Episode 36: The Devil's Pitchfork
One early morning, in the Underworld, Henchman knocks on the door and says, "Duh, boss, wakey, wakey."
He opens the door and walks in with the Devil's breakfast and the newspaper on the dining cart. However, the Devil grunts and reminds under the covers as he tries to sleep.
Henchman frowns and says, "Aw, boss, you've been in here for days. Come on, get up. Look what a beautiful day it is."
He pulls the rope to open the curtains to reveal a Hellish sight. Souls screaming in lava and creatures are roaring. However, the Devil removes his eye mask to see the sight. Then covers it again, and hides under the covers.
"Uh, I know what'll cheer you up. Just listen to these headlines," Henchman says, and begins to read the paper, "'Invasive beetles devastate crops.' 'Meteor hurtling towards orphanage.'"
Then says in excitement, "Ooh, meteor!"
And continues reading, "'Four horses of the apocabalypse on the loose.'"
And happily says, "What a time to be the Devil, huh?"
However, the Devil groans weakly and brushes it off as he hides under the covers.
Then Henchman says, "Hey, there's a review. Of you!"
That finally gets the Devil out of bed and eagerly asks, "What's that? Ooh, gimme!" and swipes the paper from Henchman.
He then begins to read the paper, "'Once in a rare while, a figure commands our respect, summons our fear, and effortlessly tempts us into unhinged depravity.'
Then turns to Henchman, "Did you hear that, Henchman? Unhinged depravity!" and laughs.
He then continues reading, 'For millennia, it was clear without debate who that figure was.' That doesn't sound good, so he continues reading, 'After a recent string of humiliating setbacks, however, it has become blatantly apparent that the Devil is losing his touch'? 'A silly caricature of his once powerful self.' 'Time to pass the walking stick on to the next contender'?
This clearly makes them very upset and screams in a demonic voice, "It's a pitchfork!"
He then screams as he throws the paper in the air and burns it with his pitchfork.
The Devil continues to says bitterly, "Stupid critic," he lets out a whimper, and says, "What does he know?"
Henchman watches as the Devil lies on his head and curls himself up like a ball.
Then Henchman says to cheer him up, "Hey, you know what I would do if I was you?"
The Devil scoffs, trying to ignore him.
Henchman continues, I'd take my pitchfork and have some fun. Go to the surface, torment some souls, blow off some steam. I'm just saying. You are the Devil, after all."
The Devil takes this into thought and opens his eyes wide.
He sits up and says, "You know, Henchman, you're right. I am the Devil."
He grabs his pitchfork and stands up with confidence " I need to get out there and be the Devil I was born to be." He hops off the bed and says to Henchman, "Thank you, Henchman. I'm about to make a lot of people very miserable." The floats away with new found confidence.
Henchman happily says with tears of joy, "That's my boss."
Meanwhile on the surface in the cottage. Cuphad covers his eyes with excitement.
Cuphead asks, "Now can I look?"
"Not yet," Mugman answers.
Eagerly, Cuphead asks, "How about now?"
"No! No. Wait, wait, Mugman says as he works on something.
Then happily says, "Ta-da!"
Cuphead opens his eyes and is kind of shocked to see two bikes have been patched together.
Cuphead says in shock, "You mutilated our bikes!"
"It's a present. I made our bikes into a tandem bike, Now we can ride bikes together," Mugman says, happily proud of his work.
But Cuphead says, "We already did ride bikes together, separately!"
"But now we can ride our bikes together, together!" Mugman says.
Cuphead groans and asks, "Do we always have to do everything together?"
That makes Mugman sad and begins sobbing, "You hate it!"
Cuphead groans and says, "Ugh. I should probably try it out before I judge."
That cheers Mugman up, "Great. Let's go!"
Just then, they hear a knock on the door.
Cuphead says, "I'll get it."
Cuphead opens the door to see Red Rose, and she is holding a bike as well. This one is painted to be a pink rose color and has a basket at the front.
"Hey Red Rose," Cuphead says.
"Hi Red Rose," Mugman says.
Then notices, "Is that a new bike?"
"Yeah. My mom got it for me. I figure that it's a nice day, I figure we can go for a bike ride together," Red Rose says.
"That's good we're going to do just that," Mugman says.
"Yeah. Mugman turned both our bikes into one bike," Cuphead says.
"A tandem bike, you mean," Mugman replies.
Cuphead rolls his eyes, "Whatever."
"Well then, let's go ride," Red Rose says.
Red Rose hops her bike and rides off. The boys run in the cottage and leave riding on their new bike.
