A/N: Welcome to this week's chapter of "Starting a New Chapter"! This week, we're wrapping up Isle 1 and heading to...ugh the Die House. But who is this Charlie character? And what schenanigans has Dice planned this time? Stay tuned!
(Lexie's P.O.V)
Ah finally, we collected the first set of contracts! It took a few hiccups (and of course, more harassment from Mr. Blockhead), but we finally did it. Bag of papers in hand, we set forward for the next Isle.
Except…what the heck was that blocking the bridge? And oh god…why is it a freakin' DICE?!
"Um...why's that house shaped like a dice?" I asked with a hint of nervousness.
"Oh right…uh one thing we have to do is go through the Die House." Mugman replied.
"Dice likes to hang around here and lets people pass to the next part of the Isle."
"So, he's your average troll under the bridge deal?" Liam asked.
"Something like that." Mugman nodded.
"The Devil made these to extend his power towards the isle the inside looks like a hallway in the casino." Cuphead added.
"Oh lord...not him again." I groaned, rubbing my arm nervously.
I could tell Liam noticed I was freaking out, since he decided to see if there was an alternative route .
"Uh, is there some other way we can avoid him? Hate seeing his stupid face and I know he'll be way too thrilled to see Lexie."
"Sorry, this is the only way to the next Isle." Mugman replied.
"Just let me and Mugs do the talking." Cuphead assured us. "We'll be in and out."
"Okay…" I nodded.
I was still very nervous and scared at the very thought of even seeing that blockhead again. That stupid grin that he gives me…ohhhh I HATE IT!
"It'll be okay, I'll be with you the entire time." Liam assured me, grasping my hand. "I'll even shoot him with one of my death glares. Not as good as Luigi's from Mario Kart 8 but eh."
I giggled as I remarked, "We oughta call it the 'Liam Death Stare'"
"I'll try." Liam playfully winked.
We opened the door and sure enough, Dice was there shuffling some cards, as he casually leaned against one of the pillars. I have to say, I was a bit surprised; the inside of the Die House looked like a hallway in the casino.
"He gives me the creeps…" Mugman whispered.
"You and me both." Cuphead muttered. Contracts in hand, he approached Dice while I stayed very close to Liam, clinging to him.
The moment he saw us…oh boy here comes the creepy Cheshire Cat grin again.
"Well, ain't that a pip!" Dice proclaimed. "Looks like you really put the kibosh on them debtors!"
Liam just arched an eyebrow as he uttered, "'Kibosh?'"
"I'm guessing it means we kicked their butts." I muttered.
"Ah."
"Yeah, yeah, we got the contracts as requested." Cuphead replied, annoyed.
He handed Dice the papers, which Dice rudely snatched from his hands. After he looked at them, he handed them back.
"You can head on over to the next Isle. Plenty more marks for you to lean on there!" Dice sneered, gesturing to the door behind him.
"Whatever. Come on guys, let's go." Mugman deadpanned, obviously as annoyed with Dice's stupid dialogue as I was.
Cuphead motioned for us to follow him and as we passed by Dice, ugh, he gave me a creepy look again. Like one of those 'Hey baby, I wanna take you out' looks.
I clung tighter to Liam as he shot Dice his own version of the Luigi Death Stare, like him silently saying, "Back off!"
Liam then claimed, "Come on, let's go. Hate seeing his stupid face."
I nodded in agreement; the sooner I was far far FAR away from that game-piece pervert the better off I was.
We headed to the door…but I suddenly felt myself grabbed by the arm, jerked backward, and saw everyone else shoved out of the house followed by a SLAM of the door.
Oh. No!
"Hey!" Cuphead cried from the other end of the door.
"Dice! Let her go!" Liam shouted, pounding on the door hard.
Okay, now I was REALLY scared!
"Let GO of ME!" I shouted, struggling against him.
"Don't worry, they're fine." He sneered, his grip becoming tight. "I figured we could have some time together away from those chumps."
I fought so hard to get away from him, but he was just too strong! He then put his arm around me while I was squirming, my heart beating faster.
"Now, with those pests out of the way, I'll take ya somewhere nice and quiet for us to chat."
No freakin' WAY I was going anywhere with HIM! I tried pushing myself away from him as hard as I could, but, once again, he was too strong for me. Dang, gotta admit; for a casino manager, he definitely works out.
"My, my, you are very fussy." He sneered. "Not as fussy as dollface, but still."
