Well, here we get to see what the main villain is doing while we see our MC explore the inkwell isles. I based the personality on some from the show while one certain boss from the Carnival chaos book.

But plenty more where those came from as we're fast approaching where the plot truly begins.

Chapter 2: Never Talk to Strangers

Meanwhile below the earth in the very south. No, it's not the south pole or the center of the earth, as you're guessing, the fiery underworld domain.

Inside was a large hallway with flames n reddish terrain decorated with large grey and black columns which led to a red throne, where the Devil himself was seated.

Tall black furred with a bit of blue tint, save for his hands and feet which were light grey and clawed, red nose, pointy ears along with long yellow horns and yellow eyes with red irises.

Right now, he had a sour face, not happy as of late.

As mentioned, his latest obsession was collecting people's souls from the isles yet one little cup got away. It was bad enough that Stickler, a smart aleck demon tends to remind him to keep track of things and not overlook souls that weren't collected.

He was angry, he still hasn't obtained that particular soul.

A plump purple demon called henchman flew up to him. And tried to cheer him up.

"Hey Boss still upset about that soul ball? And the wrecked Carnival?"

The devil said nothing as he just sat on his throne tapping impatiently as if waiting for something.

"Oh boss, I got some greats news," Henchman said brightly "There's a new face in town. 'Fresh meat' pure soul up for grabs."

The Devil just muttered in annoyance as he looked at henchman.

"The only thing that will make me feel better is getting that cup's soul but as you can see, I'm trying to figure out how to do so."

"Almost as bad as loosing track of that other soul. It's been years and not a trace of that young blood. Well at least Stickler didn't remind me of that soul"

A familiar voice pipes up as a small greenish demon with glasses, was known as Stickler spoke up. "Oh, btw you might want to consider putting effort in looking for that promised soul. It's a bit of a typo but it's Spanish for 'small cup'."

This statement only aggravates the Devil even more. It was bad enough, Cuphead had managed escape his soul being taken from the carnival game soul ball. But finding the other hidden target which promised in a deal was a bit difficult.

They had sent spies to do research but sadly there was no hospital records of the birth, and the old living area was deserted, thanks to a powerful disease.

And they lived in a place area where many of the modern technologies weren't invented, therefor they didn't have an age progression machine simulator. And they didn't know what the target looked like now adays.

Tazita followed the path through the forest, until reaching the end of the woods. Before her lay a bustling town. She wondered around in wonder. Sights, smells and sounds dazzled her.

Now while exploring Tazita remembered for years according to books, they mentioned a lot about the rest of the world. But there wasn't much information or tourism to make the Inkwell isles famous.

One thing she did know was that there were three isles forming it and there was a fourth isle hidden somewhere but didn't specify how it's seen. It was possibly due to the heavy fog and only to get there is through boat.

With the current islands on the other hand, they were connected by bridges and wooden docks.

As far as Tazita knew she and her Aunt Ruer lived in a deep part of the woods on the first isle, and as much as she wanted to step into the small area, she needs to be avoid being seen in case Aunt Ruer was there. Which was why she paced faster and walked right into the city where the second isle was.

She had yet to reach n explore the fair, curious about the mountain which had an astronomy set up build, and the light house. If she had time, she would've felt daring enough to visit mount eruptus.

But for now, she had settled with taking in the sights within the Big city. It wasn't fancy like New York, needless to say she liked looking at everything she sees.

Since she lived a sheltered life, she was friendly to a fault. And the fact she finally was out of the cottage and was finally meeting new faces. She greeted everyone that came her way.

Lucky for her, some of the people were friendly or in this case, anthro animals, fruits, veggies, instruments and other objects.

"Hi Mr. Saxophone!" She said to an anthropomorphic Saxophone that was passing by.

"Hello there," greeted the moving musical instrument who smiled warmly.

"Hi, how's it going?" she waved to an elderly dog who was tuning the radio.

