Hello everyone, sorry to keep you all waiting., But we are now reaching the near climax of the Inkwell Isles arc since we are moving along to focus on the other separated members. So we were last left off with everyone putting out the forest fire caused by the Treetop Gang in the first Inkwell Isle forest. Now everyone is heading to the fourth Inkwell Isle to stop the devious King Dice and Chef Saltbaker before they escape along with two powerful new allies Thanatos and Anahita of the Zoastrain Bethel Branch. This is where everyone would have to fight for their lives along with their new unlikely Team Fortress allies. Now let's get things rolling.
The entire calvary had arrived now that the gang manage to reach their destination faster than usual. This was due to a plan that Dr. Kahl had in which he grabbed and throw everyone directly at the mountain range Glumstone's giant race lives. Also because the skies were heavily guarded by the Underworld Army and there would need to be another way to get past them. This left a majority of Cuphead's other friends behind to deal with them entire army themselves with their experience of fighting the plane riding cups previously. Speaking of the bus, it didn't crash at the wall like the other two gods did but looped high into the air to turn around completely. Kapp'n is proving to be an excellent driver no matter how dangerous the situation is now that he's swearing an oath to never let his girl be damaged in any way anymore since it's improvement. All the other Assists as well as the three demons at in their respective seats within the bus to see everything out of the windows. Lyn noticed the three fallen RED agents that were still damaged from their failed assassination attempts on the four villains. Both Saltbaker and King Dice were still dazed from their flying ram against them, the latter having more noticeable cracks on his glass body.
"We made it just in time. But tell that mad scientist to be more careful again," Lyn said nervously.
"There's our culprits, red handed and down. But we will have to make this beating quick if it stops a powerful astral treat from over coming into fruition," Prince Sable said.
"Typical, humanity and other powerful beings trying their hardest to stack up to the strongest demons and gods. It's no wonder why they were created to be weak to begin with," Kumbhanda snorts.
"Or how about you keep your comments to yourself and forget that you monsters aren't any better yourselves?" Magnus remarks.
"This isn't the time to argue, we are here for one reason and that's to stop these two from leaving the Inkwell Isles," Guile commented.
"And chase the Underworld Army out of these islands did good since they shouldn't be around innocents or causing trouble," Alucard adds.
"Would you look at that? Someone is speaking real sense here. Leave that bumbling death god to me. Anyone else is free to help if they want to," Magnus smugly says.
"Speaking of help, we should assist the lads and lass down below since they can't fight themselves. There's also three others that appear to be injured before them," Vince said in concern.
"Noted. They appear to be armed with weaponry, just not the right kind if they were injured this easily. We can help them out and defeat our enemy at the same time," Guile said.
"Aye, just hold on to yerr britches! I'm about to steer this girl below. Everyone can brawl as I add support when needed since this girl needs to stay afloat since the last time," the jolly kappa announced before honking his horn.
The bus swiftly turns around to dive where everyone else is waiting. Cuphead already pulls his black pants higher than his thighs to prepare for a walloping, as Mugman twists his blue stray in his head and Chalice spins around in elegance. The three cup's planes were parked right behind them regardless of the minions who all had their eyes on them. Maguses were already changing incantations in Persian as they saw the three intruders as huge threats. Monoeyes charged the focused beams in their eyes as Syrens hissed violently with sharp talons prepared. The Clubberskulls still remain closed due to awaiting orders on when to attack. Eggplant Wizards were more than eager to cast their infamous eggplant spells when ready. Skuttler units all gotten in their battle formations from close ranged to far ranged if it means following Thanatos' direct orders in combat. The three cups paid no kind to their enemies behind them as they had bigger fish to fry, namely the two fallen whoppers before them that were knocked down by the bus. King Dice is left with his eye's swirling from the hit with his beloved mustache ragged and suit still slightly burned from the fire. Saltbaker is more than irritated as the crack's slowly grew on parts of his glass saltshaker body. He could recognize that sound of tiny brown boots from anywhere, thinking of them would only bring back bad memories. That very moment when he was dare opposed before he could use Mugman's soul as an ingredient for his greatest masterpiece. But most of all, seeing Chalice as well since she was the one who came to him and was using his Astral Coolies that he baked to "help" her have a physical form temporarily. The memories alone would cause his head to fill with nothing but heat that steams within the insides of his very head, even heating the salt inside as if it were desert sand.
"You, you three have the very nerve to get here and stop my dream! My only chance at being able to rule the astral plane! The three of you little squirts should had stayed in that cottage of yours and never thought you could stand up to a head chef with so much power. And for what, to save these three fools who made the grave mistake of thinking they can shatter me to pieces? This salt's got nothing but a desire to eat you until nothing's left. So this is your last chance to run away while you can," he slowly rants with each word sounding more deranged than the last.
"And to let the entirety of these islands I call home down? In your dreams, salty. But the real question is why are you doing this? We thought you were happy to have your bakery again and making everyone smile with your freshly baked treats. Is making some highly dangerous last course worth it to blow your career away? You wouldn't want Judge Hootley to charge you with more community service. Come on, I know the real you is inside of there. Just trust me Saltbaker, this isn't the way," Cuphead says without fear.
"Normally I would hold a grudge for what you almost did to me, but Cuphead is right. It is high time you just clear your brain of salt and realize that all of this is wrong. Those people you stole from were your customers and friends, and robbing them again isn't something that a honorable chef would do that cares for his business. Don't listen to King Dice, he is using you and so his is worthless hellfire bathing boss. See the light. Give up on this crazy nonsense that is driving you insane," Mugman begs.
Hearing that last part would cause King Dice to break from his dazed trance immediately, realizing he just heard something at his own boss' expense. If there is one thing that angers this loaded dice, it is anyone ever making a mockery of The Devil, even if he would sooner disown him for his failures.
"Saltbaker, come with us. We can all help you. Sadly that means you would have to turn yourself in and go to court. But we know this isn't like you to do this again just for some impossible dream like the Wondertart. Come our way and leave these shady cast of characters. King Dice is a no good snake, that Thanatos guy is some strange clown without Beppi's charm, and whatever that water lady is just some demon that's tempting you to do wrong. In know you can snap out of it and realize just what you are destroying," Chalice says as she beckons the fallen giant chef.
It wouldn't be until King Dice finally raised one large hand to attempt crushing all three of them at once for ever trying to ruin the perfect plan. They all knew what to expect since they've avoided his loaded tricks before in the past.
"Remember the lyrics of my song, "Don't you mess with me!"? I really mean it when I am saying this. You can say all you want about my boss. But doing so falls under that category and it is about time I make this deal sweeter by claiming all three of your souls in one roll. Say goodnight!" he says in a strangely dark manner.
He instantly swings his hand down to try killing all of them until Magnus appears to knock his hand away in one swing. This caught him off guard as any interference is the last thing in his mind.
"Sorry I'm late, but I had other businesses to attend to. Or more I have business to attend with you and most importantly Thanatos!" the Greek mercenary said.
Then it would be Saltbaker who would prepare to swing his butcher knife towards the four of them with his might.
"It doesn't matter if you aren't needed, you all would be the decorations that make my Wondertart whole!" he yells with his sinister yellow eyes.
Alucard himself would appear just in time to block said knife with all of his might using his famed sword. The overgrown salt chef would be no different from the countless other deadly massive monsters he's fought over the years as this was only a warm top for him.
"Try picking on someone who isn't trying to hurt you! You had your chance to redeem yourself and I'm afraid you already gave the obvious answer that change isn't within your own twisted mind," the dhampir says as he holds the massive blade back.
The devious chef is more than angrier that this half vampire who had nothing to do with his old enemies dared oppose him. His equally angry dice friend wouldn't be one to give up without a fight as he begins dancing with his other hand, a move that the cups knew what would happen next.
"That old trick again? You just never learn, Dice," Cuphead said.
An entire parade of cards would be magically appearing from his hand with the attempt to stampede the three in the name of their six-faced leader. It wouldn't be until both Lyn and Prince Sable appeared side by side to deal with these flat minions to dice them into bits. From Lyn's blinding speed with her Sol Katti to Prince Sable's cloudy rush attack, the two made short work of these card minions as fast as they could. Cuphead, Mugman, and Chalice made sure to parry any pink symboled card they could to recharge their soul power for any special necessary. This only angered Dice more until he could use his other hand again to summon another wave of card soldiers to attack them from another direction. Magnus blows them away as fast as he could with fully charged swings of his club to fire the strongest tornadoes possible. Next up, Vince would immediately paint the drawing of an apple to block the angry dice's face immediately if it mean blinding him. The acrylic manifested painting would be enough to confuse and even anger him that he could see nothing but red before his eyes.
"Get that thing out of my face! This is why art is for the weak!" he yells.
Vince quickly paints another drawing, this time a large cake to block Chef Saltbaker's face. This would be enough to give Alucard the edge in knocking the large cooking blade out of his hand and towards the mountainous ceiling above them. It stabbing directly into the lithographic surface would enough to get the attention of the dizzy Thanatos who was waiting to recover. This is when Magnus would finally focus on his one true target who just happens to be where he needed him.
"There you are. I've been meaning to find you, your head would be all more worth it for the guys back at home to prove my heroics. Maybe if it means bringing back the one thing that ever made me happy," he says, now slowly walking towards him past the confused giants.
The death god only grew more confused, just wondering what a human would want with him or how does he know him in particular.
"Do I know you? I don't think I've ever met any one other than Palutena, that dreaded Phosphora, Viridi, or the very angel who made a fool of me in the Underworld," he cried.
"Angel Face will be the least of your problems. And you know what I'm talking about. As the one who controls all of death, you know what I am clearly after. You bringing my son back to me, in my very arms. Or should I club that unsightly face of yours to make you!" Magnus shouts.
He would already be dashing directly at the confused Thanatos with his club ready to strike him as hard as possible. He panicked immediately, turning into a large green matryoshka doll in fear instead of egging him on. Lyn knew too well he would be too reckless to attack immediately while leaving the rest of his allies behind. King Dice would try to reach for him just as Chef Saltbaker try to crush him with his large glass hand. Guile and Snorlax would appear just in time to protect him, the former knocking away Dice's hand with a Hyper Flash Kick and and the latter breaking way Saltbaker's entire hand with a Giga Impact. The large dice man would be annoyed that he was stopped so soon while the chef screams in agony that his glass was shattered so easily. Pokemon Trainer would already be next to his Big Eater Pokemon to support him in case he would need more help.
"I got you covered, just do what you must and ask for help," the young trainer said.
"I don't need any help if not's between me and him. Just keep those irrelevant lugs busy while I dance with death,"Magnus called back.
He would be only a few feet away from smashing the frightened death god where he stood until something immediately obstructs him from progressing. A sudden powerful jet of water would instantly cover his body in seconds, now flash freezing to stop his body from moving any further. This would soon follow with masses of ice structures forming around his frozen body all over to make sure his frozen body doesn't collapse. This would be revealed to be the work of the water fertility goddess Anahita, who is more than upset that any lesser being dared made a mockery of her. She had already raised her hand after her golden structures as surrounded her from behind to cause the water and freezing.
"Wonderful of you to be the very first human that dies in my very hand for ever disrespecting me. A Greek too, such a shame you have little respect for the very gods that made your land. Now shatter, Hellish Spurt," she says slowly in a colder tone.
The ice instantly shatters around the burly man, massive amounts of blood flying from the hypothermia and the shards cutting every ounce of his body. He knew that taking a hit from a good would be far more than being struck by Pit's body under the control of the Chaos Kin. But this felt like absolute hell and very likely to almost kill him like all of his other allies he had lost.
"Magnus!" Pokemon Trainer called.
But he knew he had bigger problems to worry about with Snorlax now drowning in massive amounts of salt that Saltbaker fires from where his hand broken. His next attempt is to drown the very beast for ever breaking a chef's best tool for baking.
"You should really watch that blood pressure of yours. Enough sodium phosphate should be all you need for that final heart attack," he announced wickedly.
Snorlax had no way to react or even escape since Giga Impact would always leave a Pokemon exhausted due to releasing all of their energy at once.
"Sonic Boom!" Guile should as he launched his famous attack.
This shockwave would strike the chef's cheek, now cracking it even further and causing him pain. Leaf already had her hands full commanding her Granbull to use Play Rough on King Dice's face to stop him from attacking Guile at all. He grunts within each scuffle and bite the mischievous fairy bulldog was doing to his beautiful face.
"This is why I hate dogs. You are a really bad boy!" he shouts in the cloudy rumble.
Snorlax would already be paralyzed from the massive salt downpour that already overtaken his body to even move anywhere. Pokemon Trainer had no choice but to call him back in the Pokeball for later using the red beam from it. Magnus however would be still kneel from the deadly frostbite off the attack, but still more than determined to attack than ever. Thanatos would revert back to his original form to see just what Anahita had done for him at all.
"You saved me? But we've just allied and you really did want to kill him for me," he cried.
"A god always stand up for another god regardless of what they stand for. Now let's get more souls for your Underworld, by killing all of these intruders," she replied.
This left the death god more sentimental than before, leaking so much tears from his already puffy eyes and blubbering. Magnus would only breath hard from his already chilled voice, still bleeding and even losing his sense of touch from the sheer cold of her Hellish Spurt. There was nothing stopping him from completing his very goal, not even a raging water in the form of as goddess trying to crush his hopes.
"Don't think….. you won just yet. I haven't even gotten warmed up. I've taken hits from Angel Face. The same Angel Face who already killed….. your pathetic boss of a god a while ago. If he can kill him, so can I kill you. But….*cough* I will go easy on you a little. But not too easy as you need to bring my son back to me," he said slowly.
This would do nothing but fill the goddess with so much rage, and this is not like the rage she felt at being bested by a certain Demonica marine in another universe. However, a sudden change in attitude happened with Thanatos all of a sudden who grew even more smug than usual. Magnus didn't even feel surprised as he is all too aware of how all Underworld gods and their minions act when backed in a corner. Cuphead and friends would already be firing at King Dice with all they've got with him back on his feet with Guile and Prince Sable distracting him. Saltbaker would be now hurling his saltshaker minions at the two Pokemon Trainer's team of Granbull and Lapras, all while trying to stomp out the nimble Lyn and Alucard who dodged his feet. Kapp'n would still be flying around the bus as waves of Underworld Army goons try to attack his bus while he was all alone. The kappa feared no one as the only thing that matters is fulfilling his duty as the best driver no matter what part of the land, air, or sea he was in.
"Come and git me, scallawags! This old cap'n got some tricks you wish you would had mastered while being young shell-carriers!" he taunts.
The Moneyes, Miks, Specknoses, and Daphnes would only grow annoyed with his antics before endlessly firing at every part of the mountain's cave to attack him. The death god would only laugh slightly, but this isn't his usual jolly laugh at all when he tells a joke. But a more twisted almost psychotic one as if he's truly enabled by Hades' darker sense of humor or even Medusa's sadism. This even surprised Anahita as well, being caught off guard that someone this carefree has a darker side to him. Magnus would be more confused as well as annoyed that he is simply laughing him off after all that cowardice a minute ago. He is soon howling in hysterical laughter afterwards with his hands on his large gut. Still floating while leaning backwards he laughed loud enough to even shake the knife that was still stuck in the cave's ceiling. This would get the attention of the Chef who knew there was one thing left to do. He creates an arm make of salt where his broken hand was and shoots it at the knife to fully retrieve the sharp tool again. He soon joins in on the psychotic laughter himself, now attempting to chop the annoying pests below them as if they were the same limes he would chop in his last battle. Afterwards he would sweep his large blade to knock them all against the rocky walls to the right of the cave with much force. This amused his saltshaker minions who laughed alongside him due to their amusement at that attempted kill.
King Dice would see that his tricks were not even used to their full potential as there were special die he would use for emergencies like these. He pulls them out and begins shaking aggressively to try getting the best roll possible, then tosses both dice at the ground before Guile and Cuphead were crushed by them. The numbers would appear to be a snake eyes done on purpose, but adding up to a lucky seven. What soon happens would be Everyone now getting hurt by a sudden force that damaged their bodies, even cracking the faces of the three cup heroes. He joins in with his evil deep laughter as the infamous man who serves the devil of Inkwell Hell. This would leave the three RED agents still too wounded from their injuries and left confused at just what is happening before their very eyes. But most of all The Spy, who is wondering why these people would risk their lives for them when they were very prepared to die if any mission were to fail regardless of the results. From all their lives of senselessly killing other members of the BLU corp and getting respawned endlessly, there wasn't a single moment that anyone outside of their hellish organization would even care to prevent their lives from being lost. Being a mercenary always taught him that every man was for themself unless they were assigned partners of war. This was all too much to handle that he wished there was a way he could take a smoke despite losing his last cigar to Thanatos's last attack. Speaking of him, the death god is still losing himself to his out-of-character laughter that's beginning to even unnerve Magnus with how chilling he is. As if the god of death is finally showing his deathly true colors under his wacky and spontaneous facade. He would only tighten the handle of his club tighter than before even if the frostbite is still partially numbing his bleeding hands.