Ok, this was getting annoying. I hated it when he referred to Audrey as 'Dollface'. I know she hated it too, but it was sick of him to keep calling her that.
"I'll give you FUSSY!"
I then STOMPED his foot hard with my heel and tried to make a run for it…but then he grabbed me and swept me up bridal style.
"UGH! Get your hands OFF ME you FREAK!"
"Now, now, let's not do that." He crooned. "Come, I know a cozy spot for us to chat."
He then just gave me a look. You know that look that said, 'Hey baby, I wanna take you out'? Well, this was worse than that. And I was terrified.
I let out a blood curdling scream while I tried to fight and squirm as hard as possible. I could hear Liam bang harder on the door, shouting on the other end.
"DICE! LEAVE HER ALONE RIGHT NOW!"
Ohhh boy was he ticked!
"Liam!" I cried, trying to push him away and feeling my heart race harder.
(Normal P.O.V)
Just then, Dice teleported with Lexie. The second Cuphead managed to unlock and swing the door open, they were too late. King Dice was gone, and he took Lexie with him.
"LEXIE! NO!" Liam cried, collapsing to his knees.
"Oh great, now what're we gonna do?!" Cuphead gasped.
"Did-did he take her to the casino!?" Mugman trembled.
"Oh jeez this is bad…" Liam panicked. "We gotta do something!"
(Lexie's P.O.V)
Meanwhile Dice took me to a pocket dimension while I struggled hard against him. I could tell he was enjoying this because I felt his grip become a bit tighter and he began to chuckle.
"Don't worry, sweet cheeks. We won't be long." He cooed.
"Whaddya want now?!" I demanded. "We were in the middle of doing our job!"
"Thought you could use a break from all that running around, and I think a nice snuggle would be very helpful." He replied.
Uh NO! NOT helpful!
He sat me on a couch next to him, wrapping his arms all around me. I was getting a bit tired from all the struggling, but I did keep it to small squirms now and then.
"There, much better. I love having you close by. Very close." He whispered lustfully in my ear.
Okay, EEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWW! This man was DISGUSTING!
"No need to be scared." He assured me. "I may be the manager of the boss's casino but I can be very gentle."
Trying to retain at least SOME of my 'tough gal' persona, I remarked, "I hate to see your definition of 'gentle'."
"Oh, it's something like…this."
He then started stroking my cheek with his hand. Oh GROSS! I tried to turn my head away but he just grabbed my chin and turned it to face him.
"Just relax sweet cheeks, I won't hurt ya. Wouldn't dream of doing that." He grinned.
He then started twisting a curl of my hair around his finger…ewwww!
"Got some pretty hair." He cooed. "Golden as the sun, and looking soft and sweet like honey."
He then reached behind my head and removed my ribbon and hat, so that my medium length hair fell on my shoulders.
"Hey! Give those back, you creep!" I snapped.
"Oh, take a chill, sweet cheeks. Just wanted to see your hair down and I have to say, it's much prettier than when it's up." He replied. "You should wear it down more often. Makes it nice to see that pretty face of yours."
"Ugh, you're more disgusting than I remember." I gagged.
"Oh, so I wasn't as disgusting as before?" Dice chuckled. "Huh, you really must have missed me."
My cheeks turned red with anger as I shouted, "I do NOT!"
"Your cheeks are glowing red." He told me, in a sickening sing-song tone. "Can't deny being near the one ya love."
"No, I'm just MAD! I'm literally just trying to help a couple kids out, who your 'Boss' took advantage of, by the way, and you're over here grabbing me and saying stupid crap in my EAR! I've HAD IT!"
After a pause, while I was panting, Dice asked in a deadpan voice, "Are you quite finished with that?"
"That depends." I snapped. "You gonna lemme go?"
"Hmmm, no I won't." He replied.
"Then, no I'm not done!"
"Well, I'm not done either." Dice informed me. "In fact, I'm getting started."
I arched an eyebrow when suddenly, the scene shifted into a live studio of some type. It kinda looked like the jazz club in Who Framed Roger Rabbit that Eddie Valiant went to and saw Jessica.
Not only that, my whole outfit changed. I was now wearing a purple evening gown with off shoulder straps and, surprise surprise, a long slash where my right leg was.
Why do I suddenly have a very bad feeling about this…?
