A/N: Welcome to this week's edition of "Heart, Soul, and Mind"! Today, we're going on a nice seaside trip to Cala Maria's cove! While we are in good spirits, a certain "Father of the Lie" obviously wants to spoil it. Stay tuned to see what happens!
EDIT: Just as a reminder when reviewing, please be considerate of others and the authors. We want to make sure this is a welcoming and friendly environment especially in the reviews. My co-writers and I have done a lot of hard work on these stories and don't want to discriminate any person or background. Any reviews that continue to discriminate or alienate people in anyway will be promptly reported.
(Lexie's P.O.V)
Soon after we left from Honeycomb Herald, we strolled down Isle Three's streets, enjoying the richly earned ice cream.
I looked and saw Matt had chocolate ice cream all over his face, which I couldn't help but laugh at.
"I take it you're enjoying the ice cream, Matt?"
"Yeah! It's so good!" He giggled.
I grabbed a napkin from my hand and handed it to him, "Here bud, you got some on your face."
"Thank you." He smiled, wiping his face.
"You know, out of all the ice cream I've had, I think this tops it." Natty stated.
"Agreed!" I nodded, taking a bite out of my fudge sundae. "It's even better than my local ice cream shop."
"Really? How so?" Liam asked, as he gave a small piece of cookie dough to Aya.
"It's creamier and thicker. Also, I think their chains are starting to close down, ironically enough with Texas heat."
"That makes sense." Katie chimed in, licking her vanilla ice cream from her waffle cone. She broke off a small piece and placed a tiny bit of ice cream to give to Kaichi.
Liam finished his cone, and asked, "Okay, we had our ice cream. Are we ready to head out?"
"I think so." Cuphead claimed. "We should probably speak to Brineybeard over by the docks since it's nearby."
"Alright, sounds like a plan!" I smiled.
"Right! Let's go!" Chalice cheered.
We then headed down the street to the docks, as we saw different ships of all shapes and sizes loaded there or were being deported out to sea. The area was pretty busy; crates being moved around, people chatting or arguing, the sound of tools clanking, sawing or rattling on ships, and the sound of the waves nearby.
"Wow, a lot is sure happening here." Liam mentioned as we gazed at the different vessels.
"There's a boat! And another one, and another one." Matt squealed, pointing at all the ships that we passed by.
"Is he a fan of ships?" Natty asked, smiling.
"He does get excited when we battle Brineybeard at home." Liam replied. "He likes it when the ship comes alive and hopes one day the two of them will be friends, or something."
"Awww, that's so cute!" Natty smiled.
"Yeah he really is something…" Liam trailed off. "Anyhoo, let's see if we can find his ship before any more trouble comes our way."
"His ship should be around here somewhere." Cuphead recalled, looking around. "I know it's still morning, but he should be at his dock by now."
"Ahoy, mateys!"
I looked and there was none other than Captain Brineybeard on his ship. Wow, I couldn't believe it.
"Ahoy, Captain!" Cuphead called back. "We need to talk! It's important! Permission to come aboard?!"
"Aye!" Briney replied with a smile. "It's a pleasure to see ya again, Cuppy!"
"And to you as well!"
We made our way on the ship and I have to admit, it was larger and more open than expected. I know I saw a similar design of this in The Cuphead Show!, but being on his ship was really cool!
"Listen, Briney, did you get the latest newspaper?" Cuphead asked.
Briney nodded solemnly as he replied, "Aye. The Devil is at it again, eh?"
"Yeah, and he's gotten a few people's souls and are after these girls for his plans." He explained, motioning to us as we gave a small wave. "We need a team that can help us bring him down! Will you join us? You're one of the toughest pirates I know, and if he gets you, we'll have a ton of strength against us."
Briney beat his chest while replying confidently, "A pirate's honor, Cuppy. You saved me soul from Davy Jones' locker, so I will help you and these fine lassies."
"That's great to hear!" Natty beamed. "We need all the help we can get, especially since the Casino is nearby…"
Katie shuddered, looking very nervous at the mention of the Casino. I really can't blame her. Given our experience when we were briefly prisoners in that awful place, it held very bad memories of the Devil's desire to make us his "family". It's most especially unnerving for her given how the Devil's bent on making her his queen.
I rubbed her back and stated "It'll be okay, Kate. He won't get us or anyone. Not as long as we fight back."