"Give your son back? This is very rich coming from one of Pit's favorite little humans. I am a god of death, whatever is dead is property of the Underworld. No amount of beating will force me to give him back to you, not even a single tear. The only thing you will get is the most agonizing death which will also make your soul property of me to do with as I please. Not that I mind another hopeless struggle on what little life you have left. I've always found you interesting for how you often laugh at death since the day you were born, Magnus. I know because I was there, taking your little boy's soul away as he passed out in your arms. But you do know it was your fault you've thrust him into a world of violence he would never last in. How does it feel for your last wife to leave you because her little boy died because of your lust for violence and money. Even your new would-be wife was the perfect Underworld commander until you and Pit had to ruin it. She was the perfect warrior, someone to be molded into the dark lord she should had been. A good example of what use humans that don't die have for us. Causing more death to her own fellow humans and filling the Underworld with all the souls they need. But tin doesn't matter, that suffering will only make that soul twice as delicious when I rip it from your chilly bloody body. No more games, now it is time to show you what I wanted to show that insolent angel the next time we would had met!" Thanatos explains in his twisted new way.
It was made clear as day just what truly happened that fateful day he lost his son.
It was summer, he was partaking on a mission to go after a man who was known for killing every soldier in the Greece army for sport. A man so dangerous that many wondered why the gods like Palutena nor Viridi never paid mind to him. Magnus specifically went with his son at the time, who was a young man who's trained as hard as him. He was rather boyish like Pit, but shared the same traits as his father like the dark hair and unwavering spirit. He was almost as tall as his old man with leaner muscles and not as much of a heavyweight fighter. The two were very close as there wasn't a single mission where they didn't fight together since he came of age in seventeen due to his father's legacy as a great soldier for the country. The two knew how dangerous this mission was that they were well armed. Magnus with his famous club and Justus with his dual hand blades. The two were exploring a dead forest that this criminal was often known for ambushing soldiers in for his kills. Magnus was fearless as always being a man that took his duty to the country very serious as well as cared for the safety of his son. Justus would be feeling the same despite being half the age of his father and would do nothing but good to make him proud on the battlefield. He made sure to check every three or even stone in case this man would be hiding them. Magnus scans the area carefully with a few stern looks as the two followed the dusty dirt road. Justus respected his father so much as someone who shown fear to no one and having strength that rivals even the most skilled of soldiers. He walked like him even if it looked goofy, and mostly only talked when it was appropriate to stay focused on a mission. Magnus knew that if he were to put an end to the murderer that is on the loss, the army will maintain their numbers needed for any major wars. He wished no luck to any god nor goddess as long as he could believe in his own strength and skills in a fight. It wouldn't be until a poison dart was shot from the tree that almost hit Magnus. Justus managed to deflect it just in time to save his father from an expected fate. This didn't stop his father from growing more alert than ever now that there's a sign their target is here. Another poison dart would be fired from another direction, this time blocked by Magnus's own trusty club. He can tell that who they were dealing with real with more cheap deadly tricks than wanting to directly fight.
"Look alive, son. He's definitely around here. Remember to stay focused and don't die on me," he warns. "Yes, father. We will make sure he pays for all the lives he's taken," Justus replied.
They would realize this would be a tough mission when more traps activated in the form of mini catapults that launched stones from the back of the forest. Father and son knew too well that these tricks were the last thing they should fall to, choosing to dodge and attack each stone projectile that fell from above. Each stone was tougher than the last, but not even someone less experienced like Justus had any trouble destroying it. Another trap would be set featuring swinging spiked logs that flew from every side of them in an attempt to kill them. They knew that for this one they had to simply dodge as these could stab through even the toughest of armor. The father and son did their best sidestepping and ducking under each spiked log that flew their way faster than anyone can dodge a single arrow.
"Just what the heck is all of this? Is he too scared to come out and fight like a warrior?" the annoyed Magnus said.
Justus would notice something flying their way from behind, flying at high speeds and looking quite sharp.
"Father, it's an arrow! Duck!" he shouts.
The older warrior understood his son well and jumped out the way of the arrow like he did for safety. This would not be the end of it as more of them would be flying from this direction at even faster rates. These appear to be venom tipped arrows made to skewer and kill even the biggest targets when hit. The assassin is proving to be quite the deadly tricker when the father and son duo did as much as they could to stay alert and almost tire themselves from his sadistic games. There seems to be no end to this arrow storm as the two would keep jumping and ducking within each round to avoid getting any toxins into their muscular bodies. Magnus would have just about enough of this, knowing there was one thing left to do.
"Alright, this is your idea of fun? Then let's see you take this! See if you can keep me covered, Justus!" he called.
His son would nod, using what strength he has to parry any of the arrows that tried to hit his own father. Magnus would hold a familiar stance while gathering all the strength he needs for the next swing. Justus knew too well that his father plans on sending a deadly tornado as getting out his way is a priority when he's fully charged. He continued deflecting the tips of each arrow using his twin blades with ease. Magnus knew when to trust his son to cover him in any fight that there would be no way this could go wrong in any way. Suddenly the arrows would begin to slow down with their firing which could only mean that the assassin had to get more creative before his cover was blown. What would happen next would be something even the young soldier couldn't anticipate at all. A fast moving javelin is soon hurled directly at Magnus with the intent to skewer his exposed head. Justus would use this moment to try to deflect it, but something went wrong. This would would disarm his blade out of his hand completely as it barely grazed the cheek of his father.
"Damn, sorry father," he utters out of frustration.
"You are more than fine. Keep me covered since I should be close to ready to launch this whirlwind," Magnus replied thankfully despite his cut
"Will do. I will not let you die on my watch. For my mother," the young man promised.
Another fast moving javelin came for Magnus's head once more, but Justus would take a different approach of grabbing it with his own hand. It moved so fast that the force of it almost pulled his left arm out of place and the tip almost being close to his father's face. This almost made him wince from the pain, even with tears rolling down his eyes a little as he felt his muscles almost tearing around the shoulder joint bone.
"Justus!" Magnus called.
But the young man didn't want to let his father down and forces his left hand forward with all his might to throw the light spear back at the source of its flight. It wouldn't be until another javelin would be thrown once more and collides with the one that Justus barely returned from the source.
"Atta boy, son! You are making your old man more than happy to raise a true warrior," he says with a smile.
The young man couldn't help but smile back at his father briefly while focusing on the real enemy that is still attacking them. He had one blade left in his right hand as his only weapon as moving back to retrieve his other weapon could jeopardize his father if not careful. He would wait for the next javelin to be hurled after the last two that hit dropped before them from the collision. He had the riskiest plan ever and that would be to throw off his gray garb as a decoy to take the hit. This would serve as a way to move faster than before with less clothing if it mean going for the kill.
"Keep it going since I will launch this whirlwind on the count of three!" Magnus called.
The shirtless Justus would be more than ready to keep seeking the assassin who is still hidden despite his determination to kill each targets. He would hear the sound of the assassin preparing to throw his javelin once more before running twice as fast with his blade in hand. He flips over what could be the highest possible point any man would ever throw the javelin with the fullest strength of his legs. He finally had a glimpse of the assassin in his glory, a mostly deranged looking man who's wild eyed, gaunt, and now looking more than afraid that he's been discovered. This was Justus's moment, after a few years of fighting as a soldier he could finally have been the one to solve the biggest crisis in Greece by taking this man out.
"I got you now! You will not be running anywhere when I get through with you!" he called before throwing his blade at the assassin's pants leg.
This would pin him in a spot where he can't run away or even focus using his best traps nor weaponry anymore. He desperately pulls at the fabric to try ripping free from the blade that restricts his movement.
"Now father! Blow him away!" he said.
Magnus heard him loud and clear which he follows up with his mightiest swing yet to launch a massive spiraling whirlwind at the very area where his son attacks. The man still struggles to get out of this predicament the best way he can despite the incoming winds coming directly for him. Justus would only feel his left arm hurting once more as he was losing his posture for as smooth landing away from the trees. This would lead to him tumbling against a few dead branches and violently hit the dusty road as a result of the speed. The whirling violently tears the few rocks, planned traps, and large amounts of dusts as it heads towards the same trapped assassin. There was only one thing left to do as he would rather die than getting caught, as he slowly takes out something suspicious he plans on using for himself. The wounded Justus knew that something was about to happen as he tries to slowly limp away. It would be a purple urn with a skull shaped adornment that eh would often use as last resort when the going gets tough. The crazed assassin would do the sadistic move of swallowing the poisonous contents of this urn without warning, smiling very wildly with every ounce of pleasure from his slow painful suicide. This was not all as he also happens to have an X bomb in his other hand, one that he plan to use as a part of his plan. His vision slowly gets blurrier and blurrier as his eyes start to widen and mouth massively drools from the slow suffocation in his throat.
"This is the moment where it's time to go to the Underworld. And the two of you are coming with me," he shouts before chomping at the bomb.
The end result is a massive explosion that fired I four missive pillars of flames followed by a massive cloud of poisons spreading from the man's death. Justus who could barely stand would soon feel something hot tearing through him. It would be the ensuing X-Bomb explosion ripping right through him at full force. The internal body heat would be reaching dangerously high levels as every important organ inside would soon be boiling itself until it could no longer function. His bloodcurdling scream would be loud enough to get the attention of Magnus who wondered just what was happening.
"Son?" he wondered.
He soon notice the rising poison clouds that appeared where the assassin's body used to be as well as the fire pillar coming his way from the X-Bomb explosion. He would dodged it but continue heading to where his son could be despite the whirling billowing g the toxic clouds towards the air. He covers his mouth instantly and closed his eyes, plowing through them immediately without breathing in a single amount of poison to find his son. He moves past the floating white soul that's left of the man who would be watched by a mysterious figure who seen everything. This being would continue as he would see Magnus now slowing down his movement just to see what horrible sight he didn't want to see. The now barely standing young man, with a massive scorch wound that tore through his chest and stomach, gasping for air and violently coughing copious amounts of blood from what the assassin's trick did to him. This broke Magnus, the once proud warrior now scared and even disturbed at what he is seeing of his boy.
"Ju…stus. No," he said quietly.
The young boy despite the bad state he was in would give his father a smile, but soon slowly fall over due to the severity of his injuries. Magnus dropped his club and dove right for the boy before he could fall as he drags across the dusty road. He could feel the warm liquid still running all over his large hands as there would be little way he could find the nearest nurse to help him. The louder coughs would be more apparent with the dirty ground stained with more of Justus's blood.
"No. No, this can't happen now. Not when you have your twentieth birthday coming up. This can't be happening. Just stay with me, son!" Magnus begged.
This is a rare sight of the man finally losing his tough exterior to realize that someone very precious to him just may be dying soon.
"It's...alright. I helped you take that guy out. Just that he's gotten the best of me. At least I protected you to the very end like I've promised, right? the dying boy said.
"I mean protect me from his weapons and not risk your entire life just for me. I should had been the one that died and not the very pride and joy that your mother wanted to live. She knew that if one day you were gone, she would Neve forgive me for ever making you fight. I was too selfish to see that you would need to be great as your old man to mean something in this country. But losing sight of what's truly important and that was living life with you as long as possible. There's no way Thanatos should claim your soul. You have much to…"
He would feel his son place his hand on his face despite his father's cries. Magnus coulnd't bear to see his son is. Such a state that his fearless facade immediately begins to crumble, now with his hardened eyes beginning into tear up. The inside of his own heart felt like it was beating itself up the more he looked at his boy's tender eyes and smile despite the amount of blood he is losing from his destroyed organs. Justus knew well that smiling was the only thing he could do or his last moments in his father's arms instead of crying himself or fearing death.
"You were a great man who raised me to do great things for Greece. I do not know where I would go as I don't follow the church of Palutena or Viridi, but you will always be in my heart no matter where I go. One hope I have is that my mother forgives the both of us for our decision. We've prevented many more lives from being lost. It had to be done. Be proud of your boy, for being the man he could until the end," he said weakly.
Magnus really wanted to follow his boy's wishes of being strong for him but his emotions were all over the place. Hating himself for leaving him too close to the enemy and getting hurt, sad because there is little way to save him with no hospital in sight, angry because if the gods truly cared they would had done something to prevent this accident, and hopeless because going on missions wouldn't feel the same without his favorite partner in war. He sucks up and struggles to let out much of his tears as a man had to accept a natural part of life no matter how unfortunate it had to be for someone young as his only child. Slowly but surely Justus would slowly lose all senses of his body. First his hand starts to feel heavier and heavier without any strength to touch his father's hand anymore. Afterwards he would slowly close his eyes despite Magnus doing everything he could to stay strong in the face of loss. I he blood would still keep pouring from his gaping injury to stain a warrior with a memory. A painful memory that he never want to remember again. Justus finally gives in to what little life he live left as a sign his gifting days were completely over to his own father. Magnus is without a single word, but a downpour of emotions overcoming the muscular man of war who witness the loss of the one thing that makes any father proud. Justus body is no more than a bleeding lifeless reminder of the young man he used to be before the unfortunate final kill the assassin had done. His father is now completely shaken, heartbroken, no longer having that will to stay strong for himself. Tears dropped onto the cold closed eyes of his son's face as they slowly soak into his cold skin. His hands would clutch harder around the body than before while trying to be gentle enough not to tear the body.
"Justus, Justus, Jus..us," he slowly says with immense sorrow.
The mysterious figure would slowly linger without being seen as Magnus finally gives in to cry. A lone floating soul would slowly rise from the body similar to the one that came from the assassin's body. The figure smiles with his clown-like lips in a crooked manner as taking souls was his hobby. Magnus cries even deeper into the body than before which gave the figure an opportunity to stealthily float towards his prize without alarming him. A single swipe was all this large figure need to take exactly what he came for with a potential enemy feeling too distraught to think about the feeling of being being watched. He soon flies off as slowly as possible while holding his mouth to silence his own dark giggling. This time his puffy eyes revealing the yellow inside as something more sinister to a Pluton as Hades' number one guy.
"Perfect. This may be the easiest souls I've ever obtained. I wonder if we may eventually cross paths again, but to personally take his soul soon. The future may hold interesting things to behold," the giddy death god says.
Back to the present Magnus is left nothing more than. Stunned that his suspicions were more than correct that Thanatos just happened to have his soul after all, frozen to even think ab bout fighting back. Anahita giggles at how powerless the human is after facing trauma harder in the back than a demon overpowered by their weakness. Magnus still holds his weapon despite the pain and chills, but slowly lose every will to fight now that he had to face a terrible past that he didn't wasn't to remember. Thanatos just loved how delicious his fear was now that he had him exactly where he wanted him. Everyone would still be too bust taking on King Dice and Chef Saltbaker as usual all at once with major difficulties as Kapp'n still distracts the Underworld and Zoastrain army goons all at once. The Spy, Heavy, and Pyro were defending themselves as few goons tried to attack them while they were unprotected with their current injuries. The chaos still wasn't enough to wake up Magnus from the fact he still has a chance to fight or run. Thanatos still continues to chuckle at the sheer hopelessness of the situation, all as Anahita floats besides him in her same confident aura. Magnus struggles to regain his posture in any way as he felt his body getting heavier than usual. Breathes getting heavier as his current state and the panicking allowing more blood flow from his injuries. The cold blood dropped onto the mountain floor quickly and thickly due to the sheer coldness of the last attack.
You….. you. I had the feeling that you did all of this. It makes too much sense why my son died suddenly. You pulled the strings to begin with as if you wanted something out of me. You want my soul, then I will not let that happen. Not while I have a reason to keep on fighting to this very day.
"What's the matter? Twinbellows got your tongue? I am not the type of god that ever lies. I was there to see everything and actually influenced that assassin to destroy himself if it meant giving me two souls for the price of one. I take my job as serious when it demands it. Don't let that angel fool you on me being a lazy worker when I relish in the many lives lost if it keeps our Underworld flowing with souls. Hades sees more value in me than even Medusa, the same Medusa who was a pawn in his little game and foolishly tried to betray him in her final moments. Sure these days she knows she is on thin ice, but it really shows just who Hades favors more of everyone in the Underworld. The master of death, the king of deceit, the god of many forms, Thanatos!" the devious god called to his shocked foe.
"Hear his words mortal, you are only a reminder of how humans will never begin to cheat the measly little lives they have. Gods like us can live for eons while you are lucky to live more than a century in good health. We are made to be feared, respected, and followed. Stay astray and you are nothing more than a little lamb ready for the slaughter house. Should he have to say it to you louder, or should you desire another of my famous Hellish Spurts?" the Zoastrian water goddess shouts in sadistic delight.
"Save your breath, both off you! I am just now getting started. If anything you admitting it was your fault only gives me all more a reason why it's about time the god of death is the one to finally retire. And all that needs to happen is for me to beat that sense into you. Whether I am doing this alone or with help doesn't matter since this is my fight. One that I've been dying to have with no more interruptions. Just me and you, or maybe your blue girlfriend wants a beating to if she thinks I can be forced intoner irrelevant cult like the fools my friends have no trouble beating," Magnus says with weapon ready to keep fighting.
Anahita would grow more than. Impatient as those that dare mock her or the few loyal Zoastrain followers she had would be making a grave mistake in ever insulting her. The golden tiles behind her now encircled before spreading out in an almost "attack ready" phase as if she's planning something. Thanatos chuckles as he grows one of his hands into a massive long scythe, befitting of a god who's all about dealing with death on the living. He chuckles again manically as he's waited years to finally claim magnums soul after all this time, an opportunity not worth passing while he is here.
"Here I come, just don't you die on me too easily as I want a fight to remember than for the Great Magnus to go out with a whimper. The Underworld is awaiting you," the sinister god said before charging.
"Don't push it. I made a promise to Angel Face that I wouldn't die too soon after helping these Smash guys again. Or more so my allies!" the prideful warrior shouts as he charged directly at him.
The two would finally be able to clash once more without any interruptions from Anahita. Magnus pushes the sharp end of his club against Thanatos's scythe hand as hard as he can with sparks flying from both of them. Speaking of the goddess, she had a special dirty trick up her sleeve as a goddess who is known for making anything inferior with certain spells. The goddess feels that making her target have a lesser advantage would give Thanatos he needs to win.
