Good morning everyone, this is Big Red here. Welcome one and all to the Inkwell Isles Arc. As a heads up, this takes place during the events of the World Summit as seen through Lamont's vision when asked of Alucard's group and their status. But with that out of the way, this is the last chapter of the year. To make this extra special, I will leave an invite to my Discord server once more at the very bottom, but remind you all that this is ONLY for the adult fans of this fic who are 18+ because I don't mind more voices influencing the direction of the story. Not that I mind reviews either since I highly encourage them since that feedback is important. Anyways, let us all see what our favor three cups are up to and how they came to be great allies for another of our missing Smash allies that fell from the warship.
The situation would turn from jolly to sunny side down with an old foe of Cuphead who's here for less than pleasant reasons with the reformed chef of the northern Inkwell Isles. The nervous chef nervously sweats on his gold glass dome since he didn't want to entertain the same idea that gotten him arrested or hurt innocent customers who willingly helped him for. The Wondertart was a truly special dish unlike his basic Astral Cookies that can grant powers that even goes beyond that of The Devil. This was all more of a reason the dice entertainer wanted to pursue this for him to earn his good faith once more.
"Come on now, you do not have a choice. I have countless demons and playing cards surrounding this very bakery. They will willingly attack any fuzz or customers that even try to get involved to make this sweeter. Don't act like you weren't once a cold blooded condiment container that tried to make dishes out of our enemies' heads. I know all about you thanks to the latest newspapers back in Inkwell Hell. Rebuilding our beloved casino back to the way it was took quite long if it weren't for some outside friends that recently joined us. So take a moment and realize the dire situation you are in, my salty friend. Bake that Wondertart you are more than willing to make as your greatest masterpiece for my master," King Dice said once more in a serious manner.
The chef still backs off slowly while looking around for a way to defend himself from the shady casino attendant. All he could see are his fruits of his labor, various cooking utensils like knives and rollers that he would only use for cooking. This is especially since despite all the community service he had served since imprisonment, he never wanted to use these tools to harm anyone again after Cuphead stopped him. He also knew making it is impossible after all the stolen ingredients were returned to every rightful owner while serving his community service.
"I'm a changed salt shaker you see, not a single mean bone in my body. There are only specific ingredients I can use to make it which can only be done if they are stolen from the five guardians. I've already atoned for using those boys and Chalice to steal them, it would be a grave mistake if you forced me to be the one to take them by force. Just please take the cookies that I'm baking and get out of here," Chef Saltbaker begged in fear.
"Uh uh uh, what did I just say? Or I would have to speak more clearly for your glass house to be broken. You have nowhere to run and those cups are too busy in their cozy little cottage thinking everything is alright with your little business. You have no friends that will come to your rescue. Just give up quietly and come with me. I'll even bring you to these guardians and wallop those guardians for your ingredients if I have to. But this is your masterpiece you deserve to make, which is why I've came to you. Do we have a deal, Saltbaker?" King Dice explains as he steps over the chef's desk.
The dice faced man is far from wrong as he was right with his statements on the bakery being surrounded. Many red imps, purple elephant demons, one eyed demon bombs, skeletal casino workers, and walking cards were completely surrounding the bakery fully armed. Some of the notable members like Hopus Pocus and Phear Lap had already subdued a few cops that did grow concerned with the commotion, leaving them too weak to fight back. The few newspaper boys that wanted to report on this were scared away by Mangosteen and Pip with Dot from getting any closer to the scene of the crime. King Dice did go out of his way to make sure this plan isn't a failure or outside forces don't completely interfere in any way. The chef is feeling cornered as the only thing behind him is the door leading to his old chamber where he would want no reminders of his past crime, the persistent taller dice man getting closer by the minute. His unending big grin refuses to leave since this is his moment to win his master's faith and status once more. The Chef didn't want to think anymore and grabbed his famed knife to try attacking the dice man. His reflex would be quick enough to grab his hand in time before he thought about shaving his perfectly cubed head. Saltbaker is left sweating even more with his once pure eyes growing more yellow in desperation.
"See, you really do have that old craze to cut someone running in your salty veins. But don't forget that I am the Devil's Number One so your little knife just won't cut it. But I know someone who deserves it more, those same cups that humiliated you. This is why it was destiny for you to make the Wondertart again. They stopped you from achieving your dream, so what's better than following me to relive that moment. This is fate, you can't fight it forever," King Dice said once more quietly with his devious grin.
The cornered chef soon screams in anger at the man's attempt to force him before launching a fireball at him. This is the fireball that would often dance in the middle of the table and his hand during the last encounter with Cuphead.
"Whoops," King Dice said before spawning a pair of pink dice to block the infernal creature's pursuit.
Saltbaker wasn't giving up without a fight by blowing a cloud of salt from his mouth directly at King Dice's eyes. This caused him to scream in pain from the acidic white material burning away his eyes until they disappeared, making him completely blind.
"Oh come on, these were my only pair of eyes! That does it, time to send my full hands on deck," he cried before launching a shower of cards before him.
These cards would immediately grow to a larger size with sentience, like the same soldiers he would send on Cuphead in battle. The spades, clubs, hearts, and diamonds we'll marched aggressively at the cornered chef that is still armed with his knife. He breathes granola while hyperventilating at the thought of going down
in the very place that reminded him of his crimes. He yells once more before slashing one card with his blade as if he's cutting the finest vegetables. The other cards froze immediately after seeing one of their own get reduced to lifeless shreds.
"This is my bakery and you all are hereby banned from it. Permanently," the angry chef chef said in a chilling, less friendly voice.
He continues to hack down another card that approached him while shooting another fireball at one that tried to tackle him. The burning card eventually reduced to ashes immediately from the flame's quick burn as others soon leapt for him. The manic chef continues swinging his knife hard as he could to decapitate each card until they couldn't jump or walk anymore. Hen soon realizes that this wouldn't be enough as more cards keep spawning and soon surrounded him thanks to the devious King Dice, who just gotten his eyesight back to normal.
"Get that saltshaker! We aren't leaving until he makes that infernal dessert," he ordered.
The chef knew that something different had to be done if it meant getting out of here alive, which he takes a special mushroom out of his apron that he saved for situations like these. He really didn't want to do this, but his cookies were also on the verge of burning because he didn't have the time to take it out.
"I sure am not a huge fan of you. But that's not to say I won't grown on you either," the frustrated chef said with the glowing red mushroom in hand.
He unscrews his shaker cap immediately to place the mystical shore inside of his salt contents inside, before the cards inched closer to him with King Dice getting closer with his sinister grin. His body would eventually begin expanding slowly as he soon gotten big enough for the cards to collide with his legs. Saltbaker would use the time to screw his cap back on as he keep rapidly growing even bigger than his oppressors that aimed to capture him. King Dice would be left floored at how one little mushroom was enough to make the chef immediately outgrow him with the large shadow casting above him and a few card soldiers. From his yellow vengeful eyes to his imposing stature, the chef is now more than unhappy that he's forced to do this just to save his own life. This isn't the end of his plan as it turns out King Dice can change his size in a similar way naturally as he starts to grow himself immediately.
"Tsk tsk tsk, you really had to make things harder than it should me. All I want is your cooperation, but I guess that this will become a true die house soon," the Devil's Right hand said once he reached eye level with the giant chef.
"I've already spoke my piece, you six faced deceiver. Instead of harassing a humble chef and making him burn a masterpiece he would have sold, you pester me about something I want to never pursue again. Now this is my last chance of ever playing nice, it's high time I will have to chip you more than fine garlic for trying to force me into your latest scheme," Chef Saltbaker said before snapping to chip his glass fingertips.
A series of floating saltshakers like the ones he used giants Cuphead would appear around his body to assist him knowing he can just blind him with salt again if he has to. King Dice also summons even more sentient cards that are now capable of flight to handle these possible threats that could hurt his eyes. This is when the fight will ensue that could bring the whole bakery down a second time as the building shakes hard enough to get the attention of the King's Court that guard the building. It would be a close fight between two titans of differing ideals as they clobbering each other with punches Each strike left each other with cracks or dents from the powerful blows either one had done. The cards and saltshakers were also struggling to fight each other since they tried their best to stop each other from attacking their masters. The knife that he normally had would be knocked out of his hand already by a crafty King Dice who didn't want to get his face ruined. The oven below that bakes cookies would already catch on fire due to the cookies baking too long without anyone to stop them. Some curious cards would already be catching on fire and running around due to not liking that feeling of burning alive. Time would be running out as the chef's beloved bakery is now going to be burned to the ground unless something is done to stop it.
"You are ruining my bakery since the moment you've stepped foot here. Get out or I will be forced to batter you," the heartbroken chef cried.
"Oh come on, it's just a building. Who needs this old place when we can make a better one in our casino. The Devil could use someone like you to bake all the Wondertarts in the world for just us forever. All you had to do was say yes and this easily could have been avoided," the determined dice dealer said before throwing another punch to the chef's cheek.
This blow would be enough to cause a crack large enough to cover half his face and even make him leak some salt from the deeper ones. The chef's inability to focus due to his own bakery burning is what's causing him to lose his will to fight. This is when he would gesture some of the least busy saltshakers into launching themselves at King Dice's face before he could strike him again. The blows would be numerous and caused more dents to his formerly perfect cubed face, even blinding him again with clouds of salt spreading everywhere. Saltbaker ordered the few other saltshakers to start shaking over the spreading flames to try putting them out. He figured at least this should slow the fire down before it becomes more of a problem while his flammable cards were still a possible problem.
"There is no way I am losing this bet again. So let's play a game that will change everything about your fate," he said as he's spewing a pair of special dice to roll.
These were similar to the ones he would use for the King's Court challenges when Cuphead faced him as one could tell from the fact they were pink. He finally tossed them at the ground before them to see if he could get a good number that determines the outcome of his fight. The dice revealed themselves to add up to a seven with one dice showing three on its upside and the other showing four on the other. A digital wheel soon appears to begin spinning for the next outcome of King Dice's dastardly plan. Saltbaker would be too preoccupied trying to stop the fire by blowing it out while he still had the time than focusing on King Dice. The spinning of the wheel begins slowing down with King Dice anticipating the result that will really turn the tides in his favor.
"Please land me a good one, I need to teach this portly glass dome of sodium chloride to suffer," he begs.
The wheel's spinning slows down enough by a few seconds as the pink arrow lingers to what could be a few good end results he would want. Saltbaker is left lamenting the very charred lumps that used to be cookies on the hot pan he's taken out of his oven with one large finger, a chef like him always feels dissatisfied when a treat he bakes always fails to meet his expectations as the best chef in all the land. But this was more the fault of his intruder endangering him than his own carelessness of forgetting about his own prized oven. The wheels finally stops spinning to land on what appears to be a skull insignia, the very thing that means instant death or severe damage that Cuphead would be careless to get when spinning the dice. King Dice immediately grins and laughs soon after since he choose a real good result to deal with his runaway chef target. What soon happens is the Chef experiencing a sharp pain in his chest that caused him to yell in pain. Whatever happened is beginning to make his once proud glass body to shatter in the more vulnerable spots as he heard cracks even louder than before that hurts him.
"You monster, you must be tryin g to go for my heart. I will not let you go after it," he shouts while glaring back at the giddy dice man.
He instantly breaks his own hand to fire a pillar of his own salt at King Dice to attempt drawing him while he stood there. He retaliates by calling even more of his card henchmen deck to defend him at the right time. More salt endlessly pours as the floor soon begins rapidly filling in a sea of white. Even the very oven that's cooling down would be covered up immediately with the rising white sands. The chef's clothes would soon fall apart and his own body is left as an empty shell since all of his is now free to finish the job with this intruder that still desires him.
"What's the matter? You can't be too salty over here because that isn't good for your health, old man. Is this six sided handsome devil too much for you to handle?" the still gigantic King Dice gloats.
A pair of massive white arms soon grabs him before violently trying to drown him inside the rising salt below his feet. This is Saltbaker having full control of his salty body as a last resort whenever his body fully breaks after having the mushroom. A massive opera-like laughter could be head as King Dice screams Fromm having his face buried directly under the salt by these large hands. King Dice is blind once more from losing his beloved eyes, being left with his other senses for the time being.
"This is what it's like to feel so much heartburn when you consume too much salt. It was a shame I had to be forced to do this behind closed doors if it clears my name and keeps me out of your sick game of wanting the Astral Plane in your hands. I will be willing to let you go if you promise to never return again, dice boy. The choice is yours," Saltbaker's disembodied voice echoed through the weakening bakery.
King Dice had to think quickly since h his aware that he could either risk walking back empty handed and never win The Devil's approval or die trying the longer he is forced to drown in the grainy sea of white salt that's filling the bakery. Another pair of hands would appear to make a few dancing Saltbaker-shaped clones who would be finishing the job while their target is still held in one place. Even the few card minions would be completely swallowed by the salty sands or choosing to run away due to how strong the chef is proving to be. It was when it hit King Dice that he still had one final plan up his sleeve. He knew of something that he snuck from Inkwell Hell that could turn the tides in his favor if he can find a way to beg of him.
"Oh hiddie-hiddie-hoo! I surrender. You win, this handsome dice is too young to have his last roll. Can you please let me be on my way with a batch of cookies and I will leave you be? Forget the Wondertart. It is not even my priority anymore when my life is more important. I'll call of my men from the outside and be on my way, please," he begs in an almost convincing manner.
"Are you sure that you are sorry? You know most villains like you often lie just when your backs are towards the wall just to avoid your just desserts. I know a liar when I hear one," Saltbaker's voice said once more.
King Dice is already feeling his own hands being buried within the salty sand as it continues to rise leaving only his mouth which could feel all that sodium madness being forcefed if he didn't thin k quickly enough.
"I am telling the truth. You see I am blind because your salt keeps taking away my eyes. I would prove myself genuine if I had them back and show you my real tears. I am on a special salt-free diet that even a taste of salt could give me a heart attack. Just think about it, you are the nicest chef in the world and not a killer. How do you think your customers would feel if they seen you doing this to save your own hide. All I ever wanted was a special batch of salt free cookies to be on my way. I can face the Devil's hellish wrath for my failure because at least it would mean this dice can keep rolling. Please spare me," he cried before the salt reacts his own mouth. In a sudden change of fate, Saltbaker
stops filling the room with salt to his surprise but it was mostly for other reasons like exhaustion since the chef did feel he needed more rest than forcing his own damaged body to fight for too long. All salt would soon start pulling itself away towards the pile of clothes and broken shell to slowly rebuild itself. King Dice soon wobbled around without his eyes but choose to shrink himself back to his normal height now that he's completely free. The few card soldiers that were free would be shaking all the excess salt off her faces and edges now that they were free. The chef is soon back to normal after fully putting his body back together in a smaller form like before since his duty was to bake anything a customer wants. King Dice is still hyperventilating now that he was no longer drowning, his eyes soon magically appearing where they should do he could see. He is more than pleased that his plan is working with the chef throwing away the charred cookies to slowly start over with his task to make the dice man's order. Before the cards would think about getting closer to the preoccupied chef, King Dice raised a single hand to order the sentient deck to not make a single move since he was spared.
"I have to say, you are right that I am someone who is best seen an example for the greatest chef in all the land. To end your life here in my own safe haven is only asking to be sent to the big house again. Enemy or not, it's not like me to even try being as bad as I was in the past. It's like the cup said to me before, I used to be baking with all my love to be someone that would use an innocent's soul as an ingredient. You will be taking these cookies and you will get out of here is promised, is that a deal?" the chef explains as he gathers all the ingredients he need for his next batch.
"You have my word. I will take those cookies that are good for my health and leave. We can put this all behind us like it never happened. Just do not tell that cup and his his two friends about this since I do not want any more trouble," the dice-headed man said casually.
Deep down, he is not even close to worried about Cuphead, Chalice, nor Mugman as the three were likely only on the first Inkwell Isle with Elder Kettle to even arrive at the bakery. He also had a special trick up his sleeve knowing well that despite the close call, he isn't leaving empty handed if he ever wanted to face his boss outside of these islands.
"One more thing, is there a form I can sign for me to make this order? Because I would love to be able to have something we both can sign so I can be aware of how much this will cost. This dice is all about class and wanting his special order done the right way," he continued with a smile.
