AN: To answer a few questions, I'm going to have to go with my own design for Tazita, in order to make her different from Chalice. Because basically her shirt n skirt is like a ballet outfit (but no tutu).

And yes, I'm aware of the poster similarities like on Whiteling's page (and the villain's quirks), it's no different than how some movie posters done also look at the movie posters for Labyrinth, Legend (80's fantasy film), and some Disney films have the villain overlooking the heroes through some orb n crystal ball.

Yeah, sadly we're going to see more of King Dice, he's crafty and manipulative as Skeksil the Chamberlain along with a certain veggie trio.

Regarding the soul debt 30-day period, I'm as surprised as well. However, this won't apply to our heroine because her soul was promised to Old Scratch years ago. Let's just say you'll learn why.

To answer the voice headcanon for Tazita I'd say Janice Kawaye (voice of Jenny X-J9 and Ami Onuki) or possibly Ariel Winter (voice of Sofia, Penny Peterson and Chrissy Damon)

I see many things in common The Devil has with Hades, but in the long run yes Tazita will meet him, guaranteed. LOL Funny idea of having him in the shape of a rat being beaten by Ruer. Don't forget the spider shape in case someone tries squashing him. XD

I'm enjoying the fic Gwen and the Magic Inkwell, it's a wonderful fic, full of charm, fun and adventure.

Ok everyone here's where Tazita's journey begins. Mind you she's still a walking target for the main villain.

Ch 4: Complicated "first steps" to Independence

Tazita longed to explore the world around her. So much out there to explore yet it's full of dangers for those who are not cautious

Quietly she gathered many things she wanted to take with her. Some simple necessities among them were quilts for nighttime.

She peeked out the window, it was not completely dark, but dusky and very dark still. She was feeling both excited and frightened but this was also a thrill.

Took one last look at the cottage she grew up in and walked off into the dark and quiet night.

It was a night of elation and adventure. Reckless youth and inexperience clouded the girl's thoughts, causing her not to heed her Aunt's Ruer's warnings. Thus, she defiantly sought out her own great adventure.

She looked around the forest, it had its fair share of noise. Frogs croaking by the stream, crickets playing their tune, the same owl hooted on a nearby tree.

Stars light the sky like shimmering diamonds in the night.

Even if the sky grew blacker, with clouds obscuring the moon. Usually, the night time might frighten many to anyone silly enough to let their imagination runaway with them.

It wasn't case for the cup girl, since her Aunt Ruer was so overprotective, she never indulged her into reading ghost stories and many books that were considered for the horror genre.

Therefore, she didn't feel any fear just irritation, that it was hard to see in the dark.

On top of that she was only 200 yards from the cottage with a long way to go!

So, she pressed on, not wanting to risk her aunt waking up to stop her. Lucky for her, she pulls out an old flashlight which still worked.

It was hard to say how long she walked further from her home. But it must've been hours, she noticed that the place began to become a bit like a marsh.

She noticed some cattails n a bit of wetlands, and up ahead pushing apart some long grass. There were some standing stone as if someone tried building Stonehenge in the area.

But in front of the stones was a ring of ancient stones with a pool of water.

"Whoa" said Tazita, in fascination. She hadn't seen this part of the forest, when she had ventured out the first time.

She walked up and looked down in the pool. She dips her hand in the water in curiosity.

Upon touching the water, a bright blue light beamed out of the water with a male voice echoed.

So much desired freedom

But danger

Is no stranger,

Without wisdom

The face of an old man appeared in the water, "I am Quadratus the great and wise. Come closer young one so I may advise"

"What kind of advice?" The cup girl asked in surprise.

Advice to be cautious

There are many dangers

Nothing is flawless

For your endeavors

Explained Quadratus as he formed many images in the water.

But the biggest threat

Is the Devil

Looking for those in debt

Well basically anyone who made a deal with him.

"You kind of stopped rhyming?" said Tazita

As I said once it gets old

"I'm aware of that person that my friends warned me about that guy."

Quadratus shook his head, as he spoke

Ah you are not wise

So, heed my advice

He gets kicks

Playing tricks

On the locals

They're easy marks dumb yokels

At least to him…

He shows an image of the very threat taking many shapes, then shows a young bread child, licking a lollipop and holding a balloon. Then, the Devil appears, popping the balloon with his tail, causing the bread to cry. Then snatches the lollipop, takes a few licks before eating it.