"Rakunda!" she shouts.
Magnus started to feel slightly weaker as a result of her magic despite his strength being good as ever. This spell weakened the defense of any demon or human for a temporary time which makes the more deadlier attacks to the target likelier to die. Thantaos chuckles as he feels that one swing is all he needs to kill Magnus if he slips him. But the determined man knew well that despite her trick he knows well not to let himself get reaped all too easily. He would reach out for the purple scarf around the death god's neck to catch him by surprise and yanks it with full force. The surprised death god would be wondering just what would happen to him next since he didn't expect him to do this. He would instantly deal a skull cracking headbutt to Thanatos's bald head as hard as he could. He knew too well this would hurt him too based on the blood that came from the injury thanks to the Rakunda spell. But he appears to be smiling as if the pain is only allowing him to get that needed adrenaline to fight for his life. Anahita is left surprised that he is willing to risk this move at all despite her intent. Magnus would let go of him and follow up with a massive swing to his side to launch him directly at Anahita for a hit. The goddess immediately controls her golden tiles to act as a shield to block this tactic, while also hurting Thanatos accidentally from the impact of the slamming. He is left dazed but also frustrated that such a thing happened top him. It wouldn't be long until Magnus then did the unbelievable, he started to fire beams out of the tip of his club as a rapid fire weapon at the two to pressure them. It was as if watching Pit fight with a replica of his weapon one time allowed him to finally imitate that to a T.
"Didn't expect that did ya?" he says with a grin.
Thanatos splits up as a flock of bats despite feeling the pain of the first few shots with Anahita still guarding with her golden disks. She would move on to another tactic that should deal with his annoying strength.
"Matarunda!" she calls as she raises her hand out.
This was when Magnus would slowly feel that there's not enough power behind the shots that he fired at all as a result. Thantaos would use this opportunity to lunge at him with fangs ready to chomp down on the human. He narrowly dodges the green overgrown bat with a spinning dodge immediately, another trick he had learned from Pit when facing him in Dyntos's realm. He would slide after the last dodge to go directly for Anahita once more. The goddess would desperately do another tactic that involves heavenly light, the Hamaon.
"Time for you to face the light. Disappear!" she shouts.
Several tags would be surrounding the man in preparation to fully purify him with holy light. He would however narrowly dodge them in time again once more and shockingly this is the result of a Dodge Token he was saving for this moment.
"You were going to what again?" he replies, angering the goddess even more.
"Impossible, no human could had dodged my heavenly light unless they were Nahobino or the True Demon. Just what kind of man are you?" she questioned in frustration.
Magnus would also use another familiar item in hand that he taken for extreme situations like this. A cloud would begin to conjure into the air as a result, which made the goddess grow cautious at what it could be. However she remembers that she is the goddess of waters and can destroy this cloud by ripping away all the water molecules that make it up. Instead a massive large foot that is close to the Atlus that held the heavens, crushes her in less than a second immediately. The stomp would be loud enough to get the attention of everyone else and even shake the mountain heavily from the force of the attack. Thanatos would shockingly turn just in ti9me to see the unbelievable sight of his partner now weakened and flattened against the ground from the godly foot's strength.
"My Anahita!" he screams.
King Dice being distracted would allow Cuphead the opportunity to activate another one of his Supers, one in which he becomes a massively buff soul that spins directly into the larger dice man's face with massive arms. The attack would cause some of his teeth to falls out as a result and his eyes to begin spinning. "Way to go, Cuphead!" Mugman cheered for his brother. Chef Saltbaker however would be on the receiving end of Chalice's own Super, one that involves firing a legion of holy beams and angelic followers after she becomes her true form briefly. The Legendary Chalice was once a statuesque heavenly chalice woman in her past long before she died into her smaller girl form we currently see. It became quite clear why she had an important shrine in the third Inkwell Isle mountain range guarded by a frightening cyclops guardian.
"You got it Chalice! We can beat these guys in no time!" Mugman continued in excitement.
Magnus had another trick up his sleeve as he noticed Thanatos flying at him in the form of a cursed javelin that attempts to kill him. He activates a special item called the Lightning of Judgement, which would soon result in a powerful bolt of lightning to electrocute Thanatos back into his default form immensely. This a potent lightning that could harm any Underworld affiliated creature, even the gods themselves as proven by Pit's use of it before.
"Curse you, Magnus!" he yells as the he is dazed by the last shock.
Another bolts trikes him n once more as this item allows anyone close to the user to continue to be stroked no matter what. Even the crushed Anahita would be electrocuted herself. But what's different is that the goddess would be howling in immense pain from the last attack. Being a being made mostly of water, electricity is one of her biggest weaknesses alongside fire due to her affinity to the cold as well. This gave Magnus just the ammo he needed for a steady victory now that he knows that even someone like Phosphora would have zero problem. Defeating her personally.
"Damn you. I will make sure this is your last time ever humiliating a goddess!" she shouts as she breaths heavily from the fatigue.
She would immediately start tapping into the full potential of her Magatsuhi, glowing immensely with a surge of power she was hoping wouldn't have to be used at all for a mortal. She would activate her first skill Critical to immensely make any other attack she does twice as deadly, especially while her current debut spells would continue to be affecting Magnus. Magnus knew that there was only one thing left to do since there would be a chance he could lose this upper hand in the battle, he would use a item to create a large purple panel before him. He immediately steps on it before Thanatos would be hopping his way as a matryoshka doll to attempt crushing him. Instead he would be knocked away by something large that just happened to appear before him. The large green doll emotes with an expression of shock as Anahita would scoff at what seems to be happening before him. Magnus would be slowly growing at an immense rate as a result of the Giant Maker he's using. Now larger than life as a muscular warrior that is comparable to the Atlas Foot itself in size, if not even bigger. King Dice and Chef Saltbaker would be annoyed that they wouldn't be the only ones large and in-charge as they noticed his face from their eye level. This not only gave the warrior a slight defense and strength advantage, but made it so he's large enough to take both of them on with no problem. This was when the kid gloves were off as Thanatos had to try something he haven't done a long while.
"You think you are the only one big around here, it is time to become the deadliest warrior of the skies. It is such a shame that I wasn't going to use this on that lightning goddess again," he rants as his body starts to elongate itself.
He would be growing more reptile features during this transformation as his body stretches longer than even the largest of snakes and with the claws to match his deadliest form. The now transformed dragon Thanatos lets out a defending roar that even shakes the mountain itself, almost at a level comparable to an earthquake that trembled the nearby mountain zone. Even the Underworld minions would stop immediately in there tracks as they feared the very death god they follow. Anahita smiles as she didn't expect something this good to come out of her partner at all, now that she didn't have to throw any weight around. Magnus would begin by swinging his weapon directly at the goddess since it appeared she didn't change her own size. But little did he forget that even a demon can size shift at will if they were truly powerful Megami or Tyrants. She immediately stops the club with her golden plates alone, smirking at his futile attempt to hurt her.
"Mabufu," she says slowly.
A powerful ice spell would hit the gigantic Magnus as a result, barely hurting him, but causing him to bleed slightly due to her critical state. Thanatos would also begin to strike his exposed back with a quick tail lash to cause him to yell in pain. Despite this, he quickly jabs the reptilian pest in his underbelly with a backwards hilt jab before doing sweep kick against Anahita's feet. This cause the goddess top lose her balance but temporarily lose control of the very golden plates that were defending her. He strikes her with the bladed part of his club, causing a stream of blood and Magatsuhi to flow from her body as a result.
"Aaaaah! You insolent mortal! I will chill every part of your body until it's no more. Hellish Spurt!" he shouts.
He braces himself immediately by grabbing the stunned Thanatos by his dragon tail before hurling him directly at Anahita before she had the chance to freeze him. The collision between the two would directly knock each other backwards temporarily from their injuries. Magnus would grab their heads again during this opportunity as a giant and slam them against each other as hard as he could. Thanatos roars in pain form the impact just as an Magatsuhi boosted Anahita grunts from the face trauma.
"You can do it, Magnus! We all have your support," Guile called.
"It is quite impressive he is holding his own against a few gods. I heard he was supposedly the strongest human where he's from, but this? It almost seems unbelievable," Lyn cries.
"It was no wonder Master Hand saw enough potential in him and Phosphora as Assist. Truly powerful in there own rights despite not being Dark Pit, Pit, nor Palutena. It's actually awe inspiring," Vince exclaims with widened eyes.
"Where are you looking?" Chef Saltbaker shouts.
The three narrowly dodged enough salty downpour that came from the overgrown chef's broken hand who is angrier than before. His face is now covered with enough cracks as if he's sustained enough damage from the ongoing fight. He knew his opponents were tougher than imagined, even when using his special mushroom to get an easier size advantage compared to them. It didn't help that his own saltshaker minions were constantly reflected every time they sustained enough damage from his smaller enemies. Snorlax and Granbull were prone too much for them with their heavy hitting attacks and Blizzard chilling the ice that holds their body together. Alucard's familiars like his Imp and Sword were also proven troublesome as they added more unpredictability to the fight against the overgrown chef. Chalice fires a decent amount of Converge shots at his chest to stagger him even further before Mugman adds a fully charged Lobber to break his face.
"You will not get in the way of making my greatest masterpiece. Nothing can take all the rising sodium oxide that will come from me!" he shouts angrily. One powerful yell later, countless amounts of salt would burst out of the breaking shell that made Saltbaker's body. Alucard immediately grew cautious at what the crazy chef plans on doing next with this tactic. King Dice would even notice his partner in crime finally losing the body that makes him whole to be a raging wave of salt.
"Here it comes, the moment you all would wish you never had a taste of salt again. Never mess with him," he says with a grin.
Mugman, Chalice, Lyn, Alucard, both Trainers, and their Pokemon would be running as the massive white wave of salt crystals would be coming their way. Said wave would soon gain a wicked smile as it laughs at them just like the smiling glass exoskeleton of the chef that would be left behind.
"You think you can run from this raging seasoning? This won't be the last time you get your well deserved season's beatings from my saltiness!" Chef Saltbaker's voice boomed.
Alucard would have to think of a plan if it means stopping him overall. He fears that his Hellfire may not be enough as there's an abnormally high melting point needed to put a stop to the never-ending salt. Pokemon Trainer knew well Blizzard wouldn't work in this scenario either since salt eats anything that's cold. Vince knew too well he would be of no help either as paint no matter the type would always dissolve when exposed to any form of salt.
"Trainer, use that Snorlax of yours to use his Giga Impact. I have a risky plan that just may help the all of us," Mugman ordered.
The young trainer is hesitant as the last time he had done so his beloved Pokémon almost drowned in the salt previously.
"Leaf, have your Granball stay still. Mugman will need to parry as much as he can to get his special ready for that salt," Chalice orders.
"That is fine with me. I am sure my Granbull will need that additional rage to fight with all he has, right?" the female trainer asks her partner Pokemon.
"Gran…bull," the bipedal bulldog like Pokemon replies.
"If you are confident in this plan, so am I. Let's just do this Snorlax!" Pokemon Trainer shouts with a new shred of faith.
"Snor!" Snorlax said.
The two would now faced the wicked wave of salt that is heading their way without fear. Mugman would ten begin jumping atop Granbull's head to constantly parry it as much as he needs to for building his power. The hardy bulldog fairy takes each hit like a champ, if anything building up that pent up rage for his next attack. Alucard and Vince both stops to see just where their next plan would go. Lyn had a feeling that her services would be needed, now going for a different sword than Sol Katti this time. With a deep breath and all the confidence in his partner, the Trainer knew exactly what to do instead of running anymore.
"Snorlax, use Giga Impact!" he shouts.
The Sleeping Pokemon immediately begins to charge immense energy with his body for another round of his strongest attack. The salt wave still wickedly laughs as if this wouldn't be enough to stop its salty carnage. It would be until Snorlax would finally have all the stored up energy ready to attack at full force.
"Snorlaaaaaaaaax!" he shouts upon releasing this energy.
This would blow the entire wave of salt away from harming anyone at all. The massive waves of white would be pushed far back and even into the air to reveal the true form of Saltbaker, a floating pink-heart shaped shaker with his scowl. He is left more than angry that he is completely unprotected for any attack.
"No. This can't be. I am not letting my dreams fall here. Not until all of you are drowned by my white waves of fury and dissolved into nothings!" he shouts.
More salt would begin forming from the earth alone thanks to this mountain being a rich source of it. Mugman would be more than prepared with his soul full of vigor the next attack, Granbull fully frustrated enough for his next deadly attack. Snorlax would be too tired to move from his spot after the exhaustion of unleashing the Giga Impact. Pokemon Trainer knew the only think he had left was putting faith in his allies. Vince immediately paints a large red cape to block Saltbaker's view completely as a momentary distraction. This would be when the heart loses his focus and can't decide on where to control his raging salt anywhere. What soon follows is Alucard flowing past the painting in his mist form to get a closer encounter with the confused heart. He massively slashes the heart to cause him immense pain. One yell would be enough to let him know to try firing a pillar of salt where the dhampir was. Instead, a massive wave of white liquid would plow through the painting and salt to dissolve everything possible. Alucard narrowly escapes with his bat form to allow the Saltbaker to take the full force of Mugman's massive spout of his own soul liquid. The salt immediately melts away leaving little way of him to fight back Chalice would also combine the liquid with her Converge shots to electrify it as well if it means electrocuting Saltbaker as well to fully stun him. His screams would be loud enough to stop King Dice, Anahita, and Thanatos from fighting to see him be close to meeting his end.
"No! There is no way I am leaving this place without the only way the boss will ever prove to be a threat to Lucifer and those rebellious demons that dare oppose us. Looks like I will have to play the trick card," he angrily shouts.
He slowly pulls out a very haunted black card that he was hoping not to use unless it was for big emergencies. However, Lyn immediately slices the card in half with a quick slash of her cursed Rune Sword just in time. She sensed something evil that was best purged with something of the same caliber of dark magic.
"You little," the angry dice man said upon seeing his masterpiece now worthless.
Callie, Marie, and Game & watch would soon reunite with everyone else after they helped cover the Team Fortress Trio from the endless enemies that would had overpowered them. It wasn't that easy as the 2D man had to go through the right Judgement cycle to truly put down the more annoying foes.
"Here we come guys! Sorry we were late to assist you all! But these guys were in a tight spot!" the black haired Inkling idol called.
"Normally we aren't thankful for your assistance, but we owe you are lives. Now where was we, eliminating the two we came here for!" The Spy announced.
"Get ready to be filled with more holes than a sponge. Banzaaaaaaaaaai!" the Russian gunner shouts.
Pyro does a muffled war cry just to show that they were more than fired up to spread the love in their own unique twisted way. Granbull would successfully pull off a deadly Crunch by chomping down hard on Saltbaker's glass heart boy with all he had. Each immense pressure from the deadly crunch would be cause Saltbaker to cry in pain with even his heart trying hard not to break.
"Way to go, Granbull! Keep it going since his salt is not going to be a problem anymore!" Leaf cried in happiness.
Callie and Marie would already fire enough shots of ink with their trademark weapons at the few visible piles of salt to slow down any attempts of them being controlled. Mr. Game & Watch transforms into a Chef before flinging various 2D foods at the frustrated King Dice to fully distract him. The Heavy fires his beloved minigun directly at his chest to stagger him with endless bullets all while The Spy with his now repaired Disguiser to transform into a large Chef Saltbaker. The Pyro blows their deadly flamethrower at the purple priceless shoes of their larger foe, causing him to soon jump around from the burns happening to his feet.
"Whaaaaaaa! Hot hot hot hot hot hot!" the burning foe cried as he continues jumping around.
The Spy!Saltbaker would soon laugh manically before preparing to stab him where he stands. Anahita knew there was one thing left to do as she ignores the giant Magnus to assist Saltbaker immediately. Thanatos would make sure to coil around his body in his same dragon form before he thought about stopping her. He groans from the pain as he is slowly getting his bones crunched, still under the effects of the Rakunda. Anahita fires her golden plates one by one to try stopping the large imposter with heavy attacks. Pokemon Trainer knew now was the right time to send out his ace Pokemon, one who is just like another really member of the Smash Brothers.
"Pikachu! Use Volt tackle!" he shouts upon throwing the Pokeball.
The ball finally lands on the ground to summon the Mouse Pokemon immediately in a white flash of light. Cute and fierce, he instantly gets into a quick sprint at his desired target with massive amounts of voltage building up within each step.
"Pika pika pika pika pika pika pika!" he cries as he uses his famous move.
This Pikachu unlike the Smash one uses the move traditionally and can't really learn how to fly with it, not that it stops it from packing a punch. Game & Watch flips directly at the goddess immediately to used his famed Judgement in a new form. The black hammer finally connects to her face with the flag he's holding being a number 9. This immensely powerful attack would normally knock out any Smash Fighter with ease, dealing a heavily blow to the goddess's pale face that is head trauma levels of powerful. She slowly loses sight of herself despite stopping The Spy's plan but wouldn't expect yet another dose of voltage that is coming her way. Pikachu leaps with the high voltages around his body before finally tacking her exposed body at full force. She is left screaming immensely from the powerful Electric Type move dealing enough conduction through her watery body. Pokemon Trainer pumps his fist victoriously as the move worked well in his favor.