"Very well. I normally allow orders done through a phone call, but this is an exception since you weren't nice enough in intruding my bakery. But oh well, what's the harm in doing so at all. Let me find the papers already," the chef replied before he could make the batter.
He walks away to a counter to gather all the order forms he could, with his dice customer still watching before he could make his move. He whispers to order his card minions to make their way towards the door and leave to make things seem less suspicious to the unaware chef. If this one shot he had to tick him would work, he had to make it all seem more natural like he is truly going t abide by his word. Saltbaker slowly returned with a stack of order forms and a big ink pen made just for signatures, straightening the stack to make sure everything is neat enough. King Dice stood even closer to the desk with the giddiest smile as if he's wanting to get those cookies. "These are the forms. Just sign you name at the bottom after you choose the cookies you want. Make sure to specify in the additional notes if you want these salt-free like you've asked. The dozen should cost fifteen golden coins, no refunds," the salty chef said.
"Oh that shouldn't be a problem at all. Our casino rakes in hundreds every day, so a top employee like me wouldn't come here empty handed. But can I just say that you have the nicest selection of cookies in this bakery?" King Dice replied in an obvious attempt at flattery.
The chef knew too well to appreciate the compliment since there is much to say about all of his finest works if a customer is truly curious.
"Thank you, I really am the master chef and baker here. There is nothing I can't bake. I've done it all. Stromboli, cannoli, turnovers, pies, danishes, biscotti, crumpets, and cookies. All you see here is nothing short of what I am truly a master of. You love it and eat it to the very end," he says blissfully while facing away.
King Dice would instantly switch the one of the sheets with a special white form he was keeping, signs the very bottom, and placed it back on without him looking. The devious dice-headed man knew that it was over for this chef soon as he signs the form below as planned.
"I'm done. Can you sign your name too since I've choose the best batch I would love you to bake for me," King Dice called.
The chef soon realized he was so lost in thought to face a customer before looking back to sign the form in a rush.
"There. One order of eternal servitude to King Dice coming u…wait a minute. What is this? Why did I even sign it!?" The surprised chef explains upon realizing what happened.
"Skippa-boo-bop-a-doo! You should have known that this was coming for you. Unlike the old debt forms the Devil's many clients signed before, this one is truly special as it binds you to me for as long as it wants. You are my property now, nothing can save you from my control. To make this a true equivalent exchange, you will now start feeling your true desires of reliving that dream of baking the Wondertart. Can't be too bad of a deal if you enjoy it too, huh?" The sister dice man said before laughing evilly.
Chef Saltbaker slowly backs away upon realizing the situation he was truly in, as his old glass hands started to shake from fear. But it was something else he was starting to feel as if he's actually wanting a part of this just like King Dice said about the debt form's power.
"No, no no no. I don't want to do this, I really don't. That Wondertart was a curse and almost lead me to kill an innocent mug boy. Don't do this to me, I will do anything for this to be undone. Please!" he tearfully begged.
Soon he would start feeling more pain inside of his own salty soul and screams while holding his hands on his temple. King Dice would only continue to laugh upon seeing the form working its magic on the chef while pounding the desk in sheer amusement.
"Come on boys! It is happening, our mission is complete. We will be going on an island wide trip to get those ingredients soon," he called to his absent minions.
The bakery door opens again as the decks of cards would start marching back inside obediently. But soon after all members of the KIng's Court from the Tipsy Troupe to Mr. Chimes would lumber their way inside too to see the show. Phear Lap tossed the one cop that was bothering him back outside since he was bored of toying with him. Mangosteen opens his mouth in a long drawn gasp after seeing the chef writhe around in pain. King Dice would only continue his wicked laugher the longer he watched the suffering of the chef as if he's dying before his very eyes. Even the cards were trying to wonder what happened to him compared to how dangerous he was earlier with the cutting of their card kin.
"This is it boys, the real Chef Saltbaker that truly wants to achieve his greatest masterpiece is back. Just you watch as the magic happens," the sinister dice man said as the light reflects his scary grin.
One glass hand stone raised from below the desk with a powerful grip to begin pulling the rest of the body up. Everyone could tell by the eyes that he is actually serious about wanting to go through with the request. With his wider evil grin back the way it was and a desire for achieving his greatest baking feat, the debt form's influence changed him back to the way he was before serving his imprisonment. King Dice is now Saltbaker's master who will give him every order possible to do what he wants for the Devil.
"If it is a Wondertart you want, it's a Wondertart you will get. Let's just start with the biggest and easiest to trick if we will gather all the ingredients for ruling that Astral Plane, master," the evil chef said in a gravelier voice of servitude.
King Dice does an even bigger grin than before that eclipsed his square face in response to the saltshaker's subservience to him.
"Very well, my little chef. We shall start immediately with those delicious Gnome Berries. With you by my side and my entire Court, it should be an easy task to get everything we need for that deliciously powerful tart," he responds before shaking hands with him.
A new evil partnership is formed through a deal that can never be broken too easily unlike the past. Now we are aware the Devil's right hand never plays nice and someone to never mess with. Meanwhile, the peculiar scene of the Inkwell Isle citizens surrounding an unconscious Alucard would be the beginning of the young cup's new journey since his last one. He was thankfully smart enough to stop his easily excited brother from wanting to stake the dhampir to death while he remains there. The Elder Kettle had a truly bad feeling as he wasn't sure if outsiders like him should be spared in any way. But he knew to trust his apprentice's judgement as he did save these islands from The Devil and the other isles from a chef mad with power.
"Are you sure we shouldn't just throw this bloke into a vat of holy water or something? I wouldn't trust a bloodsucker on these islands," Hilda Berg said in a snobby manner.
"Yous better not be sure. Because I know a bad guy when I see one. This could be one of The Devil's minions he sent to get back at us for bein' free," Ribby said with one fist tied behind his back.
"Guys, guys. I am very sure this guy is here for a reason and not to get us. He is not even a vampire. Vampires die in the sun, he is still here. And I know him before since Mugsy and I did ask to join their savior group before after they had saved us from the World of Light disaster. They polite fully declined us, but make sure to take something they will remember us for, which I don't know what they've did. But you got to believe me, he is a good guy and I can prove it," Cuphead begs.
The next part of the plan he had was to take something out of his pocket. It was a cookie, but thankfully not the special astral ones Saltbaker initially gave him to switch between Chalice with a temporary body. The cup would soon open the dhampir's mouth and put the cookie inside. His surrounding friends would grow weary as they had a good view of Alucard's fangs to see him as a monster. But the brave cup instead chooses to help him chew the cookie in an attempt to bring him back to his senses. Mugman still stands behind Cuphead with the stake still in hand in case he planned on doing anything with his beloved brother. At the same time, he would feel for a heartbeat if he could to see if he is regaining consciousness. Depute his gloved hands, he was very good at what he did as someone who helps anyone in need. This was a big improvement compared to giving in temptation to gamble that gotten him and Mugman in trouble with The Devil initially. But he still had a long way to go as he was too trusting to help Chef Saltbaker without knowing his true intentions that almost gotten his brother baked in a powerful dish. |
There you go, I will prove ya innocence to my pals. This is the only shot I have at finally joining those Smash guys and making a name for myself outside of these islands. Just watch me guys, he is not going to be as bad as you think he is.
It wasn't until he heard a light groan as he helped chew the dhampir's mouth. Mugman shivered more and hid deeper behind Cuphead since he had a feeling it came from Alucard. Both Robby and Croaks were more than read to box him if he thought about biting the cup on their watch. Hilda Berg awaits if it was a good time to inflate herself into her blimp form for battle. While the Root Pack were glad that vampires weren't vegetarians, they still felt concerned for Cuphead' safety if he did plan to bite him. Cagney recoils initially in fear until he realized that he is just a flower that can't be eaten. The same Goran would be heard again that startled Mugman even more that even Cuphead saw the stake he had.
"What did I tell you, Mugsy. He is not going to bite any of us. Give it to me," he demands.
"No, Cuphead. I'm not taking any risks when this guy outta suck our blood. You got to stop trusting people, remember that crazy chef who almost baked my soul? That's why you shouldn't trust this somehow sun immune vampire freak," the paranoid Mugman said before keeping his stake away from his brother.
"Saltbaker changed, remember? He served his community service, gave all the stolen ingredients back, and still continued to serve us after Chalice gotten her body back. Chalice, please back me up here," Cuphead begged.
The golden chalice girl sighs since she had no horse in this race than keeping the boys out of trouble.
"Nothing ever changes with you two. Mugman, that's enough!" she said before shocking him with her lightning three-way shot.
The Converge shot not only shocked the mug headed boy to reveal his skeleton in several flashes, but burned the stake into soot from the heat alone. She really didn't want to hurt someone who she just saved from a misguided chef that redeemed himself, but felt in her heart this half vampire man is far from their enemy.
"You really outta know how to chill once in a while. Cuphead did say this guy is with the Smash people right. So we all could join if we prove ourselves to him. Or maybe do him a favor so big they would have no choice but to let us join. Don't that sound like a good deal?" the yellow chalice girl suggests.
"So these Smash guys eh, they saved you? That means this guy here isn't a real danger to us?" Hida Berg wondered.
"They are not. Maybe there's a reason he fell here and we outta ask him once he wakes up from his rest. Don't let paranoid folk like Mugman or Ribbity get to you," Chalice explains.
"Hey girlie, my name is Ribby!" the frog bellows. "I say we clobber that bloodsucker now before he gets anyone hurt. You with me bro?" Croaks called.
"Hold up, everyone. Don't get too hasty, we haven't even heard his side of the story yet. So give the our friend here a chance to speak," Cuphead warned.
He is right as the dhampir groans again, this time trying to get a sense of feel with his own hands and struggling to open his eyes. Cagney is already restraining the fighting frogs with his vines before they had the idea of jumping him. Hilda Berg adjusts the weather vane in her hair to make herself look pretty for her survival guest. Chalice is also restraining Mugman before he thought about trying to stake the defenseless half vampire again.
"Come, get up. Prove your innocence so I can vouch for you," Cupman whispers dramatically.
A single eye opens to reveal the gold that is Alucard's iris. He eventually opens the other to try looking around to where he may be. The curious folks around him didn't appear to be normal, a mix of talking animals and every day objects. He uses his free hand to slowly get himself off the ground to have a better look at his environment. Cuphead grew excited with shining eyes since he's excited to finally get that chance to ask to join the Smash Brothers again. Mugman is still dazed from the shock he's received from Chalice to even think about staking the dhampir while he's there. Elder Kettle is truly interested in what the immortal half blood fighter has to say now that he's in a position to speak.
"Where am I? But more importantly, what is this place? I don't believe I've ever been here before," Alucard said after getting a better look at his environment.
Ribby and Croaks both gotten their dukes ready to fight as the most belligerent of the onlookers.
"I would be more concerned about the position you are in, bub, as vampires like you have no place on the Inkwell Isles. Get up and fight while you are in a position to lose your fangs," the shorter frog boxer threatened.
"You heard my brother, we ain't afraid of no bloodsucking monster that's working for The Devil," the taller frog brother bellowed.
"Fellas, don't get to hasty and ruin this chance. I've always wanted to join the Smash Brothers because I want to make a name for myself off of these islands. Besides, it's gotten too peaceful around here and I need to get some walloping going or else I'll be out of shape like Elder Kettle," Cuphead warns the two frog fighters.
His elderly father figure did not like being called out of shape as an insult to his old age as his wisdom did help in getting Cuphead stronger to defeat his demonic oppressor. Alucard is unsure what to do nor think with this many eyes on him that see him as some unwanted monster, but also the part where someone thinks he's the key to recruiting him in their organization. He also felt that it wouldn't be a good idea to explain what they've did with the Astral Cookie they taken from Cuphead to replicate a Mii Fighter costume for the Mii Agents under the Smash Brothers to compensate for their rejection. At the same time, the dhampir wanted some serous questions since finding his missing allies since the failed mission was his biggest priority.
"I am not here to fight. I may share my father's blood, but I fight to protect humanity and all who are innocent. Words can't describe how much I hate everything Dracula stands for. Siding with the ones who will aim to rule everything. Even these very islands if they never targeted it yet," he explains.
"Rule these islands? Ha, the Inkwell Isles had been nothing but peaceful since The Devil gotten his keister kicked and that old chef served his jail time for his crimes. As long as we are here to fight with those cups, nothing can ever think about being a menace to our home," Croaks brags.
"If I didn't know you any better, you are the threat since you are related to the scariest vampire as expected. So stand up and face us like men. We will knock every single bloodsucking tooth out of your mouth," Ribby threatens before raising one fist.
"I've told ya Cuphead, he really is a bad guy. Just let the Clipjoint Calamity take care of this guy and he'll be out of our straws," Mugman beamed.
"You've got it all wrong. I am telling the truth. It may not seem like it, but I've landed on these islands because of a failed mission to stop the one behind all of this. Eggman is a highly dangerous villain that must be stopped at all costs. The safety of all civilians in your home depends on it," Alucard variously said before standing up fully.
"Eggman? Is this some type of talking egg that should be cracked? Never heard of him," Sal Spudder said.
"D..d…dangerous? What if he comes over here and try taking over everything while The Devil is gone? I don't want to be in someone's debt again," Ollie Bulb blubbered before struggling to hold his tears.
"Don't you dare think about crying. Because your tears will not only hurt our eyes, but that smell of yours will surely make us cry harder," Chauncy Chantenay warns as his third eye is revealed.
"This reeks of horseradish. I want proof of this before we believe another word from this pale fanged bozo," Horace Radish shouts after popping from the ground.
"Guys, guys, how about we all just settle down and let him talk some more. And you have nothing to worry about since we can stop this egg before he thinks about getting his mitts on our beloved islands. Our new friend here should lead us the way towards him," Cuphead proposed in the middle of the chaos.
"Cuphead is right. If we can stop The Devil and Saltbaker, then we can stop this new threat that he's warning us about. We just have to help him and he can help all of us before the worst happens. You never know when the former comes snaking his way back with some help as revenge," Chalice adds to the subject.
"And who's to say that he ain't lying to us just to save his behind? I'll give him a few seconds to show us some form of proof and we can believe him. If he doesn't do that, then I will pound him until he sees nothing but slots," Croaks bellowed.
"This would be easy if my telecommunications device weren't damaged from the fall. I would have gladly shown you everything there is to know, but someone will have to fix it in order for me to show you all. You'll just have to take my word for it and it is my duty to protect the entire universe from turmoil like the rest of my Smash allies," Alucard said after showing the damaged the device from his pocket.
"Then you are out of luck, sweetheart. You are best finding Dr. Kahl back on the third island if you ever want it fixed. I would suggest Porkrind, but he don't do any services for free without any golden coins on hand. Good luck with that one," Hilda Berg said as she swings her leg from her floating cloud.
"But aren't ya an astrologist or love the stars? Why can't you be the one to fix that there device?" Cagney asks.
"Loving the constellations and world outside this planet doesn't mean I am a tech genius. Other than this observatory that I've loaned and all my telescopes, nothing was ever made by me. You wouldn't want a dame to work too hard, do you?" Hilda Berg argued.
Alucard would use this time to see if he had any valuables or other forms of payment in hand that this shopkeeper may want since he is unfamiliar with the currency of this island. Most of what he would have are Wallachian shillings and Smash coins, currency he would be least willing to accept unless any banks would exists. He figured the best way would be to find this third island and get the famed scientist to fix his beloved device. Cuphead would be staring at him with the widest grin being excited at the idea of helping his new friend to earn him a spot in the Smash Brothers. The dhampir is confused by the cup boy's lack of personal space and enthusiasm for someone he's just met for the first time in a while.
"If you want to go to Porkrind's Emporium, I have a few extra golden coins to spare. You can thank me later, future partner," Cuphead exclaims.
"Cup, you better not think about trustin' this bloke. You can't just pay his way to prove his innocence since that's cheatin'. We are doing this for the safety of our home after the problems The Devil caused," Ribby said in confusion.
"I know you and your brother are itchin' for a fight, but use those fists of yours for people that deserve it. I'll remind you there was a time our universe was engulfed in light that turned us into spirits. I know some of you don't remember, but I do. He saved us along with the rest of his Smash pals. They know a threat, we shouldn't doubt them at all since we had never left these islands before. So just this once, trust me, even if I did apologize for walloping you and everyone else for those debts," Cuphead pleads with teary eyes.
