A/N: Welcome to this week's chapter of "Heart, Soul, and Mind"! Today, we're exploring more into Katie's adventures in Isle 3. But uh oh...it seems the Devil and his imps are onto her...can she escape? Stay tuned!

(Normal P.O.V)

Up on the top of a cliff, several imps peered over as they kept a lookout for the remaining human their master had targeted for his plan. According to the boss, this particular human has dark brown hair, bright blue eyes and answers to the name, Katie Gemwing.

And above all, the Devil wanted the girl brought to him alive with zero harm. If she is presented to him with so much as a scratch on her… well, given what happened to their previous colleagues after the last time they messed something up, they all know the routine whenever the boss gets angry… even over the smallest of mistakes.

After a few minutes of looking back and forth, the imps noticed a glimmer of blue following the path towards the old railroad tracks. Much to their surprise and relief, they have spotted their target.

A human female, who doesn't bear the art and animation style of the residents of the Isles and is oddly dressed. And, as she was walking around, she was carrying a… floating pocket knife?

What does that last part matter? They had found their target.

"There she is!" One imp exclaimed in excitement, peering through a pair of binoculars.

"Wow!" Another one piped up as he gazed through his own pair, his eyes comically blinking through the lens as though the binoculars have eyes of their own. "The boss is right! She's way prettier in person!"

"Well, what're we waitin' for?" A third imp asked impatiently. "Let's go down there and nab 'er!"

The first imp bonked him on the head with his binoculars.

"Ya heard the boss! We're supposed to keep this as subtle and gentle as possible!" The first imp snapped scoldingly. "Besides, he had already arranged an invitation. If he wants his most esteemed guest of honor to come see him, she is to be treated as such."

"So, how's she gonna get her invitation?" A fourth imp inquired, scratching his head.

The first imp puffed up his chest as he poked his thumb into it with a confident air about him.

"Leave that to me."

He takes out the letter the Devil had written for the brunette human and had ordered the imps to give to her. With brilliant craftsmanship, the imp folded the note into the shape of a paper airplane, much to the awe of his cohorts.

With careful aiming, the imp threw the paper airplane and it descended towards its target. The imp dust his gloved hands with satisfaction before he and the others scampered away to return to the casino and report back to the Devil about the success of their task.

(Katie's P.O.V)

I continued to follow Lexie's pocket knife through the city of Isle 3. I did get an odd look from some of the residents, but I didn't mind. Finding Lex, Nat, Lee, and Matt was the most important thing right at the moment.

"I seem to be getting toward the railroad tracks…isn't that where the casino is? Oh no…"

I was lost in thought for a moment before I felt a slight tap on my head.

"Huh?"

I looked down and saw…a paper airplane? What in the-?!

"Alright, who's throwing stuff at us?!" Kaichi exclaimed, a little offended.

I arched an eyebrow while I picked up the airplane and opened it…it was a note. A note from…oh no.

It read:

My Dearest Katie,

If you're reading this letter, it means I have the humans Alexis Luthor and Natalie Poke prisoner. If you want to see them again, you will meet me in the casino. Alone. All will be explained in due time.

Most sincerely,

The Devil

I was horrified…the Devil has my friends?! Wait…was that where the tracking spell was taking me? And did he even know my name?!

"Oh man…this looks bad…" Kaichi gasped. "Whaddya think we should do?"

I bit my lower lip. I know going there was a dangerous idea, especially since the place would be crawling with the Devil himself, and his goons, but at the same time, he had my friends and I couldn't let him hurt them. Who knows what he's planning to do with them?

I looked down back at the note and realized there was a P.S. near the bottom. It read;

P.S.: Once you come to the casino, ask for one of my staff and they'll direct you where you need to go. I'll see you soon~

I felt my body shake with fear. He was waiting for me and that terrified me.

Kaichi must have been feeling the same thing because he asked, "Okay, why am I getting creepy vibes from this?"

Part of me wanted to run away and take cover from the Devil, hoping he'd forget about me, but the other part reminded me that my friends were in danger and could be facing something very horrible. Not to mention the tracking spell appeared to be taking me toward the casino anyway.

I took a breath, my voice shaking.

"Still… we don't have a choice, bud. If I don't do as he says… who knows what he'll do to them…"

Kaichi hesitated for a moment. We knew it was going to be very risky but in order to keep them out of harm's way, I had to do the right thing, even though I was not going to like it.

After a long pause, he reluctantly said "I guess we're heading to the casino then."

I nodded in reply. It was a dangerous gamble, but there was no other way around it. Lexie and Natty need me.

