Hello fans of all regions and fandoms, this is Big Red once again back with the latest chapter of your scheduled fic. Speaking of schedule, I was thinking of getting one made to make up for the slower releases as work's been taking a majority of my time. Perhaps finding a possible co-writer (which will only be restricted to dedicated fans who keep up with my work). But those who want to can send me a private message if they are interested and I may discuss it in. private. But that's alright since we have more of Cuphead's shenanigans to keep you all entertained and move along with the plot. We were last left off with a major fight breaking out in Treetop Trouble, so let's see what the Smash Assists and Cuphead's allies have planned for these pests. This match is about to be red hot. Wallop!
The forest isn't in any frolicking mood anymore with the local creatures and new visitors at war with them. The Dragonfly is more than happy to chuckle now that there's no running from a fight despite the superior numbers. Alucard saw this insect fiend as nothing more than obstacle in the way of everyone's chances to escape. The few bruised woodpeckers regained their consciousness, angrier than before that someone bold as Hilda Berg dared to hit them. Cuphead inhales and spit on the ground before him to act tough before his foe, and also impressing the Smash Brothers. Hilda snorts again ready to charge at any one daring to get the horns from her raging bovine form. Magnus raised his club once more since he had enough of being slowed down by the number our pests of these woods. Lyn takes a deep breath with both hands on her sword and sighs immensely to remain calm for her next form of attack. Without a single doubt in his mind anymore and remembering his ally's words, Prince Sable us more than willing to take on anyone who hurts his friends or sees him as frog food. Both fighting frogs were more than willing to brawl again as they beat their gloved hands together in immense anticipation. The Dragonfly without an ounce of fear only chuckles that he is this cornered when there's still plenty of forest critters around that can easily back him up. The woodpeckers that were hurled at him would solidly unwrap themselves after feeling the weight of their boss lift them, keeping their eyes on the smaller prey that were more than willing to fight.
"This burns me up that food likes to break our beaks like this. Now I'm really ready to riddle 'em with enough holes like the last tree we've nested in," the one of them said.
"Leave the freakish frog boy to me. I still have a bone to pick with him for busting up my brother up there," the taller once said with his face getting redder from one look at Sable.
Kapp'n is still frantically fixing the insides of the bus from the hood knowing that he's got more than enough back up in this situation. Guile takes a sigh and gets into his fighting pose once more as a man that prefers to accomplish the mission without fail.
"Thank you all for coming back when we truly needed you. But I can't say that I'm familiar with all these new faces," the fighting soldier said.
"Let's just say they were responsible for leading me here since we eventually followed the signal to the bus in this forest. But we can talk later after all these miscreants are dealt with," Alucard said.
"The name is Cuphead and that's my brother Mugman and our newest pal Chalice. And our other friends Ribby, Croaks, and Hilda Berg. We used to be enemies but they were actually former debtors to the Devil, long story," the enthusiastic cup chattered.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but they said we can talk latter after we kick the butts of these treetop troublemakers," Mugman beamed.
"Less arguing, more fighting boys. Besides, we have to track down Saltbaker and King Dice before they leave these islands," Chalice said in annoyance.
"Never heard of them, are they enemies of yours who may be in cahoots with the Legion of Subspace?" Magnus asks.
"Well who knows, maybe they are. We barely know much of what's happening outside of our home which is why you lot are responsible for taking us out of here to see what that rotten Devil is up to this time if he needs the Wondertart," Chalice explains.
One of the woodpeckers would already stretch their head for a peck at the conversing heroes only to be struck by a mighty swing of Magnus's club. Teeth flew out of the broken beak thanks to the force he made sure to exert in his strike. The other woodpeckers were less than pleased at what happened, with more beetles of both kinds falling from the thick canopies to join the battle. The Dragonfly is up and running as he gets on all fours for a deadly lunge.
"How about we give you a reason why you don't belong here? Boys, get em," he orders.
The woodpeckers and beetles all charged at the heroes in every direction to defeat their enemies, Stack o' Woods joining in as they ran from the darkness of the woods. Cuphead and his new allies would stand their ground completely with everything in mind in regards to defending the bus with their life. Ribby and Croaks would already start swinging their fists to fire waves of glove shaped ki blasts at the obnoxious pests that dared to oppose them. Several Bouncing Beetles and Flying Beetles would be knocked out by each blast with blows that broke their hard carapace. Alucard fires as much souls as he can to chase the more airborne foes that planned to attack the bus. With every Sonic Boom and Flash Kick, Guile is more than determined to defeat every enemy that came close to attacking him. Hilda Berg charged at the few woodpeckers with enough forces to knock them against the massive trees behind them. This left them with broken teeth, swirly eyes, and many starts encircling their dazed heads from the raging cloud bovine. She charged again once she saw the few woodpeckers being inches away from touching Kapp'n's prized bus once more. This left the leader having his eyes on wanting to peck Prince Sable, who nimbly dodged each attack in his frog form. This face grew redder as he had little time to deal with prey that is too fast for him to devour, let alone skewer at all.
"Just stop hopping and just let me riddle you with holes, pollywog brat. I will make sure you never make a fool of someone who's at the top of the food chain around these parts," he screams.
"Make me because I am a the brave prince of the Sable Kingdom and to fall here would cause nothing but shame to my family. But also the very Smash allies that value me. Begone!" he said.
What soon happens would be him jumping directly on the exposed neck of the large bird and soon stomping on it hard enough to cause him to gag with bulging eyes. The frog prince would continue stomping on his neck as if he were Mario attacking a Goomba in a way to made him lose his appetite completely.
"Wigglytuff, use Hyper Voice!" Leaf ordered. Her loyal long eater Pokémon would inhale a good amount of air for her next poweful attack. Snorlax had already been recharging due to his Giga Impact exhausting his energy. But the big eater's tactic thanks to Red's orders was great enough to knock more beetles and woodpeckers away from the bus.
"Wigglytuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuff!" the Pink Pokémon screeched to fire an immense sound blast with her voice alone.
This would soon blow even more of the bugs and walking stumps away with massive force since they have little way to combat the loud sounds. Even those not cause in the blast would explode or submit due the intensity being too much for their hearing.
"Lapras, use Blizzard!" Pokemon Trainer orders.
The blue transport Pokemon conjures a powerful blustery blizzard that instantly freeze anything that tried to get any closer to his trainer. Countless mosquitos and beetles would be reduced to a brittle state upon contact with the frozen winds and snow that hit them. They all dropped to the ground instantly having no choice but to blink since all their other functions are reduced to uselessness. Even entire heads of the few woodpeckers were frozen to the point their heads dropped to the ground from the sheer weight of the ice. Even their wings would be so heavy and cold from the show that flight is impossible. They would be left struggling to retract their wintergreen necks back to their bodies or moving their brittle green wings. Croaks kicked Ribby hard enough to bowl over all the frozen or stunned forest critters as if they were bowling pins awaiting to be knocked out. A few of the flying enemies would smack the Dragonfly in his face multiple times before he had the chance to lunge at his prey.
"Hey you idiots, don't you hit me! They are right in front of…"
He is soon struck by the frozen head of a woodpecker in his abdomen, caused him to kneel down in pain from the attack. The battle still continue to rage on as Kapp'n continues his repairs on the bus, now he is moving on to working below the yellow vehicle's damages. Cuphead and Mugman parried the pink beetles to continue building their soul power for another powerful attack. Their new allies is astounded at this strange plan as they wonder what purpose would this serve.
"I think we should spend less time bouncing and more fighting. Is there any point to this?" Magnus wondered.
"It's an ability that would toughen our souls for a special. You see, we can parry anything that's pink, whether it's glowing of not, to build up power. It's also a way to get out of tough spots when fighting some truly nasty baddies. Trust me, those boys know what they're doing," Chalice reassured.
Mugman accidentally parries off the head of Wigglytuff, causing the Pokémon to angrily puff up for that unwarranted hit.
"Hey watch it, Wigglytiff isn't your enemy!" Leaf warned.
"Sorry, I really want to build up my soul so she was closer to parry," the blue mug boy apologized as he continues his bouncing.
"How about we deal with the ugly damselfly ahead of us. He seems to be the ringleader and taking him out can end these Forrest freaks from attacking us," Lyn said before tasting her blade.
The cringing Dragonfly soon froze immediately upon hearing her words. If there was one thing he hated more than anything, it's being called anything other than what he was. Prince Sable, Chalice, Nidoqueen, and Magnus all charged at the immobilize insect to try finishing him off. Instead he slowly grew redder all over in nothing but pure rage with his eyes being the reddest of his entire body.
"I'll show you all who the real damselfly is after I roast you all hotter than Christmas chestnuts!" he shouted before immediately losing himself in his blind rage.
He immediately breathes massive flames from his secondary mouth at a force comparable to Grimm Matchsticks' final form. The four heroes narrowly dodged the flames as everyone else behind them would soon do the same. He didn't care if he missed and turned his head around to try burning his runaway prey. Some realized this could be messy if they fire were to go anywhere near the bus and chose to lean him to aim away from it. Prince Sable jumps off the bus and towards a nearby branch as the stream of flames continue to follow him. He dodged at fire again only to realize these flames would soon begin to travel up the massive tree trunk like a long stick of dynamite. The dragonfly's own blind rage would cause him to unknowingly do severe damage to his own forest home. The mosquitos bulged their eyes in fear once they notice the entire tree starting to catch fire from their boss' own mistake. Even the woodpeckers would fly out of the tree if it meant not becoming fried more than your average rotisserie chicken.
"Everyone fly away, the forest is going to burn down!" the woodpecker leader screams.
"At least this can't get any worse," another said.
Soon after many Stacks o' Woods would be running around on fire from the dragonfly still mindlessly breathing his fire from his own uncontrollable rage. Some bumping into other tree trunks and woods to unknowingly spread the flames everywhere. This even scared some woodpeckers into either flying away or trying to thaw off the ice of their flightless pals with their beaks.
"You really had to say it, eh? We are all going to die! Aaaauuuuuggggghhhhhh!" the leading woodpecker screamed.
Leaf already could tell things weren't this good when there's so much flames spreading around the area this fast. Nidoqueen made sure to use her sense of smell to tell that things weren't safe enough to use anymore Poison attacks with the rising heat. Vince grew more than alarmed because not only he didn't want his beloved painting paper to burn, but knew how much of a flammable hazard paint can be when exposed to too much high temperatures. Pokemon Trainer is also stuck in a pinch as the only Water Type move his Lapras knew was Brine and singing salt water would be the least helpful way of putting out a growing forest fire. No Rainy Day or a powerful Hydro Pump means less options to put out the fire now that he knows how difficult this was without his Squirtle.
"This is not good. If only we had both of our Squirtles, we could put out this fire before it starts blanketing the entire forest," he said.
"I could have my Nidoqueen use Earthquake, but then that would risk leveling this forest and possibly knocking all these trees on top of us in the process," the worried Leaf said.
"Not the brightest idea at all, I agree. I can only brute force my way with this club. Any tornadoes would cause more than enough damage as it is. Nothing that would be of help stopping fire," Magnus said in annoyance.
"I would transform, but that would risk hurting me since my frog form would dehydrate easily from these flames and the heat would be too much to handle if I were a snake either," Prince Sable adds as he puts his sword away.
"Calling the Air Forces to put out this forest fire would help out if it weren't for the fact we don't know what part of the world we are in. Doubt any fellow soldiers, even Cammy or Chun-Li, ever seen these islands from a plane before," Guile said calmly.
"We would have to think fast because it appears that bus will need more repairs and a new wheel before we fly out of here for an escape," Lyn said.
"And allow a sacred forest to burn down? While the creatures here were a bit hostile towards us, having their home burn away isn't something we should walk away from. There has to be a way in which we can stop this before it spreads throughout the entire forest," Alucard stated.
"Too bad that crybaby onion isn't here. Because I know this should be enough for him to cry rivers worth of tears since he hates seeing any suffering," Goopy said.
Although immediately he would realize what he said, immediately gaining a special light bulb idea that inexplicably appears above his head. Ribby knew exactly what the blob was talking about and remembered how the Root Pack always had to deal with the sensitive onion's tears all the time when he's sad. Magnus had no time to think about what everyone is discussing and chooses to charge at the fire breathing Dragonfly to stop him from causing anymore fire.
"Come back to me when you have any ideas. I will squash this fire spitting bug before he sets more than just the trees ablaze," he called.
Everyone would soon see the red fire breathing bug attacked once more by Magnus which only agitated him more to try burning him. Everyone else would be forced to dodge the massive flames that spewed their way as a result with less time to talk nor discuss a thing. Goopy however bounced atop Hilda Berg's back as she had already returned to her original form. The curious blimp woman would be wondering what made the handsome slime grin wider the usual.
"What's gotten into you, thinking of a grande scheme?" she asks.
"No time to spout puns, but I have a plan. We will have to fly back to the Acme Gardens to bring a special buddy to cry us a river. It's the only shot we have since I doubt them cups would have enough of their soul fluid to extinguish everything. The boys will have to just stay tight and just slow down the fire until we get back," Goopy replies.
"Good thinking, Goopy. Since I'd rather use our special as a way to put down our hot headed pest before he runs everything down. Elder Kettle won't be very happy that his favorite forest will be left in ashes," Cuphead called.
"You know, this would had been easier if those three veggies had came with us. It would take too long for anyone to fly from here to the other side of the island just for some waterworks to put out the fire," Mugman says in concern.
"You are talking to the Threatenin Zeppelin here. I can fly faster than the average plane so it won't be long for me to grab that Ollie Bulb for his showers of sorrow to stop the fire. For now, everyone would have to slow it down somehow. Using dirt or even something cold," Hilda Berg suggests as she pedals in the air.
"But how can we do that when these fires are already climbing g up these treetops at a fast rate? It would take a miracle to even try slowing down the fires," Chalice said.
"Plus we have the fire breathing ruffian here who's only making things difficult. I could use my paintings in some way, but they are flammable," Vince cried.
The more he thought about it, Alucard, figured there could be something he could use that may be of assistance. He remembered how often watercolors need water in order to work the way they do, often needing enough wetness to bleed or thin the paints when used. He took a long look at the water color paint buckets near the elderly artists hip thinking this may be a crazy idea but just could work. Everyone else would already see Snorlax and Lapras both ordered to use Blizzard at the flames before them to try slowing them down. The winds were strong enough to blow the very snow melted by the heat which converts into their own bursts of water that weakens the flames. Leaf and Pokemon Trainer knew this was the best they could do with half of the enemies still frozen or panicking from the fires around them. The dhampir finally smiles now that he has the perfect solution to follow up on their new allies' plans.
"We know just what we can do. Hilda and Goopy, fly away and grab this weeping onion friend of yours as fats as you can. We have the perfect way to slow the flames down using the blizzards of our partners' Pokemon and Vince's watercolors," he explains.
Hilda winks with a grin upon hearing his plan knowing they should be fine while she's gone.
"So using watery paints eh? But anything to make sure nothing becomes crispier than rotisserie the longer we stand around. We'll move on out since the garden shouldn't be too far from here," the boxing slime said.
"Watercolors? Blasphemy! I am an artist and not someone who strives to paint things the wrong way. To do that would be discounting my years of experience since I was a wee bambino," Vince beamed.
"It's just what you'll have to do. Unless you want Kapp'n to be in more danger from this forest fire, you will just have to be the messiest you can with your creations. Just this once you will have to do this if we can get out of here and not get anyone else hurt that my be in these woods," Lyn begs.
"I'm afraid they have a point. This is the only shot we have at getting out of here. Plus I doubt we should be proud of letting any forest burn no matter how dangerous the creatures are here," Guile said.
"Who are you calling dangerous, buzzzzzzcut? The only real danger are you fools for even crashing our peaceful forest and reaching this point," a voice said.
Everyone turned to see a few Flying Beetles and mosquitos who just happen to overhear the conversation and avoided their rampaging boss who's a big fire hazard. Lyn, Alucard, and Prince Sable immediately raised their swords wondering what they wanted with them. Guile, Ribby, and Croaks raised their dukes with the cup trio pointing their fingers at the invading bugs.
"Whadduya want with us, bug brains? Can't you see you already caused enough trouble here like you've always did?" Cuphead warned.
"Save the shootin' for latter, you ceramic brat. We were only protectin' our home which will be no more thanks to you idiots. No water means no way to stop anything and we'll have to find some place else to live. Not that Cagny will let us in his flower patch any time soon," the beetle said.