"He's more than right. Things may be peaceful now, but that changes when an outsider who's never been here is going out of his way to warn us of a new threat. Cuphead's enthusiasm aside, you gotta believe this mysterious man since he could be the key to understanding why The Devil ran away. Don't you find that suspicious in any way?" Chalice adds after getting close to Ribby's face in a demanding manner.
The shorter frog fighter promptly shoves Chalice back as he is an amphibian that don't prefer anyone getting too close unless they want a fight. Mugman still refuses to get any closer to Alucard because of his appearance and fangs alone, fearing for the possibility of blood-loss if he is backstabbed.
"So are we gonna trust this guy or not? Because I would rather replant my roots since it's about time I get my daily dose of photosynthesis. Count me out if this will be another long journey," Cagney said with his leaves crossed.
"Yeah. Me and the boys got to get more Acme Grow and sunlight for the day. Good luck with whatever problems you have, we just gots more roots to grow," Sal said before hopping away with Ollie and Chauncy.
Horace would be left disappointed that he didn't get a chance to attack Alucard, retreating into the ground to follow his larger veggie kin.
"Chalice is right after all, we should give this young man a benefit of the doubt as if he was our enemy, he would have immediately attacked us. Plus there is no doubt The Devil may be up to another new plot that involves outside of this island. I highly recommend the three of you to come with him if it will let us know what his real plans are," Elder Kettle recommends.
"There's a small chance that he may be among the few that our former members like Ganondorf had recruited. There's no mistake this would be a plan that villainous Gerudo would think about doing. This isn't a theory, it is a clear possibility since there would be little reason this Devil you all know wouldn't just mysteriously leave these islands," Alucard said upon realizing his words.
"Eureka, we are getting somewhere. Something about him, that turtle king, crocodile tyrant, space wolf, angel swordsman, fat garlic guy, penguin ruler, mutant cat, and purple pterodactyl never seemed right to me the last I've seen them. As if they were too good to be true for "heroes" like the rest of you guys. Maybe they are the ones who really did get The Devil to help them rule the world like that Eggman guy you've mentioned," Cuphead said.
Ribby attempts to facepalm but realized what the cup said was actually better than he's expected. Mugman already drops his jaw since his brother is definitely great with his detective skills compared to the old days.
"Sharp as always, Cuphead. You managed to crack the code. Because that old casino that shouldn't be running wouldn't be blocked for nothing. That does raise the question of if King Dice followed his boss as well for this plan," Elder Kettle suggests.
"Yeah, you do bring up a good point. The Devil would bring all of his minions and even King Dice with him on this grand plan to rule everything. I wouldn't put it past that trident loving demon since he couldn't make the boys into his ideal demon slaves for retrieving all the debts. But then I never would have met them at all or gotten my physical form back," Chalice said before posing her body.
The conversation would soon be interrupted by a dog-like paperboy who is running towards the crowd with a stack of newspapers in hand.
"Extra, extra, read all about it! This is big news worth reading for the masses! It's on the house for the saviors of the Inkwell Isles for giving that Devil a whooping!" he calls.
The paperboy would soon hurl the papers directly at Cuphead, who flipped into the air to grab them all in time. This prove that the cup-headed lad was still agile as ever from his experience of fighting those who made deals with the devil and guardians of ingredients for a forbidden dish. The paperboy would soon run off to another location to keep doing his job of spreading news to the rest of the first Inkwell Isle citizens. This soon reminded Hilda Berg that everyone would have to see Porkrind soon for Alucard to fix his device.
"Not to interrupt everyone's rumors and gossip, be we need to shoot for the emporium to get your whatchamacallit fixed. You did say you have friends to find, so consider this weather-vane dame in to help you on your journey," she announced.
"That is much appreciated, miss. The more help would be appreciated since my allies are probably in heaps of trouble after crashing the bus from the attack," Alucard said gratefully.
"A bus crash? You are one strange vampire if you need a bus to move around and somehow went splat," Goopy Le Grande said with a grin.
"It was a bus that can traverse the land and the air. Kapp'n personally upgraded it himself since he always wanted to be of use to us outside of making rides for animal and human villagers," the dhampir replied.
"Interesting, a flying bus. We need one of those here than the current models that move so slow. But only Dr. Kahl would have made one by now only for himself. Narcissistic scientist," Hilda Berg complained.
"A flying bus, what are you people? From a future or just insane scientists like Dr. Kahl?" Mugman beamed.
"I did say we are the greatest heroes the universe has to offer. Just that many of you have to understand the gravity of it when we undid Galeem and Dharkon's war to cover the world in darkness and light. Few of you remember because you were all reverted to lost Spirits that the Fighters used on the mission to save everyone and defeat those gods. After their defeat, everyone returned to their physical forms once more, just that Cuphead was one of the few that talked to us before we back to base. Even I barely remember being used as a puppet like the other Assists before we were freed. It's hard to explain, but even the few that were freed had to do so if we were to get context before the world was drowned in light," Alucard said.
The two boxing frogs were left scratching their heads with their gloved heads in confusion at what he said, even Goopy shrugs with a pair of blue hands that he's grown. Cuphead still vividly the remembers the day well enough despite reading the news papers in hand. Mugman however remembers it as much, but he is unsure of how safe the lands outside of the Inkwell Isles ever were despite his brother's willingness to ask.
"Wow, your group sound even greater than the three of us combined. Not to downplay everything we did for the folks here, but we would never dream of saving the whole world just like that despite having little memory of it," Chalice said in amazement.
"I'd rather see it than believe it. Don't forget you owe us proof or me and my brother will have fun clobbering you tonight," Ribby bellows.
"It will be done soon. Porkrind is rather resourceful when he sells the best products in his traveling store. Trust me when I say this, vampire man," Hilda Berg teased.
"I prefer to be named Alucard. And I am a dhampir, a son born from a human mother and vampire father. And I am nothing like him or his army of heartless vampires. Saving humanity was always my duty to help the Belmont clan for years," the disgruntled half vampire said.
"Fellas, you might want to take a look at this headline. Our half dampy friend was more than right that Dice was up to no good," the cup boy announced.
Mugman, Ribby, Crosks, Hilda Berg, Elder Kettle, and Alucard immediately gathered around the shocked cup that held the news papers open. Their looks could sell just how serious the headlines were in the old papers between his hands. The major title reads King Dice and Chef Saltbaker Joins Hands As They Leave The Bakery, a shocking turn from the redeemed greatest baker of all the land. The image depicts a now sinister Saltbaker withe his familiar yellow eyes and grin gladly leaving with The Devil's right hand among the crowd of demons and cards in the fifth Inkwell Isle. Cuphead is absolutely floored that Alucard was more than right about everything that may concern his enemies, the worst one being someone who did turn a new leaf after he was foiled. Chalice couldn't believe what she is seeing at all, almost feeling sorry for what could have happened that made him this way again. Mugman would only yelp upon seeing that frightening face of the chef once more remembering that his soul was almost cooked into his famed dish. Ribby and Croaks knew they owed the dhampir an apology after seeing more than what they need to that these toon islands were no longer a safe haven.
"Oh dear, what happened? The last time we saw him he happily baked us some cookies and now this happens? Something is amiss here," Chalice said.
"Or he never truly learned his lesson at all and teamed up with an enemy of ours. Who knows if he just wants an excuse to make that Wondertart again after the judge was off his case. This is very suspicious," Mugman said frankly.
"Or maybe Dice forced him. You never know. The Devil probably wanted to make more deals and this one made Saltbaker crazy for the Wondertart again. We can't just write him off as bad again when he probably wanted no part off this until a deal was made by that shady die-man," Cuphead whispered.
"Cuphead. Just listen for once. He tried to bake me into the darn thing and you think he's changed? I say we pound both off them palookas if we can catch them in time. Maybe The Devil if he didn't leave the islands yet," Mugman argued.
"I'm with you, mug boy. We need t beat some sense into both of them on our watch before they get away with more crimes. Not like the cops can do much if these news were just reported," Ribby said.
Alucard would grab the papers and take a look further to see another headline that is worth the attention. It would be titled Strange Otherworldly Demons Appear on Inkwell Isles, run for the hills and don't come out until our cup heroes kick their rumps.
"Demons? I hope my father didn't attack these islands already, but I wouldn't put it past him. This must be fate if we have another problem to deal with here," he said before starting to walk away.
"Wait, don't you know the way to Porkrind's? We can get your device all fixed then look for these demons. Maybe you can find your buddies along the way if they weren't attacked already," Cuphead rambled.
"Oh my stars, this looks like a job for the Mistress of the Constellations. Now I'm more inclined to put these demonic bad boys ins their place," Hilda Berg said before conjuring a new cloud to ride.
"But Cuphead, look. Don't these demons look a little, crazy to you. They look nothing like The Devil's minions, but weirder like they came from another realm outside of Inkwell Hell," Mugman said before shoving the papers in his brother's face again.
Cuphead groans before looking at the same headline once more, but he would instantly drop his eyes upon seeing the image. The creatures depicted attacking what appears to be Sally Stageplay's opera were nothing like the lanky goofy underlings of their greatest nemesis at all. But rather strange and frightening in their own ways. One appears to be a creepy moon-headed imp carrying a sack with a mischievous grin, another would be a strange sea dragon-like bird firing poisonous needles at the crowd, another would be as small red dragon-like creature shooting mirage flames at the stage, another would be a massive ogre spider that chases Sally and her husband off the stage, and lastly a blue haired somber mermaid accompanied by the flaming skulls that surrounded her. These were indeed demons that came right from Da'at like the ones that Olimar's group met on Prison Island, except these were of a different variety.
"What the heck are those things? They definitely not the type of demons we would see around our Devil at all. Are they related to what King Dice is doing at all," Mugman whimpered.
"Gee, I am not sure Mugsy. But our buddy Alucard is right that the world is falling a apart if these guys are crashing on our island under our noses. They must be released to those bad guys he alluded to earlier," Cuphead said in fright.
"Don't get too frightened boys. We saved these islands twice and we'll save them again. But we will have to put our heads together to find out what we have to do first. Go after Saltbaker and Dice, or find out where these demons are if we will kick their behinds," Chalice suggests.
"We will have to find a way to manage both, but most importantly find my allies so we have the numbers to handle it all accordingly. And transportation to travel fast enough as I could tell things here are a bit behind," Alucard says in a way not to offend the old-timey society around him.
"I've heard that. Young ones, they never really appreciate just how simple life is here. But more importantly, you have to see Porkrind since that merchant hog should know a thing or two about fixing your device," a semi-amused Elder Kettle suggests.
"You say I am young when I've lived for years beyond any normal human, or living dish," Alucard remarks with a slight grin.
"Less talking, more walking. I am already in a mood for some adventure to be a Smash… well save our beloved islands. Wherever these demons are, we will be willing to tear them a new one before they think about hurting anyone in town," Cuphead said daringly.
"Cuphead, don't you think you are getting way too ahead of…"
Mugman's mouth would be shut immediately by a hand press from his brother's hand who didn't want to ruin this chance of getting recognition. Hilda Berg looks around to see if Porkrind's Emporium would be anywhere to be seen on the entire island with a hand over her eyes. She could see mostly small cottages, children playing, the suspicious coin criminal carrying a bag of money, the mausoleum, her observatory, the Fly Trap ferry, the Acme Gardens, Cagney's flower patch, and the woods. She keeps looking around from above her cloud to try getting a better view of where the pig merchant could be if it meant helping the gang with their goals. But what caught her eye would be a few suspicious figures surrounding the emporium that didn't look like they ever lived on these islands. They were a menacing bunch dressed almost like jesters armed with massive scythes for killing any humans or demons that stood in their way. Hilda gasps and immediately begins inhaling the cloud below her body to transform. Cuphead would be comically shaking Mugman for trying to spill the beans on his brother's true intentions despite Alucard and Malice telling the latter to stop. Ribby and Croaks on the other hand were amused and openly encouraged the fight as karma for beating them.
"Fight, fight fight fight fight fight fight fight!" the amphibian brothers chants.
"Boys, now isn't a time to fight when we have bigger things to worry about. Not moving means we will miss out on Saltbaker and King Dice in any minute," Chalice begs.
"I also have to find my allies soon since staying here too long means that Eggman will only be closer to his goal of ruling everything. Fighting like literal children isn't the way," Alucard shouts.
"The pretty vampire guy is right. We've got trouble and it seems like they want something with Porkrind up the hills," the newly blimp-like Hilda Berg echoed in her louder voice.
Everyone would immediately stop from the sudden appearance of the inflated blimp girl, silencing themselves within seconds at her commanding voice. She soon points behind them which their eyes would soon follow the sombre sight that could happen if they keep standing where they were. Alucard could feel something about these beings weren't right and pulls out his sword for combat. He could tell they were not Death but something about their scythes gave him an idea of what they intend on doing.
"They are demons and they seem like strong ones if they look different from the ones on the cover. We have to save him before they have a chance to reap his soul," he said in urgency.
Mugman instantly tuned pale and froze upon hearing the word death, stammering and stuttering with his words the more he thought about what they were up against.
"Right on cue, we are on our way now since Porkrind owes us a special favor. Come on gang, we will beat them before they steal any souls," Cuphead exclaims before running off.
Chalice tries to stop him but knew there would be no way to stop the lad from rushing into danger. She would soon be shocked at Alucard parking ahead of them with a quick float that even impresses Hilda Berg. The blimp laughs in a hearty amused manner since she didn't expect him to float through the air too. Ribby and Croaks would already be hopping their way after the two since they were itching for a good old fashioned fight. Goopy would already be following them with the widest grin on his face holding onto that special pill that could grow him. Chalice soon sighs as most of the gang had already left her and the still terrified Mugman that is afraid to go.
"D..d…d…d..death he said? No way am I going to risk my life when The Devil barely killed us or that crazy chef. None of you can make me go," the mug-headed boy cried.
Hilda Berg soon smacks him into their direction anyway as she fail to believe this coward was the same person who helped defeated her in the past. Chalice would gasp at the blimp girl's drastic measure, but realized that it had to be the only way. Mugman screams with tears streaming from his ears as he flew faster than a speeding cannonball above half of the first island. The shady figures that surrounded the lone emporium would be revealed as Macabres, gloomy jesters of death who are among the deadliest demons for any human to meet in the cold of the night. They found what could be their biggest catch of a soul to rip from the body of their victims once they seen the wooden shop nearby. Their haunting giggles would be a reminder that these were truly sadistic demons that are aware of their killings or plagues they spread with little regard of lives they endanger. The door soon opens as the large eyepatch wearing pig is curious of all the commotion happening and no one to enter his place.
"Welcome to my emporium, I am Porkchop, trader of all. Now what would I interest you fine fellows in?" he blissfully asks despite his suspicions.
They would only do nothing but continue their hellish laughter around the wary pig since they knew that shopping is the last thing that they came to him for, but something else entirely. Porkrind would only laugh along with them to show no ounce of fear since he's a tough guy that never fears even The Devil. In fact he is happy to be of service to the cups if it meant making them strong enough to rid the Inkwell Isles of their biggest threat ever. They would not stop their laughter but only keep doing so as prey that do not run is an easier kill even if they want to savor an ounce of fear during a target's dying moments.
"We are interested in something rather big from your plump body and it's itching to come outside. Us Macabres can help you with that one if you can just hold still where you are," one off them said in an unnatural creepy voice.
The others would laugh alongside their partner since they can see through the rotund pig merchant's attempt to stay brave despite knowing well one swing would be enough to kill him. The pig only only let out a heart snort and chuckle in response to their claims as if he's less willing to give them the very fear the expect from the merchant. He is confident that his favorite customers would be coming here soon to make short work of the dancers of death that dare threaten him. The scythe holding jesters would soon realize that there was only one thing left to do if intimidation wouldn't work on their big porker. One would slowly begin charging a special plague inside of his scythe as if he's preparing one of his infamous moves, Blight. He is very impatient as gathering souls is the only thing that would satisfy their hunger for death.
