(Natty's P.O.V)

The first thing I felt when I woke up was a very pounding headache. I know I usually get these when I'm stressed out or stayed up way too late to finish homework. This one, though, felt more hard than the others.

I turned over on my side, trying to alleviate the pain, and placed a pillow over my head. Perhaps I dreamt the whole thing and was asleep in the hotel bed in the room we were staying in. But for some reason, this one felt a bit comfy, like cotton candy comfy. And when I took a deep breath, I inhaled the fragrance of…peppermint?

Slowly sitting up, throwing the pillow to the side, and rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I got a good view of where I was, and I was both confused and surprised.

It turns out that I wasn't in the hotel room. Instead, I found myself in a large room that had cream colored walls, a candy trail flooring, an upside down cupcake chandelier, an archway that had a lacy trim, a dresser on the far right with a large mirror above it, a closet on the left, and a vanity to the left of me that has a peppermint base and a large circular mirror with a gold trim around it.

The bed I was on was a queen size bed with purple coverings and a white trim that almost looked like cake frosting, the pillows looked like swirly candy balls, the headrest of the bed looked like a cookie with a pink swirl in the middle, one ice cream cone on each side, and red curtains held back by a stripped pullback.

You didn't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out where I was. With all the sugary sweets, and delectable decorations, I knew I was in Sugar Land, ruled by the one and only, Baroness Von Bon Bon, who was one of my personal favorite bosses from the game. The one from The Cuphead show!, was a bit freaky, so I was hoping I would have to meet her from the game.

I slid off the bed, made my way passed the mirror, looked in, and nearly jumped. While everything about me looked the same, the only major difference was I was…animated!

My short jet-black hair was darker, and my brown eyes had a very warm color. Even my clothes, which consisted of a pink t-shirt, a blue denim skirt with black leggings, white socks, white shoes and my gold star necklace, were animated.

"Ok, either I have watched DisEnchanted far too many times, or this is real…" I trailed off, examining myself in the mirror. Don't get me wrong, this is really cool. I was just really surprised by the whole thing. I mean granted, anyone would be.

I was so busy being in awe of my new features when I jumped as someone asked,

"Well, look who's up? Feelin' better, hon?"

I looked and my eyes widened. There standing at the entrance was…

"The Baroness Von Bon Bon?"

There she was, in her sugary, pink gown was the baroness of Sugar Land. I don't know why but for some reason I felt very shy to talk to her. I usually get this way when I'm at Disney when I talk to the Princesses. I don't know why though. I know it's pretend and all, but something about it makes me nervous. But we're getting off track here.

Remembering she asked me something, I quickly replied, "Erm, y-yes m-ma'am. I-I'm ok. W-where am I?"

Bon Bon chuckled lightly, "No need to be formal, dear. I'm glad you're doing alright. Looked like you took a nasty fall."

"What…happened?" I asked, trying to ignore the headache that still pounded. She took notice, gently led me to the edge of the bed and handed me a mug of hot chocolate. I took the warm mug in my hands and took a sip. It was so creamy and rich, I think it tops every hot chocolate I've tasted.

"Wow, this is so good! Love the texture of it." I smiled, licking off the chocolate mustache off my face.

"Glad you like it!' Bon Bon beamed. "It's the best in Sugar Land. Now about what happened…oh yes. I was out stroll like I do each day in Inkwell, when one of my little jawbreakers noticed you on the ground, unconscious. You were fine physically, but you certainly took a tumble!"

"Oh, wow. I guess I didn't realized how hard I landed…" I trailed off, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Well, I was glad we found you." Bon Bon replied. "You gave me and the rest of the staff a very terrible fright. But the good thing was nothing was broken, so I think you're in the clear."

"Yeah, uh, thanks again." I sheepishly replied, finishing my hot chocolate. Thankfully, my headache was better. Now I can think more clearly. Then it came to me.

"Gyah! My friends! Where are they!" I looked around frantically.

"Whoa, whoa, easy, hon." Bon Bon calmly stated, placing her hands on my shoulder. "You got some missing friends?"