A loud crack could be heard that soon alerts everyone else. You would expect it to be the sound of Magnus's bones being broken but instead, Saltbaker's heart is now split as a result of Granbull's deadly Crunch. The heart soon drops to the ground lifelessly without any form of life in him. King Dice would be speechless as he is floored that his only way of pleasing The Devil is now in such a state. The wounded Saltbaker imposter would then use this time to finally stab into the dice man's chest with all he had. When The Spy wants a mission done, he goes through with it even if it kills him. The blade plunges deeper and deeper into Dice's chest, causing him to gasp violently from the fatal attack. Magnus would soon fully shrink as the Giant Maker's effects are beginning to run out, leaving Thanatos surprised that he is no longer constricting anything. Magnus would still be struggling to stand as the debuff along with that attack left his body in too much strain to fight as he pushed enough limits trying to fight after the frostbite that was dealt to him.
"Well, there it goes. All the pawns are falling in place," he said under his breath.
King Dice tries his best to push the aggressor away from him despite him succeeding in standing deeper in his chest. The sight would be grisly enough enough for Mugman to be mortified at the sight.
"What is going on? This isn't how it's supposed to happen," Calice said.
"King Dice is a big dangerous jerk, but even we should draw a line at reducing him to a soul," Cuphead said.
"There is difference between you and me. We take out targets with all means necessary. Killing effectively get rid of all problems, we were trained to kill instead of spare enemies. We may had fun racing with Sonic, but we still stay in line with our boss's goals no matter what. This is war, kid. Someone as young and naive as you would never last in a fight with the BLU corporation," The Heavy replies.
"It doesn't mean we are simply going to agree with your ideals, pal. You should be thankful we saved you three, but to kill any of them because you think it's right doesn't make it so," Cuphead argued.
The Pyro heavily rants in their muffled speech at the cup headed boy as their way of telling them to shut up. He knew that now wasn't the time to have any in-fighting since there were two deadly gods to deal with that aren't fully incapacitated. Guile wanted to bring up the earlier topic with their demon recruits, but knew that exposing their alliance now would only make these two hunt them down. The wounded Anahita already knew that her Magatsuhi boost was beginning to run out as there was one option left to heal everyone. She would begin using a special spell that she uses in extreme situations where anyone is near death or already on their deathbed. Pokémon Trainer knew that something was bound to happen again and looks at his Pikachu who's fired up for another order.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" he orders.
The electric mouse begins charging enough electricity in his cheeks for his next attack. Thanatos would lose interest in Magnus to aim directly for the mouse preparing to attack her. Leaf knew dragons like him only have one weakness as she looks at her prized Granbull.
"Granbull, use Play Rough!" she called.
The large bulldog Pokémon lunges directly at Thanatos's reptilian face to pummel it immensely in a cartoony cloud of violence. Magnus chuckles since he's not the only one around here throwing his weight. The electric mouse finally shocks the goddess once more with all she had to stop her from even using the Eternal Spring, immobilizing and surfing her watery body once more. Chalice ignores the Team Fortress gang to help Pikachu by shocking her as well with her own Converge shots rapidly. King Dice could feel himself weaker the deeper the blade plunged into his body, panicking that he may not live to see The Devil again. He would eventually notice one of his King's Court members Mr. Wheezy, who happened to reappear unlike his other Allie's still distracted with Cuphead's friends. The cigar would already be wheezing and coughing due to the round trip it taken to appear from the mountain ashes.
"Man that was close. Boss, we were under attack and…"
He would instantly freeze upon the sight of his own boss slowly dying before his eyes by what appears to be Chef Saltbaker, who's actually The Spy in a disguise. The more he struggles from afar, the more the cigar would grow angrier enough to turn red with fury.
"If you think you can backstab us after everything the boss did for you, then you should go straight to a place worse than Inkwell Hell!" he shouts.
The angry cigar takes a deep breathe loud enough to get the attention of everyone else. Some of them like Heavy and Alucard did not know what to think since he suddenly appeared. The Pyro wasted no time in possibly defending The Spy no matter the costs of the mission. They mumbled aggressively with flamethrower ready to fire when ready for the tobacco breathed intruder's attack.
"Good comrade, defend him with all you have. I will do everything I can to handle the situation," the Russian mercenary says.
Anahita would also slowly drop to the ground from enough voltage damaging her body, slowly losing her will to fight any longer despite knowing the situation she is in. Chalice and Pikachu would slowly watch her carefully in case she had other tricks up her sleeve. Granbull would already deal a powerful Crunch to Thanatos's reptilian head as the dragon violently roars in immense pain.
"Keep it going Granbull! Make sure that dragon doesn't go anywhere else," Leaf called.
Cuphead and Mugman would only surround Saltbaker's heart who is violently coughing despite being an empty glass heart with crack's all over. The two would be wondering what what needed to be done next as this time he seems like he's not even in a will to fight anymore.
"The jig is up, Saltbaker. Just tell us why are you working with King Dice. The real reason since there isn't any other way for us to get the truth out of you," he demands.
"Because I want to…. make my masterpiece. It is my life goal to rule the astral plane to be greater than I already am. Not some slave who bakes tirelessly every day to be paid a baker's dozen. You fools do not understand since history is repeating itself with you getting in my way instead of letting me back the one thing….I've always wanted," the glass heart slowly says before coughing again.
"But you have to wake up and realize that everyone loves your desserts and you were truly passionate about making everyone smile. You don't need some dangerous pastry to prove that, it was always there. Just like how you finally helped Chalice get her body back the right way without any sacrifices. What would she think?" Mugman begs.
The Pyro would already unleashed the fully force of their flamethrower to fight off the stream of flames breathed by the emotional cigar desperate to save his master. King Dice would already feel himself growing weaker by the moment despite his attempts that pushing the false Saltbaker away to remove the knife's deepness. His eyes already started the grow weak with little to no energy to fight back in any way, Thanatos too distracted and now Anahita being closer to death after enough of her weakness used against her. Kapp'n would already be turning the bus around one last time has he's been flying he believed the vehicle flown longer than it should. Various Underworld army goons more frustrated than before already landing a few good hits on the bus as a result. Heavy would instead focus on helping the kappa out by gunning the down from below with his minion as a result. The few that would choose to focus their attention on him instead would be destroyed by Alucard's soul attacks and Guile's Sonic Flash Kicks. Magnus would do some a favor by placing a few Circle Traps, which would keep both gods completely entrapped before they thought about interfering. He would still try to walk off his injuries after the fight despite wooing that he's done his best. Anahita was in a more desperate situation than. Before since she needs to be given enough space too use any of her healing abilities. To make matters worse, her Magatsuhi boost finally wears off to take her back to her regular state. The Pyro bravely stands their ground as a mercenary first most and an ally foremost that would do anything to keep their partners Heavy and Spy out of trouble. It would be that Cuphead understands how much they truly care for one another and they have a survivalist mindset at keeping themselves alive despite their gray morality. They barely knew the psychotic pyromaniac of unknown gender, but knew how much they were willing to risk it all to protect their partners as if this would be their last life. Saltbaker would cough violently once more as he knew too well he risked it all to keep his stolen ingredients from being taken away from him while still under the influence of the contract. Cuphead knew that there was no time and he had to do something to save him.
"Just what happened back there exactly. I know this isn't the real you. Did you sign a contract with King Dice? I really want to save you and not be forced to let you die right here. Tell us," he cried.
"Death is just what I would rather have. Anything beats having to be forced to do community service again and losing my beloved bakery. I've almost lost it and there is nothing you can do to stop me. Leave us be and let me make that Wondertart if it's the last thing I'll do," he shouts.
He cared little about losing his own life as an example of the contract taking away all free will or compassion he's ever had. Mugman would notice a white slip of paper peeking from the suit pocket of King Dice's chest. The blue mug boy just had a feeling that this was the true culprit behind Saltbaker's unusual behavior and made a run for it in a puff of smoke.
"Mugsy, where are you going?" he asks with tears in his eyes.
"To put an end to all of this. You were right Cuphead, he is our friend and I will just be the one to save him despite my distrust earlier. Just you wait there, brother," he called back as he jumped past everyone.
Desperate, but almost dead, the cracked heart of Saltbaker would start jumping after Mugman to try stopping him.
"You will not take away my dreams anymore, you mug headed fool! Your soul will be min e and be mixed into my Wondrtart once…"
he would start to scream in pain once again before falling on his face. Cuphead had a bad feeling that they were almost out of time if it mean freeing him from the contract. Thanatos had no idea what the mug boy was going but felt he needed to be stopped at all costs, letting out a low roar to order more of his men to attack. The few Clubberskulls that were initially sleeping would finally break from the blue chains to reveal their horrible forms in their glory. Now being large pulsating realistic human hearts with one eye and the skull halves that made up their disguise as bony hands. The rest of the heroes would be more than prepared of the lumbering large beasts heading their way to attack at once. The Pyro and Mr. Wheezy still breathed as much fire as possible to try canceling each other out despite the large beasts walking past them. The Heavy would turn to see one of them getting close to crushing him with one of their bony claws, instead Alucard uppercuts the beast's hand with dust knuckles that overpowered their bony structure. The Russian mercenary would use this opportunity to fire immediately at their eyes to harm them. It roars violently as the other two Clubberskulls lunged at everyone else.
"Snorlax, use Shadow Ball!" Pokemon Trainer orders.
"Nidoqueen, use Sludge Wave!" Leaf called.
Their Pokemon used their powerful attacks to the best of their ability to slow down the lumbering Underworld beasts. The Shadow Balls were heavy hidden balls of shadowy energy that did enough damage to their soft bodies, but the Sludge Wave would be a deadly corrosive purple tsunami of toxins that flooded the two beasts. They would still have enough adrenaline regardless to shrug of the poison that affects their body to keep pursing Mugman.
"Sonic Boom!" Guile shouts as he launched his famous attack at a Clubberskull's eye.
This succeeds in blinding one from the force as it starts attacking its own ally as a result. This happens to be the same one Alucard stopped as he flys away for them to start attacking each other in their rage. Chalice would already unleash her same special from before to keep the third Clubberskull from getting any close to Guile or the Pokemon Trainers at all with her ranged attacks.
"Just stay right where you are boys, we have a moment for our fellow mug," she says valiantly in her taller form.
Mugman parries on the few Monoeyes that tried to carge at him and barely dodged the tongue lash of a few Miks to reach a higher point.
"Take that knife out now, I have a plan!" he calls to the Saltbaker doppelgänger.
Being one who didn't know what to trust, The Spy had no intention of believing the mug boy's words at all. This is where he had a plan that involved distracting him with a few Peashooter shots to the face. This mildly annoyed him at worst and he refuses to avoid the idea of assassinating anyone for this mission. King Dice would realize that the mug boy was finally climbing his shoulder, trying to reach for him before he tried to go for his contract. One of the Clubberskulls would finally leap for Mugman to attack him at all costs despite everyone's efforts, crushing the transformed Spy's head due to its sheer weight and brutality. This would finally pull the knife out of his chest before the barely alive King Dice finally holds his own wound.
"About time someone made themselves useful around here. Any longer and this would had been my final days of being The Devil's Number One," he said weakly.
It turns out the contract flew out of his pocket with Mugman riding it like a giant paper airplane. The Clubberskull would jump into the air once more to attempt swatting at the annoying blue pest. An annoyed Spy would finally toss the knife directly at the creature's body through its eye, finally transforming back to his main form due to the sustained damage on the Disguiser.
"Way to go Mugman! Now burn that contract and save our dear friend,"he called while holding Saltbaker's heart.
"So that's the real reason he was controlled to do these horrible things?" Alucard asks.
"Nevermind that, we need to stop Thanatos' sheep from stopping our progress. It would be nice if we had a healer here," Magnus complains.
"Take this. I was saving this Elixir for when I was in danger, but you deserve it more than me," Lyn says upon passing her prized blue healing fluid.
This surprised the man as her being nice to him was unexpectedly rare.
"Good job, you did do more than we could at stopping these two. But now we are on our way out," she said while looking way from him with a slight blush.
Magnus chuckles at this expected niceness out of her as if he reminds her of a certain axe lord from her land. Mr. Wheezy would finally stop breathing his fire, more confused than ever since what appeared to be a traitor was their enemy all along and not the real Saltbaker. This would unfortunately leave him wide open to be set abalze by The Pyro just in time. They laughed hysterically under their hazmat mask for finally winning this heated fire duel and shown no signs of giving up on their arson happy high. King Dice would be too busy looking down, almost on his knees to catch his breath and finally look for a way to heal his injuries. As he pats around his suit pockets, he would realize that something highly important was missing as if he didn't expect it to be named under his nose.
"What the...where is that damn contract. There's no possible way that little mug did…ohh," he said in surprise.
What he would see next is Mugman slam dunking the contract on the flaming Mr. Wheezy's head to add more insult to the injury and quickly burn them away.
"You fool! I thought I've told you to patrol and now look at what you've done!" he shouts.
He stomps angrily as a result directly at the cigar while kicking the few Clubberskulls out of his way due to this rage. This didn't please Dragon Thanatos, who struggles to escape from his enchanted prison to teach him a lesson about abusing his minions. Mugman thankfully hops away before one of the other Clubberskulls and other Underworld minions tried to dogpile him. They would soon be caught on fire just as badly, even running around the caves with these newly added flames. The Pyro laughs once more in an almost psychotically happy manner to see so many foes enjoying a taste of their beloved flames, which appears as bubbles in their rose tinted goggles. This would lead him to finally stomp out his own cigar minion just like the last time for his failure while also trying to keep the contract from being burned out. Cuphead would notice something happening to Saltbaker's heart now, as it slowly begins to heal itself and turn fully pink once more. This time, he would be happily smiling with his normally jolly eyes once more as if he's back to his old self.
"Oh hello there, it is good to back myself again. That fiend knew well that he tricked me to sign papers, what a rude customer who doesn't deserve his salt free cookies at all," he happily declares.
"Saltbaker, you are no longer under King Dice's control! But what will we do about your body?" Chalice wonders.
"Hahahahahahaha! Not to worry, as long as my heart remains I can control and fix anything. Just give me a moment as I retrieve my glass and salt to become whole again,"the happy heart laughed before jumping from Cuphead's hands.
He wouldn't be kidding as everyone begun to notice the shattered shell of his body starting to come to life as it slowly shrinks back to its normal size. Countless fountains of salt would be slowly appearing from the ground as they swirl and get swallowed by the glass shell's mouth as quickly as possible to slowly fill himself. Mugman reunites with Cuphead before shaking his hand now that he's done a great job at bringing their old friend back. Chalice as well grabbing their hands and spinning around with them comically before falling. There was something about seeing these three so happy that warmed the hearts of the Smash fighters and even The Heavy of all people. Kapp'n even tips his blue cap in a respectful manner despite slowly descending now that there's not enough Underworld monsters after him. King Dice would be huffing in anger as he stares down as the now burned and crumbled remains of Mr. Wheezy after putting him out. Unfortunately the contract would be nothing more than dark char and cinders that burned away and any and all forms of writing he's worked hard on for it. If there was one thing he could do, it was scream in anger loud enough to be heard by the entire island in frustrating defeat.
It would be reveled that all this time Cuphead's friend's would be beating up his remaining King'd Court goons and many Underworld Army forces the entire time during the conflict. Katzenwagen would be shaking Mr. Chimes between his metal jaws like a rag doll as the poor monkey toy could do nothing but cry. Ribby and Croaks were taking turns punching Pip and Dot's faces a random buoy, each faces of the dominion feeling more pain than the other with broken teeth. Dr. Kahl's robot had zero problem hurling Mangosteen beyond the horizon after enough laser blasts and beatings that the living 8-ball had received. He screams loudly as he flies faster than a missile until there is no point of return from the trajectory of its hurling. Cala Maria would wave good ye to a petrified Hopus Pocus who is now nothing more than a horrified statue covred in enough bruises from their fight. The Mermaids all giggled as they did their best to help her out the entire time against him. Sally and her husband would be playing the Titanic's ending theme almost ironically to celebrate the defeat of such an annoying foe. Phear Lap would be bucked around by Goopy after having been knocked out of his famed horse track hovercraft.
"Giddy up, horsey! You knew better than to be messed around by a slime like me, a pretty handsome one too," he brags as he whips out a mirror to admire his face.
"King Dice, help me!" the skeletal horse cries.
Captain Brineybeard's fully enraged narwhal ship would fire the biggest possible laser to destroy as many Underworld army forces as possible to stop them. Most of them didn't survive while those that did would drop to the Inkwell Sea below to slowly drown or be left marooned. The uvula inside of the ships' mouth would breath heavily after that last laser before running since he's did well for his body. A few of the Underworld army baddies would already be chased by Scar the Shark or humiliated by Squiddy's ink as a final nail in the coffin for their failure. Even the dogfish would have no problem chewing on the few Underworld monsters that could barely escape them swimming.
"Good job, everyone! Brineybeard shall always be the. Most fearless man with the saltiest sea crew in the aInkwell Isles. perhaps even the Seven Seas if he ever wants to travel," the prate captain announced.
"Yeah!" The ship, shark, squid, dogfish, octopus, and barrel all responds.
Pirouletta would be running away in fear after almost having her beloved golden roulette melted by Grim Matchsticks' triple threat fire.
"This is all I could do. Forgive me King Dice, but I'm out of here!" she cried as she skips away from her aggressor in fear.
"And st-st-st-stay out! Our islands have no time to d-d-d-deal with your master or the Devil's nonsense anymore!" the main head yells.
"And don't let the sea splash you on the way out, c-c-c-coward!" the left said said.
"Cuphead, make sure you kick Dice's b-b-b-butt for us" the right head said.
Wally would have no problem having his nail birds carry pieces of Chips Bettigan away from the area after he had defeated them. Willy giggled mischievously as he waves the angry pieces of the living chip stack away to insult him.