"Laugh all you want, but we want your very soul inside of your body. I guess I will have to give you a slow agonizing poison if it will crush your spirits," the Macabre warns as he gets closer to Porkrind.
The snorting one-eyed pig would only keep laughing at him instead of faltering as if he were to die, it would be as a great merchant who made countless Inkwell citizens happy. But also because he had an intuition that help would finally arrive to get ride of these macabre clowns. A fully charged blue blast would knock the demon off balance from behind before he had the chance to attack. The others would immediately grow alert since someone new is joining the battle against them. One groans since he finally see what their attacker was and it was another living being that wasn't human.
"Get your mitts off our pal Porkrind if you know what's good for ya!" the young cup called as he charges another shot in his finger tips.
Before the one of them could attack, Alucard reappears to rapidly slash his chest with quick strikes from his famed sword. He screams as fountains of blood and Magatsuhi bleeds from his wounds as a result of his enemy's attack. "I have no idea what world you've came from, but it's about time to send you back there," the wrathful dhampir said. Goopy already bounced his way at one of the Macabres to punch them in the form of a massive blue boxing glove immediately. The other two Macabres would be attacked by a series of boxing-glove like ki blasts and literal "HA!" laughter exclamations. This is the result of Hilda Berg hovering down in her blimp form with Robby and Croaks atop her head still swinging their fists.
"Not so tough, are you Death?" Ribby croaks.
"Try these fists for size before you claim any souls on our watch," Croaks bellowed.
The scythe wielding jesters would be teleporting out of the way of each fist while they could from the last hit. Porkwind would be laughing once more since he had a feeling his favorite customer would be helping, but he didn't expect all the new friends they had.
"These guys sure are pretty scary, but we should scare them out of our islands," Chalice says as she fires her electrical Converge shots.
Mugman is screaming as he blindly fires his Peashooter all over the place ton the dismay of the teleporting Macabres. Alucard would fire more of his famed souls at his runaway opponents due to the heatseeking nature of this attack being good at hurting fast targets. Several of them would be wounded from the powerful white souls attacking them, but thankfully these weren't light attacks as they would had cleansed them for good.
"Damn…it…these are no ordinary prey. We have to think of a way to deal with them at once," one of them said in fright.
"Nonsense, we will just have to plague them. No holding back, our blight should be enough to end their miserable lives soon," the leader scolds his ally.
This would give the five sinister jesters an awful idea as they knew the three heroes were charging their best weapons to attack them all at once. Cuphead especially wanted to end things quickly instead of wasting anymore time with his Peashooter's charge being close to full. The demons soon immediately disappears from their sights before they even fired their weapons to leave a large white cartoon cloud from the impact. Mugman would be still shivering in fright despite Chalice and Cupeahd being brave enough to anticipate the next attack of these demons. Alucard would be floating from above to see if he could find traces of them before they could appear in any moment. The Clipjoint Calamity duo and Hilda Berg both looked around the area with their own eyes to find their enemies. It wouldn't be until a lone Goopy would soon realize a Macabre reappeared near him with a plague coated scythe ready to attack him from behind. The slime would be quick enough to hop away before he at the chance to swing and attempt punching him in his transformed state. Another Macabre appears directly behind him to succeed in slicing his back deep enough to almost bisect the blue slime.
"Goopy, watch out!" Cuphead called.
He could hear the creepy laughter getting louder before holding his pointing hand for another shot. Mugman would be almost on the verge of tears since he didn't want to be reaped next by these sinister demons. Chalice knew too well there was one thing to do if they thought about getting close, which she nods. The other three Macabres all appeared at once to try attacking with Blight on the three heroes. Instead, they poofed in a cloud of white smoke thanks to their Smoke Screen ability.
"Drat!" one of them said.
"At least we have one of them to finish off while the poison is slowly affecting their ability," the one that wounded Goopy called.
They were right as the happy slime is now dizzy and struggling to see with his vision beginning to fail and gelatinous body slowly falling apart. As the dancers of death, they specialize in ways of quickly or slowly killing their victims with plagues and deadly slices from their weapons. The one would be charging an immense purple energy in his scythe for another attack that many would be familiar with when facing an poisoned foe. The dizzy slime knew he had one thing left to do before his body finally gives in the poison and that was to consume the special pill that would buff his punches and expand his slimy body.
"Venom Chaser, die!" the Macabre called before firing an series of deadly purple shockwaves at the poisoned slime.
"Woah there, don't give up! Punch them harder than you've ever did!" Ribby called from above.
"That's not good, I haver to stop that attack with all I have," Alucard said before dashing at the incoming waves.
He immediately blocks them with his sword alone and stands his ground using all strength he had. What he didn't count on is the other Macabre behind Goopy that could easily do the same technique if his partner were to fail.
"You lose vampire! Now watch as this blue creature is spoiled into nothingness. Venom Chaser!" he shouts before raising his scythe for the same attack.
He is soon punched hard enough to be flung in the direction of his allies by a large gloved hand. The other Macabres would disappear immediately before they would be knocked by their own flying ally at all. This is the work of the now bigger, meaner, handsome slime that finally had the perfect drug for this situation. Unfortunately he is still suffering from the blight's poison, but the adrenaline and painkilling from the pill would only slow the pain and intensity of the poison at all.
"Who said that this handsome slime can't bounce back from the worst?" the larger slime brags before flexing his gloved arms.
Alucard finally deflects the Venom Chaser caused by the Macabre before him who retreats before he is hurt by his own deflected attack.
"I'm glad that you can keep fighting. But you really need an antidote soon if you don't want to succumb to those toxins," he said in worry.
"Don't mind him, he fights to the literal grave. Not that we will ever seen that happen again," Cuphead said.
"Black Dracostrike!" a voice called. Cuphead narrowly dodged a massive dragon of darkness that was fired at him from up close.
The Macabre and his other cohorts were back for more to reap the three cups while there's still time.
"Impressive, you are fast for a mere tsukumogami. You must have lived more than a hundred years to keep up with us," he said.
"A tsuko-what? What the heck are you talking about? My name is Cuphead. So get it right!" Cuphead shouts before firing another fully charged Peashooter at him.
The Macabre teleports once more as his other two fellow jesters lunged at Cuphead to do a double Blight. Chalice's fully charged Convergence would be enough to briefly subdue them before Mugman follows up with a few fully charged Lobber shots.
"You show him Cuphead! Make those guys pay for not wanting to shop from my Emporium and I mean my soul is not for sale," Porkrind called from the distance.
This was when the Macabres had a twisted plan upon seeing there is one victim that is unable to defend himself. The leader simply points as the other four would dash for Porkwind all at once with their scythes prepared for attack. Cuphead and Mugman screams in shocked, but Chalice had a trick up her sleeve as she continuously dashed with her Smoke Screens in their direction. Goopy would already jump ahead of the Macabres in one leap to prepare punching them again. They all blocked the fist in time with their weapons at once, knowing well their toxins can't bypass the thickness of the slime's boxing glove. The slime despite still trying to fight off his poison is still determined for sweet revenge for what they've did to him earlier.
"Not so tough now that your garden tools can't cut these gloves, just come drying to your mommy and we'll be on our way," he beamed.
The Macabres didn't want to give up claiming at least one soul in their hands before leaving empty handed. This was when the Macabre leader reappears right behind Porkrind instead with his Blight ready to poison the pig.
"Time is up for you, porky," he said.
The eyepatch wearing pig would only glare back at him with that same feeling if no fear. It wasn't until Chalice parry's him a dashing chop to his head that slices it. This is thanks to the Whetstone charm that allows parries to hurt anyone whether they were pink or not, even with the sharpness of an axe in the right part.
"Damn you, annoying tsukugami," the harmed jester said as he fell backwards.
"You alright, Porkrind? I came just in time since these guys love their disappearing acts too much," she asks.
"Don't mention it, I was ready to die any day without fear. But living to serve more customers is even better," the tough pig merchant said.
Cuphead and Mugman already shot to combined charges Peashooter shots behind the blocked Macabres to hurt them from behind. The end result would be them all screaming in pain with more Magatsuhi and blood shedding everywhere. Alucard was just about ready to finish things off with all four of them in the right spot to defeat them. He puts his hands together as if he were praying to gather the right amount of magic to deal with them.
"Holy power, cleanse these evil spirits so they may never return. Holy Cross!" he calls upon using famed magic.
A massive cross immediately conjures before the wounded scythe wielding enemies, some fearing for their lives as they knew enough holy light is emanating from the famed crucifix.
"No, anything but the light. We promise to leave this place if you spare us, please!" one of them desperately begged.
But Alucard saw these beings were so irredeemable that death is the only thing they deserved than to be left running to harm another innocent. The cross soon charges directly at the Macabres before Goopy, Chalice, and Porkrind jumps out of the way. The four demons would soon be purged by the heavenly light immediately upon contact as their bodies disappear into clear light particles. Fearing for his life and knowing he is alone, the last Macabre casts a special spell made for escaping dangerous fights.
"This isn't over. Trafuri!" he called.
He immediately warps in a distorted manner before the large cross had a chance to purify him. It would soon rise into the air before disappearing into a pillar of holy light now that there's no more demonic forces to purify. The dhampir is more than glad to end things as he figured this was the quickest way to defeat them. Hilda Berg who saw everything from above is slightly disappointed that one of them got away instead of being destroyed like the others.
"Good job, handsome vampire. But I hate to be the bearer of bad news when one of them gotten away after he said something. But the real question is how come the cross didn't hurt you when you are a vampire?" she said.
"I will say this once more, I can't be harmed by holy magic nor the sun because of my half human heritage. Something that would harm my father even more than me. And let that demon go, he will likely not bother us again since monsters like him fear the holy light more than anything in the world. That merchant should be safe for now," he explains.
"Lucky you to have a weapon that fancy. I bet even The Devil would be a crying mess if he ever came face to face with you. If he's still out there," said the impressed Cuphead.
"You're not bad at all. Human…. vampire guy. You really showed them scythe loving performers," Mugman said without any more fear.
"But now for the real reason we came here, assuming he's had enough excitement for the day," Chalice said before looking at Porkrind.
The merchant would be opening the door to his emporium immediately to resume work, but looks back at his saviors once more with a grin.
"Whatever you all want, I'm more than happy to help you all with. Free of charge. It's on the house since you all saved me back there. Not to worry about any coins since my life being saved is enough gratitude from this old porker," he said before snorting.
Everyone instantly smiled since their efforts were great fully rewarded, even Hilda Berg who floats down to prepare changing back to her humanoid form. Cuphead and Mugman would
immediately be dancing together in joy like brothers happy to be going on an adventure with each other again. Chalice soon joins in as they make room for their circle, just for her to join. Ribby and Croaks playfully punch each other, before starting to get aggressive in boxing each one another. It seems they were far from alone as someone appears to be watching everyone from a special crystal ball to keep track of every possible treat. It would be revealed to be another familiar foe of Pit who's willing to serve Medusa or Hades when sees fit. His laziness is still apparent despite being in charge of keeping up with all deaths around Greece. Drinking his special mimosa made of soup juice and the tears of the mourning, he's less than satisfied that Chalice wasn't killed as ordered by the recently hired demons. The same Macabre that escaped managed to appear right before him, kneeling in plead to show he's more than sorry for his failure.
"Master Thanatos, they were too strong. Especially that half vampire that destroyed my death loving brethren with light. Forgive me," the morbid jester begs.
The clown-like god of death stops enjoying his drink to get a better look at the demon, partially opening his puffy eyes to reveal the yellow pupil-less look of the inside. He usually reveals them when angry, shocked, or hurt depending on the situation.
"You only had one job, my blunder of a dead dancer. That chalice was supposed to be killed as we have a massive list of revived souls that should return from which they've came! I can be a jolly fun death god when I need to, but failing to follow a simple job just won't do, no siree," Thanatos shouts.
"Just give us another chance. Allow me to bring more Macabres or other demons with me that can bring you that tsukugami's soul. They just had a powerful foe who's beyond anything we've ever fought. He could even be on par with a Nahobino," the death loving jester begs.
The death god finishes his dreary drink before tossing the entire glass away after his client's words, floating from his special chair to get a closer look at him. The Macabre gulps as he catches his breath, knowing too well something is about to be said that will be be crushing than stone. Despite his clownish appearance, he is still a mischievous shapeshifter and one of the Underworld's biggest generals. Even above the likes of fearsome beasts like Hewdraw or a chaotic former goddess like Pandora.
"You think I would have flown all the way to some rinkydink island of inkblots for nothing? As the God of Death, a title that I hold onto without any promotions, I have a job at collecting the right souls for the Underworld. Why do you think Hades and Medusa sees so much value in me? Because I know when to get the job done. And when I die, they can revive me any time they want unlike the other failures like Twinbellows and Hewdraw. You had one simple job and that is to take the soul of that chalice girl, curtains closed. Unless you want me to perform the disappearing act on you. I have been doing some personal training to be deadlier than before that I want to test on Pit so badly. But that air headed angel buffoon is thankfully not in my business for now. So this green crown jewel will ask you think more time, get back there with the right help and reclaim her soul. Dracula's son isn't even a problem when he has clear weaknesses, water. Unless you know any demon pals that can wet him until he's another immortal soul my master can enjoy, then get back out there and make it happen!" Thanatos beamed in the demon's face.
The jester is more afraid than before ate the thought he would be killed by another god at all, but what really seals the deal is how a few massive Reapers were standing behind him the entire time, both armed with large organic-like scythes that make the Macabre's seem like a tiny garden tool in comparison. They thankfully didn't do their trademark screeching or wanted to reap him as these were backup help to take care of the problem for him. He gulps once more knowing the situation he's in and there's little room for failure as a visitor of this new world. He only chooses to serve Thanatos as he had no purpose with the Chaos Army's whereabouts unknown since Lucifer's past defeat at the hands of The Creator.
"Perhaps I could be of assistance. I've been hearing you have a vampire problem that should be cleansed," a mysterious feminine voice said.
Thanatos curiously turns around with his eyes more open than before to see who the intruder is. The three large Reaper Guards would immediately get their scythes ready as if there's a target to reap. The Macabre could recognize that voice from anywhere, almost shuddering since he didn't expect such a goddess to show herself in the flesh if ever. A large pale goddess with various patches of her body and hair completely made of rushing water would appear onto the scene in a distorted flash. As she floats in standard legs crossed pose and held herself in almost a classy manner of presentation, her appearance raised more than a few eyebrows for the villains there. But most importantly this was one of the few members sent by Bethel to cleanse those they deem as a demonic threat that should be stopped.
"Who are you? And how did you manage to find us atop these mountains?" the death god asks.
The Macabre freezes in place where he is, trying to process the very thought as to why a Zoroastrian goddess is up here at all.
Anahita? Of the Zoastrian gods? Why her of all demons are here? There's got to be an ulterior motive here since she once helped that damn Nahobino cure the curse of those Mermaids. I'm not liking the look of this at all.
"Isn't this quite the treat. Former Chaos soldiers working for Greek gods. When the worlds are ruins, there is only fate leading us together for a common goal of stopping those that oppose our very order. You want someone dead and someone who would fall beneath my sacred waters is the main obstacle in your way. Two minds alike, perfect for the kind of godly alliance, don't you think?" the water goddess explains as she checks her aquatic hands.
"Chaos? The Chaos Kin had been destroyed by that pitiful angel years ago. These worthless chumps just happened to find there way here and offered to serve me since they have no purpose without a leader. Unless they were to fumble harder than a discus again," Thanatos babbled.
Anahita laughs briefly before saying, "You have no idea how demons work, correct? They serve three sides. Chaos, Law, and Neutral. The demons of chaos want a world free of any Law abiding god and only the strong survive in this lawless world of demons. Law is all about a strict world order with zero tolerance for Chaos and eradication of anyone who sins. And neutral is about a world where those who reject both sides make a world for themselves and care about humanity for their best interest. I fall under this category but have good intentions on wanting those who are chaotic or lawful to be destroyed. Reclaiming my spot as a once worshipped goddess again for these humans. Someone needs a new beacon of hope to look forward to now that my original realm is no more. This vampire of yours sounds chaotic enough for me to end the life of if he's preventing your duty of keeping death in line. You will not be disappointed if you choose my assistance."