***NEW SONG: "Die House Song" from "Cuphead: Don't Deal with the Devil"***
*As the song started, I frantically tried to look around for a way out, but when I tried to get up, it felt like I was glued to my seat. Terrific.*
Dice: I'm Mr. King Dice, I'm the gamest in the land
I never play nice, I'm the Devil's right-hand man…
*I started getting more nervous as he winked at me and strutted all over the stage like he owned it.*
Dice: I can't let you pass, 'cause you ain't done everything. Bring me those contracts, come on, bring 'em to the King!
*He did an impressive twirl, and then held out his open hand, before crunching it into a fist*
Dice: If you haven't finished your task, haven't worked assiduously…
*I was getting increasingly annoyed now. How was I supposed to finish my task with him BUGGING me all the time?!*
Dice: No, I cannot let you pass, don't you mess with me…
*He then quickly slid his finger under my chin, before grabbing my arm and dragging me to the stage*
Dice: Don't mess with King Dice (don't mess with King Dice)
Don't mess with me (don't mess with him)
*That verse repeated several times as I squirmed in his grip, but he held on to me. He then twirled me around until I felt dizzy. I got both confused and startled at the disembodied voices singing along as the backups. Where was it coming from?!*
Dice: I'm Mr. King Dice, heed just what I say…
*He smoothly wrapped an arm around me, ushering me close to himself while he leaned into my ear.*
Dice: The Devil has his price, and I'll make sure they pay…
*Using his free hand, he summoned two wanted posters; one of Cuphead and the other of Mugman, with a heavy reward at the bottom.
Dice: I don't have time to mess 'round, and I hope you will agree…
*His tone started getting more soft and seductive as he gripped my chin and wrapped an arm around my waist.*
Dice: Bring me your heart, pronto! Don't you mess with me!
*He used his magic to create an illusion of a heart with silhouettes of me and Dice embracing each other…and giving each other a kiss. EW GOD, get me OUT OF HERE!*
*I STOMPED on his foot again and tried to bolt to the exit, but he grabbed me and got me in a waltz position. Oh no…instant bad memories of the last time we danced together…*
Dice: Don't mess with King Dice (don't mess with King Dice)
Don't mess with me (don't mess with him)
*As the phrase was repeated again, I felt him move, forcing me to dance with him, as I struggled to break free from his grip. Eventually, it escalated to him picking me up and holding me in his arms like a groom would his bride. I wanted to break free, but I was getting tired and out of breath. He could see that and was quite pleased.
Dice: Don't mess with me…
***End of Song***
Soon the music faded and it was only me and Dice in the room. My clothes changed back to normal but I was still in his arms.
He then took me back to the couch, sat down and had me sitting on his lap.
Okay, gross!
"I hope you enjoyed the song, my sweet." Dice crooned. "Next to being an amazing manager, I am one heck of a singer."
I scoffed as I muttered, "More like one heck of a show off…"
He then grasped my chin and stared at me with his jade green eyes shimmering at me.
"Now, how about a nice sweet kiss?" He asked. "You still owe me one from the last time we met…"
I started to push him away as I shouted, "No!"
He didn't seem to listen to me, because he made a fake pouty face.
"Aww come on…just a little peck on the cheek, nothing more. But if I'm lucky, maybe I'll snag one on your pretty lips."
I began to panic as he whispered lustfully. "I wonder if they're as sweet as you are…"
My heart was POUNDING at this point…I was about to be kissed by someone other than Liam and I was terrified!
He grabbed my chin and was about to kiss me. I squeezed my eyes and clenched my lips shut, preparing for the worse… when suddenly he yelped.
"Ow!"
I was startled. Something must have hit him on the back of his stupid head, as he rubbed it, looking around annoyed.
Then, we both heard an unfamiliar voice snap.
"You'd better stay away from her!"
"Huh?" I uttered, looking around, trying to find the mysterious voice.
"What?! Show yourself!" Dice growled, looking around the room.
There wasn't anyone there, so even I wondered who or what it was.
"Hmm… nah, I'll just have some fun." The mysterious stranger bluntly replied.
Just then, the figure began to shoot magic at him, causing him to release me and hop around the room.
"Ow! Ow! Stop that!" Dice yelped.
"Why? It's fun." The stranger smirked.
I couldn't help but snicker as I mused, "I'm liking this disembodied voice already."
