A/N: Welcome to this week's edition of "Heart, Soul, and Mind"! Today, we're facing off against King Dice. Again. And make a new friend (or two) along the way. Who are they? As always, stay "tooned" for the full details!

(Lexie's P.O.V)

We left the Fly Trap, completely stuffed from lunch. I gotta say, I never thought being pals with the Cups would give us a free lunch; guess being a hero that saved their souls has its perks. Not that it's the only reason to do the right thing.

At any rate, we were making our way to the second Isle by foot, passing by farmer and country folk on the way.

"Wow, nice to be back." Natty mused, looking around us.

"Oh, that's right!" Katie gasped. "You said you found a flier here."

Natty nodded while she replied, "Yeah, and I met Bon Bon! Totally excited to see her!"

"Oh man, that's so cool!" I beamed, my smile melting into a frown thinking about the version of Bon Bon from The Cuphead Show….man was she creepy. She totally gave me Hansel and Gretel mixed with Child Snatcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang vibes.

"At least she's not creepy like she was in the show…" I shuddered.

Natty nodded in firm agreement, "I was literally hoping I wouldn't meet her…"

"Yeah, the one in the show was crazy and clearly didn't get out much." Liam, commented.

"Too bad they never explained the "ancient curse ". It would have been nice to know what it was and if the boys could help her." Katie sighed.

I looked down in thought while muttering, "Trueee…"

Next thing we knew, we heard a cheerful, "Cuphead! Cuphead!"

We looked and there was…oh no way! Miss Chalice?!

"Chal!" Cuphead beamed, rushing to her.

The two embraced in a tight hug; I could tell they have a strong brother/sister relationship with each other, even if they weren't biologically related. Or were they? I dunno, guess that's a story for another time.

"Golly! So good I found ya!" She beamed. "I've been looking all over for you."

Cuphead sadly looked at Chalice as he stated, "So, I guess you know about Mugman's soul, huh?"

"Yeah, I met someone by the name of Madam Misterie and she gave me the highlight of the issue." She glumly replied.

"Wait, you met Madam Misterie?" Kate asked, surprised.

"Yeah. When I was over at the DLC Isle, I felt this sharp pain in my heart and I knew something was going on." She explained.

I raised an eyebrow as I asked, "Wait, so like…like some kinda psychic link?"

"Yeah. You see, when Cups and Mugs helped me in the DLC Isle, we created a strong bond, one that would help me feel alive again. It's like…they're half a soul to mine."

We were all confused for a second…until Cuphead chimed in, "We knew the only way to get Chal her body back was a soul added onto the Wondertart. So, Mugsy and I decided to give up half our souls each to create one new soul for Chalice."

"Oh, I see!" Liam chimed in. "Like an organ transplant!"

"A what?" Chalice and Cuphead asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Erm, organ transplant is where you take out a vital part of your body, like your heart or lungs, and put it on another person." I explained. "It's a fairly popular medical treatment where we're from, particularly if the old part doesn't work anymore."

"Ah, I see." Chalice nodded.

"But stuff like that can be very risky." I continued. "You have to have an exact match for that to work, otherwise, it'll ultimately kill a person."

"I see." Chalice stated. "Oh, and I take it y'all are the three human girls she spoke about?"

"Yep, that's us." I smiled. "I assume she brought ya up to speed on the sitch?"

"Yeah. When I found out that The Devil is up to his old tricks, I knew I had to act." She stated. "And when I saw Mugsy, I wanted to help."

"That's great!" I nodded. "We could use all the help we can get right now. Ol' Scratch isn't playing around."

"Yeah, and with his goons around, we need a lot of help." Natty claimed. "Not to mention he's hunting the three of us down."

"Oh, yeah. Madam M did say something about that." Chalice recalled.

Kate nodded sadly as she replied, "Yeah, he's been hunting us down to make us a part of his…'family'. He wants Lex and Nat as his daughters, and me as his bride."