Tazita frowned while folding her arms. "Now you're sounding like my aunt, and why should I let this bully push me around?"

You don't, just have to be aware

You have to be patient with her

Her methods are exaggerated

Which I concur

But she holds a dark secret

Involving the past

"Something to do with might've happened with my folks? Not my fault, she thinks the same thing will happen to me with…whatever happened to them."

But it is not the fate

That is her concern

Actions are what lead to their state

Which one should learn

"What do you mean? What did they do?"

Quadratus frowned before explaining: Nice try, young cup. It is not my secret to tell, that's something you have to discover for yourself.

So, beware

Take care

But kindness is

Your greatest strength

And true Friendship

Helps to endure any length

After speaking those words, the face vanished and everything went tranquil.

So, I have to keep on my toes with that creep sneaking about…She thought.

"I better set up camp for the night,"

She pulled out a blanket and made a small makeshift tent over a hanging low branch. While using a simple quilt to lay down on.

It was a cold n quiet night but she had to endure to sleep.

There was plenty to do in the morning before continuing her trip fulfilling her dreams of freedom.

But long before the night was over Tazita knew she'd have to find shelter to hide and sleep. She can't camp outside forever.

She woke up the next day, which will be more easy for her to see where she was going. She took the same path that would lead her to the city. While walking something was hopping along in the forest before appearing before the cup girl.

She was startled briefly. But to her relief, it was just a trio of oversized vegetables. A potato, an onion and a carrot, the biggest vegetables, she'd seen.

"Hello," greeted the Potato tipping his hat to her.

"You gave me a start…Who are you?" she inquired.

"Sorry about that Miss. Didn't mean to startle you." Apologized the Potato before introducing himself and his friends, "We're just down on our luck vegetables, I'm Sal"

He gestured at the onion then at the Carrot, "this is Ollie, and that's Chauncey"

"I'm Tazita" she said shaking the hands politely.

"Cute name."

"What are you three doing so far in this part of the forest?" Tazita inquired curiously.

"Well, we were wondering the same thing when we saw you walk by…shouldn't you be in school?" asked Chauncey curiously

"Seems kind of unwise skip school," added Sal

Tazita frowned remembering her ordeal with her Aunt Ruer. "I didn't skip school. I wish I'd gone to school…I ran away from home!"

Ollie the onion then questioned looking concerned, "Why would you run from home? Your folks don't love you?"

Sal and Chauncey looked at Ollie in exasperation, the onion tended to be too sensitive on many subjects and it was irritating.

"I don't have any parents. Just my Aunt Ruer. But she doesn't let me do anything." She replied

"Your Aunt must be worried."

"That's the problem, she won't let me grow up." She said then began to rant, "I wanted to be in school but she insists I get homeschooled. She's scared of every little thing. On top of that she embarrassed me in front of an audience and King Dice when I was about to win in Roll the dice."

"Ouch. That sounds harsh." Says Sal, while he and Chauncy kept Ollie from bursting into tears.

"Excuse me, if I ranted but you must think I'm pretty bold to talk this way to a stranger."

Sal just shook his head. "Not really, everyone deserves an education. There are consequences when you don't finish school. I never finished the 6th grade, look at me now."

Tazita nodded. "I'm on my way to the city and do more exploring. Ya know since you're veggies, you could always visit my aunt's garden and she sure could use the company."

She points them in direction of her cottage, just follow the road but you might want to brush past some willow since it's hidden from the main path.

"Wow thanks!" said Sal in delight

"If you ain't there, there's room for a few more." Added Chauncey.

"Don't her drive you nuts, just be polite and nice." Said Tazita as she waved to the vegetables.

"Ooh we will," they waved to the cup girl as she left. Had she noticed she would've realized that the three vegetables were playing her for a fool.

For not so long ago these trio of vegetables were freeloading and tricksters who had hijacked Cuphead and Mugman's home to throw a big party, and steal the nutrients from Kettle's Garden.

Back at the cottage, Aunt Ruer was holding a mug of hot cocoa as she knocked on Tazita's door to her room.

Tazita come now, you don't need to be upset. These things come and go. She let's herself in and sets the mug on the dresser and sits down on the bed, near a lump which was under the covers.

"It's already morning time to get up." She grabs the covers but finds only the pillow.

