A/N: Hello and welcome this week's chapter of "Starting a New Chapter"! Today, we're diving into our encounter wirh Ribby, Croak, and a surprise unwanted guest. Plus one very welcome guest.
(Side note: Due to some real life issues with family illness, I will have to delay posting Chapter 23 of "Heart, Soul, and Mind" until I can get some editing done. Sorry for the inconvenience, but i wanna make sure its done the way Nat, Kate, andI are all happy with.)
With that outta the way, stay tuned!
(Lexie's P.O.V)
With my book in hand, the Cups and I arrived at the Fly Trap. It was a decent looking riverboat, complete with a top and lower deck.
"Well, here we are, the Fly Trap!" Mugman announced.
"Yep, and those guys are who we are meeting." Cuphead added as he gestured at a pair of anthropomorphic frogs wearing red boxing gloves and pants.
"So hold up. A pair of frogs...run a bar, with flies as patrons?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. "We sure this ain't a buffet?"
"It's like a dinner and show kinda place not so much a bar." Mugman replied.
"But a couple of things; one the prices for the food are crazy and two these guys are really strong boxing champions." Cuphead explained. "Trust me this is not the Root Pack."
"Sorry, I meant more like a speakeasy." I stated. "My bad. And yeah I could tell."
"Makes sense." Mugman said in understanding. "Anyway, we're gonna go to them. You'd better get a table and prepare to write."
I nodded and grabbed a table that was nearby. I sat down and opened my book, with my pen ready. I looked over and saw the boys talking to the frog brothers. At first things seemed to be ok, that is until Cuphead showed them the parchment paper. Now they were mad.
Suddenly, the book started to glow; it was time for me to start writing. I started writing down the whole fight. I found it particularly funny when Ribby started shaking his fists and glowing flying punching gloves were flying out of his hands.
"Heh, reminds me of Fighter Kirby. Sweet!" I chuckled, as I proceeded to write it all down.
All seems to be going well when...
"Well, this must be my lucky day! Look who I ran into here!"
Lo and behold, King Dice was there, walking towards me. Seriously, the guy is like a rash that won't go away! And I should know; I have eczema, so I have a whole history of rashes.
I rolled my eyes in annoyance while trying to ignore him. Unfortunately, ol' blockhead didn't get the message as he sauntered up to my table and sat down next to me, grinning like a fool.
"Nice to see you again, sweetcheeks." Dice smirked. "I do have to say the boss misses your presence and hopes to see you back soon."
"Uh huh." I simply replied, not bothering to look up. I prayed he would get the message and back off, but he didn't seem to budge.
"So, seeing that the brats are a bit occupied, how 'bout you and me have a little lunch date?" Dice suggested slyly. "I was hoping to meet a client, but he had to drop out at the last minute, so my schedule is wide open."
"Busy at the moment. Pass." I deadpanned, snubbing him as I continued writing down in the book.
"Oh, come on, sweetcheeks, it's my treat." Dice persisted. "I'd be more than happy to spend time with a lovely and beautiful lady like you."
I rolled my eyes while I demanded, "I just told you I'm busy. Now shut up and leave me alone!"
I continued to write, getting even more irritated. He then smirked, got up, walked behind me and slowly placed his hands on my shoulders, rubbing them! Ugh!
"It amazes me how you can say something very snarky like that. I admire a woman like you who can hold her ground, especially someone like you." He sneered, as he twirled a bit of my hair in his finger
Y'all, I'm about to lose it. He's muttering seductive crap while I'm trying to write down the freakin' battle! That drives me CRAZY! Lord give me strength not to kill this guy.
"Oh, yes, a gorgeous dazzling woman like you, I thought about you often after you left and I'm very glad you've returned." He whispered, leaning super close to my ear. "So that way, I can finally sweep you off your pretty feet and hold you safe and sound in my arms."
Okay, that was it. I was not happy.
Having enough, I SMACKED Dice off me, my face turning red with anger.
