Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It started as a normal day...or as normal as it got in Ryan Oddswell's home. Jerry was being pranked. Red was helping the patients with the good doctor. Boris and Mugman were playing cards. Bendy was punning with Alice. Holly and Felix were discussing whatever they discussed.

Yes, a normal day...sans one particular toon. No loud bickering. No mild threats or cigarette smoke lingering in the air. Oddly quiet. Holly frowned, looking over to Mugs and Boris.

"Where's Cuphead?" Mugman glanced up, setting his cards face down. Boris pouted.

"He's not feeling so well." The younger dish reported. "After our visit to the casino he hasn't umm...been himself." Holly arched a brow, now more interested in the dishes than Medusa's temple.

"And what does that mean, hmm?" Her eyes gleamed in curiosity. Mugman's brow furrowed in confusion. "That he's sick and resting." Mugs huffed. "People sleep when their sick. No conspiracy there, Holly." However even as he spoke the words, the younger dish seemed to be on the lookout. Alice took note of the shift in his demeanor.

"If he's just sick, why do you feel so paranoid?" The angel asked gently. Mugman hid in his scarf. "Mugman?" He held up his cards.

"Got any eights?" Boris huffed, forking the cards over. Alice crossed her arms.

"Mugman Dish, I know you can hear me." She said sternly. Mugman groaned, shrinking further into his scarf.

"You haven't had to deal with his illness induced pranks. It's just better for everyone if he stays upstairs. Trust me."

"Guy even pranks when he's sick?" Bendy mused. "Gotta say, that's a new level of dedication."

"I have no idea how he does it." Mugs uttered miserably. A loud thump upstairs followed by some movement made him knock his head against the table. "And he's up. Great."

"Now, Mugman." Granny chided from the kitchen.

"I can't do another day of that on top of him bein' sick." The younger dish groaned, then sat up sharply. "Maybe I can sneak out…" A hopeful look began to dawn on him as he looked toward the door like a moth to a flame.

"No." Alice deadpanned, putting out said metaphorical flame. "Listen, he can't be that bad."

"You have no idea what he's like right now." Mugs mumbled as Cuphead made his was downstairs. Both girls scrutinized the older dish, who seemed just fine to them.

Oddly, he was missing his signature outfit. A simple white button down tucked in, and the collar buttoned all the way to the top. Slacks and a nice red vest over his shirt. He even looked like he styled his hair.

"Good morning." He hummed with cheer, waving to the others before heading into the kitchen.

"Wha...What was that?" Holly stuttered. Cuphead was anything but polite when he woke up. Typically, bitterness and dry sarcasm coated his voice until his third cup of coffee.

"It's called a greeting, my dear." Cuphead replied, leaning in the doorway with...tea? Freshly brewed tea with little cookies on the saucers. Mugman let out a held breath.

"At least Cuppy isn't at the front anymore." He mumbled. Cuphead laughed good naturedly. Boris was staring at him blankly, while Bendy was convincing Felix Cup finally lost it.

"If that little troublemaker was still in charge, we would've been up hours ago." Cuphead(?) hummed. He sipped at his tea, watching them from behind hooded eyes. “I need my beauty sleep, unlike certain dishes.” Alice let out a small 'oh', before abruptly leaving the room.

“Like Cuppy.” Mugman agreed weakly. ‘Cuphead’ nodded curtly, going back to his morning brew.

“Indeed.” Holly took another look at Cuphead. He was dressed nice. Really nice. In a good mood. Not drinking coffee. Said good morning. Talking in the 'we' tense. Her eyes trailed up and met pink eyes. Her mouth formed a thin line as his hooded colored eyes met hers.

Possessed. He had to be.

Alice rushed back in with a pad and pen. The angel nearly knocked Holly over with her enthusiasm. She excitedly clicked her pen on and began writing furiously before looking back up to Cuphead, eyes aglow. Holly hadn’t ever seen Alice looking so…curious?

"What's your name?" The angel asked with near Holly levels of curiosity. Those pink eyes seemed to twinkle.

"An intellectual it seems." He hummed, leaning back to tap his chin. "Well, I make up a fair amount of emotions but the others call me 'Diamond'." He gave a short bow. "A pleasure, madame."

"Brain damage." Bendy said firmly to Felix. "It's not a mental breakdown. I was wrong. My mistake." The cat looked at him with masterful disappointment. Alice glared at them, shushing them.

"It's not brain damage." The healer huffed. "It's Aspectitis." Alice gushed excitedly. "I've never gotten to even meet someone with it." Cuphead/'Diamond'(?) laughed at her enthusiasm. "No offence, but this might be my only chance to see it up close."

"I take no offence, Angel, can't say the same for the rest of us." He said, seemingly amused.

"Aspectitis?" Holly frowned. "I've never heard of that? If he's sick, why doesn't he look like it?"

"Aspectitis is an illness exclusive to beings who have aspects instead of emotions." Alice explained patiently. "Very common in demons, rarer in dishes." She paused. "Nonexistent in angels and normal people and animals."

"That doesn't tell us much Alice." Felix mused. "So…dishes don't have emotions?" His brow furrowed. “I can’t say I understand that. I’m certain Cuphead and Mugman both feel.” He glanced to Mugman. “Definitely for him when Miss Maria’s around.” He tacked on cheekily. Mugman flushed, steaming a bit.

"I feel like I don't want to be here..." Mugman mumbled from the table, trying to hide his face.

"Well, some toons have an emotional constructs in their minds, others have aspects. Aspects are closer linked to races with powerful soul magic. Having aspects doesn't mean you lack emotion, Felix. It's just a different internal construct, is all." Alice elaborated. "Per Aspectitis, not much in know about it in the Upper, since we don't deal with it. What we do know is when a toon is afflicted with it, different aspects are in complete control of a toon, instead of only part of them. Think of it as getting to meet a single part of a person at a time, instead of all of them at once."

"Sounds like that could never go wrong." Bendy commented drily.

"Oh, it can." Alice waved a hand dismissively. "But right now, Diamond appears to be a friendly part of Cuphead."

"I can be friendly, madame." Diamond agreed from behind his tea. "Not always, but I can be. At least I'm not that childish prankster or homicidal maniac." That last statement got Alice to freeze.

"I'm sorry,” She giggled nervously, “What was that last one?"

"Homicidal maniac." Diamond repeated calmly. "What? You honestly thought everyone in here was as composed as me?" He smirked in a far too Cuphead way. "They wish they had an ounce of the taste and tact I do." Holly rolled her eyes. Definitely Cuphead. No doubt.

"One of you is a-" Alice started shakily.

"Yes." Diamond polished off his tea, setting his vacant cup and crumb covered saucer on the counter. He thought for a moment. "Let see, there's me, Cuppy who dear Mugsy got well antiquated with yesterday, Ace, Amica, and Diablo. Cuppy's a bit of a brat but can be good for a laugh. Ace, darling, has no sense of taste but he's good in a fight, I suppose. Amica and I get on well. Such a dear, that one. And, well, I think Diablo's name speaks for itself."

"Diamond, Cuppy, Ace, Amica, and Diablo." Holly counted on her fingers as Alice too notes. How strange, it was normally the other way around. "Cuphead has five aspects?" Diamond nodded.

"It used to be just myself, Cuppy, and Amica. Things became...difficult," Diamond phrased carefully, "and Ace was born to keep us safe. Tragedy befell us and Amica disappeared for a bit. I wasn't happy with him gone. Not one bit." Diamond's, err, Cuphead's face held a horrible expression for a moment. Holly and Alice exchanged a nervous look. Diamond closed his eyes and took a deep breath, going on.

