One day in the human world at the Emmons residence, Gwen and Clarence were going over the wedding invitations, deciding who they should invite to their wedding. Since Clarence had no family or friends in the human world, he goes with Gwen's choosing of family and friends.
While Gwen was checking the guest list, Clarence looks around Edgar's office and notices family pictures of the Emmons family on the shelves. He recognized Edgar and Margarine, Rose and Gwen, Uncle George and Aunt Mildred, Cousins Hailey and Kailey and Grandpa Earnest and Grandma 'Nana' Catherine.
But something caught Clarence's eye. He noticed a picture hidden in a corner all covered in dust. He grabs it, blows the dust off and wipes the picture and notices a man, a Native American woman and a big, strong son in a family pose. He had never seen them before, so he decided to ask Gwen about them.
"Hey, Gwen?" Clarence asked.
"Yes?" Gwen answered.
"Um, who are these people in this picture? You never told me about them." Clarence asked as he showed her the picture.
Gwen's eyes widened and quickly took the picture and hid it.
"Clarence! You weren't supposed to find that picture!" Gwen whispered.
"What? What's going on? Who are they? What aren't you telling me?" Clarence whispered.
Gwen covered his mouth.
"SHH!" Gwen shushed.
They both notice Edgar walking by, Gwen had Clarence pretend everything was fine until he was gone.
"Not here!" Gwen whispered then they resumed the wedding invitations.
Later, after some planning was done, Gwen and Clarence return to the cottage in the Inkwell Isles. She and Clarence go up to Gwen's room and close the door. They both sit on her bed as Gwen pulled out the picture.
"Okay, let's hear it." Clarence said.
Gwen took a deep breath.
"This is my Uncle Alvin Emmons. Papa's younger brother." Gwen said as she pointed at the man in the picture.
"I didn't know Edgar had a brother." Clarence said, feeling shocked.
"And this is Aunt Phyllis Emmons. And my Cousin Virgil Emmons." Gwen showed the other two people in the picture.
"So, why couldn't we talk about them back there?" Clarence asked.
"Um, let's just say they're… estranged." Gwen answered nervously.
"Estranged? That's terrible! What happened?" Clarence asked, wanting to know.
"Are you sure you wanna hear the story?" Gwen asked.
"Yes. I'm gonna be part of this family soon. I need to know the Emmons family and the history like you briefed me on your grandfather Earnest." Clarence insisted.
"Okay. Papa and Uncle Alvin are brothers but are both exact opposites in personalities. Papa is no-nonsense, strict and practical while Uncle Alvin is fun-loving, eccentric and impractical." Gwen explained.
"Sounds like someone I know." Clarence said.
Gwen gave him an unamused look.
"So, did they ever get along? Edgar and Alvin?" Clarence asked.
"Barely." Gwen answered.
"Oh. Please continue." Clarence said.
"Anyway, Uncle Alvin basically followed in Grandpa's footsteps since he too has a passion for art. He wanted to share his talent with everyone, so he became an art teacher at a recreation center in Cambridge where he met my yoga-loving Aunt Phyllis, fell in love with her, married her and had my cousin Virgil." Gwen continued.
"Oh, Phyllis loves yoga?" Clarence asked.
"Yes, she's trying to help bring the art of yoga after studying it during her trip to India years ago. She's lucky to have gotten a job as a yoga teacher at the recreation center thanks to Uncle Alvin." Gwen answered.
"Wow, she's sounds like she's a real oddball." Clarence said.
"Oh yeah but she means well. She brews her own herbal tea and wants to spread peace in the world." Gwen added.
"Oh." Clarence said.
"That's Cousin Virgil but don't let his size fool you. He inherited his mother's peaceful personality and a bit of his dad's ways. He has a green thumb and is studying to be a gardener. He loves growing flowers and other plants. He is an expert on that." Gwen finished explaining their family.
"So, what happened that caused them to be estranged?" Clarence asked.