"Hello, doing fine" replied the dog.

"Hi, Mr. Telephone" she said greeting an anthropomorphic Candlestick telephone.

"Hey kid," waved the telephone.

Others not so much, some were grouchy, snooty or like most individuals they are too stressed about something. Preoccupied with their own life.

"Hello Store owner" she said greeting a rough pig with an eye patch.

The pig only gruffed, to her "You gonna have buy something or get out!"

It made her frown as she stepped out of the store, some people can be rude.

"Good morning, Miss zeppelin" Tazita waved to a red colored zeppelin with a woman's face.

The woman zeppelin just looked at the girl in annoyance and said "Excuse me, do I know you?"

This only gave the cup girl a confused look. She was only trying to be polite and friendly.

"Hi Mr. Policeman," she greeted a police office in the shape of a Bumble bee with a mustache.

He dismissed her in bad-tempered manner, "Do you mind? I'm busy!"

The girl frowned at his attitude then muttered "Grouch bag."

Others merely corrected her by mentioning their name. She passed by a river where a large showboat called 'the Fly trap' was floating with two large frogs in suits and boxing gloves were standing by the entrance.

"Hi Mr. Frogs," she said greeting the large amphibians.

The short one looks taken aback and replied "Whoa, whoa, there missy Mr. Frog was our Pa. Names Ribby and this is my brother Croaks,"

"Oh, pleased to meet you." Said the cup girl nodding. At least they were well mannered, when she said hello.

Ribby then pointed out to a sign about their houseboat restaurant, "Now you may be interested in an evening you never forget,"

As emphasis there were images on the sign representing them. "We got First class entertainment, ballroom dancing and fine Dining."

As much as the cup girl wanted to experience the showboat like restaurant, she didn't have time or money.

"Oh, that sounds delightful but I haven't got the time. I want to explore some more perhaps I'll take a rain check."

"Perhaps some other time," he waved at the cup girl as she began walking away.

Now would be a would time to explore the surrounding forest in the second isle, she thought.

After all she had a few hours to go before sundown which would be the time her Aunt Ruer would be returning to the cottage.

Coincidently while the cup girl was exploring the area, two familiar cup brothers were doing their usual mischief like some boys do.

Yes, this is the part where something was going to happen that will change their lives forever...and for the better.

As she was further down in the forest, she heard their laughter and peeked out from a nearby bush. It was the first time she caught a glimpse of other children who were cups most especially the opposite gender.

The girl smiles eagerly and happily, she tries approaching the boys but they were wrapped up in their game, they didn't notice her.

She tried to speak up but out of her mouth came out giggles and felt something like a power jolt of electricity, not literally or pun intended. She hides in embarrassment but still so far, the boys were either ignoring her or were just oblivious.

What was this feeling? She peeked out from behind a tree shyly. As she begins to think to herself, she watches the boys some more and over hears them talking. Apparently, they were meant to do chores but like having adventures n fun too.

They were rebellious too, though it isn't wise to neglect chores. She takes an interest in the first one that was dressed in red.

So why couldn't she stop staring? What with those symptoms she was experiencing? Why the burning desire to be with that one particular cup boy? The one in red?

Perhaps it was because he was adventure loving like her while the second, he was nice but was too cautious.

Last thing, she wanted was a small male version of her Aunt Ruer who was so overbearing with her about watching out.

That's when she realizes that she has developed a crush on him. Maybe she should let him understand how she feels about him.

Then remembered, Bad idea, you can't go up to some boy and say you have a crush on him; it's crazy! Today love at first sight doesn't work now, maybe in fairy tales or in the Middle Ages but not now.

And besides with how oblivious he was when she tried to approach, how to get his attention?

One good thing Aunt Ruer taught her that love is like growing a plant, it takes time, patience and most importantly unselfish.

As much as she wanted to say hello neither of the cup boys seem to notice her.