I folded up the paper and put it in my pocket as I continued to follow the pocket knife. If my suspicions were correct…Lexie and Natty were in BIG trouble.

It led us down a different path that went around the bridge that was destroyed, word got out it was King Dice, and finally entered the cave that lead us down a dark path. After a while, a dim light shined, getting brighter until I gazed up at a very large and tall building.

The Devil's Casino.

My heart was pounding. Seeing it in the game was one thing, but seeing it up close was a whole different story.

"Man, I've never heard of an empty casino...this is kinda spooky." Kaichi shuddered.

I gulped as I replied, "I know, but things are not always what they seem."

I turned to Kaichi and added, "I think it's for the best you wait outside, Kaichi, just in case anything happens."

"But Kate! What if the Devil-!" He began to protest.

"The letter says I have to come alone, " I reminded him. "Besides, if anything happens, I want you to look for Lexie's boyfriend, Liam and tell him that we're at the casino. I can't live with myself if anything were to happen to you."

Kaichi stared at me with large, sad and shimmering eyes. It was clear that he didn't want me to go alone, but he also knew deep down that I had made a very good point. If the worst were to happen, I would need someone to go for help and warn Liam and Matt should I get captured.

"Okay…" he sighed. "But promise me that you'll be safe."

I gently cupped my hands and took him into them.

"I will…" I assured, tenderly kissing him on the head.

Kaichi blushes before he flittering up into the air and flies away to take cover. Taking a shaky breath, I headed towards the casino, bracing myself for what awaits me behind its doors.

With a shaking hand, I opened the door and slipped inside.

When I entered the main lobby, I imagined the place swarmed with patrons, staff members and servants running around, chatting, and laughing. To my surprise, it was completely empty. While that comforted me that no one was here, it still sent a shiver up my spine as I looked around.

"H-hello? Is anyone here? Hello?" I called, my voice echoing through the halls. I continued to look down at the area and began to wonder "Where is everyone..?"

I didn't think the casino would be this empty, especially with the huge staff that the Devil had. I just hope nothing jumps out from the dark and surprises me.

I continued to walk down the empty and rather dusty hallways when I heard a voice pop up;

"Well howdy there, li'l filly."

I turned around to see Chips Bettigan, one of King Dice's staff members, approach me from one of the doors of the hallway. While I was relieved to see it was him, I was still feeling my heart race.

I snapped my attention back and quickly replied, "Oh! Uh, h-hello, sir…"

He tipped his hat and then asked, "Whatcha doin' here in these parts? The joint ain't ready for its grand reopenin' in another few hours."

I was shocked and confused by this. What did he mean by "grand reopening"? The casino had been closed down for Lord knows how long since the Cup Brothers had defeated the Devil in the original game. So, why suddenly reopen it again?

Despite my puzzlement over the mention of the casino holding a grand reopening, my main concerns are Lexie and Natty. As well as my dreaded meeting with… with the Devil himself.

"I do beg your pardon, but I-I was just looking for my friends when I received a letter telling me that they're here." I answered, my voice shaking a bit.

"Mind if I take a gander at the letter?" Chips asked.

I hesitated. I wanted to pass the offer up and go find my friends myself, but the letter did say that I had to ask a staff member to lead me where I have to go. With reluctance, I handed him the letter.

He skimmed it over for a few seconds before nodding, gesturing forward and replied "Right this way, Ms. Gemwing."

With an audible gulp, I began to follow Chips as he escorted me through the hallways. As we walked, I noticed we were passing someone who was lurking in a corner.

It was Phear Lap, another one of the casino employees. Normally, I like horses, but with him being an anthropomorphic horse skeleton, he seemed to have some creepy vibes about him. As we passed him, he did something he had never done in his boss level from the game.

His eye sockets suddenly had a ghostly green glow with white pupils, resembling those of the carousel horse that the Devil from the cartoon had zapped into a possessed skeletal horse from the first episode, "Carn-Evil" as he regarded me with a darkly knowing leer.

Unnerved by this, I looked away and continued to walk behind Chips as he led me further down the hallway, avoiding eye contact with Phear.

"Okay, that was most unsettling…" I thought with a shudder.

We walked down for a bit until we came upon two large doors with silver handles on them. Chips knocked three times and waited.

"Come in…" a deep, gruff voice replied from the other end. To my surprise the doors opened by themselves and when I looked inside, my face went completely pale.

The room was a luxurious lounge room consisting of a comfortable couch, a couple of chairs, a little coffee table and even its own mini bar. And, sitting inside with a toothy grin was the Devil himself. In the flesh (and fur).

