"Goodbye, my dear…" Saltbaker said sadly as the portal closed for good.
Tsundere took a big sigh of relief and relaxed, reverting Mugman back to his original state. The young mug let himself lay out on the grassy ground, panting his worries away.
"How do we know he's gone for good?" Cup asked the group. Chalice, who was standing next to him had a pulse of energy flow through her.
"My curse…it's gone!" She rejoiced, looking over her body. "I'm not a ghost anymore!"
"Are you sure about that?" The red cup teased as he playfully poked at her face. She giggled in delight and gently moved his hand away.
"Yeah, I'm sure!" Then she threw her arms around him in a big hug.
Elder Kettle smiled and rested himself near Mugman.
"It looks like Cuphead has found himself someone he really cares about." He said to his grandson.
"Yeah…I'm happy for him." Mug replied. He had lifted his mug to look at them but then let it rest back down on the ground.
"Are you two feeling okay?" Kettle asked, resting a gloved hand on his shoulder.
"A little banged up. Could definitely use a Miracle Heal when we get home."
Kiki trotted herself over when she heard him say that he was hurt. She curled up next to him and started purring loudly.
"That works for now." Mugman said, stroking the kitty.
"So…what actually happened to the Necromancer?" Spoonfred inquired.
"Ugh…I shudder just thinking about it." David said as his fur ruffled.
"Is it really that bad of a fate?" The utensil shrugged.
"Well, no one's ever witnessed it and lived to tell the tale," Dice started. "But there's rumors of a presence called the grey matter that comes whenever a shift in energy is sensed within the plane. It's why no one can stay in there for very long. Because it consumes anything and everything."
"Yeah, not even I stuck around long enough to see it. Just in and out every time." Ms. Chalice chimed in.
"And a good thing, too. It would have destroyed you, no matter what you're made of." King Dice concluded.
"Excuse me, is there a book or two on the subject?" Chef Saltbaker asked.
"Yeah, we got a few. Why?"
"I think that might be knowledge that should be in the public domain. It would certainly prevent desperate souls from trying anything to get there if we knew about that."
"You want some of Hell's books to be available to the living?" The Devil raised his voice and started to march forward. Dice held up an arm to stop the big man.
"Hold on, boss. I think the chef might be onto something. The knowledge should be readily available for anyone to read. Who knows when another Necromancer or something worse will tear a portal between realms?"
"Something worse?" Mug sat up. "What's out there that's worse than the Necromancer?"
"Again, all things that will be available for your knowledge." His cube head turned toward the Devil. "Right, boss?"
"Right…" David sighed, his whole body seemingly deflated, unable to talk his right-hand man out of sharing their books.
"Well, I guess we should be returning to Hell now. Someone needs to go in for a rest." Dice's gloved hand ruffled the fur on the Devil's head. A gray paw swatted it away with a growl.
"Will you cut that out? I'm not your pet!" David roared. He turned and traced his trident in a circle. A portal to the fiery pits of Hell opened. Even from outside, one could feel the heat emanating from the doorway.
Mugman remembered the message from the faun's parents.
"Hey, David! Wait a minute! There's something I need to tell you!" Mug interrupted him.
"What is it?" The Devil snapped as his ears twitched.
"I have a message for you from your parents."
"Pfft! You're just messing with me now!" He waved a gray paw around.
"No, really! According to the librarian's book, the spirits of your parents found me when I got tossed into your pit. They were the reason that my spirit escaped from there in the first place." The young mug cleared his throat. "But they wanted me to tell you that they watched you grow up and that they're so proud of you. They never stopped loving you, even when the darkness shrouded you from their view. Just like me, they know that deep down you're a good person and that you should never stop trying to do the right thing."
The Devil stood there wide eyed. His tail slowly swayed back and forth. Those yellow eyes blinked a couple times before tears came out. But only very few. For the alpha demon would not allow mushy feelings to linger. A gray finger swiped away a tear as the creature sniffed.