Thanatos would use this time to think further of how this could benefit him pleasing Hades than disappointing him for the third time since the Underworld Army's squabbles with Palutena's forces and the Forces of Nature. The Macabre would be all more afraid since he's aware how a neutral demon like her feels about his kind, making this an alliance he would want no part of. He especially didn't like a look she is giving him the entire time as a way she still trust Chaos aligned demons as little as possible. The Reapers had little to say, only giving each other confused glances about the goddess' sudden appearance.
"What's in it for me? Normally I do not work with anyone else unless there's something I'm receiving for the bargain. Like honey being applied to that perfect piece of toast. The toast would only be nothing if it doesn't get anything in return. You get what I'm saying," the death god asks.
"I will make you an honorary member of Bethel, an alliance of gods willing to keep order in this world a better way than that blue haired fool will ever do. In case you aren't aware, there is no God. He was long killed by Lucifer during the last war that resulted in the old Tokyo's destruction that became our Netherworld. With the Netherworld falling apart from the chaos here, most demons have appeared all over this universe to seek refuge. The current replacement God is nothing more than a pompous fool who is no different from other leaders Law ever had in their faction. We already have a Greek representative, but there is room for more when a certain nature goddess rejected our offer previously," Anahita explains further.
"You mean, that pint sized nature loving girl didn't want to join you before? Well I am not surprised since she cares about nature and wouldn't give humans a second thought despite being the lesser of the two evils… I mean goodies. I have a good reason to keep the balance of death while she's too busy tree hugging and destroying the very humans with her Reset Bombs. You wouldn't want someone like her to join you in the first place. Her refusal saved more problems on your little party's end," the flamboyant death god replied.
"Actually you are sadly mistaken, my deadly friend. We needed her power since we heard of how destructive her Reset Bombs were to smite those unruly humans that continue to do damage to this world. Unfortunately it appears the little nature goddess has gone too soft. I personally blame her getting too attached to a few ragtag mortals that think they should protect their universe, a god's job, despite us existing before the dawn of time. Humans need gods, humans should bow to gods, and she is an example of a false god who's lost her edge due to being with these humans too long. She may be disposed of later by our fellow Bethel members once we find her location," Anahita explains in a calm almost psychotic manner.
"Ah yes, the Smash Brothers. That pesky angel, his clone Pandora created, and the Goddess of Light are members of them. While I've had hazy memories of being rescued by them because two other beings corrupted the universe, they truly are a thorn on the side of the Underworld Army's side. Like gnats annoying a Barbary Lion. My master js allied with a few former members of that group who realize how ridiculous it is doing their duties. Luckily a certain big hand won't be in our business at all," Thanatos said in glee.
"Interesting, it seems we all feel the same way about these Smash insects. Just spotting them with our enemies from the Chaos Faction and actively helping the Morning Star back to his full strength is sickening enough. Leaving the demonic fool to die would had been more ideal, but humanity is truly lost if some are willing to help our biggest ending next to God back to his feet. We've observed enough of their actions to see them as threats that should be cleansed. No one will ever replace the duties of gods," she said.
"Yes, yes. You and I would make the perfect duo to finally put an end to our longtime enemies. By the power invested in my, I hereby deem you a member of the Underworld Army. Putter there, darling," the enthusiastic death god said before reaching out a hand.
Anahita couldn't help but to giggle at the death god acting like a gentleman despite being a simple partnership between two deities. The lone Macabre still had a bad feeling about this, especially thinking about the part where his faction is still targeted by Bethel anew. He had further questions on how Bethel is still around despite The Creator being the reason it disbanded.
But most importantly, the safety of his true master Lucifer after hearing he almost fell once again to an unknown foe.
The mighty Lucifer fell again? But to whom? This is bad as Chaos was already recovering since Law gotten a hold of the Throne once more to continue their same tyrannical rule. I will have to find some way to further investigate this, but I'm stuck being this Greek god's suck up until he's satisfied since I am a lost demon with Da'at in ruins. Think Macabre, think. Maybe use this opportunity to go after those fools assuming one of them are with the same Smash people with the other Chaos aligned commanders. I have no time sucking up to this green clown for any longer or the neutral Persian goddess.
The other Reapers would be leaning forward to listening to the conversation, almost invading the smaller demon's personal space. Anahita had already finished shaking hands with Thanatos for the beginning of the newest team up that would help both enemy factions against the heroes.
"You have quite the strong hands. It's no wonder you are the god of death," she said in a flirty manner.
"Oh stop it you, making me blush will only make me lose my threatening composure around my henchmen. Unlike that pit stain of an angel," the blushing death god said.
"He will be the least of our worries. I already have news from the other Bethel members that the other Greek pantheon shall deal with him. Including the mighty Zeus, a former member of the original Bethel," Anahita replied.
"That is simply hamazing! I can only wait to tell Hades and Medusa all about it once we get front row seats of his defeat. It will be even sweeter if that rebellious clone gets the same treatment for what he did to our Pandora twice," the excited Thanatos exclaimed.
"He is alongside him. It will be a great sight to behold once we all split up to crush our enemies one by one. Speaking of, it's about time you send your grunts to deal with our enemies and claim that chalice girl's soul while we still have time," Anahita said after crossing her legs mid float.
Thanatos soon realized just what she is implying, still flabbergasted at the four beings that only listened to their entire conversation. This was the Macabre's plan to exact his next move before incurring more of his loud boss's wrath.
"Alright, reapers follow me and let's go claim a soul for our master. Do not hold me back unlike the weaklings that let me down previously," he said in a convincing yet strong voice.
He instantly disappears in a blue as the other Reapers sank into the darkness to follow him. Soon a large thud can shake the entire mountain that the two deities stood on that alarms them. Anahita would use this opportunity to see if she could detect the presence of another strong demon but with no avail since nothing seems familiar. The shaking continues in the distance as the source of this phenomenon is not too far from them at all. It would be an angry Glumstone the Giant who is more than tired of King Dice and Chef Saltbaker antagonizing him in his sleep. This was the first time in years since he even broke himself of the mountain that grew around his lower body, free to crush whenever made the mistake of angering him.
"Give me back those Gnome Berries or get crushed like the peoples you are!" he bellowed.
Both Saltbaker and King Dice rode the skies with their cards to outpace the massive behemoth that wanted nothing more than to devour them. The former is carrying just the right amount of berries in a large sack after the many gnomes they had to defeat. The King's Court has already went ahead of them to the Moonshine Mob's base while the two were dealing with the old mountain giant themselves.
"This is all going in our favor. We just have to keep this guy following us to take on the mob's secret weapon since I can tell he may be an issue for my best court members," the devious dice man said.
"Splendid, because that Distillery Dough is very hard to come by with how chaotic things can get between those bug cops and smugglers. That was why I've sent those cups previously for their strength and gullibility. The sooner I can make my greatest masterpiece, the faster I can be the greatest chef in the whole world," the chef brags before laughing.
The chaotic chase would make its way towards the Fourth Inkwell Isle, chaos ensues as many citizens run for their lives to avoid the risk of being trampled from Glumstone's heavy feet. The devious duo flew past every building they could and telephone wires to avoid slowing down before their vengeful behemoth enemy. Even one of Porkrind's Emporiums would be crushed in the process from the rampage before he could get there. Without the gnomes to calm down or reason with the giant, he's an unstoppable force of destruction that attacks anything near him. Many buildings were already less than fortunate due to his massive body knocking them over in his mad run. They were only several miles away from the Moonshine Mob's hideout which is just as chaotic. It's an all out war between the cops, King's Court, and all the best members of the Moonshine Mob under the Spider's orders. The eight legged crook learned his lesson of underestimating the cups that he wanted to see every fly and caterpillar crook slow down the ones after their beloved dough.
"Get 'em boys! Don't let the boss down when we've worked hard on our moonshine after the cops had to figure we lied about the baking soda," he shouts.
Pirouletta, Mangosteen, and Mr. Wheezy had less trouble dealing with the more annoying mobsters while Chips Bettigan, Hopus Pocus, and Phear lap deals with the larger cops at large. Mr. Chimes claps a few of the caterpillar mobsters that refused to fight him with his cymbals, causing the cowardly bugs to ring around comically from the hit. The Tipsy Troop would already getting the Moonshine Barrels drunk enough to slowly follow Pip and Dot away from the hideout while everyone is distracted.
"These guys are *hic* so easy to manipulate with our finest sarsaparilla and booze. *hic* The boss will be so proud of our work smuggling *hic* the moonshine," Rumulus drunkly said as his cohorts laugh alongside him.
Ginette had already set some flying olives in the way of the fly mobsters that tried to retrieve their beloved moonshine barrels back, Ethan having to spill his whisky contents to trip the cops that desperately tried to stop them. Angrily enough, the Spider leaps down to handle the situation himself since he wants everything to stop. He would begin spinning a web with a bomb attached to prepare attacking the intruders in his base.
"Hey toots, just lend a hand with your honey trap routine, eh," the arachnid mobster called.
The seductive Lightbug wife of this criminal would lower herself from the air on a spec dial web already made by her darling with the record player ready.
"Coming darling, I will make sure the fuzz and those rowdy thieves dance themselves til they drop," she said with the tip of her red hat.
She would already begin playing the jazzy music and begin dancing her hardest as she wings her large abdomen. She would loudly scat sing within each step as her deadly music begins playing out loud. Phear Lap would notice a bomb being hurled his way and lets out a whinny before the ensuing explosion.
"What are you doing? You are supposed to….woah," Chips said.
The stack of Chips would be distracted by the jazzy music and seductive dancing of the light bug before him. Within every red light that spins from the music, the spider mobster stands still since he knows how his darling's tactic works. The green soundwaves would shatter Chips' entire body into an explosion of red and blue poker chips after he is hit. Phear's body also falls apart into an explosion of horse bones since he couldn't react.
"Now what, we can't let the boss's plans fall apart!" Mangosteen complains.
He made sure to see the red soundwaves coming and tries to run only to be hurt. The King's Court would be in utter confusion and chaos since they were unaware how to deal with the music and bombs the husband and wife duo had planned for them. Even the cards were powerless to the spoundwaves that would blast them in different directions since they did not figure things out. The Tipsy Troop still continued their job despite Mr. Chimes having to appear as back up to defend them.
"You idiots, stand still in the red and dodge the green. There is no way we should be losing to these insignificant insects!" the toy monkey screeched while banging his cymbals.
This would get the attention of the fallen or hurt court members who heard their primate buddy loud and clear on what to do.
"Then why didn't ya say so? I could have gotten worse like Charlie horse," Phear Lap beamed.
"All bets are off, the boss want us with enough moonshine before we get out of here. He warned us of this secret weapon, so I hope the mob's boss don't sic em on us," Mangosteen said.
"That's right, I ain't losing this time, not when my chips are on the line," Chips said.
"Then allow us to make these guys magically disappear, even personally if we have to," Hopus Pocus said as he rises from his beaten hat.
"We are the King's Court, losing do some stupid bugs would mean we are not worthy to be called The Devil's Top Bananas in his casino," Mr. Wheezy said in his raspy smoker's voice.
All of them soon gotten back to their feet to get closer to the Moonshine Mob's best agents that awaits them. The Spider chuckles before preparing another one of his special bombs to blast them.
"Back for more, eh? Then we will make sure no one leaves with a single barrel of our special booze…eh baking soda!" he shouts.
"No need to hide it anymore, baby. The cops already know and so do these intruders, we all just have to kick them out of the spotlight," his wife says as she continues her sensual dance.
The Spider ignores her to toss another one of his webbed bombs at the incoming casino guards. Phear Lap calls form some undead horse racers to act as the sacrificial shield to protect him. They all exploded into a series of bones that flew in the direction of the mob with many flies knocked out by these hard bones. The Spider narrowly dodged one and begins webbing another bomb for the count, his wife still dancing out of the way of each bomb. The red soundwaves were coming which everyone made sure to stop then continue running and dodge the green ones that soon came after. Chips sent a fraction of his chips flying at the light bug dame to knock her off balance, Mangosteen following up with a powerful light beam that damaged her beloved musical device.
"Hey, that's my girl, you're hitting!" the Spider said before hurling more bombs at everyone.
"Too bad you know that even girls like me can hit a man like you anytime," Pirouletta says before spinning at the spider mobster to catch his bombs.
With the explosives rolling around on her roulette dress, she does an arabesque to throw them back his way. The Spider immediately spins a spider web net to try catching them in time before Mr. Wheezy burns it with a single fireball. Not only the flames would burn the spider's hands but the resulting bombs collided for a large enough explosion to break the entire wooden floor he stood on and the record player. The music finally stops with the device fully destroyed and the husband falling down to meet his lover that awaits him.
"Good job, team, we are only inches away from winning this bet," Chips said.
This was before a large tongue would wrap around his head and immediately snatched it away.
"Chips!" Hopus Pocus called.
A heavy nasally laughter could be heard that echoes throughout the entire base. This is accomplished by a megaphone amplified laugh that is more higher pitched to taunt these moonshine thieves. The cards all shivered in fear at the thought that something bigger is coming after walloping the bug couple that opposed them. A massive paw rose from the the crevasse below that would almost slam on Phear Lap and Mangosteen.
"What the heck was that? This is their secret weapon coming from the ashes?" the undead horse dealer beamed.
"Looks like something that ain't no bug. Definitely some kind of rat or dog," the living 8-Ball chattered.
"Who are you calling rat, buddy? That's why I've slurped your pal made of chips. I prefer the taste of ants, but this will be the exception," the loud voice said.
Another paw would raise from the same pit and almost shatter the Tipsy Troop to stop the moonshine stealing. Pip and Dot kicked the paw away in time before they lost their soul.
"Youch! That's not nice of you. Let me just break out of this pit and slurp you all!" the loud nasally voice said once more.
The hand grips a nearby edge before both used their strength to pull the body higher enough for everyone to see. The King's Court could see clearly that things were about to get rough for them as the massive shadow from this furry beast looms over the rest of them. The two large eyes looked down on them from above with the intent to swallow everyone for making a mockery of the Moonshine Mob. The creature soon reveals himself as a gigantic anteater, once it made the ant cops and even fellow fly goons freeze in terror from his appearance. The big guy would soon use his trunk to lift he bowler hat on top to reveal the leader of the mob, a small snail with a scar on his eye with the megaphone to make his voice louder.
"So yous are the bozos who were coming here thinking our beloved moonshine is yours from the taking? I'm afraid that you all have no idea how badly you all messed up trying to make escargot out of my gang. Right, secret weapon?" the snail shouts in his megaphone.
This is when the King's Court would soon realize they were in a tight pinch with such an obstacle that could get in the way of their plan. One of their own allies devoured and now a tougher foe that may no be easier to beat then the last few foes. Before the anteater would lash his tongue again, he could feel an intense vibration from massive stomps. Mr. Chimes and Hops Pocus looks around immediately despite not feeling the thuds below their bodies, Mangosteen turning his eyes and smile around the other side of his body. Mr. Wheezy did a nervous smoker's cough within each trembles as Pirouletta stumbles between her ballerina stance. Another thing that would be heard is the sound of fighter plane noises and laser blasts that sounded familiar to some. Even the few ant cops and fly mobsters left would be just as confused as what seems to be heading their way. The snail mob boss looks around nervously as did his secret weapon since they didn't want any outside parties interrupting their fight. The Tipsy Troop would be the first to see something big heading their way that they drunklingly try to ruin.
"Timber! We have *hic* company!" they all screamed.
Dot would already be kicking Pip to let her husband know that something really was coming their way. He would look and pop his eyes in fear before running off with the many moonshine kegs that follow them.
"Run everyone, that mountain headed giant is coming to stomp us!" he yells.
The ant cops and fly mobsters would already be scrambling in a frenzy upon hearing their words and getting a good look at the incoming intruder. Glumstone would already be on his way here due to still chasing Saltbaker and King Dice on their flying cards, now joined by the Howling Aces who's fighting altogether. It appears the Chinook is already trying its best to fire at the flying Pineapple Mint thieves that tricked them into hurtling their pineapple bombs as a distraction. The Bulldog Pilot had already finished chewing out the Yankee Yippers for unknowingly giving away the ingredient they swore to protect. The Saluki Pilot however had her eyes on blasting down her enemies regardless of the giant failing to calm down when they tried to help him.