"I'm sorry, WHAT?!" Chalice screamed. "He wants you for his bride and you two for his KIDS?!"

"Yeah, not really a great way to say 'Hey, I want you guys to be my kids. You okay with that?' Yeah not gonna cut it for me." Natty rolled her eyes.

I facepalmed while sighing, "I dunno, this fool's on crazy pills or something. I think several billion years worth of being condemned has finally made the Devil crack. To make things worse, that stupid blockhead has a BIG OL' crush on me, like don't ask me where THAT came from!"

"What?! EWWWWW!" Chalice shrieked. "Isn't he old enough to be your dad?!"

"That's what she said!" Liam recalled.

"I mean hey, if you wanna explain that to him, feel free." I scoffed.

"Well, I don't want to but the only thing I need to get into his pea-sized brain is I'm dating you!" Liam claimed.

"Wait, you're her boyfriend?" Chalice asked. "Awww, you'd make such a cute couple."

Liam and I blushed for a bit; yeah, we really do make a cute couple. I just wish that blockhead would finally get a freakin' clue and back off! UGH!

"Listen, I'm sorry you three are in a sticky situation with Ol' Scratch here." Chalice sighed. "I wanna help out as much as I can, and crush his creepy dreams of having a family."

"Well, we appreciate your help, Chalice." I smiled a bit. "The more the merrier as the saying goes."

"You got it!" She beamed. "I'll help out as much as I can. I owe the boys big time for helping me in the DLC Isle."

"Aww, Chal. We told ya we were just helpin' an old friend." Cuphead smiled.

I couldn't help but give a soft smile. This was the type of brother/sister relationship I wish I had growing up. Someone to be there for you when you fell and needed help getting up. Someone that was your match. Of course, again, I have Liam, and he's every bit my match, but sometimes I can't help but reflect on the time I spent alone. That was a pretty lonely time in my life.

Liam seemed to notice my sad look, because he gently rubbed my back. "Hey, you okay?" He asked.

I nodded while replying, "Yeah. Yeah I'm fine. Sorry, just got stuck in thought, that's all."

"Makes sense. Just know that we're all here for you. I know this whole thing is terrifying and uneasy to think about, but know I'm not backing down because some big block-headed jerk thinks he's powerful and can get what he wants."

I wrapped an arm around Liam and he did the same while we hugged each other. I wasn't in any hurry to find a boyfriend...but I'm so glad I found the right one. Cause he's been there for me through thick and thin.

And that's the kind of romance I want.

"Oh! Before I forget, Madame M had asked me to bring ya something, Cups." Chalice exclaimed.

She reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out a small bottle of sparkling blue liquid.

"She says that this potion will enhance your powers and give you special new abilities that nobody — not even the Devil and his goons — have ever seen before."

"Really?! That's so cool!" Cuphead beamed.

Chalice hands him the bottle and he takes a sip of the potion. We watched as Cuphead suddenly jumped into the air as he was filled with renewed energy just like how he and Mugman had drank the potion Elder Kettle gave them in the game.

"Wow! I feel great! I feel much stronger already!" Cuphead exclaimed as Chalice took a sip of the potion herself and felt a similar energy boost. "I sure wish Mugsy could have some of this, too…"

"Don't worry, we'll get him back." Chalice said in reassurance as she pocketed the bottle of the remains of the potion back. "And I'm sure he'll be happy to help out giving that sleazy blockhead what for."

Cuphead managed a small, grateful smile as Chalice patted his back in comfort.

After a brief pause, Natty cleared her throat, "Okay…so who should we look for first?"

"I think we should see Djimmi the Great with a magical person like him. It would help us in battle." Cuphead pointed out.

"Good call, Cups!" I nodded.

Djimmi had to be one of the HARDEST bosses I ever fought while playing the Cuphead game. He was also one of the only bosses I ever played two-player on, with a friend of mine (before Liam came into my life that is). It was funny because I constantly mistook myself for Cuphead and kept getting damaged as Mugman…

Erm, anyways, back to the subject at hand.