"I have a BOYFRIEND you FREAK! Leave me ALONE!"
He arched an eyebrow before asking "You have a boyfriend? Huh well, that is interesting to hear."
He then looked around as he claimed "But uh, I don't see him. You sure you're not saying that to make me back off, sweetcheeks?"
"Uh, does it MATTER?!" I snapped. "I'm telling you to SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!!!"
Y'all if you know that quote, I hope you're laughing.
"Temper temper, no need to get all frantic. I'm just surprised that you have a boyfriend but seeing he's clearly not here." Dice mentioned "I'm sure he'd be okay if I kept you company. Hate to see you all alone while the boys deal with the frog brothers."
Uhhh, I'm sorry?! What?! He's shocked that I have a boyfriend after SIX YEARS?! What a delusional piece of crap!!
"'Surprised that I have a boyfriend"'? What's THAT supposed to mean?!"
While I was having a quarrel with Dice, little did I know the Cup Brothers see the commotion at this point.
They collected the contract, and shook hands with the frog brothers. Mugman looked over and tapped Cuphead's shoulder.
"Cuppy! Look! It's King Dice!" He gasped.
Cuphead looked and sure enough, he was there, and seeing him there was not okay.
"What's that sleazebag doing here?!" Cuphead demanded.
"I dunno but he's bothering Miss Lexie!" Mugman piped up.
"Come on! Let's help her!"
Before Dice could say another stupid comment…
BANG!*
Cuphead shot a finger bullet just above Dice, startling him (and me) a bit.
"HEY! Leave her alone!"
He collected himself and when he saw the brothers, he gave a wicked grin.
"Well well, if it ain't the chipped tea cups." Dice sneered. "Nice to see you again. I hope you're getting those contracts."
"We are, but we happen to catch you bothering Miss Lexie!" Mugman scolded.
"'Bother' is an understatement. I prefer the term keeping her company." Dice replied.
"Seriously?! More like being annoying!" I snapped.
"Look, King Dice, she's not interested!" Mugman argued. "Not after what you made her go through with Miss Audrey!"
Dice rolled his eyes. "Oh, you're being dramatic, boy. I didn't hurt her. Wouldn't dream of doing that."
"Lex told me about you trying to kiss her when she was 19." Cuphead called out Dice. "You're DISGUSTING!"
"How rude! You took advantage of that especially with Miss Audrey not being there to help Miss Lexie!" Mugman snapped, his hands now across his chest.
"Oh, that. Well, I do have to admit I was lost in the moment and would have liked a sweet moment but I guess I'll have to find some other time to get it." Dice claimed, in a very seductive tone.
"Ewww!" Mugman winced in disgust.
I shot Dice a deadly glare as I stated, "I told you I have a boyfriend now, so get out and LEAVE ME ALONE!"
"I could, but I choose not to, since I was told to keep an eye on you three, especially you, cup-face." Dice replied, pointing a finger at Cuppy.
"Lookin' at me, huh?" Cuphead snapped. "Say it to my face, punk!"
"Considering you're the reason you're doing this, yes, I am speaking to you." Dice sneered. "I mean, come on. The reason why you have to do this is because you couldn't listen to your dear Elder Kettle to stay away from the casino, but alas, you ignored it and got yourself into a heap of trouble."
Cuphead wanted to retort or snap back, but he couldn't. I could see the pain, guilt and fear on his face when Dice mentioned that. How DARE HE bring that up! That is low, even for him!
"Hey! You leave him alone!" Mugman demanded
"Why? I'm just stating facts. He could have avoided the whole thing and left but since he was dying to try his luck he stayed and his mistake sealed his fate." Dice recalled. "Honestly I'm surprised that he also dragged you into this, mug-face."
"That-that's not true!" Mugman stammered.
Okay, I was really ticked now!
I shoved Dice back, now getting angry.
