Something whirled inside Kyler. Her stomach tightened into a knot, ans she felt as if her legs had turned to jelly. She slowly sat down, clutching her chest as Elder Kettle's words sunk in. "The Devil himself...he owns that casino...and King Dice...is...is..." She felt like she was going to hyperventalate. Elder Kettle sensed this and took a hold of her hand in both his, stroking it soothingly.

"Take deep breaths Kyler. I understand that this is a shock, but it's important that you know this."

Looking at Elder Kettle with fear still in her eyes, Kyler took a deep breath and spoke up. "How long did you know about this? That the casino is run by such an evil creature?"

"For awhile now. There are a few reasons I didn't tell you or Arisa and Leann. First of all, I didn't want to spoil your evening. Second, I know you girls are very smart, and that you wouldn't do anything to put yourselves in danger."

Kyler couldn't believe what she was hearing. "In danger? What do you mean?"

"Well, as most people know, gambling can become an addiction and put people into very comprimising positions. In Las Vegas, for example, it's not uncommon to see people who have lost all their money sitting on the sides of the streets, begging for help. And I am very proud of you and your friends for coming out safetly."

Kyler was a bit confused. "I don't understand Elder Kettle. Gambling all your money hardly constitutes as a dangerous situation. Unfortunate, yes, but not dangerous."

He looked at her with sadness in his eyes. "Unfortunately Kyler, doing such a thing in the Devil's Casino is very, very dangerous. Even fatal."

"How so?" Kyler was sure she wouldn't like the answer.

"Remember when King Dice commented on how well you guys were doing, and you all decided that it was time to turn in your winnings?" Kyler nodded. "That is why you all are home now. You were smart enough to avoid what comes afterwards. Most of the patrons have fallen for his praise and continued playing. Once they've won enough rounds, the Devil himself will make an appearnce before them. From there, he will offer them a deal. Win one more round, and he will offer them a grand prize, such as all of the money he has collected since the casino first opened."

"And... if they lose?"Kyler asked in a trembling voice.

Elder Kettle looked at her very seriously. "Then he takes their souls."

Kyler was in shock. "He...he kills them?!"

"Yes. And their souls are trapped in his domain, doomed to wander forever in agony."

At this point, Kyler's chest had tightened so much, she was sure she was going to have a heart attack. She put her hands to her mouth and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself before she spoke. "Then, King Dice...he's a demon, isn't he?" The thought made her feel sick.

Elder Kettle shook his head. "No, not quite. In fact, no one knows how he became the Devil's right-hand man to begin with. And he hasn't given or let the Devil take his soul."

"But how can you be sure?" Kyler asked.

"Because despite what he wants other's to think, King Dice is prone to human error and feelings. He could've pushed you girls to continue gambling, and even tempt you to take one of the Devil's deals. Instead, he chose to back off. No doubt that might land him in a spot of trouble with his boss."

Kyler was quiet for a moment, taking in everything that Elder Kettle had told her. Then she looked at him with determined eyes. "I don't care what I promised to King Dice. I am never, ever going back to that god forsaken place. Ever! It's not worth the risk."

Elder Kettle gave a small sigh. "Again, I am not conserned about you, or Arisa and Leann. I know you guys are very responsible and will not get yourselves in trouble. Cuphead and Mugman on the other hand..." he trailed off thoughtfully.

Kyler gave him an incredulous look. "Wait, what? Why would Mugman and Cuphead get in trouble at the casino? They're not even old enough to go there."

"Humans, yes. Despite living in Inkwell, they are still obligated to follow laws in the human world. However, human laws do not apply to toons. As you have witnessed throughout your life, toons are not required to follow human laws."

Kyler wrung her hands nervously. She looked as if she was about to cry. "So...if Cuphead and Mugman wanted to go to the casino...?"

Elder Kettle nodded. "That's right. They are allowed to go there."

Kyler shook her head vigorously. "No! No, no, no!" She flew out of her seat and got down on her knees so she was at the same level as Elder Kettle, clutching his hands in hers. "Elder Kettle, I'm making a promise to you right now. I will not let the boys near that place! Never! And if they do get into trouble, I will do everything I can to help them!" She closed her eyes and bowed her head. "And... I promise my parents as well. You hear that mom and dad? I will protect my brothers. I will protect them just as much as they protect me, maybe even more."

Elder Kettle was taken aback by Kyler's declaration. He always knew she had a heart of gold, but this...He smiled at her warmly and pulled her into an embrace. "Kyler, you are probably the most kind, beauitiful, and pure soul on Inkwell, inside and out. Don't you ever change. I know you will protect the boys. In a sense, you are their guardian angel, proabably even mine."