"The boss was always known for his temper and you miffed him off so badly that nothing can calm him down. He will be this forest's undoing in no time. You all should have left this place when you had the chance," the mosquito followed.
"Except we crash-landed here because we were attacked and had no idea where we were. This is why we have to fend you and your friends away from the bus because it's our only wya out of here. The damages are too bad that it will take a while for our friend to fix everything," Prince Sable said.
"Unless you plan to help find a way to put out the fires I suggest you just go somewhere else and leave it to us," Lyn barked.
"This is your fault so you should put out the fires. But I doubt any of you are good at climbing fast enough to get the job done, so I can get a few of us to fly you up there and do your plan. Then can you promise to get the heck out of here and never come back?" the mosquito shouts.
"The feeling is more than mutual, so we will let you help us just this once. Standing around here will not help neither side," the swordswoman continued.
"You heard that Vince, now there is no choice. You will have to trust us just this once and use your watercolors to put out the fires. Your pride will only hold all of us back. Don't you want us to reunite with the rest of the Smash Brothers and pout an end to the Legion's plans?" Alucard asks.
The elderly artist hesitates to give him an answer, but knew the half vampire was more than right that his perfectionism will only make things worse if he truly wanted to leave these forests safely. The flames were already slowly making their way to the high treetops within seconds the longer everyone continued their debates. Reaching the treetops with the masses of branches and leaves will only be the beginning of a massive flash fire that would never end unless they were to act quickly. Magnus however would already grappling onto the giant dragonfly, using his club to pry the red insectoid beast's secondary mouth completely before he thought about breathing anymore fire. He knew that this could risk hurting him to but he had to do something while his allies thought of a plan. Kapp'n however would still be fixing the bottom of the bus with the progress movingly smoothly with less hazards to attack him or his prized vehicle. Everyone would soon notice the panicking flaming inhabitants that would soon be bumping into other trees already to start even more fires unknowingly to their surprise. The clock was ticking and time was slowly running out and all he had to do was answer before this plan fully executes.
"Mazanma," a gravely voice said.
Massive bursts of green winds would occur in various spots where the flames were as well as the flaming creatures who were destroyed as a result. Everyone is stunned by what just occurred as if an unnatural force is occurring around them. Hilda Berg would immediately begin leaving everyone as fast as she could since this was a reminder that they had a plan that needed to be done regardless.
"We'll be back soon. Just make of your minds since you have company already," Goopy called as he slowly disappears into the skies above.
His words as well as the sudden wind ruptures would cause Alucard to grow uneasier than before. He had a feeling that the same demons from earlier were back due to finding them here. The souls of what remained of flaming beetles and wood beings would soon be sucked away by a powerful Spirit Drain immediately. Their souls cried and begged for their last moments as they knew there was no way out from their permanent deaths. Lyn grew even more unnerved that this is all happening as there is someone out here that was hunting them. Meanwhile Magnus felt a deathly chill along his spin the longer he held the dragonfly that almost made him freeze in fear. What stands behind him would be a tall deathly figure holding a scythe, an already familiar foe that Cuphead's friends had fought before. Mugman's eyes sunk immediately upon seeing the frightening sight, Cuphead pulling up his shorts seriously since he didn't want to see that demon again.
"It's that same guy that tried to take Porkrind's soul, what in the devil is he doing here!" Chalice beamed.
His creepy giggling would only alarm Magnus even further as he didn't want to risk letting go of the raging Dragonfly. He almost feared no death but also didn't want to be stopped from his current plan at all.
"Blight!" he said slowly.
Magnus had already jumped away from the dragonfly to watch the massive bug get sliced severely by the plague infected scythe. This caused the beast to scream with whatever final ounce of flames he had billowing into the air. But this one felt like a genuine one of agonizing pain that he never felt before unlike the usual beatings he take from the cups. Mugman already turns pale while stammering immediately from the sight as if they were watching Death itself take away another soul. Cuphead however had no fear but wondered what was the demon trying to prove by killing an old foe. Even the Trainers and their Pokemon stopped immediately upon hearing the pain ridden wail nearby. The remaining bugs, woodpeckers, and wood immediately froze in fear upon seeing what torture their boss was enduring by even more invaders. The already frozen ones would freeze even more to "play dead" if it means avoiding a swift death next.
"What the hell… what is this guy's problem? He must be with the Underworld Army," Magnus said cautiously.
"You mean this guy isn't from Inkwell Hell? What is it with you outsiders and invading our forest?" a mosquito exclaimed.
"For the last time, we are not invaders. And even we have no idea what this freak is. He must be with the Legion too," Lyn corrected.
"Incorrect, these are demons from another world. Or at least that's what one of them said when we fought them earlier. But I wonder why is this particular Ione back after he previously ran from us?" Alucard said with caution.
The Dragonfly finally collapsed immediately as if he were a dying possum, except this time he is actually succumbing to the worst plagues imaginable. The scythe wielding jester chuckles even more with another big prey worth reaping of his very soul. He is already gathering something purple within his blade, preparing one Venom Chaser to quickly put the large bug out of his misery. The dragonfly slowly turns one last time with a more fearful look since he is aware his senses were slowly being stripped from him by the toxins.
"You've been a bad pest to cause trouble for our friends lately. Maybe it is about time you will no longer breathe any more fire, or shall I say you last breathe," the Macabre said in sadistic bliss.
"Friends? Can you say that again? I do not know what's going on here and you seem to act like these annoying bugs and birds harmed your buddies," Magnus said.
"I don't think he is talking about anyone other than us, lad. These mysterious cads seem to act like they are our allies," Vince.
"That is correct, old man. You know I've always love the wisdom types like you. It only means they are experienced in more ways," a feminine voice said.
Everyone slowly grew more and more cautious upon hearing this since they know this death loving demon is far from alone.
"Instead of thinking about the next human you'll seduce, how about you take something serious for once. These humans and other creatures will be of use to us for finding Master Lucifer again. Why else would we kill the very pests that were giving them trouble?" a demonic equine voice said.
Alucard definitely had a bad feeling about this knowing a few demons have less than good intentions with helping them. Lyn knew she was no stranger to being surrounded by monsters, but knew from their voices and intentions these were not like the ones from the kingdom of Elibe.
"Lucifer? Don't you mean The Devil? Just what are you guys and why are you attacking our beloved islands," the mosquito said.
Without warning he is immediately sliced in half before the yes of everyone. Both halves of the green bug would only do nothing but scream as his final moments of living. But what truly frightened the heroes is the sight of what appears to be a deathly horse creature wearing a red hat with a two pronged sickle in hand. In between his body would be left with a floating white soul that resembles the mosquito with a heart on his chest to signify that he's dead. Just one look at his pale hands and the remains of his bisected body would be enough but to cause the bug to hyperventilate.
"Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh my body….my beautiful body. What did I do to deserve this?" he panicked.
A winged figure slowly descends behind him while he is too stunned by his lack of a body, a single smile showing she's been hungry for a soul this delicious. Mugman already faints from the sight as his brother worries for his well being.
"Mugsy, this is no need to take a nap when we have a plan for that fire up there," he shouts.
The other two beetles and mosquitos would be too scared stiff to fly away despite wanting to get everyone out of their forest. Lyn and the others had a bad feeling about this with more unfamiliar demons making an appearance.
"Do not even try to attack. We are here for a reason, which involves you mortals. Be grateful we are stopping this fire to only earn your goodwill," Kumbhanda said.
"Except for the part that you want us to find this Lucifer being for you. Why should that concern us when we only want to find our missing allies?" Lyn said.
"We know he is with them and since you all happen to be familiar with these Smash Brothers, we would like you to take us to him," the horse demon replies.
"They are? This better not be some kind of trick to make us trust you. We will do anything to find our remaining allies as the world is in enough ruins thanks to the Legion of Subspace," Alucard said.
He is eventually interrupted by the last screams of the mosquito soul who is eventually drained inside of the Succubus' mouth. She enjoys the savory taste of their pain and misery all in one ghastly meal, sighing in a mix of ecstasy and bliss. Lyn immediately covers the ears of an already blushing Prince Sable as that last sound isn't meant to be heard by someone as young as him. Kumbhanda chuckles at this given he wanted to have a soul as badly as her since his last big meal. Half of everyone didn't like the dreadful air these demons were giving even if they partially helped with the fire that's been going on. Another painful roar could be heard as the dragonfly is already struck with a Venom Chaser by the deadly Macabre. He could only do nothing but writhe in agony in pain from the attack as the toxins were bad enough but started to feel more intense from an attack that amplifies the pain when already poisoned. Not only that, but he is starting to see his insect limbs slowly turning purple as they begin losing every sense of touch to them. He could only tear himself as he watched every limb flop from his inability to control them anymore on top of the internal pain he is dealt with. While a baddie like him needed to be walloped, even the cups feel that slowly torturing him in a way that could kill him is beyond what they would ever entertain. Even Chalice couldn't help but clench her own gloved hands since she is just about done enduring this disturbing sight. It was also when the two boxing frogs would realize that there is a clear difference from Alucard, who they initially thought was a heartless monster, and the Macabre who is a clear monster that loves to toy around with his prey as they slowly die from his plagues.
"Alright alright alright, you death loving clown! You've made your point. Just please stop it, I only wanted to live alone peacefully in our forest club without any intruders. Please, don't kill me," the dragonfly begs as the purple paleness slowly consumes his body.
"It's too late, my beloved plagues are only digging deeper into every nerve in your weakening body. With my Poison Adept, it allows me to amplify my beloved toxins to the max degree. My Venom Chaser will make sure the pain is twice as deviously painful as you die an agonizing death within minutes. I have no ability to cure you and neither does my demon accomplices. Twas the fate that befalls someone that dares make a mockery of our new allies," the Macabre teases as he strokes the insect's mandibles with a single finger.
Magnus had just about enough as attacking the demon was exactly what he wants to do for proving that nothing will convince him to as an ally. Even Alucard still refuse to see him as any different than what he was during his attack on Porkrind's Emporium.
"I hate to be bearer of bad news but our forest will burn down while you all are too busy staring around an and fighting. This was a part of our deal," a mosquito beamed.
"But what about your friend, should we just sit there and let him die like that? Isn't he your guardian?" Prince Sable argued.
"Forget him, it was his fault he burned our forest, so one leg bug in the woods isn't going to kill anyone. Plus he was always a jerk that would casually burn me and my buddies for fun anyway, who cares?" he replied.
"Except we are partially at fault for even pushing you all to this point because we were lost and simply wanted a way out of here. Still doesn't mean we can just sit here and let him get a cruel death out of the blue," Lyn said.
"Still doesn't change the fact that he put me on fire. Do I look purty to you, toots? Now I am deadwood with countless charred bark all thanks to that selfish jerk. He never cared about our safety and always covered the highest parts of these woods. If there is one think I can be happy to say, it is good riddance. Let that damselfly have his final twenty-four hours," a completely burned Wood stump said.
"But I thought you guys are a team, a family, peas in a pod? And here you are turning on him while he's having his final day. How cruel," Cuphead barked.
"Zip it, cup. We never wanted to see your ugly mug, or the mugs of your two friends either. Or anyone here. But I can rest easy knowing that pyromaniac bug can finally serve his purpose of being the most worthless boss anyone can ever have. Mr. Grim Reaper, just finish him off already," a Flying Beetle said.
"Fiddlesticks. Talk about colder than an ice cream truck driving through a winter town. Sheesh," Ribby said in disbelief.
"I like the way these insignificant insects think. Well you overgrown house pest, the jury has decided. It is time for that final execution since no one here wants you anymore. So sad, such the life of a mere bug who's only purpose is to eat flies and die after finding a mate. Perhaps it is fate that I am here to end your miserable existence faster than a Gremlin," the Macabre teased once more before laughing at the crying dragonfly.
The dragonfly's body had already trued mostly purple at this point with just his thorax and head still able to feel a thing. Half of there heroes and even Cuphead's group still had mixed feelings now act is going on even if they still had the forest fire to worry about. Kapp'n raised himself from under the bus to take a look at what was happening only to freeze at the sight of the demonic guests who had arrived. He feel an eerie chill cracking ups his spine that held his beloved shell. He may have braved the seas with his motorboat, but knew when something was best not tested with his luck.
"Am I interruptin' somethin' important? I hope it is not time for one of you scallawags to go as we have important business for our fellows at ye Smash Chums. I just need some repairs to bus's rockets and a replacement wheel before we are able to leave," he said carefully and slowly in fear.
"Oh, you mean this wheel?" Succubus said as she reveals a wheel she just happened to find.
Everyone would be surprised that it looks just about big enough for the bus and not small for any other automobile out there. Kapp'n himself would drop his jaw that that is exactly the thing he needed to load onto the bus for a replacement.
"Aaar she blows, that is just the right size and weight to support me girl. But are ye friend or rapscallion? You scary bunch look nothing like you are a part of this world," the surprised kappa said.
"We did say we want you all to take us to Master Lucifer and we know your Smash friends are the ones who are traveling with him after the failed Hell Meeting that occurred several days ago. You all don't have a choice," the seductive she-devil said.
"And why should we help you. Here you are taking away lives and taking pleasure of taking one away before our eyes like we'll simply trust taking you aboard our bus," Magnus said.
"There you all go again, what did we have to tell you all. That dragonfly was always a jerk and deserves to croak. I'd say the forest would be better off without him while we all go independent. It's not like you need him when we can help you all end this forest fire," the mosquito argued.
"We are the Smash Brothers. It is our responsibility to save lives and protect the expanded universe. To simply let a live get lost just because you never liked them would go against our code. We will refuse your help or even allow these demons to go with us unless you cure the toxins of that dragonfly immediately. I know one of you have that power to cure poisons since their could be situation one of you would poison each other on accident. You likely value each other's lifes that if one of you are slowly dying of poison that you simply wouldn't let them die," Lyn said with her arms crossed.
Vince was wondering what plan the woman was getting at when the fires were still a problem to put out, Guile having a feeling this may lead to something interesting happening. Magnus nods along with her since even he didn't want to be forced to be working with demons even if one of them is helping them escape or put out the fires. Cuphead definitely liked the way Lyn was thinking, glaring at the three demons like Mugman and Chalice did. He definitely didn't like the dragonfly the last time he traversed these woods, but wouldn't support the idea of him being reduced to a soul to be eaten. Kapp'n couldn't help but to agree as well as much as he wanted to fly the skies or drive again. The mosquito crossed his arms then sneers as he didn't like where this is going nor wanted too acknowledge the dragonfly as his boss again. The Succubus eventually sighs as there was no other choice with such stubborn mortals refusing to help them see their chaotic master again.
"Very well, I shall cure this bug and by extension everyone else. I hope this should be enough to convince you all to assist us on our goal. Macabre, let him go if this will work. It's what we have to do," she said calmly.
Disappointed, but also satisfied, the deathly jester finally steps off of the dying dragonfly to give him some room. He knew that his partner would have to do this spell quickly as the toxins had fully engulfed ninety-percent of the fire-breathing bugs body leaving his his mandibles and eyes able to move with everything else going limp. Cuphead, Mugman, and Chalice all grew curious of what would happen next after hearing the sensual demon's words. Ribby and Croaks kept a close eye on the fluttering female demon to make sure she doesn't back down on her word at all. Immense green magic would be building up within the female demon's black gloved hands as she channels all the magic she needs for this next spell. It was something most demons use to cure any and all ailments, ranging from poison to even mirage blindness. The dragonfly would be left with more tears flowing from his eyes wondering what would happen as he only had less than a minute left to live from the plagues already affecting him. Lyn, Magnus, Guile, and Vince still kept their very eyes on her in wonder of what power she has to stop the venoms from killing their former enemy. There were still some bugs and stumps still on fire or slowly succumbing to the intense burns already that knew their time was almost up since no one had put away their flames. The Succubus raised her very arms with the magic still channeling as she is more than prepared to undo all suffering to these non-demons around her.
"Me Patra!" she shouts as she casts the powerful spell.