I felt ice in my veins. If I had to be honest, the Devil is actually even more scary in person. And what makes him even more intimidating is that he seems to be far too happy to see me.

"Ah, Ms. Katie Gemwing! I've been expecting you. Come in, come in. No need to be shy." The Devil claimed. He then gestured to the chair in front of him. "Care to take a seat?"

If his intimidating appearance wasn't enough to put me on further edge, how he announced my name aloud with a far too pleasing tone in his voice certainly did. And I think it could be my shaking nerves talking, but I swore I could just see something almost predator-like in his smile as well as his eyes.

Chips ushered me inside and tipped his hat. The moment I meekly entered the room, the doors ominously slammed behind me with a thundering bang, making me flinch in fright.

I hesitated, rooted on the spot as I shivered.

"Oh, my dear, there's no need to be startled." The Devil purred. "I just want to have a very friendly conversation."

Swallowing, I slowly approached the Devil. When I finally reached the chair he gestured to earlier, I reluctantly sat down, much to his satisfaction.

I squashed down the urge to tremble. The Devil was most certainly more terrifying up close.

"Ah, much better. Care for some refreshments?" He asked. Then with a snap of his fingers, which made me jump a bit, small snacks, glasses, and beverages appeared.

I hesitated. It'd be unwise to accept food from The Father of the Lies. If he had taken Lexie and Natty prisoner, how could I be certain he hadn't spiked anything?

"N-no thank you. I just ate an hour ago." I answered.

It was true since I'm still filled up on the Koeksisters Misterie had shared out back at her shop.

"Ah, I see. Very well then." The Devil politely remarked.

He took a wine glass and a bottle of wine, poured wine in and snapped his fingers again, making the refreshments vanish.

"Would you at least care for something to drink?" He offered. "Surely all that wandering around on Isle 3 had left you rather parched."

"Thank you, but I-I don't drink any alcohol." I replied. "I-I have my reasons…"

Again, true since I hate the taste and smell, as well as what I had been told about the dangers of drinking too much alcohol back in school, especially at such a young age. That and… my biological father had died from over drinking the stuff years ago after he had divorced from my mum when I was very young.

"Of course, it's quite understandable. An absurdly heavy amount of alcohol can certainly do a real number on a mortal's mental and physical health." The Devil stated. "But still it'd be uncouth to allow a guest to practically die of thirst after such an exhausting stroll. I believe I have some different beverages in mind much more preferable to your liking."

He snapped his fingers and a small glass filled with what appeared to be soda appeared and a few ice cubes in my hand. I was rather shocked by how he knew that I prefer either Coke Cola or Pepsi with extra ice and no lemon wedges in my glass.

"How could you possibly know that I don't drink alcohol? And how do you even know my name?" I dared to ask.

The Devil smirked a knowingly secret smile as he said, "Oh, I know so much more than either of those, Ms. Gemwing. So much more…"

I hesitated, unnerved and worried. I then nervously looked down at my glass of soda. How can I be certain that he hadn't spiked it with something?

"I can assure you that I hadn't put anything but just ice in it." The Devil stated as though he had read my mind. "I might be the Devil, but even I wouldn't dare to spike a woman's drink. Now, what sort of generous host would I be?"

I hesitated some more. Part of me wanted to turn down his offer, but another part insisted that I shouldn't be rude. With reluctance, I slowly lifted up my cup to my lips, the ice cubes clinking against the glass due my hands were shaking slightly.

Managing to stop my hands from shaking, I took a cautionary sip of the drink. My eyes stretched wide as rather sparkling bubbles tickled my tongue, the refreshingly cool liquid flowing down and cleansing my mildly dried throat. This is shockingly the most delicious soda I had ever tasted.

"W-wow! Th-this is actually good…" I meekly admitted.

This greatly satisfied the Devil as he replied, "But of course! I've got it all, and I want what's best for my guests…"

He then took a sip of his wine, surprisingly in a polite manner. While he took a sip, I unconsciously took notice of the red gemstone encrusted gold cuff on his left horn. I was confused by it until I realized that it must be covering the crack in his horn. Perhaps he must have found some kind of spell to place his severed horn back into place and started to wear the cuff to hide the reminder of the Cup boys victory over him.

Once he was finished, he politely tapped a napkin on his lips before setting down the glass, his eyes on me as I nervously took a few more sips of my own drink, averting my eyes slightly.

"Now then, since you're here, we can have a nice chat." He finally replied. "I presume you received my letter?"

"Y-yes, sir…" I squeaked nervously in reply as I nervously looked up from my glass cup.

He gave a dark chuckle, which made me jump a bit.

