As the war is still being prepared, Gwen decided train to fight too. Despite she's had self-defense lessons from Ribby and Croaks, she felt the need to learn martial arts.
An angel teacher from Ares's army is teaching Gwen and Clarence effective moves and practice their attacks on dummies.
Gwen delivered a palm strike to the dummy.
"Nice strike Lady Gosa." The instructor complimented.
"Thanks." Gwen thanked.
Clarence delivered a kick to the dummy in front of him.
"Very good Mr. Hopewell. But aim for the groin, therefore striking the enemy's vulnerable spot." The instructor corrected.
Clarence corrected his mistake and stroke the groin on the dummy with his kick.
"Well done, Mr. Hopewell." The instructor complimented.
"Thanks. I think I'm getting the hang of this." Clarence thanked.
The couple continued learning various martial arts while the cups practiced their own fighting skills. Mugman attempts to karate chop a wooden board. But he hit his hand badly.
"OUCH!" Mugman cried in pain.
"No, no Mugsy. You gotta hit it harder!" Cuphead scolded.
"Oh yeah? Then you do it smart guy!" Mugman dared him.
Cuphead snickered and prepared his move. He raised his hand and tried to chop the wooden board, but he too injures his hand.
"OUCH!" Cuphead cried in pain.
"You gotta hit it harder!" Mugman mocked Cuphead's words.
"Oh yeah?" Cuphead asked angrily.
Cuphead leapt at Mugman, and the two cups fight as usual as Ms. Chalice watched unamused.
"Boys." Ms. Chalice said.
The cups continued fighting until the Angel instructor blew his whistle. That got everyone's attention.
"Well done everyone. Keep practicing your moves and we'll pick this up again tomorrow." The instructor said.
The group leave the martial arts training chamber and go about their day resting in the throne room.
"Whoo! What a workout!" Ms. Chalice exclaimed as she slumped to the couch.
"Yeah, but it's good to build muscle and develop your flexibility." Gwen pointed out.
"Can we go somewhere today? I wanna get out." Cuphead asked.
"That depends. Where do we wanna go today?" Gwen asked.
"Well, we've been to Peru, Las Vegas and recently Jamaica." Clarence said.
"You're forgetting Portugal." Gwen reminded him.
"Oh yeah! I almost forgot!" Clarence said, feeling awkward.
"Hey, what's this big country right of Portugal?" Ms. Chalice asked, looking at the globe at the continent of Europe.
"Oh, that's Spain. They're famous for bullfighting, delicious tapas and Flamenco dancing." Gwen explained.
"Bullfighting?" Cuphead asked.
"Delicious tapas?" Mugman asked.
"Flamenco dancing?" Ms. Chalice asked.
"Sounds like we have a vote." Clarence said.
"Okay, Spain it is then." Gwen said.
Gwen sends a magical message in a scroll out of the palace. After a few seconds, a little scroll came back to her, and she reads it.
"Alright we're good to go." Gwen said.
"Yay!" The 3 cups cheered.
Gwen tapped her ink pen, and they disappeared. They appear in the beautiful city of Madrid, Spain.
"Wow! What is this beautiful city?" Ms. Chalice asked.
"Bienvenido. To the beautiful city of Madrid, Spain." Gwen announced.
"Wow, Madrid." Mugman said.
"So, what are we seeing before we do fun things?" Cuphead asked.
"Well, we're gonna fly and see the famous monuments here first." Clarence answered.
"I wanna see the Museo del Prado too." Gwen reminded him.
"Don't worry love. We will." Clarence assured her.
Gwen summoned her magic carpet Cerulean Bolt. They hopped on and flew up above Madrid. First, they flew over to the Royal Palace.
"Woah! Look at that palace!" Cuphead exclaimed.
"Yeah. The Spanish royal family once ruled Spain. Now the Count of Barcelona and his family lives there." Gwen explained.
"Oh." The cups said.
Next, they flew past the Alumenda Cathedral, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza Mayor, Gran Via and Callao and Cybele Palace.
Afterwards, they fly to a local giftshop for shopping. They purchase ceramic tapas dishes, Flamenco fans, espadrilles, candles, hot chocolate mix, multicolored bull figurines and Flamenco dolls.
Next, they head over to the Museo del Prado and explore the exhibits. On the main floor, they look at various paintings dated back to the 15th century. They looked at a famous painting with 3 panels called the Garden of Earthly Delights.
"Wow, what's this painting?" Cuphead asked.
"It has 3 sections." Mugman added.