What soon follows is a massive spirals of magic sparkles surrounding all the suffering around her with the spell in full effect. As the dragonfly closes his eyes accepting his death, what soon happens would be the toxins slowly disappearing from his entire body before it had engulfed him. He opened one of them back to notice that she started to feel his nerves again, rain one of his long limbs to see that they were back to being brown again. He slowly gets up to get a better look at all the magic surrounding him as a sign that this is what was done to him by someone else. He would also notice the burned and formerly burning inhabitants of the woods now getting better. The bugs were now feeling no more pain and back to their old non-toasty selves. Even the woods would realize their bark skin is back to that original brown quality it was and no longer charred from the fire. Not only that, but all the frozen bugs and woodpeckers would soon notice their bodies fully break free from the melting ice that was effected by the sparkling magic. They were just as confused as he is on what was happening to all of them remembering well that they were on fire or frozen previously. Pokemon Trainer and Leaf were cautious that their work was slowly undone only for Prince Sable to gesture them to not thing about fighting anymore. Kumbhanda would only scoff despite what his partner is doing since he would prefer getting more souls to feed on than saving any lives. The many critters of the treetop forest were left wondering just what they would say about how their bodies were back to being normal and not near death. The Dragonfly slowly gets back to his feet now more than glad that he can feel all of his nerves again.
"I have no idea what made you all change your mind about squashing me like a bug, but thank you all so much. And the few that have no respect in me for losing my flame, I promise to be a better leader of this forest moving forward," he said.
"Because in the end of the day, we are only mere visitors and as heroes we do not condone to just putting you out of your misery. Plus it was the one way we will ever trust having these guys come along with us despite our own goals of finding our allies," Magnus said frankly.
"It was a test to see if they were willing to move beyond their lust for death and killing. That doesn't mean we will consider them trustworthy, but they'll be looked after as long as they leave this forest with us," Lyn said.
"We only did it because we are desperate. You have no idea how many eyes are around this island to watch your every move. It's not the demons, it's the Underworld Army of this world. I would rather not be some tool for a pompous death god nor ally with neutral forces like Anahita. It would be an insult as a follower of Chaos," the Macabre said in scorn.
Magnus soon dropped his skepticism immediately one they mentioned an old enemy that almost taken over Greece, one he is all to familiar with like his allies at Palutena's Army and the Forces in Nature.
"Say that again. Underworld Army? The Underworld Army run by Medusa and her true master Hades?" he asks.
"Precisely. You know about these fools? I only temporarily worked under them because I had no…"
"That's not the point. All I know is we need to find them and destroy them as quickly as we can. Leaving this island is nice to reunite with our allies, but I have a choice of words for both dark hearted gods. Angel Face and his dark copy aren't here, so someone will have to do it for them," Magnus said in interruption.
"Revenge is the last thing on our mind. The way we are, we will be powerless against either of them unless we get with the rest of our allies. That is a form order I'll follow until we get back with the Halberd," Guile warned.
"This better not be a way to bring your son back. Losing someone precious to you is hard, but risking your life after you had almost lost it to Eggman isn't worth it," Lyn begs.
"And continue to let him run rampant in a place that don't deserve to be overrun by monsters like them? Did you forget what our goal is here as Smash Brothers? We may be Assists, but sometimes we can just bend the rules and do things our way without the superiors to boss us around," Magnus said before facing the Lady of the Plains.
"You better hope they are capable of bringing them back from the dead. I am not sure if they are capable of using Sacarecarm or not," the Succubus adds.
"If they can cause death, they they are more than capable of bringing life. Even if we have to force it into them. But most importantly, we will stop them before they cause anymore damage. And it would be nice of you to hand that wheel over to our captain so he can finish fixing this bus," the gruff mercenary said.
Remembering her promise, the seductive female demon tossed the wheel over to wear Kapp'n was after he had finished working with one of the bus's thrusters. The sheepish kappa inspects the wheel further to see if this was in good condition or the right type before it was safe to install it.
"I object to this. Our safety and return to everyone else is more important. We will take on our enemies at a more appropriate time when our numbers are much larger. You have to see through with reason," Prince Sable said.
"Kid, this isn't your place to tell a man who had lost everything more than you what he should do with his life. We are free to do what we want, no longer bound by those Assist Trophies like the rest of our fellow members. I can't do this alone and we shouldn't back down from stopping these Underworld pests either," he said.
"As much as I hate to say it, Maggie is right since this is our home. Having these demons running around on top of Saltbaker trying to make that Wondertart is bad enough. But to leave these Underworld psychos still attacking our home isn't right. There's no way I want my friends like Elder Kettle and the others to get hurt or become souls. We can all find ourselves a way," Cuphead said in agreement.
Magnus groans slightly as he would rather not be called pet names of any kind, which he also despised from Pit as well.
"And you call yourselves heroes? For shame, leaving our home to be overrun by these evil creatures that will only do more damage than The Devil ever did? My brother defended one of your pals instead of letting him be staked like the vampire he is. And this is how you repay us? Consider yourselves no longer with us since it's clear you care about no one but yourselves. Hmmmph," Mugman snapped in clear anger.
"You don't understand, we aren't going to let more lives get lost. We will clearly save everyone we can here. But what we are saying is that Magnus here clearly thinks he can beg his own enemies to bring his son back from the dead instead of focusing on the bigger picture. We will do our best to rid of the problem, but not for the same reasons he wants," Lyn says in defense.
"And for the last time, I am a dhampir. Not a vampire. But I am also in agreement that no one else should suffer in any capacity. These demons do have some shred of humanity in them for cutting everyone here, that makes them better than anyone that ever served my father nor the aUnderworld Army that we must stop," Alucard called.
"Don't get it twisted, the Forces of Chaos are all about being everything that fool God and his army of Law rejects. Freedom, anarchy, chaos, the will to do anything, and only respecting humans who aren't weak enough to be our food. Just because we tolerate you doesn't mean we will treat other weaker creatures the same. We only respect those with strength, which you all have since I barely escaped with my life. But if I were to choose between being the lackey of a mere Death God who teams up with a Neutral goddess, I would choose you all since it's my best shot at getting back with my true leader Lucifer," the Macabre said before holding back his scythe.
"Then consider yourself lucky you are only a temporary ally for now as anyone who causes damage to our world or its innocents are an enemy. You've proven yourself for now, but that doesn't mean we agree with your twisted ideology of what the world should be like. But to hear that our own allies is taking care of Lucifer does raise some questions that I would address if we can get a proper signal to contact them again," Guile said.
"I'm still confused that there appears to be more than one figure that calls themselves The Devil. Is it possible that there are more Devils that we should be aware of," Chalice wondered.
"Lucifer is considered the original, the others you speak of are mere copies or interpretations that humans made themselves based on their own thoughts and beliefs. But we are best not discussing something such feeble minded creatures like you will never understand," Kumbhanda sneered.
"As much as I hate to interrupt this clash of thought but the fire still needs to be stopped. Even if I were to succeed in fixing this bus in some time, there still needs to be a safe way to escape unscathed," Kapp'n called as he's beginning to start installing the new wheel.
"The senile turtle is right, how about we argue less and save our beloved forest? Then you can get out of here like this mess had never happened," one mosquito called.
This was when everyone would realize the entire time they should be slowing down the fires while they await Goopy and Hilda Berg's return with the tears necessary for dousing. Thankfully the worries of the burning critters is less of an issue with Succubus's Me Patra undoing every ounce of burn or frostbite on them. Guile figured it would be best to get started with their plan with enough fliers to help.
"I suggest that anyone who wants to help can partner with a flying insect and start climbing for the top. Our goal is to slow the down the flames any way we can, even if it's the least effective. As long as we buy enough time for the others got bring back the water we need to put them all out. Just follow my lead and we will save this forest in no time," the American fighter ordered.
"Now that's more like it. And since Mugsy and Chalice are full enough for that splashtastic special like I am, we will use it wisely to douse a majority of them with no problem," Cuphead announced valiantly.
"That's right. The Flying Beetles and Mosquitos can grab everyone else, but that dragonfly will take the three of us since his size and flight may come in handy for making sure this works," Chalice announced with her hand out to the Dragonfly
"Aye-aye, ma'am. Dragonfly at your service!" he said with a brave salute with surprising obedience.
"If possible, I would like if Snorlax and I can get carried up there. Same with Leaf and her Wigglytuff since we may have a way to slow those flames down without our Squirtles," Pokemon Trainer said.
"Leave it to us. Just don't use your weird animal buddies to freeze us again. Because we ain't cut out to be living popsicles," a mosquito said, shuddering at the thought of freezing again.
"You can say that again. I will have my buddies fly the heavier folks up to the treetops. Just don't do any funny business since we can't be friendly woodpeckers forever," the large bird promised.
The Big Eater Pokemon didn't know whether to be glad that he has a way to fly or if he should feel hurt by the jab at his massive weight.
"No need to worry about flying us since demons can defy the laws of physics. Gravity has little effect on us unless you truly force it. In addition to our ability to appear anywhere and everywhere we want thanks to how living in Da'at is for all of us. Just leave all the fires to me as my winds are deadly enough to chill the most infernal of souls," Kumbhanda brags.
He instantly disappears from the area as proof of this ability, which didn't surprise much of anyone in the area. Succubus couldn't help but to chuckle at her ally being so haughty as Macabre only agreed that it was time to get started with the plan.
"Meet us at the top, we will follow Kumhanda to give him some assistance. Do not slow us down and prove that you all will be of us to us," the death loving jester warned.
The two demons soon disappeared in a blue without question to leave everyone else already chasing their method of travel. Snorlax, Nidoqueen, Lapras, Magnus, Ribby, Croaks, and Vince gotten atop a few woodpeckers as the heavier fighters of the bunch. The cup trio had already board the long fuzzy back of the Dragonfly with the latter more than fired up to stop his own mistake. Cuphead would already be shouting like a cowboy and pretending to buck him in excitement. Mugman would be slightly afraid of the idea of flying so high, but remembered that this is the only way since their planes were still parked back at Hilda Berg's observatory. Alucard would already be flying ahead of everyone in the form of a bat since he knew there is a clear urgency in the situation. This soon left Mugman easily fainting at the sight as nothing scares him more than bats or ghosts. Chalice is left shaking her head but also knowing that they had better things to do. Lyn, Prince Sable, Leaf, Pokemon Trainer, and Guile would be carried by a beetle or mosquito as the others would be left scattering the forest to find ways that would be of help to this mission. This left the Stack of Woods stumped now act way they could help as they are unable to really climb that well with their stumpy bark roots.
"Fellas, carry the stumps too. Their pink spike balls would come in handy if our cup friends need to parry themselves for any more special soul splashes. Nobody gets left behind on my watch," the dragonfly orders.
This left a few mosquitos and beetles to turn around and dive for the remaining wooden critters that wanted to be of assistance. The grumpy stumps would be more than happy they can be of used than left behind to stand in the soil anymore. The entire squad would slowly begin their speedy flight from the forest floor to reach for the burning flames from above. The real race against time would soon begin for the fate of the treetops.
Meanwhile, the greatest show on earth would be going on at the crazy carnival of madness lead by everyone's favorite unpredictable clown. After he had successfully helped out the Squid Sisters and Mr. Game & Watch, the three agreed to help perform some special stunts for the Inkwell audiences on the second island. The famed denizen of the Flat Zone would be juggling several balls provided to him by the famed technicolor clown. His skill was impeccable as ever since he often dies the routine flawlessly when training back at Smash HQ. The Squid Sisters would be performing a flaming hoop trick involving jumping through hoops flawlessly thanks to their graceful experience with their squid forms. Of course their own difference puddles of ink were provided before the act to ensue the jumps were executed very well. This also left the main clown himself dancing around as he held his own head as a balloon to truly amaze the audience. Citizens from animals to humans and anthro appliances went wild from the amazing act these four were showcasing for the entire carnival to see.
"Welcome to the carnival everyone, where the greatest of performers truly make you smile so hard that you'll be older in seconds. Featuring the amazing Squid Sisters Callie and Marie! As well as the flattest man you'll ever know and. Game & Watch!" he announced with his inflated head with vigor.
The 2D man beeps happily ion respond to the cheering crowd with each ball still juggled. Callie and Marie moved on to a more advanced technique, which would involve spin dodging past each other narrowly despite their different ink colors to truly amaze the masses. It was something risky as the two normally work separately to avoid hurting each other with their different colored ink. Luckily their experiences as secret agents came in handy thanks to the training from their boss Captain Cuttlefish over the years. They briefly changed into their Inkling forms immediately after the next jump to strike a flashy pose together.
"Stay fresh!" the two says in unison.
They soon shift back into squid forms to splash back into their respective puddles of ink for a safe landing. All would be going well until a telegram signal would final reach the announcement post in the fastest in of the carnival. This would be the work of the Lightbug finally spreading the message to almost every station throughout the Inkwell Isles in various locations. It would be a series of loud screeching as typical of older signals in these classical isles that echo in various locations. Sally Stageplay's crew and Werner Werman inside of Katzenwagen froze upon hearing the signal reach the opera's radio after defeating a few of the rampant demons around them. Even the demons who were only defending themselves would be curious as to what these annoying signals were that hurt their ears, some of the Aitvarases flying around in a fit off panic. Dr. Kahl would already be on the way to defend his lab from the demonic intruders that happen to be causing a ruckus in his junkyard domain. He too would be curious as to what the signal is since even his advanced tech can't pick up anything low frequency which is why he often keeps a vintage radio for this reason. The signals would even be loud enough to be heard from the pier signals, which would soon get the attention of a sleepy Cala Maria and fellow seagoer Captain Brineybeard who just arrived with more riches from his last plundering. The screeching would be enough to wake up Grim Matchsticks inside of his dreaded sky castle, who is less than happy that he instantly sprouts his second and third heads in alert.
"Wh-wh-wh-what's that racket? Can't a dragon g-g-g-get his beauty sleep?" he said with smoke coming from his main head's nostrils.
His mother heads would soon notice the amount of flying demons all over the clouds who were just as annoyed by the noise like Zhens, Aitvarases, and Anzus.
"Make it stop, make it stop! Who would had thought such hellish noise would be produced by human technology?" a pained Anzu shouts.
Wally Warbles would also be poking his head from his treehouse top see where the heck the annoying noise is coming from. This large cuckoo bird was never fond of being so close to a noisy town that's miles away from the mountains. Even the fantastic Djimmi would be just as curious at the sounds traveling all the way to his desert pyramid as he was in the middle of meditating to gather enough mana for magic tricks.
"Who dare disturbs the master magician and pyramid guardian Djimmi the Great?" he rambles in his meditation.
Porkrind would be eager at what this important broadcast is as he's got a radio in his own emporium to keep up with news all over the Inkwell Isles. He hoped that things were alright with the cups and their new friends since he had provided them everything they could afford and fixed Alucard's device. Mortimer Freeze and his snow cult would already be surrounding the ice crystal ball to pick up just what this signal may be in case there could be intruders coming. Since the last time the cups defeated him for his precious Icy Sugar Cubes, he is more than alert at the possibility of anyone else attempting to steal them. Esther Winchester would already be having her hands full trying to fend off Saltbaker and King Dice from attacking her saloon for the Desert Limes. She had little time to be distracted by the radio announcement to let any rabble-rousers cause too much tarnation on her turf.
"Y'all have to be foolish if you think I would let my beloved limes get taken for such a dastardly last course. Just give up and let me suck you in and spit you back to the spittoon you've once came," the belligerent cowgirl said as she fires more bricks from her vacuum gun.
The devious duo would be proven more than enough trouble thanks to the agility of their flying card and the King's Court overwhelming her from every direction. The outlaw sheriff had never fought this many opponents at once which could lead to her downfall in due time. The Lightbug would already be in the radio tower's station with a mic in hand and cleared throat to spread an urgent message all Inkwell Isle citizens live in.
"Attention all Inkwell residents! This is someone important from the Moonshine Mob with an important announcement. As some of you may had known, Chef Saltbaker is out here collecting all ingredients to bake the infamous Wondertart with help. That help being members of The Devil's shady casino doing his dirty work in his absence. They had already taken the Liqoured Dough, Gnome Berries, and Pineapple Mint from us so far and only need the Desert Limes and Icy Sugar Cubes If we don't stop either of them soon, then the flow of souls would be in chaos and those living will be powerless against these dastardly villains. Cuphead, Mugman, and The Legendary Chalice. If you there are out there, please stop them before it's too late and we'll be in more danger than before. Those who are friends of him, please assist him in all the ways you can and stop Saltbaker or King Dice if you ever see them. Normally it would be illegal for a gal like me to be using this station, but it is important. Do it for your beloved isles and save us all. You wouldn't want anything like our lives being toyed around by the Devil once more or a chef mad with power playing around with purgatory. For all intents and purposes, please help Cuphead kick their butts because that ceramic kid will need everything possible to wallop them. This is Lightbug, following the flame into the darkness again," she announced as loud as possible.