"Oh no! She's gone!"

"Tazita! Where are you?! She's gone! I was too hard on her! Could? No! No! can't be we're hidden from his sight."

She rushes to get her coat. And bag along with an umbrella. "I'm going to find her," she announced.

Tazita was always searching for adventure and despite her aunt's warnings, she ran away from home to find it.

Family shouldn't have any secrets from one another; some secrets might have irreversible consequences.

Once kids get a certain age you don't protect them by lying. You end up creating more pain, hurt and sometimes wrong choices by lying. Tell them the truth so they can decide for themselves how to proceed with their relationship with others.

Unfortunately, this one of those cases, with Tazita and her Aunt Ruer.

The teapot lady was now packing a few essentials, in her purse, to head towards the city and ask the police if they could help find her niece.

No sooner had she left. They had at least more than one visitor to the cottage. Sure, the first ones were bad but were the lesser evil compared the second one.

The minute Ruer had left the cottage, the Root Pack noticing the empty house, decided to make the most of it by inviting more anthropomorphic vegetables to start a party for themselves.

It looked one of those riot parties, where some people tend to be irresponsible and disastrous.

All the vegetables started partying and a band started playing jazz music.

Their fun was short lived as the second visitors arrived. Unlike one incident which they had an eggplant bouncer who doesn't allowed anyone in, this one visitor was popular. Even the bouncer delightfully let him pass.

Some firm knocks were heard on the front door. It was the Devil's self-proclaimed number 1 King Dice, host of the show Roll the Dice.

He explained he was here to offer a second try for the show for Tazita.

Yes, some of the vegetables looked excited at hearing a celebrity here. But for the three vegetables they jumped in alarm and hid. Because they are not dumb, for Dice's second job is being a manager for a casino in a deeper n darker part of the third isle.

And the Root pack happen to be one of the Runaway Debtors.

While the other vegetables partied, the trio of vegetables discretely sneaked out to avoid the Devil's right-hand man.

Lucky for them, he was more occupied inquiring the other party goers while the card lackeys searched the cottage. One the cards approached Dice shaking it's head.

"What do you mean, she's not home?" demanded Kind Dice.

"No such luck, I think they stepped out." Said one of the cards

"They have to comeback sometime. One of you stay here and see if there is any news while we scour the city. They can't have gone far." He ordered.

There was no way, he's heading back to the boss to let him know he came back empty handed.

Tazita managed to finally walk down the path and came across a road which led to the local school, Inkwell Elementary.

It was one of those school houses made of wood, with a bell in a tower and a clock atop of the entrances.

Like some kids they pictured something cozy and ideal, regardless she was happy to discover the building. Now all she had to do was to enroll herself to public school and get both education n socialization.

In the road was a fork. The anthro utensil kind with a glass monocle on his left eye, a fancy red suit, and brown dress shoes along with white gloves. He was known to every child on the Inkwell Isles, his name was Principal Silverworth.

He was strict when it comes to punctuality. Right now, he was overlooking the school house, while workers were making sure it be in tip top shape before schooling officially started.

Tazita approached calmly only to be stopped by the principal himself.

"Hey! Hold it! Where do you think you're going young lady?"

"I want to study at this school. Can you please tell me which classroom or group am I assigned?"

Principal Silverworth looked at her confused.

"What do you mean study? Now during Summer vacation? Didn't your parents enroll you already?"

"No sir. I could enroll myself, what do I need to do? And what's vacation?"

Principal Silverworth just looked at the young cup girl, incredulously. It's flattering to see someone wishing for a proper education. But had to explain because there are some things required for adults to do.

"I'm sorry miss. But to enroll, you need your parents or legal for the proper papers required to enroll. Then wait until August to properly do so, since school officially begins in September."

Tazita frowned indignantly. It wasn't fair. She wanted to be independent, still fate and the law demanded her to be with an adult if she wanted to join school.

Without saying a word she storms off, leaving a perplexed and suspicious principal. He seemed to be in deep thought wondering where that cup girl came from. And why didn't she have knowledge involving certain polices of how the school system worked.

To be continued…

AN: Principal Silverworth is known in the game as an NPC. But has an extended role in the Cuphead junior novel Carnival Chaos. Stay tuned this is the part where she'll meet the other characters including some bosses who will warm up to her.