"That is the Garden of Earthly Delights. The left panel is the Garden of Eden. The middle panel is the Garden of Earthly Delights. The right panel is Hell. It's like a journey from innocence to sin to damnation" Gwen explained the panels.
"Oh, kinda like those 7 sins that get mortals to where the Devil is if they commit them?" Ms. Chalice asked.
"Exactly." Gwen answered.
"What are the 7 sins?" Cuphead asked.
"Pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth." Gwen answered.
"How do you know that?" Mugman asked.
"I was raised Catholic, remember? Rose and I were put in Sunday school." Gwen reminded them.
"Oh yeah. You did mention that." Cuphead said, remembering.
"Yeah, you really don't wanna be consumed by those." Clarence said.
"I know." Cuphead said awkwardly.
"I'm hungry, let's grab lunch in Barcelona." Gwen said, changing the subject.
"Good idea." Clarence agreed.
Later, the group were at an outdoor restaurant in Barcelona with a stage. They ordered paella Valenciana, patatas bravas, gambas al ajilo (garlic shrimp), jamón (cured ham on crusty bread), calamares a la Romana and churros and turron for dessert.
"Yum!" Cuphead said, eating patatas.
"I never knew calamari was so good!" Mugman said.
"This chicken paella is awesome!" Ms. Chalice said eating a few bites.
The couple grabbed their glasses of sangria, and the cups grabbed their glasses of horchata.
"To a Spanish day of fun!" Cuphead toasted.
They clinked their glasses and sipped their drinks.
Just then, a group of dancers in beautiful red and black dresses appeared on the stage.
"Damas y caballeros, los hermosos bailarines de flamenco." A Spanish announcer presented.
Just then, a festive jazz band started playing music and the dancers started dancing Flamenco. They performed beautifully using their arms and dresses and tapping with their feet. Ms. Chalice started bobbing her head to the rhythm.
"Chalice don't!" Gwen protested.
But it was too late, Ms. Chalice tapped danced her way up on stage with the dancers. The dancers tried to ignore Ms. Chalice as a young dancer came forward holding a flamenco fan, doing a solo dance and danced beautifully, gaining an applause from the audience as she did her finishing pose.
The audience cheered for the dancers as Ms. Chalice tried to make her exit. Just then, Ms. Chalice was grabbed and lifted to the soloist dancer's angry face.
"¿Quién eres y por qué arruinas nuestro baile?" The dancer asked angrily.
"Uh…" Ms. Chalice said nervously.
"¿Hablas español?" The dancer asked.
"Uh… no?" Ms. Chalice answered awkwardly.
"Do you speak English?" The dancer asked in English.
"Yes, I do." Ms. Chalice said, now understanding her.
"Who are you and why do you ruin our dance?" The dancer asked in English.
"Ruin? I wasn't trying to ruin anything; I was just havin' fun with you girls. That's all." Ms. Chalice nervously explained.
"This our dance, not yours!" The dancer scolded.
Just then, Gwen snatched Ms. Chalice from the dancer.
"I'm so sorry for my friend interrupting your show. It won't happen again." Gwen apologized.
"It better not Americana." The dancer said sternly.
The dancer returned to the stage and continued the show with her fellow dancers. Gwen shot a glare at Ms. Chalice.
"That was rude Chalice! You can't just jump up there and dance in the middle of their show unannounced! We're not in the streets where you can do that!" Gwen quietly scolded.
"Sorry girlfriend! I didn't think!" Ms. Chalice apologized.
"You need to start thinking before you do something impulsive! Let this be a lesson to you!" Gwen advised.
Ms. Chalice sighed, knowing Gwen was right.
"Now, come on. Let's finish dessert then we'll leave." Gwen said after calming down.
Gwen and Ms. Chalice returned to their table with the boys and finished dessert. After the show, the group leave the restaurant.
"So, are we gonna go to that bullfighting show?" Cuphead asked.
"Oh yeah. That's starting soon." Gwen said remembering.
The group purchased tickets at La Monumental and took seats in the arena. They purchased tazas as the cups snacked on them. They noticed a matador with a beautiful red flag appear in the center of the arena preparing for the fight.
Just then, the same Flamenco dancer from the restaurant enters the arena and sat next to the group.
"Ah!" Ms. Chalice exclaimed and hid behind Gwen.
Gwen noticed the Flamenco dancer sitting next to her.
"Oh! Hola again." Gwen nervously greeted.
"Don't worry. I'm not here for your little strange friend." The dancer assured her.
"You like bullfighting?" Gwen asked.
"No." The dancer answered with sadness in her tone.