"Well, during my childhood, me and Rose got along with Uncle Alvin and Aunt Phyllis. We even played with Cousin Virgil at family get-togethers and Sunday dinners. But papa and Uncle Alvin never saw eye to eye with each other. Papa never approved of Alvin's choice of career, thinking it would never provide his family enough money to survive the Great Depression. One day, Alvin had enough of Papa's nosiness and berating, Alvin left with Aunt Phyllis and Cousin Virgil and drove back to Cambridge. We never heard from them again for years and papa forbade us from ever talking about Uncle Alvin." Gwen finished the story with a sad look on her face.
"Oh wow. Alvin sounds like a really great guy. I don't see why Edgar had to push him into being something he didn't want to be." Clarence said.
"Remind you of someone else he tried to push but drove away?" Gwen asked.
Clarence realized Gwen and Alvin are so much alike.
"Oh, right. So, you and Alvin both inherited Earnest's artistic personality." Clarence said, figuring it out.
"Yep. Unlike papa who he inherited his practical behavior from Nana's side of the family." Gwen confirmed.
Clarence thought for a moment, then gets an idea.
"You know what Gwen? I think we should reconnect with Alvin and his family. Maybe even invite them to the wedding." Clarence suggested.
"What? No, we can't! Papa would be furious!" Gwen protested.
"But Gwen, you love them, right?" Clarence asked.
"Yes, I do dearly." Gwen answered.
"Then, I think we should pay them a visit. Talk to them, maybe have Alvin try to reconnect with Edgar. Think about it. You reconnected me with my half-sister Cordelia who I never knew before. So, I don't see why you can't reconnect your father with his brother." Clarence said, trying to persuade her.
Gwen sighed heavily, thinking about Clarence's suggestion.
"I know where we can find them in Cambridge." Gwen hesitantly said.
"You do? Will you take us there?" Clarence asked.
Gwen sighed, then nodded. She gets out her ink pen, tapped it and both disappeared. They reappear outside a recreation center in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
"Oh, so this is where they work?" Clarence asked.
"Yep. Art class and yoga class." Gwen answered.
They both walk inside the building and Gwen leads him to a classroom where students are gathering to start art class. Both Gwen and Clarence take their seats in the back row. Just then, they hear the door slam open, and a light-brunette haired man entered.
"GOOOOOOOOOD MOOOOOORRRRNING STUDENTS!" The man loudly greeted.
"Good morning Mr. Emmons!" All the students greeted.
"Is that him? Alvin Emmons?" Clarence whispered.
"Yep." Gwen whispered back.
"Alrighty then folks! What say we get started on our next lesson? TYE-DYE!" Alvin announced loudly.
"Yes!" The class agreed.
Alvin taught his students the art of tye-dying and has his students practice on their canvases. Gwen quietly creates a canvas and art supplies and has Clarence blend in with the class.
After an hour, class was over.
"Alrighty then folks! That was a fantastic job you all did today! We'll pick this up again next week! See you then!" Alvin called out as his students were leaving. Gwen and Clarence remain behind.
Alvin prepared to leave with his bag until he heard a familiar voice say,
"I see you haven't changed."
Alvin was shocked and turned around to see Gwen and Clarence approaching him. He gasped and smiled at Gwen, recognizing her.
"Hi, Uncle Alvin." Gwen nervously greeted.
"GWEN! My darlin' niece!" Alvin exclaimed and gave her a big hug and spun her around.
Gwen enjoyed the embrace by her dear uncle, with tears rolling down her face.
"Aw, Doodlebug. What's the matter?" Alvin asked, noticing his niece tearing up.
"Sorry Uncle Alvin. I'm just so happy to see you again." Gwen said as Alvin wiped her tears.
Clarence smiled at Gwen and Alvin reuniting. Just then, Alvin noticed Clarence.
"And who's this handsome young man?" Alvin asked.
"Uncle Alvin, this is Clarence Hopewell. My fiancé." Gwen introduced.
Alvin and Clarence shake hands.
"Nice to meet you sir." Clarence said politely.
"Wait, what? You're getting married Gwen? Congratulations!" Alvin said excitedly as he wrapped his arms around the couple.
"Thanks Uncle Alvin." Gwen said.
Just then, a Native American woman with long black hair entered the classroom and was shocked.