"I changed to suit our needs for the new trio until Amica returned to us. Ace became darker and darker and one day Diablo stormed in. The fiend took his darkness but there was little improvement. At least Ace became bearable again, I suppose. Diablo is utterly insufferable at best." Diamond talked about this like it made sense to them.

"If yesterday was a 'Cuppy' day, and today is a 'Diamond' day...then there is still a day for three more aspects." Alice hummed, setting her notes down. Diamond looked at Alice, seemingly bored now.

"Yes, today is my turn and I don't intend to waste it on idle prattle." With that Diamond walked past them to the door. Mugman bolted to the door, blocking it.

"You can't leave!" He yelped at the aspect. "You're still sick!" Diamond smirked.

"Cuphead is sick, I am not ." Mugman scowled. "I am having the time of my life, because he is. Now move."

"No." Mugman frowned. "You're only a part of Cuphead." The younger dish stressed. "What if you get hurt, or get in a fight?" Diamond scoffed, lightly pushing Mugman aside.

"Right, I'll get in a catfight shopping. Might chip a nail. Could get ugly." Diamond mocked, walking right out the door. Mugman scrambled to his feet, chasing after the aspect steering his brother down the street.

"Did...did he just talk about shopping?" Felix asked aloud. “Cuphead’s acpect.”

"I think he did." Holly confirmed.

"Aspects are weird." Bendy commented, shaking his head.

"You have no idea, Bendy." Alice shook her own as well. "You have no idea."

-

Mugman managed to catch Diamond down the street and 'convince' him to come back. Said convincing consisting of them arguing and Diamond suddenly vanishing. Next thing they knew Cuphead was back and not knowing where he was or how he got there.

Mugs escorted back to the house, assuring him it was just another bout of Aspectitis. Nothing to be too worried about. An aspect just wanted to go on a joyride. Nothing more. No need to worry. Cuphead spent the rest of the evening resting and wondering aloud why he kept tasting tea. No one said a word, letting him rest.

The next morning, however, brought a new aspect to the table for the questers to meet.

Chapter Text

Bendy woke up with a stretch and made his way downstairs. Getting ready for the day by putting on his clothes, brushing his fur, the usual. Only now with the added fun of dealing with Cuphead's wacky illness. Who knew what part of the mook he'd meet next?

After breakfast...came the next aspect. Cuphead came downstairs with Mugman hovering nervously around him. Cups was completely stoic. He let out a curt sigh as his sibling hovered. He turned back to him with a flat expression.

"Mugman," His voice was abnormally cold, "I am not going to break. You know out of all of us, I have the most self-control. I am well aware of our situation and will not act rashly." Bendy frowned. He sounded so clinical. It was weird to picture Cuphead that way.

"Who's up front today?" Bendy asked. 'Cuphead' glared at him balefully.

"Ace." Mugman sighed. "Ace is in charge today."

"Yes. Yes I am." His too straight spine seemed to straighten further. "Time to bring some order back to this chaos." Mugman groaned. "Training, then." The younger dish lamented. A glint seemed to shine in Ace's eyes.

"Yes." Bendy felt lost. What was so bad about training? Ace simply walked into the backyard and Mugman shuffled after him. The demon went back to breakfast before an explosion sounded off outside. Bendy ducked under the table. Plates clattered and fell. Red let out a shriek, shielding Granny from broken glass. Boris, Holly, and Alice rushed in.

"What happened!?" Holly gasped. Before Bendy could reply, the back door was kicked open and Mugman stormed in. Covered from head to foot in black soot and glaring murderously ahead of himself. His eyes refusing to meet theirs.

"Ace." He snarled. "Ace happened." The younger dish stomped upstairs as Ace strolled in. He watched his brother walk upstairs. Then turned to the rest of them, clasping his hands behind his back.

"One walkout already and it's not even noon." He paused, looking over them. "Who's next?" The remaining questers scrambled out the room. Ace shrugged and walked back outside to train. Why were they being so odd? It was just a little dodging practice. Important and practical.

By the time Mugman washed up and go the soot out his clothes, Red was dragging an unconscious Cuphead back inside. Soot staining his own clothes.

"How long does this last?" The nurse grumbled. Mugman sighed as he took his brother and dragged him off.

"As long as it takes, unfortunately." He mumbled. "Well, at least Ace is out the way."

"Three down, two to go?" She asked hopefully.

"I wish. Stars, I wish."

Chapter Text

Alice was so excited to see Cuphead again. Her first and maybe only chance to see Aspectitis up close and personal. She'd met Diamond and Ace. Missed Cuppy, but that left Diablo and Amica for her to meet. Who knew aspects were so much fun! She knocked on the door and went on in the doctor’s house.

"Hello and good morning ever-" She was shoved to the floor and Boris covered her mouth. The entire house was dark. It was deathly silent.

"Don't talk." Boris whispered with a whimper. "He'll find us." Alice felt lost but she could detect his fear and panic. Was someone in the house? Had they hurt anyone? Her fists clenched. Not if she had anything to say about it!

"W-Who?" The angel whispered cautiously. Her eyes darted around the darkness. It was cold. Her breath was fogging up. The darkness was almost...alive.

"Diablo." Boris whispered, wide-eyed with fear. "One of Cup's aspects. He's....angry. Very, very angry. He threw Bendy outta window. Big Bendy.” Boris stressed. “Felix too. Mugs went to get Cala and I haven't seen him since."

"So,” The angel looked over the dark for any sign of movement, “he's somewhere in here?" Alice felt a chill worm up her spine as a red glow settled on them. The red orbs narrowed, and a growl echoed in the archangel’s ears. Alice cracked her knuckles, standing up and ready to fight. "Boris, go outside." She commanded.

"Outside?" A demonic voice asked sharply. "Ya say that like I'm gonna hurt the cussin' pup. I only crunched the small fry 'cause he challenged me. And the kitty cat pissed me off." An inhumane grin twisted on her friend's features. "You wouldn't want to do that too would ya, Feathers?"

Alice took a deep breath and did the bravest thing she could think of. Years of training and her father’s advice allowed her to act swiftly and decisively.

She decked him square in the stomach.

Diablo’s eyes went comedically wide and he yelped. Clutching his stomach and promptly dropping to the floor. The unnatural darkness ebbed away. The room brightened right up with the morning sun’s light. The other residents of the house came out of hiding. Red and Granny came out the lower kitchen cabinets. Oddswell kicked open the closet door, fixing his coat.

“That was mildly unpleasant.” The lizard hummed. “Well then, back to it.” He went back down the hall to check on his patients. Red helped Granny up who began on breakfast. The nurse herself coming over to inspect the scene.

Alice felt a twinge of pride that she just knocked him out cold in one punch. Jake and Michael would be impressed with that. She smiled a tiny bit. Maybe even Isaac and her father…

“Wow.” Boris murmured with awe. “Alice…that was berries!” His tail was going a mile a minute. “Did you see his face!?” He giggled with glee. She did. Her pride dropped when Cuphead began groaning in agony. Red gently flipped him over. She began feeling around and he let out a sharper one when she pressed on his stomach. She clicked her tongue.

 "Cups, I am so sorry." Alice apologized fretting over the dish while Red looked him over. He winced when she pushed on his ribs next. "Yep. Cracked lower ribs and a bruised diaphragm." The nurse confirmed. “You’re lucky it’s not ruptured.” Cuphead huffed miserably from the floor.

