't no expert, but I'll teach ya what I know." "I'd love that!" "Oh and by the way-" Bendy smiled. "Add another tally for starry eyes." He chuckled. "Oh! Hehehe.. ya right about that too." Bandit laughed too.

"There you both are. I was looking everywhere for you two." Bendy and Bandit turned around to see Undertaker standing behind them, a hand on her hip. "How you boys holding up?" "We're doin' great!" Bandit replied. "Yeah, we're fine right now." Bendy added. "Alright, sounds good. Just don't be getting into to much trouble, I'll be putting the dead to sleep soon." Undertaker concludes, walking off to do her daily task.

"I think we should head back too, right?" Bendy asks his taller brother. "We can. Then, ya can tell me more stories!" Bendy chuckles. "Alright. By the way, did she just say she was "puttin' the dead to sleep??" "Yup! That's part of what Ms. Undertaker does after all." "But- aren't they already dead?! I- wha-?" Bandit laughed as Bendy tried to find sense into what he had just heard.

^^^^^^^^

"Brother.." "Yeah Bandit?" "I.. remember ya said earlier that I could move in with ya.. and I was thinkin'.." "Yeah?" Bandit took his hat off as he leaned his head back against one of the big cases him and Bendy were leaning on in his room. "Could I really?" "Of course! I don't think anyone back at the house would see a problem with it." Bandit only hummed in response as he looked down in thought again. "But what would I do about everyone else in Showdown Valley? They were kept alive because of me.. so.. what would they do when I leave? I.." "Bandit.." The puppet looked back at Bendy.

"Ya town's always gonna be there if ya need to come home. I don't think they'll be goin' anyway. Besides, were ya the only one who told everyone here about me?" "No.. it was also Joey, when he was tellin' everyone his plan about meetin' ya and keepin' everyone alive.." "Then I'm sure everyone will understand ya leavin'." Bandit didn't reply. "If that was one of his last demands to the town, then they wouldn't have any problem with ya decision." The puppet sighed. "Maybe.. maybe ya right.."

Bendy smiled hopefully. "How about we get some sleep and ya can let me know before I got back home tomorrow. Sound good?" Bandit smiled slightly. "Alright.. Oh- And I should get ya bed. Hold on." He stated as he fumbled a bit to get up from the wooden floor, not wanting to get tangled in his own strings.

Confused, Bendy got up as well when he saw Bandit sliding over a big open case with beddings, pillows, and blankets. "Ya guys don't have beds at all?" "I actually don't think we do. We don't really have any use for real beds, since we're puppets." "Have ya ever laid on a real bed?" Bandit shock his head. "Add that to another reason why ya should leave." Bendy said, getting into his "bed"and Bandit did the same. "Hmm.. alright.." "Just sleep on it and let me know in the mornin', ok?" Bandit yawned. "Alright brother.."

^^^^^^^^^

Rising out of his "bed" like a zombie, Bandit groaned as he slowly awoke. "Bendy?" He said groggily, seeing his brother already up, sitting on one of the big cases and drinking a paper-cup full of coffee. "Mornin'."Bendy greeted. "How long have ya been awake?" Bandit asked, grabbing his hat that's nearby and placing it on his head. "For about an hour I'd say, I usually don't get great sleep myself. Undertaker came to check on us, and she also gave me coffee." He shrugged. "But it was funny watchin' ya sleep. Do ya usually sleep like a vampire?"

Bandit became a little flustered. "Uhh.. yeah." He chuckled nervously. "That's how I sleep. It's comfortable for me." The demon chuckled once more. "If ya say so." He drank the rest of his coffee and placed the empty cup down on the case. "So.. what's it gonna be? Ya stayin' here or are ya leavin' with me today?" The cowboy looked away, thinking to himself . "Could I really start new where ya live, brother?" "Absolutely. Besides, ya gonna love everyone there. We.. are a crazy bunch I will say. But I think ya'll enjoy it."

Giving his mind a bit more thinking, Bandit finally decided. "Alright.. I'll come live with ya."

The concluding answer made the cartoon smile from ear to ear with proudness and excitement. Jumping down from the case, he walked over, wrapping Bandit in a hug. "I'm proud of ya." Bendy said, as Bandit hugged back, feeling a bit proud of himself too.

^^^^^^^^^^

"Hey Bandit, ya ready?" Bendy asked as soon as he walked into Bandit's room. He had just finished calling The Neighbor about Bandit's arrival as well as telling Undertaker about his brother leaving with him.

The cartoon stopped, seeing Bandit read a note as he sat next to his packed, but open luggage. Bendy walked closer to him and noticed he was reading the same note that he showed Bendy the day prior. Buddy's suicide note.

Bendy frowned sadly, putting a hand on Bandit's shoulder. He didn't finch. "Ya ready to go?" Seconds past and the puppet sighed, folding up the paper and putting it into his suitcase, then shutting it. "Yeah.. I'm ready.." Before they both walked out, Bandit took one last look at his room. The same room he's known for years, and is now leaving behind. He smiled to himself, then finally left.