"Gwen? Is that you Little Orchid?" The woman asked.
Gwen looked and recognized the woman as her Aunt Phyllis Emmons.
"Hi Aunt Phyllis." Gwen greeted.
Phyllis quickly joined in the hug with her husband and niece. Clarence smiled at Gwen reuniting with her aunt and uncle.
"This wonderful! Our niece finally came to visit!" Phyllis said happily.
"And she's brought her fiancé with her! She's gettin' married!" Alvin added.
Phyllis gasped happily.
"Wonderful! Why don't you two come over to our house for dinner? And you can explain the details!" Phyllis said to Gwen.
"Oh… um…" Gwen hesitated until Clarence interrupted,
"We'd love to Mrs. Emmons."
"Oh, please. Call me Phyllis. We're going to be family soon." Phyllis insisted.
"And your cousin Virgil will be happy to see you!" Alvin added.
"Oh… great." Gwen nervously said.
"Then it's settled! Let's get going!" Alvin said as he led the group out of the building.
They drive the couple to their house and Phyllis starts cooking dinner. As Gwen and Clarence sat in the living room, a tall, tan-skinned muscular medium length black-haired young teenage boy covered in dirt entered and was shocked to see the couple.
"Hi, Cousin Virgil." Gwen nervously greeted.
"Cousin Gwen!" Virgil said happily.
He quickly goes over to Gwen and gives her a big hug, squishing her.
"Good… to see… you cuz." Gwen said as she was being squished by Virgil's strong arms.
Virgil releases Gwen as she caught her breath.
"Virgil, this is Clarence Hopewell. My fiancé." Gwen introduced.
"Nice to meet you, Virgil." Clarence greeted as they shook hands.
"Oh, you are getting married cuz?" Virgil asked.
"Yep, we're getting married." Gwen said.
"Ah, welcome to the family brother." Virgil said as he slapped Clarence's back.
"OOF!... Thanks." Clarence weakly said.
"Oh kids! Dinnertime!" Phyllis called.
The trio of humans enter the dining room, sit at the table as Phyllis served them Three Sisters Soup that contained corn, zucchini and beans in a tomato broth with a side of fried bread. They all started eating together until Alvin cleared his throat.
"So, Gwen have you sent out the wedding invitations yet?" Alvin asked.
"No, not yet." Gwen nervously answered.
"Oh good, we'd love to receive one and we'll be there Little Orchid!" Phyllis added.
"Little Orchid?" Clarence asked.
"That is what mother calls Cousin Gwen, and she calls Cousin Rose: Little Chrysanthemum." Virgil answered.
"Oh. That's nice." Clarence said.
"Well, have you and papa patched things up yet?" Gwen asked nervously.
"Oh, well, your papa never approved any of my choices. I remember you and Eddie didn't really get along either." Alvin sadly answered.
"We didn't, but so much has changed since then. My life completely changed since I found Grandpa's magic inkwell!" Gwen said as she showed him the inkwell.
Alvin gasped at the sight of his late father's inkwell.
"Wait, you know it's magic? Has Ol' Scratch given up on obtaining it yet?" Alvin asked, now full of questions.
"What? You knew about the magic inkwell? The Devil? The Inkwell Isles?" Gwen asked until she realized too late what she blurted out.
Clarence groaned and facepalmed.
"Actually, I did know Gwen. Papa never knew it, but I knew all along until he caught on later." Alvin admitted.
"How?" Gwen asked, now full of questions.
"Well, did papa tell you the story of how the Devil kidnapped him and he escaped back to mama?" Alvin asked.
"Yes…?" Gwen answered.
"I was there that day. I was just a boy when I peeked from mama and papa's bedroom door and watched papa exit the door portal and mama was freaking out. And I witnessed him erasing and altering her memories. Then, they both hugged and mama assumed she had a nightmare. I was so scared I wanted to tell Eddie, but I knew what he was gonna say, he'd think I'm crazy and insane. So, I kept it to myself all these years." Alvin explained.
"Wow, so you knew about everything Grandpa did?" Gwen asked.
"Yep. Oh, and for several years, papa actually passed the inkwell to me. I used it before you did Doodlebug." Alvin revealed.