"Oh, my dear, no need to be so formal."

"I… I was just being polite, sir…" I meekly reasoned.

"And I do appreciate that, but there's really no need for such formalities." The Devil insisted, swirling his drink around in his glass. There was a short pause before he informed me. "I will let you know that your friends are perfectly fine and unharmed. Thought I put your tensions to rest."

"Where… where are they? Why did you kidnap them?" I demanded, trying to sound less nervous. "Why did you send me that letter and 'invite' me here?"

"They're safe, I can tell you that. And regarding kidnapping them, I simply sent out an imp or two to give them an invitation." He explained. "They didn't react very well to that so I had them escorted here. And as for you, I figured we could talk a bit. Is this your first time in Inkwell?"

I was taken by surprise at the fact that the Devil was asking me such a question? Although I had every right to be suspicious, I was stepping on thin ice should I rub him the wrong way. The best thing I can do for now is to play along and humor him.

"Um, oh, y-yes." I replied, setting my glass down. "Most of the people here are very nice. The Inkwell Isles are such an incredible place. It feels like a childhood dream come true."

"Good to hear. I know it can be a bit overwhelming but you seem to fit right in. And if you don't mind me asking, but, what is this dream you speak of?"

I meekly lowered my head and looked away, my hair practically obscuring my face from his view.

"Um… I-I'm not sure I should tell you… it's just… a childish dream… especially for an adult…"

"Oh, nonsense. I think everyone should have dreams and goals." The Devil stated, brushing my hair back and gently crooking his finger underneath my chin to turn my head back to him. "It doesn't have to stop when people grow up."

As soon as he had let go of my chin, I was hesitant to tell him about my dreams, but I realized there was no avoiding the subject. With reluctance, I caved in.

"Well… growing up, I once believed cartoon characters were real and I wished to interact with them." I explained slowly. "Growing up, I've always wondered if there were different worlds just like the Inkwell Isles outside of Earth and I would like to go visit them, going on incredible adventures and be the hero of my own story."

I sighed sadly.

"Back home… I sometimes don't feel like I fit in with anyone. There are times I just wish I could escape from the pain and disappointment of reality and go to a place where people are more appreciated, where no one gets hurt and everyday is a happily ever after…"

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry about that." The Devil replied. "But, I think having a dream like that is wonderful. And honestly, those who can't appreciate dreams like that are foolish."

I was surprised and confused by his statement. This is actually coming from the embodiment of all evil and the very being who presents the Seven Deadly Sins? Why is he being so… nice to me?

"Y-you really think so?" I asked quietly.

"Sure, why not?" The Devil shrugged. "Having dreams to escape reality and enter a world where anything can happen is something to reach for."

"W-why are you being so nice to me? You've taken my friends prisoner. So, why go through all the trouble treating me like a guest when you kidnapped them?"

"Can't a gentleman such as myself be polite to a young lady like you?" He asked. "It would seem very rude of me to not show you respect."

I was starting to feel rather uncomfortable with all this. Despite his polite facade, it's clear the Devil's up to something. If there's anything I have learned from Lexie and Natty, nothing good can come from trusting the Father of the Lie.

"I… I appreciate your hospitality, sir." I started slowly. "But I'd like you to give me back my friends and let us leave, please."

"I see…"

There was a bit of a pause before the Devil remarked, "But what if I could make your dream a reality?"

"H-huh?" I gasped.

"I know you want to get back to your friends and such, which I completely respect, but what if the three of you were to live in Inkwell?"

"St-stay here in Inkwell?" I repeated, my mind was still trying to wrap around the whole thing.

"Sure! You and your friends could live in Inkwell and call it your new home!" He explained. "People are always open for new residents and you'll fit in just fine with everyone."

I mean, living in a fantasy world, with others, it'd be a dream come true! But a thought came to me; this was coming from the Devil himself. He's not one to do nice things for others without wanting something in return. Not only that, but I still need to find the others.

Taking a deep breath, I politely stated;

"I-I appreciate the offer, sir… but I'm afraid I have to turn it down. I'm sorry, but my friends and I still have to go home to Earth. We each still have a family that could be sick with worry about us right now. Thank you, but I'm afraid my answer is no."

I began to stand up, my legs feeling like jello, ready to leave when something happened. The Devil didn't seem to take "no" for an answer because with a snap of his fingers, chains suddenly appeared and wove around my body. I barely had time to cry out in alarm as the chains pulled me back into the chair, tethering me down. Because of this, I was unable to get up or move.

"Wait, what?! Let me go!" I screamed, squirming in the chains. Now I was scared, more than I felt previously.