"Yeah. Look, long story, we were taking a trip and my friend showed us this really cool book, but then a portal opened and the Devil grabbed us…"

"Wait, the Devil grabbed you and your friends?" Bon Bon gasped.

"Yeah. Oh, that can't be good, right?" I asked, nervously.

"That's right. If he pulled you and your friends down here, he must be after you for some reason." She pondered, standing up and paced a bit while rubbing her chin.

"But what could he want with us? We're just people, nothing too special about that ." I argued.

"If I know the Devil, as well as the boys do, he wouldn't kidnap people for the fun of it." Bon Bon explained. "He's got something cooked up and I think you need to go find them as soon as possible."

I nodded. I figured when she said "boys" she was referring to Cuphead and Mugman. Then, I had a thought.

"Do you know where they are? The boys I mean?"

"Probably either exploring the Isle or at home with Elder Kettle." She informed me.

Translation; they could be anywhere. Great.

She thought over and then stated "But I know some people in Inkwell Isle two who would be more than happy to help you find them."

"Oh really? Who?" I asked. I thought about the different people around the second Isle, trying to figure out who might help me find the others.

"I think Djimmi The Great would be the one to go to." Bon Bon stated. "He can use his crystal ball to help find your friends."

"That could be helpful." I agreed. "And maybe he can help us find a way back home?"

"One step at a time, dear. Nice to work ahead, but it's best to focus on the first step." Bon Bon smiled.

I nodded smiling weakly. I'm one of those people who likes to work ahead on things; assignments, studying, papers, you name it. I hate working at the last minuet on things, unlike lot of my friends at school would who would wait till the day before to work on something. It makes me stressed out.

But regarding what Bon Bon said, I think it's best to stick with the first step; finding Djimmi.

"One thing I should warn you about; he's not back in the desert town. He went to speak with Grim Matchstick over the mountains and wouldn't be back until later," she informed me. "I would go there to ask him for help."

"Okay, cool. Uh, do you think you can lead me there?" I asked.

"I'm afraid not. I have a lot on my plate today and the more I push it off to the side, the more annoying it gets." she mentioned.

"Ok makes sense." I sighed. I was hoping to have a personal escort, but since Isle two was a bit small, I wouldn't have the issue of being lost. Plus, I hate to ask a lot from her. She already did enough by helping me.

"I can show you the way out, since Sugar Land can be a bit confusing." She added. I nodded, thanked her again for the hot chocolate and the two of us walked out of the castle.

I had to admit, I've only seen the outside of the palace, as well as trying to avoid it from killing me in the game, but it was kinda cool to see the inside of the palace; walls that looked liked crumbled cookies, a white flooring with a long pink carpet that smelled like peppermint, and doors that looked and smelled like gingerbread. As much as I wanted to take a bite out of the doors, I don't think I would want to unleash her wrath, and end up in her oven.

Oh, wait, wrong story.

We finally came out of the castle and my eyes grew wide. The entire area was a huge sugary wonderland with different sweets, treats and candies galore. I mean sure I've seen it in the game, no doubt, but in real life, this tops Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory.

While I was in complete awe of the place, I followed Bon Bon down the sugary path until we reached a set of doors that had pink macrons all over with licorice handles. Oh how I so wanted to eat those macarons. I love making, and eating them!

She opened the door and lead me out. Sure enough I was outside in the Carnival Isle of Inkwell and saw the cupcake house-like structure that lead to Sugar Land. Always amuses me that it was bigger on the inside.

"Well, I want to thank you again, Bon Bon, for your help." I smiled. "I really appreciate everything you've done for me."

"Oh, no problem, hon. I just hope you'll find your friends and avoid any trouble that comes your way," She replied.

Then she instructed "Now, I want you to follow that path that leads to the tree in the center, the one that kinda looks like balloons, walk over the wooden bridge to the right of the tree, and up the small white path. You should find a small cave entrance. Can't miss it."

