Chapter 1: The issues were real
In an isolated cottage surrounded by a bundle of trees lived an elder kettle named…well…Elder Kettle. With said kettle, lived two teenage cups named Cuphead and Mugman. Both youngsters lived with the elder kettle for most of their lives, resulting in them to live by his rules: no rough-housing or fighting, NEVER disrespect him, obey his commands, always come back home better curfew, rada rada rada. These rules were never a problem for one of the cups; as a matter of fact, the cup, Mugman, (rarely) ever gotten into trouble. Cuphead, however, was usually "the Cain" of the two brothers. He has been in trouble for petty acts such as shoplifting, vandalism, underage drinking, disturbing the peace, and gambling as a minor.
The issues were real.
Of course, Elder Kettle has dealt with his young grandson's behavior; however, it has proven to be a fruitless task to rehabilitate the young cup. Cuphead would continuously get into trouble within the confinements Inkwell Isles. To make these worse, it was interfering with the family's income. Fine after fine, it crippled the household's savings. Cuphead's sporadic behavior was getting out of hand. One day, Elder Kettle has had enough of Cuphead's irresponsible natural, so he came up with an easy solution.
"I HAVE TO GET A JOB!?" exclaimed a surprised Cuphead. He wore a black sweater along with red overalls. He also sported light-tan shoes he wore from his latest birthday. His nose was affixed to the shape of a jellybean and his cup-shaped head remained the same over his youth.
"I'm sure I'm the only one in the house with hardened ears," respond the elder kettle. "Yes. It's about time one (or both) of you to get a job. This old kettle won't be here for long and YOU need to learn how to be more mature and responsible."
He was sitting at the kitchen along with a silent Mugman. He replicated Cuphead's attire, only except for royal blue overalls rather than red. He was told by his grandfather to calculate the cottage's monthly savings. Over the years, Elder Kettle recognized Mugman's algebraic credentials and encouraged him to pursue in the field. A young Mugman agreed to do so; a teenage Mugman, however, had grown bored of numbers, but didn't want to upset his granddad. Anyway…
"Ahhh! Do I have to, Elder Kettle? Money can't be that big of an issue, right?" argued Cuphead.
Right on cue, Elder Kettle pinches the temple of his nose in annoyance while Mugman simply looked up and stared blankly at Cuphead as if he said something retarded. Elder Kettle spoke form his position to Mugman in an irritated manner.
"Mugman?" he said.
"Yes, Grandpa Kettle?" Mugman respond.
"How much was our monthly savings before paying Cuphead's fines?"
"Ummm…256G, sir."
"And how much was Cuphead's fines in total?"
Mugman silently thought. "220G, sir."
An audible groan escaped Elder Kettle's lips and a guilty Cuphead stood quietly as he prepared for a verbal execution.
"220G!" the old kettle stated. "220 gold coins down shitter all because you wouldn't listen to what hell I told you to do! It's simple: GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER! And what did you do? Tell me!" the enraged elderly impatiently tapped his left foot on the floor, awaiting a scared Cuphead's response.
Cuphead nervously taps his foot on the floor, hoping that it would help him come up with a logical reason for his actions. It wasn't working.
"I-I um…damn." Cuphead stuttered. He was speechless.
"I thought you'd say that." spoke the kettle. "No doubt ya feeling sorry now. But sorry won't refill our income, now will it?" he questioned. Cuphead silently shakes his head. "Of course. Now, Mugman will accompany you in your search for work. I can't stress this enough, STAY OUT OF TROUBLE." The elder sternly commands.
Once again, Cuphead responds quietly. Without a word, he exits the cottage along with Mugman following behind him. Alone in the cottage sat a tired Elder Kettle. He sighs and rubs his temples.
"Oh, what am I going to do with you, boy?"
"Woah. Elder Kettle sure was pissed, huh?" spoke Mugman in hope of icebreaking the ice between him and his trouble brother. They were making their way through the clearing that led to the rest of Inkwell Isles. Mugman guessed that his sibling wasn't ready to converse, so he chose to admire the scenery. There wasn't much to describe; a few trees here, a few people there, the forest areas were dull, but it was home. Mugman notices the lack of footsteps from his brother and turns around to find his brother looking from the bridge.
"You okay, bro?" he questioned.
Cuphead said nothing. His stare ranged to the far ocean were a large fin was barely visible. Cuphead reached into his pocket and slowly withdraws a pack of cigarettes. He turned to face his brother for a split second before picking one from the pack. He places it in his mouth and lights it. Of course, he knew Mugman didn't like what he was doing, but he also knew wouldn't tell (if he didn't have to). Cuphead takes a long drag and puffs out the cloud of nicotine in perfect rings. Mugman gives him a disapproving frown.
"You seen me smoke before." Cuphead said. "Why are you still giving me that look?"
"Because YOU know how Elder Kettle feels about it." Mugman retorted. "Those were one of the very things Elder Kettle wanted us to avoid using." It was true; Mugman knew Cuphead smoked. And he HATED it. But, of course, he never told their grandfather about his brother's idea of "proper stability".
Cuphead sighed and continued to stare into the ocean. He was clearly suffering from a deep depression. What was the cause of it? Mugman had no clue. Why else is he constantly getting into trouble? Was he lost? Was he seeking attention? Did something happen? Has something happened? Is he trying to impress someone? Did he hang with the wrong crowd? Wait, of course he did. Mugman loved his brother, but he knew they grown apart. Mugman has seen Cuphead with other kids performing scandalous acts. That begs to question; what is wrong with his brother?
Mugman looks up to see his brother finish his smoke break and watched him throw the fag into the water. He sighs once again and turns to meet Mugman's gaze; only this time, he wanted to have small talk.
"What do you think about me?" he asked. "Do you think…I'm worthless?"
"No." Mugman neutrally responds. "You're not worthless; you're just stressed." The two siblings stared into each other's eyes. A tense atmosphere thickens around them and they enter a telepathic argument.
You're acting out.
How do you know?
I can tell.
Oh, can you smartass?
Yes.
Dork.
I want to help you.
Nerd.
Why are you insulting me?
Looooser.
STOP IT!
Naw, I like it.
You're a sadist.
Am I smartass?
Yes. And apparently a masochist.
I'll hurt you.
Why?
I'll be your end.
Please stop.
I'll drown you.
…
"Come on," Cuphead says. "let's go find some work." He brushes pass Mugman and continues to walk ahead.
"Yeah. Lead the way." agreed Mugman. The two made their way farther into Inkwell Isles on a journey for employment.
AAAAAANNNND THATS IT! I hope you all enjoy this first chapter! This is my first ever fanfiction and I hope to continue making more with the support of you guys! I am open to ALL forms of criticism and will appreciate your honest feedback.