The doors to the Casino swung open, and there stood Cuphead, grinning at the wealth he now owned. "Attention staff!" He called. The people they'd fought to get to King Dice were there, along with a few others. "There's been a change in management!" The staff muttered and a man who appeared to be a living cigar spoke up. "What happened to the old boss?" Cuphead chuckled. "We creamed 'im. An' I got the trident to prove it!" Then a different worker, a skeletal horse, spoke up. "How do we know you're telling the truth? That trident might be fake! Besides, you might've beaten some of us, but you don't stand a chance against us all at once!" Some of the staff grumbled in agreement, others waited to see Cuphead's reaction. "Well then, let's test that theory," Cuphead smirked, then motioned to Mugman. "Take care o' these idiots for me, will ya? But leave 'em alive." He snapped his fingers, and Mugman immediately felt stronger. Mugman realized what Cuphead meant. If he was to run the casino, he needed to control the staff. Mugman had to play along for now, if he wanted to live. He raised his finger, then concentrated. A ball of energy grew at the tip. It grew to the size of Mugman's head, when it stopped. He launched it at the debtors. Some tried to run, others tried to attack back. in the end, they were all lying on the ground unconscious. "Nice work, Mugs!" Cuphead beamed. "I'm so proud of ya!" "Th-thanks," Mugman replied. "Now, bring that horse guy over here. I wanna have a word with 'im," Mugman did as he was told. He brought him to Cuphead and slapped him awake. He saw Cuphead looming over him, and fear overtook him. He started babbling apologies until Cuphead silenced him with a question. "What's yer name?". The man swallowed, then replied. "Phear Lap, sir," Cuphead looked to Mugman. "Remember 'is name Mugs, he's yer new personal attendant." Mugman bowed. "Thank you, sir," Cuphead chuckled. "Ya don't have ta call me that Mugs, we're bros! Only this lot gotta be all formal." Mugman sighed in relief. "Whatever you say, Cuphead. Phear Lap, you are dismissed," Phear Lap left and breathed a sigh of relief. He was worried he'd be fried! But he survived, and wanted to keep it that way. He'd do anything the bosses told him, to the letter.
After a while, all the staff had gotten up and, after an apology to their new boss, got back to work. Mugman was thinking about how he'd get out of this situation, and if he really wanted to. All these people, doing what he said. This new power. He used to be the push over, but now he was running a casino! Cuphead could tell something was bothering his brother so he went to him. "Hey Mugs, why ya so down?" Mugman looked at Cuphead. He saw the green glow in his eyes. Was this his brother? He shook his head. "Nothing, Cups, just thinking," Cuphead chuckled. "Well I'll leave that to you, never was my strong suit," Mugman chuckled. Maybe it was his brother after all. Then Phear Lap came bounding over to them. "What is it?" Mugman asked without turning. "Missing *pant* debtor," Mugman snapped around to face his attendant. "What?! How?!" Even the normally grinning Cuphead frowned. "Who's fault is that?" He growled. Phear Lap cowered and pointed to someone. He was at the craps table. Cuphead didn't recognize him until he saw the face. The green eyes. "Well, well, well. If it ain't the Dethroned Dice!" Cuphead taunted. "What?" Dice said, oblivious. "Who was it?" Dice was confused. What did he mean who? Then he realized. "Oh! You mean the run-away debtor?" "No, I meant who sold you your make-up." Cuphead replied sarcastically. "Oh! Well, there's this guy-" "OF COURSE I MEANT THE DEBTOR!" Cuphead screamed before Dice could finish. The Casino fell silent. Some pitied Dice, others felt he deserved it. "I-it was th-this li'l Apple guy," Dice stammered. Mugman's face lit up with recognition. "Mac? I remember him! He gave us those coins at the start of the journey, remember?" Eventually Cuphead remembered too. "Oh yeah! Unfortunately, I ain't lettin' him off the hook. He tried to cheat me? He's dead meat! Mugman! Track him down and bring me his contract now!"
Mugman set off to find the apple. When he did, Mac greeted him with a smile. "How'd it go?" Mugman, removed all emotion from his face. "Now's not the time, Mac. You've cheated the Devil. Hand me your soul contract and I won't blast you to ashes," Mac, paled, tears forming in his eyes. "W-what?" "You heard me! Hand over your contract!" Mac, fearing for his life reached into his pocket. He was no match for Mugman, and he knew it. "H-here, t-t-take it, please d-don't hurt me," He stammers, tears streaming down his face. Mugman takes the contract and walks back to the casino. On the way back, he stops and leans against a tree. "I'm sorry Mac, I'm so, so, sorry," He mumbles. Tears form in his eyes, but he wipes them off. He then get's back to the casino and tosses the contract to Cuphead. "Great work, Mugs!" Cuphead yells. "I'm so proud of ya!" Mugman mumbles his thanks and goes down to sit and think. 'I have to be strong, for Cuphead. I'll get you back to normal eventually'
The old man paced around in his lonely cottage in the woods. The boys had been gone for too long, and he was worried. He packed a bag and lay down to rest. In the morning, he would go there. He would ask of their fates. He would do anything to get them back. "I'll find you, boys, just wait," With that, the Elder Kettle drifted off to sleep.
A/N: Chapter Two folks! I honestly want your opinion, should Mugman become an evil cup like his bro, or try to put things back to how they were? I'm leaning both ways here and want some input. Also thanks to Tatana for Following, favouriting, and reviewing, and thanks to Marcirio for following! Thanks for the support! Until next time! Bowser22 signing out!