Mugman cheers, "Yippee!"
Meanwhile, at the outskirts of the city, the Devil appears. He takes a sniff, lets out a sigh, and disappears to begin his little rampage.
First, he torture some kids by popping their balloons with his tail, causing them to cry. He then mutates pigeons in the park to create one giant one, and begins to devour the old lady. The then Devil appears on a street light and uses his pitchfork to change the signs to go, causing a major car crash. Then transformed into a long dragon-like monster as he breathes fire and chase the people of Inkwell down the street ad they run and scream in terror. Soon, the city is practically up in flames, much to the Devil's satisfaction.
The Devil happily sighs and says to himself, "Lost my touch? I think not."
Soon, the elevator to the Underworld appears, and the doors open to reveal Henchman inside.
Henchman happily says, "Hiya, boss. So, how was it?"
"It was great! I feel like my old wicked self again," The Devil answers as he stretches himself.
He walks to the elevator as Henchman eagerly says, "Details. I want details."
"Very well, Henchman," The Devil says as he steps in the elevator.
Then explains what he has done, "First, I tortured some children, then I…"
However, the Devil hasn't realized that he has lifted his pitchfork against the tree by mistake.
Soon, Cuphead, Mugman, and Red Rose are cycling by. Well, Mugman is the one doing the cycling while Cuphead is reading a magazine.
"You know what, Mugsy? I take it all back. This is some great bike," Cuphead says.
Then asks, "You mind pedallin' faster? I could use a little, uh, breeze back here."
Struggling to pedal, Mugman snorts and says, "A breeze, huh? You know what? You're a real pain in my-"
But Cuphead shouts, "Stop! Look!"
The three friends come to a stop and are shocked to see the Devil's pitchfork is left against the tree, unattended.
"Is that what I think it is?" Cuphead asks, shocked.
"It can't be," Mguman says, shocked.
But Red Rose says, "But… but it is. It's the Devil's pitchfork."
Cuphead walks over with astonishment.
Mugman quickly warns Cuphead, "Wait, don't touch it! What if only the Devil can use it?"
"But what if anyone can use it?" Cuphead questions.
Cuphead tries to reach for it, but Red Rose stops him, "Hold on Cuphead, I really don't think it's a good idea."
"Why?" Cuphead asks.
"This is the Devil we're talking about. One, his pitchfork could be dangerous and have powerful magic for all we know. Second, I doubt the Devil will be happy that we of all people have his pitchfork, especially since he's still trying to take our souls. And third most importantly, if his pitchfork is here, that means the Devil could be around here," Red Rose explains.
"Oh yeah," Cuphead says.
Cuphead, Mugman, and Red Rose look around and see that the Devil is nowhere in sight.
"Well, looks like the Devil isn't here, so I think it's okay to try it," Cuphead says, and reaches for the pitchfork.
Meanwhile, in the Underworld, the elevator stops with a ding, and opens to let the Devil and Henchman walk out.
"Oh, the sound of screaming," The Devil says, satisfied and starts laughing, "Ah, what a delicious day."
He happily sighs, "Precious memories." And sits on his throne, "Just me and my pitchfork and, uh…"
However, when he tries to grasp his pitchfork, he realizes that he isn't holding it. He gasps and looks around as he asks, "Where's my pitchfork?" and covers his mouth in shock to see that he doesn't have his pitchfork.
Meanwhile, Cuphead decides to give the pitchfork a try, so he has cans and bottles stacked on a log.
Cuphead holds the pitchfork and says, "Ready, aim, fire!"
And fire. That destroys the bottles and the cans, and the log too. Mugman and Red Rose are surprised to see the power of the pitchfork, and worried to look back to see that it pushed Cuphead at the tree.
"Cuphead!" Red Rose says, worried
Then Mugman asks, "Are you okay?"
Mugman and Red Rose run to Cuphead and help him up.
Cuphead groans and says, "This thing sure packs a wallop."
"Yeah. It must have a lot of power in there," Red Rose says.
Then Cuphead says to Mugman, "I think we'd have more control if we both held onto it."
However, Mugman crosses his arms and turns away, "Funny. Huh! I thought you didn't want to always do everything together."
"Did I say that?" Cuphead questions.
And Mugman nods, "Mm-hmm!"
Then Cuphead says, "Well, if it makes you feel any better, there isn't anybody else I'd rather go around blowing stuff up with."
"Aw, gee, Cuphead," Mugman says, feeling happy.
" Now let's go blow stuff up," Cuphead says.