The brothers walked till they made it to the main entrance where everyone in town was gathered, including Doc, the Banker, the same carriage to take the boys back and Ms. Undertaker. "Ya boys finally heading out?" She asked. "Yup. All packed and ready'ta go." Bandit replied, motioning to his suitcase he was carrying. "Now remember, when you leave, you have to be wary of those strings of yours." "She's right." Doc added. "I won't be there assist you on fixing your strings." Bandit lowered his head, taking in the reminders. "I know.. I-I know that.. but I'll be careful, I promise!"

"A-And maybe you should c-change your robbing habits too, m-maybe to something else instead?" The Banker suggested, nervously, but Bandit saw nothing wrong of the idea. "No, ya right. I wanna see what else there is for me, besides.. bein' a criminal.." "I'm s-sure you will, Bandit." The Banker smiled as Undertaker stepped closer to Bandit, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Your absolutely sure about your decision?" The slightly shorter puppet nods. "I am." Undertaker nods in acceptance back. "If Joey wanted this, then I see no trouble with your answer, but he wanted this for you after all. He wanted you find your brother and here he is." The lady puppet motioned at Bendy as he gestured himself the peace sign. "But now, he wants you to find a new life elsewhere. I hope you find it, and get your head away from the things that happened here." Bandit smiled, feeling relieved and emotional. He brought Undertaker into a tight hug, flinching slightly, but she didn't hesitate to return the hug.

As they soon hooped in the carriage, Bandit waved his final goodbye to the town through the window as everyone else did the same. The view of town slowly got farther and farther away as the carriage rode off, away from the dark little town that was once Bandit's home.

^^^^^^^^^

Back at the house, the gang was seated on the big couch. The Neighbor clicked from channel to channel on the tv for anything decent to watch.

"Need someone to watch over your troublesome kids? Call Granny!!-"

*click*

"White Teletubbies have been invading parts of-"

*click*

"THIS PROGRAM IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE SALVATION PROJECT-"

*click*

"Amanda the Adventurer! In Stores Now!!-"

*click*

"If you see this goose terrorizing people in your neighborhood, please call your local-"

*click*

"The famous singer, rapper and the creator of the restaurant of"Friday Night Funkin", Boyfriend Hastune, is coming to his hometown in the city, a few weeks from now."

"Wait wait! Stay on this channel!" Spooky informed the Neighbor who complied. "There will be a celebrity signing of him-" A picture of Boyfriend appeared on the screen, next to the reporter. "-Along with Girlfriend Dearest, the daughter of Daddy Dearest and Mommy Merest." A picture of Girlfriend appeared next to Boyfriend's.

"We should go to that!" Spooky exclaimed in excitement. "It sounds like a fun time." The Neighbor added. Some of the others agreed, but Freddy however, just stared at Boyfriend's picture. He hummed as he continued to think. "What's wrong Freddy?" Monika asked. "It feels like I've seem him before.." The bear sighs. "I just don't know where.." "Who? Boyfriend?" "Yeah.." He hums to himself again, leaving everyone confused and a bit curious.

Until the doorbell rings.

"I'll get it." He informs everyone, getting up from the couch and opening the door. "Bendy! You're back!" The man said, alerting everyone as they turn around on the couch. The demon smiles at the man. "Is he here?" Bendy nods, then looks over at the Cup brother.

"Hey Cuphead!" Bendy yells smugly. "Ya not the only one with a cool brother!" The cartoon then peaks behind the side of the doorway. "Ya ready?" He whispers to Bandit. The brother nods excitedly as Bendy gestures him to come out liked they planned.

'Be yourself.' He remembers Bendy telling him, before they got to the house. Bandit took a breathe before jumping out from his spot. "Howdy folks!! Name's Bandit!!" The puppet waves as he introduces himself, maybe too excitedly, walking in the house with Bendy. "Everyone, this is my brother."

"Buddy! Buddy!"

"Oh.. hey there Bandit.."

"How ya feelin' today?"

*sighs* "I'm.. hanging in there.."

"I hope ya ain't still listenin'ta what everyone's been sayin'.. I know ya did nothing wrong."

"But.. what if I did?"

"Well.. wouldn't ya know if ya did?"

"I.. guess you're right.. But you're not scared of me or even a little suspicious if I did do something? Why are you always believing in me?"

"Well.. I think I've known ya long enough'ta think if ya did do somethin'. Besides, I got'ta know the person ya really are under all that funny makeup ya got there. So I believe ya, I truly do!"

"... Bandit.."

"Yeah?"

"....

Thank you."

Hey, quick note..

This chapter was actually heavily inspired by something that happened to me, or I guess what happened to my dad at the end of last year. He found out he had more family after YEARS and he finally met them in person, that includes sisters and a brother and I got to meet them too.

Thanks for reading this chapter, even if it did take a bit, sorry about that. But either way, I'm glad I got this done sooner than never. And most importantly, Bandit's finally here! Thank you all again.

Oh and he's more art ////// :