"The boss done did it, we gotta get out of here or else those flying mutts or the giant destroy us," Mr. Chimes screeches as he claps his cymbals.
"You've said it, forget this, let's run with the booze while we can," Mangosteen said.
The entire making's Court would already be running instead of thinking of fighting the ant eater anymore regardless of Chips' being swallowed. The Moonshine Mob's leader would care less about the intruders and wanted to stop the casino mooks from escaping with his loot.
"Oh no you don't, you have no idea how hard it was to make all that moonshine. Get em!" he ordered his anteater mount.
The overgrown edentate slowly recovers his boss with the bowler hat before launching his long tongue at a handful of onlooking bugs.
"Boys and gals, here that ant muncher comes. Brace yourselves!" Phear Lap called.
This is when he would shoot ingested bugs out of his snout as a cartoony rumble cloud that flew its way at the escapees. The cops and crooks hated getting close to each other that fighting is what they can do despite being swallowed by an overgrown anteater. Mr. Wheezy instantly spits another fireball at the in coming cloud dust of bugs to burn them to a crisp. The end result are all ten bugs charred comically with only their eyes visible and dropping dead to the ground.
"Way to go, you cigar of death," Pirouletta congratulates her smoky friend.
"Give me back my Gnome Berries or I will swallow you whole! You better not blast them away, Howling Aces," the pursuing Glumstone warns.
"Sorry big guy, but their biggest mistake was robbing us clean of our Pineapple Mints while we were trying to stop your rampage. We will deal with you later," the Saluki Pilot announced through a speaker.
She already commands the Chinook to open its mouth so she could press the right commands to fire the heatseeking dog bowls at her enemy. Chef Saltbaker effortlessly slashed each dog bowl in half with his trusty knife as King Dice send more of his flying card minions to distract the dachshund-like airship.
"Not today, we have a special job for all of you if you want to stop us so badly," the sinister dice man said.
The two of them would dive directly at the giant anteater below as the latter would keep firing more bugs at his runaway enemies. The anteater would soon realize that he was about to be attacked from above before launching his tongue at his enemies. King Dice and Chef Saltbaker would already split up as the Chinook already fired lasers from its mechanical paws. The blasts would hurt and burn patches of the anteater's furry body causing him to yelp.
"Hey watch where you're shooting, mutts! This is our turf!" he shouts.
The snail boss would lift the hat to see just who was attacking his secret weapon. "You heard him, lay off and go after the people that deserve it!" he shouts in his megaphone.
"Not until you pull your weight and help us catch them," the Saluki Pilot shouts back.
He would look ahead to notice that the King's Court would already be running away for an opportunity to slip between the rampaging Glumstone's feet for a clean escape. Nothing angered the pint-sized mobster more than losing everything that he's worked hard to smuggle and distribute in the shadows.
"Forget them, use that tongue of yours to get our look back!" the snail mod boss announced aggressively.
The large anteater would obediently look at the runways before flicking his large tongue once more to reach a long enough distance. King Dice looks at Hopus Pocus with a devious wink to signal him on a trick that is all part of the plan. The devious magic bunny would flick his magic baton to control the anteater's tongue in another direction away from his group. Now it would be him using his magic to wrap around Glumstone's massive mountainous legs while he is too distracted in anger. The Bulldog Pilot seen everyone and felt it was best to warn the giant from moving any further.
"Mayday, may day, Mr. Glumstone, you will go timber if you keep running!" he shouts in his gruff voice.
"Shut up, puppy. I will crush these two before I get the chance!" the grumpy giant roared.
He would be right as the long sticky tongue is fully entangled around his legs in a tight knot that restricts his movement. The snail would begin to panic as he knew his secret weapon is having a real bad tongue twister, the latter even gasping with his second mouth.
"What should I do? I am in a twist and it definitely does pinch," the ant loving mammal asks in sheer panic.
Glumstone would feel gravity getting heavier and heavier after he feels his own face tilting towards the earth. He realizes that his own pursuit is leading him to a potentially hard fall down below.
"Why you….I am about to come crashing harder than a crumbling volcano!" he cried.
The Saluki Pilot would notice this and already sighs since it was her time to try preventing things from happening. She turns the Chinook ship around immediately to use its large robotic paws to stretch their way towards the falling giant to hold him in place. His massive weight was more than what the mechanical dachshund ship could hand, needing an overdrive shift just to keep on holding him in place.
"You're quite the heavy fellow. But this will do so you won't come crashing down like a lopsided mountain top," she said in strain after fully shifting the gear.
The Chinook angrily grows with oily sweat as it struggles to keep on pushing Glumstone up. The anteater would still feel pain of his own tongue tangled around the larger mass while feasting the possibility of being flattened by him. The snail would be steaming angry that he was made a fool of and lost almost all of his Liquored Dough kegs. The Spider and Lightbug slowly crawled out of the crevasse with bandages on their body only to yell at the sight above them.
"Hey boss, what the devil happened here? Did they make away with our booze? Why is the secret weapon in a twist instead of eating them?" the spider husband exclaims.
That wasn't all as Chips would soon eject himself from the anteater's second mouth since his captor's own tongue twister made it all too easy to leave his esophagus. His remaining chips would soon rise from the pit as they make their way to his head to fully restack themselves.
"Thanks for the stall and you should know to always chew before you swallow. Have fun being the latest floor imprints from our big friend here," the living poker chip tower brags.
He would soon hop away while everyone would still be struggling to hold each other from falling apart or come crashing down. The snail could already tell that their runaways would already be too far away for a chance to stop them when they had bigger problems like the massive Glumstone who could fall in any moment. Even the Bulldog Pilot had to join in to use his own might and plane to try helping his partner push him back in place. Even the addition of the Yankee Yippers flying their jetpacks wouldn't be enough strength to push something heavy as a mountain back from falling any further.
"This is really bad. We have to warn the others in case that backstabbing chef and his new friend plans to get the other ingredients. Things would get doggone horrible for all souls if they succeed in making that Wondertart in any capacity. I'll give Esther, Mortimer, and possibly the King and Queen's Court to help. Anything to keep disaster from befalling the Inkwell Isles," the Saluki Pilot says as she struggles pushing the giant's chest.
"I am so angry that I could crush something, but not you all. They made a fool of me and my gnomes for the Gnome Berries. I've always had a feeling that chef didn't truly change," the Glumstone grumbled.
"If I didn't know you all better, I bet it has something to do with the dice cad with the Cheshire grin. He said something about being the right hand of The Devil. But I thought the latter had his butt walloped by those cups?" the struggling Bulldog Pilot said.
"It's all coming together. That black goat horned fiend was always a thorn in our side. He tried making a deal with us to be a part of his casino before and we refused. Maybe he sent his friend here to make a joke of us as payback. That Devil will know what's coming to him," the snail shouts in his megaphone.
"Can we hurry up and untie my tongue because I think it will get too stretched out if it stays like this," the anteater begs.
"Leave it too me, I ought to pull my weight around here and the few goons that aren't too hurt since I doubt all of them were too hurt," the Spider said before crawling past his wife.
"Allow us to be of help, but only if you promise your big friend here won't eat us again," an ant cop proposed.
"Deal, because arresting us won't change the fact you have bigger problems to worry about like that crazy chef undoing all the community service he's done for his past charges. Let's hold a momentary truce for now and put this mess behind us," the arachnid mobster said.
"Precisely, since Judge Hootly isn't going to like this one bit. Even if he did make a deal with the Devil's minion, he's still recommitting old crimes that won't be unpunished. But what about those cups, I wonder if anyone can spread the word to them in any way," the ant cop said.
"Just leave it to me. I can light the way to all our troubles and make sure the media prints the next big headlines. That should get those cup boys and chalice girl to stop them if they are still out there," the Lightbug said after dusting her gloves.
She hugs her husband one last time in a warm hearted embrace before fluttering her tiny wings to escape the place. She rarely flies unless it's for a big emergency which she offers to do the Moonshine Mob a favor and getting old friends who beat the Devil before to help. The Spider slowly waves goodbye to his fluttering wife with a single tear in his eye as the Snail couldn't help but feel the same since both saw value in this dangerous dame for years. Even the anteater sniffles a little with his large tears almost drowning the few ant cops and fly crooks that were too close to him. This is just the beginning of King Dice and the newly evil Chef Saltbaker on their plan to bake the infamous Wondertart for the first time. Previously, famous flying bus Kapp'n used to reach Eggman's mothership would soon are crash-landed in a busy lone forest past Goopy's humble woods. The damage done to the famed yellow vehicle would be critical enough that it won't be able to fly anymore unless extensive repairs were done to it. The driver of the bus would be out cold with the airbag pressed hard against his sore green head from the fall. Vince would still remain cold on bus's walkway with his easel and paints covering his body, still groaning from the hard crash. Pokemon Trainer and Leaf were sprayed against the windows from the collision, which thankfully didn't shatter from their bodies alone. Magnus is barely able to stand since his muscular body can take so much damage from a crash this bad. Guile is the same but thankfully able to take most of it due to his training in the US military. Prince Sable is out cold with swirly eyes from the crash the most compared to the tumbling from earlier. But little did he know was that he was laying in the wrong soft objects to be on. Lyn slowly awakens from the fall, feeling so much pain all over her body and thankfully not losing her famed blade at all. Her memory was pretty foggy on what really happen since they last saw the bus tumbling from Eggman's deadly Chaos attacks. She carefully moves her free hand to see if there's something she could grab only to feel Sable's princely hair. The sleepy prince would only bury himself deeper inside of the Lady of the Plains' bosom in his sleepy trance to enjoy himself.
"No mamma, I'm not ready to get out of bed for the Kingdom of Sable yet. This Prince nerds his beauty sleep," he mumbled in his sleep.
Hearing his familiar voice would cause the green haired swordswoman to slowly reawaken her tired eyes to see the blue sight before him. It took a bit for the vision to become more clear that someone was sleeping on her chest the entire time. Being someone of status and not willing to cause trouble aboard Kapp'n's bus, she had to think of the least violent way to awaken the young Prince from his slumber. Slowly flipping her sword to its handle side, she did a light tap to the boy's head to spark him.
"What's that? I will never let you take away my mother, Richard!" he exclaims in surprise.
Vince yells after bursting from under his stack of art supplies and board. Magnus bumps his head against his own club due to the sudden scream. Both Pokemon Trainer and Leaf immediately yelps before rescuing for their Poke balls in their backpacks. Guile flips to his feet into his standard fighting pose being the prepared fighter he is. And Kapp'n finally awakens from the airbag that he finally realized was nearly suffocating him.
"Yaaarg, what ye passengers are doin' to me bus? I don't want to put ye out like me sweet flower Leilani would sometimes do," the frightened kappa warns.
Lyn shakes her slightly as her plan backfired with almost everyone having a rude awakening from their crash landing sleep. Sable would realize some things weren't right now that he could finally see. He would immediately notice that his famed sword is nowhere to be found in his hands at all. But he would also notice the large blue mounds before his face, immediately sweating once he realize who's they belonged to.
"Oh my bosom! I'm terribly sorry Miss Lyn. That fall was a hard one and I've thought I was with my mother who's known for her motherly rests," he panics after backing up.
"I understand completely. Unlike others I would know, you had some understandable good intentions. And besides the point, we have bigger issues to worry about," Lyn said nicely.
Magnus taking a look out of the bus windows to see that they are in some kind of thick forest, but the trees are abnormally large with branches almost as big as roads for the bus to traverse. He could't deny the damage to the windows and even the seats or the possibility the outside is in grave damage. Kapp'n struggles to get out of his seat due to the airbag's size and almost fell on his own shell before Guile caught him in time.
"There you go, I suggest we investigate the damage to the bus if we there's a thing we can do to fix it," the American fighter said.
"Thank you, ye passenger. Leilani will not be pleased with her strong sailor being in a state of harm. Allow me to take a look at her damage from the outside," the thankful kappa said.
"We aren' sure where we are, so let me come with you in case he's sent some allies after us," Guile said.
"I am not too sure if he would be willing to do that after he destroyed our only means of escape in the Halberd. I hope Meta Knight and the others are alright. This isn't too good to be separated after a failed mission," the burly Greek warrior said.
"Magnus, perhaps you can start by helping me get my paints all organized if you can be a kind gentleman," Vince said after straightening his beloved easel.
"Sure, more than happy to help. Let Guile and Kapp'n take a look outside to see where we are," he replied.
Vince would pass a sword he happened to find to Sable since its size was more than undeniably his property. The artist would soon take every paint can and brush that Magnus managed to pick underneath the seats. Pokemon Trainer is more than determined to help with everyone, but couldn't help but to see that Leaf wasn't still completely over losing her favorite Pokemon team to Eggman previously. Her Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard were hard enough Shiny finds that would be impossible to replace thanks to the bond they had as a team. She knew she had to stay strong, but couldn't help but to feel a part of her identity gone with three of her favorite monsters taken away from her by force. Pokemon Trainer really didn't know what to say in a way that wouldn't make things better, but also help inspire her that it would be alright. Even he didn't really know what would become of his Pokemon while they are lost without a trainer to bond with as most Wild Pokemon would be lucky to survive outside of any Pokemon regions in this big world. The only other Pokemon he had on hand were Snorlax, Lapras, and his own Pikachu unlike the one who's a Smash member. This Pikachu is different in a sense was far more well trained in comparison with an equipped Light Ball, and his a more physical attacker with moves like Brick Break and Fake Out. Leaf however still have her other team mates who were luckier to survive like a Wigglytuff, Granbull, and Nidoqueen. The last few were more her powerhouses that she saves for a serious battle unlike her now lost Charizard. Guile reopens the bus door to see that everyone were more than awaiting orders of what to do.
"I think you all can come out now. It appears we are only in an uncharted part of these woods. The damage done to the bus is critical and may need some time to fully repair it. Our kappa friend is already working on the hood of to see if there's any internal damage," Guile announced.
Sable without hassle transforms into a snake before slithering his way towards the door with Lyn and Magnus following by. Vince had already gathered every supply he needed before carrying the good few with him when needed. Pokemon Trainer would only do nothing but wait for whenever Leaf feels like she's in a mood to follow everyone. She wiped away her tears once more knowing there's nothing left to do but see if their only means of transport can fly again.
"It's fine, I am coming. We'll have to hope to Arceus that our Pokemon are alright out there. As long as we have our remaining three within our bags. No PC outside of the many regions would allow us to access our other Pokemon anyway," she said sadly.
Pokemon Trainer would only smile at her willingness to at least rejoin everyone, helping her up from her seat in the process.
"My Pokemon are strong and I have faith that they will eventually find their way back soon. Just got to play our cards right with the other members of our team. We wouldn't have gotten this opportunity to join if it weren't for them coming to our world. I just know they are fine out there," he says with a confident grin.
This also would give Leaf a smile as well as a chuckle since he's still the same confident trainer he always was. From the outside of the bus everyone could tell the old yellow vehicle's going to need a good while to improve from its crash. The wheels were either flat or fully separated due to the crash which ruled out the idea of driving any time soon. The back of the bus is fully scorched and damaged due to the rocket extension exploding from Eggman's attack severely harming it. Much of the paint job of the bus would be full of scars and burns from the impact to give the impression of a near-totaled vehicle. The bumper and rim were more than ragged due to bending from the crash's force as well as the lights slowly flashing from internal damage. The worst case would be the headlights which would have lit the way in a dark forest like this. It only was a reminder of how missions like this were a huge risk if anything didn't go as planned. Not a single Fighter nor Assist would have expected Eggman to make a device to harness the few Chaos Emeralds he had in any way. Something that is worth spreading to the rest of the Smash Brothers once they all were to find a way to leave this place if they only knew where they were.
"Do anyone have an idea of where we are? This place is reminding me of those old pictures books we would have back at home," Magnus said in confusion.
"No idea. This isn't my kingdom or any of the neighboring kingdoms I would be familiar with. Not that I want that showoff prince to help us in any way," Prince Sable says as he thought about Richard.