"Now this guy will no longer be a bother to anyway thanks to our work here. I'm glad I didn't need to be on a stretcher again since I don't trust my own doctors," the large cuckoo bird says sarcastically.
This wouldn't be all as the Tipsy Troupe would be left as nothing more than sober crying empty glasses after The Root Pack and Cagney had no problem absorbing the alcohol through their tubers and roots. This unknowingly left the four veggies and flower all a drunken mess who would be barely supporting themselves in the ocean water. Cagney in particularly would be laughing to himself, hiccuping in between each round after tasting Ginette's fine gin fluids. Ol' Ethan's ethanol and Rumulus' rum would be fortunately shared between Ollie, Sal, Chauncey, and Horace equally. The four veggies were thankfully buoyant, but still hiccuped and laughed together as if they enjoyed their heavy drinks from their enemies.
"We did it BOYS!. We drunk those *hic* BOZOS dry before they had a chance to HURT us," the drunken Sal said.
"Is it a me, or uh.. do I feel a bit a…*hic* too fermented for a umm… carrot," Chauncey says with his swirly eyes.
"I-I-I-I am not crying, you two are. *hic* Y-y-y-you silly gooseberries," Ollie says in a playful drunken manner.
"I w….w….wanna get sprung into some good gardens. Maybe with some firm veggies that want to get *hic* with a big strong radish like me," Horace brags in his drunken stupor.
Hilda Berg is now him her beautiful Gemini Form above everyone else destroying as much of the Underworld forces with her special beam shooting vortex. Not even toughies like the Syrens or Gerons could survive these shots that she created in addition to the mini-blimps she had summoned previously from her blimp form. Flying demons like the Anzu and Zhen also fell victims to her mysterious powers due to never fighting something like her before instead of the usual weak human prey.
"I have no idea what that strange girl is, but let's get out of here. We aren't coming back to this crazy island of strange freaks again," the lion headed demon snarled.
"For once I agree, let's go to another island or country that isn't full of such annoying powerful freaks of nature. This is the world that The Creator protects? Then I am never coming back," the poisonous bird demon cried.
"That is correct, we have bigger problems. I am not sensing what appears to be another demon, but a truly powerful god that is a serious threat. Retreat!" an Aitvaras squawks furiously.
A majority of the demons would soon start disappearing in crimson bursts of smoke or flying away as fast as they could. This wouldn't be all as even some of the Underworld army monsters choose to retreat as well since they could feel something every scarier than any Underworld god that commands them worth running from. Hordes of them had never ran from any threat, even if they were Pit, but whatever was coming was enough to scare a majority of them from ever fighting with Cuphead's allies any longer. The Gemini Twins form of Hilda Berg immediately stops chanting to pay mind to the unusual sight. Being an actor who knows the art of theatre, Sally knew too well that a new storm is brewing in dramatically.
"A new protagonist is here it seems. Perhaps this one is a truly frightening one if our enemy co-stars is choosing to retreat," she says in a rare serious manner.
Katzenwagen would stop shaking around the damaged Mr. Chimes, who would be already too scared stiff from the traumatizing experience he's in. Werner would notice the tracker inside of his famed cat mech that something with high energy levels appears to be heading their way at a fast rate. This was almost like what he sensed from the area where Dr. Kahl's Robot threw them from his readings.
"Vell vat do we have here? It seems vee aren't zee only ones who have a bone to pick vith zose invaders!" the shellshocked rat veteran exclaimed.
"You are certainly right, my rodent friend. Things have gotten interesting when we have another outsider among us. But this one is truly a powerful one indeed. Perhaps from a land in the far east when the sun rises. Just my theory, or maybe it's a possible fact," the giddy Dr. Kahl announced.
The figure would be running along across a frozen trial of ice that was seemingly created in the middle of the chaos on all fours as it leaves a trail of fertile growing plants similarity to Bayonetta's Panther Within form. The being in question is lupine like that of an animal, but is actually that of a goddess's avatar., She also happens to be an Amatsu Kami, although another form of the infamous sun goddess from the far past that once protected the land of Nippon before it modernized years later. White fur covered in mysterious celestial red markings along with the special shield on her back covered in flames would give this mysterious invader a radiant otherworldly feel. She lets out a low powerful howl that echoes across the entire ocean to let many know that there is a Kami among them that is here to set things right in a world outside of her former country. The Mermaids that swam around Cala Maria could tell this howl is different and night like the more familiar Lou-Garou that they were familiar with. The Aitvaras couldn't recognize this being either but felt her power is comparable to that of most high ranking demons not meant to be trifled with.
"I feel sorry for the more suckers that will be her next target. This one's different and perhaps on their way to fight another god who happens to be causing trouble," the drake says in caution.
"You are correct, my small dragon friend. She is from another timeline long ago that used to be Japan. Unlike the other Amaterasu who is considered the true one we know about, this one is more an interpretation once thought of as a protector much revered by the ancient Japanese. This one is also allied with another group of heroes who's primary goal is protecting the world. Very interesting future that is beheld for us," the wise Djimmi says as he puffs his smoke.
"As if things couldn't get any weirder already. I hope this goddess isn't an enemy here to hurt Cuphead. But we can only pray for the best," Wally rambles.
"That is just what you would need to do, pray. Prayer is what makes anyone liker to win any battle. Or perhaps even give gods and goddesses the strength they need to be symbols of hope. That hope that this world will never fall to the darkness of moments. Like our friend Chef Saltbaker being free from King Dice's contract," the genie repeats.
"Freeeeeee?" Wally and Grim beamed.
Chef Saltbaker would be back to his old self as he hugs the three cup heroes all together in a nice embrace with the warmest hug. Prince Sable and Vince joined in on the fun to celebrate freeing an innocent soul from a sark path instead of being forced to kill them. Lyn and Alucard were certainly happy with the result of their mission, Magnus crossing his arms in gratitude with most of everyone restricted by them. Guile would be helping the Team Fortress trio chase away what was left of the remaining Zoastrian and Underworld Army who remained in the cave with Kapp'n's help that scared them away with his horn. Various Underworld monsters, Maguses, and Zoastrian demons were already escaping while they could after seeing what everyone was capable of doing.
"No, don't you run! We haven't lost the battle yet!" Anahita shouts despite her pain.
Thanatos however was struggling to change forms once more despite the Capture Circle's trap still restricting his movement, violently roaring and twitching as a result. "Run while you can cowards, because this is only reminder of not to mess with Team Fortress RED! Hahahahahaha!" The Heavy bellowed as he fires his minion to make them run faster. The Pyro mumbles beside him as they fire their deadly flamethrower once more in psychotic glee.
"Mission accomplished for now. The targets may not be down, but this will on imply lead us top their boss in due time. Good work, man and pyro. And of course our new acquaintances that happen to be here," The Spy said.
Some Smash members were not too thrilled about being just called that and not something like allies or partners, but Guile knew too well it takes a while for someone to truly gain the trust of others. King Dice however would be shrunken back to his normal size, crying almost pathetically over being the sore loser he was for failing the one thing he promised The Devil to do. Even he has doubts his court really survived fighting everyone else outing the Inkwell Sea in any way if they were taking too long to contact him again. It wasn't until they felt a massive surge of power that is suddenly bursting behind them. Prince Sable would be the first to notice that Anahita had successfully broken from the Capture Circle's spell, immediately screaming. Magnus would be the first to hear but also see that she is back to more with her immense rage.
"Everyone get back, she's broken free of the circle!" he called.
Alucard knew that this wasn't the time to celebrate anymore with one angry goddess back for more. Lyn thought the efforts of Chalice and Pokemon Trainer's Pikachu were enough, but it seems she was only going easy on them the entire time and not using her full power. This was different as there was no Magatsuhi Boost but now her seemingly using her own rage as a last resort to get even with the few mortals that dare make a fool of her or her army. The Team Fortress Trio immediately gotten their weapons ready despite this sort victory to soon focus on her. Not only that, but the goddess appears to be slowly growing at an immense rate as her once already large body would soon become enormous in due time.
"You all must be quite the fools if you thought you've won this battle. This isn't even close to the full power of the goddess of life and the Earth's waters, not even by a miracle. I am done playing games or being forced to hold back. So what if a few mortals get in the way and die from my destructive waves. In the name of Bethel, your punishment shall be death. Whether you are reduced to brittle ice sculptures that I could shatter or drowned into depths that are deeper than Hell itself. There is no running now. Prepare to be destroyed!" she says coldly and almost loud enough to shake even the mountains themselves.
Even Thanatos would be scared of her power since he's starting to feel her getting to a level that goes beyond his own Underworld boss. King Dice immediately turned around and froze in fear now that he sees what type of client he worked with all this time. Another thing many noticed is that various amounts of water particles from the snow around them would be slowly absorbed from the mount and into Anahita's expanding body as an example of what control she has over the waters of the world.
"Everyone, we need to move out of here now!" Guile ordered.
"But what about some of us that can't fly?" Vince panicked.
Kapp'n would swoop in just in time with the bus doors ready for them to come on in.
"Just get your britches inside, scalawags, this is about to be the bumpiest ride yet!" the kappa shouts on the intercom.
"Are we glad to see you, Kapp'n. Alright, we will all get in," Lyn said.
Alucard however instead chooses to fly outside of the cave in his bat form since he had other plans in mind.
"Alucard, where are you going?" Magnus called.
"He's going to fight her, and so are we. Our planes are still over there and we plane to fly out and have the craziest dogfight in the world," Cuphead said in a serious manner.
"Someone like her needs to be stopped and chased out of our islands. Too many could get hurt and we aren't going to give up yet," Mugman replies.
Chalice would already be helping Saltbaker load up every ingredient that was stolen for the Wondertart inside of the bus while he could. The chef knew that he was fully exhausted from everything that happened that needed all the rest possible.
"You help those boys take that unruly customer on. I know that you can do it, Legendary Chalice," the concerned salt chef said.
"The name is just Chalice. And yes, someone's got to keep the boys out of trouble and not die," the chalice girl says before leaving him.
Magnus understood what she was going for and knew it would be their job to keep him safe now that he's no longer in King Dice's hands. The three cups had already started to jump inside of their famed planes who were left untouched completely since the fight. This would leave everyone else to load themselves indie of Kapp'n bus as quickly as possible to escape. Anahita's head would finally hit the ceiling of the large mountain cave it beginning to crumble due to the force of her growth or erosion from her watery hair. More stalactites would fall from the ceiling as a result one by one to attempt crushing anything below it. Cuphead, Mugman, and Chalice would already begin liftoff as they aerlion rolled passed the few that almost hit them. King Dice would already be running as fast as he could to save himself regardless of whether he had the Wondertart ingredients or not. His life would be seen as worth saving than something to help his own boss anyway. Thanatos would finally break free from the Capture Circle angrier than ever as he lets out a powerful roar. He already notice the few stalactites falling in his direction, immediately flying past them to dart for a possible escape. He chooses to ignore the heroes who were flying away in the bus instead of taking any opportunity to kill them as he had better things to worry about.
Just have your little victory, I am only leaving this place. But soon my partner will be the one to destroy you all faster than Medusa's deadly stare.
He soon managed to escape the cave besides Chalice, Mugman, and Cuphead at the same time. The Team Fortress Trio would already be leaving on the same vehicle together, barely fighting for who gets to sit in the seat with Spy taking the lead.
"The two of you can fight later. We have to leave if it means taking leads to our next target. Capice?" he warned.
Heavy and Pyro nods despite barely squeezing behind their leader. The spy plane would finally take flight as they followed the flying bus containing everyone else inside of it. King Dice however would finally get on a large card that he creates and begin flying before one large stalactite almost smashed him. He would notice that a heart pennant was dropped from Cuphead's plane after he had taken off. Given his poor health and severe injury, he could take what he can get if it means getting back in better condition to fly back to the boss his way.
"Yoink! Just what I need to get back in tip top shape. Now to get out of here, unfortunately that means sharing the bad news of my failure instead of taking the easy way out," he said before flying out.
The gigantic goddess would successful break through the mountain cave's roof with everyone already escaping for their lives with not a single sign of life yet. Meanwhile, Glumstone would be lumbering his way back to his beloved mountain spot since he wanted to take a rest from almost tangling up with his other allies. The giant takes a loud yawn that scares countless geese and other forest animals from even continuing their natural behavior. He sits down on a smaller mountain and slowly lies on his lumpy back to resume his usual sleeping position. Upon smacking his lips the many gnomes would be starting to leave his mouth to begin setting down on other parts of the mountain range after a long day of chasing one thief. One of the gnomes however would notice there was something off starting to grow from one of the neighboring mountains in the distance, alerting all of his other fellow gnomes in fright. Glumstone however would be far too sleepy to even care or listen to their little cries. Slowly closing his eyes once more to begin sleeping without a single thought. One of the gnomes would be grumpy at his inability to listen, jumping up to his red nose with a few other gnomes. They would begin kicking and backing the large red schnoz if it mean trying to get him back out of his sleep. Another gnome would already be shoving at what appears to be something large and blue growing out of that same mountain they were watching. This wasn't all as they seem to notice many mountains beginning to lose oxygen and even snow overtime due to it being drawn in that direction. Even Glumstone was noticing his mountain is starting to feel less comfy and more rough since he likes the snow as his personal pillow for rest. He finally wakes up to look despite even the gnomes futile trying to waken him.
"Who dares take away my beloved snow pillow? Was it one of you guys? You know better than to make me cranky after a tiresome day of chasing that stupid chef and dice runt anyway," he grumbles loudly.
It would be soon he heard a wicked laugher that happen to be louder than his old voice that made him and his gnome accomplices freeze immediately. He would begin raising his upper body to take a look at the very sight his tiny friends wanted him to take a look at. The watery spot that forms would be accompanied by a pair of pale hands that grow fro. the same mountain. Glumstone immediately turned pale from seeing what was happening since he knew too well that's not another mountain giant like him. The gnomes would already be gathering together as one big multicolored crowd on his belly. The mountain would finally erupt into something much larger that would soon reveal said figure has a womanly upper body and watery features. It was Anahita all along who was now touring over the entirety of the mountain rage thanks to all the water particles she absorbed in the region. He laughs once more with an almost psychotic glare from her icy blue eyes that shows the cold nature within this fertility goddess after such humiliation. Glumstone would finally shrivel his nose and shrink his eyes completely without a single voice as all the gnomes would already begin to scramble around his body in fear of their monstrous invader. Her presence would be accompanied by various clouds around the mountain range and even the rest of the isles slowly losing their forms due the water molecules stripped from them forcibly.
As she does this, her famed giant golden plates would violently erupt from what used to be the mountain one by one to surround her from behind. The land itself would be feeling more dead and lifeless with most water and voids taken away from it. Even the nearby desert where Esther was frozen and Mortimer were defeated would be growing unkempt hot with no clouds to cover the region anymore. The rising heat levels would be more than enough to begin melting the ice that fully encased the southern belle cow, her eyes starting to blink as she feels the heat. She would use what cowgirl strength she has left to start violet toy shaking her frozen body as the other shell continues to melt. Mortimer however would start to feel his beard starting to catch fire because of the heat. The winter warlock already starts to jump around and screaming writhing each step in the abnormally hotter weather. Esther finally breaks free from the ice completely, doing a victory square dance to celebrate her freedom from her frozen prison.
"Yeeeeeeehaaaaww! This gal's ain't going anywhere. Not even some strange water lady or death clown can put this cowgirl down!" she exclaims.
Her victory would soon be interrupted by Mortimer still running around with his beard on fire and ice powers not in a state to work.
"Easy for you to say! It's twice as hotter than usual here. My beard is baking cookies and I'm not liking it!" he screams.
Esther would splash a whole mug of ice cold sarsaparilla on his body to put out the flames. He is left dripping wet momentarily, but finally feels that chill needed to start levitating again with his jolly wicked laughter again. He is glad that his beloved ice cult weren't here to see him in such an embarrassing position. But would get their attention is something large and blue they could see growing g from the mountain range. Esther knew whatever it was there would be little way it was Glumstone since she could recognize what he truly resembles when faraway. She had a bad feeling that this may have something to do with the same mysterious beings that helped Saltbaker and King Dice attack them earlier. "What in tarnation? That ain't no little doggie but a real big pickle. I can hope those cups aren't having too much trouble out there," she said in suspicions.
"That's not all, it's hotter than usual as if someone is taking way the clouds of these islands. I will have to be careful if it means not losing my frozen powers again," Mortimer Freeze would say.
"Instead of waiting here, I'll get on up there like a jackrabbit running a marathon. Come with me unless you want to melt away. I'm sure those mountains are bound to be cold enough for you," the determined cowgirl would say before galloping away on her spurs.
"You don't have to tell me twice since I would rather stay chill and freeze the one responsible for this mess," the snow warlock had said.
He would soon fly off after her while carrying his famed sack to keep up with his companion in a jiffy. Even a nearby cactus would soon catch on fire due to the intense heat while screaming erratically. The Anteater would already be running through the city with the entire Moonshine Mob on his back including the Lightbug who would be awaiting them at the station. The Snail would still be hidden inside of the his overgrown bodyguard's hat for safety entrusting the edentate to sprint his way towards the source of the trouble. Being very good with his sense of smell, he could easily smell trouble along with the missing Wondertart ingredients that were rightfully stolen by them.
"Full speed ahead, big guy. We'll make 'em play for every making a fool of us. The Howling Aces were already flying ahead of us to investigate. There's no doubt that we'll not be too late at stopping them," the Spider Mobster called.