"Got it. Thanks again, Bon Bon." I smiled. She waved good bye before vanishing in her kingdom. Ok, I was getting somewhere. I just had to find Djimmi, and then find the guys. No problem right? I took a deep breath, smoothed out my skirt and proceeded on.

As I walked through the Isle, I was amazed by the atmosphere. The sounds of people laughing filled my ears, the smell of popcorn and cotton candy filled my nose, I could feel the cool wind blow by and I felt the roughness of the tents as I passed by.

"Well, it may not be Navy Pier, but it'll do. I'll cross that bridge to the cave. Huh, reminds me of Glinda the good witch of the North," I smiled. "Now all I need to do is follow the yellow brick road to see the great and terrible Oz. And avoid the Devil and his flying imps. Hope he doesn't say 'I'll get you, my pretty and your little teacups too!' Sheesh, he'd be scarier than the Wicked Witch of the West."

When passing the tents, a flier that was caught in the breeze flew to my leg. I bent down to pick it up and held it up while looking it over. Imagine my shock that it was a flier to the Devil's Casino. It was well printed with the casino surrounded by dazzling light as the title was written in fine golden letters;

Grand Reopening of the Devil's Casino.

"Greeeeat. One thing for people to look forward to." I sarcastically replied. I did not want to be anywhere near the casino and that was probably the same for all people of Inkwell.

While this was most concerning, finding Lex, Kate, and the boys is my most important priority right now. Thinking nothing much else of it, I crumpled up the flier into a paper ball and tossed it into a trash can nearby before I continued on my way.

I found the balloon tree and proceeded past a large blue tent and an abandoned red house. As I was just about to make my way to the bridge, I heard

"NATTY!"

I stopped, startled by that. I looked around but didn't see anyone. But that voice…it sounded like…Lexie?

"Huh? Lex? Lexie, where are you?" I called back. Then I heard another voice shout

"Natty! Help!"

"Kate?!" I shouted, looking around frantically. "Where are you!?

"We're in the fun house! PLEASE HURRY!" Lexie screamed.

I noticed it was coming from the blue tent that was off to the side and, without hesitation, I rushed in.

"Lex! Kate! Where are you?! Are you ok?" I shouted as I found myself in a large room with different doors, trying to figure out which one to choose.

"Help! I'm really scared! Natty!" Kate screamed, her voice sounding terrified. Thankfully, it came from the pink door in the center.

"I'm coming! Don't worry! I'll help ya!" I shouted, as I quicky opened the door and ran through the door. My heart nearly leaped when I heard Lexie scream

"NATTY! HELP!"

I began to get really scared. What was going on?! I began to have terrible scenarios in my head regarding their situation. Ok, that's it; no more crazy funhouse movies on Halloween night.

I kept rushing through the funhouse, passing the wall of mirrors, seeing may reflections of myself but no Lex or Kate. Out of complete terror and worry, I screamed out

"KATE! LEX! WHERE ARE YOU!? Oh gosh, I hope they're ok…" I was completely lost. I had no clue where they were.

"Follow my voice!" Lexie called out.

"Mine too! Hurry!" Kate pleaded.

I continued to follow their voices. It was like a game of hot and cold. If I couldn't hear them, I was too far away, but if they got louder, I was on the right track. I slid down a slide in one room and I heard the voices getting louder and louder, as I ran. Then, I came into a dark room where the voices are practically right in front of me...but saw no one.

"Oh, come on, really?" I asked, panting from the running. It's been a hot second since I did some running. And by that I mean, when I was little. Then I called out,

"GUYS! I don't see you!"

Just then, their voices vanished and I heard new one. This one was a loud and confident voice who exclaimed;

"Well, lookie here...looks we got a real sucker on our hands…"

Now, one thing to know; I've never actually heard his voice before, considering I do most his dialogue when my friends and I do roleplaying, but something told me in the back of my mind who it was.

And I was not excited about it.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me…" I muttered.

Then, from the shadows, approached none other than…King Dice.

"You must be Natalie. Boss has been lookin' all over for ya," he informed me. I nearly jumped, surprised he knew my name. Which was very, very freaky. But I didn't have time for that.

