Episode 25: The Sweet Curse of Temptation
Recapping the event, Cuphead ends up in Sugar Land where he meets Baroness Von Bon Bon, and is able to eat the candy. However, there are two rules. Rule One, he can't tell anyone about it. Rule Two: He can eat anything, but not the castle. At the same time, she mentions having a daughter and a husband who's a captain. However, Cuphead ends up breaking the first rule and tells them about Sugarland. Mugman breaks the second rule and a piece of the castle. Because of it. They both have been turned into sweets. But the biggest turning point is that Baroness Von Bon Bon, is Red Rose's mother.
Sometime later, after the reunion, Bon Bon along with Red Rose, Cuphead, and Mugman are sitting by the hot fudge lakes so they can discuss the situation with the boys being turned into candy, and this curse. Most of all, Red Rose wants to get to know her mother, after all this time. She's able to meet her mother.
Bon Bon happily says, "So, I suspect you all have a lot of questions as to what happened. Being turned into sweet treats and about me and my little rosy cakes."
"We do, especially me. There is so much I want to ask. I don't even know where to start or how to start," Red Rose says.
"Well, I do. How come Mugman and I have been turned into candy? I'm some kind of gummy cup," Cuphead says.
"And I'm a Gingerbread Mugman," Mugman says.
"I suppose so. And I like to know about this curse you mention. Is that the reason why the boys got turned into candy, " Red Rose says.
Then says, "And I want to know so much, like how you and dad met? What was my life here? How come you weren't able to come with dad?"
"And that now we're sweet treats, are you planning on eating us?" Cuphead asks.
"Cuphead!" Mugman angrily scolds.
"Hey, it's just a question," Cuphead says.
"I told you, I don't eat children, even if they do get turned into sweets," Bon Bon says.
"So you just eat treat treat, not treat that moves?" Red Rose asks.
"That's right," Bon Bon says.
Then Cuphead asks, "So the daughter that you were telling me about was really Red Rose?"
"That's correct. That's why I was able to make an exception for you to bring her here, and tell her about it," Bon Bon says.
"I see, but what's with us being turned into candy?" Cuphead asks, moving his gummy arms.
"That's kind of part of the curse," Bon Bon says.
"Um, how about we start from the beginning? What happened? And what is this curse about?" Red Rose asks.
"Yes. You all deserve to know. As I said, there's an ancient curse. I'm actually cursed by it, and because of it, I'm unable to leave Sugar Land. And anyone who enters Sugar Land and breaks the rules, they end up turning into candy as well," Bon Bon says.
"What kind of curse was it?" Mugman asks.
"The curse is known as the Curse of Temptation, but I called it the Sweet Curse of Temptation, because sweets were involved. It's a work in progress. Anyway, a long time ago, when I was around your age, I was walking in the word and soon found myself in Sugar Land. I was really amazed to see it, and ate a lot of candy. However, by being the first to eat the castle and giving into temptation, I ended up being cursed, and turned into this. What's worse, because of the curse I'm practically tied to the place, preventing me from ever leaving. What's more, anyone who gives in to temptation, and breaks the rules I set, be turned to candy. Anyone who comes here, especially kids, eats the castle, or tells others about it, they'll get turned into treats as well, and are unable to leave," Bon Bon explains.
"That means Mugman and I can't leave either," Cuphead says, worried.
"Oh no," Mugman says, worried.
"I know. And I know it doesn't seem like anyone is around, but all those who have been cursed have been living all over Sugar Land and made homes for one another. We all do our best to make the most of it, but it can be a bit troubling," Bon Bon says.
"I see," Cuphead replies.
Then Red Rose asks, "So how did you meet my dad?"
Bon Bon smiles, "Oh, that is a fantastic story. In short, I was minding my own business in Sugar Land until Storm found his way into Sugar Land. I was surprised to have met him. He was really handsome, strong, and very nice. He even helped me when I got myself stuck in some taffy. It was a matter of time that we ended up falling in love, and got married, and soon we have a baby girl. Of course, I wasn't able to leave Sugar Land, so Storm was able to leave and come back to bring me gifts, and other kinds of food from the outside. He was very generous."
"So then, why did dad leave, and why did he take me with you?" Red Rose asks.
Bon Bon sadly sighs and answers, "It's because of the Devil?"
"The Devil?!" The three exclaims in shock.
"Yes. It happened a very long time ago. During that time, I was expecting you and we were very happy to have our first child. However, one day, the Devil found his way into Sugar Land and tried to trick the people so that he could take the souls of those who have been cursed to remain in Sugar Land. However, Storm, my brave Storm, discovered what the Devil was doing and was able to stop his plan, but he also tried to take my soul, but Storm fought the Devil and was able to defeat him. He was so brave," Bon Bon explains and lets out a sigh with a smile.