"There is no doubt the rest of the Inkwell Isle resistants who were The Devil's former debtors had already came to Cuphead's aid. We will only be there to take back our ingredients if possible if the day was saved. Those cups aren't any pushovers," his seductive firefly wife says with the tip of her red hat.
"I hope whoever we are facing won't be big and scary. I would make sure to stay back in case it's too dangerous," the cowardly caterpillar gangster says.
"Aaaaaaaaaah shaddup! The boss wouldn't appreciate such spineless behavior. We are the biggest gang in the Inkwell Isles and there ain't no way we'll lose to anyone, not even the fuzz. They got bigger problems like keeping the civilians safe, so they are the least of our problems," a fly mobster shouts.
The hat would lift to reveal the snail who wanted to have a word with his fellow gang members briefly.
"Less talking and more getting your minds and bodies more prepared than a Sunday morning apple pie! Getting back our booze dough is more than enough of a priority. As well as some payback against that good for nothing chef for ever breakin' a promise to us. That dice fellow won't get off the hook either since there's so much my bodyguard here wants to enjoy, orally," the slimy gang leader says before winking.
Meanwhile the Chinook would already be flying above the desert Esther and Mortimer were in as the quickly approach the mountains at desperate speeds. The Bulldog Pilot would be flying after the dashing shaped ship in his own plane as the four Yankee Yippers remain inside at all costs.
"How much longer until we get there? I can smell those cups from a mile away as well as our beloved pineapple mints. Those two trouble makers will get their bones crunched on for ever ticking us off," the burly pilot shouts.
"We are less than fifty kilometers away from our destination.l But we have ourselves a bogey nearby, a bigger one that we wished had any bones to crunch on. I hope no one is thirsty because I can see water and lots of it coming from the east," the Saluki Pilot announced from her ship.
"It doesn't matter, we can slurp it all up. Whatever this thing is. There would be no way this isn't someone on their side. Not even…"
"Aye Chihauhau! What in All Dogs Go to Heaven is that?" the Saluki Pilot screams in interruption.
Even the Chinook itself would be making fearful expressions with both mechanical paws over its jaws from the sight they would be approaching. The Bulldog Pilot would take a look himself and instantly dropped his massive fanged jaw at what they were seeing. The already large Anahita would finally be overlooking the entire mountain range before her eyes to look for what's left of her own enemies to destroy. Just her head alone would be enough to make even a mountain giant like Glumstone look tiny in comparison. The Saluki Pilot would be still at a loss of words nor panting to try an dgrasp what she was looking at period. The goddess laughs once more in a way that even causes the flying dachshund ship to begin sweating in dread once more from how tiny they seem in comparison to her. One of the Yankee Yippers would peer from the plane's windows to take a look, only to yelp and quickly whimper his way backside for safety. Even a puppy brave enough to yap their traps at the cups wouldn't be brave enough to see a water goddess this massive. One of her eyes would soon catch wind of the Howling Aces from below, one icy blue pupil still keeping its eye on them as a whole. They instantly froze since being spotted makes them nothing more than mere flies to be swat if not careful enough.
"Well look what the cat has dragged in. Six insignificant canines who think they are a mere threat to someone like me. Perhaps you are rather thirsty, let me help you out with a nice quench," she announced loud enough to be heard throughout the mountain range.
With one hand raised back, she would be generating a vortex of pure water large enough for a single hand to try striking them with. The Chinook would immediately yell in fear with its metallic tongue rippling like a river, also revealing a screaming Saluki Pilot without a single clue of what to do. Even the Bulldog Pilot would be howling in dread with all four Yankee Yippers panicking inside of his plane. What would happen next would be two smiling rockets of different colors that would fly directly at the goddess's face to explode violently an stop her assault. The Howling Aces could recognize that cartoony BOOM and those particular smiling missiles from anywhere now that they gotten. Abetter look. The third smiling missile would be of a golden variety and aims directly for her heart which explodes in a similarly painful way.
"Looks like they survived after all. Good going, cups," the Saluki Pilot said.
"Those doggone cups done did it again. They should be given a bone of honor for such bravery against that big blue lady," the Bulldog Pilot says with a salute.
The goddess finally opens her eyes again after the smoke had cleared completely, angrier than before and wanting to see who the attackers were.
"Show yourselves! Because I have enough water absorbed from this entire mountain range that makes me more unstoppable than a hurricane at its worst," she demands.
"Eat my dust, you watery dame!" Cuphead shouts as he guns down her face with his plane's bullets.
They would annoy her enough to try swiping at the red biplane that was attacking her. Mugman would maneuver his blue biplane to begin riddling enough bullets at the more vulnerable parts of her body like her chest.
"How about them apples, that's if anyone would bob for them inside of you!" he called before blowing a raspberry.
She would use one of her free hands to attempt swiping at him with all she had. Unfortunately he would shrink in time to narrowly dodge the large hand before returning to fire once more. Chalice's golden plane would be riding along the mountain to fire at her from her navel all the way to her face once more in rapid fire dogfighting shooting.
"Never mess with our island! I say you overstayed your welcome for an unruly legend with her business where it doesn't belong!" she called.
This annoyed the goddess enough to use her left hand once more to cast a powerful Mabufula spell. Chalice immediately dodges the massive ice formation that appears thanks to her shrinking before flying around her body for another attack. She would already have her hands full with Mugman and Cuphead firing at her face once more with every bullet they had to her frustration.
"Your island? As a goddess, this world is OURS. We made everything and all of you ungrateful beings. Those that bite back against their creators deserve nothing but to be drowned in their own foolishness. The sea is mine, all of the water you consume is mine, the rivers that flow through the land also mine, even the very blood that flows through your bodies are mine. What will it take to make you all understand that a god will always have authority over all that happens here?" she bellows immensely.
"That doesn't mean you can judge the fate of humans or other beings like they are some pets for you to mistreat. Even God has his limits!" a familiar voice would call.
She is suddenly slashed in her chest by a powerful flaming attack caused by the one and only Alucard with the Firebrand sword. As this is yet another one of her weaknesses, she gags violently with the pale parts of hr body slightly cracking.
"Damn you….but how would you know this weakness," she demands.
"Seeing your control of ice and how you stole the cold of these mountains allowed me to draw the conclusion that you tend to hate the warm. At least since lightning is the least of your problems," the dhampir responds in mid-flight.
He would immediately slash her again with his Thunderbrand, but this time up to her face with the force of his powerful swing.
"Way to go, Alucard! You show that fountain dame who's boss around her!" Cuphead called.
"Her stay is long over welcomed and think of the many innocents who would be reduced to even more souls The Devil would collect," Mugman beamed.
They weren't alone as a series of powerful rockets would be firing against the larger goddess' face in rapid succession wanton destruction. Chalice could tell this technology was nothing like what's here on the Inkwell Isles. The sound of loud Russian laughter would cause her to turn dead around to see the Team Fortress Trio still fighting for space on their transforming plane, even in All Star Mode. The Spy takes his cigarette out of his mouth and blows it once more as a sign of a successful shot.
"Mon cheri, poutier en enfir," he says seductively.
"Hey watch your mouth!" Chalice would say in disappointment.
"Less talk, more focus on dodging that," The Heavy warned.
Anahita almost purified the two with a Hama tag that shot pure holy light they narrowly dodged. Cuphead would resort to shooting at their large target once more since he's more than determined to chase her out. Mugman made sure to cover his brother as much as he could with support shots and distracting her from another direction with his blue plane. Chalice would try to attack if it weren't for a familiar dragon that narrowly attacked her out of nowhere. She had a feeling it would be the same death god who wants her soul no matter what the costs were now that everyone one else would be too focused on a bigger threat.
"What the heck? I don't remember you being alive," she said inn surprise.
Little did she know was that the dragon's yellow eyes were dead on her the entire time as if killing her was his only real goal now with plans and alliances falling apart. A stray tornado would strike the dragon however just to remind him of another foe who still had some unfinished business with him. It would be Magnus who is standing atop Kapp'n flying bus to act as a way to defend everyone while also finishing what he had started with the Death God.
"Missing me already? Don't you worry since there's more where that came from," he called with a smug grin.
The serpentine beast would let out a massive roar of annoyance now that it still had to deal with him once more without Anahita to assist him. This would be when the Howling Aces realize how dire the situation was and that standing there afraid wasn't going to be of help for the cups in any way. This also gave the mischievous Saluki Pilot an idea since she realize that her beloved ship could be of use.
"Yankers! Bulldog! It appears we have some real assistance to provide. I'm not sure if this dog has some old tricks, but we can fetch up something good to take care of these two disobedient pests," she says.
"Whatever it is, I would like to hear it since I'm all dog ears," the Bulldog Pilot replies.
"Aye aye, Commander Saluki! We are at your service!" The four puppy soldiers barked.
"I'm listenin' too, pardner," a southern voice would say.
"Me too," an additional creepy voice say.
The Chinook would notice that the entire time Mortimer Freeze and Esther Winchester would be sitting atop them the whole time after their perilous trek from the burning desert. The ship soon jumped in surprise that they never felt anyone on its head almost like a scared dog, with the Bulldog Pilot yelling with his popped out eyes.
"Next time, don't scare us like that! But anyways, you two just might as well be a part of our plan," the Saluki Pilot barked.
Anahita would be preparing one of her deadliest moves at her larger size as the golden tiles would soon start rotating to generate that needed freezing cold to end everyone. Cuphead and the others knew what to expect as being in her line of sight could result in a frozen death or even death by shattering as ice. Thanatos also made sure to move out of her way to respect her ally's space as much as he wanted to help.
"After this, you all will truly regret ever facing the waters of the universe in living form. This is the true power of Bethel. Hellish Spurt!" she shouts.
The end result with be a massive flash freezing that not only destroyed a portion of the entire mountain rage in an instant but reduced many unknowing mountain climbers into souls. Countless mountain rumble and trees would be flying into the air as shattered pieces from the sheer power of this attack. Said dying souls would have no choice but to float to the heavens with no way of getting alive again. Chalice couldn't believe such a destructive goddess would care less about the civilians in her way or be willing to kill others if she failed to kill them in the process. Magnus would be just as disgusted upon seeing Thanatos wasted zero time in snatching whatever souls he could in one swoop being one to keep his job as the Underworld second in command of death.
"This is why you got to go. They had nothing to do with this and you took their lives away just like that. Not even God would ever go that far," Cuphead yells.
"I don't think talking to some deity like they'll listen will work kid, but the two of them are still irredeemable monsters that must be stopped," Magnus groaned.
"But that still doesn't mean we should let their lives be taken away in vain, stopping her should prevent even more from being lost the longer we waste time. It only reminds me of what my father wants to be," Alucard sadly said.
The goddess would only chuckle at her handywork still being good as it was millions of years ago, glancing at her enemies that just happen to avoid her deadly attack.
"There is no way any of you think your God is any better. He was a maniacal narcissist that wanted nothing more than the world knowing him as the only god. This was years of hatred of him, his people, everything those fools at Law stands for, just their very existence. If they were fools that fell for his lies at salvation for worshipping him, a swift death is what they truly deserved. Such a fate for scum that are polluting this universe," she says in an almost calm manner with one hand below her face.
Cuphead and Mugman didn't understand what she meant by that in any way as those who only knew God from the many churches in Inkwell Isles or The Devil ranting about him. Chalice however still didn't stand for the idea of innocents being killed all because of her clear pettiness at wanting to be the center of people's attention.
"But that still doesn't mean you have to kill all of those people. They were just minding their business and had nothing do with any of this. I do not know what beef you have with God or whatever he did with you, but that is never an excuse to take away lives. Gods are supposed to love and protect the people, only punishing those who are truly bad and harm others. You are only setting an example of why you were abandoned if you really are a goddess!" she shouts.
The cup brothers had never seen Chalice this fired up about anything before, even she was mostly calm when confronting Saltbaker's past mistake. Magnus easily agrees with her on many aspects, most calling out truly terrible dirties that don't deserve respect from anyone. His Allie's that sat in the us would only wonder what is going on in the goddess's head if there is a hint of good in her at all. Thanatos being a god of death would care less about any cries of what lives are taken as long as he is filling the Underworld with as much souls as possible for Hades. The goddess eyes would now change to that of a more aggressive look as they slowly focus towards the beer chalice girl that dared to question her morals. She had zero fear left for someone like her no matter how much stronger the Zoastrian goddess is. Amaterasu is seen running up to the source of the sudden quake that happened on the other end of mountain range. A familiar bug sized boy would be jumping on the white wolf's nose to get a better look at the situation. They could see nothing but massive amounts of unearth pits, ravaged mountains, and the souls of many living things flying into the heavens after their bodies were destroyed. This almost reminded them of the kind of destruction they prevented Yamuna or Orochi from causing to Nippon.
"This is terrible Ammy. I never thought that things would be getting this bad in the present. It didn't seem too long since we last chased Galactus away from this world and the world our Marvel friends came from. We've been out of contact for so long that trying to find the others is our priority. But first we should stop whatever unruly demon is causing this much destruction. Don't forget that we are to save any lives we can or else it would be Rao and the Celestials all over again," the tiny boy beamed as he bounced on his wolf ally's head.
Being aloof but also serious when needed, they white wolf lets out a massive yawn as she begins taking a short rest. This would leave Issun rather frustrated since he is always the voice of reason when it came to steering here down the right path.
"Ammy , I am being serious here! How about you take a nap latter and we can stop the main source of this destruction? More lives will be taken away if we sit here any longer Are you a goddess or are you a lazy dog?" he shouts.
"Hey, I don't think I've ever seen a wolf around these parts before. What are you doing here little guy?" a booming voice would say.
It wouldn't be long until Amy would notice the large hand hovering above her and get into a more defensive stance, growling like any wolf would to stand her ground instead of being touched. Issue would see the giant towering body from above and landing on his backside from the sudden jump.
"Woah, that is one ugly looking giant! It's my first time seeing one this close outside of Nippon. He could be related to Susano'o," he beamed.
Glumstone being a giant could barely hear Issun's voice but instead sees Amaterasu as a wild nonverbal animal instead from her actions. This made sense as the gnomes who are half the size of Cuphead are the smallest beings he can really hear the sounds of.
"No need to get all defensive, little guy. You have to hightail out of here since some mega giant blue lady is destroying everything around here. We will have no choice but to evacuate these isles if things get worse. Cuphead is our only hope but I don't think him or his other two friends are strong enough to take her on," the giant reassures.
This would leave Amaterasu confused than angry since she knew well that only her previous incarnation Shiranui is male and not her. Issue would be left intrigued since he is giving some good clues behind what seems to be happening here.
"That's it, this gigantic guy is our key to finding this mega blue lady and stopping her. You were able to sense her presence around here, correct? Then maybe you can have him show us the way to her. I don't care if a lady is rocking the best body since Ninetails is proof that some wenches shouldn't be trusted. So putting an end to all of this should make it so not a single civilian is driven out of their homeland. Ammy, you have to tell him something since he's probably not that bright!" Issun ordered.
This is when the wolf would have the crazy idea of climbing him instead to get a better view. This is when time itself would stop as a familiar brush in the shape of her tail with ink at the bottom of it would appear, this being her Celestial Brush. She would use this brush to draw a line going from Glumstone's feet to his shoulder in seconds to mark a special path. Things return to real time to reveal said path is now glowing yellow on his body with special paw markings to represent the Catwalk ability from Kabegami. The wolf would instantly begin leaping across this special path as quickly as possible to get a better view. Issun would hold onto Ammy's head to avoid flying off of her in any moment. Glumstone would be laughing and trying his best not to move to much due to his ticklish nature and loving fuzzy animals. Luckily said path allows Amaterasu to cling hard enough and not fall as long as she follows the very godly path that she drew with her Celestial Brush.
"Come, little guy. You are making it hard for me to think about leaving. Hahahaha…stop tickling me. You are definitely better than that bear that bores me too easily," he cried with laughter as he stomps around.
The gnomes would even be peeking outside of his beard to see just what would be making him this ticklish easily. One of them would notice the source in question, choosing to hide immediately due to Ammy being a wolf.
"Good job, Amy! We will reach high enough in no time to see how far we have to go. I think I can see something in the far east. Big, blue, having melons. No…think Issun, think! Now is not the time to be seeing our enemy as beautiful," the tiny boy reminds himself despite initially getting lost in desire.
Amaterasu could pick up the scenes of the goddess the higher she climbs despite the giant's wiggling body almost obscuring the path she had to follow up his towering body. His laughter would soon be loud enough to echo even throughout the ravaged area that they were standing before if there any any potential survivors to hear this scene at all. But who would be listening to them wouldn't be any resident, or even a human at all with his sharply dressed green appearance and dark skin. This being would have a flute in hand and a rathe mysterious morally gray aura to him compared to his main self that's still in Bethel's meeting. His only reason for being here is to see how things were going with fellow Bethel member Anahita and her progress on destroying the Smash Brothers. But really draw his curiosity is the appearance of another Amaterasu that isn't the demon he is familiar with. However he chooses to stay hidden as getting caught by anyone with the power of an Amatsu Kami would mean trouble for him.
Strange of the "other" Amaterasu to be here all of a sudden. And just who are these Marvels? Another threat that wants to replace the gods? Whoever they may be, we will make a world where such people will never exist. Bethel is our only hope ta being what the Divine Powers should had been the last time.