"Then why are you…?" Gwen was about to ask.
A loud bellowing noise was heard, making the audience gasp. Suddenly, an enormous black bull broke through the wooden gate and ran in the arena enraged.
"Woah! That's the biggest bull I've ever seen!" Cuphead exclaimed.
"A bull that's twice bigger than the other bulls? Reminds me a lot of the tiger mother back from our adventure in India, right Gwen?" Clarence says in surprise and remembrance.
Gwen remembers from their previous adventure in New Delhi, India when they helped the Banarjee siblings save the massive than normal mother tiger and her four cubs.
"Yes, I certainly remember her and her cubs. It's a good thing that despite her being twice bigger and more dangerous than a normal tiger, she was still a mother that was doing her best for her kids." Gwen said.
"I wonder how momma tiger and her kids are doing ever since we brought them to their new home?" Ms. Chalice wondered.
"I'm pretty sure they are doing just fine in their new home Chalice. Although the only regret I have is that I never actually asked for her and her cubs' names." Gwen assured before suddenly realizing that she never did get their names.
Seeing the disappointment on his fiancée's face, Clarence attempts to get her to cheer up as he gently grabs her hand in assurance.
"Don't you worry, love. The sooner we go back to India when we have the chance after we're married, the better we will see the tigers again and you will get their names. Besides, for what I can imagine; Mama Tiger, and El Diablo Gigante, two massive animals bigger than their average kind, would've been very formidable and dangerous opponents if they were to meet face to face." Clarence said.
"Whoa. That would have been a great sight to see." Gwen said, imagining a bigger than average tiger facing off against a bull twice bigger than its normal sized kind.
The dancer, who overheard them, didn't understand of what they were talking about. But she ignored them for she focused more on the arena with a look of sorrow and sympathy.
"That is the biggest and the most feared bull in all of Spain: El Diablo Gigante." The dancer explained.
"The giant devil?" Clarence asked, figuring it out.
"Sí señor." The dancer answered.
"That's funny. We already know a certain Devil that turns into a bull or a giant version of himself whenever he wants..." Cuphead said.
"And he's always a big horn Butthead." Mugman finished that made the two cups snicker.
Gwen shushed them before she looked to the dancer.
"What's your name?" Gwen asked.
The dancer hesitated for a moment.
"Gabriella Alamilla." Gabriella introduced herself.
"Gwendolyn Mae Emmons. Gwen for short. My fiancé Clarence Hopewell. And these tazas are my best friends Cuphead, Mugman and Ms. Chalice." Gwen introduced.
"Hola." Gabriella greeted.
"You don't look happy about this bullfight." Clarence said noticing.
"Sí, Clarence. Every bullfight, a bull dies." Gabriella said with a tear running down her face.
"WHAT?!" The cups exclaimed in horror.
"Why? The bulls have done nothing wrong." Gwen asked.
"Exactly. They have done no wrong. They are used as play toys and then they are discarded like yesterday's tortilla Española." Gabriella sadly explained.
"Oh my." Gwen said worryingly, now understanding.
"I wish that bull would be free." Gabriella said.
They watched the matador fight with the red flag as the bull furiously charged at him. When the match was over, the giant bull was exhausted and collapsed. The matador drew out his sword and prepared to finish off the bull.
Out of impulse, Gabriella quickly jumped into the arena and stood between the matador and the bull. She pulls a crystal dagger from her leg and blocked the sword from killing the bull.
"¡Detener! ¡Deja que el toro viva!" Gabriella yelled as the audience gasped.
"¡Sal de mi camino, niña tonta!" The matador warned.
Just then, the Spanish security approached Gabriella preparing to arrest her. Not willing to stand by Gwen quickly jumps down and stood with Gabriella.
"She's right! This poor bull has done no harm! He didn't ask for this kind of life of cruelty and abuse!" Gwen said, backing Gabriella up.
Gabriella held Gwen's arm, joining as one team.
"Now let the bull live!" Gwen demanded.
The matador and the guards laughed at Gwen's demands, to her unamusement.
"Arrest them both!" The matador yelled in English.
The guards approached girls. Gabriella started to get worried as Gwen pulled out her ink pen, preparing her next move.
"What are you doing?" Gabriella asked.
"Do me a favor and don't freak out." Gwen instructed.
"¿Qué?" Gabriella asked.
Suddenly, Gwen tapped her ink pen, and the trio disappeared in front of the audience, making them gasp in shock. Back in the audience, Clarence, Cuphead, Ms. Chalice and Mugman quickly leave the arena to find Gwen, Gabriella and the bull.