Then sadly says, "What we didn't expect was his desire for revenge, he sent his demons to try and take me by force in order to take my soul. Storm a was able to defeat them, and the Cany citizens do their best to help. However, we suspected the devil will be back. And will learn about you and might use you to take his revenge. So, Storm and I made a difficult decision, Storm has to leave the isles and take you with him. Because I'm unable to leave, I had to remain here. I was only able to send you gifts because a friend of his who hasn't broken the rules, was able to have them delivered out of the isles."
Then Bon Bon hugs her, "It was really hard for me, but I did my best to be happy knowing you're safe. And It makes me more happy to see you again. Sadly, your father's not here though. I never stop thinking of you and your father. And always wished you'll come back."
"I know what you mean. I wanted to meet you for so long, and now we have. I'm glad I'm able to see you," Red Rose says.
"You too, my little rosy cakes," Bon Bon says.
Then the two hug each other again.
"Wow. That's a great, but a really sad story. I'm sorry to hear that happened," Mugman says.
"Yeah. But it explains everything," Cuphead says.
Then Red Rose says, "You're right. That's why the Devil had more desire to take my soul."
"The Devil wants your soul? How did that happen?" Bon Bon asks, shocked
"Long story short, Mugman, Red Rose, and I went to a carnival, but didn't know that it's the Devil and lost the game so we owe him our soul, but we wouldn't give him the chance,"
Cuphead explains.
"Then he tried to take my and Cuphead souls in town. We ended up on Roll the Dice and I exposed that creep. And I found out that Dice worked for the Devil and was trying to capture my and cuphead's souls," Red Rose explains.
Then Cuphead says, "And the Devil tried to take our souls, even with the invisibility sweaters. I lost mine and Red Rose lost hers soon after. And because of the photograph, the Devil found out about Rose's dad."
Then Mugman says, "And Quadratic said that the Devil would have more desire for her soul for something that happened in the past. And this was it, Storm stopped his plans to take more souls, and now that Red Rose's soul is in debt to him, he'll be getting his revenge through her, but taking Red Rose's soul."
"That sounds like something the Devil would do," Bon Bon says.
"No kidding. He even attacked us while we were at the go-kart race. Talk about determined," Cuphead says.
"Well, now that we got all that out of the way, now we need to do the more important part, and that is to break the curse," Red Rose says.
"You do that?" Bon Bon asks.
"Of course, you've been cursed for too long and unable to leave, which means you can't be with me and dad. And since my friends are here, they are unable to leave either. Since I haven't broken those rules, I can leave Sugar Land and find a way to break the curse," Red Rose says.
"But how? How do we break the curse?" Cuphead asks.
"Hmm, there has to be some way to break this curse," Mugman says.
However, Bon Bon says, "Actually, I think I was able to find a way."
"Really?" Red Rose asks.
"Follow me to the castle and you'll see," Bon Bon says.
Bon Bon and the kids make their way to the castle. They approach it and come to a stop.
Bon Bon says, "Of Candy Castle, I'm home."
Just then, the Candy Castle has grown arms, and gained yellow color eyes, and it even moves the entryway that is like its mouth.
Cuphead and Mugman scream and lean to each other close.
"The castle is alive?!" Red Rose asks.
"That's right. That's kinda another reason why I placed that rule. The castle hates when someone takes a bite out of them," Bon Bon says.
The castle firmly crosses his arm and glares down at them, specifically Mugman.
Bon Bon says, "Oh don't worry sweetie cakes. I promise to make sure they don't take a bite out of you again. They're actually friends with my little Red Rose."
The cake looks down at Red Rose and becomes happy.
"My castle really misses you. It used to play with you when you were a baby," Bon Bon says to Red Rose.
"Really? That's actually amazing," Red Rose says.
Bon Bon nods and turns to the castle, "Now then, can you let us inside. I need to show them it."
The castle nods its head and allows them to enter.
When they walk inside, they're amazed to see the inside of the castle, they see so much decor, walls, furniture, in fact, everything inside seems to be made of candy too. They walk down the halls and soon reach a door. The Baroness opens the door and allows the group entry.
When they walk inside, they soon see that the room is a bedroom, with a canopy bed, furniture and such. The Baroness then walks to a vault and soon opens using the combination, which is hidden. Then bring out a parchment paper and bring it to the friends.
"What is that?" Cuphead asks.
"This is an ancient scroll that I found recently, and I believe it may be the key to break the curse," Bon Bon says.
She then places the rolled up scroll on the bed and unrolls it to reveal writing along with a picture on the bottom. They see what looks like a peppermint with ten slots. Each of them is a different color along with a picture of a candy, lined to each color. Red is a Candy Cane, Orange is peanut brittle, Yellow is 4 Gumdrops in the shape of stars, Green is a cupcake with sticky green icing, Blue is ice cream of pink, blue, and green, Indigo is a Jawbreaker, Purple is three fondants pieces made into flowers, Pink is a Lollipop, White is a gingerbread man cookie, and Brown is chocolate fudge. Each of them has a gold circle slot on it.