The figure played around a bit, making Dice mad. He frantically searched the area, but he wasn't lucky this time, as the mysterious force had a blast messing with him. After a bit, she managed to get him out leaving me alone.
"Sheesh, glad he's gone. You okay?"
Dusting off my dress I smiled, "Yeah I'm okay, thank you! Who are you?"
"Oh, hold on, let me show ya."
Just then, a little light flies around me, kinda like a small ball of light from the Legend of Zelda games, and transforms into a sprite. The sprite was a shimmering yellow butterfly, with beautiful orange and yellow wings and long flowing tails. She kinda reminded me of Timpani from Super Paper Mario and also one of those Chinese moon moths that I saw on Tik Tok a while back. And the thing I thought was cute was her long white bow that crowned her head.
"Hi! I'm Charlotte! I was sent to help ya on your journey!" She beamed.
"Nice to meet ya Charlotte!" I smiled back at the butterfly. "It's a really pretty name by the way."
"It is, but my pals call me Charlie for short. I kinda prefer that since it's less formal."
"Ah, gotcha." I replied. "Well, either way, thank you!"
"No prob!" She beamed."Now c'mon, we gotta get ya back to your pals!"
"Right!"
I gotta say, I felt super relieved that I had a powerful new friend on my side.
She then teleported me back to the Die House where the guys were standing right there. But at the end of the day, my eyes fell on Liam, who looked very worried about me.
"Lex!"
"Liam!"
"Lex!" Cuphead cried out followed by Mugman, "Miss Lexie!"
Liam was the first to rush and hugged me tight. "You okay?! Did he hurt you?" He asked, his voice shaking a bit.
"No, he was being a creep as per usual." I replied. "He broke into a stupid villain song and tried to 'charm' me into being his. Ugh I can't stand that guy. But I had a new friend rescue me."
I gestured to Charlie, who gave a nice beaming smile to the group.
"Everyone, meet our new friend Charlie!" I introduced her.
"Hiya!"
"Hi, I'm Liam. Thank you so much for helping Lexie." He sighed. "I-I was scared what he was going to do."
"Eh you're good." Charlie shrugged. "He's just a stupid blockhead who needs to get out more."
I giggled for a bit and then looked down at Charlie inquisitively.
"So you're a butterfly with powers? How's that work?"
"Oh, like I said, I'm more serving as a guide. My job is to protect you on your journey." She explained. "I know the boys are there to help you, but with creeps like Dice roaming about when they're battling, you'll need all the help you can get."
"Definitely much appreciated." I muttered, rubbing my arm uncomfortably.
Liam then gently wrapped his arms around me as he nodded to Charlie, "Yeah thanks; we'll need all the help we can get."
"Hawt dog! Really cool!" Cuphead beamed.
"Yeah! Amazing!" Mugman chimed in.
"Anyway, we should probably get going." Liam chimed in. We have more contracts to collect and a deadline to beat."
I nodded as I replied, "Agreed."
"I think we oughta stop by Porkrind's store and get some more potion." Cuphead mentioned.
"Yeah, that's a good idea." Mugman agreed.
"Alright, lead the way!"
I was confused at the mention of Porkrind…they clearly weren't talking about the snack.
"Porkrind?"
"He's a shop owner and supplies." Cuphead explained. "Me and Mugsy with powers and abilities, but he ain't workin cheap and isn't easy on new people."
"Like rude? Figures." I groaned.
"Sorry but it's just his business. He wants people in and out quickly so he can be alone." Mugman explained.
"Yeah but don't mind him, we'll get the potions we need." Cuphead reassured us.
We finally made our way out of the Die house and we were on the way to Porkrind's shop. I hope I can get the weapons I need to defend myself against Dice…he'd be in for a world of hurt if he pulls more stunts again.
Before we stepped into town, suddenly we heard a voice call out
"Boys! Boys, hang on!"
We all turned and were surprised to see Elder Kettle rush out of the Die House and towards us.
"Elder Kettle?" The boys simultaneously asked.
"Erm, is he your guardian?" Liam asked.
"Oh, yes. He's been taking care of me and Cups ever since we were babies." Mugman replied.
I smiled and shook Elder Kettle's hand, "It's nice to see you again, Mr. Kettle."
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Luthor. I am glad Audrey chose you to be the next Scribbler." He beamed. "It is a difficult task, but I'm glad you're partaking in it."