Then an idea struck, since they're playing maybe she'll join in but tease him a little. The boys than were already chasing each other, then lost sight of the other one briefly.

This was her cue, Tazita thinks she jumps into the flower patch nearby. She giggles as the boy cup approached.

"Mugsy? Is that you?"

He peeks in expecting to find his brother. Tazita slips away merely taps his shoulder which startles him.

Before he sees her, she hides as the cup boy continues to look. No one was nearby.

He peeks behind a tree and looks ahead trying to find his bro.

Next thing Tazita and the boy know while circling the tree, they unknowingly bumped backs startling each other.

They finally faced eachother. And the boy finally sees the cup girl.

"Hey, you're not Mugman, you're a girl" he quipped.

Tazita smiles to him in interest, finally getting his attention, "I'm Tazita, What's your name?"

The boy looks confused as she bats her eye lashes at him.

"Cuphead, you got something in your eye?"

The other cup boy Mugman comes into the scene, and demands his brother what took him so long. Before seeing Tazita, and greets her shyly. "Oh hello"

"Hello," she says.

"You're new in these parts?"

"Well, you could say that." she replied before striking a conversation "You're not too crazy about staying put either and not go on an adventure?"

"It's boring when you could be out having a blast." Said Cuphead

Around here the small group of children started bond over their dislike on many things.

"Yeah…and my guardian is so fussy." Started Tazita "I hate the way; she dresses and how she treats me like…"

"Like a baby!" added Mugman folding his arms

"I hate how they underestimate us," said Cuphead "I hate doing chores."

"Yeah," Tazita nodded, "I hate embroidery, and home keeping stuff like they expect me to be a stay-at-home wife, and rules."

"Curfews, restrictions," grumbled Mugman.

"Painting the fence, and school…" griped Cuphead. Then turned to "You know Tazita, the three of us got a lot in common."

"Yeah, we all hate the same stuff." Said Mugman

"Oh! But I wish I can go to school yet all I got is home schooling." Tazita exclaims pouting while folding her arms.

"You want to sit all day and hear the teacher drone on?" asked Cuphead, looking at her incredulously.

"No, so I can meet other kids like me, my age. I'm not even allowed to step out my home. My Aunt won't let me meet anyone."

"She sounds uptight." Said Mugman, "Ya wanna hang out?"

"Sure."

Accompanying the boys to town was one thing, but they try to make the most of it. But it's then they notice Tazita saying hello to every everyone in town, she was pulled aside by her new friends.

"Hey! What's with you? You know every person in town?" inquired Mugman, he was the more cautious of the brothers.

"Yeah, you could've put in a good word for us n pull a few strings," added Cuphead. If Tazita knew some of the locals, then she could convince them to get free stuff.

"Huh?" Tazita stared at the boys' questions, "No, I don't know all of them, I just sort of met them."

"Don't you know anything?" reprimanded Mugman "Didn't your parents ever warn you about strangers?"

Tazita shook her head. "I don't have parents. And what's strangers?"

Both the cup bros stare before slapping their head in exasperation.

"Where have you been living in? Under a rock?" asked Cuphead agitated.

"No, a cottage deep in the forest." she replied.

Both the brothers sigh, didn't think they had to be the one, to explain to someone who was too innocent about the danger of strangers.

"Ok here's the drill. A stranger is anybody you don't know."

"Yeah…so?" Tazita shrugged.

"So, you must be careful, you don't know if they're bad. Just because he or she's friendly doesn't mean they're a friend." Explained Mugman, before continuing to explain.

"Appearances can be deceiving, treachery can show a friendly face, don't judge a book by its cover."

Tazita frowned "You're starting to sound like my Aunt Ruer…"

"Hey, we're not joking."

"But you two were strangers and you're not like that plus you guys talk to them when possible." She pointed out

Cuphead shook his head and said proudly "That's because we're kids like you, and we're streetwise."