"Felt like it." He mumbled, shaking his head. Handle clinking as he did so. "Hey Feathers, when ya deck someone, don't aim for right under their cussin’ ribs." Cuphead advised as Felix and Bendy limped back inside. Both men picking up on the lack of shadows and taking it as a good sign.

"I thought I hit your stomach." She rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. “Sorry.”

"That's not better, Feathers."

"Says you!" Bendy spit venomously from the door. "You didn't get thrown outta a cussing window!” Cuphead sighed.

"I don't control them, Bends, they control me. Kinda why 'Aspectitis' is considered a cussin’ illness. They do what they want an’ I can't remember a second of it." The demon binked, taking a step back. Felix moved past them, Red looking him over next.

"Y-You can't?" Bendy frowned. Cuphead shook his head.

"Nope."

"That...seems unpleasant." Alice frowned, settling down next to him. She carefully began mending the ribs she cracked while Cuphead sighed. It was the least she could do.

"My body hurts an' I don't know why until someone tells me. Wake up in weird places. Weird injuries on top a fatigue an’ whatever else those moron's drag me through...yeah, not pleasant." The older dish growled. “It’s stardust!”

"Have you gotten Aspectitis before?" He nodded.

"Twice. Once when I was kid an’ again when I was in my teens." He shrugged like it was no big deal. Alice frowned internally, keeping her face neutral. Aspectitis was supposed to be rare. If so, why had Cuphead gotten it now three times? "Each time I get it, I feel like it gets worse." Cuphead slouched over, frowning and looking to the floor. Alice could feel he felt upset. "I really freak Mugs ou-" The door kicked open and Cala tackled Cuphead to the floor.

"I got him!" She cheered.

"Starfallen cussin' sunova-" He swore with a pained screech. Cala released him purely on instinct from the noise. Alice sighed. Maybe this was more complicated than she thought. She needed to find someone who understood this and why it happened.

If Cuphead got it multiple times, then there must be some sort of trigger to it. If so, what triggered it this time? She needed answers.

"Oh, you're not evil anymore?" Cala poked him in his side. "No, Fish Breath, I'm not." Cuphead wheezed as his curses died down.

"Don't be rude." She pouted, poking his cheek sharply. “I’m just trying to help.” He just flopped on the floor, clearly giving up. Alice inched out, leaving them behind. The sooner she figures this out, the sooner everything could go back to normal. On the bright side, only one aspect was left.

Amica.

Chapter Text

The entire house woke with held breath.

That morning, whatever aspect was steering Cuphead around was downstairs doing stars knew what in the kitchen. Mugman claimed he did his due diligence, dealing with three aspects thus far. Alice was still missing in action, since she left. Boris didn't want to get scared again. Felix hadn't come in yet, still sore from his tango with Diablo. Holly was more content to observe, and Cala was busy assuring Mugman was the last aspect...or should be.

Knowing what he had to do, Bend took a deep breath and walked in the kitchen alone. May he be remembered well.

The sight before the demon was not what he anticipated. His money was on finding a body being dismembered, or Cup's aspect in the middle of torturing some poor mook. He fully expected the walls to be painted in red. Not...not this. Nothing prepared him for this.

Cuphead was by the stove humming merrily. Tapping a foot to his merry tune as he flipped a pancake. As the door clicked shut, he perked up. A bright smile upon seeing Bendy. The demon did a double take. Maybe there was a body under the table?

"G'mornin', Bendy." Cuphead greeted with a wave before going back to his cooking. "Stars, you’re the first person I've seen all mornin'. If the others don't show up soon, they'll miss out on breakfast." He chuckled. Bendy took a seat at the table and took a quick peek under is. No corpse. The cuss? "I made yours with extra bacon, since I know you like it."

The cheery dish set a plate down in front of the demo with enough food to feed a small family. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, cuss, so much bacon. Bendy almost dug in but froze as Cup sat across from him with a plate piled high with pancakes.

"Did you poison it?" Cuphead stared at him. Blinked. Then laughed.

"Why would I ruin a perfectly good meal?" The schmuck practically poured the entire bottle of syrup on the cakes before diving in. Bendy began to eat slowly before certain it wasn't poisoned.

"So, uh," Bendy piped up after breakfast was over. He was too nervous to even properly enjoy his bacon. "Which one are you?" Cuphead seemed confused, then smiled warmly.

"Amica." He replied simply. Then took up Bendy's plate and took it to the sink to wash. "What do ya think everyone would like for lunch? I know my cookin's not the best, but Granny's taught me a few things and I'd like to pay 'er back, ya know?"

"Sandwiches is probably fine..." Bendy shook his head. "Why are you being so nice?" Amica looked confused once again.

"I'm always nice."

"Maybe you are, but Cuphead isn't." The demon corrected. Amica frowned.

"I'm always nice." He repeated firmly. The teen let out a sigh at the dish's aspect. This guy must've been Cuphead's deceit or something. Would explain why he was going to such lengths to- "I'm always nice to those I care about." Bendy could hear the record scratch in his mind clear as day. Do what? "

You...care bout me?" Amica smiled gently, going back to the dishes.

"Of course I do! I mean, we are friends, right? You said it yourself...and even if you didn't mean it, you brought us a lot of joy. Memories we can never forget and hold dear. A brief respite to our...work." The dish finished up what was left in the sink, facing him. "A wonderful experience for all of us up here, even if we're a bit split right now." Now his smile seemed strained.

"Split? Wait..." Each aspect appearing at a time. Each so vastly different. A few very vocal about their disdain for the others. "Is that why Cuphead's sick?"

"In part." Amica admitted, wringing out the dish towel and hanging it up. "Our condition can occur when certain parameters are met. Presently, we don't plan on another addition."

"What?" Bendy felt so lost. Nothing Amica said made a lick of sense! As Bendy wracked his mind for an answer, Amica swayed on his feet, just catching himself. He shook his head with a soft chuckle.

"I can't even get a couple hours. I guess they need me." The aspect looked over Bendy carefully. "We can only do so much, you know. We can't do anything on the outside...so, please...take care of Cuphead. Mugman too. Okay?"

"Sure." Bendy managed. No sooner had her uttered the word, the older man's knees gave out and Bendy barely caught him. Cuphead was out cold and Amica wasn't present. He sighed. This illness really was stardust, wasn't it?

He carried his friend out the kitchen and set him up on the couch as everyone else avoided him like the plague. too bad they missed out on Cuphead's soft side. He'd just keep that to himself. They didn't need to know right now.

Chapter Text

Alice nervously waited, looking around for her contact. She made a call to the Upper and was transferred to Master Samuel. He said he knew who could help her. Ergo, sending his top prized artificer known as 'Iahhel', personally.

The woman was an archangel and very good at her job. That was all Alice knew.

She originally called her own Master, but he transferred her to Master Samuel. Said he would be of better help, as one of his artificers were invested in aspects. He didn't elaborate. Alice nervously rocked on her heels, waiting for the mysterious Iahhel.

A flutter of wings nearby and she saw a lovely young woman slip out an alleyway. Light curls framed her face and the rest pulled back into a messy bun. She smiled, waving to Alice and making her way over. Alice could feel the archangel's magic and knew it had to be her.

"Hello, hello!" The woman chirped, skipping over. "Alice, right?"

"T-That's me!" She felt stiff. How formal was she supposed to be with her? "So, Master Samuel said you could help me with my problem." Iahhel beamed, rummaging through her messenger back.