Finding his place wasn't too difficult, especially since the entire landscape looked like Agrabah from Aladdin; a vast desert town with pyramids and sphinxes (didn't realize there was more than one) Oh and lets not forget; sand.

Like Genie says "It's everywhere. Get used to it!"

There was indeed sand everywhere, but no sign of the genie himself. Where was he at…?

Suddenly, we heard a loud:

"AHHHHHHHH!"

Oh, no. We all knew what the scream meant.

"Not again!" Natty cried.

"You've got to be kidding!" Katie exclaimed in dismay.

We bolted toward the scene, trying to find Djimmi.

"JIMMI!" Cuphead screamed.

"NO!" Liam cried.

I knew exactly who was responsible for this atrocity that we saw by the time we got there. It was…

"KING DICE!" I snarled, glaring hatefully at the Devil's good-for-nothing lackey.

He smirked when he saw us, claiming "Well, nice to see everyone again."

It was apparent he spotted Chalice, cause then he added, "I see you have a new flunkie to help ya along the way."

"Who ya calling a flunkie!?" Chalice snapped. "You wanna talk about biggest fails, take a look in the mirror!"

"Yeah, you're practically the biggest flunkie of ALL of 'em!" Cuphead shouted.

"Hmm, but I'm curious; since I managed to take two, no, three souls in one day, does that make you the flunkies?" He taunted. "Since I'm on a winning streak and you're not."

Okay, NOW he was getting on my last nerve!

"SHUT YOUR DANG TRAP!" I shouted at Dice.

"My, my, sounds like my little Lexie is becoming fussy." He grinned.

"Back off, you blockhead!" Liam snapped. "She's not yours!"

"Not yet, but soon I'll have her wrapped around my little finger, as the boss will with Ms. Gemwing over here."

Katie shot a hateful glare at Dice, giving out a draconic snarl in warning.

"You and your boss are DISGUSTING, you know that?!" I growled.

"Oh, I know that." He smirked. "But I'm also feeling quite lucky, now that I have Djimmi's soul. He'll make a good addition to the boss's collection."

"Let him go! Now!" Natty shouted, pulling out her Keyblade.

"Sorry pinkie, not gonna happen, and also, thanks to you my suit was ruined!" He exclaimed. "It was expensive to fix it, you know."

"Does it sound like I care?! You put Lex in danger!"

"Unintentionally. Wasn't planning on harming my special gal." He crooned, giving me a lustful look.

Okay, now I'm getting TICKED!

"I'm NOT your GAL!" I shouted. "Get it through your THICK SKULL!"

"Stop telling her that! She's not interested mate!" Liam snapped.

"Awww, how cute. Little Liam thinks he's a hero. More like a big, fat zero to me." Dice taunted.

"Hey! Stop that!" Kate shouted, brandishing her own Keyblade. "Liam's a great guy who's a better man for Lex than you'll ever be!"

"Yeah!" Kaichi piped up, shaking his paw at Dice. "Not to mention the REAL zero here is YOU, ya bungling blockhead of a big, fat blowhard!"

"Say that about my boyfriend again…" I growled, clenching my teeth. "I DARE ya!"

"What? That he's a big fat zero who'll never amount to anything? Especially dating you?" Dice sneered. " Just stating the facts, my sweet."

"Uh-oh." Kaichi snarked at Dice with a glare.

"Ooohh, you did not just say that." Nat growled.

In pure anger, I whipped out my paintbrush (or Keyblade) and pointed it at Dice, shouting, "THAT'S IT! YOU'RE DONE SON!"

"Lex, wait!" Chalice cried. "He's baitin' ya!"

I charged right at Dice, ready to break his head into a million pieces while he cooly smirked at me.