Katie managed a gentle smile as she replied, "Thanks, Lex."
"Great! Glad you wanna help! That means a lot." Liam smiled. "Okay, now since we're near the ocean, we should probably go find Cala Maria."
"Aye! Allow me to take ye to the cove of Cala Maria!" Briney claimed. "I'm off to find her cove, hoping to search for more treasure!"
"Thank you, Captain. That's very kind of you." Katie smiled.
"Yeah! You're awesome!" Kaichi added.
"Thank ye, Lad. Now, come! We have a high seas adventure to begin!"
"Let's-a-go!" I cheered.
Once BrineyBeard pulled up the anchor and opened the sails, we started on our journey to Cala's cove. Finally, we were getting somewhere. The nice thing was I didn't get seasick, but I had to keep an eye on Matt. He does get nauseous at times, especially after he's eaten, but for now he looks okay.
"This is amazing!" Katie exclaimed, the sea air blowing back her hair as we sailed. "How often does one get to sail in a real pirate ship?"
"Not often! This is so cool!" Natty squealed. "Man, I wish I had my camera with me. I could take some amazing pictures."
"Same here!" I beamed.
Kaichi hovered over the railing of the ship before he called out, "Hey, guys! You gotta come check this out!"
We walked over to the railing and looked down to see a pod of dolphins racing alongside the ship beneath the waves.
"Cool! Dolphins!" Cuphead gasped.
"Wow! They're awesome!" Matt cheered.
"Amazing!" Liam gasped.
"They're so beautiful!" Katie cried in delight as her eyes sparkled.
I then noticed something as I pointed down at the dolphins, exclaiming, "Oh, hey! Look, it looks like one of 'em's about to jump up!"
I was proven right as one of the dolphins leapt out of the water and made a tremendous splash as it dived back in before leaping up again.
"Awesome!" Natty cheered.
"This is so amazing!" Chalice beamed.
Sure enough, more dolphins began to jump in and out of the water.
"Wow!" Katie gasped.
"So cool!" Cuphead claimed. His head then hung low as he sighed. "I sure wish Mugman could see this. He would love this."
"Don't worry, Cuppy. Once we save Inkwell and your brother, you can show him this as many times as you want." I stated. "Also, I think Aya is having fun seeing them too."
Aya's eyes were wide and began mewing with delight, sniffing the air.
Cuphead smiled in comfort as he said, "Yeah. This is pretty exciting. The salty sea air. The cool spray of the ocean. And the wind on your face. Not to mention it's perfect weather to be put to sea."
"Agreed." Natty smiled. "Love being by and on the ocean."
Katie nodded as she said, "I had always found the ocean to be so fascinating. It's so huge, vast and mysterious. It's also so beautiful when the sunlight glistens over the water. It's most especially breathtaking at sunsets."
Just then, Brineybeard came down from the helm as he suggested, "How about a little sea shanty as we sail? After all those hardships ye lads and lassies had been through of warnin' the former debtors of the Devil's latest schemes, I reckon ya could do with something to lift the spirits."
"That would be wonderful." Katie replied. "Does anyone know any good ones?"
As I stared out into the ocean, for some reason, this one song popped into my head. A song from my Celtic roots.
******NEW SONG: "My Mother Told Me" By Nati Dredd*****
Me: My mother told me..Someday I would buy. Galleys with good oars and…Sails to distant shore
*I approach the edge of the ship and lean against it while still looking at the ocean.*
Me: Stand up high on the prow..Noble barque I steer…Steady course for the havens…Hew many foe-men…Hew many foe-men…
*I hesitated for a bit, mainly due to nerves with what happened lately. Liam must've sensed it, because I felt him gently hold my hand.*
Me and Liam: My mother told me… Someday I would buy… Galleys with good oars and… Sails to distant shores
*I then heard random drums and orchestral music in the background as Liam and I continued to hold hands. *
Me and Liam: Stand up high on the prow…Noble barque I steer…Steady course for the havens…Hew many foe-men..Hew many foe-men
*He playfully dances with me, twirling and gliding across the deck. The group giggled and then, as the random orchestra built up to higher intensity, started joining us in singing.
Everybody: My mother told me! Someday I would buy! Galleys with good oars and…Sails to distant shores!