Then turns to Red Rose, "Wanna join?"
"Holding that pitchfork. No way. Making sure you guys don't get into too much trouble. That's a yes," Red Rose answers.
And with that Cuphead and Mugman run down the path as they use the pitchfork to blast everything in sight. Red Rose runs after them and really hopes they don't get into trouble for this.
Back in the Underworld, the Devil frantically searches for his pitchfork.
He looks under the cushion on his throne, "It's not under here." Then behind his throne, "It's not back here."
Then searches under his tapestry, "Where is it?"
Then searches in the elevator, "Did I have it with me in the elevator?"
"Uh, I don't know," Henchman answers.
"Well, look around. Find it!" The Devil angrily says and continues searching for it.
But Henchman says, "Ah, calm down."
"You calm down!" The Devil angrily says, with his body on fire.
Then Henchman says, "Well, let's retrace our steps. Where did you have it last?"
The Devil thinks as he remembers, "Well, I mutated some pigeons in the park, then I went to the zoo and released all the carnivores, and then I set the city on fire, uh, hmm…" He gasps in realization as he snaps his fingers, "I left it against that tree!"
Back on the surface, Cuphead and Mugman continue to burn the trees in the forest, except the tree where the Devil was hat. Suddenly, the pitchfork begins to float in the air. Red Rose quickly grabs on as it carries her and the boys in the air.
"Whoa. This is new," Cuphead says.
"We're flying!" Red Rose says, surprised.
Then the pitchfork flies around carrying the three friends in the air as they scream, "Whoa!"
Soon enough, the elevator arrives and the Devil quickly exits to the tree that isn't there.
"It was right here! I'm sure of it," The Devil says, disbelief.
Henchman notices the burned forest and turns to the Devil, "Wow, nice work, boss. You really, uh, burnt everything up."
The Devil notices the destroyed landscape and says, "I didn't do that," and pushes Henchman as he looks at the area.
He thinks for a minute and realizes, "Which means someone has my pitchfork!"
The Devil grumbles in anger, and looks like he's going to destroy the ones who have his pitchfork.
Unknown to the Devil, Cuphead, Mumgman, and Red Rose are flying on the pitchfork like a witch on the broom in the air as they laugh in excitement for the ride.
"Wonder what else this thing can do," Cuphead replies.
Then Mugman says, "Well, there is something I've always wanted to try."
"What's that?" Red Rose asks.
Soon, the three find themselves in an Italian restaurant. Mugman is served a plate of spaghetti and meatballs."
He then uses the pitchfork to gather the entire meal, "Heh? Heh?"
And places it in his mouth, and eats it with one sitting.
"This is what you always wanted to try?" Cuphead questions.
Then takes the pitchfork away, "Gimme that!"
Cuphead then zaps a piece of meat, and a few spaghetti and meatballs from different tables. They have eyes now and begin to come to life. Then they begin to attack the people in the restaurant. Everyone screams and panic as the food begins to attack one.
One of them, Dorris asks, upset, "So, are you gonna introduce me to your little friend?"
Soon enough the restaurant is in chaos, food rampaging, dishes shattering, and people screaming.
Mugman turns to the others and says, "Uh, maybe we should go."
"Agree," Red Rose says.
Then the three friends leave the restaurant.
Cuphead turns to Mugman says, says, "Mugsy, old boy, earlier today, when you mutilated our bikes, you did something nice for me. Now, I want to mutilate something nice for you."
"Aww, that's sweet of you Cuphead," Red Rose says.
"Thanks," Cuphead says.
Then the three take their leaves as the restaurant is in chaos.
Sometime later, Cuphead is using the Devil's pitchfork to blast something and it creates a lot of booming sounds.
Mugman asks, "Can I look now?"
Cuphead turns his head and says, "Not yet! Almost there…"
It's revealed that Mugman has his back turned as he covers his eyes. Red Rose is standing next to him to make sure he doesn't see. Then Cuphead continues to blast something with the pitchfork. Mugman then slowly removes his fingers and has his eyes turned.
But Red Rose notices, "No peeking Mugman."
"Sorry," Mugman says.
Then asks, "How 'bout…?"
Mugman and Red Rose look ahead with their back turn, and look ahead. However, Mugman takes his hands off his eyes and stares ahead in shock and fear. Red Rose feels the way.
Mugman mutters fearfully, "C-c-c-c-Cuphead!"
"Patience…!" Cuphead says.
He continues to blast away with the pitchfork with bangs and zaps.
Red Rose rushes over, "Uh Cuphead."