"Really? How'd you use it?" Gwen asked, fascinated.
"Yes father, how did you use it?" Virgil asked, also fascinated.
"Well, I used it for good deeds. And provide my wife and son a good home and a good life for us. I actually created that rec center and this house myself for Pylly and I." Alvin said and winked.
"Wow, really Uncle Alvin?" Gwen asked.
"It is true Little Orchid." Phyllis confirmed.
"So, then what happened? Why did you give up ownership?" Gwen asked.
Alvin sighed heavily.
"Please father. We need to know." Virgil insisted.
"One day, papa fell ill so he approached me for the inkwell and warned me the Devil was coming for me. He knew he was dying so he had me fulfill his final request. He had me give him his ink pen and he ran off to distract the Devil. I went to the park in Boston, gave up my ownership so it'll be passed on to you and I hid it pretty well. After papa passed, we heard about your disappearance. I always felt that the Devil had something to do with it. I wanted to tell Eddie about the Devil, but I knew what he'd say. He would've thought I was as crazy like our papa was, so I'm afraid I did nothing." Alvin told the story as tears rolled down his face.
"So, Grandpa had you transfer ownership of the inkwell to me to protect you?" Gwen asked, feeling horrified.
Alvin sighed and nodded.
"Well, the thing is, papa didn't think he'd suspect you would have the inkwell. But regardless, he discovered it anyway and kidnapped you. I'm so sorry Gwen, I failed papa." Alvin said, feeling upset as Phyllis comforted him.
"No, Uncle Alvin. You didn't fail Grandpa." Gwen assured him.
"What do you mean?" Alvin asked.
"So much has happened since then. I'll fill you in." Gwen said.
Gwen tells her family about Cuphead and Mugman, Elder Kettle and all the adventures they had together since she lived in the Inkwell Isles. She even told the story of how Rose found her and helped reconnect her with their parents after the Devil kidnapped them.
"So, you see, papa realized how wrong he was for the way he treated me and now lets me follow my own path. I live with my two best friends and their elderly caretaker, I met Clarence, started my own art business and we're getting married." Gwen finished the story.
"Wow, that is amazing Gwen." Virgil complimented.
"If that's true Gwen, then maybe it's time to do something I should've done a long time ago: reconnect with my big brother." Alvin said, feeling brave.
"I am so proud of you, my love. You must mend your bond with your brother." Phyllis complimented and kissed Alvin.
"Yes father. I want to see Uncle Edgar, Aunt Margarine and Cousin Rose again." Virgil added.
Alvin smiled at his family.
"Well, what are we waitin' for? Let's get on over there!" Alvin said confidently.
"I'll help you anyway I can." Gwen said.
"Thank you, Gwen." Phyllis thanked.
"Oh, Gwen? May I? Just like old times?" Alvin asked, reaching his hand for the magic inkwell and ink pen.
"Of course, Uncle Alvin. Grandpa would've been so proud of you." Gwen said as she handed him the inkwell and ink pen.
Alvin held the magical items and smiled with a few tears.
"Hi papa." Alvin said as Phyllis put her arm around him.
"Father, Gwen is right. Grandfather would be very proud of you if he saw you right now." Virgil assured him.
Alvin smiled at his son.
"Thank you, son." Alvin thanked.
"Now, let's see if I remember how to do this." Alvin said as he raised the ink pen.
He tapped it and the family disappeared and reappeared in front of Gwen's old home.
"I still got it!" Alvin bragged.
"You sure do Uncle Alvin." Gwen complimented.
"Yes, you do my boy…" A familiar voice said from the shadows.
The group turned and saw a shadowy figure standing in the dark corner of the house. The Devil stepped out of the shadows and revealed himself to Gwen, Clarence and the family. Alvin's eyes widened in horror.
"Ah, Alvin, you've grown up so much since we last met all those years ago." The Devil taunted.
"What? Uncle Alvin, what is he talking about?" Gwen asked nervously.
"You mean… he didn't tell you? I thought you were close to him my beautiful flower." The Devil asked.
Virgil took Gwen and pulled her behind him to protect her.