*I could hear Cuphead playing the harmonica and Chalice the flute playing along with the disembodied music*
Everyone: Stand up high on the prow…Noble barque I steer…Steady course for the havens…Hew many foe-men
*Everyone danced and basically giggled all over the deck with Brineybeard clapping along*
Brineybeard: Ya-har! This be the best dancin' and singin' than any sirens of the seven seas!
Us: My mother told me…Someday I would buy…Galleys with good oars and…Sails to distant shore
*As I continued to dance with Liam, for once, I felt safe. From Dice, Anbis, the Devil…any of those freaks that tried to harm us. And man, did it feel good.*
Us: Stand up high on the prow…Noble barque I steer…Steady course for the havens
Hew many foe-men…Hew many foe-men
Me: Hew many foe-men…
*We ended the song with Chalice creating a high note with her flute (I still have no idea where she got it from) while Lee and I looked at each other. Yep, I'm safe as long as I'm with him.*
*****END OF SONG****
As the music ended, Liam and I were looking at each other, feeling as if we were the only people in the area at this moment. He looked very handsome as the sun shone on his face, making his hazel eyes beam with light.
I wasn't sure what came over me, either the feeling of being safe or just my love for him, maybe it was both, but I leaned close and pressed my lips on his. I felt him wrap his arms around me and held me close. That was the very best feeling I've felt in a long time.
"Ew YUCK!" Cuphead gagged in disgust. "Seriously with the kissing?!"
Natty playfully rolled her eyes. "Come on, Cuphead. He loves her."
"Yeah, it's sweet." Chalice beamed.
"So romantic…" Katie sighed with dreamy and literal starry eyes.
"It's making me sea-sick." Cuphead muttered.
When we pulled away, he blushed and smiled a dopey yet cute grin.
"Well, I can see my charm is still on point for you." He jokingly replied. But in a calm voice, he claimed "Lex, I'm sorry these last few days have been crazy and I can't imagine the stress you and the girls are facing. But just know that I want to help and I'm not backing down because of fear."
I felt a happy tear go down my face as I leaned into his chest, hugging him.
"Thanks Lee…I don't think we could've done all this without you and the boys."
"You're welcome, Lex. And don't worry. We will stop him and save Inkwell and those who lost their souls." he promised. "He may be the Devil, but he better remember he's a defeated foe."
"Amen to that." I smiled. After a bit, we all decided to get some rest, since the journey to Cala Maria's cove was still a bit away. Liam carried a sleeping Matt in his arms and took him inside the ship, where we all found bunk beds in a small room. It was a bit cramped for my liking, but we made it work.
As I laid on the comforter, I slowly but surely drifted off to sleep, still holding that feeling of being safe with Liam and the others. Finally, some peace after all the chaos. Glad we had a moment to take a breather.
However, I was wrong.
(Normal P.O.V)
Back at the casino, Dice scurried down the hallway to the throne room. He recently got word that his employer wanted to see him and did not want to be late. The imps at the door opened them for him, as Dice strode in, adjusting his coat and taking a deep breath. He saw the Devil gazing in his looking glass but turned to see him.
"Ah, Dice. Good to see you got my message." He claimed. "I have something I wish to discuss with you."
"Oh, uh, of course, Boss.." Dice replied. "What can I do for ya?"
"It's not so much what you can do, but something I have been thinking about." He mentioned. He stepped aside and showed Dice what he was gazing at in his looking glass. It was the group, as they were drifting to sleep in a small room. His focus, though, was on Lexie than the others.
Dice grinned a lustful grin. He always loved seeing her, either in person or through magical objects. Then a thought came to him.
"Well, I am very pleased you showed me Lexie, but what does this have to do with anything?"
"Simple; while I am mad you and Anubis failed to bring me Lexie and Natty, I decided to do things differently." The Devil mentioned. "This is something I was inspired by and something that will make Lexie come right to me."
"Like the sound of that." Dice replied.
"And now, it's time to have some fun." His employer sneered.
He grabbed his pitchfork and casted a spell, causing it to change to a dark purple color. If he couldn't get them one way, he can get them another.
(Lexie's P.O.V)
I started to wake up, but strangely, I wasn't under the deck of Brineybeard's ship. I'm in a dark hall with the only light on me.
"Ugh...what happened?" I groaned.