"There they are!" Cuphead said and pointed.
They noticed the girls sneaking into an alleyway with the exhausted bull as the four friends caught up with them. Gwen magically hides the bull in a giant barrel.
"Gwen! What are you doing?" Clarence asked.
"Granting her wish." Gwen explained.
"What wish? And what is this magic?" Gabriella asked.
"You wished to let this bull live and be free. So, I'm doing you a favor." Gwen explained.
"That's a cool shiny dagger you used." Cuphead said.
"Gracias Cuphead. It's a crystal dagger. It's a family heirloom for 3 generations. We kept it hidden unless we need to protect ourselves." Gabriella explained as she showed them.
"Ooh, shiny!" Ms. Chalice said, gazed at the dagger's beauty.
"Gracias Chalice." Gabriella thanked as she put it away.
Just then, the barrel broke, exposing the bull as he mooed weakly. Gwen knelt down to the bull.
"Are you alright señor?" Gwen asked, speaking to the bull.
The bull made a shocked bellow sound.
"It's okay. I can hear your low baritone voice." Gwen said, calming the bull down.
"What is she doing?" Gabriella asked.
"Oh, she can speak to animals besides being magical and powerful." Cuphead blurted out.
"Cuphead!" Mugman and Ms. Chalice scolded.
"What? She was gonna find out sooner or later. I mean, she teleported themselves here, right?" Cuphead asked, proving a point.
"Touche." Ms. Chalice said.
Gwen gently petted the bull.
It's ok. I won't hurt you. I just want to know what is your real name and what do you really want? I know that you deserve a better life than fighting matadors and be killed for the entertainment of those people." Gwen said kindly to know the bull's real name and his true desire for a new life.
"What does she think that…" Gabriella was a bit doubtful about Gwen talking to the bull until she was shushed by Cuphead.
"Shhh! Not while she talking to him." Cuphead said to her.
The great bull was reluctant to tell Gwen. But after she and her friend somehow managed to save him, he decided to trust her.
The bull made soft and low moos and grunts.
As always, Gwen listened to what he was saying.
"So that's your real name. That is a great dream you wish to have there." Gwen said she softly smiled at him.
"What did he say?" Clarence asked.
"His real name is Marco. He was being abused to be angry and enraged by those humans. He wants to run in the soft grass and live a free life in wide open spaces." Gwen translated.
"Marco?" Gabriella asked, confused.
"Wow, you were right. Bullfighting really is cruel." Mugman admitted.
"Gracias Mugman." Gabriella thanked.
Gwen used her magic to heal Marco the bull.
Marco mooed at Gwen as he stood back on his feet, standing tall.
"De nada." Gwen answered in Spanish.
"Wow, he's even bigger up close." Cuphead said.
Just then, they hear police sirens coming their way.
"Oh no! The cops!" Ms. Chalice exclaimed.
"What do we do?!" Cuphead asked fearfully.
Marco mooed and gestured at Gwen.
"Are you sure? We don't wanna hurt your back." Gwen asked.
Marco mooed back at her.
"Okay, as long as you're cool with it." Gwen said as she climbed on Marco's back.
"Guys! Hop on!" Gwen instructed.
"Wow! Neat!" Cuphead said as he quickly climbed up and landed roughly on his back.
Marco bellowed angrily.
"What?" Cuphead asked.
"He said not too hard Cuphead!" Gwen scolded.
"Oops! Sorry!" Cuphead apologized.
Clarence, Gabriella, Mugman and Ms. Chalice joined Gwen and Cuphead on Marco's back.
"Okay, lead the way." Gwen said.
Marco turned and walked out of the alleyway.
"Guys, you might wanna hold on." Gwen cautioned.
Everyone grabbed hold of Marco's back
Marco started running down the streets heading towards the outskirts of Barcelona. Just then, police cars were chasing after them.
"Faster! They're gaining on us!" Mugman exclaimed.
"Can he go faster?" Gabriella asked.
Marco took another path off the road, losing the cops and continued running down another road.
"Or that works too." Clarence said.
Marco kept running until they finally reached the outskirts of Barcelona and ran to the plains on the green grass.
"Phew! I think we lost them!" Cuphead said.
"I think you're right." Mugman said.
"So, what now? Where are we going?" Gabriella asked.
"I dunno. I'll ask him." Gwen said.
"Hey, do you know where we're going?" Gwen asked Marco.
Marco bellowed at Gwen.
"Anywhere but back there?" Gwen asked.
Marco mooed in agreement.