"EXCUSE ME?! How DARE you blame him for this?!" I shouted. "He's a freakin' KID who didn't know any better and YOU and your PSYCHO of a Boss TOOK ADVANTAGE OF HIM! You had NO right to do that!"
"Hey, I was surprised to see him on a good streak. I didn't wanna intrude but when my employer came and raised the stakes, I couldn't help but watch." Dice mentioned. "I mean, come on, sweetcheeks. I really wanted to see if he could pull it off."
"Stop calling her that! Her name is Lexie!" Mugman snapped. "You're just as mean when you called Miss Audrey that stupid nickname!"
"Oh, you mean dollface? It suits her, just like how you Lexie have such sweetcheeks." Dice mentioned.
"Don't you "sweetcheeks" ME!" I shouted.
"Too late already calling you that, even the boss thinks it's cute."
"Of course he'd agree to his second in command jester." Mugman countered.
Cuphead and I burst out in laughter at Mugsy's comment. Ahhh, the kid's learning sarcasm. I'm so proud.
"Huh, guess the meek little mouse does have a voice after all." Dice mused. "But remember y'all are going up against the big tom cats of the casino and when you get there we'll be more than happy to snag you and eat you alive!"
"Eep!" Mugman squealed as he ran closer to Cuphead.
"You're DISGUSTING!" I snapped.
"Being more realistic. Besides, I enjoy watching the youngest squirm." He chuckled, as he saw Mugman tremble behind his protecting brother. "Surprised he's the one with common sense."
"Leave my brother OUTTA this!" Cuphead demanded angrily.
"Well, he's here helping undo the mistake you made so, no, I won't." Dice replied.
As Mugman stuck out his tongue at Dice, I stepped in front of Cuphead and Mugman, now really ticked.
"Y'know what, I'm sick of this." I scolded. "If you and your boss were even HALF as responsible as you should be, you wouldn't have let a child IN the casino in the FIRST PLACE! I mean, c'mon! I didn't even SEE security there!"
"There is security, they're there to get people out if they cause a ruckus and while I was a little surprised to see two small fries in a big casino, I wanted to see how things went."
Dice gave me a look. Yeah, one of those looks as he crooned, "Though if you'd like to see security, Lexie, I'd be more than happy to escort you back for you to see."
While I was happy he didn't call me sweetcheeks, the look on his face told me something else. Something I don't wanna know.
"Don't. You. Dare!" I growled, backing away a bit.
"Oh, someone scared to go back? Don't worry, I'll hold your hand to make you feel better." He grinned, as he held out his hand towards me.
"She's not going with you! She's with us to write the story!" Mugman retorted.
"Yeah! You know she's the Scribbler! Leave her alone!" Cuphead added.
"Oh, I know that. I figured with the pen and book and all she wasn't here just to take you boys out to lunch." Dice chuckled.
"I already told you 'NO'! Leave me alone!"
I backed away from him, but he quickly grabbed me and pulled me super close to him. Jeez, I can smell his cologne and it's terrible!
"Although I'd be more than happy to treat her to lunch." He crooned.
"Hey! Leave her alone!" Mugman cried.
"Let GO!" I shouted, squirming under his grip.
"It'll be quick, sweetcheeks. I know a lovely restaurant in the casino." Dice claimed. "We can dine in."
"She said no! Leave her be!" Mugman argued.
Just then, Cuphead held up his finger gun and pointed it at Dice, looking really ticked off. "I'm not in the mood, Dice! Let her go!
"Oh, please. You can't be that stupid to fire, especially at me right now." He mentioned.
"Don't test me!" Cuphead growled.
He then felt Mugman place a hand on his shoulder and claimed "Cuppy, please be careful. He has Miss Lexie and I don't wanna hurt her."
"I know, but I am a good shot. If I can get his face, maybe he'd let her go."
"Can you actually hit it?" Mugman asked.
"Uhhhh…not sure."
At this point everyone's watching, including Liam (who I didn't know was there at the time). He must have come in and was confused by the commotion.
"Hey, what's going on in here?" He asked a customer.