Mugman just looks at him, which Cuphead then replies "well sometimes,"

Mugman only continued to warn her, "At times like these you can't afford to be gullible. Take us for example because of Cuphead still owing his soul to the Devil after that carnevil incident."

He added in a low whisper, "he once tried taking shapes and tricking Cuphead to get rid of the invisible sweater."

Tazita looked confused and questioned aloud. "The Devil? Who's that?"

A sudden gasp is heard, some murmured along with others gasping. Everyone in town turn towards her, all with shock and disbelief on their faces.

Even Cuphead and Mugman looked at her as she has just grown five heads.

"Really?!" cried Cuphead in exclamation.

"How can you not know?" exclaimed Mugman disturbed by the girl's innocence.

Tazita just frowned while folding her arms. "Blame it on my Aunt Ruer. But I'd like know who this person is that's got everyone's worked up about."

Mugman shushed her, not wanting to draw more attention. Cuphead manages to shoo off the gawkers while says loudly to the crowd, "She's new here, we'll explain things…"

With look of dread and worry on his face, Mugman begins to explain to Tazita.

"To make it short and simple, he's the guy who handles the bad part of the afterlife, you make the wrong choices, or turn out as bad as any villain as stone hearted you can be, you're guaranteed to head to the fiery underworld."

"Permanent jail in the afterlife." Explained Cuphead "Any time there's all kinds of bad stuff and so much evil, you can be sure that it was caused by the Devil."

"Let's just say people made the same mistake of dealing with him and suffer the consequences as a result."

"What do you mean?" Asked Tazita

"Recently he's been stalking around the isles. And he gets a kick out of playing tricks on the locals, but mostly collecting souls are his obsession."

Cuphead shakes his head as he mentions, "Don't matter whether if you're the good guy or bad guy or whatever, he'll get anybody's soul."

"You mean the thing that consists of your mind, character, thoughts and feelings? And the immortal thing that leaves the body as if it were a husk when you pass on?" inquired Tazita

They both nod.

"But why would, he wanna do that?" inquired Tazita.

"Some gripe he has with the man upstairs, out of malice and we're caught in the middle." Said Mugman

"The Man upstairs?"

"The big guy, the good guy of the afterlife. Play your cards right and ya get a one-way ticket to the good place in the sky."

"But don't worry the big D is a pushover…" Cuphead reassured her.

"Speaking of sky," stated Mugman, "it's already getting dark. We should be heading back before Kettle gets steamed"

Tazita at hearing this get alarmed, "Getting dark? I got to head back home!"

The boys looked at her in confusion.

"My Aunt doesn't know I left the cottage, and she must be on her way home right now."

"Whoa, that is sneaky." Grinned Cuphead.

The cup girl starts running in direction of the first island. Stops briefly before saying to the boys, "Thank you so much, I had a wonderful time. Maybe we'll meet again. Sometime."

"Uh sure."

"Shouldn't we have mentioned we live on the first island too?" asked Mugman

"Eh, we'll tell her when run into her." Shrugged Cuphead.

The sun was already it was already getting dark indicating the coming of night. Needless to say, Aunt Ruer was worried when she didn't see the cup girl in sight.

"Tazita! Tazita! Tazita!"

The cup girl in question just arrived from the back part of the cottage as she climbed back up the tree.

She managed to sneak back into her room through the window, just as the aunt opened the door.

"Oh, there you are I was so worried. Thank goodness you're safe," Aunt Ruer sighed in relief

"I only stepped out for bit," she replied.

"The world is full of wonderful thing but there are also terrible things," she explained at the last bit before a look fear and concern took over as if remembering a bad memory.

"Promise me you'll never go out again" she said sternly

Tazita frowned then an idea popped on. "I promise," she said before whispering the last bit quietly "I suppose…"

"Good…" Aunt Ruer nodded.

"I can be sneaky too." Tazita murmured she found a loophole regarding the promise. She promised not to step outside never specified where.

To be continued…