Lyn would notice a large fallen leaf to the east of the bus, studying it from afar to see if it reminder her of Elibe or any kingdoms Marth or other Lords would be familiar with. The leaf was nothing like she's ever seen before, being larger and quite simple like the ones Mega Man summon with his famed Leaf Shield. Her first quest would be Hikari City where Mega Man was created, but had doubts since she would be picking up some signals on her communication device. There would be few locations where there were no telecommunication at all unless this were a location with something disrupting any signals or a truly underdeveloped location without any means of signals at all. She had a bad feeling about this and feel a recon mission would be necessary to learn where they are.
"Is there something bothering you, Miss Lyndis? I haven't seen you this focused before," Vince asks.
"Nothing, we must be somewhere in the world where we have never visited. We've been to all of our homes before, but never a place like this. I have doubts we can find out by standing around. While Kapp'n fixes the bus, a handful of us should do a search in this area or find some locals who can give us information," the green haired woman suggests.
"Perhaps a small group, me thinks? This ol' cap'n needs all the possible protection in case some wild beasts may attack me or me girl," Kapp'n called as he continues fixing the inside of the bus's hood.
"I'll stand by your side and perhaps the trainers can stick around since their Pokémon would come in handy. A few of the others can travel if they can and report back to us if they find anything," Guile said with his arms crossed.
Lyn is more than glad that she has a reason to be armed with her beloved sword with a mission this important. Sable knew that it was his time to shine since either of his animal forms could help survey the trees that no one could climb. Magnus readies his heavy club in his arms since he had little time to die and not meet Pit once more in the near future, or by extension Gaol who he's promised to marry after he finally retires again. Vince felt that as much as he felt unable to be of assistance, he never wants to stop doing what he does best, and it is creating the most obstructive paintings to help his allies in any way.
"Very well. I'll depart with Vince, Magnus, and Sable on a reconnaissance mission to find out where we are. Leaf and Pokemon Trainer are more than fine to help you protect the bus and Kapp'n. We'll be back after we find some news worth sharing," the Lady of the Plains promised.
Guile nods being the only fighter here that can protect anyone with his life despite his rustiness beginning to show. The four finally set off deeper into the forest leaving the other half here to defend and slowly fix the bus with the little time they had. Sable especially takes once last look at his group to see the two trainers waving for the last time with Guile standing guard and Kapp'n still working on the repairs of the bus. He is personally afraid of the possibility they could fail again despite how simple this mission felt, feeling this sense of regret deep enough in his own heart. But most of all feeling guilty that it was his fault Riki and Shulk failed to get back in the bus despite helping Magnus with his plan. Vince wanted to comfort the young lad as he carries his easel and paint as the wisest one of the group. If there's one thing he wasn't good at like fighting, he was always good at spreading advice to young creatives who he could tell had potential within them.
"Something seems to be troubling you, lad. You wouldn't mind talking about it?" he said.
"If it's about what happened on the bus earlier, I already forgive you. You are still a kid and at least aren't impure yet," Lyn said with a slight blush.
"What happened back there? I would expect that sort of thing out of angel face, but not the frog prince here," Magnus demands with a mix of authority and confusion.
"No, it's not that. But this could have been avoided if I could have pulled them in time. We've lost Shulk and Riki because of me. Because I was unable to control my form to pull them in time. Eggman won. We've lost. Maybe I just wasn't cut out to help any of you since I'm a hinderance," Sable says with his head still down during the walk.
"Nonsense lad, it is natural for young ones your age to make mistakes. Just that we all underestimated that egg shaped ruffian, that's all. You've did your best and that's what mattered," Vince reassured.
Magnus wanted a say on this matter since he knows that there's a warrior in Sable and he shouldn't be guilty for something he had little control in.
"Kid, you aren't a hinderance. This was my plan so I should take the blame fully for its failure. But that was the thing, Pretty Boy back at base thought this would be a mission easier than fighting Underworld Forces when it wasn't. That egg man has a brain we can't comprehend on a philosophical level since the world is in ruins thanks to his plans. We all had zero way of knowing what would have happened," he said in an almost kind tone.
"I've failed to se save my own brother from his death before I've met the likes of Eliwood, Hector, or even all of you. These were regrets I've long moved past, showing I was once like you. The only thing we can do is keep moving forward and use that failure to inspire us to do greater things in our life. I really still miss him and know he would be proud if he were to see what I am doing today," Lyn said before facing Sable.
Magnus also had something else to say that was far more personal to him than anyone else since it something that always haunted him. But as someone who really wanted Sable to see that he shouldn't feel he is a failure over one mistake, the gruff man finally felt it was the time to talk about his past.
"I was a father once, of a young boy your age. He's always someone who would bring a smile to my face every time I had seen him. He's lost his mother after she had given birth to him, I had to raise him myself as a final promise to her. He always looked up to me as his old man, wanted to be a mercenary just like me, and always wanted me to train him even though he was told breaks were important. But one day, the two of us were on a mission to fight off some Underworld goons that attacked my home village. They were too many, some giving even me a hard time. One Reaper was close to reaping my very soul, but the boy risked his life for me even if he had so much to live for. If it was my biggest regret, it was that I should had been stronger for him so he wouldn't need to protect me. I have no respect for the gods like Palutena or Viridi because they aren't worth worshipping if they never prevented the death of my boy. It's why I was bitter, always fought alone and for my people, and how angel face wasn't worth my respect until he helped free the woman who would soon be my new wife. I'm very greedy for any form of pay because its to undo all the damage done to my village and survive. Most would see me as a common selfish bloodthirsty mercenary at first glance because of this, but I have my reasons since it's the only thing keeping me alive other than my pride for my country. You have your mistakes, but my are something that can't be fixed. Even I fear this new child me and Gaol may have could have the same fate while these gods will do nothing at all to prevent it. Consider this a reminder that you can only press on and not let one mistake hold you back. If I never did, then I would have died and Greece would have little hope for humanity with Hades still around," he explains solemnly.
Nothing but silence would be felt between him and his allies as they continue walking down the forest path after his words. Some never thought that he would ever suffer a loss this bad at all or understand his reasoning for really wanting to move on from the Smash Brothers since his last leave. Lyn knew that pain of losing someone but not someone who happened to be a child as she's not ready to commit to a family herself soon. Sable wasn't sure whether to feel bad for propping this personal story out of Magnus or reminding him of his former son at all with his self doubts. Vince could only do nothing but a slight sigh as there were no time for any therapeutic paintings that could come in handy. The burly Greek mercenary knew this is the type of reaction to expect despite having little regrets of admitting this to allies he haven't worked with in a good while. He is someone who rarely shows any form of vulnerability to anyone he ever fought with, not even the very angel that he have some mild respect for.
That silence would soon come to an end with a few rustles within the massive treetops above them. This would alert Lyn to hold her Mani Katti even higher as she looks around these massive brushes that hang above them. Vince looks around as he would rather place his easel before doing any new art. Sable had a bad feeling about what's to come with this much rustling for there to be civilians to see them. Magnus immediately switches his focus from hearing his allies reactions to wondering who these incoming intruders were that were watching them the entire time. Even more rustling would be heard around the trees that alert the entire group down below, more than willing too fight if they have to. Some figures would be seen flashing across the branches in the form of dark blurs that few would really catch onto. Next would be the sounds of creaking wood as if someone were cutting down a tree or even simply walking on a wooding floor at home. This gave everyone the clue that this isn't a human civilian but some
kind of strange creature that's been surveying them the entire time.
"Hey kid, see you can use your snake eyes to see what's in the dark so we can ask them some questions," Magnus suggests.
Sable understood him clearly, before using his magic to slowly shift his entire body into his famed serpentine form once again. The nature night vision of his eyes would allow him to finally sense the heat signatures of what's been following them. He could see some smaller figures that are unrecognizable with their many legs and carapace. But also rather larger figures with a wingspan that almost covered the entire area and long beaks. There were other figures he tried to sense that were moving around them but couldn't as a sign that they have cooler heat signatures than something truly organic like a person or animal.
"They have been here the whole time. But something about them seems strange as they all aren't human," the snake prince said.
"Wild beasts perhaps? Maybe they are territorial if they don't want us around their habitat," the nervous artist said. "I say we scare them off since we are only trying to know where we are. Perhaps they can be meaty enough to feed our stomachs while we are here," Magnus said.
"You can't just think about eating at a time like this. But I won't hesitate to hunt if we have to defend ourselves in such an uncharted forest," Lyn said.
Soon afterwards a massive head would burst through the treetops beak-first to try pecking at the intruders below. It was a rather unfriendly woodpecker who figured these are worth a snack for its massive appetite. Everyone immediately saw this and dodged the sharp beak that would had skewered them all at once. Vince struggled to hold his art supplies any longer after that quick jump and toppled over. Lyn immediately grabs her bow to aim at the exposed neck of the large bird as Sable shifts back to his human form.
"There it is, I saw what it was but couldn't tell it was some massive bird," he said.
"A bit too late for that, kid. I'll crush this guy so he can feed our stomachs while we are lost," Magnus said before charing at the head.
Before he could attack the woodpecker, more intruders would appear in the form of Flying Beetles that happened to get in his way. He still struck the green pests away with enough force to fly against the gigantic trees around them with an immense crash. The trees shook slightly but enough to raise their roots out of the ground from the man's immense strength.
"What in sam's hill? These bums are tougher than we've expected," a talking stump would say as he walked into the scene.
The heroes would immediately notice the strange sight, a living stack of tree stumps with large noses and rather scary eyes who were less than happy to see them. Sable, Lyn, and Magnus all gotten on their guard as Vince is still struggling from the pile of art supplies that crushed him.
"Great, the freak show came early for a visit. Just when this forest couldn't get any weirder," the mercenary complains.
"The only freaks around here are you pal? That overgrown impractical weapon of yours and angular look Ian't doing you favors," one of the living stacks on the stump said.
"Pot meets kettle? But that's not the point. What are you and where are we?" Prince Sable asks.
"Like we are telling some princely pipsqueak about our forest that you happened to invade. You aren't the cups, so we safely have every right to put yous four to sleep beneath the trees," a Flying Beetle said with more reinforcements behind him.
Sable had no idea what they meant by cups but still felt that there was no reasoning with hostile beings that would rather attack them them negotiate peacefully. Lyn almost shoots the bow at the woodpecker before it successfully retracts its neck signaling another to aim for her this time. She immediately notice a large shadow casting that reminds her of the overgrown bird that aimed to swallow her. She jumped in time before it succeeds in pecking her at all to get his beak stuck in the soft ground instead. Vince immediately straightens his stance after finally breaking from under the pile of art supplies and easel. He would already seen Magnus, Lyn, and Prince Sable already fighting off the forest gang that ambushed them. The nightly warrior struck the woodpecker's face with a hard swing and swung once more to fire a club beam at the incoming Flying Beetles. Lyn snips down each and every beetle that came her way with her bow with precision and ease despite dodging the spiked balls spat by the Stack o' Woods. Prince Sable leaps to the higher points of the trees to find the source of the pecking woodpeckers in his frog form as the ones who saw him try pecking him out of their treetops.
"Yous gots no business in our humble forest. Stick to the pond, polliwog!" one of them said after missing him.
Sable ran along the large bird's green neck to hopefully find a trail that leads to his main body. The other woodpeckers launched their heads still in an attempt to skewer him while trying not to peck their partner on his body. Sable nimbly dodged each and every angry red face that would that gotten him and hopped along the back of the avian beast. The frog eventually noticed something odd about how the bird's body is green enough to blend in with the treetops, a good act of camouflage that allows these predators to surprise peck any prey or intruders. He would also see what could be the massive wingspan of the woodpecker with wings comparable to massive feathery leaves that almost blanket the canopies of the forest.
There it is, these are truly interesting birds that can adapt to this forest. But that's not why I'm clumping this high, I also want to see if they have a weakness that will scare them off.
"Give it up, froggie. We will keep on pursuing you until you are speared like a heron's meal. We haven't had a good meal and you are more than perfect for it," another woodpecker shouts.
He almost pecked Sable if it weren't for him shifting into his snake form to narrowly slither past the beak in question. He would immediately cook around the beak to seal it shut to stop him fully. The other woodpeckers didn't care and still launched their backs at the snake all together like persistent hunters. Sable immediately sprung himself into the air after uncoiling himself and it would be too late for the woodpeckers to stop their attack.
"Hey hey hey! Don't you all try and…"
They instead pierced his face and beak immediately and recoiled from the thickness of his skull. But it didn't stop him from yelling from the pain of being pecked in many directions by his brethren. Sable would use this opportunity to scope out the entire forest from the high view to prove himself for his allies below. He would see several landmarks from above like a giant flower bed, an observatory, a pier with a large ferry, and a small cottage where the famed cups live. Nothing appears to be recognizable to him at all still since this is an all new location they happened to fall in. He looked again to see the woodpeckers angrier than before to try pecking him out of the sky with their elongated necks while they could. Sable tries to focus again, now turning back into his human form once more with his sword ready to battle.
"I'm ready to take you all on, overgrown chickens," he said.
What ensues would be a massive dust cloud of cartoon violence between him and all six heads of the giant birds in an all out fight. Stars, feathers, and swirls were flying all out of this massive fighting cloud formed by the conflict that few in every direction throughout the span of the forest. These stars would soon get the attention of an airborne Hilda Berg who still carries Ribby and Croaks after their visit to Porkrind's. The determined Zeppelin knew too well that when rumbles cause stars to fly, it truly was a serious fight that needed to be stopped.
"Looks like we aren't too late after all. These must be that vampire guy's friends. Of course the Trouble Treetop gang are giving them trouble for being in their territory. Oh dear," Hilda Berg said.
"Oh yeah, then they have another thing coming for messin' with a friend of ours, right Croaks?" Ribby said.
"That's right. We've been fighting souls since were tadpoles and ain't no bugs or birds will make a joke of us," Croaks bellowed.
Hilda pedals faster to get a closer look at the fighting that was happening before their eyes. The food finally dies down to reveal an exhausted Prince Sable hanging on the large green knot. All the woodpeckers would be revealed to have their necks tied in a tight confusing mess after struggling to catch the nimble prince. They were quite angry that such a smaller human pest made a complete mockery of them and secretly wished they were fighting Cuphead instead who never been able to harm them.
"Dagnabbit! This is what we get for always following each other's patterns. I'm still hungry and ain't never gonna eat in this part of woods!" one of them shouts.
"Carefully with your shouttin', your windpipe is hurting mines," one said.
"More like the rest of us, you bird brain! We'll need someone who can untie our necks since flying will risk making our bodies collide very hard," an angrier woodpecker said quietly.
As they continued arguing with each other, Sable uses this opportunity to scope around for any other landmarks until he taken notice of the blimp woman heading her way in his direction. He slowly placed his hand on his sword in case he had to get ready for another fight.
"Hey there, little sprout. That's no way to greet a nice dame that's here to help you. Aren't you friends with that vampire guy we've recently met?" Hilda Berg called.
"Vampire guy? I have no idea who you're talking about, unless you mean Alucard," the young prince asks.
"Yeah, backwards Dracula. He's on our side. He just happened to land here from a fall. Said he was looking for some friends that ride a flyin' bus. You wouldn't happen to know them correct?" Ribby asks.
Sable couldn't help but to be overjoyed at the thought that his missing ally had been found, jumping for joy. The woodpeckers grunts within each stomp that happened to their neck knot comically.
"Hey watch it kid! We can only breathe when you stop tryin' to remove what little air we got. This is what happens when outsiders invade our Inkwell Isles," one shouts.
Sable immediately stops now that he finally has a confirmation of their current location and froze.
"Inkwell…Isles. Isn't that where that cup boy and his mug friend said they were from when we've rescued them?" Sable said.
"That's right, welcome to the Inkwell Isles, home of the perfect place where we thrive with the same classic values and communication for centuries. Of course the more higher tech can be used by people like Dr. Kahl but that nutty professor was always ahead of the times," Croaks grumbled.
"This is exactly why we peck the brains out of outsiders since their influence would change our ways for the worst or destroy our beloved forests," one of the woodpeckers cried.
"Except these guys promise to leave these islands after they get together. But after they stop that crazy chef and the Devil's Number One guy before they escape. Lord knows what those two sycophants plan on doing outside out of these islands," Hilda Berg said before laughing.