"Huh, responding in anger. Typical. Okay I'll deal with that." He then pulled out his own sword and clashed with my Keyblade. I have to say this was new. I never took him to be good with a sword, but knowing he was the Devil's right hand man, he was taught many forms of combat, not just the ins and outs of a casino operation.

I was furious as we fought. Flirting with me was one thing, and taking souls was down-right awful, but making fun of Liam, calling him a zero?! He's in for it now!

I could tell he was enjoying me being angry because he tauntingly asked, "What's the matter, my pet? Afraid I'll beat you in sword battling? Don't worry I won't hurt ya."

I thought about it for a second. Granted, the situation where I fell off the cliff wasn't his intention, but he still put me in a lot of danger.

"Fair enough...but I will hurt YOU!" I shouted.

Since I was close, I kicked his knee, very hard if I should add, and charged at him once more ready to strike.

"Huh, not bad." He mused, as he quickly got up, and nearly avoided my Keyblade, as he once more clashed his weapon with mine. "I can see someone's been practicing. Are you sure you didn't train for me?

"UGH! As IF!" I shouted. "I'm just training to kick the crap outta your dumb BOSS!"

"Speaking of which, he'll be happy to see you're doing well." He continued. "He can help you with your training, when you agree to be his daughter. He is fluent in many forms of combat."

"Oh really? Does it include "Condemned-to-Abyssitsu"?!" I asked sarcastically.

He arched an eyebrow in confusion. "Huh?"

I rolled my eyes. Not only was he delusional about me liking him, but he was completely clueless about what I said.

" 'Condemned-to-Abyssitsu'. Cause he's condemned to be locked in an abyss...ah never mind."

I heard Natty laugh as she called out, "Wow, and to think he thinks he's soooo intelligent!"

"Yeah! No wonder he's a blockhead!" Liam pointed out.

Katie, Cuphead and Kaichi burst out into laughter in response to that remark.

"Yeah man, it's a popular form of combat." I smirked. "Surprised you don't know it."

"I may not know all forms, but I know this!"

He slid his foot behind mine, making me trip and lose balance, falling on my back

"Oof!" I grunted.

"Lex!" Liam cried.

I sat up but froze when Dice pointed his sword at me, leering at me. Okay, granted that was a cheap move, but he got me by surprise, as much as I hate to admit it.

"I know that it's best not to get cocky like that. Rookie mistake" Dice taunted.

"Look who's talkin', Mr. Narcissism!" I snapped.

Liam was pretty mad at this point. Tapping his watch, he pulls out his sword and rushes over, trying to strike Dice, but he deflects it with his sword.

"Oh, what do we have here? The brave little zero coming to save the day." Dice taunted. "How cute."

"Oh, dude, you do not wanna mess with me or my girl!" Liam growled, feeling his arms shake a little bit.

"When I'm done with you, she might see things differently." Dice claimed.

"Yeah, I doubt that!" Liam shouted.

He and Dice then proceeded to battle, clashing swords with one another and using both offensive and defensive moves.

As I rubbed my head, I heard Nat rush over to me, "Lex you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine. Someone needs to teach that blockhead a lesson…"

For what felt like an eternity, Liam and Dice continue to clash swords.

"Um? Should we do something?" Chalice raised an eyebrow while looking at Cuphead.

Cuphead shrugged as he replied, "Eh, let ol' blockhead embarrass himself. Since he calls him 'shrimp' so much, maybe it'll cut him down a peg."

Chalice nodded and proceeded to watch Liam battling. I gotta say, Lee handled it very well. I guess all those Nintendo games paid off.

"Gotta say, for a shrimp, you know how to use a big sword." Dice sneered.

"Comes in handy when you play Zelda games a lot and who knew that all that training would help me kick your butt!?" Liam countered.

"Get 'em Lee!" I cheered.

"Give that sleazy old blowhard what for!" Katie called.

"Yeah! Knock his block off!" Kaichi yelled.

"Knock him outta the park!" Natty added.