"What happened?" Phyllis asked.
"I'll tell you my dear Mrs. Emmons. You see, many years ago, I decided to try to kidnap Earnest again when I discovered a little boy snooping around his daddy's art studio after bedtime. The little boy touched the magic inkwell, and I witnessed a power flowing through him. I realized the boy could now use the magic inkwell so… I decided to kidnap him instead. The poor little boy screamed at the sight of me and backed against the wall, feeling helpless. But before I could take him away, I heard Earnest coming and so I had no choice but to retreat before he saw me. From then on, I plotted to kidnap the boy who grew up until Earnest interfered and I couldn't find the inkwell. After his death, I thought Alvin might've had the inkwell only to discover he didn't have it anymore. That's when I was informed the inkwell was located in a certain… beautiful flower's bedroom that fateful night…" The Devil told the story.
Gwen's eyes widened in horror, realizing the Devil traumatized Alvin in his childhood.
"Alright enough storytelling. Let's get to the best part." The Devil said as he raised his pitchfork.
He levitates Gwen from behind Virgil into his arms and prepared to take her away as she struggled.
Alvin was horrified until Phyllis said to him,
"Alvin! You must let go of the pain of your past! It is time for you to face your fear and save your family! Your father would've wanted that for you!"
Realizing his wife was right, Alvin felt anger and faced the Devil holding his father's ink pen and magic inkwell.
"Let my niece go!" Alvin bravely yelled.
"Aw, how cute. You finally got brave. Oh wait, you had the magic inkwell and ink pen?" The Devil taunted until he realized Gwen didn't have the items on her.
"You should've searched me first you feeble freak of nature!" Gwen taunted.
Alvin pointed the ink pen at the Devil and fired an icy blast at the Devil, freezing him. Virgil helps Gwen and gets her to the safety of his mother. The Devil unfreezes himself and prepares to fight. Alvin fired all his range of attacks his father taught him, causing severe injury to the Devil.
"This is for my father! This is for my family! And this is for my niece!" Alvin yelled angrily.
Alvin stood over the Devil, preparing to finish him off.
"You… are very… foolish… just like… your father. You… failed… him after... he died." The Devil weakly taunted.
Alvin felt more anger in his heart until Virgil stepped up.
"Virgil! What are you doing?" Alvin asked.
"It is alright father." Virgil assured him.
Virgil cracked his knuckles as the Devil looked at Virgil in horror and gulped at his large muscular size.
"Oh, Devil, meet my cousin Virgil Emmons. And you made him very angry." Gwen introduced and taunted.
"Oh no…" The Devil said worryingly.
Virgil grabbed the Devil and threw him at the wall of the house. Gwen and Alvin watch satisfying at Virgil giving the Devil what he rightfully deserved.
Virgil then rams the Devil into the prickly bushes as the Devil yelled in pain. Then, he slams the Devil into a large oak tree. He grabs a tree branch and whacks the Devil with it. The Devil nearly passes out until Virgil grabs him by the neck and lifted him up to his face.
"You hurt my grandfather. You hurt my father. You hurt my cousin and you hurt my family you irredeemable monster." Virgil said in a serious tone.
The Devil gulped in fear as Virgil raised his fist. With all his might, he delivers a final blow to the Devil's face and knocked him out cold.
Gwen and Alvin stood wide-eyed at her cousin fighting the Devil. She takes the inkwell and ink pen and uses her magic to send the Devil back to Inkwell Hell.
"Cuz, that… was… unbelievable!" Gwen said as she walked up to Virgil.
"No, it was not. You believed in me. Mother and father believed in me." Virgil said as he hugged Gwen.
"That's my boy. I'm so proud of you son." Alvin said as he hugged his son.
"Thank you, father." Virgil thanked.
"Yes, my dear Mato. We are all very proud of you." Phyllis said as she hugged her husband and son.
"That's our boy my Kimimela." Alvin said to Phyllis.
"Mato? Kimimela?" Clarence asked Gwen.
"Kimimela is Phyllis's Sioux name and Mato is Virgil's Sioux name. Butterfly and Bear." Gwen explained.