"Yes, well…thank you for that, Mugman. I…wish I could've had more time with them." David confessed as he stepped through the portal.
"I think that meant more to him than you'll ever know." Mug and Dice smiled at one another. "Remember, we're only a phone call away if you need help." The casino manager said before he followed his boss through the portal.
"You two have been a big help. Thanks to both of you." Mugman told them. The die man nodded and stepped through, letting the portal close behind him.
Everyone sat in silence for a moment. Spoonfred shifted uncomfortably before breaking the silence.
"So….what do we do now?"
"Well, first off I think we should give Forkington a proper burial." Saltbaker suggested. Everyone looked to the fork's burned corpse. They found a quiet place deep in the forest to bury Forkington. Each one took turns saying words about the fork. Mostly about how good he had been the whole day and that he had managed to redeem himself. Forkington had truly changed his mind set to be the person he wanted to be.
After the service, the group met up with Grim as he came back from the main Inkwell island. He had been helping some of the residents get to safety and had just finished with the last transfer of riders. They all climbed on his back, utterly exhausted from their long day. Kiki still stayed near Mugman. He cradled her near his chest with one arm, and held onto the dragon's spike with the other.
When they got back to the main island, Elder Kettle let everyone crash at his place for the night. Mugman and Cuphead raided the kitchen cabinets for any Miracle Heals that might be left. Luckily, they found enough for both of them, Ms. Chalice, Spoonfred, and even Saltbaker.
Everyone spent a few days recovering from the tough struggle with Tanuki. Chef Saltbaker was planning to open a new restaurant. But he had something to ask a certain utensil first.
"Spoonfred, I'm finalizing my plans for the new restaurant…but I'd like you to come run it with me." He said to the spoon as they sat in the shade of the cup brothers' tree house.
"You mean….as your employee?" The young spoon asked.
"No….I mean as my family….my son."
Spoonfred stared at him with wide eyes. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"That is…if you want to…" Saltbaker began to stutter. Maybe it was too soon to offer that?
"Are you saying….you want to adopt me?" The utensil was almost at a loss for words. A gloved finger pointed to his chest.
"Yes…that is…what I'm saying." Saltbaker realized what he was saying at the same moment the spoon did. The utensil still stood there in utter shock. "If this is too much for you right now, I understand….and you should take the time you need to think about-" The salt shaker began to ramble.
"Yes! Thank you! I'll do it!" Spoonfred cried and threw his arms around the salt shaker's neck. Saltbaker hugged the kid back. His new life with the young spoon would soon begin.
Meanwhile, Cuphead had been talking with Ms. Chalice and encouraging her to go see her family. He wasn't sure how long it had been since the Necromancer had put that curse on her.
"Umm…years….I think?" Chalice had answered. "Would they still want to see me after all this time? I mean, I did kinda…run away and all."
"Of course, they want to see you Chalice! They're your family, after all." The red cup told her. "Tell ya what, why don't me and Mugs come with you? That way you're not alone for the trip over."
"Sure, that sounds great!" The golden chalice responded. They told Mugman the plan. And so the three cups started planning their trip. The boys were relying on Chalice to remember the way to her home.
The very morning they were getting ready to set out on their voyage, Mugman went to talk with Elder Kettle. He had found his grandfather hanging out by the closet in his bedroom. Kettle turned to look at his boy as the door creaked open.
"Ah, Mugman. You almost ready to head out?"
"Yes, Elder Kettle….but there's something I wanted to talk to you about."
"What is it, lad?" His guardian probed.
"You see, after we take Chalice home….I was thinking maybe…..I would continue out a little farther to see what's out in the world." It was hard to find the words to say that he was leaving home for a while.
"I think that's a grand idea, my boy! You deserve to see the world just like David and I did." An idea seemed to hit the tan kettle. "Oh, come down to the basement with me real quick. I have something for you." So Mugman followed Elder Kettle down into the secret basement that was accessible through the kettle's closet. Mug stopped at the bottom of the dimly lit stairs to gawk at all of the precious trophies and artifacts. It was just as magnificent as the first time he saw it. Kettle began to rummage around in one of the corners.
