Four Hours

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"Alright, everyone! Chester finally finished upgrading all the gadgets!" Ravi's voice cut through the lively chatter in the room, drawing everyone's attention. He handed out the freshly polished devices one by one, his expression radiating pride. "No need for testing; these babies are ready to go."

CC cocked an eyebrow, giving Ravi an appraising look from head to toe. "Dude, why are you still in your battle gear?" he smirked, arms crossed. "We've got, like, twenty-three hours left. You planning on fighting the clock?"

Ravi shrugged, adjusting the snug fabric across his shoulders. "Maybe I'm just paranoid," he admitted, his lips curling into a sheepish grin. "Feels like something could go down any second."

Kai's face twisted in disgust as he spotted a dark stain oozing down the wall. "Ew, Bendy, again? Did you just...ink yourself? It's all over the place!" His voice was thick with dismay as he gestured at the mess.

Bendy's cheeks flushed to an almost inky black. "What?! No way! I'm way too grown for that!" he snapped, crossing his arms indignantly. "I didn't do it!"

Ravi, curiosity piqued, wandered over to inspect the goo. He leaned in close, squinting at the viscous liquid as he smeared a bit between his fingers. His expression darkened. "Hmm...this doesn't look like Bendy's usual ink."

Chester joined him, slipping effortlessly into analytical mode. "Yeah, this isn't Bendy's," he muttered, adjusting his glasses for a better look. "This stuff's slimy, not like his ink."

Ravi wiped his fingers on his suit, stepping back with a look of unease. "Alright, Bendy's in the clear. Whatever this is, it's from a different ink demon," he murmured, glancing over his shoulder. "I'm going to check on Bunnic. Be right back."

He headed to his room, giving a gentle knock on the door before stepping inside. "Bunnic? Feeling any better?" he asked softly.

Bunnicula lay sprawled on the bed, his eyes lingering on a photo on his phone, face etched with a strange mix of emotions. At the sight of Ravi, he mustered a faint, wobbly smile and set the phone aside.

"A bit," Bunnicula murmured, voice weighed down by exhaustion.

Ravi's heart clenched as he sank down beside him, his antennae drooping in empathy. "You'll bounce back, I know it," he assured, giving Bunnicula's hand a comforting squeeze. Then, with a teasing nudge, he added, "But preferably before everyone's lives are on the line, yeah?"

Bunnicula chuckled—a soft, weary sound that brought a hint of warmth back into the room. "I'll be ready," he promised, his voice a whisper. He placed his hand gently on Ravi's thigh, a simple, grounding gesture.

Ravi's face heated up, but he covered Bunnicula's hand with his own, smiling. "How about we grab something to eat with the others?" he suggested, hope glinting in his eyes. Bunnicula hesitated but then nodded, pushing himself upright—only to wince and clutch his arm and hip.

Ravi's eyes widened. "Whoa, Bunnic...those bruises...they're worse than I thought."

Bunnicula forced a grin, brushing off the concern. "It's nothing. Barely hurts," he lied, snatching a shirt and one of Ravi's hoodies from the chair.

Ravi snorted, hands on his hips. "Thought you were done stealing my hoodies?"

Bunnicula laughed, the sound genuine even through his discomfort. "Yours are comfier than mine," he teased, pulling the hoodie on and tousling his hair.

Ravi rolled his eyes. "Fine, but don't be surprised when I stretch out one of yours," he retorted, grabbing one of Bunnicula's hoodies in turn.

They stepped out of the room moments later, their laughter filling the hallway as they nudged each other playfully.

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