"Oh." Clarence said, understanding.
Just then, Edgar and Margarine approach the group.
"Al?" Edgar asked.
"Eddie?" Alvin asked.
They both stare at each other until Alvin spoke up.
"Look, I know you think I'm crazy and insane, but I love what I do, and I love my family! And everything I did; I did to help papa, mama and your daughter Gwen! I don't care what you think of me, but…"
Just then, Edgar quickly gives Alvin a heartwarming hug.
"Brother." Edgar said warmly.
Alvin's eyes widened and hugged Edgar back.
"I'm so sorry brother. I was so focused on what I wanted what was best for you that I didn't care what you wanted. Just like I didn't care what Gwen wanted. It was my fault." Edgar apologized.
Alvin was moved to tears.
"Well, it was a rough few years of not hearing or seeing each other, but it means a lot to me to hear you say that. And don't worry, we were there at papa's funeral. You just never knew it." Alvin admitted.
Margarine was moved, seeing her husband and brother-in-law making amends.
Virgil and Phyllis approached Edgar and Alvin.
"Hello, Uncle Edgar." Virgil greeted.
"Oh, my dear nephew." Edgar said and gave Virgil a hug.
Margarine joins her husband and Virgil in their hug.
"Hello, Aunt Margarine." Virgil greeted.
"Hey Virgil." Margarine greeted.
Phyllis gives Margarine a big hug.
"Margarine darling!" Phyllis said happily.
"Oh, hi Phyllis." Margarine said, feeling squeezed too tight.
Just then, Rose and William arrive with Emma and Jack when they discover her estranged family reunited.
"Uncle Alvin? Aunt Phyllis?" Rose asked, feeling shocked.
Alvin, Phyllis and Virgil look at Rose and William with their twins.
"Rosebud!" Alvin called.
"Little Chrysanthemum!" Phyllis called.
Both aunt and uncle hug Rose. Virgil approached Rose.
"Cousin Rose!" Virgil said as he smiled.
"Cousin Virgil!" Rose exclaimed and both hugged each other.
Gwen joined her sister and cousin in their hug.
"We three Emmons children are united at last." Virgil said as he raised his cousins in his big arms.
"Yes, Virgil. We are." Gwen agreed.
"Whatever you and Clarence did, thank you." Rose thanked Gwen.
That evening, a celebration was held, and Rose introduced her husband William and their two children to Alvin, Phyllis and Virgil. Phyllis bonds with Emma and Jack as Virgil and Gwen chatted together. Clarence brings his half-sister Cordelia to the celebration and introduces her to the Emmons and Smith families.
Clarence and Cordelia approach Gwen and Virgil.
"Oh, hey Clarence. Cordelia." Gwen said.
"Hey sugar!" Cordelia greeted.
"Cordelia, this is my cousin Virgil Emmons." Gwen introduced.
"This my half-sister Cordelia Hopewell." Clarence introduced.
"Hiya strong man." Cordelia greeted.
Virgil is struck by Cordelia's beauty and kindness and blushed.
Gwen notices and smiled smugly.
"I saw that cuz." Gwen smirked.
"What? You saw nothing." Virgil said, being in denial.
"Clarence? Why don't we give my cousin and your sister some privacy?" Gwen suggested and winked.
"Oh okay, sure." Clarence agreed, knowing where Gwen was going with this.
They both leave Virgil and Cordelia alone to socialize.
Back in Hell, the Devil is in his personal ER receiving treatment for the injuries Virgil caused him. Henchman approached the doctor imp.
"Duh, how's the boss doc?" Henchman asked.
"Well, he's got a lot of bruises and swollen muscles. Whoever did this to him, I do not wanna be on that guy's bad side." The doctor answered.
"Oh, it was Gwen's big, strong cousin who beat him up, protecting her and his father." Henchman answered.
"Oh, yikes." The doctor imp said.
From then on, Edgar and Alvin once again remained in contact as Gwen brings Virgil with her to the Inkwell Isles. Virgil and Cordelia started dating and Gwen and Clarence sent off their wedding invitations, which of course Alvin and his family receive one and confirm 'yes' on their reply note.