I looked down and I was in a beautiful silver halter top dress, which was a shimmering silver, and as I looked at the bottom of the skirt, I saw what looked like an ombre of pale reds, blues and yellows, almost appearing to be a rainbow. I felt my head and I had my hair in a half ponytail with a huge rainbow butterfly pin that served as a bow, along with streamers to go with it.
It kinda reminded me of Timpani from "Super Paper Mario", and some fanart I've seen people draw of her human form.
"Whoa…" I trailed off. "But where...?"
I walked down the hall a bit and as I walked deeper, I started to hear music. It sounded like louder until you come to a grand ball room with many people dancing and spending time together
Then I saw Liam and…oh my Lord he looked amazing, all decked out in a fancy suit, which was silver, matching my dress. He looked so handsome.
"Lexie!" He smiled at me. "Glad you're here!"
"Liam! Man, you look amazing!" I beamed with a loving smile.
"Thanks! You look really pretty!"
I blushed for a bit, parting a bit of my curly hair behind my ear.
"Hey, Lex!" Natty called, waving.
She is dressed in a sky blue ball gown with matching long gloves, a pink sash around the waist, flats, a silver necklace with a pink gemstone in it, and a blue headband with a pink rose and blue streamers in her hair.
"Lexie!" Katie chimed in.
Her choice of dress was a soft lilac off-shoulder gown with a blue gemstone encrusted rose brooch in the collar, a crystal blue underskirt, long lilac gloves, flats, a pearl bracelet on her right wrist, a pearl necklace with a blue gemstone pendant and a diamond rose hair clip in her hair.
"Guys!" I beamed. "Oh my gosh, I love y'all's dresses, so pretty!"
"Oh, wow! You look stunning!" Natty marveled.
"Yes, you look amazing!" Katie agreed. "We're so glad you're here!"
I smiled and blushed for a bit. I dunno why I was here or how, but I enjoyed every bit of seeing my friends in a great event…and my boyfriend in a romantic setting.
Next thing I knew, I heard familiar music…was that 'Faithfully by Journey'?
"Hey, they're starting up some music." Liam brought up. He then extended his hand out to me and asked "Care to dance, Lexie?"
I blushed and replied "Why certainly…"
He took my hand and guided me to the dance floor. There, we both got in position and started dancing. I couldn't help but giggle. He was so sweet and I loved being by him, no matter what we were doing; spending time at the beach, getting ice cream, or whatever. I was just happy to be with him.
(Normal P.O.V)
Unknown to Lexie, she got out of bed and began sleep-dancing towards the deck, slowly drifting toward the edge.
Aya who was woken up by her movement saw you and started mewing, waking Liam up.
"Hmm? Sweetie?" Liam yawned. "What's wrong?"
Aya continued to mew to Liam as she frantically pointed her tail toward Lexie, who was slowly making her way toward the deck, dancing with herself.
"Huh? Lexie?"
Liam followed after Lexie while she continued dancing.
Time seemed to stand still as I continued to waltz with Liam, all over the ballroom. I felt so safe in his strong, yet gentle embrace. It felt so magical, like out of "Cinderella", dancing with my prince charming.
"You're an amazing dancer." Liam cooed, gently smiling at me.
"Thank you...you too." I smiled, blushing.
"Awww, so cute…" I heard Natty behind me.
"Yeah, they're so sweet together." Kate added.
Feeling so enthralled in the fairytale romantic moment, I leaned my head on Liam's chest while he rubbed my back, parting my hair.
"I love being close by." He purred. "The two of us should be together…forever."
I just uttered a soft "Mm hm…" as I nestled myself against his chest. For some reason I felt relaxed.
He then leaned close, gave my cheek a kiss and leaned his head in my ear.
"Gotta say Lexie darling." Liam whispered. "You'd make the boss smile just to see you dance with me as I hold you close in my arms."
My blood suddenly turned cold and I felt my skin go pale; 'The Boss'?! What was he talking about?!
"What're you-?"
Just then I looked up and…to my horror, I wasn't dancing with Liam at all.
"You look pretty as a princess, sweet cheeks…" Dice crooned.
My face became even more pale as Dice gave me the most wicked and lustful grin, his jade green eyes looking into mine.
"Why so scared?" He coaxed, caressing my cheek. "I got ya safe in my arms."