"It's a bumpy road, I'll admit," I sighed. "But it's seriously an honor. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
"I'm glad. And I'm glad I caught up with you." He smiled. "I believe I found a way out of this mess you're in!"
"Hawt dog!" Cuphead exclaimed. "Really?!"
"I have to say, your strength is growing. You'll soon be a match for that no-good King Dice…and maybe even the Devil himself!" Kettle added on.
"Even to the Devil himself?" Liam repeated.
"But how's that possible?" I asked.
"Each battle they face is harder than the next, but they come out victorious, relying on each other and you to succeed." He explained. "It could be done by cutting corners, but you all kept going fighting the good fight."
I looked down in partial embarrassment and sadness…and I think Elder Kettle picked up on it.
"Something bothering you, Lexie?" He asked calmly.
"Yeah, it's just that…you say we've been fighting, but personally, I feel like I haven't contributed at all. I couldn't even ward off King Dice long enough to write a stinkin' sentence into the book, and what's worse is I'm the damsel in distress a lot. I feel kinda useless…"
"Oh no no no no no. Don't say that." He solemnly replied, gently taking my hands. "You are doing just fine on this journey. No Scribbler that has come had an easy time here. I may not have remembered all of them that have come and gone, but I remember the struggle and difficulties they faced. Audrey had many obstacles, especially with that fiend, King Dice. You're not useless and you're doing just fine."
I sniffled a bit and wiped a tear as I simply replied, "Thank you. Sorry, but that blockhead hasn't stopped bothering me, it's really annoying."
"He's a stubborn one, that's certain." He sighed. "He was given the task to slow the boys down and make his employer's life much easier and to make him come on top."
"Ugh, go figure." I muttered while rolling my eyes.
"He's someone I do not want to interact with." He added on. "But, even though he has many resources, there's one thing he'll never have and can't be purchased with money; friendship."
"Or love for that matter." I thought.
"You can use this against him and his employer and be victorious in the end." He smiled.
I smiled and then held Liam's hand. Kettle was right; if there's one thing that Dice can't have, it's my heart. And no matter what, it's always gonna be with Liam every time.
"But one thing to consider, you'll never get close to the Devil unless you already have those contracts in hand." He pointed out.
Okay, mood kinda changed. The thought about going back to the casino to face the Devil was not exactly in my bucket list.
"But, it's only then you get a chance to turn the tables on that fiend!" Kettle claimed. "So, when the time comes, do the right thing!"
Don't ask me why, but somehow, my gut was telling me I should definitely write that down on the book. So, I took it out and wrote the phrase,
~Do the right thing~
"The right thing?" Cuphead repeated. "How will we know when it's time?"
"That, my boy, I cannot make that decision for you." Kettle replied. "But if I know you and your brother, you will know. "
"I think it's one of those, 'You'll figure it out on your own' kinda things guys." I chimed in. "You'll know what to do when it hits ya."
The boys nodded and thanked Elder Kettle. Before we departed, he chimed up again
"Oh, wait! Before you go, I know you have a deadline to beat, but there might be something that could aid you on your quest."
"Oh really?" Cuphead asked.
"Yes! You see, there is an old Mausoleum not far from the Die House." Kettle explained. "There is a powerful source there, but it is guarded by ghosts. You need to defeat them in order to get it."
"It's definitely worth a shot." Charlie replied.
"Sounds cool!" Cuphead beamed.
"We-we're fighting g-ghosts?" Mugman trembled. "I-it's bad enough we have have the Devil to-to worry about."
I immediately wrapped my arms around Mugman, like a mother would for a child, in a hug.
"It'll be okay, Mugsy." I calmly reassured him. "We'll deal with them together."
"O-okay." He replied, giving a weak smile.
"And the nice thing is you won't need to write anything in the book." Cuphead chimed in. "Since we're not getting a contract, there's nothing to be recorded."
"Well that's a relief…" I sighed.
"Well, what are we waiting for?! Let's head to that Mausoleum!" Charlie beamed.
After thanking Kettle again, we headed back through the Die-House, this time we bolted out, and headed towards the Mausoleum.
A/N: Whoo! Between the villain song and the flirting attempts that was a handful! Thankfully, our new friend Charlie was here to save the day! She'll make a great asset for our journey! But what new surprises await us in the Mausoleum? And will writing "Do the right thing" have any impact on the ending? Only time will tell. In the meantime, as always, stay "tooned" for next week's chapter of "Starting a New Chapter"!