Liam and Dice battled for a bit longer and Liam had decided to pull an interesting move. Once he and Dice clashed again, Liam slammed his foot on Dice's shoe, causing him to yell in pain, he disarmed him, and tripped him, causing him to fall on his back.

Dice grunted as he sat up and rubbed his head, only for Liam to point his sword at him.

"And that is a rookie mistake for you; underestimating me." Liam smiled proudly

"And me." I growled, pointing my Keyblade at him.

Dice glared at Liam for that move, but then he smirked, replying

"It seems I need to improve my thinking as well as my training. No matter, I've got what I came here for."

Turning to me (and blowing me a stupid kiss), Dice crooned, "I'll see ya later, dollface."

Then, he created a portal beneath him and vanished from the area.

"Freak." Liam grunted, putting his sword away.

"This is gonna be a habit of his… running away from a fight when he knows he doesn't stand a chance against someone stronger than him." Katie muttered.

Just then, a thought came to me.

"Djimmi!"

We raced over and saw him collapsed on the ground, colorless and lifeless, just as Mugsy and Ollie.

"Oh no!" Cuphead cried before he hung his head in tearful shame. "Jimmi…I'm…I'm sorry."

"Don't blame yourself Cups... It's not your-!" I started but stopped when we heard gentle mewing. I looked around, confused.

"Huh?"

"Was that…a cat?" Natty asked.

"I think so…" Katie trailed off.

Just then, Liam gasped and pointed out, "Lex, look!"

We looked and saw some small movement coming from a blanket that was on the ground. I carefully lifted it up and gasped. There was a frightened looking black kitten, peeking its head underneath a blanket.

"Awww! Well, hello there, sweet baby…" I crooned.

"Awwww, it's a sweet kitten." Natty smiled.

"What a lil' darlin'!" Chalice squealed.

"Oh, it's adorable!" Katie gushed as her eyes literally sparkled with delight.

"Aww, kitty cat!" Matt squealed.

"Where did she come from? Or he? Which is it?" Cuphead asked.

"Hmm...lemme see." I stated.

As gently as I could, I picked up the kitten, who was shaking a bit as I examined her carefully. Poor thing must have been scared during the fight!

"Shhh… it's okay. Come here, sweetheart...I think it's a girl."

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed a girl, because she has a cute little light blue bow atop of her head next to her ear, and her golden collar is encrusted with sparkling blue gemstones.

"Ohh, sweet thing! Man, baby animals are so cute!" Natty sighed, gently rubbing the kitten's back

"Yes, she's so lovely!" Katie beamed in agreement.

"But now the question is what's her name?" Liam asked.

I took a look at the cat collar around her neck and I saw a name on there.

"'Aya'..."

I looked down at the tag and felt a lump in my throat as I read the back of the tag:

If found, please return to Djimmi the Great.

"Oh, guys…she's Djimmi's cat…"

"Oh, poor thing!" Natty gasped. "It's okay, Aya, you're safe with us."

Aya then began to purr while nuzzling her head against me. Then, she licked my cheek with her small and wet tongue, which still feels like sandpaper. Okay, it's official, I love this little kitten!

"Aw...she reminds me of my cat Alice...she gave me kisses like that…" I sighed looking at the ground sadly.

I felt Liam rub my back as he gently reminded me

"I know, I miss her too…"

Cuphead began to rub Aya's head carefully with his hand as he asked, "So, now what?"

"We bring Aya along." Natty simply stated.

"Agreed. She needs a home until we bring Djimmi back." I added.

Kate nodded and then Matt asked, "Uh Lexie? Can-can I hold the kitty please? I promise to be careful."

"Oh, of course sweetie." I smiled as I carefully handed Aya to Matt who held her in his hands. "But be gentle, she's a baby."

She looked at him with her cute little eyes as he gave a smile.

"Hi, Aya. I'm Matt."

Aya then smiled and began to purr again, making Matt giggle.

"Hee hee! She's purring! She likes me!"