"He wants to be anywhere but back there." Gwen translated.
"So, we're just going nowhere." Clarence said.
"We need find Marco a safe home where he can live free and roam the open fields." Gabriella said.
"Great idea. We need to find a cattle rancher who'll take Marco in." Gwen said.
Gwen looked at Marco.
"Would you like that, Marco? Want us to find a good-hearted rancher who'll take you in so you can live a free life just like you want?" Gwen asked.
Marco thinks for a moment until he finally mooed.
"He agrees with us." Gwen said.
"Alright. We should start looking around for a good cattle rancher." Clarence said.
"Wait! I think I know someone who can help!" Gabriella said getting an idea.
"Who?" Ms. Chalice asked.
"That friendly elder cattle rancher Lucas. He takes in rescued cows at his hacienda." Gabriella explained.
"Sound great. Where do we find him?" Gwen asked.
"He lives northwest of Barcelona." Gabriella answered.
Gwen looked at Marco.
"Head northwest." Gwen instructed.
Marco mooed as he turned in the direction and continued running.
The sun was starting to set as they continued riding on Marco's back to the cattle ranch.
"Are we there yet?" Cuphead asked, feeling tired.
"No, Cuphead." Gwen answered.
"Are we there yet?" Mugman asked.
"No, Mugman." Gwen answered annoyed.
"Are we there yet?" Ms. Chalice asked.
"No, Chalice!" Gwen yelled, losing patience.
"How long? I'm bored." Cuphead complained.
"Then do something to entertain yourself. Play with your new bull toy or something." Gwen suggested.
"Fine." Cuphead said.
Cuphead pulls out his multi-colored bull figurine and plays with it. Ms. Chalice pulled out her Flamenco doll and started playing.
Just then, Marco slowed down, feeling tired from traveling.
"You tired Marco?" Gwen asked.
Marco mooed as he lowered his legs down to rest. The group hop off his back.
"Finally! I need to stretch my legs!" Cuphead said, stretching.
"I gotta go!" Mugman said and runs off.
"Okay, let's all rest for a while." Gwen said, agreeing.
Marco noticed a pond and started walking towards it. He started drinking the water from the pond.
"Oh, you were also thirsty." Gwen said walking up to the giant bull.
"Sí señora. They barely gave me enough water to quench my thirst." Marco said.
"I'm so sorry you suffered so much." Gwen said showing sympathy.
"Most of your kind do not realize that we 'animals' have feelings too. You are not like all other humans I've seen. And how do you hear us talking and use magic? It's like you're not human at all." Marco asked, figuring Gwen was not as she appeared to be.
"Let's just say I'm not exactly mortal. I used to be." Gwen subtly hinted.
"I figured." Marco said.
"Are you refreshed?" Gwen asked.
"Sí, I'm good now." Marco said.
Gwen walked back to the group with Marco following her. Gabriella was seen teaching Ms. Chalice how to Flamenco dance.
"So, toe, heel, toe, heel is called a 'flat'?" Ms. Chalice asked.
"That is correct Chalice. Now, do it again add your hands this time." Gabriella instructed.
Ms. Chalice does the flat again, adding her arms this time making circular motions.
"Maravillosa." Gabriella complimented.
"Gracias." Ms. Chalice thanked as she gave a curtsey.
"You guys ready?" Gwen asked.
"Yep, we're good to go." Clarence said.
Mugman comes running back.
"Okay, I'm better now." Mugman said.
"Alright then." Cuphead said, packing up his toys.
The group climb back on Marco's back and started running in the direction of the cattle ranch. They traveled until they finally reached a large cattle ranch.
"This is it!" Gabriella said, recognizing the ranch.
"We made it Marco." Gwen said.
Marco mooed happily as they arrived through the gate approaching the main house. The group hopped off and once again stretched their legs.
"Now, where's this Lucas guy?" Clarence asked.
"I'll go check." Gabriella said.
She walked up to the door and knocked on the door. They waited a few minutes, but nobody answered.
"I guess nobody's home." Cuphead guessed.
"Or maybe he's out there where all those other cows are." Mugman said pointing.
The group turned and looked and noticed a large herd of cows with an older man on a horse herding them.
"Oh, there he is!" Gabriella said.
"Let's go over there to meet him." Gwen said.
The group hop back on Marco and started their way to the fields. They approached an elderly man on his horse when he is started by the bull's great size.
"Don't be scared. He won't hurt you." Gwen assured him.
"Who… who are you?" The old rancher asked.
"Hola Lucas." Gabriella greeted.