"He's right, dear sister," An oddly monotone Natty commented. "Why are you scared of your love?"
Uhhhhh….what?! Was she losing her mind?! Dice wasn't my love, and she knew that!
"Nat?! Guys what's with you?!" I shivered.
"Whatever do you mean, my child?" Katie chimed in, her voice also monotone, her blue eyes suddenly turning red. "You two are such a sweet couple I'm very happy you'll be with him."
"Couldn't agree more with you, your majesty…" Dice sneered.
I felt him usher me closer as I realized…he was trying to kiss me.
"No!" I shouted, shoving Dice away. "I love Liam!"
"Oh yeah, about him he's…out of the picture so to speak." Dice sneered.
"Yes, your father did not approve of the relationship." Katie added. "He thinks you'll be more happy with Dice since he can provide for all your needs."
"W-What?!" I stammered.
"Don't worry, darling, I'll treat ya better than any loser back on Earth." Dice smirked.
"No! Leave me ALONE!"
I tried to run away but I bumped into something...or someone. Someone with really itchy fur.
"Aww, leaving so soon, Lexie dear?" The Devil crooned. "Not even before a little father-daughter dance?"
I turned around and sure enough, freakin' Mr. Stupid was behind me.
"Ohhhh no! NO!" I shouted, backing away. "You stand back!"
"Don't be scared, my child. Your family is right here, we miss you terribly."
I glanced over and was most horrified to see that Katie and Natty were no longer themselves. Even their ball gowns have turned darker and much more demonic.
Katie was even more demonic with pointy ears, long horns, a devil's tail and black fur all over her body just like the Devil. Even her hair had turned from its usual dark chocolate brown to a deep black, darker than even a raven's wing.
"Come home to us, Lexie." Both of them pleaded in a creepy way at the same time.
I continued to back away from these freak rip offs of Katie and Natty, pure horror laced all over my face.
Then I heard...Liam?
"LEXIE! WAKE UP! WAKE UP!"
"Liam?!" I gasped, looking around frantically for any sign of him.
I tried to push past the crowd, but no budge. I then felt Dice grab you while he practically pinned me to his chest.
"You're not leaving my sweet Lexie…" Dice sneered in a lustful tone. "Hate for you to run from your husband to be…"
I swear, I never screamed so loud in my life. Dice was cackling like a maniac as he was dragging me somewhere. Where was he taking me?! Where was Liam?!
(Normal P.O.V)
Unknown to Lexie, her "struggling" against Dice in her nightmare was taking her closer and closer to the plank of the ship. Right below was a whirlpool portal, ready to teleport her straight to the Underworld.
"LEXIE NO!" Liam shouted.
He grabbed a nearby rope and swung down to the deck, rushing toward the terrified Lexie.
(Lexie's P.O.V)
I kept struggling against Dice's grip, but it was no use. He was too strong and forceful while I felt his arms all over my waist.
"Get your hands OFF ME!" I screamed, squirming even harder.
"I won't, you're with me now."
He sneered at me while pulling me closer to himself.
"Perhaps a snuggle or two will help calm your nerves." Dice crooned. "After all, your baby sister is getting married."
"No!" I cried. "She can't marry Anubis! She doesn't love him!"
"Oh she will, just as you will looove me."
Dice then grabbed my chin, tilting it up to face him. His face was the same as that time in the pocket dimension…oh my God.
"If I'm lucky I'll slip a kiss on those sweet lips of yours…"
"No, STOP!" I shouted, fighting against him. "Let GO!"
I shoved Dice away again and backed away, but someone else grabbed me from behind. Oh COME ON! SERIOUSLY?!
(Normal P.O.V)
What Lexie thought was the Devil grabbing her was actually Liam as he bolted over and caught her, pulling her back.
"LEX! LEX! WAKE UP!" Liam cries out, shaking her. "WAKE UP NOW!"
"No, NO!" Lexie cried in her sleep, trying to hit Liam, "Get your mitts OFF ME!"
"LEX! I'm not the enemy!" Liam reassured desperately. "It's me, Liam!"
Seeing it wasn't helping, he got an idea.
"Nat! Natty!" Liam cried. "I need help!"
Hearing the commotion, Natty rushed to the deck to see what was happening.
"What-Oh gosh! LEXIE!"
"She won't wake up!" Liam answered. "Is there a spell you can use?!"