"Awww, so cute!" Natty sighed again.

Katie chuckled fondly as she covered her smiling mouth with her hand.

Matt then carefully handed Aya back to me, and as I stroked her back, I stated

"Well, Aya, I think you'll be with us for a while. Hope ya don't mind."

Aya gave a happy mew before purring some more, nuzzling her head on my neck.

"And we'll each take turns holding her, so that way we can help one another." Natty mentioned.

"Sounds good to me." Katie agreed.

Before we left, Cuphead patted Djimmi sadly before claiming

"Don't worry Jimmi. We'll get your soul back. I promise."

He hung his head in defeat as Natty rubbed his back gently.

"It'll be okay. We'll get him back." She assured him.

"We'll get everyone back." Chalice added, also rubbing Cuphead's back.

He nodded and followed us as we made our way out of the desert.

I took a sad sigh. This wasn't looking good. We've lost three people already and the situation felt hopeless. The Devil is not making this any easier for us and the more people we lose, the harder it gets.

But we couldn't quit! Not now!

As long as we stick together, we will succeed!

(Normal P.O.V)

Dice returned once more to the casino, feeling less stressed than he did before. Despite losing a sword battle to Liam and Lexie, he still managed to get Dijimmi's soul.

He could tell the group was getting more and more frustrated with each person that loses their soul. And honestly, he didn't care. He knew that the more they took, the more defeated the team was.

Though, as he thought over the dual, he couldn't help but smile a bit. Lexie, despite not having a lot of training, did pretty well with her Keyblade. He admired the fact that not only was she beautiful, but knew how to handle a weapon like that.

"All good qualities for me." He snickered. "I'm sure I can still find a way to sweep her off her pretty feet. And once she's mine, she'll forget all about that shrimp of a boyfriend."

Just then, the sound of the door opening made him jump and he looked to see who it was. He thought it was the Devil at first, but when he saw a hooded figure enter the room, he took a sigh.

"Oh, it's only you." Dice claimed. "Sure gave me a startle there."

"My apologies, Señor Dice." the figure claimed. "El jefe sent me to do a few tasks and I got them done rather quickly."

"Ah, I see." Dice mentioned. "Did you find what he was looking for?"

"Sí. It was more of a reconnaissance task." The figure explained. "I was told to keep an eye on el grupo, when they were at the Fly Trap."

There was a pause before he snickered.

"I have to say, Señor Dice. El Diablo told me about that little incident with la chiquita pequeña. Have to say, muy divertido, especially since mi amor gave you a fright."

Dice rolled his eyes in annoyance. Of course the Devil would tell him that. Might as well tell it to the entire staff while he was at it.

Now more annoyed, Dice retorted, "Okay, Mr. El Pain-in-the-neck! Since you have sights for her, why don't you go and take her down?! I'm sure the boss will be thrilled to see at least one of his kids come."

The figure pondered over for a second, before a terrible nasty grin grew on his face.

"I just might do that, Señor Dice." He simply replied. "I've been meaning to make an introduction to mi amor for some time. While it was a pleasure escorting her to el jefe, I believe its time I hacer una entrada."

"If you are thinking of bringing her back, just don't make it too drastic." Dice informed him. "As much as she's a pain next to Lexie, the boss wants her alive and well. Is that clear?"

"Claro, at the very least...I wanna get to know her a bit."

"Very well. You do need to know more about your future bride."

The figure nodded and soon left the room, leaving Dice alone. As he departed, his grin grew wider and wider. The thought of seeing Natty again was lovely to think about and if he manages to bring her back to the Devil, he'd be more than happy to reward him greatly.

And he knew exactly what his reward would be.

"Así que mi amor, serás todo mío."

A/N: Ohhh boy! And the mysterious Spaniard from earlier returns! And he's got a major villian crush on Natty! What is his identity, and how's he related to the Devil and Dice?! Find out next week on "Heart, Soul, and Mind"!