"Now where did I put…?" He muttered to himself. "Ah-ha!" Elder Kettle came scurrying back to Mugman. "I want you to take this with you." He held out a sword to his grandson. It was only about half the size of the that Kettle had wielded the other night. The blade was safely tucked inside a camo-green aged sheath – that came with a shoulder strap!
"This was my first ever real blade I trained with. It's the one that came with me when David and I started our travels. I want you to have it now." His gloved hands nudged it closer to Mugman, urging him to try it on. So Mug slung the strap over his shoulder so it went cross body. All he had to do was reach over his shoulder to pull it out. "And this, too." Elder Kettle pushed another object into his hand. This one seemed to be a musical instrument. Almost like a miniature flute.
"What's this for?" The young mug inquired.
"I would use that to call for David if I needed his help. He would still hear it even if we were quite a distance apart….and I betcha he would still hear it now!" Kettle whispered to the boy.
"Really? What does it sound like?" Mug said, sounding intrigued.
"It never sounded like much to me, but David always used to say it sounded like a high-pitched whistle for him."
"Fascinating…" The young mug stared at the small white instrument.
Oh, we'll be using that for sure….even if it's just to bust his chops every now and then! Tsundere teased.
"Thanks for everything, Elder Kettle." Mug shoved the whistle into his pocket before hugging his grandpa. "I love you, Elder Kettle."
"I love you, too, Mugman." The elder replied and hugged back. "Just promise me you'll come home safe."
"I will. I promise." Tears fell down the boy's face as he pulled away from his guardian. For he didn't know the next time he would see him. Elder Kettle walked the cups to the ferry boat where they said their last goodbyes before heading out beyond Inkwell.
When they reached the other side of the ocean, the cups exited. Ms. Chalice got chills as she stepped foot on the soil she had once called home. It was a beautiful luscious green mountainous landscape. Somewhere in between those rolling hills was the kingdom where her parents ruled as king and queen.
"All right, Chalice. Lead the way." Cup said softly to her. She took a gulp and nodded before advancing inland. It wasn't long before the cup brothers realized she knew exactly where she was going. The way she looked at the environment said that she recognized different landmarks. Surely, each one of these objects brought memories back to her. The golden chalice suddenly started to pick up the pace until she was jogging. Cup and Mug happily followed. They had a feeling that meant they were getting close to their destination.
As they reached the next clearing, it opened up to reveal a great castle nestled with the mountains. It was an old castle made of stone with tall spires. Even the steps leading up to it were all stone. The cup brothers gawked with "oohs" and "aahs".
"This sure is a swell place, Chalice." Cuphead told her. He turned to his left only to find that she was starting to back away.
"I…I don't know if I want to do this." She stuttered. "What if my parents are mad that I left?"
"They won't be." The red cup walked to her. He put her hand in his. "I promise." Chalice nervously nodded but let him lead her further into her parents' realm. They had made it halfway up the steps when they came across two guards. Mugman could hardly tell what they were supposed to be since they were so heavily covered in armor.
"Halt!" They crossed their weapons together in an "X" formation, which made a loud clanging noise, to prevent the cups from going further. "State your business!" One of them said. Ms. Chalice stepped forward to answer their question.
"We're here to see the king and queen." She squeaked out.
"Could it be?!" The guards gasped. "Lady Chalice!" They immediately bowed in her presence. "It-It's been so long! Go right in, princess. Your friends, too."
"Thanks, fellas. It's good to be home." The girl seemed to feeling a little more comfortable upon seeing the guards' reaction. As they finished their climb up, they could hear whispers in the distance. It seemed as though word of the princess's return was spreading quickly.
They entered the castle through the grand front doors that were made of wood. It took all three cups to push the door open. The guard who was supposed to be standing at the door had heard the news about the princess and ran off to inform the king and queen.
