A/N: Welcome to this week's chapter of "Starting a New Chapter"! Today we're about to face everyone's favorite flower character (no not Flowey) Cagney Carnation! What kinda schenanigans can we expect this time? Stay tuned!
(Liam's P.O.V)
After a bit of walking, and making sure I didn't lose my lunch, we finally came to an open area outside of the forest and saw many flowers of all types and colors. I gotta say it was a welcome sight to see in contrast to New York.
"Wow! These flowers are amazing!" Lexie squealed. "There's so many of them!"
"Yeah, they are really pretty." Mugman nodded. "Miss Lexie, what are your favorite flowers?"
Lexie looked down in thought for a little bit before responding, "Hmm…I like a variety of flowers, but it's a considerable tie between cherry blossoms and red roses. Sunflowers too."
"Ohh, those are nice!" Cuphead smiled. "I know I'm not one to be a huge fan of flowers, but I appreciate them."
"They definitely bring beauty to the world, don't they?" Lexie smiled in turn.
"Agreed. Soooo, we're fighting someone named Cagney?" I asked.
"Yep. He should be around here somewhere…" Mugman trailed off.
As we looked around, just then, we heard something crunch under our shoes and when we looked, we saw we accidentally crushed a few white flowers.
"Whoops. Didn't see them." Cuphead sheepishly replied.
Before we could say anything else, suddenly, the ground began to shake violently and a large plant emerged. When it came up, it looked like a flower with orange petals and a really angry face.
I'm gonna take a wild guess and say that is Cagney.
"HEY! What is your problem!?" He shouted. "Do you not have any respect?!"
"We're really sorry about that!" Lexie tried to apologize, "We didn't mean to-!"
"Looks like you need a lesson on treating things with respect!" He snapped. "I think I'll just crush you for fun! Ya got a problem with that!?"
"Uh, well, yeah, we have a deadline to-" Mugman started but Cagey interrupted.
"Too bad! I don't care!"
I felt Lexie grip my arm a bit; I could tell she was a bit unnerved since normally, she doesn't like confrontation.
"Look, we didn't mean to do that!" I finally chimed in. "We didn't see them so you need to calm down-"
Aaaand that's when I realized I said something really stupid. Just then, he grabbed me and flung me hard, making me land on my back. Then, vines came out of nowhere and grabbed my arms and legs.
"LIAM!" Lexie exclaimed.
I saw her fear turn into anger as she stormed to Cagney…oh no.
"HEY! Let him GO!"
"You want him free?! Beat me first!" He argued.
"Lex! We'll handle him!" Cuphead informed Lex. "Take cover and get ready to write down the battle!"
Lex nodded and bolted to a tree stump and flipped open the sketchbook.
The Cups gave each other a fist bump and began the fight. I glanced and saw the notebook glowing and then heard:
"A GREAT SLAM AND THEN SOME! NOW GO!!"
I still have yet to figure out who is saying that and where it's coming from, but I have to admit, it' pretty cool.
I watched as the Cups fought Cagney with everything they had. The whole battle gave me crazy Undertale vibes; I'm guessing it had to do with the fact Cagney looks almost exactly like Flowey. There were flying piranha plant looking things in the air, seeds that he was using as projectiles, and…I'm not sure what those boomerang looking things were but they looked pretty intimidating.
"Mugs! Aim for the seeds!" Cuphead informed his brother. "They might be something that could hurt us!"
"Got it!" Mugman nodded.
It took a little while (it felt like an eternity since the thorns were kinda making me uncomfortable), but after the boys shot at the seeds and Cagney, he started pulling at his petals. I got a bit worried. I know we were fighting him, but seeing him in this distressed state made me nervous.
But he gave the boys this manic look, dug his hands into the ground and suddenly vines grew EVERYWHERE! I mean we're talking on the ground for several kilometers (yes I still go by kilometers since I grew up in Australia).
The vines were growing so fast, Lexie could barely react before they were barrelling toward her!
"LEXIE!" I shouted. She had little time to react as the vines got closer and closer to her, cornering her.
She thankfully dodged the vines engulfing the tree stump and tried to make a run for a safer spot. But they were just everywhere.
Panicking, I began to pull and tug at the vines as hard as I could. After a second, I heard a SNAP! From one of them, freeling my right arm. I was then able to break the other vines and bolted to Lexie.
Before one of the vines grabbed her, I swept her off her feet and got her away, taking her to a safer location.
"You okay?" I asked as I placed her down gently.
Lex just blushed for a second before replying, "Y-Yeah, I'm fine."
She then gave a gentle smile as she added, "Thanks Lee."
"No problem. I'm glad you're safe." I smiled, still feeling a bit breathless.
Next thing we knew,
"KNOCKOUT!"
The boys defeated Cagney and the battle was over. Then, the vines began to pull back and vanish, as Cagney rubbed his head, his face now more calm than chaotic.
Lex looked at me and asked, "Is it me, or did that guy give you Flowey meets Mario vibes?"
"Literally was thinking that the entire time!" I smiled. "Man, I love it when we think alike. Audrey was right; we were made for each other."
"Agreed." Lex smiled.
We just looked at each other for a solid, I dunno minute or so, when we heard Cagney clear his throat.
"Hey, uh, listen, you two, I'm sorry I lashed out." He apologized. "I love taking care of flowers, especially here, and I can't stand them being hurt or ruined. I understand if you just want to take my contract and leave."