It was more than Kyler could take. She was so mixed with emotions, that she couldn't help but tear up as she hugged Elder Kettle back. After a moment, they broke their embrace. Kyler wiped away her tears and smiled at him, and he reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You look very tired my dear." He told her.

Kyler nodded and yawned.

Elder Kettle smiled at her gently. "Why don't you head on up to bed? You have a lot to do tomorrow."

Kyler was about to protest, since they haven't quite finished the dishes. However, Elder Kettle put a finger to her lips.

"Not another word. I will finish them myself. You need to get some rest. You had a very exciting day."

"Okay. Goodnight Elder Kettle. I will you see you tomorrow." Kyler gave him a hug and kiss.

"I love you Kyler. You're like a granddaughter to me. You know that, right?"

Kyler nodded in response. "I do know that. I love you too...grandfather."

She stood up and headed upstairs toward her room. After changing into her nightgown, she brushed her teeth, got into bed and turned off the light. She fell asleep before her head even hit the pillow.

"Do you really have to back to the city already?" Cuphead and Mugman pouted as they and Elder Kettle were all waiting with Kyler for her bus to arrive. She had a car, but Arisa had to borrow it while her's was in the shop. She had promised Kyler that she would return it back to the complex before Kyler arrived home.

"I'm afraid so guys. My vacation is over, and I have to go back to work. There are a lot of sick and injured people at the hospital who need their prescriptions." Kyler told them with a sympathetic smile. "Besides, I don't live far. I can always come visit on my days off, and every other weekend."

"Yeah, but it's not the same." Cuphead whined. "When you stay here during vacation, it's like we're all living together as a family again."

"Yeah." Mugman nodded in agrement.

Elder Kettle chuckled. "Now, now boys. We discussed this when Kyler first moved out. No matter where she lives, she will always be a member of our family."

"That's right." Kyler said. "No change and no separation can ever change that. Remember that if you guys ever get sick of me and Elder Kettle and decide to move to a different country." She added teasingly.

"Hey now, we wouldn't get that sIck of you guys. "Mugman laughed. Kyler, Cuphead, and Elder Kettle all joined in the laughter.

"Speaking of moving, are you sure you have everything?" Cuphead gestered toward Kyler's suitcase and duffle bag.

"Positive." She assured him. "I did a double sweep before we left the house. And even if I do forget something, it's not like I have to travel far to retrieve it. After all, it's just a half hour drive."

"Ah, that reminds me Kyler." Elder Kettle reached into his trouser pocket and produced a white envelope. "This came for you in the mail yesterday. I think it was delivered to me and the boys by mistake."

"Oh, thank you." Kyler said as she took the envelope. She looked at the address and furrowed her eyebrows. "The student loan assocation?"

Elder Kettle was just as confused as she was. "Didn't you already pay them this month?" He asked her.

"Yes, of course. The day before my two week vacation began." Kyler told him as she opened the envelope and pulled out a letter. She studied the contents, and her face fell.

"Bad news?" Cuphead and Mugman asked her.

Kyler smiled at them and tucked the letter back into the envelope. "It's nothing too bad. My interest rates just went up, that's all."

Cuphead and Mugman gave Elder Kettle a puzzled look. "It means she has to pay more money." He explained to them.

"But why? That doesn't really seem fair." They both said.

Kyler , who was sitting between each brother on the bus stop bench, pulled them both in for a hug. "Don't you two worry. I'll just have re-adjust my budget." She sighed. "That means it'll take a bit longer to pay it all off."

"How much longer do you think?" Elder Kettle asked.

Kyler thought for a moment. "Well, based on the current rates, probably another year or two."

"That long?! But we were all going to go to the carneval next month!" The brothers exclaimed.

Kyler gave them each a reassuring smile. "Don't panic. We'll still get to do that. I just probably won't be able to afford more than two nights." Before the brothers could respond, her bus had pulled up. "Oh, it looks like it's time for me to go."

The bus came to a stop, and the driver got off to load Kyler's belongings onto the cargo section, while she knelt down and gave the three cartoons that she called her family a big hug. "Come see us again real soon?" The brothers asked her.

"Hmmm, I got a better idea." Kyler told them. "I'm off next weekend. Why don't you all come over to my place for dinner? We can all pop popcorn over the courtyard fire pit and watch a couple movies in the club house theater. How does 5 pm sound?"

"Yeah!" Cuphead and Mugman cheered enthusiastically.

"That's a fine idea. I've always loved those comfortable lounge chairs." The Elder Kettle said.

A wide smile spread across Kyler's face. "Then it's settled. I'm really looking forward to it."