A dead silence would be left everywhere after the entire isles heard everything they needed to hear. Citizens are left wondering what could be done or if there's any way to support Cuphead's quest. Several news reporters and paper boys are left disappointed that their work was overshadowed and this latest scoop wasn't covered by them at all. Various demons all over the island are left confused as to who this Cuphead individual was or his important with the overall announcement. Almost all of The Devil's former debaters heard this announcement loud and clear knowing well that there is no peace on these islands anymore. But something also hit them about hearing that Cuphead needed their help as he was the one who freed them from the contracts that used to bind their own souls. Even the jolly old Beppi knew that there is no longer any time to be performing when an old friend that freed him needs some help. The clown slowly reattached his inflatable head as he reattached to his bodily completely, then snapped his fingers to summon a bumper car that appears behind him instantly.
"Ok folks, show is over. This carnival is done with our usual performances. Especially since there's a favor that I owe that teacup sport. Game & Watch! Squid Sisters! We are going for a ride off the stage," he announced.
Mr. Game & Watch immediately stops his juggling to jump with joy despite the reasons to end his performance. The two Inkopolis idols on the other hand peered from their ink puddles after landing inside of them from the last ring jump in their squid forms. The crowd cheered even louder before as they knew the famed clown and his troupe had more important matters to deal with after hearing the announcement.
"Three cheers for Beppi and his co-stars!" One hot dog crowd member shouts.
"Go help Cuphead save our isles!" A female cow cheered.
"Kick what's left of The Devil's lackeys out of here!" the orange boy shouts.
Beppi moves over for Game & Watch to squeeze next to him as the Squid Sisters hopped on their heads in their squid forms given the lack of space. With a jolly laugh and honk of his nose, Beppi bids his happy crowd adieu before speeding off the stage in a colorful blur. Marie and Callie made sure to grab the clown and flat being's heads with their tentacles to avoid flying off the bumper car. Beppi still laughs out loud as the fearless fun loving clown he was.
"Let's head back to the first isle. I know those two cups will be happier than a balloon clam once they se us," he screams.
The chase begins for almost all of Inkwell Isle's wacky citizens to make way for a pair of old friends that freed them from The Devil. Goopy would be holding a blubbering Ollie who was told to hold his tears until they reach the forest. Sal and Chauncey were already hopping after the airborne Hilda Berg who's eyes are more than ready to each the woods again.
"So tell my why you need our pal again?" the curious potato asks.
"Isn't it obvious, you bloke. I need your buddy's tears to put out the fire caused by our roudy dragonfly friend in the woods. It will only be for a second. That announcement we heard doesn't sound like it neither very bad nor very good either," the blimp woman said as she pedals furiously.
"Just keep on hopping your tuchuses since we all got big plans with the cups either way. To find that dice and his new salty friend, then give them a clobbering of a lifetime before they run away with all the ingredients," Goopy called while rolling his fists.
"We are hopping as fast as we can. This is why I need more kerosine in my roots before leaving the gardens," Chauncey complains.
"You can say that again, carrot. I was hoping to have the best flower nap until that announcement alarmed me from my pollinating sleep. Oh well, time to vent my frustrations by dominating anyone who gives our tableware friends any trouble," Cagney said as he snakes his way behind them.
He eventually stands his stalky body up and begins walking with a pair of green legs that used to be his normal roots to try outpacing the Root Pack and following Hilda Berg even closer. The blimp woman chuckles knowing that so many familiar faces were now joining the fight as she wonder if others around the isles were planning to do the same. Brineybeard's boat would already leap itself into the actual pier in violent that blown away any nearby demons without mercy, the captain still holding onto his beloved steering wheel to stay attached.
"Yaaaar she blows. Now let's set sail for the first isle to assist the cup laddies. Full steam ahead, my mighty red rover!" he orders with a single sword pointed in the air.
The boat lets out a powerful roar in response with wooden teeth baring to intimidate any demon that dared to get any closer to it. Though it wouldn't be until a majority of them would be reduced to lifeless stone statues as a result of a strange green beam that fired at them at a wide radius. Some of the flying demons like Zhens and Aitvarases would fall onto the wooden pier to shatter into granite pieces upon impact as the few non-petrified demons were left staring in horror.
"What the hell, we only just came here to have some fun. Did that dreaded Medusa come here to ruin our fun?" a Onmaraki said.
"I am too beautiful to die. All I wanted was to sink some ships and not be some state to be broken," a Mermaid cried.
It wouldn't be until the large feminine figure would finally stand over the remaining demons now with her scary eyes retracted back into their sockets with hissing snakes baring their fangs from all sides of her head. A scary Cala Maria is one anyone would avoid lest they wanted a watery grave below or to be a simple stone creation that she won't just admire on her own free time.
"The mermaids are free to follow me since I've always wanted a troupe in the sea. The rest of you blokes, get out of these parts unless you want to suffer the same fate as them!" the gigantic mermaid beamed with her eyes glowing an eerie yellow.
Soon afterwards every single demon that wasn't the aforementioned mermaids immediately disappeared in a crimson blurs out of fear instead of staying any longer for chaos. This would only leave the scaly mistresses of the sea left confused that they happened to be spared by someone who was like them despite the scary situation. Brineybeard's boat would already be tearing through the concrete road behind them at full speed to look for the cups instead of wasting any more time. Katzenwagen with Sally Stageplay's entire cast sitting on its back would come running down the streets already after enough demon pests were defeated by them. In the inside of the robot cat's head would be none other than Werner Werman who is living himself another cigar as a sign of this hardened mouse veteran's immense stress. He manually pulls both levers in ways that could control his feline machine without hurting any civilians along the way or fellow actor allies who come along for the ride.
"Verever you are Cuphead and Mugman, it better not be too far. I've just gotten out of zere in one piece vizout a scratch. And viz company too," Werner rambles within each puff.
"Oh do be careful when carrying us down there, Werman. An actress should never get her favorite dress ruffled too much. But most importantly, we have to help our friend stop the Devil's shady friend before it's too late," Sally called to the robot cat.
"And please tell him to be more gentle too. Because I've just gotten this suit for our newest play. The Devil's new friends sure weren't that nice when they almost destroyed our beloved stage," Mr. Stageplay said.
"Oh Richard. You were always wanting to act like there's no epee to support that spine of yours. No matter, those cups will have one thing coming and it's that they can't face this problem alone without us," the actress said to her nervous husband.
It wouldn't be until they could feel heavy vibrations rumbling the streets harder than the cat robot would already be doing already. They felt heavier as if they had a junkier vibe to them almost like something out of a sci-fi horror flick.
"New objective! Destroy all threats to Cuphead and Mugman! Avoid all civilians and important buildings under orders of Dr. Kahl!" a familiar robot announced.
All it took would be a pair of massive steel legs to step over Katzewagen for rat and his allies to see that another familiar friend is heading the same way for a similar purpose. The robot would already be using its massive head dish satellite to trace any additional unusual signals it could find as his master controls him from the inside.
"Dr. Kahl!" they all called.
"It is I, yes indeed. But do not forget my greatest creation who is nice enough to oblige. But there is no time to waste when our demonic friend went too far in bringing more otherworldly foes to these isles. I'm also detecting a new signal approximately fifteen hundred kilometers away from this seaside city directly in the first isle's forest. That is exactly where our cups and his interesting new "friends" must be. I will continue to follow traces of the signal while we still have time," the scientist announced from his high text speaker from inside.
"And don't forget about me, you hi-fi landlubber! I may be the captain of the inkwell seas, but this seasoned sea dog know she are in for a rough rumble that's not like our cup friends," Brineybeard shouts from his ship.
Similarly, his red ship smugly rolls his eyes as he didn't like being outshined by the mad scientist's more advanced means of ai transportation. The robot noticed this from below and holds back any attempt at chuckling at the seafaring vessel from below his titanic legs. Eventually they would notice a sea of ice starting to form as if something is constantly creating it to trail in their direction. This would be soon revealed as the work of a fleet of Mermaids sliding ahead of them that even made the sea captain more ready to attack at will.
"Before you think about hurting the girls, you barnacle headed baboon, they are my troupe now," a familiar voice called.
Brineybeard wouldn't be surprised to see the queen of the sea herself now sliding across the large ice trail as if she's swimming breaststroke style to keep up with everyone.
"So the lass of the sea with her stone cold eyes decided to follow us. Yee have the same business with the cups?" he said after a jolly chuckle.
"So what if I am. They will be needing my help before Dice and his new pal get away. The Devil could get more contracts and victims if we just let him get away with this," Cala Maria hissed.
"Soooooo what if she iiiiiiisssssssss!" her smiling electric eel cohorts sang as they slide beside her.
The pirate ship would already be chewing on a cannonball in annoyance due to the singing.
"And do not forget about me too, chumps! While the Phantom Express has to keep on rolling with the new souls growing immense on these islands, The Conductor hired me to go help them cups out," a shady voice said.
Everyone would eventually look above them to see the familiar large one eyed ghost known for keeping his eyes on his spectral hands and witty sense of humor. He smiled wide enough and waved to reveal one of his few yellow eyes that he would often chuck at enemies when threatened in a rumble.
"Oh heavens, try and not scare us like that! Where are your manners, Blind Specter?" Sally shouts.
"Just be lucky zat I am not zee one trying to sic my ultimate machine on you, silly Specter," Werner shouts.
"Oh hey there Jimmy! Long time no see. I was hoping that the boys and I could play poker together when this over," a rat prisoner ghost said after leaving Katzewagen's mouth.
"Sure me too. An old seafaring pillager needs to see which one of us are the least dead in a match of wit," a pirate spirit says as he leaves Cala Maria's mouth.
"Oh you are too kind. But I guess we can keep this old game in mind once we kick Dice's tuchus when we get the chance. And if we don't wind up being that special secret ingredient for that Wondertart," the smiling specter said.
"Now is not the time to be talking about parlor games!" Cala Maria and Werner Woman shouts at all the ghosts together.
"Bear in mind that they weren't talking about just games, but also the main ingredient that makes the Wondertart. I am more into the scientific mind, but it takes a genius to know such a pastry is no laughing manner as those who eat it control the very flow of souls in all planes of existence outside of the living. Also I've last heard that Rumor Honeybottoms and Baroness Von Bon Bon had left these isles to attend an important meeting in another land that concerns what The Devil's new allies The Legion of Subspace plan for this world," Dr. Kahl announced.
This would soon draw a silence of dread and confusion between almost everyone except the spirits who had a clear grasp of the situation being restless souls themselves. Even this would surprise the very mermaids creating the ice trail as the thought of it is almost comparable to that of a powerful demon who can control almost any realm they see fit or even destroy them. Richard Stageplay would already be shivering enough as if his own wife wouldn't be just as afraid hearing that someone almost as insane as The Devil plans on doing this.
"Who are these Legion of Subspace?" the curious Brineybeard asks.
Meanwhile on the Second Isles would be frantic race of the largest fliers of the islands who had already defeated enough demons that happened top stand in their very ways. These would be Grim Matchsticks and Wally Warbles who settled their differences despite preferring to fly away from each other unlike the good old days. The two would already be scoping out the skies and even the lands below to see if anyone else dared to get in their way. They would already be nearing the famed pyramid where Djimmi the Great often rests which one could feel by the drastic change in climate and stronger gusts of sandstorm winds in there faces. The fearsome dragon flew through the worst of storms to let some sand get in his way unlike wally who simply covers his eyes with spotted eggshells to act as glasses. This would be less of an issue for the large cuckoo bird to fly blind when he had his son Willy Warbles to act as his eyes whenever he is flying blind. The young prodigy flew outside of the bird house in his special hovercraft nest with his blaster in hand to defend his father at all costs.
"Just let me know whenever we see Cuphead and I will only take these shells off my eyes when the sand is gone," his father said.
"Yes, Dad. You will have nothing to worry about when my Rayblaster-2000 should be enough to fry even the toughest of eggs," the chick genius said before giggling with gun in hand.
"Just d-d-d-don't you worry since we will be over this desert in less than a second. I can already see Sugarland ahead of us and the end of the island. I also see that the carnival ahead is lively as ever. B-b-b-but that Beppi better not think about staying too long since Cuphead needs out help," the middle head of Grim said.
"I already see that he had already left, so you are f-f-f-far from correct on your assumption," the left head said.
"Fantastic! I have to s-s-s-say that the Baroness leaving her kingdom in the hands of the jellybeans isn't a wise move for her to do," the right head said.
"Because fate had other planes for her. I saw through my mind that she is in a place far beyond our island's ways with a booming population. This genie doesn't lie when forces to use his precognition," a mysterious voice said.
Wally and all three heads of Grim would be looking around to see who said those exact words. Willy remembered his father couldn't see and he looks with his blaster ready to see if it were any more demons. A pair of eyes would appear above them with a massive grin as if they were being watched. Frantic and swearing he is not seeing things, the young bird wiped his eyes once more to see if the same floating face is watching them from above. The right head of Grim had already picked up a familiar scene that could be best described as "dead scarabs and dry sarcophagi" to know who was following them.
"Enough g-g-g-games, Djimmi. Now show yourself so Wally's fledgling isn't scared half to death," he said.
The floating face soon lets out a joyfully laugh as if he found this method magical communication amusing to his own friends. Wally scoffs as he is more than glad he wasn't the one watching anything within this desert flight with Willy shrugging in embarrassment. A large red hand appears beside the head and snaps as he continues his hearty laughter. What ensues would be a trail of magic sparkles going from the very height of the face all the way down several dozen feet in a spectacle undoing of a disappearing act. The magic spell would be worn off with the entire body of Djimmi fully revealed in its glory as he sits atop his famed flying carpet as his method of flight. Both the left and right heads of Grim rolled their eyes without a slight hint of amusement at this, the middle head released to see a familiar friend here to help.
"Greetings, it is Djimmi the Great at your service. But my words are true about the Sugarland ruler being gone for that reason. The Devil's plans are bigger than one could expect when royalty like her and Honeybottoms were much needed outside of these inkwell islands," the wise genie explains.
"But why would she even leave her home to leave all of us. Is this plan of The Devil so big that it needed the help of King Dice and that chef to cause this much trouble now?" the blind Wally asks.
"Perhaps it's because the scale of The Devil's new plot is so huge that maybe the few leading representatives of the Inkwell Isles needs to be involved. There are other places outside of these islands we've never been to, not even Cuphead or that mug loser," Willy answered.
"But the real question is where all these d-d-d-demons are comin' from? These are definitely not from Inkwell Hell in any shape, way, or f-f-f-orm. I was lucky my fires were able to reduce to cinders but the few that were fireproof were proven more than trouble," Grim's middle head said.
"I've heard that, you strange drake! Don't ignore me when I've been following you this entire time!" a tiny voice squawks.
The entire airborne gang of Inkwell residents would soon follow their eyes to a smaller dragon-like demon that had been flying beside them frantically. This appears to be another Aitvaras among the few demons that were initially fought by Grim near his tower. But this one in particular demanded answers about these strange lands since he only appeared here for the first time since Dart's falling only to be attacked just for existing. Djimmi found the sight amusing, laughing up a few smoke signals from his pipe in delight. Wally still couldn't see and only faced that way to listen to the flying pest in the sandy winds.
"And w-w-w-what are you doing follow us, pipsqueak? Can't you see that we have better things to do than to waste t-t-t-time on small fry like you?" the grumpy dragon asks.
"Fight? Please. I am not even here to fight unlike my crazy comrades who are too belligerent for their own good. I left them because I can't be bothered chattering my jaws on deaf ears. This is truly some strange land that I happen to arrive in. The humans are weird, the animals are weird, and even some of the structures here shouldn't be alive. No demon would have any joy hanging around these crazy islands," the Aitvaras chatters during his flight.
"And your point is, bird brain? We have an important job to do since Cuphead will need the assistance to stop The Devil's lackeys. You do not sound like any of his imps. But you are still an annoyance that was causing trouble for my friend Mr. Matchsticks here," Wally barked.
"First off, we were only looking for a place to roost when we came here. That dumb drake back there attacked us without warning because we were "suspicious". The least you hostile locals can do is not be the "bird brains" yourselves. Try losing your only realm you call home because that ungrateful blue haired bastard just let everything collapse. Sheesh. I have nowhere to do so you will take me somewhere ehwteher you like it or not," the draconic demon shoots back at the large cuckoo bird.
"Hey, no one talks badly about my dad! Should I be the first to test my latest raygun upgrade on?" Willy threatens as he points his gun.