"Oh, of course!" She chirped cheerfully. "See, we don't have aspects, but you already know that. Healer and whatnot! Anyways, Aspectitis is exclusive to those bearing aspects, again, I'm sure you know."

"Yes, I do." Alice strained from behind a grin. She just needed the help, not an explanation.

"Anyways," She waved a free hand, still rummaging through her bag, "What we do know about it comes from old demon and dish lore. Most of it is utter nonsense but some years ago while exploring I found a Brewmaster's lexicon." Alice was feeling antsy until Iahhel pulled a large, pristine clear crystal. Her face looked quite proud.

"In that lexicon, what I could decipher did in fact speak of your Aspectitis. The dishes used this artifact in treating it. How...I'm not sure. The pages rotted away, I'm afraid." She pouted but held the crystal a bit higher. "What I could deduce was they help it to bare skin but anyone else handled it with gloves. That, and it doesn't affect those without aspects." To make her point, Iahhel touched it to her bare lower arm several times.

Nothing happened.

The artificer then handed it off to Alice. "All I ask is how it works, and it be returned to my collection when you’re done." Iahhel grinned with a wink. "Be sure to take lots of notes, Alice. Believe me, I'll enjoy every little detail so there’s no such thing as too much."

"R-Right." Alice stammered. This woman reminded her to much of Holly but more intense. "I'll be sure to and thank you!" Iahhel let out a light giggle, unfurling her wings and Alice paled. She...she had four sets. She could barely tear her eyes from the four elegantly feathered limbs.

Stars above.

"Don't mention it, Alice...and oh," She extended her wings, looking back to Alice playfully, "Let's keep this between us girls. I don't want it getting out I'm loaning artifacts. It's not illegal or anything...but then the warriors," She groaned, her wing even sagging a bit, "will start pestering me for weapons again. So, let's not, kay?"

 "Sure thing." 'As long as it's not illegal', she thought along. Iahhel flew off into the dark sky leaving Alice alone with the mystery crystal. It was lightweight and a strange magic eradiated from it. She couldn't place it. "You better make Cuphead better." She frowned at the item before pocketing it and running to the doctors. This would work. She could feel it.

Or at least she hoped so!

-

Cuphead was currently laying on the couch, holding an icepack to his jaw. Cussin' 'Diablo'. He decided to jump out again and Mugs responded by clocking him. He had to give it to his brother, he knew how to punch. His little Muggy also dislocated his big brother's jaw.

At least they lived with a doctor.

Red kindly reset it and he'd been in the living room since cradling the injury. Mugman was still fretting and apologizing to him, but honestly, he tuned him out ages ago. He was too tired and too achy to pay attention. His stupid cussin' aspects were takin' him on joyride he couldn't remember, and it was driving him mad!

Waking up in strange places. New pain. New injuries. People lookin' at him weird. Bendy kept asking him for breakfast? The cuss? The muttering under their breath, looking at him warily. He hated it. He hated it.

At least when other folks hated his guts, he knew why. Sixing their pal. Pranking them. 'Stealing' their girl. (That last one wasn't his fault. He never tried to take a dame from any schmuck. Never had, never would.) Getting too intoxicated-

Stars, the list was getting long...cuss.

Regardless, his aspects were driving him mad. Madder than usual. Why couldn't he just get over it already!? This was his longest case yet...cuss. Cuphead winced. His jaw still hurt…so did his stomach and ribs. Cuss.

"Cuppy, I'm really, really sorry. Please, don't be mad." Mugs went on. Cuphead sighed deeply.

"I ain't mad, just sore."

"You look mad."

"It's just his face." Boris deadpanned from the tele. That cussin' pup. Cup scowled and winced again. Jaw. Right. He leaned back and closed his eyes, lowering his ice. He should just go back to bed. Make this mess pass faster, or he hoped it would. The door opened sharply, and he groaned.

Never mind. Fortune just wasn’t on his cussin’ side.

"I found a solution!" Alice cried from the door. The angel rushed in bouncin' on her heels. "I might've found a cure for your, um, condition!" He sat up. A cure? For this stardust? Sign him the cuss up! She clapped her hands together. "With this!" She held up some clear crystal junk. Well cuss him for getting his starfallen hopes up.

"Brilliant Al." He replied drily. "Can already feel it happening. Mmm, yeah." He flopped back against the couch.

"You're supposed to touch it." Alice huffed, pushing it towards him. He plucked it out her hand, faintly looking it over. "You are supposed to hold it bare handed. I don't know how it works per say, so I'm supposed to take notes...on whatever happens." He sighed. It couldn't hurt to indulge her. She just wanted to help. No way this dumb trinket would actually do anything.

He tugged off a glove and held the stupid crystal in the palm of his hand. It felt warm. It was kinda nice, actually.  He felt a small smile worm onto his features. Not a cure but nice.

"Well, thanks, I guess." It was getting warming, glowing a bit. "It's kinda warm." It got brighter. Hotter. "Actually, it's cussin' hot!" He yelped, dropping the little fiend. "What the cuss!?"

"I was just trying to help!" Alice insisted as it grew painfully bright. Cup went to cover his eyes as bright lights glowed in the air. He felt himself getting faint as they danced around. Green, pink, red, yellow, and light blue. Not now! This was not the time for an aspect to take over. Literally the worst.

The colors swirled around and vanished in the light. They were pretty in some weird way. He was too tired to figure it out. He just hoped one of the violent ones wasn't going for a spin. He didn't want any more surprise doctor visits. As he fell back to the couch, he heard someone yell his name.

He'd figure it out when he woke up.

Chapter Text

The light was too bright.

Alice never thought she'd see the day she saw a light too bright to peer upon. Well, today was that day. She saw bright colors streak and swirl around the crystal before she had to look away altogether.

"Cuphead, are you alright?" She called out. No reply.

"Cups?" Mugman shouted over her. "Cuppy!" The light rushed past the angel, and she shivered. Her feather's rustling from the unnatural wind. Alice hesitantly peeked from beyond her hands and saw Cuphead groaning. He was rubbing his forehead. Then she saw it.

A hole in his chest. It was small and black, in the shape of a heart. Black cracks twisting out of it and across his chest and over his shirt. Alice froze in place, unsure what to do. Souls were heart shaped...and the hole was heart shaped...

What had she done!?

She rushed forward, shaking him desperately. Oh stars above, let him be okay! Please, please, please let him be okay!

"Cup? Cuphead! Answer me!" She pleaded. Mugman was silent but she could feel his shock. Cuphead shook his head, his eyes sliding open and- Oh. His eyes were a light blue. Alice's hand recoiled on instinct alone.

Then the feelings came in. Serious, firm, distant, and somewhat numb. No, cold. That was a better word for it. He narrowed his eyes on her, getting up by himself. Then dusting off his jacket with a solemn expression. As he dusted, Alice noticed a pin on his jacket with some odd symbol on it.

"Well," He said in a monotoned voice, yet, it somehow didn't feel sarcastic or have his usual snark. Mercy help her, she removed his soul didn't she? "That was an experience." He clasped his hands firmly behind his back, ramrod straight like he had a ruler taped to his spine.

"I like it!" A bubbly boy's voice chirped. "It's so roomy out here!" Alice whipped her around to see a dish boy with bright green eyes and a horribly mischievous grin. "Heya, you’re the lady who let us out? Thanks a bunch." He tipped his head to her. No, he simply raised it.

He had no neck. Children were supposed to have necks. He did not. Why did he have no neck? Where did he come from? Alice could feel her confusion and worry spiking. What in Order’s name was going on!?