Soon, Cuphead finishes and happily says, "TA-DAA!"
It's soon revealed that Cuphead has made a Mount Rushmore version of Mugman.
Cuphead presents, "It's 'Mount Mugmore'! What do you think?"
Suddenly, a familiar voice answers, "Very nice."
Unknown to Cuphead, the Devil is standing close behind him as Mugman stares in shock and Henchman is a farther distance away.
"Aww, thanks Devil. But actually…" Cupehad says, but stops with a stunned look.
He quickly turns around and screams in terror, "THE DEVIIIIIIIIL!"
"I believe you have something of mine? Hand it over," The Devil says and presents his hand forward.
"U-Uhh, okay. Sure. Sorry! We- we- we were just horsin' around, y'know?" Cuphead says, frightened and with shaky hands, presents the pitchfork to the Devil.
The Devil reaches for it, and ZAP! The pitchfork zaps him, making him scream in pain. After the shock, the Devil is practically charred black, and glares at Cuphead.
"Oh, wow. Sorry! That- that was an accident. Here," Cuphead says, and presents the pitchfork again.
The Devil reaches again and gets zapped. Realizing what he has in his hands, Cuphead makes a mischievous look on his face. Then he holds the pitchfork to the Devil again, and ZAP! The Devil gets shocked and screams in pain. After that, the Devil growls in anger.
Cuphead quickly says, "Okay, Okay. Sorry, really/ Seriously, here you go!"
The Devil slowly reaches for his pitchfork and gets zapped again.
Having had enough, the Devil angrily says, "YOU'RE DOING THAT ON PURPOSE!"
"Uh-uh!" Cuphead says as he shakes his head and presents the pitchfork again.
Then Devil then slowly reaches for his pitchfork again, and ZAP. He gets electrocuted again. Soon Cuphead and Red Rose begin to laugh loudly.
Soon, the Devil hears Mugman giggling.
But quickly silence when the Devil looks at him, "Oh!"
The Devil has reached his limits, He growls in anger and yells at them, "You think this is FUNNY?! You think you have the upper hand?! Just because you have my pitchfork AND you and your little girlfriend's soul debts have expired?!"
Red Rose gasps in shock, "What did you just say?!"
Realizing what he just said, the Devil gasps in complete shock and covers his mouth.
The Henchman smacks his face, "Ah…"
Mugman is even more confused, "Expired soul debts?"
And with that, Mugman marches over between Cuphead and the Devil as he shouts, "Wait, wait, wait. Hold it! Stop everything!"
Then Mugman turns to the Devil and questions, "Did you just say expired soul debts?"
Then turns to Cuphead and Red Rose, "He just said expired soul debts."
"That's exactly what he said," Red Rose says.
Then Cuphead puts the pieces together, "Lemme get this straight! We no longer owe him our souls? And I have his pitchfork!"
Then the Devil covers his face with his hands, "Oh, the humiliation!"
"Oh wow. Now this is just said," Cuphead says.
Cuphead then presents the Devil his pitchfork, "Here, you should have this. It belongs to you."
The Devil is reluctant and asks, "And you won't zap me?"
"No, I promise," Cuphead says.
The Devil reaches for his pitchfork, but Cuphead zaps the Devil with the pitchfork again.
Soon, Cuphead, Mugman, and Red Rose begin laughing and pointing their fingers at him.
At the same time, the Henchman watches the scene nervously.
Then says, "Aw, jeez."
Cuphead, Mugman, and Red Rose continue laughing with big smiles on their faces.
Suddenly, boom, the Devil is no longer in sight. The wind blows ominously.
And then, the Devil's voice echoes through the forest, "You have taken something of great value to me! So I shall take something of great value to YOOOOOOOUUUU!"
But Cuphead scoffs, "Pfft! There's nothing you can take from me that I care about."
Suddenly, something bursts, and Cuphead and Red Rose turn his heads to see the Devil inside his elevator, with Mugman tied up inside. Mugman is petrified to find himself in the elevator in the Devil's clutches.
The Devil says in a sinister tone, "Say goodbye to Cuphead!"
Mugman nervously says, "Goodbye to Cuphead!"
The Devil maniacally laughs.
Before Cuphead and Red Rose can react, the elevator door slams shut, and disappears, leaving Cuphead and Red Rose alone, as Cuphead holds the pitchfork and is completely devastated. Processing everything that has happened The Devil has kidnapped Mugman and taken him into the Underworld.
Cuphead manages to say in shock and devastation, "Mugman…?"