"Realm? You wouldn't happen to be from the a-a-a-astral plane wouldn't you?" Grim asks in suspicion.
"Da'at! DAH-AHT! Geez are you beings very dim? Maybe I am better off talking to human since they are more up to speed on demons and where we come from. Unfortunately the population of them are very low here. But you all owe me a trip since you attacked me!" Aitvaras shouts.
"Ah yes, the astral realm amongst realms. One most souls of the Inkwell citizens can never reach. I may be a genie school graduate, but my meditation had taken my mind to places that anyone would wish they've been to. But the real question is why come here when you would be seen as a danger to the citizens of these prosperous islands," the wise Djimmi spoke.
"Why? WHY? If there is one realm demons always visit outside of their realm, it is always this one. But always Earth because that's where the humans are. They can either be perfect food or a threat to us because they find ways to hurt our kind. Or even use us as tools to fight their wars. I used to respect the one royal pain that would watch over us and humans because he gave me Jatayu's eggs, but oh boy did that pretty son of a bitch drop the ball. One day I was minding my business near the Diet Tokyo Building until suddenly the entire realm became unstable and every demon panicked for ways to escape being erased. Huang Long begged for that long haired prick to even stop everything from falling apart despite every sand dissolving and building eroding. It was an absolute nightmare that I never want to relive, my buddies were lucky to take me a faster shortcut to this place. Too bad you pea brains had proven that we wouldn't get a warm welcome for even existing," the demon squawks.
"Or t-t-t-tell your buddies to stop causing trouble on our islands. We read the newspapers and there's no way our media lies about what is considered an isles wide crisis or not. We already had The Devil to deal with, so more trouble after having moments of peace isn't good," Grim growls.
"What? Humans were always known for being the most fragile and scared beings when a single demon appears. This is why we prefer to keep to ourselves unless one of them tries finding their ways in our realm. And generalizing all of us as causing trouble? How rude. You would never see most demons considering humans nothing more than cattle unless they were Brute, Jaki, Vile, or Tyrants," Aitvaras squawks.
In the middle of their conversation, everyone would be hearing a loud humming that appears to be drowning out their talking. It would be Djimmi once more beginning to do his meditation to look around the world for new answers. He had already considered the talkative demon not someone who is willing to cooperate without childish insults and started to do things his way. Willy Warbles shaken his head as this is something to expect from this mysterious genie. Wally still keeps on flying despite his blindlness as he would soon rather not stick around these blustery sands anymore. The main head of Grim listens to see what is the next premonition his ally has, the other two heads rolling their eyes in annoyance. Soon as it hit him, the genie's turban transforms into a large light bulb instantly as a signal that he's saw just what he needed out there. Everyone would await his next words since this usually means he has something very valuable to tell.
"I've looked everywhere, even in the farthest ends of the cosmos. There are other realms out there, some in danger of being fully collapsed like what happened to Da'at. Yes, even ones that not even Dr. Kahl's current technology would ever dream of reaching. Some are confused, scared, or even annoyed by what happened to their worlds. This is the result of an immense magical power that The Legion of Sunspace failed to control. To make matters worse, I know where The Devil is and why he decide to join. them. It all started with a man from the harsh whether environments of the Gerudo Desert. One of great power and evil, a member of the Super Smash Brothers turned rogue. He gathered the strongest and most evil of forces from this world and many others while forming an alliance with The Legion of Subspace who had threatened countless places outside of these isles. This isn't about helping Cuphead anymore, but coming with him to put an end to The Devil's biggest scheme yet with his powerful new allies," the genie explains calmly.
Everyone would instantly be shocked at this revelation, even Wally dropping his eggshells from how immense his eyes grew from his shellshocked state. Willy is so speechless that then intelligent chick didn't known what to say or how to think that the guy his father made a deal with is at large. Grim knew too well that the Inkwell Isles isn't at true peace anymore and it definitely doesn't end at stopping Chef Saltbaker from making the Wondertart for King Dice anymore.
"Hey Red Djinn, did you see where that good for nothing Nahobino is? Because I want to see if he truly cares about what's happening to demons everywhere anymore!" the eager Aitvaras shouts.
"Oh definitely, I have seen this new replacement for our no longer existing God. He appears to be on an island not too far from here in the flesh. His power is truly immense for a being of such status worthy to be the current watcher of this world. He is actually a being made of two, a human with immense Knowledge and a powerful Amatsu Kami who was one of the children…"
"Yeah yeah, I know what he is because I used to know the guy. But is he going to do anything about Da'at!" the drake demon interrupts.
Djimmi does an annoyed side glance at the impatient demon before taking another deep puff of his pipe to try calming down.
"It appears he's negotiating with some beings on the island. He is telling them not to hurt his sister Amaterasu who is in association with a new Bethel, who plans to take care of the world in their way and soon overthrow the Nahobino. Several other demons are there, mostly of the Fairy Race, asking him about the idea of making Da'at anew. He is however saying that there are some sacrifices to making it happen similar to how the old God used Tokyo as the groundwork for the last Netherworld. Two powerful beings, an emerald colored Aegis and the blonde wielder of the complete Monado proposed that they could join him in the Empyrean to remake Da'at to its former glory without sacrifices. There, is the impatient one satisfied with his revelation?" the genie explains in a false sense of calmness.
Everyone would be left at the genie's sudden drop of his calm facade immediately despite still flying past the farthest end of the desert. Even the Lithuanian dragon is left surprised to hear that he's even getting any good information worth hearing about the replacement god's status. It was when one of Grim's heads would notice a red vehicle flying past them in the distance that he never seen before. The plane appears to be more advanced than the cups' airplanes but not as advanced as any invention Dr. Kahl ever created. He keeps his eyes on it as he wonder just who this was or their reason for being here. The following plane is of a red variety almost like something a high class organization would create. The flyer would be just as mysterious being a sharply dressed French man wearing a mask to conceal his true identity. A master of espionage and gathering info, he is the one and only Spy of the Team Fortress gang. Like his Allie's Heavy and Pyro, they were also participants in the Transformed race, but to mostly learn about the various competitive and their motives. Heavy was in it for the fun and Pyro for the destruction, but the Spy was the only one of the three to take their last major mission the most serious. Here they are on a new mission to investigate the various happenings around the world caused by the former racer Dr. I'vo Robotnik without any need to go undercover again.
The man takes a simple smoke of his well lit cigarette, breathing the puff as the g-forces of his high speed plane keeps on flying. He also begins scrolling through a digital screen to represent the many files he has on subjects he had learned about before on his journey. They included almost every racer who had previously appeared in the Transformed racing tournament, the Overwatch team, and a handful of demons he had came across on the way. He was warned about how dangerous these beings were, which he made sure not a single one breath thanks to his deadly espionage skills. He's known for killing in the quickest and most surprising way possible thanks to a device that allows him to cloak or even take the shape of anyone as long as he sees them. Speaking of devices, he also has a special one that allows him to switch places with his allies whenever necessary which was how the three of them were able to partake in racing. He would usually take flight, The Heavy would traverse the seas, and The Pyro would tear up the blazing tracks being a trill seeker. Here he found some new files searching for a specific target to learn about, that being The Devil as he's heard rumors of him making his big move from The Administrator who usually commands the RED and BLU corporations that she usually hosts to fight against each other. The mysterious spy would receive a signal coming from one of his allies, one who he is the least excited to speak with when going on any mission. He answers the message, for the screen to depict a large bald Russian man in a red shirt with straps of artillery around him for his beloved minigun Sasha. He is reporting from the Red Company ship that's hovering above the island in plain sight to avoid enemy detection. The Administrator always makes sure failure never happens when this ship can cloak almost perfectly to the point only the most advanced ships would be able to detect them in any way. The Spy would simply toss his cigarette away as it was almost burning out and decides to speak with the large man.
"What is the status from the skies? You do know we have only one shot at this unless you want us all to blow it. I'm following a signal that just could lead to where our next target is. There have been reports of him teaming up with a familiar egg man that we should had expected to cause this much trouble," he said professionally.
"Nothing of noteworth, comrade. We made sure to see that not a single enemy ship nor cruiser is in skies. Not that I mind making them run home with spilled guts or no hand from our weapons. Pyro made sure that we have nothing to worry about as he continue tapping into every security device on island. Even the most primitive of places are match for our ability to breach all radio signals and devices," The Heavy brags with a heavy laugh.
"Very well. You are doing good and so is our arsenic wildcard. The sooner we complete the taste, the closer it will take for us to stop anyone that gets in our way and put and end to the chaos. Not that we don't get chaotic in RED vs BLU feuds, but this is another level that neither corp can put an end to easily. But this is why the three of us were set on this mission," The Spy replies.
An audible muffle would be heard on another speaker on the transmission. A secondary screen would appear next to The Heavy to match the individuals voice. They would be a averaged sized pyromaniac with a hazmat mask in a red fireproof suit. Befitting of their unhinged personality and unpredictable nature, they can be rather calm only when they feel like it and often want to cause the single most destruction to anything in sight. The Pyro's best weapon is none other than a Flamethrower that they personally made for living their dreams of Pyroland. Or more everything seen through their eyes is a twisted colorful wonderland that masks all the violence the pyromaniac would cause in reality. They would continue mumbling a sentence that only those with exceptionally good wearing like The Spy would be more than willing to understand after working with them for so long. He knew what he could make out can only mean nothing but sound wisdom from his fire obsessed friend.
"Good words, Pyro. Only a true operative of expertise would know when to not underestimate anyone no matter where in the world we are. Enough of those hellish spawn we've encountered is only a warm up for the main course. And that is the master of hell that awaits us on these strange islands. If wee can look into the context of that message we've picked up, there is some company we can find that may lead us to their boss if we can keep a move on it. We just need to look into the location of this King Dice and Chef Saltbaker character. Any updates?" The Spy asks.
The mysterious pyromancer salutes before tapping into the coordinates necessary to look into the entire network of signals through the Inkwell Isles with grace. The Heavy man sure to listen carefully to all the clicking that his ally is doing to make sure they are not wasting any time. Soon they would pick up another signal that happens to lead into a desert area on the fourth Inkwell Isle, immediately tracing up any voice or signal they could find within the area. What would soon follow is a busy conversation that's the result of an already intense skirmish between their guys and a possible victim. But another voice would soon join in as a sign that they arrived in time to help them fight the dastardly duo.
"Hahahahaha looks like we are here to make you less than a member and it's thankfully not the cups we would have to freeze. Esther, I hope I didn't arrive to late to help you take these cold blooded chillies on?" Mortimer Freeze's voice said.
"Oh don't you underestimate a southern belle like me. They may be tough cookies, but they have another thing coming if this cowgirl's going to give up her Desert Limes any time soon. Give it up y'all, we will not surrender or let that Wondertart come into fruition!" Esther's voice continued.
"Is that a fact? We will refuse to get out of these hellish sands until you give us both of your ingredients. It's our lucky day that you all are coming together thinking you have a chance. Just like how we stole the ingredients from that bumbling giant, dysfunctional bug gang, and sniveling aviator mutts. We will reign victorious over the two of you!" King Dice's voice said.
"Exactly, my greatest masterpiece shall be successfully baked if it's the last thing I do. I didn't get my passionate spark back for nothing and you shall not stand in my way. That senile owl judge will have no power over me once I become the strongest chef in in the whole world after one bite on that Wondertart. This old salt still has some bite in him, so watch your backs!" Chef Saltbaker's voice said in a slow sinister manner.
The three RED agents knew too well that this is just what they needed to hear about the exact location of their suspects. Pyro mumbled the equivalent of a "Eureka!" In excitement after being able to help. The Heavy gave the widest grin as he had been itching for more carnage with his trusty minion since the last demonspawn they slaughtered. The Spy would make sure to maneuver his plane towards the east immediately to follow the exact direction of the signal his allies had picked up knowing well what to do next.
"Gentleman, we have ourselves a hot objective. From one smoldering desert to another on the next island. We will make sure to get some information out of those two whether they choose to come peacefully or ask for their heads to be blown away," he said professionally.
"Affirmative. We will knock them all down just like we did other puny BLU agents when they get in way!" the Russian man exclaims.
The Pyro mumbles in excitement once more imagining what "fun" ways they would greet their enemies through their colorful psychotic lenses. The Team Fortress finally makes their big move after the years of moving on from racing and gathering intel on those they consider worthy of watching. Meanwhile, everyone would be doing their best to slow down the already immense flames that managed to spread throughout twenty percent of the entire forest since their last meeting. It was truly a race against time as few really had the means to truly stop the flames but did their best to really do so. Vince frankly splashed as much watercolor paints from his brush as he could to smolder each flame in a colorful wet mess as instructed by his allies. He was more than willing to thrown away his pride as a professional artist if it meant helping his friends. Guile would use the winds from his Hyper Sonic Boom to try blowing out flames from a flaming treetop beside him. The forces were more than. Enough to generate the right whirlwinds necessary to disperse the oxygen within the flames. Lapras and Snorlax whips up a powerful Blizzard thanks to their efforts, causing icy winds to blow throughout large portions of the treetops with ease. The cold air and snow would slowly weaken the flames and even cool the trees down from the intense burning state they were initially in. Both Pokemon were able to perch on a few woodpecker's beaks in order to avoid the fall or chilling their backs. Lyn swiftly strikes at each burning treetop with her famed Wind Sword, a blade that can attack with the forces of powerful winds for each swing. She knew it would be time to depend on something less powerful than Sol Katti for now if it would help stop the ever growing flames.
"Keep it going everyone, we just have to slow down these flames while we can. Our new should be back with the water we need to stop the forest fire!" she called after extinguishing another flame.
"Roger that. Keep those pink elypton of you rolling, beetles., New need to keep on parrying if it means having enough liquids to stop these flames!" Cuphead ordered.
Each aand every pink Bouncin' Beetle would roll their way down a branch for Megan and Chalice to parry while they could if it meant gathering enough soul power. Then Cuphead himself would join on the strategic bouncing off the backs of these beetles to get the strength he needs. Croaks would be spinning in the form of a fan like his last fight with the cups, blowing immense winds to fan the fires ahead of him. Ribby soon wraps his short legs around his brother's legs and begin rotating his upper body in a similar manner to help create much stronger winds if it would be of assistance. This would be proven twice as effective in which the flames slowly died and lost their oxygen from the counteractive forces pushing against them. Countless mosquitos and Flying Beetles would flap their wings together all at one as a combined win d gust to blow down all fires within the area. Even the Dragonfly would join in by beating and four powerful wings alongside their rhythmic flying to create some truly powerful winds. This would be effective at flying any stray embers away and weakening the heat of these powerful flames.
"Mazan!" Kumbhanda shouts upon casting powerful wind spells on each patch of flames in the tree tops.
"Bufula!" Succubus calls to conjure countless ice ruptures to burn every source of flame surrounding her.
The two made an excellent demon team at purging every ounce of fire they could see. The winds being powerful enough ti blow out the flames and ice being comparable to polar cold to chill all heat. This left Macabre to slice apart any dead branches or twigs that fell from above due to them being weakened from the fire. Magnus and Prince Sable would help him with their best weapon strikes to destroy all dead tree matter. They weren't alone as Wigglytuff and Nidoqueen joined along with their strength to destroy all the char debris. Alucard would be fighting side by side with his Sword Familiar which he summoned as extra help on dealing with the falling dead branches. The tiniest parts would be held by mosquitos holding leafy platforms who would soon carry them elsewhere in the forest to dispose of them. They were thankful it wouldn't be someone heavier like Cuphead that would force them to sink.
"Continue to purge those flames and destroy the dead wood, everyone, we are doing great! We just have to hold things down until we get that extra help we need," the dhampir said.
"Trust me, we will. You've heard that announcement, all of our friends are coming here. I also recognized that voice from anywhere, that Lightbug was a real tough dame when we beat the Moonshine Mob. But if what she say is true, we have to hurry or else they'll have everything to bake that Wondertart," Cuphead said.
"Mortimer and Esther better be smart if they want to avoid giving up those last ingredients. We will have to deal with the fire here first before we think about setting off for the fourth Inkwell Isle. That's if we can make it in time without our planes," Chalice says after firing her Lobber on a nearby charred branch.
"This is why we shouldn't be wondering places without our only means of flying, Cuphead. I doubt Hilda can carry all of us, let alone Grim Matchsticks or Wally Warbles either if they'll be helping us at all," Mugman said in worry.