One of the woodpeckers would be silently tweeting with low frequency whistles to alert the other woodpeckers of the entire forest to attack every intruder in the forest. He knew that there was only one thing left to do when they were tied in a sticky situation outside of their control. This reminded Prince Sable that there's something he should be doing with the large feathered fiends incapacitated for now. He already becomes a frog before leaping back into the treetops below quickly.
"Holy cow, did you see that Croaks? That kid is one of us! We have to help a fellow frog out if he senses danger," Ribby exclaimed.
"Yeah, time to punch these bugs until they are fresh food for our slimy throats," the taller frog says before punching his fists together.
Both of them already dived into the trees below leaving Hilda Berg alone to watch the tied of peckers.
"I guess it's just you and me boys. I'll have you know that the skies are best rolled by the biggest of stars," she brags.
"Save it toots, I've already altered the rest of our fellow peckers to make sure those weirdos below don't even think about leaning alive. This isn't over and we will get even," the very back woodpecker said said before laughing.
The more he laughed like a mad man the more Hilda realized exactly how Koch tougher the situation would get below. The crazed look in his eyes and swirling eyes gave away that he lost all form of empathy for the situation he is in. Soon all woodpecker heads would be pelleted by the offensive laughter of Hilda Berg who fired endless "HA's" at them to counter their futile attempts at interfering with their plan. Each word alone was heavy as a stone and caused blows strong enough to knock teeth out of the mouths of these tied up birds. Even tears flew out of the eyes of the blimp woman since she didn't realize the stupidity of that bird was high enough to reveal his plan in her very face.
"Thanks a lot, worms for brains. This is why you always sat on the east end of the forest instead of helping us hunt," the leading woodpecker said with a mouth full of broken teeth.
Alucard had already arrived on the scene to turn the tides of the endless battle with the forest ecosystems. The first thing he did was cast enough Soul Attacks to blast away all the aerial beetles and bouncing ones that almost attacked Lyn. She is more than thankful to see a familiar ally back unharmed despite previous difficulties. Magnus still battered a woodpecker that already swooped down to try attacking him. Goopy would appear behind him to send the bird flying with his own powerful punch, breaking the bird's entire beak in the process.
"Curse you, blueberry punk," he utters during his flight.
Magnus turns to see the handsome slime gloating about his strength with a one armed flex.
"Oh wow, I guess we've got company. The worst kind," he said in disbelief.
"More like good company. Your pal Alucard was able to lead us here after Porkrind helped fixed his device. The signals may not be strong but following it wasn't the hardest part," Goopy replies.
"Alucard? You mean you've ran into him recently?" said the confused mercenary.
He would already see a familiar white wolf leapt over him with a Wood in his jaws that gotten severely mauled from his attack. This didn't surprise Magnus in any way, but confused Goopy even more.
"He's a vampire and a werewolf? How does that work?" he exclaims.
Cuphead and Mugman already arrived with an endless volley of peashooter shots to defeat their enemies. One of the bugs stopped just to see the familiar foes who arrived again.
"Holy scarab! It's The Cups! Everyone get out of here before your lives end!" he screams with his eyes bugging out.
"You're forgetting someone, bettle boy!" a female voice called.
The green insect is soon fried to a crisp by Chalice's fully charged Converge beams. Just seeing the sight of his charred corpse would frighten the other insects that were formerly fearless with some old foes back for their heads. Some of the Bouncing Beetles had already rolled back into the forest thickets after one look at Cuphead. Alucard in his wolf form tossed the stump he chewed up at another Stack o Wood to fully destroy them into splinters. Goopy would already crush a few other of them with his sheer weight alone during his bouncing frenzy. Several of the beetles would be sliced in half by Lyn's own Critical Hit in a flash thanks to her blinding speed. A massive photorealistic snarling cat painting appears to frighten swarms of beetles from getting any close to everyone. This is the work of Vince being effective with his well crafted paintings at making the fight easier. The woodpeckers however didn't fall for this trick as they knew it was just a trick and not a giant cat monster like their insect allies thought.
"We ain't afraid of some cups and their weird new friends. This is our chance to make sure our forest is free of freeloaders like these couple weisenheimers," one of them said.
He instantly charged for everyone from down below as all the other woodpeckers did despite everyone's confidence in stopping them. Prince Sable, Ribby, and Croaks would finally land where the birds were to start enough big ball of cartoon violence between them all. This would leave Cuphead and especially everyone else speechless that the calvary were only making this easier for all of them without any trouble.
"Hey, let me join in for the walloping!" Goopy shouts in belligerent excitement.
The large slime soon jumped into the punching dust cloud to join in with his massive blows. Mugman is less than surprised at their slimy friend being bruised excited for an all out brawl.
"Boys, am I right?" Chalice said sheepishly.
"I really wish I can say you are wrong, but this definitely is true," Lyn replies with a deadpan face. This would be when Magnus felt there was something important worth asking with the extra help.
"So exactly what is this place. We are not from around here but happen to crash land here from an attack we had on the Legion. Assuming you have no idea who that is, they are really bad people who recruits powerful villains around the world to rile everything," the gruff warrior demands.
"Eureka, I knew The Devil disappearing and King Dice taking in Saltbaker meant something. These really sound like some bad guys that I should help you all bust. But sorry, you are in the Inkwell Isles and we never really traveled outside of it before except for that one time we were turned into spirits," Cuphead replied enthusiastically.
"Ignoring my brother's real intentions, we just want to stop our own enemies from causing enough trouble on these islands. There's no doubts we have to go to the other Inkwell Isles to help those that guard the secret ingredients he need to make the Wondertart. If we can find all of your friends," Mugman explains.
"That doesn't sound too bad. Why would you want to stop a chef from cooking a good meal?" Vince wondered.
"Because that dish will give anyone the power to control the very astral plane most souls are in. That's why we need to stop Dice from forcing Saltbaker to make make that thing. I also worry for what poor soul would be used as the finishing touch for that pastry," Cuphead remarks.
"Oh dear….then I retract my previous statement, young lad," the shocked painter said upon realization.
"So another half job mad with power that wants the power over souls? I wouldn't be surprised if they are all working for Hades," Magnus said in annoyance.
"There's also no doubt he was a victim to one of the Legions' Shadow Fiends either. They are beings of negative energy and darkness that our enemies made to possess the most fitting hosts. Your chef friend could be under its control," Lyn said.
"You mean like gh…..gh…gh…ghosts?" Mugman said in fear after thinking about it.
"More demons, artificial magic ones that were mass produced by them. It's why we should all put an end to their plans before the world get in an even worse position. It may not seem too bad here, but that's where you guys come in," Magnus.
"But isn't it true that you guys have a flying bus?" Cuphead said.
This was when Magnus and Lyn immediately realized that Kapp'n and the others could be in danger within their absence. Sable jumps out of the dust cpus himself since he knew something more important should be at stake.
"The frogs will handle these guys for us, we have to head back to the bus while more of those birds will try destroying it," he called.
"Which we will make sure doesn't happen. Whichever one of you are coming, please do so since we need that kappa unscathed if we will fly anywhere," the Greek mercenary said before hailing his club onto his back.
"Make haste everyone, we will have to reunite and look for these fiends while there is still time," Alucard said before dashing off.
Cuphead, Mugman, and Chalice used their Smoke Screens to disappear from everyone's sight in poofs of white smoke. Lyn ran after the hopping Sable, who's back to being a frog again, with Magnus carrying Vince's art supplies again following after. Vince ran using what little strength he still had since he no longer had to carry his buckets of paint, brushes, or easel anymore. The cartoon rumble between the woodpeckers, Clipjoint Calamity duo, and Goopy Le Grande continues raging on to show that the forest is no longer at peace bother is it the resting place for any outsiders. A majority of the bugs that didn't hun away were hiding behind the roots of the large trees, same for the Stack o' Woods who didn't want to be in the middle of the fight. It wouldn't be until a mysterious figure appears where they were with a sinister air to him as well as two other fellow demons. They were new fairly dangerous ones like a demonic woman in black with with blonde hair and a frightening skeletal horse spirit wearing a red cloak. The critters went from being frightening to almost pale fearing for their own lives upon one look at these three harbingers of death and life force absorption. The reports of demons invading the Inkwell Isles had already made it clear these otherworldly beings were a growing problem but more dangerous ones had finally arrived. One of them would be the same Macabre that escaped with his life who happen to bring stronger friends to be of assistance to him. The feminine demon licks her lips as she's been wanting to absorb some ripe life force for quite some time. The ghastly servant of the Heavenly King Zouchouten is more than happy to fulfill his master's wish of gathering more souls of the dead through his weapons alone. The bugs would stop flying and curl into defenseless balls wishing for these frightening beings to please leave them alone. The woods hallowed themselves to the point their facial features are nothing but gaping wholes in a future attempt at playing dead. The Macabre would only find they fear more than amusing since there's nowhere for them to run with the other parties still fighting amounts themselves.
"So they aren't too far away from here. Good, it won't be long until we slowly find our way back to Lord Lucifer and no longer be that false God of Death's puppets any longer. If the two of you are hungry, enjoy these fine lively morsels until they are just hollow corpses for me to rip into shreds," the deadly jester said.
The two accompanying demons would soon nod knowing well they will be well fed with this much prey to steal the souls of in one swoop. The Succubus and Kumbhanda would soon begin inhaling larges amounts of pressure within their mouths at powerful forces that would only pull the souls out of their victims. Soon countless souls that resembled the bodies of beetles and tree stumps with pink hearts where their chest should be immediately left their bodies to be swallowed into the powerful forces. What would be left were gray bodies devoid of life that uncurled to reveal their permanent screams of horror and shock as the tree stumps would be no different than chopped dead trees that no longer had any nutrition. The two demons didn't want to suck too hard as the fighting animals weren't of interest to them and best not alerting. The succubus moans in a mix of satisfaction and ecstasy the more souls she fully swallowed inside of her body as the sinister Buddhist death deity is more than pleased with his fill of life. The Macabre would only laugh in amusement at the numb er of dry corpses before his eyes thanks to their handy work, all more than happy to use his scythe the way it should. What soon follows is the sounds of powerful sharp swings that chopped every body into smaller pieces that would make even a Wandering Blueberry blush. One woodpecker that happened to oversee this scene would already be pale with fright as he backs his head into the treetops. Even the biggest of predators in the forest knew it would be a gamble to fight with the only soul they have and can lose permanently. The Macabre who was aware of his appearance knew well that it was fear that he wanted to spread which all more satisfied him than having to pursue a runaway kill like that.
"Come on, we have a couple of smashing mortals to ask a favor that they won't refuse," he said creepily.
Back at the main site of the buses crash, it seems it would be just as chaotic as the three protectors did everything they could to protect Kapp'n's girl. One thing were the giant woodpeckers who were tasked with attacking the bus despite Snorlax and Nidoqueen's efforts to fend off the feathery fiends. Another were the onslaught of mosquitos sent by a larger insect who came to cause trouble for Guile. The American street fighter is more than exhausted that between the bloodsucking pests and the fireballs shot by this draconic insect were taking a toll on him. Not even enough Sonic Booms nor Flash Kicks were enough to keep his enemies at bay.
"This is starting to be too much. But I will do everything I can to protect you and this bus before everything falls apart," he said while huffing.
The large fuzzy dragonfly would only giggle with his distorted voice charging flames inside of his secondary mouth that stays hidden underneath his fur. Kapp'n still frantically works on the bumpers of his beloved bus despite the chaos going on having faith that this is all he needs. Pokemon Trainer and Leaf were already exhausted having to think of clear strategies for their Pokemon to fend off these threats without accidentally causing more damage to the bus they've sworn to protect. Their Pokemon were more than fine, but the least appropriate choices for dealing with larger mostly airborne targets that prefer to hide in the treetops from far above. Guile gets ready to brace himself as it was time for him to break out his secret move, one that he would only risk when close enough to a truly powerful target. Things were far from over as a powerful blast of white liquid blasts away the dragonfly's body and flames before he could attack any further. Snorlax, Pokemon Trainer, Leaf, and Nidoqueen immediately saw the sight of the now grounded overgrown insect who was blasted by this white fountain. The mosquitos instantly froze in fear since they knew only one cup who could pull off such a feat. But soon, one by one each of them would be sliced apart by near invisible slates that could be done by two swift sword fighters. Even the leaves they once carried would be split to add more insult to the injury. The two woodpeckers would soon be knocked out by two powerful projectiles who happened to be a certain frog prince and legendary chalice girl. The large heads of the birds would feel whiplash from the strikes that would cause them to slowly recoil their necks back into the trees. It wouldn't be until a familiar threatenin' zeppelin would slam into the heads once more from deflating herself slightly as a living missile. What is left behind would be a constellation that made up Taurus as a signal of what her next form would be while she chants the magic words.
"Who are you friend or foe?" Pokemon Trainer called.
"Snor. Snorlax," the large sleepy Pokemon said.
"You mean you think they are friends? I hope you are right buddy," the trainer answered his Pokemon.
"Nidoqueeeeeeeeen!" the feminine reptilian Pokemon screeched.
"I guess we do have a calvary of our own who came to help, let's hope they are good as they look," Leaf said nervously.
Both Chalice and sable finally lands before them together after their launch with Magnus and Vince arriving on the scene together once more. Alucard and Lyn soon reappeared before everyone after one last slash, resulting in more decapitated mosquitos panicking despite not feeling the pain of their bodies being sliced apart. Kapp'n looks from under the hood, now shocked with his eyes completely open for the first time ever at the scene.
"What in the deep? You scurvy dogs know how to make the impact!" he shouts.
Guile would be surprised to see some old faces as well as new ones how came to help. Cuphead and Mugman reappears right next to him with their fingers pointed at the fallen Dragonfly, knowing well how tough their old foe is since the last time they've fought. A loud bovine moo could be head from above them, revealing itself as Hilda Berg now in her Taurus form for the next time anyone wants the horns from this bull. Before the gigantic dragon fly could regain his consciousness a massive pile of entangled woodpeckers would be launched from one end of the forest to where he is. The result would be a massive pile of beaten birds that crushed him despite his size being half the length of their own necks. Stars spun around the bruised animals leaving the fighting frogs to have already rolled their way into the scene together as one.
"That's what you get for think we are food for yous, stinking birds!" Ribby bellowed.
"And don't forget the let the cuckoo clock hit you on the way out!" Croaks follows.
Guile chuckles the not only everyone returned but with help to protect the bus from future harm while he was alone. Snorlax and Nidoqueen both await their respective trainer's next orders before they were to continue fighting any enemies. The dragonfly grew from annoyed to amused within seconds thinking of the possibility that this must be fate for more intruders to arrive. The large bug slowly chuckled as he used all four of his spindly limbs to get back to his feet and begin rubbing his wings once more for flight. His blue eyes still remain glued to Cuphead's inner group that that he has a better look at them from his height.
"Look what the catsup dragged in, the two cups and now he's got more pals to protect these deadweights from leaving with their lives. This is more than delightful after everything I've heard from the papers. The Devil has left the building, his side man stealing ingredients with the help of Saltbaker, these demons running around causing trouble for our islands, and now this. I will make this loud and clear that no one comes to these woods uninvited no matter what magical land they've came from. That bus of yours will be destroyed and my boys will devour all of you until there's nothing left. Time to make sure this forest become more haunted than any mausoleum," the sinister insect brags before slurping.
That is all, we have quite a lot to talk about. Alucard would have to prove himself to Cuphead and his friends of his innocence if it meant finding his friends. But along the way they would hear news of King Dice and Saltbaker's dangerous alliance, after the latter was contracted to be the former's evil servant. The devious duo already succeeds in getting three of the Wondertart's ingredients with only three left to obtain. Demons are also running rampant all over the Inkwell Isles with few attacking Porkrind's before getting chased off. Turns out few of those demons were forced to work for Thanatos who is here to claim Chalice's soul as a job to reclaim all who shouldn't be living, including the few who are with Elfilin. Bethel is also up to no good with Anahita forming an alliance with the green god if it means furthering their plan to destroy those "who think they can replace the gods". And here we end things off with a reunion in the infamous woods with the Dragonfly's mob wanting to chase everyone out. The next chapter will be ready in some time so I hope you all have a very Happy New Year! Add (/eDnceDGSYW) at the end of any Discord link and you'll be invited to my server where we can have fun and watch movies every week. Hope to see more of my beloved adult fans here. See you all real soon!
