AN: Decided to post next chap while also explain a few things.

No KG, it's not you, I'm talking about in my rant in my journal and status post. I'm referring to a user on DeviantArt.

I'm flattered about getting comments on my fanfic stuff on DeviantArt, yet sadly some people can be picky, they only like my illustrations than my writing. The least they can do is read my fanfics related to them.

I might have done a comic/ manga version however I'm not very talented or have the patience to do backgrounds, n still learning to add shading and highlights to digital art.

And I appreciate those who respect when I nee and handle stuff offline.

To answer a few things, there are many things to do for Tazita before she meets some minor characters. She'll be cordial with Henchmen when she encounters him and his boss. And yes, she'll get into a big antic with Ms. Chalice.

Regarding episodes, it's the ones that are fillers were the least favs, I liked a handful of ones more where we meet familiar characters from the videogame. Though release the demons was one of the funniest.

I'm aware of the fic, The Red Rose Edition and it's delightful. Yet it be grand if ya know follow the lyrics "come one be bold, change the way the story's told." In order to give more character development and interaction.

Yes, Tazita will stand up and put her foot down with her Aunt Ruer in the future.

Ch 5: All that glitters is not gold

Tazita continued stomping in fury over the recent events. She needed to find a way to get to school somehow.

She had a lot going on her mind but she wasn't distracted enough to actually crash into things. Like a few people usually do.

She kept walking, steaming in her thoughts as she walked in the forest, hoping to find the other path that would lead her to the second isle.

Something shined at the corner of her eye. When she turned it was a giant peppermint, she followed it.

The question was where it came from. She watched it slipped into a tree like a coin being put in a coin slot. She stepped into the slot hole within the tree, and was surprised at the sight.

It turned out to be a land made out of all kinds of sweets, Ice cream cones, cupcakes, common cakes, large lollipops, candy canes, peppermints, etc.

Gentle fantastical music was heard as she walked about the area.

"Whoa! Did I just walk in the candy room of Willy Wonka's factory?"

A female voice giggled. "Don't know who that is. But if you listened to the song, you'd know it's called Sugarland."

Tazita looked over confused. The voice came from a pinkish castle like a squared cake with whip cream on its turrets. Its gate entry is blocked by Candy Canes.

Then abruptly jumping out of the castle cake was a lady. She had pastel pink skin, very short, maroon-red colored hair with a large curl at the bangs, similar to a lollipop, and big blueish eyes, topped off with long eye-lashes.

Her dress was a sleeveless, reddish-pink dress with a red and white, diagonally-striped bodice, white puff sleeves, darker red flounces and light pink and white speckles on the puffy, floor-length taffeta. With white opera gloves, and a hennin hat resembling an ice-cream cone with a veil, and was holding a candy cane as a staff.

When she landed, it showed she was wearing candy cane swirls as leggings with red slippers.

She introduced herself. "My name is Baroness Von Bon Bon. And today is your lucky day, you get to eat all the sweet treats you desire."

Tazita just stared. "Uh, are you sure? Just how exactly do you keep germs or bacteria off whenever someone steps in?"

"Actually, it's germ proof here. And sure, I'm sure it's alright to eat the sweets here."

Tazita gave a look before replying. "My aunt and I have a strict rule, if you can't buy at a known store or stand, don't eat it. Plus, there's a routine to follow dinner first then dessert."

"I'm surprised you're one of the few that resisted my very tempting offer. Most disgusting children just can't resist."

She moves quickly from a jawbreaker to a large cupcake in front of Tazita giggling.

"If you don't like children much, how come you're offering treats?" asked Tazita

"Oh, don't get me wrong, I got nothing against them. Besides I like to share, since I don't get out much." Explained Baroness Von Bon Bon.

"You're a prisoner?" the cup girl inquired

"I can't get out of Sugarland on the count of an ancient curse."

"What does the curse consist of? And is there a way to lift it?"

"That's a story for another time. But now that you mentioned it, I…. forget."

"Other than the curse issue. You must really be lonely, Ms. Bon Bon."