"Don't forget we are here, cups! After this is over, we can take you to those islands if we have to while the other half can watch over the forest," the Dragonfly called from his spot.
He still appears to be having his hands full flapping his massive wings with the other forest insects to fan the flames as much as they could. Ribby and Croaks added to their winds to try generating stronger winds like that of a windy storm in it means blowing all of the flames one the nearest large trees.
"We've got your back, bug. Ain't no flames we can't snuff when the two of us are around," Croaks says as his head keeps spinning.
This is when Pokemon Trainer had an excellent idea that could help everyone out even more. He looked at the winds they were making then glanced at the smaller blizzards his two Pokemon could make the way things were. Leaf had a feeling he is thinking of something, wondering if she should hear his plan.
"Are you thinking of something? I would like to help in any way," the female Kanto trainer said.
"Yeah, those winds would be better if we added more to it like Lapras and Snorlax's Blizzard," he replies.
"Say no more, kid. We'll fly you closer and your pocket monsters should finish the job. Just hope this won't be freezing our wings," one of the woodpeckers below said.
"Our wings are strong enough to withstand the worst of winds, so you got nothin' to worry about. Tell us what to do and we'll make this work," another of them said next to him.
The red capped wearing trainer gave a glad smile since this is the type of cooperation he is expecting. Leaf giggles as well since she does have her own way of helping that she didn't tell either of them. Little did they know was that they weren't the only ones in these woods as sinister caped figures would be lurking below the treetops as everyone were too busy dealing with the fires. From earlier, these were the same Reapers assigned to help the Macabre get revenge on the cups and reap Chalice as ordered by Thanatos. Their glowing tiny eyes could be emitting sort of a red searchlight laser to look for any signs of life to attack in the same way they surveil for a certain angel in the Underworld. They would be accompanied by a few Reapettes that hovered behind their larger allies that could search in places they can't reach due to their inability to fly. The tiny killers searched around every higher point of the trunks and even holes to look for their desired targets. Several of the critters that stayed behind like Stack o' Woods and Flying Beetles would notice their unwanted guests intruding from several feet away, staying hidden until it would be the right time to attack. They could tell these foes weren't in the leagues with The Devil, but very deadly ones that could kill them if they weren't careful enough. One of them would aim their search light much further in the woods and past the trees to look for some living prey. The forest critters would be sweating slightly as without their boss or the woodpeckers, they were the only ones here to fight. But they did promise to protect the forest in their absence no matter what even if this could mean the end of the line for the. A good portion of them were already killed by the heroes and had their souls eaten by the three demons previously to cut their population down a notch. One of the Reapers would draw closer towards the tree as a few Reapetters were surrounding it to signal their allies. They would soon be destroyed by a few spike balls spat by a few Woods, which alarmed the few Reapers there. The hooded soldier of death would draw closer to the tree after seeing enough proof of living beings hiding behind the tree. The other four Reapers would soon follow behind them with blood red scythes ready to attack if they see a single soul worth reaping. Their search light still glows on the same tree as if they want their targets to come out and get caught by it.
The death being knew too well that they like to play the waiting game before they attack as it made the reaping more fun for them. Before any of them would make a move, an intense rumbling could be heard that would be shaking up the forest. This made both the forest critters and Reapers more alert than before. The four Reapers would get their scythes ready and conjure more Reapettes than ever as they feel this is a big threat coming their way. The trees shook harder and fast the more this unknown force started to get closer to them. The beetles and woods were still unsure if they should run and risk getting reaped or keep on hiding to keep their lives saved. Next thing you know a familiar green beam would fire all the Reapers to instantly turn them to stone in seconds. Not even the Reapettes were spared as they were swiftly destroyed by a sweeping laser that could be fired by only one machine. And after that a giant mechanical cat would leap right at the petrified Reapers to crush them into chattered granite rubble from its weight in one pounce. A good portion of Cuphead's friends would finally arrive just in time thanks to all the shortcuts they taken through the lanes.
"There's no doubt that Cuphead and Mugman are in the area. My satellite dish is never wrong," Dr. Kahl's robot said.
"Good work, my wonderful creation. We are here after all. But that's the least of our problems as there's a forest fire here. Perhaps Cuphead's dastardly evil enemies did this," the magical scientist explains.
"Speak no more, just toss me up there. I carried a special fish friend for this occasion to douse those flames," Cala Maria demands.
Werner would already be controlling Katzenwagon to begin climbing the trees before him if it mean reaching Cuphead. Sally and Richard Stageplay still head on to the back as tightly as they could to avoid falling.
"That makes two, sea lass. I have a special sealubber friend who could help with the flames thanks to his ink. Squiddy, let's help those cups!," Brineybeard shouts.
He immediately whistles loud enough for it to echo throughout the woods and near the largest body of water next to the first island. A large pink tentacle would pop out giving a thumbs up to let his landlubber ally know that he is on his way. Hilda Berg who also happened to hear this whistle would only start peddling faster as she is only several miles away from the last spot she was in. Ollie was already on the verge of tears with Goopy trying his best to keep him from crying making silly faces.
"Looking at me, I'm a gloopy gloppy slime. There's no need to cry! I am here to make you smile and not knock your lights out," he says in a silly tone.
But that last line didn't help and only made the sensitive bulb continue loosening his waterworks.
"You ain't helping, slime ball. I am almost there. Because if he cries, we both cry since his onion juices are contagiously sad," the blind woman warns.
"I hope this doesn't take too long. I don;'t want to be so far even if it helps Cuphead. But the announcement is already sad enough since I don't want to be reminded of my last d..deal with the D..d…devil.." the heartbroken onion cried.
"He's not even here, just his dice bootlicker who acts like he's not getting paid enough if he has to drag the world's greatest chef in this. I get the feeling something is fishy is going on since the last time I've ordered from him he was this jolly fellow that wanted to make everyone smile with his sweets. And not want to go back to doing the very Wondertart business that almost gotten him imprisoned for life," Hilda said.
"It's got to be a contract. I can't shake the feeling that there is a new contact he made after we were able to dodge him for so long after we made a deal with him before. I wanted to be a handsome slime who's big and strong, something I didn't want taken away from me by the Cups when they found me. But it's got to be something different since Saltbaker went through with his community service and didn't want to lose his bakery again after it fell apart. This ain't adding up," Goopy said.
He would eventually turn to see the swollen Ollie almost full of tears that were waiting to be pouring out since the subject matter would be too much for him to bear. The slime already popped his eyes out in fear with mouth agape since he could tell he was at his limit. Hilda Berg already saw this and decided to pedal faster than before to reach the fire that's already before him.
"He's gonna blow!" Goopy cried.
Hilda grabs Ollie Bulb and immediately cocks him like a special water hose despite his desire to cry.
"Not today he will. Now cry, cry those lovely tears all over this devastating fire that may kill Cuphead," she shouts.
This was it, the kicker that would finally let the onion lose himself in a powerful twin shower of tears that fired like a high pressurized hose.
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Ollie cried as loud as possible with the high pressure tears shooting out of his eyes.
Hilda Berg and Goopy made sure to close their eyes too as they could feel the onion scent and juices flying from his body that could make them just as watery eyed if not careful enough. They weren't the only ones as Cala Maria is finally hurled as high in the air as possible thanks to Dr. Kahl's Robot, now armed with one of her favorite fish friends she often uses as a water gun. The yellow fish would immediately fire a powerful gush of seawater from his mouth after she finally squeezed hard enough around his body.
"Let it rain, my watery friend. Put out every nasty flame you see," she said with a jolly smile.
Beside her a large pink squid would float up into the air with Captain Brineybeard drop his head. This time the squid would hold in his breath and begin squirting a massive jet of ink from below his secondary mouth under the captain's orders. He knew he had to give it his all instead of just drizzling ink from a battle like the last encounter he had with the cups.
"Thar he blows! Shower it black as night, make those flames wish they were never set!" the pirate captain shouts.
"Aye-aye, captain," Squiddy replies despite the pressure of his ink squirting.
The powerful shots of ink, sea water, and tears would all be spraying all over the large forest in rapiud succession altogether in a synchronized manner to make sure these flames did not groe any further than they had already done. This effectively made the job more easier Cuphead and the heroes who were already near the treetops but not fully visible to these new allies. Djimmi, Grim, and Wally finally arrived just in time to see just what type of problem they had to deal with. They had little doubts that Cuphead and friends were there but also struggling to stop the forest fire that is raging on.
"This will not do. We will need to create a storm. As I create the clouds necessary, we need a mix of hot and cold to make it rain. You think the two of you could help?" The wise genie said.
"You fool, don't forget that I am here too! My Mirage Flames are hot enough to burn the toughest of souls. You can count on me," the Aitvaras complains.
"Less c-c-c-omplaining, more helping. I'll make sure my flames are hot enough to b-b-b-burn that cloud for you," Grim's middle head said.
"That's right," the other two heads continued.
"Don't mind me, I will be generating the coldest of winds with my powerful wings. I'll have Willy fly down and speak with Cuphead if they are confused," Wally said.
"You got it, dad. I'll leave it to you four to help make the best storm together," Willy said obediently.
He would fly his nest hovercraft into the forest below to follow the safest route without trouble. Djimmi would already be in the middle of creating a large enough cloud using his genie magic while humming. Grim, Aitvaras, and Wally were more than ready for when the next part of the plan begins. Cuphead would already grow to be exhausted and tired as Mugman were after they had launched they fourth special already to douse the flames. They had to take a breather as Pokemon Trainer's enhanced Blizzard plan is more causing an almost powerful snow storm that would help more in weakening the flames with the cold airs. But even then his ace Pokemon Snorlax and Lapras were growing more than exhausted already from abusing the same move for too long. Both Granbull and Wigglytuff were using a combination of Roar and Hyper Voice to echo the Blizzard twice as much despite their fatigue to help out as much as they could. Guile, Lyn, Sable, Magnus, Alucard, and Macabre did the best they could to keep breaking all the falling charred and frozen debris that fell with everyone's team work despite the odds not being in their favor. Vince would realize that he's running out of spare water to use for his watercolor paints the moment he digs in his smock pocket to try putting out a flame before him.
"Oh dear, it appears this is the end of the like. Sorry lads, but this is the best I can do for now," the elderly painter said.
"That is fine Vince. Just retreat for now while we think of a new plan," the blonde fighter said.
"No need to because all of Cuphead's friends are putting out the fires from above as we speak," Willy said as he flew down.
Several would immediately grow cautious at the baby bird as if here were a new enemy. But Cuphead would be the first to recognize him as Wally's son from his shrill voice.
"Hold your horses everyone, I know that hatchling. Willy, good to see you again!" he excitably called.
"What are you doing so far away from your father? Unless he happens to be here too," Mugman wondered.
"You mean help did arrived after all like the announcement said. This is really a miracle after all," Chalice said gleefully.
They would start to notice a few big drips of liquid from much higher in the trees as an indicator that something is going on. They started off as slow drips but eventually raised the pace as seconds went by. Pokemon Trainer and Leaf would notice this falling liquid to see if this is a good time to call their Pokemon back. Another thing that would get his attention is a signal finally reaching Guile for the first time since he wondered what would suddenly make the device work now with how primitive signals were on these islands. His allies would be watching him expecting the man to answer since this could be a good sign. The man picks up the signal to notice Kapp'n's face in a good mood as if something is turning up for the kappa.
"This is y'all cap'n speaking with great news. Yee bus is back in good contain, it can fly once more thanks to some extra help. I am suing a special adapter given to me by a Dr. Kahl who is allowing me to use signals as normal on these islands to contact anyone. I've sent a test message to Olimar's ship which it confirms they are alright and not far from here. But that's not all, the bus is now upgraded in better complicity to not suffer any bad damage again in the land or air. How's the fire situation going?" he asks.
"I do not know, all I see is a lot of liquid, maybe water. It's dripped all over now. Did your new friend have something to do with this?" he asks.
"When my dad and I came, Cala Maria and Brineybeard were already putting out the fires from above. And also what appears to be Hilda Berg forcing Ollie Bulb to literally cry a river," Willy Warbles said.
Robby and Croaks eyes sunk upon hearing Ollie's name. While this was part of the plan, he didn't expect Hilda to go through with it since his juices can force anyone to cry if they get hit with them. Chalice didn't know ether to ask the frog brothers what was wrong or assume this was a bad thing. That was until they were interrupted by the sounds of some mosquitos already crying thanks to the tears hitting them. Their blubbering alone would let everyone know exactly what happens if anyone were to be hit with Ollie's tears. Even a bigger target like the Dragonfly would stop his coordination to cry along with them after a large drop hit his exposed eyes.
"I can't believe our beloved forest is free. But these waterworks are too much for my eyes. I'm too blind and can't see where I'm going," he cried.
It was when the Pokemon Trainers would feel the woodpeckers they were standing on struggle to fly anymore because of being hit by these same onion tears as well. Their Pokemon would grow concerned for them despite even them slowly losing their balance for the same reason. Not even Ribby and Croaks would be spared as the frog brothers blubbered and wailed side by side because they couldn't have the will to fight anymore. This would be when everyone else would slowly glare at Cuphead, Mugman, and Chalice as if this was all their plan.
"Say no more, I will fly my way up there soon. Just try not to fall or get hurt," Kapp'n said.
The transmission immediately shuts off with Guile giving a less than friendly look at the cups. He didn't know what to say since he didn't really encourage Hilda to go through with this plan.
"What did you just do? You know what happens when we get a hint of onion juices in our optic nerves. Now you are unknowingly putting everyone involved in danger. Even one of our own., What do you three have to say for yourselves," he said sternly.
"But it was the only way. I didn't know that Cala Maria and Brineybeard would go here since they were too far away. We didn't have a choice," Cuphead said in defense.
"Be lucky it wasn't garlic or else you would had hurt Alucard too. He is too valuable of am meter to lose since he found us thanks to you," Lyn said.
"Because thankfully we don't know any living garlic friends, no thank you very much," Mugman beamed.
"Boys, this isn't the time to argue. We saved the forest that's the best part. Now what we should do is go after Dice and Saltbaker before it's too late," Chalice said.
"We? There is no we. We've done our part here and don't need your help anymore. I have something important to do regarding Thanatos and wasting enough time in these woods with dead weight won't help," Magnus says harshly.
"Magnus, what did we say. We have to reunite with our allies who we heard are fine and well. You heard what Kapp'n said. We have to stay together and not split up in any way," Vince said.
"Let us not forget our deal, mortal. You take us to Lucifer as promised if we spared these worthless souls and be on your good side. We can choose to kill you if you refuse," Kumbhanda warns.
"Oh yeah? I would be more than happy to destroy you just like the rest of the Underworld Armies mooks. The world would be a better place without you or any deities. You are the reasons behind most problems in the world," Magnus barked.
"Oh please, you pathetic wastes of flesh are the reasons we exists. It was your imaginations, fears, and love of being protected by a god that made demons or deities exists. You wouldn't even last without your beloved gods coddling you for centuries if you think there should be no world without them," the Macabre said with a slight giggle.
"The only reason why we are obligated to help you because we last heard that our allies have your leader in their possession. I don't know what's the reason, but we will have to see them for ourselves or even contact them to know. But doing so now isn 't a good idea since we are being watched," Prince Sable.
"Thank you! Even this innocent young child knows how important our situation is here than the rest who would rather fight amounts each other. The reasons why the Forces of Chaos lasts for eons is because we know how to cooperate well and never fight amongst each other," Succubus said gratefully.
It wasn't until second s when Sable would blush because he was called a child even if he would rather deny it as the ruler of his own kingdom.
"You are no different from the Underworld Army with all the innocent lives you devour or kill. Or are we going to forget what you three almost did back there. This alliance is only temporary so don't act like we are your friends or letting you run wild like the cold hearted monsters you are," Magnus warns.
"Also don't forget that we saved your friend back there. My brother could had staked them and my friends didn't trust them, but I convinced them all that he was a good guy. And you know for heroes that care about the world, you are starting to show yourselves as awfully selfish. And to believe I had respect for you all," Cuphead shouts.
"I agree with Cuphead for once. You saved the Dragonfly and here I thought you all were heroes pure of heart, but you are no different from The Devil. This is where we part ways. Have fun taking care of this Thanatos guy and his army alone," Chalice said in a huff.
This would be when the three Inkwell heroes turn their backs on the heroes, slowly beginning to walk away from them in disgust.
"Guys, stop fighting! We can always come to an agreement and work together. We may be the Smash Brothers but even we need help if we agreed to ally with Sonic's friends in an alliance to stop the Legion. Are you really going to let things end like this?" Pokemon Trainer called as Wigglytuff carries him and Leaf.