"Where're my friends, you blockhead?! What have you done to them!?" I shouted, my body shaking.

"We're still lookin' for Ms. Gemwing as we speak. As for Ms. Luthor...my, oh my, did the cute darlin' put up a fight when I had her in my arms…" He chuckled, his voice becoming very sly and almost seductive.

I began having a bad feeling about that, but I was not gonna let him do anything to Lex or Kate.

"If you tried to hurt Lexie in any way..." I started, clenching my fists, ready to suckerpunch that freak.

"Oh relax, pinkie, she's completely unharmed." He announced. "I wouldn't wanna harm a lovely gal such as Lexie. If I play my cards right, she might even be my special gal."

I had to blink a few times, feeling a bit shocked after that last comment he made.

"Excuse me. What did you call me?" I asked. At that point, I felt like Inez from Cyberchase when Hacker referred to her as a 'tiny tot'.

"Pinkie. Ya know, cause ya got a pink shirt on." He informed me, gesturing to my pink t-shirt.

"Yeah, I got that part, but I go by Natty, which a lot of my friends call me. Not that you would know since you clearly don't have any." I told him, crossing my arms across my chest. "And hate to burst your bubble, but Lex wouldn't go out with a blockhead like you. She's dating someone else, sooo tough luck."

"Eh, dating is a 'flex arrangement'..." Dice mused. "So, I don't see why I can't slide my way in the li'l canary's heart…"

I felt like I was gonna throw up. He thinks he's better at being Lex's boyfriend than Liam? Yeah right. For some reason, he reminded me of Bowser, who thought that he was a better choice for the Princess than Mario.

Clearly, he was delusional.

"You're disgusting!" I snapped. "And I don't have time to deal with you. I'm outta here."

I started to make my way out when Dice snapped his fingers and in a second, imps came out of nowhere, jumping on me.

"Hey! Get off me! Stop! Let go!" I shouted, squirming.

I fought as hard as I could; punching a few, throwing one into a group, kicking them (I am known for kicking) but despite me putting up a good fight, I was completely outnumbered.

Then, one imp came from behind and shoved a wet cloth over my nose and mouth. I grunted and muffled, trying to fight it off, but suddenly, I began to feel very dizzy and my vision was getting blurry.

The cloth. Was it soaked with? Oh no.

Chloroform!

I did everything I could, but I was being overpowered and felt my body shut down.

"Oh no...Lex...Kate...guys...I'm...sorry..."

Then after a few seconds, I blacked out.

(Normal POV)

It didn't take long for Natty to be unconscious, with Dice approaching the other imps, looking quite pleased about his latest catch.

"Well, that takes care of that. " One imp commented. "What now, sir?

"Take her to the holding cell with Ms. Luthor," Dice ordered. "Since Ms. Gemwing is yet to be found...we'll have to try a different approach."

"Yessir." they saluted.

They were about to to carry her out of the funhouse when they heard someone ask:

"Did I miss the fiesta, Señor Dice?"

Dice looked and saw a hooded figure coming towards him.

"Oh, it's you," he claimed. "Sorry you missed out on all the fun, but the boss insisted I take this one."

The hooded figure looked down on an unconscious Natty and an ugly grin grew on his face. Something about her, he wasn't sure exactly what, was beautiful.

"Sí…well, I think I can take care of things from here, Señor Dice."

Dice, not wanting to argue, nodded and the hooded figure proceeded to lift Natty up bridal style and carried her out of the funhouse. As he headed towards the exit, he couldn't help but grin at her.

"I have her scent…is that vanilla?" The hooded figure crooned to himself as he leaned close and deeply inhaled the smell of her perfume. "And her hair is like la noche…muy bonita."

He took a hand and started parting Natty's hair, his grin getting wider.

"Pronto serás mía, mi pequeña estrella …" He breathed, giving Natty a small kiss on the cheek.

Then he, along with Natty, disappeared into the shadows. He knew his employer would be very pleased.