"Oh I am! But with this, I can attract anyone and offer the treats, they want." The Baroness answered

"As long as you don't break my two rules. Rule number one!" She says the last bit shouting. "Tell no one about Sugarland."

"Rule number two!" Then motions with her candy cane, "Eat all the candy you desire except my castle. Not even a teensy-weensy bite. Unless you find it… irresistible."

Tazita takes a good look at the castle, but there must be a reason why it's not allowed to eat her castle.

"No! I seen this scene before." Tazita said feeling wary about the second rule and the implied temptation. "The minute I take a bite, I blow up like a cherry or straw berry like that mean girl in the storybook of Willy Wonka's factory."

She looks thoughtful for a moment but decides to get of Sugarland before she's tempted to take a bite.

"And It's nice meeting you but I don't want to ruin my lunch or dinner. Bye!" She waved to the baroness heading to the exit.

The baroness looked taken aback yet composed herself. "You'll be back. Toodle-oo!" Baroness called out to her and while waving then laughs quietly in a creepy crazy way.

Tazita looks back over her shoulder, before continuing on the path to the second isle. "That's the most peculiar lady, I've ever met." She commented "I hope I'll meet somebody with a more good head on their shoulders."

When reaching the city of the second isle, music is heard in the distance and looks up.

She sees another cup girl that looked a few years older. But her glass ceramic was yellow like with golden handles, and a golden-and-white-striped straw sticking out of her head while she wore black long-sleeve shirt with a white collar, a light blue skirt.

Along with white gloves but more feminine and a pair of dark yellow Mary Jane shoes

She happily dances around as she moves sideways with her arms. As a few people noticed her, cuteness proximity in effect and the little dance was a delightful.

When you're blue and feeling down

You gotta spread that sunshine all around.

You gotta turn that frown upside down

And sing across the rainbow.

When the world is saying no

Don't waste your time feeling low

She then happily tap danced across the street, spins around in a circle.

Click your heels

Go Go Go!

And dance across a rainbow

She spins around in a circle and dashes off with glee, and leaves behind some sparkles.

Tazita had to admit the gold cup girl's little dance number was lively. However, she also caught on she had an odd way of grifting or in this case the four fingered discount.

Tazita followed the older cup girl. Her sudden appearance startles the gold cup girl.

"Don't sneak up on anybody like that kid." She lightly scolded

"You took that, I saw you." Tazita pointed out.

"Shhh! Not so loud" the older cup girl whispered.

"You swiped that thing without paying. It's wrong to steal that stuff."

Chalice shook her head and explained a harsh truth. "One rule on the street you gotta do what you can to survive. And you know it's hard to think about some matters when you're hungry all the time."

Tazita stared before offering, "How about I buy you lunch and then we talk more properly?"

The Older cup girl misinterprets. "Hey, a little straight forward! And my hips don't swing that way and you're a minor."

"Oh No! No, you misunderstood." Tazita shook her head. "I mean in a more harmless platonic thing. I never get out much and this is the first time I meet another cup girl. Uh, I don't know what to call you? What's your name?"

"Chalice. The name's Ms Chalice."

"I'm Tazita" She held out her hand to shake hands.

But Chalice turned away from her as she spoke: "Look you're sweet but you don't wanna get mixed up with a gal like me. This chalice is nothing but trouble."

"I never was given a chance to have trouble." Replied Tazita

"Of course, you haven't. You're a goody too shoes."

"No. You don't understand. It's a complicated thing and long story."

Chalice seemed to be wanting to leave the girl before a shout was overheard.

"Hey you!" A familiar looking bee in a police outfit began storming over to the girls. This was the same officer that was rude to Tazita when she met him.

"Actually, let's have some chatting." Chalice said quickly, pulling the younger cup girl to run.

In a diner, Tazita ordered a large hot fudge vanilla sundae for Ms. Chalice.

"Holy Moly!" Gasped Chalice as she began to gobble her desert.

Tazita pulled a few cash bills to pay for the sundae, though the waitress did say it was a bit much and asked if she had change.

This wasn't case, because there are times when you have one of those big bills and everyone's demanding small change for stuff instead.