"Gabriella? Is that you?" Lucas asked.
"Sí Lucas. It is me." Gabriella answered.
"Why are you here? And what is this grande bull? And who are these strangers?" Lucas asked.
"Lucas, this poor abused bull Marco has escaped his bullfighting captors. We are searching for a home for him so he can live free from abuse and torment." Gabriella explained, petting Marco.
"And these are my new friends Gwen Emmons, Clarence Hopewell, Cuphead, Mugman and Ms. Chalice." Gabriella introduced.
Marco mooed sadly, confirming her story.
Lucas looked at the large yet sad bull and thinks for a moment then looked at his roaming cattle grazing in the fields.
"Please good sir, will you take this innocent bull in?" Gwen asked with sincerity.
Lucas sighed, looking at Marco as he showed pleading eyes.
"I would be happy to take him in Gabriella. There's always room for one more." Lucas said, making his decision.
Everybody cheered as Marco mooed happily. The group hop off Marco's back except for Cuphead.
"Oh, muchos gracias Lucas!" Gabriella thanked.
"Yay! Giddy-yup! Let's ride!" Cuphead said happily as tried to get Marco moving.
But Marco does not budge.
"Why ain't you running?" Cuphead asked.
Marco snorted angrily and bellowed as he shook Cuphead off his back.
"Hey! Watch it you…!" Cuphead scolded until he saw Marco's angry face.
"Ten mucho cuidado of what you say to me." Marco warned darkly even though he knew Cuphead only heard his moo but the warning in them was clear.
Cuphead chuckled nervously as Marco prepared to charge.
"N-N-N-Nice bully." Cuphead said nervously.
Seemly furious, the giant bull pawed the earth with his hooves before letting out a loud bellowing roar and then charges at Cuphead.
"AAAHHHHHHH! MAD BULL! MAD BULL!" Cuphead screamed in panic as he turned and ran for his life with Marco in hot pursuit.
Marco chased after Cuphead around the fields as he was screaming. The group laughed at Cuphead's misery.
"Never make a bull angry." Gabriella said.
"I agree." Mugman agreed.
Cuphead ran back up to Gwen as he ran out of breath.
"Gwen! Save… me!" Cuphead said between breaths.
"Fine. As long as you don't make him angry again." Gwen said.
"I… promise! Now… save… me!" Cuphead pleaded drawing breaths.
Marco was approaching as Cuphead quickly hid behind Gwen. She raised her hand, gesturing him to stop.
"Stop!" Gwen ordered.
Marco quickly complied and stopped charging. Just then Marco was mooing happily and rubbed against Gwen and the others including Lucas.
"What's he doing?" Ms. Chalice asked.
"He is showing affection. He is happy with his new home." Lucas answered.
"What did Marco say Gwen?" Gabriella asked.
"He's eternally grateful we led him here. He was chasing Cuphead to see how far he can run freely, and he was irritated with him trying to get him moving." Gwen answered.
Cuphead was shocked.
"And he didn't tell you before because…?!" Cuphead asked frustratingly.
"Hey, I didn't know so don't blame me!" Gwen protested.
Cuphead groaned and slumped to the ground.
"We did it friends." Gabriella said happily.
"Yeah, Marco will live out the rest of his days in freedom and happiness." Gwen said as Marco mooed happily.
Just then, they hear police sirens coming their way.
"Oh no! They found us!" Ms. Chalice exclaimed.
An army of police officers approached the group.
"In the name of the Count of Barcelona, you two señoras are under arrest for public disturbance and grand theft!" The police chief announced.
Gwen and Gabriella looked at each other, realizing it was them they were arresting. Gwen stood her ground, removing her silver bracelet and held her ink pen.
"Drop your weapon! Or… pen!" The police chief ordered.
Gwen doesn't obey as she prepared for her next move. All the officers aim their guns at her.
"Gwen! What are you doing?! They will kill us!" Gabriella fearfully whispered.
"Just watch." Clarence said.
"No one is killing anyone." Gwen assured her.
"Fire!" The police chief ordered.
The officers fired their guns at Gwen. But to their shock, their bullets all stopped in front of Gwen. She used telekinesis to stop the bullets and made them drop to the ground. All the officers started to panic as they were unsure how to defeat her.
"The bull goes free. Leave him in peace forevermore." Gwen declared as the goddess she became.
"No! We have orders to bring the bull back!" The police chief defied.
Marco walked up to the police offers enraged.
"Do not worry Gwen. I'll deal with this." Marco said as he prepared to charge.