"Sorry miss, but we're on a tight schedule here." The bus driver called.

Kyler nodded in understanding and gave the boys and Elder Kettle one final hug. "I'll see you all next Sateurday at 5 pm. I've had a wonderful time spending my whole vacation with you."

"We did too Kyler. See you next Saturday!" All three of them called as Kyler climbed onto the bus and took a seat next to a window where they could see her. She waved to them as the bus pulled away, and they waved back until they could see the vehicle no more.

When they all returned to the tree house, the Elder Kettle headed inside to take a nap. Cuphead and Mugman decided to retrieve their butterfly nets and play around the forest.

"I'm glad Kyler got to visit with us. And I can't wait to see her again next weekend. And go to the water park afer." Cuphead said.

"Me neither. But it stinks that she can't stay as long because she has to pay more money to the education people." Mugman responded as she swung his net to catch a nearby butterfly.

Cuphead nodded. "I know. I heard her and her friends talking once about those loans, and they said they each still owe about $20,000."

"Golly, that's a lot of money!" Mugman exclaimed. "I wish we could pay off all of Kyler's loans right now, then she would never have to worry about them again.

Cuphead thought about what his brother just said, and he suddenly smiled. An idea just came to him. "You know what Mug? Maybe we can."

"Cuphead, I don't know why I let you talk me into this. We're going to get into so much trouble." Mugman felt like there were butterflies in his stomach. He was so nervous.

"Will you relax already? This plan is foolproof. We'll go to the casino, win at least $25,000, and give it to Kyler so she can pay off the rest of her student loans. She'll be so happy when we show her how much we've won!" Cuphead beamed as he and his brother waited for the Phantom Train to pass by.

"We may not even get a chance to show her." Mugman muttered.

"Why not?" Cuphead asked.

"Because she's gonna kill us!" Mugman snapped. Before heading back home, Kyler had warned the two brothers that there was no age restriction at the casino for toons, and made them promise that they would not go to the casino. In return, she and her friends would take them there when they were of age.

Cuphead sighed. "Look, I know we promised her we wouldn't do this, but even with a good job, it's still gonna take her forever to pay off those loans. How do we know her...whatever she said they were called won't go up again? What if they just keep asking for more money until the day she dies?"

Mugman looked thoughtful. "Gosh, I never thought of it that way. And it sounded like Kyler, Arisa and Leann had pretty good luck here. I guess we might too."

"So you're with me on this then?" Cuphead asked his brother.

Mugman heaved a huge sigh. "I still think this is a bad idea, but yeah, I'm with you."

Cuphead gave his brother a big hug. "I knew you wouldn't let me down Mug. And Kyler too."

Technically, we are letting her down. Mugman thought. We're breaking our promise. He gulped as he and his brother crossed the tracks, through the cave, and finally through the entrance of the casino.

"Gee whiz! Will you look at this place!" Mugman exclaimed, and Cuphead nodded in agreement. Neither one of them had ever been in a building so grand. They gazed in wonder as they walked through the casino, taking it all in, from the fancy bar to the many different games. Even the bathrooms looked really fancy. "So, what kind of games should we try? Mugman asked.

"How about that one? It looks pretty simple." Cuphead pointed at the craps table. Mugman was unsure. After all, the table itself was in the shape of a coffin. However, he knew once Cuphead made up his mind about something, nothing was going to stop him. He hesitently followed his brother to the table.

"Welcome gentlemen. Care to join in on the fun? The dealer asked, and they both nodded. "Shall I explain the rules?" Again, the brothers nodded. "All right then. Basically, you will make wagers on the outcome of a series of rolls of a pair of dice. You are required to make either a pass line bet or a Don't Pass bet if you want to shoot. On the come out roll, you may only make one bet on the Pass or Don't Pass, but you may bet both if desired. If you wish to make a pass line, and the come-out roll is seven or eleven, you win. whereas a come-out roll of two, three, or twelve will result in a loss. A Don't Pass bet, on the other hand, is a bet that the shooter will lose. In this case, a come-out roll of two or three will result in a win, whereas a come-out roll of seven or eleven is a loss. Which do you prefer?"

Both Cuphead and Mugman could only look at the dealer with their mouths hanging slightly open. Neither one really understood what they had to do.

It was Mugman who finally broke the awkward silence. "Um...we're kind of new at this. What would you recommend we do?"

The dealer gave a toothy grin. "For newcomers, I would recommend making a pass line bet."

"So, when we roll the dice, and they land on seven or eleven, we win." Cuphead said.

"And if the dice land on two, three, or twelve, we lose. R-right?" Mugman added in a hesitant voice.