"Yeah, try to hold her still."
(Lexie's P.O.V)
"No no no let me GO!" I cried, hot tears streaming down my face.
"Why would I let you go?" The Devil asked. "Not even for a little father-daughter dance?"
He turned me around and held me in a waltz position. The music around me was more evil, and dark, not the light, and magical tone I heard before.
I squirmed hard against his grip, which only got tighter.
"You're NOT my father! Get your mitts OFF ME!" I shouted.
"There's no need to shout, Alexis." he remarked.
I was forced to dance with him. Oh dear Lord, this had to be the most disgusting thing I've ever been through! Being held prisoner by Dice was bad enough, but this is too much!
"Soon, you'll take your rightful place as my daughter, princess of Hell." He sneered. "You and your sister will make excellent princesses, as your mother will be a wonderful queen to me."
"No…NO!"
I closed my eyes tight, praying to God that this was a horrible dream and not real!
(Normal P.O.V)
"Liam! Hold her still!" Natty argued, getting her spell ready.
"I'm trying but for some reason she thinks I'm the bad guy here!" Liam protested, as he held a very squirming Lexie in his arms. Whatever she was dreaming, it couldn't be pleasant.
(Lexie's P.O.V)
Having had enough, I slammed my foot on the Devil's, making him shout in pain, and attempted to run, but my victory didn't last long as Dice grabbed me again.
"Ah ah ah. You're not leaving so soon, my sweet Lexie." He crooned. "Not nice to run away from dear old Daddy."
"He's NOT my FATHER!" I shouted. "Get your HANDS off ME!"
"Soon enough, he will be." He snickered. "And soon, you'll be my lovely wife. I'm looking forward to the day you walk down the aisle right to me."
I started to hyperventilate while I struggled even harder. I'm scared! What happened to Katie and Natty?! Where's Liam?! And Cuphead and Chalice?!
My mind was spinning fast and I could hear my heart beat harder in my head. I was terrified.
Just when things were about to get worse, suddenly, I saw this colorful light come my way. I had little time to think because next thing I knew-
"Come on, Lexie! Wake up!" Natty's voice shouted.
I snapped my eyes open and panted, trying to figure out where I was and what was going on. Someone had their arms around me, which made me panic and scream again as I pushed it away, but then I heard:
"Lex! You okay?!"
Wait, that sounded like…Liam?! He's alive?!
"Lee! Stand back! She's awake but that portal is still active!" Natty called.
"Got it!" Liam replied.
"What portal?!" I exclaimed.
I turned around and I realized I was on the edge of the boat...about to fall into a very freaky looking whirlpool of a portal.
WHAT THE CRAP?!
I panicked, again and screamed. I could then feel Liam rush over and grab me as he moved me from the portal.
"It's okay! I got you!" He kept assuring me.
Once we were a good distance away, acting quick, Natty cast another spell and about ten seconds later, the portal swirled faster and faster and right before our eyes, it vanished and all was quiet.
The only sounds that made were the waves of the ocean and our panting
"Whew that was way too close." Natty gasped, collapsing on her knees.
Not only was I panting, but I was shaking and…wheezing and hyperventilating. Oh great, the literal anxiety attack I just had also gave me an asthma attack.
I could feel Liam gently rub my back and assured me,
"It's okay, it's okay. I got you…"
Just then, I saw the rest of the gang came running out, with great concern on their faces.
"Gadzooks! what was that?!" Chalice asked as she held onto Aya.
"We heard screaming out here!" Kate mentioned. "Is everyone alright?"
"Yeah. Lexie, I think, was sleepwalking and nearly fell into a portal." Natty explained.
"I-It felt so real...one minute I was dancing with Lee and then he turned into Dice and y'all were zombified or something and...the Devil got into some stupid 'father-daughter dance' with me…"
With all that I was feeling not to mention what we've encountered the last few days, I began to sob into Liam's arms, scared. My asthma progressively got worse because of all the stress.
"Shhh, it's okay, you're safe. I know that was scary but you're okay. He won't get you." Liam assured me.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out my inhaler and gave it to me. Once I took that, I began to breathe more easily, but my breath was still short.
"I can't believe he did this! He was so close to getting Lex!" Cuphead growled. "We would have had one less powerful fighter with us!