Gwen gave a slight nod. Marco bellowed angrily and charged after the police officers as they ran away in terror. They got back in their cars but not long until Marco damaged them with his great horns as they all quickly drove away.
Gwen magically erased all the police officer's memories of the events, forcing them to retreat to Barcelona.
Everybody cheered as the cups jumped in her arms and hugged Gwen. Clarence wrapped his arms around Gwen and the cups.
"You never cease to wow us love." Clarence said.
Gabriella approached Gwen and gave her a hug.
"Muchos gracias Gwen." Gabriella thanked.
"De nada." Gwen answered.
Marco came up to the group and gave them a nuzzle and mooed.
"No, thank you for saving us." Gwen said.
Marco mooed again.
"Oh, I guess we're even." Gwen said.
"Even?" Cuphead asked.
Marco snorted at Cuphead. Fearing he would charge again; he held Gwen tightly.
Suddenly… SLURP!
Marco gave Cuphead a big lick on the face.
"EW!" Cuphead groaned in disgust.
Everyone laughed as Cuphead wiped the cow spit off his face.
"Aw, he likes you Cuphead." Mugman taunted.
Cuphead groaned.
"I think this calls for a fiesta!" Gabriella said happily.
"I couldn't agree more." Ms. Chalice agreed.
That night, there was a celebration at the cattle ranch with locals, a jazz band and the Flamenco dancers all attended. The music started playing and the Flamenco dancers including Gabriella danced with Ms. Chalice joining them this time in her own Flamenco dress. They danced until Ms. Chalice and Gabriella did their final pose together, making everyone applaud.
"Nice of Gabriella to let Chalice dance with them this time." Gwen said.
"Yeah. At least she's in public this time, not in a restaurant." Clarence agreed as he held his fiancée.
Marco nuzzled at Gwen's head between the couple.
"Hey there you. Feel left out?" Gwen asked.
Marco mooed amusingly.
"What'd he say?" Clarence asked.
"He says he owes us everything." Gwen said.
"Aw, think nothing of it." Clarence said, petting Marco's head.
Cuphead and Mugman were eating delicious food and drank more horchata. Gabriella approached Gwen, Clarence and Marco.
"I can't thank you enough for saving this bull from a cruel fate." Gabriella said.
"Think nothing of it. It's what we do. Help others in need." Gwen said.
Gabriella hugged Gwen.
"I will repay you somehow, some way." Gabriella said.
Gwen sighed, knowing everyone she's helped want to repay her.
"Don't you worry about that Gabriella. I know that the opportunity for you to return the favor will come one day." Gwen smiled.
"No te preocupes. Someday or later, the favor will be returned to you." Gabriella said with faith.
Clarence started yawning, feeling tired.
"I think we're ready to call it a day." Gwen said, noticing.
"Yeah. It's been fun and exciting." Clarence said yawing.
The cups approached the couple.
"We're ready to head home." Cuphead said.
Clarence picked up Ms. Chalice while Gwen picked up Cuphead and Mugman.
"We have to go now. Adios." Gwen said.
"You will come back and visit, will you?" Gabriella asked.
"Of course we will." Gwen said.
"Maravillosa. And do not worry, your secret's safe with me." Gabriella said.
"Gracias. Adios." Gwen thanked.
Gwen teleports the group back to Heaven. But when they arrive home, Gwen noticed a big present on her throne.
"Hello, what's this?" Gwen asked.
"What's wrong?" Clarence asked.
"There's a present on my throne." Gwen said.
"Present! We love presents!" Cuphead said excitedly.
"Wait, Cuphead! How do we know this isn't a trick?" Mugman asked suspiciously.
"He's got a point. It could be a trick." Ms. Chalice agreed.
"I'll check it out. If it's safe, I'll let you know." Gwen said, raising her ink pen.
Gwen moved toward the present. She used telekinesis to magically open it. When she looked inside, it showed a nest of cinnamon, sage and myrrh. Inside the strange nest was a pile of ashes.
"How very odd." Gwen said.
"What's inside?" Cuphead asked.
"Clarence, get over here!" Gwen said.
Clarence walked toward the throne and cautiously looked inside.
"Uh, that's just a nest with ashes. Does it say who the gift's from?" Clarence asked.
"No, I don't see a note or a tag." Gwen answered.
Suddenly, the ashes started glowing and the couple stepped back as Gwen prepared to fight.
"Woah! What's happening?!" Mugman asked fearfully.
"I dunno!" Gwen answered as she created a forcefield.