"For once, I agree with ya, half-pint." A deeper version of Cuphead's voice growled. The 'half-pint gave a bashful wave back. Alice felt a demon's chill but it wasn't like Bendy's. It was a like a winter storm just before it hailed. She looked to a dish man with a startling resemblance to Cuphead. "I was cussin' tired a takin' turns with you sorry lot."

Two straws twisted out his head with a likeness to horns. He had a long dark tail, pointed sharply on the end. Claws, fangs, slitted eyes...his messy and bloodstained attire screamed 'demon' to her. No Bendy wasn't like that, but most still were. This one was!

"Oh darling, try to have a little class." Another version of Cuphead's voice chastised. Full of sass, attitude, and sarcasm. Dare Alice say, saturated in it. "First time out and you're already acting like a barbarian. How typical." A well-dressed Cuphead, though it couldn't be him, rolled his eyes. The demonic dish snarled, tail lashing.

"Wanna repeat that lil' comment, princess!?" He growled gutturally. The stylish dish smirked, like he won a prize.

"Finally recognizing my supremacy? I'm flattered, dear." He teased and the demon lunged. “If I could, I’d use my new status to have you beheaded. A shame I can’t.” The stylish dish laughed lightly. The stylish dish didn't even flinch as the demonic one lunged again. Cuphead tackled the demonic dish to the ground.

"That's quite enough, Diablo." He hissed flatly. 'Diablo' snarled, taking a swipe at Cuphead, who simply leaned back and stepped next to Alice.

"He started it!" 'Diablo' raged. "I'm tired of him runnin' his starfallen mouth all the cussin time!" Cuphead narrowed his gaze and went to talk, cut off by another new voice. This one gentle and kind. A touch younger, teens perhaps? He was a touch shorter than the trio.

"Guys, please don't fight!" The dish teen was standing between all the new ones and Cuphead with his arms raised up. "It's bad enough we're not whole, we don't need to start trouble too." Most of the other dish variants scoffed. Cuphead too. Alice frowned at him. Then the rest. Something wasn't right. Not at all.

The crystal lay shattered on the floor in five pieces and for a moment, Alice felt herself dread having to tell Iahhel what happened. On the other wing, five shards...five dishes. Each's eyes matching the lights she saw.

The mischievous boy had green eyes. The kindly teen had yellow eyes. The sassy adult had pink. 'Cuphead' had icy blue. 'Diablo' had red, white turning black when he began to rage.

"Oh cuss." Mugman swore. Alice whipped around. She forgot he was there! He stared at her wide eyed, pointing to the new arrivals. "Yo- It split him into his aspects?" She went to reply but he frantically grabbed the sides of his head. "How does that help!? In what reality is that a 'cure'!?"

"Oh, no, Mugman, we're okay." The teen assured him. "See? No one's hurt."

"Alright but bored to tears." The pink one huffed. "Amica, it's sweet of you to try and calm him down but I don't think it's working sweetie." The yellow eyed one, Amica, turned back to the older aspect.

"Well, I have to try something, Diamond." That was when it clicked for the angel, truly clicked.

The crystal reflected Cuphead's aspects. Rather than let him be himself in spit him to forcibly present the others. How this was a cure, she had no idea. Maybe let them run loose, which was a horrible idea, until they worked out whatever was making Cup sick. Based on their appearances and behaviors, she could figure out who was who.

The little green eyed boy had to be Cuppy. Yellow and pink were Amica and Diamond respectively. Red was Diablo, which left light blue as Ace. Diamond clicked his tongue, ruffling Amica's hair.

"Always so sweet. I keep on telling you, it might get us killed one of these days...but it's Mugsy. So, I'll spare you the speech." Amica frowned but stayed quiet. "Now then..." He stretched then smiled pleasantly. "I don't know about you boys, but I'll be spending sometime elsewhere."

"Wait, what!?" Alice panicked. Diamond looked at her dully.

"Do you know what's it's like to live with them, forever?" He hummed. She shook her head. "Didn't think so, doll." He smirked simply passing by her. "I just need some me time and I'll be back. Promise, Angel." Before she could stop him, Cuppy perked up.

"Golly, that's swell idea, Dia!" No. No it was not! It was a terrible idea. "I think I might take a stroll too." His eyes gleamed. "See how many suckers I can prank."

"Well, if the rest of you are heading out, then I think I will do so as well." Ace said flat as ever. "I could certainly use the break from all of your antics."

"Cuss the break," Diablo snapped, "This is my chance ta kill him. I'll even let ya tag along. Ya really gonna pass that up for a break!?" Uh...kill? Alice had a bad feeling about this. A very bad feeling about this. She gulped. She looked to Ace for support and he was considering it!

"I do not see why I would. He is scum of the earth and must be put down. Justice for others and ourself." Ace paused. "Another rarity of you and me agreeing." Diablo grinned darkly.

"Guess we got more in common than ya think." Ace blinked.

"Do not push your luck." Diablo scowled as the latter headed out. Alice couldn't stop them because they were already gone!

"What am I going to do?" She whispered in horror. "What are we going to do?"

"I have no idea, Alice." Mugman murmured back. “None at all.”

-

All Artwork is by Rogue Falcon

Chapter Text

"So, you don't have a plan to get them back?" Both dish and angel turned to Amica. The only remaining aspect in the house. He honestly looked a little upset.

"N-No....not yet!" Alice managed. "But we will!" The aspect relaxed.

"Oh, okay." Amica seemed to gravitate towards Mugman. He awkwardly glanced at the aspect, then to Alice.

"Let me call Iahhel for some advice, you call in the cavalry and...we'll make a plan." Alice knew she sounded more hopeful than she felt. Enough to put Mugman at ease and get the others. Amica trailed after Mugs, so at least he wasn't going anywhere.

Alice made a beeline for the phone, dialing for Master Samuel. He connected her to Iahhel and Alice waited with bated breath. She had to know something, right? She was the 'expert' at aspects. The line finally clicked on.

'Hello, this is- Don't touch that! I said 'no'. Get out my office!' The woman shrieked at some unseen annoyance. 'Sorry about that, this Iahhel Providence, artificer specialist. How may I help you?'

"It's Alice. Alice Angel?" Her fingers curled around the wire nervously.

'Ah, yes. How's the case of Aspectitis go- I said 'NO'!' The woman suddenly screamed. 'You touch Aziraphale's legendary sword one more time and I'm contacting Master Michael personally to report your misconduct. You cannot have the flaming sword. Get. Out.' Alice heard something the shuffling. 'Sorry about that. A few of the warriors heard I gave a healer an artifact. Now they think it's their turn.' She chuckled. 'At least Michael keeps them in line.'

"Yes..." Alice had no idea. Her friend must have done well if they were listening to him, but she didn't call about him. "I needed to ask you about the artifact."

'Ask away but all I know is it's a dish artifact and it was used in treating the illness. Nothing else, really.' Alice groaned. 'Something happen?' Iahhel probed curiously.

"You could say that." She ran a hand through her dark locks. The parts of Cuphead running wild and she didn’t know where four of them were. How was she going to fix this? "Can you look over that text again? Maybe see if it says how to fix it somewhere else?"

'I can try to b- Put that down! Do you have any idea how long it took us to claim the quill of germination!? I don't care if you're late and need the signatures, get the real ones! Mercy help me...' Iahhel let out a long sigh. 'I'll see what I can do if they ever stop invading my vault.'

"Thank you so much." It was a start. "Please call me the second you find something. The crystal...did something but it didn't really help."