Alucard couldn't help but to feel that while everyone has their grievances with one another, Pokemon Trainer is more than right. Especially when the original goal was to save this world with as much help as possible. Everything did spiral out of control due to them no keeping all Smash members of check for treachery or acting soon enough when things truly gotten worse.
"My mother once told me that pride comes before the fall. That those who truly wish to change the world would have to do it together, even if they were different. As much as I despise my father for who he became, he did actually help humanity with my mother's help despite being a vampire. I even help multiple lineages of the Belmonts as my duty to keep humanity safe. These demons have much to learn or may not change, but we can't deny they did help us out back there. Just like how the forest fire came to an end thanks to the locals Cuphead knew that were willing to help. He's got good intentions, helped us no matter the odds, and risks it all. That alone makes him more than worthy to be one of us. Even more so than the rest of you who are starting to show your selfish and judgmental ways. Perhaps it was for the best that we stay Assists as we may never prove ourselves great enough to be a Fighter, the best of the best that truly save our world. Sure we have more freedom due to help being temporary through Assist Trophies, but this is our first time being able to help without them. That we can be as great as our Fighter peers. So let bygones be bygones and work together. Be better than what we are now if we want to achieve that goal," Alucard announced.
It was that moment when Cuphead would stop in his tracks before he would leave after hearing the dhampir's words. He could feel his heart somewhat stop in the middle of this to fully process the fact his new friend is willing to stand ups for him. Sable felt slightly guilty for not fully closing a side, but knew there wasn't a single thing wrong about Alucard's words the slightest. Lyn being someone who stands for what was right would also stand by what her wisest ally says, same went for Vince who also stands with him. Leaf and Pokemon Trainer nods with their hearts in the right place as well since this is what they wanted to hear. This would leave just Magnus and Guile left to make a decision as the hardest of the bunch knowing well how serious their mission must be taken. Willy would be left without a word to say on the situation but truly curious on what the cops would think about rejoining them. Macabre and Kumbhanda would care less who does what as long as there is a decision made to escort them back to Lucifer safely. With two clenched fists and his head still facing away from the team, the cup knew too well what his answer would be but he wanted to see if he is truly needed by them at all. Mugman still scoffs before walking away, Chalice stopping him from going any further. She is interested in the answer he truly chooses as she will always support any decision he makes as their leader. All the crying animals would be cured of their tears by a single Me Patra from the Succubus as she remembered this was something she could do. This left the Dragonfly, frog brothers, beetles, woodpeckers, and mosquitos all confused as to what they were doing again instead of putting out fire. Ribby would notice everyone having their own division with questions of what is going on.
"Did we make it? You all seem so down in the dumps," he said.
"Yes we did, Ribby. But what decision we need to make is whether we are better off as a team or not. Some of them clearly see no value in us because of a plan gone wrong. At least there are some who agree we did our best," Cuphead said seriously.
"The most important thing that needs to happen is making sure everyone is safe in a plan instead of being so reckless. I appreciate your word Alucard, but you have to understand that recklessness was how we failed our mission that stopping Eggman's ship back there. We've lost too many allies because of that and we can't risk another incident like that again," Guile said sternly.
"Except we know that some of them are safe and are more than happy to reunite with us when we have the time. You heard what Kapp'n said, everything isn't completely lost. The fact is that the fire is completely out in this forest with extra help we didn't know that we've needed. Instead of dwelling on our mistakes, we can only push forward. Just like what these three cups are willing to do despite what's happening with their island," Lyn protests.
"So did we! You have no squiddin' idea how badly we thought about our past mistake. But working with our new friend Beppe made us realize that we can keep our minds fresh why inking forward to be best of victory," a familiar voice said.
"Why thank you Callie. That's what I was saying. What we all should…wait? Is that who I think it is?" Lyn continues in surprise.
She would be right as everyone turns to see the three Squid Sisters waving back at them with a familiar clown and Mr. Game & Watch jumping next to them. Sable laughs with joy with Vince dropping his whiskered jaw at the fact these three are alive and well. Magnus is surprised to even see more of his old allies back, Guile being more than happy to be proven wrong by Lyn this once. The green haired warrior is once again still speechless, but also tearing up at the thought of seeing them again. Wigglytuff finally floats the two Trainers down to greet their long missing allies in a quick hug. Both Squid Sisters were more than happy to be hugged by the young Pokemon Trainers despite their shorter size. Mr. Game & Watch happily rings his black bell with a shrilling ring sound as he flips side to side.
"It's good to see youth again. We were worried you never survived the fall at all!" Pokemon Trainer cried.
"I don't know how you gotten fix after being splat, but it's great to hear your voices again!" Leaf cried.
"That does make me wonder, how did you get recreated when Spawn Points only exists in Inkopolis and the Octo Valley?" Alucard asks.
The smiling clown slowly steps forward with his same smile, some growing nervous as if he may be a potential new enemy. Cuphead however immediately smiled upon seeing the clown despite his initial grievances with the Smash Brothers.
"Beppi! Boy am I glad to see you! Are you hear to help just like the rest of the gang who are here?" he cried in excitement.
"Cuphead, do not let that clown distract you from the fact that we are doing this on our own and without these heartless "heroes"," Mugman said while glaring at them.
"If these heroes are as heartless as they are, why would be they be full of smiles and happy to see long time missing friends? These three told me all about you guys and how you are trying to save the world. On the contrary, I agree that every festival is more fun when the whole gang are together o settle their differences," the multicolored clown states before winking.
"That's nice and all, but how did you bring those guys back when we saw them get splattered into ink or reduced to Shadow Bugs. What are you, some performing magician? Magnus asks.
"Ah-ah-aaaaaah! A circus clown never reveals their secrets instead you should all be cycling out of this island to your next destination. Don't get too attached to this place when you have important business to do," Beppi says styling after shoving his finger on the man's lips.
This slightly irritated the mercenary so much yet Guile would interject as he agrees with the clown's words.
"You are more than right and we can't thank you enough for bringing these three back to us. I wouldn't say you are in our debt, but we are more than willing to accept any assistance from you and all who are connected in some ways," the strange haired soldier said.
"Correcto mundo, buzzcut. Cuphead isn't the only one who needs the assistance as I could tell. These three were lost and confused when they came my way, so they had the the time of their lives performing with me until we had a sign that their friends would be here. I should also thank you for giving us this chance to give the cups that extra push they need. Before we clown around for too long, let's all float ourselves to the gambling escapees that are inking up trouble in our beloved isles," Beppi declares.
"Speaking of inking, I hope you guys didn't have too much fun without us. Callie and I are more than willing to help out with our best spy weapons if it makes our boss Cuttlefish proud," Marie says with a smile.
"Not at all, Marie. Not at all. It feels that we are almost together again after we first set out on the mission. Just that there's good amount of us left that we would have to reunite with soon," Lyn said.
"Luckily a few of them do intend to head our way after hearing they are safe on another island not too far from here. I don't know by how much, but the least we could do is stop that King Dice and chef before things get too hairy," Guile adds.
Suddenly, a massive pair of feline claws would reach from below the tree everyone is standing on the surprise of everyone except Beppi. Cuphead easily recognized those claws from everyone where fighting this mechanical kitty was a nostalgic experience for him.
"Werner Werman too? It's ass if the whole gang is finally here to see us again!" Cuphead exclaims.
The large body would finally raise itself to reveal Katzenwagen with the exhausted Stageplay couple on its back after minutes worth of scaling the gigantic tree. Guile, Magnus, and Lyn all grew cautious enough of the purple feline robot's sudden appearance.
"Please don't tell me that German rat wants to beat us up again," Mugmansaid in worry.
"Rat? That is a cat we are looking at," Prince Sable said.
Soon the robot's face would eventually open to reveal the genius rodent pilot who was waiting to talk with the cups, this caused even the most serious of their allies to drop their jaw at the absurdity of what they saw.
"Guten tag! I am here to let Cuphead, Mugman, and Miss Chalice know that I shall be here to assist zem vith eliminating our vorst enemies," Werner politely says.
"You bet, now this is a true reunion of old friends here to gather against a common enemy. Not that I mind our new friends who are more than sorry, but you guys are truly the best a cup can depend on," Cuphead cried with joy.
"Fear not, Cuphead. As a true star isn't without his cast of supporting characters to assist him on his greatest trial yet. This level of excitement is not what I'd enjoy, but anything to be in the spotlight. As well as helping get revenge on someone that works for that horrid prince of evil," Sally gratefully says in dramatic flair.
"Total pollination and domination awaits that six faced cad with the smug grin. Why would I waste hours of growing in the soil when these plants should be more of assistance for an old friend?" Cagney said after snaking his body up a nearby branch.
"Yeah, I ain't no rotten spud to miss out on the action. The boys and I had our daily dose of garden nutrition that we can't just let that weather dame, slimy slugger, and frogs get all the attention," Sal said after Chauncey helps lift him telekinetically to the same branch.
"Don't forget that crybaby Ollie is still kidnapped by Hilda Berg. But he should be back in any minute since his onion tears and rainwater appears to be all over these woods," the psychic carrot corrects.
"Ahem," a voice said.
Both veggies looked aside to see a still tearful Ollie who would be gentle put down by Hilda who overheard their conversation. Goopy was more than glad he didn't have to play the roll of a fool anymore to keep him from crying. The onion was tempted to sorrowfully hug his two friends until they backed away and shove him away. Wally finally lowers himself down next to his son who was awaiting his father's arrival, Grim also swooping down with a single head this time to be completely focused. An special ice chair formed by a combined Stormcaller Song by the few Mermaids appears suddenly from their heavenly wailing. Cala Maria finally lands in it perfectly as if she were the queen of her newly recruited merminions.
"Thanks ladies, momma's all tired out from wetting everything," she says with class.
Squiddy slowly climbs back down with his long tentacles as Briny ears is completely perched on his head.
"Tharr she blows! The cups are here as the announcement had said. It's good to see ya again, lads and lass," the sea captain called.
A massive robotic head would appear from behind the Smash members and cups soon as this is clearly the work of the notorious Dr. Kahl and his equally expressive robot. The machine slowly scans everyone despite their cautiousness and Cuphead's clear joy of seeing an old friend. Mugman still felt uneasy as his previous fight with the dastardly robots wasn't a fun experience. Chalice however is amazed to see such powerful tech of the many years she lived as a legend on the isles.
"Smash Brothers and Cup Heroes found. Objective fully completed. Now commenting Operation Diebuster," the robot announced with his booming voice.
"Operation Diebuster?" Magnus wondered.
"Strange of this robot to know who we are despite only being here for some time," a mindboggled Vince said.
"This must be the special friend that must had helped Kappa's and improved the communications for our devices to know what's happening outside of these islands. This is no coincidence," Guile said.
"Ya best be more than correct. Now everyone get on the bus since we have some business to do. Hold on to your britches!" A familiar voice called.
Everyone would soon turn around to see the famed flaying bus is now back in good flying condition with a cheerful Kappa's waving his blue driver's cap to get their attention. Prince Sable laughed in joy upon seeing the flying vehicle back together again, Vince happy he can finally load his art supplies safely again. Lyn is more than glad to see things were back to normal as Magnus is just happy his defying job paid off. Mr. Game & Watch slowly jumps for joy in his usual frame by frame manner as he wanted to ride since his last defeat. The Squid Sisters looked at each other and did their iconic "Stay Fresh!" with smiles of joy. Alucard is more than satisfied that things worked out well in the end with a new goal in mind on these islands. But this wasn't the only flying vehicle around as several of the cups familiar planes would be flying before their very eyes to their shock. Neither of the brothers would be surprised at who would be piloting them as it was Mac, Chip, and Canteen Hughes who were happening to give the cups their famed vehicles. Chalice was even surprised anyone would do a favor for her despite only haven been flying a plane several times on the fourth isle.
"Canteen! Thanks for keeping my plan with you after all this time. I felt you owed me one after I defended your plane from the Howling Aces that time!" the cup boy called.
"No problem. Now quit your yapping and give that dice a piece of your mind. I managed to catch wind of him heading back to Glumstone's mountains. It's not looking too good as he managed to get all ingredients after all and speaking with new friends!" the bespectacled canteen replied.
"New friends? Maybe that's the Underworld people that we heard about," Chalice said.
"Good, now we have real reasons to go find them. Just lead the way and I'lll be the one to speak to that death clown," Magnus said.
"So we are killing two birds with one stone after all. Very well, everyone get on the bus if you can! We have a long flight ahead of us," Guile announced.
Soon almost every Smash member would slowly make way for the open doors of the bus once Kapp'n lowered it down some. Game & Watch and the Squid Sisters made sure to wave farewell to Beppi for everything he did for the three once they started walking. The noble clown takes a bow with a balloon flying out his head as if it were the punchline behind his way of saying good bye. Both Trainers sent their four Pokemon back to into their Pokeballs before following everyone into the bus once more. Cuphead, Mugman, and Chalice made it onto their famed planes after the three friends who driven them would be hitching a ride on the Dragonfly. The large bug would nod before taking the tree back down below to safety with several beetles and mosquitos accompanying him tor resume to their usual forest business. The three demons would choose to get inside of the bus as well as they could remember their "boss" would catch on to their plan of betray if they were ever seen from his view.
Werner salutes before closing the face of Katzenwagen again since it would be time to start prowling again. The flying allies like Djimmi, Willy, Wally, Grim, Blind Specter, and Hilda Berg knew that they would have to cover everyone in case of potential airborne ambushes along the way. Several of them would also be giving rides to certain others like Goopy and the Clipjoint Duo riding Hilda, Katzewagen riding Wally's treehouse, Beppi and Goopy riding Djimmi's shoulders, and the Blind Specter carrying the rat prisoner ghost and sailor ghost. Brineybeard orders Squiddy to lift Cala Maria and her ice chair with his tentacles to begin climbing down as they will travel the seas together to the next island. Dr. Kahl would soon order his robot to climb back down as he has a special plan for the two seafarers for much later in their next journey. With aviator goggles snapped on his large eyes and a thirst for adventure, Cuphead is ready to fly as well as his other two friends who had done the same. It wouldn't be long until everyone would be inside of their respective vehicles in less than a few minutes while ensuring everyone is safely strapped for the journey. The bus would soon flying itself out of the forest as well as the three cup planes who intend to follow them towards the signal of their targets' location. Everyone else would soon flying after them as fats as they could but in ways safe enough for their hitchhiking allies. The empty forest would now be left as a rain drenched place of life and no longer the inferno it used to be. This truly felt like a reunion of old and new friends that came to support the heroes of the Inkwell Isles with everything they had.
Things on the fourth island wouldn't be looking too bright as it appears some unlikely allies came along to help the devious duo on their grandest scheme yet. King Dice and Chef Saltbaker would be standing before the likes of Thanatos and Anahita after their last encounter to get the remaining ingredients. It was their efforts that allowed Esther and Mortimer to be overpowered and stopped from even foiling the dice headed man's plan in any way. Based on his grin and kneeling, he is more than thankful for what they've done back there to make it possible for his grandest escape. Saltbaker however would be more than glad to take a look at every ingredient within his sack as if he's steps closer to creating his truest masterpiece. The way the ice cubes, liquored dough, red berries, ripe limes, and explosive pineapples illuminate in his sinister yellow eyes would more than make the evil chef quite proud of his achievement. He could barely lick his glassy lips in excitement from seeing the fruits of labor being ready for his long waited baking time once off these isles. Several of Anahita's own Zoastrian Branch aligned demons would be surrounding the mountain top to act as her vassals including Pairikas, Magus adepts that praise the Zoastrian gods, and malicious Daevas.
And this wasn't counting the many Underworld army goons sent by Hades to cover the death god like Syrens, Miks, Specknoses, Komaytos, Monoeyes, Skuttlers, Skuttler Mages, Shuttler Cannoneers, Reapers, Daphnes, and Clubberskulls. The Clubberskulls being the strongest soldiers were in their sleeping skull state unless they need a direct order to awaken and attack. They were far from the strongest as Ornes were hidden safely in the Underworld unless a truly dangerous foe needs to be killed immediately by them due to their invincible body. The other minions would be flying around the mountain areas to act as the eyes and ears necessary to alert their commander of any intruders coming to the region. One poor soul would be already turned into an eggplant already for trying to climb the mountain and fell down the massive height due to the lack of arms to grab his pitch fork. This is only a reminder of how cruel anyone under the Underworld Army is to anything living, friend or foe. Several were already killed by Reapers only for them to bring the souls back to Thanatos for him to collect for the Underworld. The lazy but colorful character knew that nothing makes him smile more than a good joke or good death as he's doing everything as planned for the true master of the Underworld Army.