"Cuphead, don't make it worse, she's scared enough as it is!" Chalice retorted.
"Sorry." Cuphead sighed.
"There's nothing to be sorry about Cups." Liam assured him. "We just shouldn't think of it, but yeah, it was scary."
I continued to sob as I hugged Liam tighter, shaking. He didn't seem to mind, as he continued to rub my back and assured me.
"I got ya Lex I got ya…"
The hug from Liam was all I needed to calm down, slowing down my breathing and my heart rate. I then looked around and saw all my friends, relieved that Kate and Nat were okay…and not freaky lookin' demon spawns.
"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to wake y'all up." I apologized, feeling guilty. "I don't normally sleepwalk at all…"
"Nothing to be sorry about, but from the looks of it, that was planned." Liam mentioned as Natty pondered over something.
"Oh, of course! He must have pulled a sleepwalking spell on you just like Rasputain did with Anastasia in that one moment of the film!" She claimed.
"But why just me?" I questioned. "I mean jeez I'm the only one of us that hasn't discovered my powers yet."
" Maybe it's because he and Anubis failed to bring Natty and I back to the casino. and since you haven't discovered your powers…" Kate started.
"Kidnapping you would have been easy." Natty finished,
At that point, my fear turned into absolute rage as I clenched my fists. I felt insulted that the Devil tried to kidnap me of all people because I didn't have my powers yet. The COWARD!
"That freak! Can't believe he'd do that!" Liam raged.
"If that crackhead thinks I'm an 'easy target', he's got another thing coming…" I growled.
"Yeah he should not be going after you like that." Natty piped up.
After a bit, my anger turned into sadness as I bowed my head. This was my past coming to haunt me all over again. People think I'm some 'easy kill' or a 'pushover' for them to take advantage of me. Because I was slow and weak.
"It's okay, Lex we're with ya." Liam claimed.
"I know...but, what the Devil said in the throne room that day...he was right." I sighed. "I've tried to be helpful and kind to everybody, but people have lied to me, taking advantage of my trust because I was sheltered and came across as a pushover."
I stood up, my legs shaking and walked over, leaning on the edge of the boat in sadness.
"I guess this is no different." I muttered, hanging my head in defeat.
I then heard Natty approach me and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"But you don't have to please us. You're one of my best friends. You didn't need to earn my approval to be my friend."
"That's the same for me. You helped me start my own account on Fanfiction when I was really shy." Kate reminded me, approaching me too. "You've been such a big help."
"And I love you for you. He wants to use you and the girls like toys in his sinister game. That's not love." Liam added. "And yes, what you went through was hard but know that God knows what you've been through. He knows your suffering and knows your heart. He's not going to overlook that, especially since you try your best each day as one of His followers. "
I sniffled, wiping a tear as I uttered, "Thank you."
"Of course, girl! You're awesome and you know that!" Natty beamed, giving me a thumbs up.
"And no matter what, we'll be by your side ready to help you." Kate added.
"And when you do get your powers, you are gonna punch him in the face sooo hard." Liam claimed.
Feeling a lot better, I leaned against Liam's shoulder; I'm so in love with this man. And it made me feel alot better knowing he was right there beside me through the whole thing.
He gave me a kiss on the head but I could tell he was worried about what I had been through. Like he was wishing he could help out more.
"So uh...does anyone know if we're at Cala's place yet?" Chalice asked.
Before anyone could reply, suddenly we heard Briney call out
"Her cave be dead ahead!"
We all rushed above deck and sure enough, Cala Maria's cave was in sight.
Hopefully…Cala was doing okay and her soul was still intact.
(Normal P.O.V)
"Are you KIDDING ME?!" The Devil roared, as he and Dice observed the group's victory. "That boy is making me mad! I was so close!"
"Argh, I knew he wanted to keep Lexie safe, but now he's just being stupid being a hero." Dice grumbled.
"If they think they can beat me at my own game, they've got another thing coming." The Devil growled. Grabbing his pitchfork he announced to Dice "I'm going to the cove to personally take Cala's soul. You're in charge while I'm gone. I won't be long."
Dice nodded and the Devil teleported out of the throne room.
A/N: Jeeze what a scary nightmare I just had! And who knows what the Devil has up his sleeve for once we reach Cala Maria?! Find out next week in "Heart, Soul, and Mind"!