Just then, a beautiful rainbow-colored phoenix rose up from the ashes of the strange nest and flew out of the box with its great big colorful wings and long colorful tailfeathers.
Everyone gasped in shock. The rainbow phoenix looked at Gwen and flew toward Gwen and perched on a tall stick.
"S-S-S-Stay back!" Gwen fearfully said as she pointed her ink pen at the phoenix.
But the rainbow phoenix doesn't comply as it was holding a scroll in its beak. Gwen carefully takes the scroll and opened it.
"What does it say?" Ms. Chalice asked.
Gwen cleared her throat.
"Lady Gosa,
This is immortal bird is the phoenix of many colors. She is your new animal companion like all the gods have animal companions. She is super strong, very protective and her tears will heal any injury or sickness. Consider this your gift for your accomplishments for the good services you are doing for the gods and mortals.
Sincerely,
The Gods of Olympus"
"So, this big immortal bird is a new pal of yours Gweny?" Cuphead asked.
"A present from the gods themselves?" Ms. Chalice added.
"Well, that is what the scroll said." Clarence said.
Gwen looked at the rainbow phoenix as she made chirping noises, making Gwen smile.
"I'm so sorry. I had no idea what you were." Gwen apologized.
The rainbow phoenix chirped again. Gwen stretched her hand at the phoenix. At first, she hesitated, but the phoenix allowed her to pet her head.
"Wow, you're so warm." Gwen said, petting her feathers.
Clarence started petting the phoenix.
"She is warm." Clarence said.
The cups started petting the phoenix.
"She's really pretty." Ms. Chalice complimented.
"Yeah, look at her feathers. More colorful than a peacock." Mugman said, noticing the long tailfeathers.
"Gwen, what are you gonna name her?" Cuphead asked.
Gwen thinks for a moment.
"Well, phoenixes represent rebirth after burning their old selves and a new one emerges from their ashes." Gwen said.
She thought some more until she got it.
"I got it. I think I'll call her… Renata." Gwen announced.
"Renata?" The cups asked.
"It's Latin. It means 'reborn'." Gwen explained.
"Sounds fitting." Clarence said.
"Okay, Renata it is." Mugman said.
Renata accepted her name and flew beautifully around the palace, showing her beautiful colorful feathers as she glowed fire.
"Woah!" The cups exclaimed in awe.
Gwen raised her arm, and Renata flew down and perched. Renata walked up Gwen's arm a little and nuzzled her head.
"Aw, Renata. I love you too." Gwen said, accepting her as her new pet.
Clarence gave Renata a tickle under her chin, making her chirp.
"You're so pretty." Clarence said.
Just then, Clarence accidentally touched Renata's beak, piercing his finger.
"Ow!" Clarence yelped in pain.
"Are you alright?" Gwen asked.
Clarence checked his bleeding finger.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Gwen apologized as she grabbed her ink pen.
Renata chirped, making Gwen stop. Renata flew on Clarence's arm and looked at his bleeding finger.
"Renata, what are you doing?" Gwen asked.
Renata started tearing up and a few tears fell on Clarence's injury. Suddenly, his skin glowed and his wound magically sealed up, making him feel better.
"Woah. You really can heal wounds." Clarance said amazed.
Renata nuzzled against Clarence's head.
"It's okay. It was an accident." Clarence said, not holding anything against her.
"She'll make a great addition to our family." Cuphead said.
Mugman yawns, feeling tired.
"Alright, I'm gonna turn in. Night everyone." Mugman said, heading upstairs.
"Me too." Ms. Chalice said, following Mugman.
"Right behind ya." Cuphead said, following them.
Gwen and Clarence looked at each other. They both walked upstairs carrying Renata. Entering the master bedroom, Renata flew to the mantle of the fireplace and settled down to sleep.
"Aw, she found her new sleeping place." Gwen said.
"Yeah." Clarence said, changing into his pajamas.
Gwen slipped on her nightgown and climbed in bed with Clarence.
"Buenas noches." Gwen said, giving Clarence a kiss.
"Good night, mi amor." Clarence said back.
They both went to sleep as the servants put the lights out and closed the door.
In the middle of the night, Renata flew to their bed and nestled next to Gwen's head. Gwen opened one eye, noticing. She briefly smiles, petted Renata and went back to sleep.
The group accepted Renata as a new friend and pet along with Cerulean Bolt, the little butterfly, jack-in-the-box and the living flower Gwen still kept with her.
Gabriella's name was cleared due to the police officer's memories erased as she returned to Barcelona, feeling happy Marco the bull was living a free life away from bullfighting.