Meanwhile, everyone would be struggling to dodge every sleet flurry or monsoon caused by Anahita's full control of the water molecules that she's absorbed. This would be proven troublesome for all the fliers of vehicles as these winds combined with then rising cold temperatures were making it harder to fly as well anymore. Kapp'n would even be forced to use the windshield wipers and enough wiper fluid if it means seeing anything before his sheepish eyes in this crazy dogfight. Magnus had already did everything possible to tough out the coldness since he's already done felt the full brunt of the Hellish Spurt back in the mountain cave. What mattered to him was taking down Thanatos no matter the costs. Speaking of him, he would be attempting to attack Chalice within every opportunity despite Alucard defending against him with everything's he's got knowing well he wants her soul. Mugman would already be in a tough spot as there were few things around that could be parried with so few Moneys around anymore and the other half of the army still miles away with his friends keeping them busy. He had already taken a bad hit from a single Mabufu that just happened to slightly damage the plane's body and left wing, but thankfully it could still fly as its taken much worse from older foes.
"Cuphead, we really got to think of a way to slow her down. She's making it colder and wetter that it's harder to focus or even feel ourselbves in these vehicles," he cried.
"Also her pet dragon is making it harder for me to help since he really wants to take me down for some reason. Sorry boys, but I am in need of some serious assistance," Chalice called.
She narrowly dodged the jaw's of Thanatos's draconic mouth that nearly bite her yellow biplane in two. Magnus would distract him with another powerful blast from the tip of his club that knocked the serpentine foe in his head. He immediately roars in pain before quickly snarling at the one who harmed him.
"Come on and take my soul if you really want it! Am I not good enough for ya compared to doll face here?" the daring warrior shouts.
"So that's why he was attacking me. Of course, I am so used to The Devil being the only real soul collector on these islands. But keep it up, really distract that ugly flying snake until he coils himself to death," Chalice cheered in encouragement.
"Just be glad that Grim didn't hear you since that dragon would be offended at that statement. He's a bit sensitive," Cuphead warns despite trouble with the typhoon winds.
Thanatos would be slashed at his underbelly strategically by Alucard's Sword Familiar thanks to the brief distraction, the damper being pleased by this plan everyone unknowingly cooked up.
"Keep it up, I am sure that he will be going down soon unlike the goddess before us. He is the least of our problems as the weaker target," he said.
However the already raging goddess who overheard them is less than pleased to hear such words about him in any way. Her icy cold eyes would now be filled with rage comparable to the worst of storms as she glares at her smaller targets below her. Without a single word, she would soon grow a series of tiny hail iceballs in a cluster almost as big as any storm. Kapp'n knew what she was planning was big trouble since he knows his trusty bust in't the most defensive against a mean ol' hailstorm.
"Brace yerrselves, travelers. It will be raining so much cats and dogs that no island would handle!" he announced on the intercom.
"Oh I can already tell. She is truly upset about something and I wonder what possibly could had triggered it," Prince Sable says in worry.
"It's Magnus isn't it? I know he has a thing agents gods, but that mouth of his' will almost get everyone killed," Lyn nervously said with a single sweatdrop.
The goddess would already hold her massive hand back as far as she could to prepare taking everyone out of the skies with these deadly balls of ice and stone that could tear through any flying vehicle in seconds. Alucard instantly gets his famed shield ready if possible as the flying cups would prepare to shrink if they have to for dodging. Magnus would already raise his club once more as battering these balls should be little issue for him. The Team Fortress trio knew too well to get ready for one hell of a storm, The Pyro being the least fearful as they were very confident in their beloved flames.
"This is it, get ready for that hell storm. I mean hailstorm. Doesn't matter, it will likely fricken destroy us," The Spy called.
But before she would launch this powerful attack at them for ever making her upset, a strange miracle would happen that wasn't a part of anyone's plan. A massive familiar suction would slowly take away every single hail stone that she has as they follow a specific trail away from ever in a funneling formation. This would eventually lead to a familiar ice wizard to slowly absorb every single ounce of hailstone with his magic. Because of this, this would slowly accumulate into making his body colder and heavier than before as it grew pale. Unlike his personal snowman golem suit, he would use this coldness to build something truly impressive. Not only that, but various lasers and dog bowls would be fired at Thanatos before he could think about assisting his partner in crime, all followed by a string of yarn that would entangle his entire body thanks to a certain bulldog's secret weapon. The the yarn would be untangled and straightened thanks to the teamwork of four familiar jetpack flying puppies that were assisting their bulldog leader. Cuphead would see this and already drop his jaw at how clever this idea is, while Mugman is confused as to why they were here.
"Is that the Howling Aces and Mortimer Freeze? Even Esther is here. But how?" the curious mug boy said.
"Howdy y'all, the cow-valry has arrived! This here blue belle is given you folks enough trouble? Then we will build the ultimate snow giant to beat the hoedown out of her. Right, Morty?" The jolly cowgirl shouts.
The end result of Mortimer absorbing Anahita's hailstorm would be him already in the form of a mountain sized snowball that had already expanded during everyone's conversation. The scene would be unusual enough to make everyone wide eyed in surprise, even dragon Thanatos is left confused despite the last attack on him. Chalice didn't know whether to be glad there is help or concerned that Mortimer was using his ice powers for something truly crazy again. The snowball would soon, grow two massive arms from both sides of itself abruptly which would punch Anahita in her face.
"D..damn," she said under her breath after the impact cracked her face slightly.
Then two massive legs would grow from below that almost imprinted two feet shaped prints in a nearby mountain incline. A low almost frightening growl would be heard that almost sounds like his old snowlem suit which sent chills to every onlooker. The Chinook would already continue to restrain Thanatos despite the yarn doing the work to make sure he wasn't planning on going anywhere. The mean dachshund airship would be snarling in his face like any aggressive mutt would to show it wasn't going to let him go anywhere. This would be all the work of the Saluki Pilot who gave her fellow canine allies a thumbs up from the screen inside her control room. The Bulldog Pilot and Yankee Yippers all did the same out of respect for their fearless dame leader.
"Way to go, Howling Aces. Now that slimy snake won't be taking me out of these skies any time soon," Chalice said thankfully.
But another roar would soon get her attention now that the transformation was close to over. The snow formation would already be that of an almost bulkier snow body with muscles that would make Dr. Kahl's Robot blush, complete with frozen spikes all over its knuckles and arms for combat and a hidden ice shell tougher than any mountain top. The head would finally reveal itself as a less than jolly soul full of ice fangs in its jaws and terrifying eyes that were red thanks to pure rubies. There would be no bucket on its head but instead a massive icy war helmet almost designed like a WW1 veteran's similar to Werner. Mortimer would be inside of this new monstrous creation ready to go all out thanks to his magic already being twice as powerful thanks to Anahita's cold. He would already lose himself in his wicked laughter pulling at the mounds of snow on his limbs to control his ice giant internally. The terrifying frost giant would slowly turn around with stomps that shaken the mountains in a violent wave after every movement. The founder Anahita would be left angrier than before thinking of a way to deal with this new threat. But what she wouldn't expect is another threat flying her way at speeds of a comet thanks to their previous plan. It would be Amaterasu who howls in the wind furiously despite Issun barely holding on her head's fur to avoid flying off. The small boy would be yelling with tears streaming from his eyes despite it being his idea to have Glumstone toss the two of them.
"There she is. Ammy! Get ready to use your worst lightning to shock her, got it?" he shouts.
The white wolf would nod already was she continues diving straight at the two titans that already began their fight. Anahita would try blasting away at the snow titan's arm with a massive jet of water only for the creature's hand to be cold enough to flash freeze it with ease. It would follow up with a serious blow to her exposed chest as a result before it follows up with a headbutt that immediately pierces the same wound. This left her almost crying immensely in pain almost with genuine tears rolling down her eyes from then intensity. Mortimer knew too well that nothing gets colder than him as the icy dark arts is his expertise in combat. Shen would then use one of her golden tiles to raise itself and try beheading the beast while it was distracted. She succeeds in cutting its head off as the rest of the body awkwardly stumbles away from surprise. What's left of it would be ripped out by Anahita and frozen completely to a point that it shatters almost like glass.
She knew that toying around or underestimating anyone could cost her if she doesn't keep a level head. Unfortunately for her Amaterasu would finally be inches away from meeting her face thanks to that impressive speed with her famed Thunder Edge equipped. Using the Celestial Brush to draw a zigzag formation, what results is a powerful thunderbolt shocking the goddess all thanks to the very storm clouds she created. The end result would leave everyone blown away that someone mysterious just happened to come and strike her with the wrath of the heaven's in so little time. The massive snow golem would already regrow its head, not caring what happened but to get revenge for what his larger opponent had done. It would grab Anahita's watery neck, thanks to the flash freezing to make it solid, and headbutt her once more directly in her face. This would soon cause an explosion of blood or even Magatsuhi, something few managed to draw from her the entire time. The creature wouldn't be phased by being painted red by the shower it caused, Mortimer being a bit too pleased by spilling his first blood ever.
"Good my pet, you were able to burst her head open wider than a walnut. But now what should we be doing again? Bringing down the whole ice house!" he says with a sinister fanged smile under his beloved suit.
Anahita however would be too overcome with shock after what just happened to even think about focusing on the snow titan anymore. Not only something about her aura seemed too familiar, but she could tell it wasn't a demon either that struck her with such a powerful thunderbolt.
"Impossible. There is no way! But I thought the Sun Goddess is one of us? Unless this is some imposter parading around as her this entire time," the shocked goddess says despite her gaping wound.
Everyone else would be processing just what is happening, or more who is this strange white wolf that suddenly joined the battle to stop her. Not even someone like Magnus nor Lyn would be familiar with Amaterasu in any way. Thanatos would violently wiggle harder than before despite the Howling Aces restraining him and now Esther joining in with her trusty lasso to really keep him in check.
"Yeeeeeehaaaaawww! Ain't no snake going to get away as long as they are tied up by this wrangling sheriff," the cowgirl exclaims with joy.
It wouldn't be all as even the Anteater's long tongue would twist around the dragon this time for that extra tightness on Thanatos' scales. The Moonshine Mob had finally made it just in time with enough fly mobsters flying the large furry mount to this point. Cuphead and Mugman would be more than glad to see the bug crooks once more, the Snail doing a gentleman's boy after peering from under the bowler hat.
"It seems the whole gang is pretty much here, except for 'ol Glumstone since he's probably too sleepy. But just what is that strange white wolf that came to help us," Chalice wondered.
Amaterasu would follow up with another Thunderbolt to shock Anahita once more to immobilize and almost circulate enough voltage in her watery body. She cried loud enough to be heard throughout the entire fourth Inkwell Isle, almost terrifying the few citizens who were already worried by the lack of clouds in the region. The newspaper boy would grow curious as he's ready to get the next scoop ready after reporting the recent news The Lightbug had caused. Glumstone would be laughing as he takes a sip of some fresh Gnome Berry juices his fellow gnomes made to celebrate helping rid of the problem. Half of the other gnomes would be cheering on their new friend who was happy to convince them to tell the big guy to throw them earlier despite the business of the other's juicing. Cuphead's other friends from the past Inkwell Isles would be desperately running through the first town to head for the mountains, the faster ones being Grim and Dr. Kahl who knew their help would be needed.
"Just h-h-h-hold on, you cups. We are c-c-c-coming right now after taking out those mooks!" the dragon bellowed.
"My readings are more than correct that they are one-hundred sixty-three kilometers away from this village and near those mountains. Full speed ahead, my prized robot. We have some helping to do!" the mad scientist announced.
The robot responds with a determined grin and winks before running even faster than usual despite the risks. The Mermaids would still be creating an endless ice trail for Cala Maria and Brineybread's ship to follow as Katzewagen carrying the Stageplay Couple traverses just fine with its razor-sharp claws. Everyone else would keep on flying after them or constantly travel along the roots in the case of the Root Pack and Cagney to keep up. Meanwhile, Anahita would already be struggling to keep up with every lightning fast strike from the smaller wolf goddess's deadly lightning strikes from her weapon. It seemed that each attack would now be causing even more deep cuts on her body that sprays an immense amount of blood and Magatsuhi from each strike. Another thing that could be noticed is that she is growing weaker and slower after every attack as if the goddess is slowly reaching her limit. Massive snow golem striking her as well with its own deadly attacks didn't help much as Mortimer had the most fun since he's ever challenged the cups to battle.
"More, more! Let's never let the carnage end since I feel so much more live with a worthy opponent like you!" he cried in crazed enjoyment.
Everyone else would be left in awe while still wondering just who was this mysterious lupine that came to their aid. Magnus is still confused at how such an animal was very proficient at a weapon, let alone strong enough to harm a god. Not even his fellow Smash allies were sure what to think as they watched Amaterasu continue her relentless onslaught. Vince is almost in awe at the wolf goddess's black tipped tail as if it could be a clear clue at how her powers work on an artistic level. Amaterasu would soon prepare to charge at the dazed goddess once more with one final assault before biting at her solidified body. What soon follows would be a powerful duplex that snatched her entire gigantic body out of the mountain as she carried her quite high into the air with her. Mortimer would be tempted to jump after her for the final blow until Esther taps his massive monster with a single spurr to stop him.
"Hold it, ice cowboy! This fine lady will be the one to end it all. Just you watch," she warned.
The cowgirl is already impressed enough that she is fully confident in Ammy's ability to end things here. Cuphead and the others would be worried that this wolf's reckless actions could get everyone else hurt.
"Everyone, retreat! Get back before that puppy pound us unto paste!" he yelped.
"You heard the cup, get out of here for safety!" Mugman screams in agreement.
Everyone would eventually scramble and fly away rom the area as fast as they could once the sun goddess is already slamming her large target below. Anahita had already suffered enough damage and bloodless to have the will to fight anymore, succumbing and accepting her fate as it was. To be bested by another goddess that she never knew existed from another time in another form. Upon slowly closing her eyes, she sheds one final large tear being big enough to crystalize into that of a stone. The resulting flame would be powerful enough blast away what's left of the mountain while also shaking the entire mountain range as a result immediately. Even Glumstone would be seen tumbling over on a nearby mountain from the sudden shock. It was when Mortimer's snow golem would be blown away completely from the force being that as an example of just how powerful this wolf goddess was. This left an already overjoyed Mortimer still hovering in the air despite his powerful masterpiece not lasting as long as he'd hoped. The already dazed Thanatos that is finally free would be blown away once more from the force, finally reverting back o his usual form again.
"Oh why is it always the heroes you don't expect ruining the fun? Laaaaaaaaaame!" He exclaims during his flight.
What seemed like a hopeless battle is now one that finally coms to a conclusion with the goddess finally giving in from that final slam as she slowly reverts back to her original size. Each and every ounce of extra vapor leaving her body would finally become the former clouds that were once in the sky or ones no longer under her control. These clouds would slowly spread back to parts of the island where they belong like the town, desert, ice cult domain, Moonshine Mob's hideout, the mountains, and plains. Even the bakery that still sands for Saltbaker is back to its wonderful self even though the "closed for business" sign still hangs on the door. But this sign would have a different meaning with the chef now back to normal despite needing top clear up his name with the other Inkwell citizens. Many citizens who were original evacuated would only wonder just what caused things to get back to normal so soon. However one notable citizen would be clearing his way through the crowd with the many ant cops accompanying him with his flair of authority. He is a fairly short judge with a white flowing wig with curls on both sides like the typical judge, long black judge gown, a gavel in his large feathered hands, and large eyes to judge those he deem innocent or guilty. The elderly owl is less than happy with everything he's heard from the news now that he was told every detail regarding his last subject, Saltbaker. Judge Hootley had one thing in mind and it was to find the culprit and bring them to justice for everything that happened.
"Order! Order! I want everyone going back to their homes and not causing such a scene. This is the Inkwell Judge here ready to cast judgement on our two criminals once those cups do the right thing and bring them to me! This is gone far long enough!" Hootly demands with authority.
It wouldn't be time to turn to two in as everyone would only wonder if this was truly it for their watery goddess of fertility and life after her chattiness was dealt with. The dust clouds would finally clear to reveal the goddess know on her knees and bleeding quite a lot of that last attack as Amaterasu is growling before her in case she has any more ideas. Issun knew to take this as serious as possible despite his weakness for beautiful women, seeing this one as dangerous enough not to go off the hook. She violently coughs more blood and Magatsuhi out of her mouth in ten ought of as mess that could flow like the very rivals that she could create. Quite symbolic that this was almost her time up in this world despite doing everything she could in Bethel's name of making a world of better order. Her face was no longer beautiful but fully cracked than usual to match her broken statues of someone who is truly on her last legs without the strength to even heal herself id she wanted to. Even her magic was fully exhausted without any other ways of getting the power she needed for an easier way out. Each drop of blood would only reminder her that she is no longer going to live much longer after everything that happened to her in this final day. She could hear the sounds of vehicles already stopping on the barely broken mountain area that she had created along with the sounds of many steps nearing her. She was surrounded with no way out, wishing there was someone from Bethel who would step in in save her, and only regretting to live long enough to see The Creator fall before her very eyes. Anahita knew that this was the end for her and there would be no use bragging anymore but to admit defeat, or even ask for the simple release of death to bring her back to being a mere concept.
"You all had won this battle. This island will no longer be terrorized by me nor anyone else. Enough blood was spilled and now you had spilled mines. It is true that a god can bleed and they aren't as invincible as you truly make them out to be. Same goes for the demons that oppose our order. I am no longer of use to the ones I serve and my beloved army had been defeated before they had a chance to see a true world where we can thrive in the modern ages. Do what you must, destroy even once of me. I can't run nor can I heal myself. You all earned the final blow and should erase the only relic of Zoastrian faith that's left," she said sorrowfully.