"After the battle the frogs had with the boys, this guy shows up and is making that girl really uncomfortable." He replied.
"As much as we want to help, he's second in command to…the Devil himself." Another whispered in fear.
Liam took a breath and groaned. "Oh, you've gotta be kidding!"
Pushing through the crowd, he rushed over and shouted, "HEY! Hands off her!"
"Liam?!" I gasped
"And you are?" Dice inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm Liam, Lexie's boyfriend." Liam answered sternly. "I'm sure she's told you about me."
Dice looked at him for a second…before busting out laughing.
"What's so funny?" I growled, offended.
"You? Lexie's boyfriend?" Dice jeered at Liam. "Wow, and I thought Josh telling me dollface being engaged to him was hilarious."
"What's the deal?! I am her boyfriend!" Liam insisted.
"Yeah but I was kinda hoping you'd be more…taller." Dice taunted. "You're shorter than a shrimp."
"And you're dumber than a SACK OF ROCKS! LET GO!" I shouted at Dice while trying to pull away from his clutches.
"I don't care if you're the biggest guy here, you're still a big jerk!" Liam snapped. "Now let her go!"
"Or else what?" Dice scoffed. "Tell me shrimp, what do you plan to do to help your maiden in distress?"
I could tell Liam was a bit nervous, trying to come up with a plan. But he seemed to be eyeing something behind him. I guess it came to him.
"Well, to answer your question, I could tell you my plan…but I would have a crushing defeat if I did." Liam shrugged with a knowing smirk.
Dice arched a confused eyebrow as he started, "What are you-?"
"Now!" Liam cried.
Suddenly, Dice and I looked up and we saw a giant anvil falling toward us! Thankfully, Liam grabbed me and got me away. Dice, on the other hand, had little time to react when…
SMASH!*
The anvil crashed on the square atop of that blockhead of his. Letting go of Liam, I stormed up to Dice and…
PUNCH!*
I suckerpunched him in the face. He deserved that after all the times he harassed me and tried to kiss me. I was 19!
"Whoo! Go Lex!" Cuphead cheered.
Dice rubbed his cheek as he groaned, "Argh, guess I'll have to come up with a better plan."
He then turned to Liam with a glare as he threatened, "Don't think you're lucky, shrimp. Your luck won't last."
With that, he teleported out. Good riddance!
"Yeah that's what I thought, you CHICKEN!" I shouted after him. I took a huff. He'd better remember who he was messing with.
"Good riddance. You okay, Lex?" Liam asked.
I nodded, but then, a wave of emotion came over me. It came clear to me that Liam was here. Alive.
"Lee…"
I then rushed over and hugged him tight, feeling tears slip down my face. "I was so worried about you! Nat and Kate, too!" I choked out.
"I was worried too! I woke up and didn't see you or the girls and I panicked." Liam mentioned, hugging me tightly. "I was totally lost but someone told me to go find the Croak brothers here and well you get the rest."
"I'm glad you're here." I blushed.
"I am, too." Liam smiled. He looked at me and gave me a sweet kiss on the cheek. Awww, I love it when he does that.
I then heard Cuphead clear his throat and asked. "Uuuhh, you gonna introduce us or…?"
I quickly snapped out of my enamored trance. Whoops, forgot to introduce my own boyfriend to the Cups.
"Oh right! Lee, these are some old pals, Cuphead and Mugman. Boys, meet Liam, my boyfriend."
"Hi." Liam smiled and waved.
"Nice to meet ya!" Cuphead beamed.
"Hello!" Mugman smiled politely.
"Sorry about that, mates. He's such a pain." Liam mentioned, taking a huff.
"The worse." Cuphead grumbled. "Just seeing his ugly face makes me sick. It's bad enough he's second in command to the Devil, but he's taking that role too far."
"He was bothering Miss Lexie, but we stopped him." Mugman explained.
"I can tell by his actions he was bothering Lex but thanks for your help." Liam replied.