The Devil got up from his seat and made his way to me. I was more terrified than ever when I noticed how much taller he was in person, whether I was standing up or sitting down.

"I'm quite surprised." The Devil claimed. "I would have thought you would agree to live here, since you so desperately want to leave the pain and suffering the world brings you. But I'm afraid I cannot allow you to leave, my little Katie."

As he towered over me, his black pie-cut irises suddenly turned into a burning blood red with thin, slitted black snake-like pupils, which frightened me even more. My heart was beating so fast I thought I was gonna start hyperventilating. This was going from bad to worse.

"Let me and my friends go! Please!" I begged. "Wh-what do you want from us?!"

"Sorry, but the three of you are going to help me with my new plan. I'm not gonna tell you all the details but let me tell you this." He then leaned in close to my right ear and whispered in a creepily gentle voice. "You're more special and more powerful than you can possibly imagine."

I was so terrified and so confused at the same time. We're part of his plan? What made us powerful and special? Sure we all have unique talents and abilities, but how would they help him, of all people?!

"W-what on earth are you talking about?! Th-there's nothing "powerful" about us!" I protested. "We're just normal women that ended up here by accident!"

He chuckled and began stroking my cheek, which was starting to make my skin crawl as I trembled under his touch.

"I wouldn't call it an accident, my dear. I like to call it fate. And in good time; the three of you will bend at my very will."

I struggled some more in my chains, pulling my face away from his caressing talon as I screamed, "You get your claws off me, you… you… monster!"

I would have thought he would react in anger or shout something at me. The look on his face said otherwise. He wasn't phased. Not even in the slightest.

While I struggled, the Devil made a cigar appear in his hand. He snapped his fingers, making a small flame appear in his hand and lit the cigar with it while holding the cigar in his mouth to take a couple of puffs of it.

"My, my, such spirit. I can see I have chosen you three well." He sneered. "In time, I will tell you more. For now, I'll have to leave you in the dark."

Before I could say anything, he then took out his cigar and blew smoke into my face. I began coughing, trying not to inhale the smoke. But for some reason, it smelled a bit different. It felt heavier than it usually does, and it was making me feel…sleepy?

Oh, no.

I struggled some more, trying to fight, but the smoke was making me feel drowsy, and my consciousness was rapidly fading away.

"Lexie… Natty…boys…I'm so sorry…"

Unable to fight it any longer, I fell into a deep sleep. But the last thing I saw through the strands of my hair falling loosely around my face before my vision turned pure black was the Devil regarding me with a sinisterly smug yet shockingly seductive grin.

A grin that would surely follow and haunt me in my darkest dreams.

(Normal P.O.V)

It didn't take long for Katie to be knocked out cold, much to the Devil's satisfaction. He magically removed her chains holding her back, gently brushed the loose hairs from her face and scooped her up in his arms like a groom carrying his bride.

He gazed at her with a terrible, sickening grin, parting her hair with his claw, and inhaling the sweet scent of her hair products. Her soft and silky mane smelled like coconut. So fresh, so sweet. So… intoxicating.

And, oh, her eyes. Her beautifully radiant blue eyes. They were like the ocean. So deep and mysterious. And when they sparkle, they remind him of the sun glistening upon the ocean.

Magnificent!

She was even more beautiful in her new animated form than he had hoped she'd be. And she was most especially lovely when she's unconscious.

While he had found it adorable to see her cower before his presence and power, it was also amusing to watch her trying to put up a fight despite the fact she doesn't stand a chance of winning against him.

"Well, I had fun while it lasted." The Devil thought to himself. "Guess it's time to move on."

With his tail coiled around his pitchfork, he teleported Katie and himself to a dungeon cell, where he gently placed her on the cot. Snapping his fingers, he made the softest pillow he can think of appear in his hands. He gently lifted Katie's upper body up a bit and placed the pillow down before settling her head back down over it.

Even though she is currently his prisoner, he still wanted her to be treated like a guest and be as comfortable as possible. And once the proper sleeping arrangements are done, she'll eventually be living like… a queen.

"She's perfect." The Devil observed as he brushed back Katie's fringe, admiring her radiance as she slumbered. "And soon… she will be all mine!"

He then stroked her cheek gently before whispering in her ear, "I'll be seeing you later, my love."

He then teleported from the cell, leaving the unconscious Katie alone in her cell.

A/N: Oh no! Looks like the Devil has all three of us! What's gonna happen now?! Don't worry, we'll find out soon. In the meantime, stay tuned for the next chapter where Liam gets geared up for a swell battle!