So, the waitress had no choice but to take the bill and get change since Tazita didn't even know what was considered small change.

"You're really talented have you considered becoming an entertainer?"

Chalice shook her head. "With how much those big gigs tend to rip off the main celebrity? No way!"

She looked at Tazita, "And just how exactly were you planning to survive on your own with no money or education?"

"I already tried getting an education on my own" She frowns while crossing her arms. "They said I need an adult present and permission if I wanted to go to school."

"I don't have to worry about food, I know everything there is to know about growing your veggies and the berries to live of the land."

"That's fine and all but sooner or later you'll need someway to earn cash. Your allowance won't last forever."

Tazita merely answered. "I'll think of something."

"Guess your home must have been a bad place." Said Ms. Chalice, what was a nice, innocent cup girl doing by herself.

"I lived in a cozy cottage with garden," Said Tazita casually

"Your folks, must've been real mean to you…" assumed Chalice, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't have parents. Just an aunt. And not exactly…"

Chalice rolled her eyes. Tazita must have taken her home for granted. "Oh, swell kid, you had a roof over your head and warm comfort."

Tazita just glared "But not freedom! My Aunt doesn't trust me, she's afraid of the world!"

"What do you mean?"

"I've been locked away all my life in that cottage. She never lets me do anything. I had to sneak out a few times just to explore town on my own, to meet new people."

She then continued explaining her life story and anecdotes.

"And when it came to visitors, she chased at least two people out, the ice cream man and a small rodent. And I don't even find mice n rats scary. Plus, the Ice cream man was nice and I was about to buy only for her to start screaming and scare him off."

Some patrons in the shop stared before discretely go back to minding their business, as the cup girl continued.

"I was hoping to be in school but she embarrassed me in front of an audience and King Dice when I was about to win in Roll the dice. And then she said I wouldn't start in two or three years."

Chalice winced. "That's harsh. Gilded cage and a bad case of overprotection. You tried asking why is she bent on sheltering ya?"

"Other than the excuse the world is cruel n wicked. She doesn't tell me; I suspect it has something to do with what happened to my parents."

Chalice shook her head. "She's only half right about the world being bad, but not everyone's a jerk."

"I know. I met at least a few people and kids that are nice. There's Ribby, Croaks, Sal, Ollie, Chauncey, Cuphead and Mugman."

Chalice brightened up, "Oh, what a coincidence! I know Cuphead and Mugman. Bunch of rascals looking for fun and love trouble too."

Chalice then thought of something. "Hmm, speaking of trouble, perhaps I could help ya get your compensation since ya couldn't win in that show."

"But how?"

"We gotta wait until sundown when the street lights turn on. I'll explain later."

The proposition was this, Chalice offered Tazita to sneak into the studio to the prize room of Roll the Dice which she never had a chance to roll the dice. She was hesitant, but Chalice convinced her she deserved it since Ruer ruined it for her.

So reluctantly she went along and only because she was willing to do something daring.

It was quiet except for the noise bustling with rush hour starting. Ms. Chalice led Tazita to the radio station W.I.N.K.

Suddenly they heard muffled voices. The girls froze, sure that the voices belonged to security patrolling the area.

There was a light coming from inside the studio and the voices grew louder.

"Look out!" Tazita said as she pulled Chalice to hide. The girls hid in the alley behind some trashcans and watched.

It was only a group of cards discussing as they stepped out of the building.

"I know. Seal off the whole city. We'll search every address."

"Right. That girl will never leave these isles."

"Yeah, the boss could get into bigger trouble with the Big boss if we don't find her."

The cards continued bickering between one another as they walked down the alley out into the city.

"What was that all about?" asked Tazita to Chalice.

"I don't know. Do you have a feeling something funny is going on?" Chalice said

"Come on. It's probably just show business they were discussing." They arrived at the doors but obviously since it was late the radio station was closed for the night for some.

"Chalice, we can't in the doors are locked." Said Tazita to the older cup girl.

Ms. Chalice smiled. "Who says we're using the doors? We're using the windows. Allow me."

"You can't be serious? That's illegal."

"You have a better idea?"