I smiled at the nice moment we had going…until I realized something. The story!
"Oh man, the story!" I gasped. "I'm sorry guys, I let that blockhead get to me."
"Hey, it's okay. You have nothing to be sorry about." Mugman claimed. "Plus, looking at the pages, it seems you got the battle recorded. Nothing's missing."
"Yeah, and don't worry. He bothered all the scribblers before." Cuphead mentioned. This ain't the first time. It was hard with the girls because he sometimes gave them weird nicknames. Like he called Audie 'Dollface', which was stupid."
"'Scribblers'?" Liam repeated, arching an eyebrow.
"You know that book we read in the car? Basically I got picked as someone who writes the story from the inside of it. That's why it had the blank pages." I explained.
"Ahhh, that makes sense." Liam nodded. "I was wondering why they were blank, especially since the book looked brand new."
"Yeah, I thought that was weird too." I replied. "Also, to add to Cuphead's point, that blockhead won't quit calling me 'sweetcheeks'. Super annoying…"
"Well, if he won't call you by your name, I'll keep referring to him as…blockhead." Liam announced.
Cuphead started laughing. "Hey, that's the same insult Audie used! You should totally call him that!"
"Or even better, square-for-brains." I snickered.
We all laughed at that, and came up with a few more insults to call him; cheese cube, gamepiece butthole, royal pain, the list goes on.
We then took a happy sigh before Mugman claimed. "Well, we should probably leave. We have more contracts to collect."
"Right." I nodded.
We gathered our things and headed out. On to the next debtor.
(Normal P.O.V)
With Lexie and Liam reunited and the next battle recorded, the team headed out of the Fly Trap and on to the next debtor. While Lexie was thrilled to have Liam with her, she was still concerned for Natty and Katie. Being in Inkwell was amazing, but evil was around every corner, especially what had happened recently with Dice.
Speaking of that game-piece weirdo, he was once more back at the casino. While he didn't "get the girl" he was still confident in himself. But something was in the back of his mind.
He summoned his employers looking glass and showed the group together. He was more focused on Liam and Lexie, seeing as they were holding hands together, and laughing while chatting.
"Well, what do you know." Dice muttered. "She really does have a boyfriend, doesn't she? Still, don't see anything that shrimp could offer her."
As he was gazing at the looking glass, a voice popped up behind him.
"Hey, whatcha lookin' at there, Boss?"
Dice turned around and here came Chips Bettigan. A stack of poker chips with cowboy boots and a cowboy hat on the top of his head.
"Oh, Chips. You startled me." Dice took a breath. "And to answer your question, I've been keeping an eye on the latest scribbler. She's with her so-called boyfriend now and are leaving the Fly Trap with the boys."
Seeming to take notice of the way Dice was looking at Lexie, Chips piped up, "Ya seem to have a fancy for 'er. I can't blame ya, she's quite the pretty filly."
"You can say she caught my eye." Dice replied, his eyes still on Lexie. "And honestly, I don't care if she has a boyfriend or not. He has no clue who he's messing with. I could break his little neck in a matter of seconds."
"Ya could try to impress 'er." Chips suggested. "Ya know how women are; they stick with the man that can protect them and sweep 'em off their feet."
"Hmmm I suppose you're right. And if I know one thing about myself; I am known to impress people. But getting Lexie to be impressed will be a great challenge. And I like it."
"Atta boy, pardner!"
"Good. Now, head back to the others. I'll let you know when they get close to the casino."
Chips nodded as he replied, "Yessir!"
With that, he walked off toward the others, leaving Dice to grin lustfully at the image of Lexie with glowing green eyes.
"You can resist me all you want, my darling Lexie. Soon, I'll have that shrimp out of the way and you will be allll mine."
A/N: Uh oh, King Dice has it in for me... especially now that he knows Liam's my boyfriend! What wicked schemes will he plan this time? Stay tuned for the next chapter of "Starting a New Chapter"!