In the center, there is what looks like a crystal in the shape of a water lily. Above it is a beautiful scepter that is made of a golden color rod, and it has a red crystal that looks like it's made of sugar. There is also a ribbon attached that is red and white like a candy cane. And the crystal is in the shape of a crystal.
"Wow. That wand is beautiful," Red Rose says.
"It is," Bon Bon says.
"So what does the scroll say?" Mugman asks.
Bon Bon begins to read the scroll, "The Curse of Temptation, the powerful ancient spell that those who have been given into temptation, will be transformed into the desire of the temptation. Long ago, an evil wizard cast a spell on the land, turning it into sweet goodies that let out a bright golden glow and treasures. Whoever has given in to temptation and eaten the castle, will be turned into a sweet treat. In order to break the curse, one person must search throughout Sugar Land to gather a list of candy and find the Scepter of Sweets within a Soda Pop Falls, bring them to the Circle of Sweets, hidden within the Dark Licorice Forest, and place each sweet in the proper cup. Then, offer the crystal lily a great value from the heart. When the crystal glows, place the scepter in the center."
"Well, that seems easy enough," Cuphead says.
However, Bon Bon says, "There's more. Once you start the quest, you must not give into the temptation. If you give in the temptation and eat one of the sweets needed, you too shall be turned into a sweet treat. And the quest had to be a single mission."
"That means that one of us has to go," Mugman says.
"Has anyone tried to break the spell?" Cuphead asks.
"Many have tried to break the spell, but those who tried will end up giving into temptation and turning into a sweet treat. I never told Storm about it because I never wanted him to go through the same fate," Bon Bon says.
"Oh mom," Red Rose sadly says.
"That's just great. We're going to be sweet treats forever," Cuphead sadly says.
"And we'll never be able to go home. We'll never see Elder Kettle again," Mugman sadly says.
"It's alright, things aren't that bad in Sugar Land. You can still eat all the treats you desire, just make sure to not eat my candy castle this time," Bon Bon says.
"Maybe so, but Elder Kettle will be worried," Cuphead says.
"And he has no idea we're here," Mugman says.
Red Rose looks at them with sad looks. Her friends will never be able to go home and see Elder Kettle, just like her mom is unable to leave to be with her and her father. And can imagine that many of the citizens aren't able to leave either and be with their families for who knows how long.
Bon Bon sadly says, "If you want, you all can sleep here in my candy castle for the night."
"Thanks mom, we really appreciate it," Red Rose says.
Later in the night, Cuphead and Mugman are in one of the guest rooms and getting ready for bed. In the other room, Red Rose is sitting on her bed and is feeling sad.
She then hears a knock on the door and says, "Come in."
The door opens and Bon Bon walks inside, "Hello sweetie, may I come in."
"Sure," Red Rose says.
Bon Bon walks in and sits down with Red Rose on the bed.
"How are you feeling?" Bon Bon asks.
"I'm okay. Overwhelmed by all this, but I'm okay," Red Rose says.
Then lowers her head in sadness.
"Are you going to be okay?" Bon Bon asks.
Red Rose begins to shed tears and hugs her, "Oh mom. I miss you so much. And I want to see you. And I miss dad. I wish he could be here. And my friends, I can't believe they're trapped here, and if I try to break the curse, I might end up with the same fate, and…"
"Rosy cakes, it's okay. It's okay. I know things have been a challenge, but we'll get through it somehow," Bon Bon says.
Then hugs Red Rose and says, "I'm just so glad that you're finally home and in my arms."
"Yeah. I'm home," Red Rose says.
Sadly, she mutters as she remembers Cuphead and Mugman's situation, "But they're not."
Then Bon Bon wipes the tear from Red Rose's face, "Don't worry, we can discuss more about this in the morning." And gives Red Rose a kiss on her forehead. "Good night Rose, and welcome home."
"Goodnight mom," Red Rose says.
Then Bon Bon leaves the door and Red Rose turns off the lights with the clap of her hands.
Late in the night , Baroness Von Bon Bon, Cuphead, and Mugman are fast asleep in their room, However, in Red Rose's room, she's the only one who isn't asleep. She's been thinking about the curse her mother and her friends are in, and how much suffering the curse has caused for so many. And hear how to break the curse is to not give in to temptation.
Red Rose sits up and with a determined face, "I know what I have to do."
Red Rose gets up from out of bed and gets her clothes and shoes on. She then grabs her bag and secretly leaves the room. She then walks to the room where the boys are sleeping. She then gives them a gentle kiss. Then Red Rose enters Bon Bon's room, who is asleep, and sees the scroll on the bed. She tip toes without making a sound and quietly grabs the scroll that is sitting on the small table. Then she secretly walks out without a word and closes the door.
Red Rose then walks outside of the candy castle and turns to it, "I'm really sorry everyone, but I need to do this. Wish me luck."
And with that, Red Rose leaves the castle and goes on the journey to start collecting the sweets, find the scepter, and go to the Circle of Sweets to break the curse.