"It's okay, we all get frustrated and stressed from time to time." Lexie reassured Cagney, "We're sorry too, for stepping on your flowers. It's bad enough we gotta collect your soul contract thanks to Ol' Stupid."
"Yeah, I guess it wasn't your fault." He sighed. "When you see that pesky weed and his gnome garden loser, give them a good punch for me, will ya?"
I cracked my knuckles and replied, "No problems there, mate."
The boys collected the contract, thanked Cagney and we began to head out. We had all the contracts from this area and can now move on! I know we spent most of the day getting them, but we were off to a good start. I'm just worried about how the others will deal with us.
Just as we were heading out, Cagney called out, "Hey wait, Liam! Can I talk to you for a sec?"
"Oh, uh sure." I replied. Turning to the group, I assured them, I'll be right back, guys."
"Oh, erm...okay?" Lexie replied with an arched eyebrow. I could tell she was concerned and confused but I assured her I would be fine.
Approaching Cagney, I asked, "What's up, mate?"
"Say, are you and Lexie there dating?"
I was a bit surprised by that, but I guess it was no huge secret so I answered, "Yeah, we are. It's almost been two years since we started dating."
"Ah I figured. The way you looked at her when you saved her from my vines gave it all away. Here, I wanna give ya something."
"Really? What's that?" I asked.
He formed scissors with his hands and cut off some red roses of a rosebush. I guess more cartoon logic? I dunno can't explain it.
"Sweet, gorgeous flowers...can never go wrong with these beauties." He smiled as he handed them to me.
"Wow! Thanks! These are some of her favorites! She'll love them!" I beamed.
"Eh, don't mention it pal." He shrugged. "I heard about the incident at the Fly Trap, word travels fast. Don't wanna lose a gal like her, they don't come easily these days."
"Tell me about it." I sighed. "I hated how he came off as Mr. All-That-and-Thinks-He Can-Have-Any-Girl-He-Wants. I may not have riches, or be second in command to some big business guy, but I love Lexie for who she is and want to treat her with respect, not like a toy."
"Glad to hear it. Anyway, give these roses to her for me. I figure she'd love to get them from her love." Cagney mentioned, patting my back gently.
"I will, thanks." I nodded.
He smiled and I headed over and has the roses behind my back
"Everything okay, Lee?" Mugman asked.
"Yeah, all good." I replied.
"What'd he say?" Lexie chimed in.
"Oh, uh, he told me… what kind of flowers make a girl smile." I answered, as I revealed the flowers to her.
She looked in surprise before happily taking the flowers, smelling them.
"Aww Lee...they're beautiful." Lexie blushed.
"Thought you'd like them." I mentioned. "I know it's a bit cheesy but I know you love these."
"We can afford to be cheesy sometimes." She smirked.
"Yeah that's true." I shrugged.
We were both looking at each other, blushing, when, next thing we knew, we heard singing flowers and vines, which only enhanced the romantic atmosphere. I felt like I was in one of those Disney films where there was a romantic atmosphere. Particularly a mix of Wreck-It-Ralph and The Little Mermaid.
"Awwww, how sweet." Mugman sighed.
"Just a bunch of mushy stuff." Cuphead gagged.
As the flowers and vines kept singing, we got lost in the moment. I wrapped an arm around her waist and held her chin lightly, while she gently wrapped her arms around my neck. We then leaned forward and gave each other a passionate kiss on the lips as some vines formed a huge heart behind us, pink and red roses blooming all over them.
I don't know why, but I wanted to remind her that it was going to be okay, especially with all the craziness that we have and will endure. She felt completely safe with me, and I could be myself when I'm with her. I know I can be myself with my friends, but there was something about Lexie that allowed me to be more confident and sure of myself.
After a second, I pulled away and gave her a dopey yet cute grin, with our faces blushing.
Lexie smiled her usual beautiful smile as she leaned her head against my chest.
Time seemed to stand still when suddenly, Mugman's voice snapped us back to reality by claiming "Erm, not wanting to ruin the moment, but we need to get going."
"Oh, right! Uh, sorry I just love being with Lexie." I mentioned, rubbing the back of my head.
Lexie retracted from my chest, trailing to my shoulders while carrying the roses as she added, "I love being with you too Lee."
I took a happy sigh as I looked over and saw Cagney give me a thumbs up. In return, I gave one as well.
After a brief goodbye to Cagney we headed on our way to the next area. I wasn't sure how we were going to get there, but I was hoping it wouldn't be too difficult.
I was completely wrong.
(Normal P.O.V)
As our heroes headed out of the forest, little did they know, King Dice was keeping an eye on them, his eyes glaring at Liam.
It really made the Devil's right hand man very angry to see that little twerp had given the girl of his dreams roses and she happily accepted them. And, as further insult to injury, they kissed while those silly plants were singing in the background! With a couple of vines forming a heart with roses blooming all over them, framing the two humans like a romantic picture no less!
"So, that shrimp thinks he can be all lovey dovey around her and kiss my gal?" He growled. "Well, guess it's time for me to step up my A game."
He saw Lexie smile around Liam and holding his hand, which caused him to form a terrible grin on his face.
"And I'll make sure you'll forget about that shrimp, and want to be with me…forever."
A/N: Ohhhh boy...seems Dice is planning something. Since we're fixing to head straight to his turf, I'm scared to think what could happen next. Stay "tooned" for the next chapted of "Starting a New Chapter"!