'Sometimes artifacts help in strange ways or require some outside assistance. Even a few work in tandem with others. Regardless, I'll do what I can and get back to you so- What did I just say!? Put the quill back and get out. ... I can see you, put it back and get out. ... That's it! Alice, sorry again, but I'll call back. Someone doesn't know what 'no' means.' With that, she hung up.

Alice stared at the phone. She never knew so many angels were trying to get their hands on artifacts. She wondered if Iahhel was the one who noticed the map... She shoved the thought to the furthest depth of her mind and hung up the phone. No need to dwell on her miracle. Nope! Certainly not.

Time to see if Mugman made any progress.

-

All his existence, Cuppy had never been alone despite coming from it. Amica was alone. Cuphead was alone. Then they weren't. Cuppy always made sure to bring the laughs. The entertainment. Especially when he didn't feel like it. That just meant it was more time for a joke.

Anything to keep the loneliness, the dark away.

For the first time since his existence began, he was alone. He couldn't make Cuphead laugh, he wasn't around. He couldn't make the other's laugh. They weren't around either. He couldn't let the loneliness, the darkness, creep in.

So, he did the next best thing. He went looking for laughs.

Cuppy never knew how big the outside was. Or how exciting it was! There were so many toons! So many opportunities... Thus far he'd managed plenty of pranks or unsuspecting suckers. Tying some scuzzball's shoelaces together while he rudely chatted up a dame.

Boy, was she laughin' now that he was trippin' all over himself. Cuppy couldn't help but snicker a bit too. That had just been the beginning. He went through quite a few of the classic but they grew dull quick. You could only joy buzzer or water flower so many folks before it lost its charm. So he just moved onto jokes.

Diamond had all the 'adult' ones, whatever that meant. His made plenty of adults laugh. Maybe Diamond was just being prissy again. He could get like that. If his nose got any higher, he'd drown when it rained! Cuppy laughed at the idea. Diamond all soaked and sputtering from the rain. Too bad it didn't rain anymore inside...he missed the puddles.

The sun was always the brightest after rained. He wasn't sure who said that. It was a face he couldn't remember well and knew perfectly all the same. He couldn't feel towards him, just know. Diablo had that one.

"Hey, you!" Cuppy perked up from his tightrope, looking down on some officers. They didn't seem happy. Well then, his time to shine! He held up his head and gave a curtsey with a grin.

"Hello, officers. How can I help ya?" The officers sputtered. A racoon lady spoke up.

"Those wires are hot, so you can't be on them." She paused. "It's dangerous." She elaborated. Cuppy frowned, checking his boots. They weren't melted or nothin'. He touched it with his gloved hand and they bout blew their lids. Weird. Still wasn't hot.

"It ain't hot." He declared confidently. The woman frowned.

"Not literally. They have electricity flowing through the-EHM!?" He sat and she shrieked. "Get down! You're gonna get fried!" She shrieked, tail fluffing up a bit. Cuppy didn't get it. It wasn't hot. It didn't light up like a light bulb. Ergo, it was perfectly safe.

"He's a zany, Ringtail." One of the men said. "He'll be fine." The woman still didn't seem happy, but they eventually left him alone. Cuppy didn't get the world out here. People could go from happy to being scared so fast.

He understood happy and sad. Not happy and scared. Shrugging it off in search of new victims to prank, he stood up and dusted off his shorts before skipping down his tightrope. This place was so big, and he wanted to explore every inch of it... And okay, maybe learn what those adult jokes were if Diamond wasn't being a prude.

With that, the aspect went on his merry way.

Chapter Text

Diamond had never felt better.

A night on the town was just what he needed. No, he couldn't do anything to besmirch their reputation nor act to far out of character. Didn't mean he couldn't have fun, just had to be careful...and watch his mouth.

The hardest thing but he managed, usually.

He found nice bar to spend the evening. A few drinks, some nice music, maybe nice company? He smirked to himself, shaking his head. Nothing yet, he was getting ahead of himself. Diamond waved to the bartended, who came over.

"Haven't seen you around here before." He started conversely. Diamond had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. He didn't feel like talking yet, he wanted a drink but that wasn't the bloke's fault.

"Haven't been around before." Diamond gave his 'perfect gentleman' smile. The one who put other's at ease and felt like he was just some polite demure man. The bartender smiled warmly back. Worked like a charm, as always. "Think I'll have a dance with Mary Pickford, if she's here." He grinned. The bartender chuckled.

"Sure I can arrange a little something between you two." He hummed, walking off to fix the cocktail. That was one of Diamond's favorites. Sweet and smooth as sunshine. A few minutes later and he was nursing the drink in hand. Expensive, but worth it.

Besides, he could afford it. Might as well put that money to use before his ticket was punched. Why not enjoy what time he had left?

Diamond hesitated, his eyes lingering on a card game in the corner. He frowned, turning back to the bar. He counted to three in his head and internally smile as a hand tapped on his shoulder.

"Heya pal, haven't seen ya 'round here before." A greasy schmuck grinned. His breath reeked of gin. Diamond was used to the smell but easily faked his discomfort. He wasn't fond of being touched anyways. Not too hard to be riled up.

"Haven't been around." He replied curtly, in a low voice. The man's grin widened, excitement in his eyes. Too easy. Stars, it was too easy!

"Say, why doncha come an' paly a couple rounds with me and my pals?" He leaned in closer, hand growing tighter on his shoulder. "Getcha 'acquainted' to town, ya know?" Diamond flitted his eyes around the room. Add to the idea of discomfort, locate all possible exits and ambush points, look at current hand, pause for effect...and nod slowly.

"S-Sure. Why not?" Diamond grabbed his drink, shuffling slowly behind the man who was greedily rubbing his hands together. "So, what are you gents playing?" Poker. All had terrible hands. Literally anything he got would be better.

"Poker, gent." The men busted out into loud laughter as Diamond took a seat. He was given a hand and sure enough, he got three of a kind and the other kings matching. He frowned. He won. "If you wanna play, you hafta bet."

"Of course?" Diamond fumbled for his wallet and met the bet. They chuckled. Oh, only if they knew. "Now do I...ah, play now?" They chuckled harder.

"If ya wanna keep going, yer gonna hafta raise or meet it." All the men threw in more cash. Diamond fumbled to do so as well, then threw in more. They met it. Then demanded he showed his cards. Each proudly showing their poor hands. Beating one after the other, barely.

Diamond smirked and showed his hand. "I win." He took the grand pot as they sputtered. "Well, I must say gents, I do feel welcome to town already." The men growled, narrowing their eyes. Now they realized they'd been played. Classic.

He simply took his winnings and moved on. They argued and tried to get some back, but he moved on. Using some winnings to pay for dear Mary and tip the bartender. He was in a better mood now.

Perhaps time to find some company for the evening.

Diamond polished off his drink, set the glass on the bar, winked, and walked out. He walked down the street, keeping an ear out for proper company. A few young dames waved at him. Calling and giggling for attention which he was used too. Pretty faces, but not the one he was in search for.

He paused, hearing one of them. The company he was searching for.

Diamond made a swift turn down an alleyway, the sound getting closer. He smiled warmly as he got closer, then paused. Footsteps. Muttering. He sighed. Ambush. He put his hands in his pockets, leaning back on his heels as the poker players closed in.

One gun. Two knives. "Not friendly enough, eh?" Diamond chuckled merrily. They scowled at him.

"Alright pretty boy, fork our cash back over or yer gonna be hurtin'." Diamond chuckled. He smirked, no longer needing to hold back. Relaxing his stance and exhaled.

