If there were ever a record for the world's largest search party, this would take the cake. Almost every resident on the Inkwell joined Elder Kettle to search for Cuphead, Miss Chalice, and Mugman. It started with looking for them in their usual hang out spots, then in town, and finally everyone separated to search for them on different parts of the island. Citizens like Hilda, the howling aces, and Canteen Hughes searched the skies in hopes to spot them from the ground. Cala maria, and Brineybeard's group searched the corners of the beaches and piers wondering if the trio were hanging around near the seas. Others like Esther Winchester, Werner Werman, and the root pack searched specific areas believing the boys and their sister could have gone exploring and got lost. Kettle kept in constant contact with each search party member, and their teams, praying they would give him good news. He even listened in when Some of the kids even tried calling the triplets' phone again, wanting to know what was going on. Alas, nobody could find them or contact them.

The police focused mainly on the cottage the family of four lived in for clues or signs of foul play. While the officers investigated, the chief began asking Elder Kettle several questions, from when he last saw the cup triplets to what he was doing.

"And they were here when you last saw them?" The chief asked as he jotted down notes.

"Yes. I think it was between 9 and ten when I went to bed," Kettle replied, staring at the couch where his grandchildren were.

"Thomas, I know you're worried about them, but I need you to focus," The Chief stated, "Is there anything else you can remember?"

"Well, I woke a couple of times in the night between 2 – 3, but I heard nothing." The old man said.

"Did you hear anything?" The officer pressed.

Kettle shook his head no. The chief continued to ask further questions, much to Kettle's dismay. Kettle knew it was part of the procedure; the cops had to do their job, even if it meant eliminating him as a suspect. However, he wished they'd focus less on what he was doing and spent more time searching for his missing grandkids. It wasn't until a frantic voice halted the never-ending list of questions. It was the Queen Bee herself, Rumor Honeybottoms.

"Everyone, Hilda just contacted me," The woman exclaimed anxiously, "She and her party found the children's missing phone!"

"Their phone!?" Kettle exclaimed.

Honeybottoms nodded and held up a picture that Hilda texted her. Indeed, it was the Cup trio's phone. It had contained a Dirk Dangerous pop-socket, a mountain phone case, and a four leaf clover phone charm. Along with the phone, all the accessories were split in half, smashed, and crushed into pieces. The grandfather knew his grandkids wouldn't have done this – they took good care of their phone and were excited that he got them one. Albeit it was an older model that they all shared, the trio took a lot of pride in it. Had it not been for a couple of officers, Kettle would have passed out on the floor in shock.

The cops guided the old man to the rocking chair so he could sit and calm down. Kettle's heartbeat fluctuated back and forth between regular and rapid. It explained why neither Cuphead, Mugman, or Miss Chalice answered. But where were they; what happened to his grandchildren? He could barely make out the chief's orders to put out an amber alert – the situation had gone from missing children to possibly an abduction.

Elder Kettle, the police, and the residents continued to search thoroughly for Inkwell's missing heroes. They doubled down on the search. They checked every spot more than once, called the trio's names, and even tried to remember anything that could help find the missing cup boys and the chalice girl. Even with their combined efforts, nobody could find them.

Between 9-10 pm, everyone decided to call it a night and search more in the morning. Many parents in the search were anxious to get their children home, fearing they would lose them. The police, mainly Rumor Honeybottoms and her commander, promised Kettle they would keep their eyes and ears open for any leads on the cup children's disappearance. Accepting the decision and knowing everybody worked hard to help him find Miss Chalice and the boys, Elder Kettle returned home to his cottage with a heavy heart. Unbeknownst to him, however, someone had been watching the Kettle closely - waiting for the perfect moment to pull out their walkie-talkie to talk to whoever was on the other end.

"Boss, it's me." They said over the device, "The heat's died down. I think you can make your move.

"Excellent," The receiver said.


Quick notes; I gave Elder Kettle a first name, Thomas...idk he just looks like one, but of course Everyone calls him elder Kettle, not just because he's old, but because he's wise and people respect him.

This chapter's a little shorter though; originally going to be one big part, but I chopped it down a bit.

All Characters belong to Studio MDHR

Mysterious person is mine.