The dealer nodded. "You boys got it."

Cuphead beamed. "That doesn't sound too hard. All right. We'll do it." He said as he eagerly stepped up to the table.

"A few things to keep in mind buddy." The dealer said as he handed Cuphead the dice. "You're not supposed to roll the dice with more than one hand, and you can't take the dice past the table. Also, the dice can not bo thrown any higher than my eye level. Can't risk any cheaters now."

Cuphead gave the dealer a determined look. "Don't worry sir. I promise I'll play fair."

"Very well then." The dealer said. "Place your bets."

The player who chose Don't Pass made his bet, and Cuphead thought carefully. "Hmm...I bet... 100 bucks!" He said confidently.

"Cuphead, what're you doing?" Mugman scolded. "We said we'd start small."

"I know, I know." Cuphead waved his hand at his brother. "But I have a really good feeling here."

Mugman couldn't watch. He covered his eyes with his hands as his brother rolled the dice.

"Seven. Congratualtions pal." The dealer said.

"Huh?" Mugman peeked through his fingers. Sure enough, the dice Cuphead had rolled had landed on seven.

"I won Mug! Look, I won!" Cuphead jumped up and down excitedly.

"Y-yeah. You sure did." Mugman was dumbfounded. He didn't think Cuphead would be that lucky.

"Deal me in again!" Cuphead shouted. The dealer nodded and handed him the dice. He rolled, and the dice landed on eleven. "Yes!" He pumped his fist in the air. That's $200 he won so far. He turned to look at his brother. "What do ya say now, huh?"

After witnessing Cuphead's success, Mugman found himself starting to relax, and as much as he hated to admit it, he was starting to enjoy himself. "Keep going Cup! You're on a roll!" He smiled encourangingly at Cuphead.

Cuphead grinned and rolled the dice again. He won game after game after game, and before he and Mugman knew it, he had won a total of $600. All right! We'll win that money for Kyler in no time! He thought with glee.

"Hot damn! This fella can't lose!" Both Cuphead and Mugman jumped at the sound of the deep voice from behind them. It came from a tall, well-dressed man with a die for a head. His emerald green eyes sparkled with interest as he watched Cuphead play.

"W-who are you?" Mugman stammered.

"Yeah, and where'd you come from?" Cuphead inquired.

The man chuckled. "Forgive me boys. The names Dice. King Dice. I'm the manager of this joint."

Both brothers stared at him. "King Dice...hey, you're the guy who was makin' goo-goo eyes at our sister!" They said to him.

King Dice raised an eyebrow. "Your...sister?" He wasn't quite sure what the duo were talking about. He wasn't really into girls with cups for heads.

"Nice run boys." An even deeper voice caught Cuphead and Mugman's attention, and they gasped. There, sitting on the other end of the craps table, was the Devil himself. "Looks like you two will be able to help your sister pay off her student loans in no time."

Both Cuphead and Mugman looked at each other, then turned back to the Devil. "How do you know about that?" They asked.

"Never you mind." The Devil hissed. "Now, how about we raise the stakes a little? Win one more roll,and you can not only keep all the money you've won so far, but I will completely pay off your sister's loans myself, interest rates and all."

Once again, the brothers exchanged looks. It seemed too good to be true. "And..and if we lose?" They asked nervously.

The Devil gave them a wide grin, his razor sharp teeth gleaming under the casiono's lights. "If you lose, then I'll have your souls. Do we have a deal?"

Mugman was panicking. Kyler had warned him and Cuphead about this. It would be a stupid and dangerous thing to do. He glared at the Devil. "Thanks, but no thanks sir. We're perfectly fine just-" He stopped as Cuphead eagerly grabbed the dice, a confident smile on his face. "Cuphead, wait!"

Cuphead looked at his brother with determination. "We've got this Mug. There's no way we can lose." He said as she started to shake the dice in his hand. "Come on lucky seven! Don't fail me now!"

"Cuphead, no! Stop!" Mugman shouted, but his pleas came too late. He watched helplessly as the dice seem to roll across the table in slow motion. Both the Devil and his manager watched with anticiaption as the dice finally came to a rest. The come-out roll was a two.

Cuphead and Mugman looked with disbalief at the result of the roll. Neither one could believe what Cuphead had just done.

"Snake Eyes!"boomed the Devil with a satisfied smile. "You lose!"

Cuphead and Mugman both trembled with fear as the terrible creature loomed over them. They could just imagine the hearbreaking look on Kyler's face when she learns what had happened to them, and they immediately regretted breaking their promise to her.

"Now, about those souls.."