"I'm afraid you gents will be the ones hurting." The first one lunged and Diamond simply stepped out the way. He fell face first into the pavement. The second yelled and tried to stab him. Too wild. Inexperienced.

He easily grabbed the man's arm, wrenched it back, plucked the knife out his hand, and promptly stabbed it into the wall. The threw the schmuck into the man fumbling with the gun. Bullets rolled out the revolver, none going off. They scrambled all over each other.

He rolled his eyes as they ran out the alleyway, whimpering and yelling vague threats at him. He didn't care. He won. They knew it and he knew it. He smirked and went back to finding his nightly company. Diamond made his way down the winding alley until he found his company.

He smiled warmly, relaxing. He bent down opening a carboard box. Bright big, doe eyes staring up at him. He laughed lightly.

"Hey there." He bent down and picked up the adorable little lady. "You seem a little lonely?" She mewed. "Yeah, me too. Why don't we see about fixing that, hmm?" She purred, nuzzling into his chest.

Diamond hummed, holding the black cat and petting her fluffy back. She was soft. Good company. Cats were so...genuine. They were what they were. They did what they had to, to survive. They got him. They understood. That's why Diamond adored them.

"How about dinner?" She made a 'melp' noise. He laughed. "Such a lady. Well, I guess that decides our plans, miss." He walked out the alleyway, looking for a pet shop.

Best to get her something to eat. Maybe groomed, then find her a proper place to stay where people would care and love for her. A home. Maybe he didn't have one, but she should. They all should.

And he went on his way.

Chapter Text

Felix sighed.

So far, they'd had no progress locating four of five of Cuphead's aspects. Alice's contact hadn't gotten back to them yet. The poor girl was beside herself with worry. As for Mugman, well....

"So, do ya have any eights?"

"Wow," Amica chuckled, handing over the offending cards as Mugman won his twelfth game in a row, "you're really good t this game."

"The best!" Mugman chirped, shuffling the deck again. "Wanna play again?" Amica lit right up like a Christmas tree.

"Of course!" Sure enough, cards were dealt again. Felix watched the pair playing silently. It was odd. Amica was enthralled in the game. He would follow just about anyone in the house around, provided they let him. If told to go away, he would...but go find someone else.

Nothing had upset Amica since his fellow aspects left. Once promised they would get them back, he blindly accepted it and moved on. Blind acceptance didn't seem like Cuphead at all. Not to Felix, at least.

He questions everything. He never was forthcoming with information, much less so clingy or agreeable. Amica just...he just didn't seem like a part of Cuphead. Diamond was clearly his attitude. Diablo his anger. Ace his stoicism. Cuppy his prankster, clearly.

What was Amica? What was he, really? What was his purpose within?

Felix watched on until Mugman won another decisive victory. The cat wasn't sure if Amica was really that bad or letting Mugman win. Bendy came downstairs and Amica perked up. Mugman waved goodbye to the aspect who walked right up to Bendy.

"Heya, Bends."

"Oh, uh," The demon blinked. This was still an adapting period for all of them. The aspects had been free for an entire day and night. "Hey, Amica."

"Would you like to spend some time together?" The aspect asked cheerily. Bendy considered it.

"I mean, I'm just running errands for Granny." He shrugged. "It's pretty boring an-"

"I'd love to go. I can even help you carry stuff!" Amica beamed. "We can help Granny together." Felix shook his head. He couldn't in good conscious let Bendy go alone. Amica didn't really seem to have any idea how outside worked. Much less, he was a part of Cuphead. Which meant...something.

Stars, he was still trying to figure this mess out. Felix pulled on his jacket and waved a hand at the boys.

"I'll come with you boys." 'And keep you out of trouble', went unsaid. Bendy let out a held breath. Amica seemed pleased by more company. Felix hailed them a cab and took it to the store. Granny wanted some things for dinner, and it was a good excuse to keep Bendy active.

Felix looked away for five seconds. Five cussing seconds at the checkout line and both boys were gone. The cat was torn between getting out of line or staying to pay. The cashier was already ringing him up and he sighed.

Bendy was technically an adult. Surely, he and Amica were alright.

Bendy groaned, heaving another mouthful on ink into the store toilet. He felt Amica carefully holding him up.

"You'll be alright, Bendy." Amica swore firmly. "I'm right here. Just take a deep breath and let it out. I'm not going anywhere."

"Guuhg..." Bendy heaved another mouthful of ink. "...thanks..." He rasped. Amica rubbed his back silently. The demon started to slide down to the tile floor, but Amica kept him upright. He dragged him over to the sink and began washing the ink off of him and his clothes.

The aspect kicked out a stool and propped Bendy up on it, his back against the stall. Taking his shirt and rinsing it out in the sink with his goggles.

"Sorry it it's damp, but I'm sure it's better than that awful ink." Amica apologized softly. Bendy closed his eyes, sighing. The bathroom opened and a scoff caught his ear. Bendy weakly opened his eyes to blearily see a large bear man glaring down at them. Fangs peeking out his long maw.

"The cuss is that little creep doin', kid?" The bear growled. Amica flinched, then let out a breath of relief seeing the man.

"I'm just washing the ink off his goggles." The dish held up the offending item. "My friend here, Be-"

"I meant the demon."

"What?" Amica frowned, lowering the goggles. "Bendy's sick. He's not doing anything."

"And you’re what, his pet?" The bear snorted, rolling his eyes. "Can't stand those beasts. Leave it. All they do is cause pain and trouble."

"I-" Amica sounded very upset. Bendy wasn't sure why. He felt too tired. "I am not his pet. He is my friend. He's not forcing me to do anything. He's very sick and I want to help him! If you don't like it, you leave." Amica stuttered out passionately. "He deserves love and care just as much as you do!"

"You're a mouthy little brat." The bear growled. "All this for some soul-munching hell spawned fiend?" He gestured a sharp clawed hand bitterly to Bendy. Amica stood between them his arms straight out as he glared up. Bendy noticed he was trembling despite sounding so firm.

"Get out." Amica said. "Get out and come back when we're done."

"Excuse me?" The man growled deeply.

"You heard me." Amica repeated. "Get. Out."

"If he's so sick...maybe I should give him a hand too." The man said with a twisted snarl. Bendy felt the word spun around and heard shuffling and scuffling. "Get rid of the little vermin. Put him out of his misery!" The demon sat up as the stool had been kicked out from under him. He held a hand to his head. That hurt...

"Bendy!" Amica shrieked as the bear pushed him aside. "Stop it!" He yelped as the man corned the demon. Bendy took one look at those claws, gulped, and squeezed his eyes shut. The blow never came.

But the shriek that broke out did. Bendy snapped his eyes open just in time to see the horror before him. The bear did swing at him, claws out.

Amica just jumped between them. Three parallel claw marks ripping through his back as he fell limp against the demon. Crimson starting to slide down his back.

"A-Amica!?" Bendy whimpered. the man cursed, running out and knocking into someone. Bendy tuned them out as he shook the aspect. The dish weakly sat up and smiled looking Bendy dead in the eye. And what he said chilled the demon.

"I'm okay. Don't worry about me." He managed a shaky smile. "I'm just glad you're alright." He started to fall back and Bendy held onto him. He desperately looked around for some help, when the door kicked back open. Mr. Felix looking quite disheveled and dropping the groceries promptly.

"Help." Was all Bendy managed to say before his brain couldn't process anymore. Whatever happen next, was in Felix's capable hands. His vision spotted with darkness before vanishing altogether.