"This is fantastically hamazing, we can just take all the souls we want from this place and never leave. Making up for the many we couldn't get back in Greece. On top of all the fools we can stop with a combined force of our soldiers and these otherworldly demons, such a delightfully delicious Souflee of destruction. You two are more than welcome to take our portal if it gets you to the rest of the Legion immediately. We were more than happy to help," he says after a jolly laugh.
"Indeed, Mr. Thanatos. I couldn't possibly thank you two enough for freezing that annoying heifer and dicing her frosty warlock friend before they had stopped us. We are in a hurry after all since The Devil is eagerly waiting on his very special order," King Dice replies with his same devious grin.
"And of course in return, you can lead that special chalice here so my partner can add that to the list of revived souls that should be back where they belong in the afterlife. And hopefully a few of those Smash fiends that dare think they can outdo what Bethel can handle on their own," the water goddess says as she crossed her leg.
"Oh believe me, she wouldn't resist. Just hearing that someone they once consider their friend suddenly revisiting what was rightfully owed to him, is more than enough. I personally want to be the one to to take her soul as the perfect ingredient for my Wondertart, but that cup or his foolish mug brother should be just as great since they are just as good. Just one powerful soul should be just that perfect finishing touch to truly make one powerful dessert anyone would die for," Saltbaker says as he observes his beloved bagged ingredients.
"It would be even nicer if you can face us directly when you speak instead of staring into that bag. Gods like use deserve to be observed in our beauty instead of being ignored like the millions who don't deserve us," Anahita sternly said.
Despite her threat, the chef knew that he had little choice but to close the bag with an impatient frown as they were their only ticket to leaving this island safely. She grins again at the very moment he finally listens to her which is expected of
such a powerful goddess. Thanatos was starting to like her alot as it is true that such authority should always be noted instead of ignored. Another aspect he always hated about Pit or anyone similar to him, as well as fellow goddess Phosphora for making a fool of him the last time they've fought in a war. King Dice felt slightly bad, but also knew ahead of time that all beings like them should be respected, which was how he was appointed as The Devil's right hand long ago.
"Anyways, I was wondering if there was a good signal out here because I was hoping to talk to the boss again at least before seeing him," he wondered.
This was a difficult situation to solve as gods like Thanatos do not use human technology and would rather use astral projections or telepathy to speak with other beings. Even a Skuttler Mage beside him shrugs as it had no idea what he was talking about. Anahita however knew too well that this was a job for her as she can create an all seeing puddle that anyone can communicate with. She would create a massive blob of water between her glassy hands that even amazed Thanatos. Dice grew curious at this sight, along with Saltbaker, as she would allow the water to drip between her fingers and onto the ground before her as a magic puddle. Slowly but surely the puddle would soon grow big enough to create a reasonable gap between the two gods and their two cohorts. Dice's eyes are in amazed at how bright the cyan lights were that flashed from this magical puddle with its ripples being just as hypnotic. Saltbaker grew more than curious as he is wondering what his first customer for the Wondertart would look like after all. The reflection would soon form the familiar shape of the one and only Devil of the Inkwell Hell, who appears to be taking another off of his famed cigars aboard another ship. He would be inside of what appears to be a mirror which woiuld be the receiving end of the message from Anahita's special water puddle. Thanatos is floored by this, but also hopes he wouldn't have to talk to Hades through her too early.
"Go ahead, say what you will to your master," she said in a delighted voice.
This would soon get the attention of the long horned demon who finally realized that something appears to be off about the mirror he is looking at. He gets a closer look, using his pupil to act out a question mark just to show how confused he is. Dice is surprised that this works as well as it does since he wouldn't have to get a better reception out here as always.
"Is this thing on? Who are you and what business you have with the one and only Devil? Well not really since I share a name with that blue pudgy loser, but that's not what's important," the black demon rambles.
"Not to worry, Big D. It is your Number One speaking, King Dice. I have some good things to report which is why a special friend here is using her power to have me communicate with you this way," he called.
This would be when the Devil would finally see Dice himself waving and walking back at him through the ship's mirror on his end, more confused at why he couldn't constant him the normal way. But then he's recalled that the Inkwell Isles can only be uses with more dated technology with only exception being a former debtor of his'. This slightly embracing thought would be enough for him to brush that under the rug as he still has a well lit cigar in his mouth.
"Anyway, what is the status on that special mission I've sent you on? I have a big mission to prepare for that involves nabbing those Chaos Emeralds from our enemies," The Devil continued.
"I will have you know that the most famous chef in all the land is now subservient to us. And we have most of the ingredients we need to make our long waited Wondertart. Don't be shy and say hello, C Salty," Dice answered before glancing at gleeful chef.
The humble evil chef knew that it was his time to shine on proving his usefulness to the interested devil. He clears his throat harshly, then greets his client with the biggest grin to compliment his crazed yellow eyes.
"Greetings, your royal infernal majesty! It is I, the great Chef Saltbaker, the greatest chef in all the Inkwell Isles. You may know me for having to serve community service because that dreaded cup and his friend stopped me from baking my greatest masterpiece, the Wondertart. It is a truly sweet dish made from the greatest ingredients in the fourth isle as well as a truly exceptional living soul. Those that taste it would have full control of the astral realm where they have the powers beyond life or death itself. You would be more infinitely powerful once I bake it for you. But it won't be free as I demand payment for it as much as I am happy to revisit my former goal. What would your price be, Devil," the villainous chef said with both glassy hands on his sides.
This instantly interested the fuzzy black demon, who's yellow grin grew twice as wide the more he thought about how much of a threat he would be against his enemies. But most of all the very Tyrants from Hell that made a fool of him after they all rejected a possible alliance with the Legion. The Chef awaits his answer anticipating just what he would get in return for even making his great masterpiece for his first ever customer instead of himself. Dice made sure to show the very contract that Saltbaker signed and points to it to verbally remind him that another debt won't be necessary as payment. The Devil nods as he had to think of something truly great he has that this chef would want either than serving him for all eternity.
"Here's the deal. You make this lovely powerful tart for me and I could give you anything you desire. It could even be what you truly desire outside of making this Wondertart. I promise that it would be all yours if you give me a shout from this mirror," The Devil proposed.
The devious salkshaker knew too well what he truly want under his evil spell as his goal had never changed. He could only do nothing but laugh under his breath slightly as he thinks of the thing he truly desires the most. The salt within his body swayed and swished within each chuckle due to how hearty of an evil laugh this was.
"You know that by eating the Wondertart that you become the ruler of the very astral plane, correct? How about I were to rule it with you, we both have a tart of our own to get even stronger. The Devil shouldn't rule a place between heaven or hell without that dashing chef to assist him in his plot. Just think about it, we would be unstoppable together and not even those three cups would do anything to stop us. What do you say, a future where we both rule the purgatory where souls travel between, friend?" Saltbaker demands with his never-ending evil grin.
Thanatos widens his puffy eyes to reveal the yellow in them upon hearing this. Anahita clearly disagrees with the idea of anyone ever replacing or trying to become a god as long as Bethel exists, but chose to hold her tongue to avoid any backlash. King Dice didn't appreciate the idea that he could get sidelined if this were to come to fruition, knowing well that his contract with Saltbaker makes him his property and not the other way around. But saying anything right now would ruin his boss's current good mood and a truly angry Devil is the last thing they would entertain.
"That is actually a wonderful idea. But I would say that my right hand also deserves the same amount of credit. A truly terrible trio ruling the astral plane and keeping all souls from ever leaving their place is a great future for us. You truly crack me up Saltbaker, a chef that is more than valued with me instead of that sniveling town that never appreciates your true talent for dishes like these. They do not deserve you at all the slightest. But you deserve us as your new clients and permanent employers for a better future since too many souls think they are free whether they make a deal with me or not. That should change and it wastes less time to go after those crummy emeralds Eggman want so badly. This is the true ultimate power when it concerns those who are between the boundary of dead and living. Someone has to keep them in line so they won't be leaving as they please, like our dear Chalice who's better off being a legend, permanently," The Devil wickedly says before chuckling.
"Which is where I come in. I never thought we properly seen each other, but the name is Thanatos. My master Hades sent me on a mission to track down a list of revived heroic individuals who were revived or cheated death. It is my job to make sure their soul is claimed and sent to the Underworld as a part of his collection. You can personally thank me and my amazing assistant Anahita for making it possible for you to get that Wondertart. No need to pay me at all," the jolly death god said.
"Oh, no need to, me and Hades hit it off very well since our mission to Hell to recruit those ungrateful demons. Great minds think alike after all. It's quite amazing how you all have such a massive army and great subordinates. And here I am preferring to lure unsuspecting victims with the attraction of my beloved casino. It's sure a hell lot more effective to have bigger numbers since I feel my small demon army alone pales in comparison to yours. That's why the Wondertart should help with that problem too. Make those souls loyal to no one but us as our new powerful soldiers," The devil politely replies.
"Speaking of recruits, I found a few lowlife demons along and the way and they make great subordinates. They happen to love death just as much as me, making them great Underworld army recruits. And with my alliance with Anahita, the Zoastrian army also gives us an edge as she has some pretty powerful human adepts on her side well versed in magic. They can master all the elements and even curses to incapacitate our enemies with ease. What do you say, we are growing in numbers on this pinky dink island all thanks to fate," Thanatos gleefully explains.
"Oh really now, then you are surely making your Underworld leader proud with these achievements. Just like my Number One King Dice for making everything possible here. I can only wait to savor that delicious power contained in the fluffy texture of Saltbaker's wonderful tart. Just thinking about it is making me drool so much, I can almost taste it," he says with a winder slobbery grin.
His saliva is just as deadly as his tears, being corrosive enough to erode the cigar in his mouth completely until the semi-lit butt fell. The Devil soon stomps out the flame easily to show just how serious he is about craving the Wondertart. Anahita still remains silent despite this as she would rather not sour a great alliance because of something that goes against what Bethel stands for. However things wouldn't be devoid of chaos for long as a clear shape of a human slowly spreads around the goddess' neck. King Dice knew something was off as he could hear some footsteps around the area but thought it was initially a minion. Before he could say a word, he was soon ignited by powerful flames with his back turned by an unknown party. The devil grew alarmed to see his Number One instantly harmed while a message was going on as Chef Saltbaker widened his frightened eyes. Immediately, a storm of bullets would fire at his glassy back that surprises him, some being more than strong enough to rip right through his glass body as it spills fountains of pouring salt. Thanatos grew immediately alarmed that someone somehow gotten past all their men with a gasp.
Soon that cloaked figure would immediately slash at Anahita's exposed neck, however soon realizing that its ineffective as it is mostly water that makes up her body compared to the porcelain-like shell that illuminates the rest of her body. This also made this worsds by the heavenly waters splashing on his arms that revealed instantly who he was. The wounded Saltbaker and King Dice knew that they had spies here the entire time that interrupted their message.
"What the…hell?" the wounded Saltbaker said.
The unknown man would soon figure that a new tactic would be to immediately use the Disguiser to transform into something else like a Aitvaras immediately to attack. He fires a Mirage Flame at the goddess before she instantly teleported out of his way before Thanatos becomes a flock of bats attack him.
"I have no idea who you are, but you have no idea what death you clearly want to invite," the main Thanatos bat said.
Even more bullets would be flying at the bats which caused them to scatter in the middle of firing. The Heavy would finally reveal himself along with Pyro despite the many minions who finally discovered their existence. Dice had no choice but to stop drop and roll the fire if it mean saving his favorite suit. Saltbaker immediately summons a few of his saltshaker minions to attack deposits his injuries. Heavy would only fire at the floating seasoning containers with everything he had, laughing maniacally. Pyro fires their flames once again as they know glass can shatter or lose their shape when overheated by intense flames.
"Little saltshakers are no match for Sasha's firepower!" The Russian mercenary said.
Pyro mumbles something similar to "Yeah" as they spray their deadly flames on the saltshaker minions. This would not only make their glass bodies more brittle but allowed the gunfire to successfully destroy their body immediately. Meanwhile, The Spy would be keeping up with Thanatos by using Sailor's Song as a Mermaid to freeze the Death God's flock. However he failed to realize that this is actually a 2 vs 1 with Anahita preparing a deadly Hamaon on him. The disguised Spy had little idea of at the holy tags that surrounded him before he's soon engulfed in a deadly holy blast that singes him.
"A mortal like you know better than to think you can kill a god with such cheap tactics. Your tech may not be like the demon supposing program, but it is inferior," the water goddess said.
The light would finally reveal a weakened Spy with his Disguiser too damaged to really work for him anymore. Pyro fires his flames at the bats that Thanatos became only for him to shift into another one of his deadly forms, a series of sharp swords.
"You may be hot, but these blades are hotter than a knife going through butter. Making your the loaf that should be cut!" he says before widely slashing all of his levitating blades everywhere.
The Heavy jumps in the way to protect his comrade, suffering from the powerful slashes that cut every ounce of his exposed back. His pained screams would only alert The Pyro that this mission wasn't going to be an easy one without a plan despite the weaker demons they've had little trouble killing. Anahita would already help out out King Dice's flames with her old water powers, which sacrificed the very water puddle she's created as this wasn't a time to talk anymore. She chills the holes where Saltbaker was shot as a substitute glass that keeps him from bleeding any further as a temporary solution.
"Thank you, but it appears we have some ways of dealing with pests like him," the angry chef says after stopping the ground with his knife.
The Heavy had already collapsed from Thanatos's attack, very wounded but thankfully not giblets like any other Team Fortress match. This left The Spy in a very difficult situation as all of his gadgets were not working due to the severe damage done to them inside his business suit.
"This isn't good," he uttered under his breath.
Then he his kicked against his other allies thanks to Thanatos's giant foot form as if they were beneath him.
"Fore! And I do not just mean my athlete's foot," the gigantic appendage said.
The three spies were now left in a pile of miserable injuries, now with some Underworld army soldiers and Zoastrian forces slowly surrounding them from behind awaiting their next order. Ice would begin chilling ben eats their feet that traps their bodies and limbs thanks to Anahita, to ensure not a single one of them thought about escaping. Nothing made her smile more than knowing she finally has a chance to smite the very unruly humans that think they are above her.
"There is nothing that deserves death more than the very mortals that see us as threats. Your world wouldn't have order or natural control without deities like us. We have no idea who sent you or what reason you are here for, but it's time for you to die," she sadistically said.
King Dice and Saltbaker also grew larger than before to stand above their three pinned suspects with devious grins. Thanatos finally changing back into his normal form to taunt what little hope his next batch of victims have before he finishes the job. What would happen next is the most unusual scene ever that neither party would expect. A massive bus would be flying directly at all four of them at high speeds to knock all of them away. Inside would be almost every Smash member ever who chose to act as the secret weapon. King Dice and Saltbaker collapsed onto their backs as the two deities would be slammed against the rocky mountain wall from the impact. The Spy, Heavy, and Pyro were all shocked with widened eyes at what barely happened to save their lives. But what soon follows after would be Cuphead and friends slipping past all the minions in their shrunken forms undetected who are ready to face their longtime foes. The minions were too overwhelmed by their small size and couldn't keep up with their speed either. The three heroes of the Inkwell Isles returned to their normal size immediately to use their landing gear to slow down their flight.
"End of the road for you, Saltbaker and King Dice. Because this bet was something neither of you rolled for!" the heroic cup announced.
And that was Plane Crazy. Pun aside, there's osme notable things like the Macabre's group helping out the heroes a little and undoing their sadism if it gets them closer to being able to see Lucifer again and the other Chaos aligned demons. Despte some internal conflict between the serious Smash members and Cuphead's friends over their differing ideals, they soon pull through in the end to realize who their common enemy was. The Team Fortress 2 trio who formerly raced with Sonic were sent on their own mission to eliminate The Devil or anyone partnered with them only to realize that they've bit off more than they could chew. Luckily the allied heroes finally arrive to take on Anahita, Thanatos, Chef Saltbaker, and King Dice at once while they were communicating with the Legion group who plans to take back the emeralds by force. Will Cuphead and friends stop the destructive Wondertart from being made? We will find out soon in the next exciting chapter! Until then, Knockout! *fades to black*