Chalice led the boys toward the throne room. The doors opened to find the king and queen already up from their chairs. It looked like they had been on their way to the doors as well. Everyone stopped on the spot when they saw one another.
"Mom, Dad…I…" Chalice stuttered.
"Chalice!" They rejoiced and immediately enveloped her in a group hug. The trio of glassware knelt down to their knees as tears of joy flooded from them.
"I'm so sorry!" The golden chalice sobbed. "I never meant to-" But her dad shushed her.
"Shh. It's okay, Chalice. You don't need to say anything. We're just happy that you're home." Said the brown-colored chalice in his deep voice.
"We were so worried about you, my dear." Her silver mother cooed. "All three of us."
"Th-three? You mean Demitasse is still here?" She asked. A couple seconds after she said that, a door at the back of the throne room opened. And there stood her bronze brother. He was panting – likely from the run over after hearing the news. Ms. Chalice pulled away from her parents to see whom had entered. They had only locked eyes for a second before the siblings rushed to greet one another.
"Demitasse!" The golden chalice called as her tears came even more ferociously. Her brother couldn't hold back the tears either.
"Challie!" He called back as he scooped her up in his arms. "I was so worried I'd never see you again."
Chalice's parents turned to the cup brothers.
"Thank you for bringing our daughter home, brave cups. We are in your debt." The king said. Both of them bowed their heads to Cup and Mug. The young mug had a feeling that Cuphead might try to get a bit cocky with this situation, so he stepped in and responded.
"We were just doing what was necessary to protect our friend…and bring her happiness." He said humbly.
"Indeed. I can tell that Chalice really trusts both of you." The queen said.
Demitasse had finally put his sister back on the ground. She wiped away her last tears of joy and dragged her brother over to meet the boys.
"Demitasse, I want you to meet Cuphead and Mugman."
Mug gave Cup a stern look that said not to embarrass anyone. The red cup took a deep breath to control any crazy ideas that might have come to his head.
"It's nice to meet you." Cuphead said, extending a gloved hand.
"Bring it in, brother!" The bronze chalice said and hugged the young cup like he did his sister.
"Wow, you've got a good grip!" Cup wheezed as those powerful arms squeezed him.
"I can't thank you both enough for bringing my sister home." He said and put the young cup down. Demitasse then looked to Mugman. "This one's got a sword, so I can tell he's pretty serious. I can sense a strong fighting spirit from you, brother." The two gave each other a firm handshake.
"Your sister's pretty strong, too. She saved us just as much as we saved her." Mug said.
"Is that so? Perhaps we should have a friendly sparring session this evening to sharpen our skills. All of us." He said, looking to Chalice.
The king and queen invited the cup brothers to stay as long as they wanted. Throughout the week, the kingdom threw celebrations in honor of the princess coming home.
It was after day three of the celebrations that Mugman decided it was time for him to move on. He had woken up early in the morning, gathered his things, and quietly slipped out of the castle. Mug made it to the outskirts of the kingdom and looked out over the vast land before him. His mind raced with all of the places and things that could possibly be out there.
"Wait up, stranger!" He heard Cup say. The young mug turned to find Cuphead and Chalice bounding up after him.
"What are you two doing here? Aren't you staying for the rest of the festivities?" Mug questioned.
"Nah, if I eat any more sweets, I'm gonna barf. Gotta keep moving forward, after all." Cup said.
"And you know I'm not a gal to stay in one place for too long, either." Chalice chimed in.
"Wait…you two are coming with me? I don't know how far I'm going or how long I'll be gone."
"We know. But we're gonna stick with you til the end." Cuphead said, stepping up next to his brother.
"We'll see this journey through together." The golden chalice did the same.
We can't get rid of these two, can we? Tsundere said, but sounded just as happy as he was to have them around.
Mugman smiled at his two best friends and then stared out into the wild world. A warm feeling burned in his heart. They were going to have many adventures as they journeyed off into the unknown. Where they were going, they didn't know, but whatever happened, they would do it together.