They move to a lower window and tried lifting it. But when Tazita leaned in, the window gave way. It was one of those windows that needed to be tipped in order to be opened.

"Good job, loosening it up Tazita!" Said Chalice.

They sneak in and look around. It was filled with a hallway with doors. All they had to do is find the room that held Roll the Dice.

They found it on the sixth door, which was possibly the largest studio room. Inside before entering the room was a dressing room.

This belonged to King Dice, which showed at least five photos plastered on the wall of his accomplishments and acts. There was also a signed picture for a fan.

"Hmmph, he's sure full of himself." Chalice comments,

Tazita just stared "That's an awful lot of photos."

In the dressing were more photos framed, along with a vanity, big mirror, flower in a vase, basket with umbrellas and a little chest on a shelf.

They passed by a brick wall which held a telephone and a poster which had Cuphead's picture on saying wanted.

"It's kind of eerie at night." remarked Chalice, looking at the dark stage and empty audience.

"There's nothing a little light can do." Tazita said looking for a switch to turn on the lights.

"Chalice, I found something!"

It was the mystery prize room when they tried the knob it was unlocked.

"What luck!" Chalice whooped "Let's go!"

They looked in but it was empty save for a furnace. Immediately the girl's faces fell.

"A furnace?!" Tazita stomped her foot once.

"We snuck in for a furnace?" questioned Chalice, "You been jipped. And the only other thing, I see is a trap door here."

"But for what?"

The light flickered briefly before turning on.

"Chalice!" Tazita said in alarm, thinking security might have sensed them.

Instead, it was much worse. The furnace opens a hatch to reveal fire inside and a transparent tube shot out from the furnace. Then begin to inhale like a vacuum.

The air, sucks Tazita's soul out of her body. The cup girl turns gray and slouching as an empty shell.

Ms. Chalice acts fast and grabs Tazita's Soul from being sucked into the tube. And pushes the soul back in the younger girl's body.

Tazita takes a deep breath returning to normal as the trap door opens with much weight and effort opens from under the girls

And they fell through the chute of the trap door as they scream. They slide down, down until landing on a mattress outside in an alley. In front of them was a sign that read 'Thanks for Playing!' and King Dice's face with a smile.

The girls couldn't believe what they had seen. The studio turned out to be an evil place in disguise and ran for it. In the dark, they thought for sure shadows were chasing them.

The girls kept running and burst into the path of the forest of the isle. They stopped in the forest to catch their breath.

"What was that all about!?" Tazita said disturbed at what they found.

Chalice just looks at her in concern and fear. "I think I figured it out, King Dice must be working for the Devil! He rigs the show to get people to win in order to steal their soul. Just like it almost did for you."

Tazita only got angry as she stamped her foot. "I can't believe it! She was right!"

She was furious that Ruer's logic and suspicions were correct about not trusting the host. And going into the mystery prize room was a bad idea.

"Hey, it's alright we're all in one piece." Said Ms. Chalice trying to calm the younger cup girl.

"But it's not fair. First, I'm not allowed to go to school without a chaperone, everything's so expensive, and now my aunt's ramblings turn out to be true involving the game show."

"I know kid. We all have off days and sadly Life ain't fair. But all we gotta do is make the most of it. And I pity any poor sucker that is tricked into going that room."

Tazita gasps "the Room with that soul stealing machine. We have to warn everyone!"

Tazita was about to rush as if to go to the police station but Ms. Chalice pulled her back shaking her head.

"Now hold it!" She said wisely, "Even if we did tell, who would believe us? This King Dice has good publicity, and we're just young little cup girls. No one is going to believe us without proof. And the El Popo might land ya in the slammer or worse, an orphanage."

"But I don't wanna go back to my cottage, I already told you why."

Chalice thought for a moment. "Hmmm…I think I know where you can hold up until then. It'll have to take some convincing."

"You do?"

"Yep, straight into the forest but we just keep to the path."

The girls may have escaped with their souls intact. But that was the least of their problems, for some certain minions are out hunting for her.

And it be only a matter of time before their superior will grow impatient.

However, our heroines will need to sleep on it for now…

To be continued….