It was something they didn't expect to hear from someone like her at all despite not forgiving her very actions and the innocents killed. Cuphead already sees her as someone even worse than The Devil, but even can't put it in his heart to kill her. The Spy however saw this as a clear opportunity to load his pistol while she is giving him that opportunity to end her. The Smash Brothers knew too well for what they stood for and to stoop this low would be a stain on what their very organization represents, mostly Guile wanting to abide by this. Lyn is torn on wanting to take a life this soon despite being someone who's fought wars to protect her land for quite some time. Magnus had no personal grudge with her and only wondered where did Thanatos go in the middle of this. Nothing made Vince sad but to see a symbol of beauty like a goddess slowly dying even if her actions were in the wrong. Prince Sable knew that as a knight, it would be best to upload to the cold of chivalry at all costs and not be dishonorable as to kill someone while they were down. Both Pokemon Trainer and Leaf would feel it was best for someone else to decide her fate as they wouldn't condone to the idea of killing anyone. Alucard knew that for every being that knew nothing but malice and bloodshed, there were someone who still had a shred of regret or humanity in them that made it possible to open a new option.
"Perhaps you can give us some valuable information at least before we come to such a brash decision. Just what is this Bethel and what are their true goals that involve us. We will not think about the idea of killing you as it just doesn't fit our mission at all," the dhampir proposed.
"You are foolish, little man. If wicked water witch wanted death, we give it to her and not let this opportunity slip," The Heavy shouts at him.
"Easy there, he may be right that we need to learn about our enemy during their final moments. This is an opportunity we should let slide because of pure soif de sang. For once, I'll hear out or plan as it's a good one," The Spy ordered.
The Pyro mumbled in confusion as they also wondered why their leader is suddenly agreeing with their softhearted temporary allies for once. The Spy knew what he was doing as part of their mission is to learn about their enemies first and foremost before putting them out of their misery. Anahita would be surprised that this amount of mercy despite her actions even though these mortals barely know her. Chef Saltbaker still chooses to remain inside of the bus as Kapp'n stays at the wheel if it means guarding all the stolen ingredients for the Wondertart. He is also personally ashamed to face the few guardians of the ingredients who were also heading their way to the source of the goddess's defeat. But they had bigger things to worry about like seeing what to do of their rambunctious troublemaker who is in their weakest position ever. Esther and Mortimer in particular had a huge bone to pick with her for their ambush on the two of them in the desert for their limes and sugar cubes respectively. The Anteater would allow his fellow mob boss to slid down his snout completely with megaphone in hand winking his scarred eye threateningly. The Howling Aces would lower their trademark flying vehicles closer to the damaged mountain altogether, being more than confident that one shot is all they need to finish the job. The Saluki Pilot in particular is wondering just why people were hesitating to attack instead of just watching her slowly bleed in her current state. The goddess would finally speak her peace since there is only one thing left to do for her final moments.
"The only reason why I've joined Bethel was for the simple wish to be as big as I once was in the dawn of time. The Zoastrians were once very numerous in Persia and other nations long ago until the blind fools that worshipped YHVH came along. Killing them all if they refused to adopt the Abrahamic faith in a sea of blood all because they were zealots obsessed with making their holy cult rule the entire Middle East. We were so little and even I was powerless to take that fool on, getting destroyed by his Mouth of God that can destroy any deity no matter how powerful they are. My hatred for human goes way back for good reasons, I see many still showing their devotion to that fool or any other major gods still worth respect like Shiva and the Amatsu Kami. Most humans I see would rather bow down to the likes that that golden monster and the rest of his winged cronies for centuries on this planet. It brings me so much sadness that the name Anahita is nothing more than a relic of the pass to be forgotten or only appreciated by so few. It enamors me that we are once very well known gods, tossed to the side and overshadowed by by one who only gotten to where he is by picking on the once prosperous. That God you all care about so much isn't as good as you see him as, but he's responsible for so much blood spilt and many civilizations destroyed in his name. That isn't holy, but it is pure manipulation into making this utopia where law is nothing but being his slaves. It's why I am desperate to team up with anyone just return things to the way it used to be. Before he's gotten so powerful to the way he is. Him, Lucifer, and now that Nahobino that's been in charge for too long recently. You do not need to listen anymore. This is my word. You may now kill me. Just so you know that there's many more of us out there who share the same goal," she explains with every breath she had.
Soon after she would violently cough even more with more blood spilling from her very mouth with the cracks getting even bigger. The shocking reveal dropped would floor just about all onlookers of the ruined mountain arena, even the long time Inkwell residents who had always seen God as a force of good unlike the very Devil that always terrorized their islands. The Spy could tell this new information despite its value would be enough to shake the whole corporation if he were to tell their true leader everything. "Mother of God" wasn't the only thing on the big Russian's mind when he was thinking this was something worth hearing, The Heavy soon contemplating just what is their true goal after all. Things were very clear to Magnus as why she chose to side with Thanatos of all people, but not this dark history of a God who's eventually came into the lives of some Greeks over the years compared to the ones he know. Lyn is barely struggling to hold her Sol Katti while eventually gaining the courage to know that there's more gods like her that are bound to be around this world in the flesh. Guile could tell things were starting to make more sense when their unexpected demon allies told them about how their allies were helping Lucifer, a known enemy of God who had slain him the last time. The soldier had been in his fair share of scary situations, but knowing that there are a legion of powerful gods that want to cast judgement on those they deem threats like them is starting to make him more than concerned for all other allies out there. Amatarasu still remains firmly in her attacking formation despite her worse since the goddess still sees her as no different from the same Yami that almost wiped out the Celestials and would had done the same for countless lives in Nippon. Issun shared the same sentiment as any being that choses to end innocent lives is threat that must be stopped, furrowing his large brows in his anger.
"This doesn't add up. It doesn't make any sense. You telling me the same God who we see as a symbol of hope in our world and our churches isn't the great guy we know him as. Sure he's done some things like a flood to start lie anew with Noah's family or taking away Job's wealth and family to prove a point to The Devil, but are you saying he's done these things in the past to get the word to where it is? I'm just confused over whether I should conceive it as the truth or all just a lie to cover up everything we never really knew about him. This isn't what I grew up to know," Cuphead cried in denial.
"And what's this about this Naho-beano succeeding him? I though he could never die and that he was all powerful. But here we are seeing proof that an unknown goddess like you can be hurt or even possibly die," Mugman says in disbelief the more he thought about it.
"I don't believe you nor do I feel sorry for someone like you! You were so desperate too be at the top of the world that you were fine siding with The Devil's lackey or even having our old friend Saltbaker forced to do something he had never wanted! On top of wanting my second chance at life taken away from me all because you cared so much for your lost glory. I think that jealousy is making you spout these lies just to cover up the insecure heartless monster you truly are. You deserved to have your godhood taken away from you and I don't think God is as bad as you think!" Chalice beamed.
Despite how suddenly angry she is out of the three of them, even she struggled to hold back her own tears at the thought this is the type of being God was since it was never really shown in their bibles. Alucard being one to admire humanity for their faith in a greater good to opposed the evil that consumed his own father, even started to wonder just what type of monster the adversary of Chaos or even Satan truly was after all if this truly was a goddess who lived as long as Judaism had grown in the distant past. Guile being an American is always a firm believer of the "One nation under God" aspect of his country's national anthem that even this would come off as too unbelievable if he were to tell any of his colleagues like Cammy or Chun-Li about this.
However Prince Sable would be the first to step forward without any fear to approach the dying goddess despite everyone's feelings on the matter. Guile wondered just what the young prince had planned or why he would draw closer to her. Alucard would do nothing but trust his ally's judgement since it could be something that could change the current situation. The distraught cups also wondered just what the frog transforming prince would want with the water goddess despite clearly being a dangerous individual. Her icy blue eyes would also see the approaching boy ready to accept whatever outcome that she truly deserves for her actions. Despite being a carefree soul that enjoys his riches and glory, he was still a kind chivalrous knight at heart and would gladly help anyone in need. What he would do is reach into his pockets to find something appropriate for the occasion. The goddess knowingly bows her head down with her eyes closed slowly as if she knows this was truly the end for her. But what happens next would be something that would shock her and even his own allies. He would take out a sacred bottle of wine from his kingdom, one that he would often drink in the toughest of situations to heal his worst injuries. In the other hand, he would take out a glass just for him to pour the wine into. The more older members of the team would be concerned that someone as young as him would be carrying alcohol at all even if there would be cultural differences in his kingdom.
"Little man is pouring drink at time like this? Bold move, save some for me why don't you since I haven't had my last drink since transforming race," The Heavy bellowed.
"Alcohol should be the least of your concerns, you oaf. The real question is what he planning to do with that, kill her with a broken bottle after a drink?" The Spy wondered.
The Pyro mumbles their own take which sounds like them assuming he plans to intoxicate her as a way she would least likely escape before the final blow. This started to make more sense for the two despite them still keeping an eye on the scene before them. The other three demons who were hoping for Anahita to be killed would be less confused or even disappointed that they were entertaining the idea of giving them a drink instead of taking out a bigger problem. Which would be right as the rich red fine wine finally pours into the glass that Sable held with grace and etiquette. He eventually placed the cork back on the bottle besides him and would raise the glass closer to the flinching goddess's face despite her expectation of the worst case scenario.
"Drink this. It should help you get some of your strength back. Don't get me wrong, but hearing your story makes me feel that you had good intentions but need to find another way to achieve your fallen status. It's no ordinary wine, but a magic wine that can heal anything. Just promise that you would leave these islands and never hurt anyone else. This is my offer to you that don't involve more senseless violence," he proposed calmly.
The goddess would look up at him with the strangest expression of disbelief ever despite her injuries still being bad as ever. Everyone else would be just as shocked at the risky proposal that Prince Sable even had knowing well it's the least desirable one for a destructive being. Alucard however would simply agree with his plan seeing that she isn't a Creature of Chaos and would be willing to agree with this outcome after an act of mercy. Chalice would hope that this is truly the right decision to make since she did associate with someone who wanted to make her a soul again. Guile could only do nothing but hope for the best as getting any involved would make the deal sour while they had other things to do. The young prince gave her a kind smile showing that he is genuine and this was no form of trick if he is willing to share something he had so little of with another foe. Anahita couldn't help but to shed some slight tears at this act of kindness, that a human who isn't even a Zoastrian would forgive her or even support her cause to be a well known goddess again outside of Bethel.
A mixture of her own blood and tears would trickle down her cracked face as she sobs softly from the young prince's mercy of a misguided god. Hearing this emotion from her gave a new insight from this enemy that make them realize she is no longer in a mood to fight or cause any trouble for the heroes. The Smash Assists would watch the goddess slowly enjoy every drop of the rich alcohol into her watery throat with every loud sob of gratefulness. Even the wolf goddess of Amaterasu would no longer be in a defensive position, choosing to sit in a regal manner of curiosity as Issun rests atop her head. The small boy would be just as curious to see their enemy now in a less hostile manner and almost absorbed in her almost adorable way of shedding tears. At least this time it wasn't an enemy they would have to put down while drunk unlike their old foe Orochi. Slowly but surely, her body would begin healing every severe wound as the bleeding stopped and most gashes would eventually close themselves over time. Even her cracked face would slowly fix itself back into the beautiful structure it is known for despite the tease still flowing down her cheeks. The wine glass in her hand would now be close to empty as every single last bit of the crimson drink went down her warm throat. The golden tiles that were once motionless would soon begin levitating as a sign of her strength slowly regaining itself from the special wine's effects. Cuphead's allies already grew cautious by this under the assumption it was a bad move to help the enemy get their strength back. The main trio would still be unsure what Prince Sable was trying to gain at all by gaining the enemy's sympathy and believing they would be true to their very word at all. Chalice understandably turns her head away as she still sees no point in doing anything for someone who did want her soul. Alucard made sure to keep a very close eye on her the entire time to see what effects this would have on her or her plans.
Little to their knowledge, they would be watched the entire time by the same mysterious being that was following Amaterasu in the distance. His dark brown eyes would be observing the strange scene as he held his beloved peacock flute, getting good idea of who what type of enemies Bethel were truly up against. He knew too well as a witness he could always report to his main self Vishnu and by extension the other gods of anything that ever happens with each member. His first thought was to kill everyone while they were there, but he was more than cautious of Amaterasu and Alucard's presence here. He's learned his lesson since the last time he truly underestimated Dagda's little god slayer the last time he was killed and knew too well to never truly think he is above any threat again. But this didn't stop him from being true to his role as Vishnu's avatar of overseeing parts of the world without him or updating Bethel on any oddities during their plans of eliminating their threats. He felt the presence of several other figures coming g to the same area, and it turned out to be Cuphead's other remaining friends who had defeated King Dice, Thanatos, and Anahita's entire army that guarded the fourth Inkwell Isle. Cautiously and wise, he would remaining hidden and continue his observant watch on the strange residents.
More of them are in this same area. This is quite the disappointment that Anahita not only failed us, but allowed herself to be healed by the enemy and agreeing to their terms. Bethel appreciates no form of traitors, so she is no longer a part of our pantheon and worth eliminating at a future date. Shame for someone who shares the same hatred of YHVH and the Nahobino as we do.
The goddess now lets out once last yell from her stretch with both arms raised and legs stretched from her last pull. She's no longer felt any form of pain and could feel her mouth no longe full of the blood that once plagued it. With majestic golden tiles now in her full control again and beauty fully returned. The surrounding onlookers were still more than cautious on what she plans on doing next after their own ally helped her back to her full health out of pity. Sable would watch the goddess soon looking down on him with a look of gratitude, even a little smile for his true act of heroism on a goddess that truly wanted what's best for her few followers. Cuphead and Mugman were still glaring at her for her last words regarding God still, not very keen on another word she had to say. Even Thanatos would be surprised himself as he's somehow snaked his way onto the scene to see what everyone had done.
"I thought we were enemies? I am more than glad that my precious water associate isn't dead anymore, but what made you all do that?" he said in curiosity.
"What the hell? You were here the whole time?" Magnus and a few others shout at him.
"Oh poo, I was the one who flew back here when everything was happening. My first thought was to kill you all if you laid a single finger on her, even take her soul back to the Underworld since it's my job. But looks like that is no longer on my list," he casually replied.
"I am fine, thank you for the concern. But we will no longer be doing any harm to these islands anymore. This little one did the impossible and was willing to help me instead of giving me a deserved death. As part of that promise, I have no business here anymore. But to continue my goal of spreading Zoastrianism on my own. Without Bethel. Thank you kindly young knight for helping an old goddess get back to her apex," the water goddess said.
"But but what about her soul and what about Hades? Betraying my own boss is suicide and there's no way I should show my face to him empty handed. In really lo… I mean appreciate your business and radiant presence. But is it worth risking everything just for you. He is the only one who can bring me back to life at any time as long as I listen to him. And now you are on their side because they helped you. Oooooooooh this is too confusing," the death god complains with both hands on his head.
"And here I am announcing that I am officially done with Bethel. Just like the five original members who had long disbanded for their own reasons. I have no fear of what the other gods will think as long as I have the strength to fight back and my forces are aplenty. Instead of being some bumbling pawn, you think about what's right. I know what path I will choose and mindless destruction on humans is no longer my purpose. If there is any favor all of you would like, state your request since you are in my debt," the goddess addressed to Thanatos and now everyone else.
This would floor almost everyone here and especially the Smash members who feared what Sable did was not a mistake anymore but a blessing in disguise. To get any form of assistance from a powerful new ally who they more or less gained the respect of through stopping her wasn't at the top of list of things to happen on this island. Djimmi is the least surprised of the gang, merely nodding as if he foreseen this outcome from his last look into the future. A good future where a god would be likely to join the right side of our heroes. Grim Matchsticks would be cautious of the Team Fortress Trio as he sensed their presence much earlier back on the first Inkwell Isle. Heavy didn't fear the dragon's glare, still holding his beloved Sasha just in case he had to shoot. The Spy paid no kind to him since his device was picking up signals similar to Anahita not too far from them. All he would do is casually take a another smoke to calm himself before he would recollect his thoughts on the situation.
"So what you're saying is that you will do anything we ever ask or just helping out on our journey? What makes us so sure that we can trust you?" Magnus demands before crossing his arms.
"The fact that she had proven just how much of a traitor she is," a solemn voice would say.
Anahita immediately looks up to see another fellow demon just happens to be eavesdropping the situation. Everyone else immediately grew cautious of the Hindu god who made his grand entrance on the scene. Amaterasu immediately growls while kneeling down, Issun also taking out his own brush sword to back up his sun goddess ally. Thanatos is left confused over whether he wants to help or take this opportunity he could to fulfill his duty for Hades. The three cups would aim their fingers at the hovering being since they had little time to play any games.
"I'm surprised you all managed to defeat one of our members, or at least a former member. I am known as Krishna. The founder of the Divine Powers and avatar of the great Deva Vishnu. This is only the beginning of your journey to stop Bethel's influence," the mysterious god says as he cradled his flute.
Here we are with the first member of Bethel truly defeated unlike Amaterasu who is briefly taken back back her brother and The Creator. Instead of choosing to destroy her, Prince Sable's kindness would earn them a new demon ally who owes thir life to them for the rest of their journey. King Dice is left running away to accept his failure to bring Saltbaker and the Wondertart's ingredients to The Devil as promised while Thanatos is now torn over whether he wants to be loyal to Hades to follow his new lovely partner where she goes. And know we have a fraction of Vishnu, Krishna of the now disbanded Divine Powers who is approaching our heroes while declaring Anahita no longer one of Bethel for her betrayal. We will see what happens next time along with the beginning of a new arc. You Pokemon fans better get excited since this concerns your favorite missing Smash members. Until then, gotta catch em all!