Later, Bendy made up his mind. That was the last time he did grocery runs.

Chapter Text

Ace was sitting calmly by the road, wrapping his injuries. Their skirmish had gone poorly. His own fault. Not that Diablo would let that slip his mind. He pulled the bandages tight on his arms before slipping his jacket his back on.

"Are you cusssin' kiddin' me!?" Diablo raged on. "Ya had one cussin' job! Cover. Me." He held their anger. Would likely be upset for some time. "Did I tell ya to jump in? Did I ask ya ta get in my way!?"

No...but his back was exposed. Diablo never watched his back. Ace held his tongue, smoothing his crumpled clothes out. He could get his bloodstains out later. Diablo likely wouldn’t bother on his own appearance.

"We shouldn't linger. Your patron may pursue of, if truly irked."

"M-My WHAT!?" Diablo practically roared. Ace ignored the fiends' rage, already moving on. It was true, even if he refused to acknowledge it. If they had Diamond, footwork would've been better. He kept them fluid instead of clunky. As tiresome as Diamond was, they needed him to meld together.

Diablo brought the brawn. Ace brought the magic. Diamond brought the brains. He insisted 'beauty', but he was their keen eye. Like it or not. Diablo's sputtering's became little more than white noise. Ace could care less. He eyed the ever present hole in his chest.

Missing.

If it wasn't missing...they would've won. Another failure...yet, still nothing.

At least Diablo could feel, despite his limited capacities. His anger like an unending fire. Ace shook his head. Where did he go from here? Fighting was his expertise. Monsters. Combat. There was no fight. No aspect but Diablo present and he didn't need protection. What was his purpose now? What did he do? Snapping fingers caught his attention.

"Are ya even listenin' ta me!?" Diablo snarled, snapping once more in front of his face. He blinked to his fellow aspect.

"No." Ace admitted. Diablo practically steamed. His tail coiled up in rage.

"Stars above, forget it. You're useless. I’ll figure out how to six that cusser myself."

"You don't stand a good chance against Hat, alone." Ace said simply. "He's a high class demon, while your own classification is roughly at a lower one. Without all of us, there is no chance of victory. Our attempt made that very clear." Diablo rolled his eyes.

"Cause ya screwed up." Ace blinked. Yes, he made a mistake.

"Mistake or no, we would not win. We need our other parts." Ace explained simply. “After this attempt, it’s painfully clear.” Diablo snorted, his tail flicking.

"Right, 'cause Amica and Cuppy are such big help in a fight." Ace stared at the demon dully. They were, in their own ways. Amica gave them more strength and energy to fight for those Cuphead cared for. Cuppy got them out of a tight space more than once. Just because they weren't like them didn't mean they didn't have their own purposes.

"We all have a purpose." Ace countered. Diablo groaned dramatically.

"Why did I bring ya?" Diablo growled under his breath. “I know I had a cussin’ reason, but I can’t starfallen remember it now.”

"I have the magic."

"Some a it." Diablo grumbled, shoving past him. Ace watched him leave, heading up the road back towards town.

"Where are you going?"

"Anywhere, yer not." Diablo hissed. "Ya screwed up my plan and ya ain't exactly a winner fer conversation." Ace watched him go. No point in trying to stop Diablo. He'd just do what he wanted. Instead, Ace opted to follow him. He wasn't sure what to do but splitting up hadn't been a sound plan. Even if he was stuck with Diablo, it was better than being alone.

-

No money to catch a starfallen cab, so he was cussin' walkin'. This was moonrocks! Stardust! Bull! He had a plan. One simple easy ta follow lil' plan. Diablo got his revenge and Ace provided cover fire. Simple. Easy. So easy and imp could do it.

But nooooo. Ace jus' had ta play hero like he always did. Why didn't that cusser get it? He was broken. There were things he couldn't do anymore. Sure, the memories Diablo had seen and the stories the other told him made Ace sound amazing...once upon a time.

But jus’ like a fairy tale, it was jus' stories. Nothin' a substance. Without the others tellin' him what ta do he jus' kinda drifted. It was pathetic. Diablo almost missed the Ace from his first encounter. Then again, it was such a brief meeting they really didn't get to know one another. At least he had some personality back then. Nice scream too.

Diablo chuckled at the idea of it. Ace, screaming. He'd never believe it if he didn't hear it himself. The demonic aspect kicked a rock up the street bitterly. Now Hat's guard was gonna be up. He'd be ready for another attack. Opportunity missed. One day...one day he'd six that sorry piece apparel but he'd hafta bide his time and wait for the right moment again.

Diablo growled, his tail lashing and claws digging into his alms. He hated waiting. He shoved his clawed hands roughly into his pockets. This sucked. He was stuck with Ace. No revenge. No bloodshed. Hat was alive. Stars, this was turnin' out ta be a real rotten night. At least Diamond wasn't around. He'd never let them hear the end a it.

As he walked back to town with Ace trailin’ behind him like a lost lil’ puppy, trying to plot something, he felt...off. Like something wasn't right. A surge of something that didn't belong to him. Sure, he got thrashed a lil' bit by the ol' cusser but he'd had worse. Far worse.

No meddlesome emotions to pair with it either. No...this was different. He frowned, glancing to Ace who seemed disturbed too.

"Ya feel that?" Ace nodded. "What the cuss was it?" Ace shrugged. "Yer a real cussin' wealth of information, ye know that?" Ace arched a brow at him.

"If you want to know about monsters or-"

"Unless I'm killin' one right now, I don't care." Ace shut his trap again and the pair fell back into silence. Diablo couldn't believe the terrible thought passing through his mind. It pissed him off to no end. He was actually missin' Diamond. At least he knew how ta talk.

Chapter Text

Bendy paced back and forth anxiously until Felix held him in place by his shoulders.

"Bendy, I'm sure he's fine." The demon slouched in the cat's grip. He was sure Amica was alright with Oddswell and Red taking care of him. He just...why? Why did he jump in front of him? Cuphead could easily lay that schmuck out, so why didn't Amica?

He just...jumped. Took the hit. Smiled. Just like before... Bendy pushed that memory away. It was over. They weren't there anymore. Still...

"Yeah, I just wanna make sure." Felix didn't look like he believed him, but Bendy didn't care. He just wanted to make sure his friend was okay. Then he'd take it easy. Red came out with a sigh. Bendy perked up, rushing over to her. She gave him a tired smile, ruffling the fur between his horns.

"You can go see him. Nothing dangerous, Docs just cleaning everything up."

"Thanks Red!" Bendy rushed to the room just as the lizard walked out. Bendy uttered another quick thanks before stepping up to the bed. "Amica?" The aspect was out cold. Oddswell hummed, walking up behind Bendy. A scaly hand settling on his shoulder.

"He's going to be out for a little bit. Miss Hood couldn't get him to settle down, more so when we mentioned stitches." The doctor explained patiently. "He should be awake in an hour or so...assuming his physiology is the same as Cuphead and Mugman's. Risky...but magic with our current predicament seemed riskier."

Bendy nodded along. Amica seemed well enough. Slightly paler but alright. Alive and breathing well.

"So, he’s okay?" The doctor nodded. "He's okay. Will probably be sore for the foreseeable future, but he'll be fine." Bendy let out a held breath. Oddswell arched a brow. "I take it you're worried?"

"I mean, he's an aspect. I just...what if him getting hurt did real damage to Cuphead?" Bendy gestured as if his hands could make it make sense. "I mean, we still don't really get the aspects. What if it like, hurts him somehow when we fix it?" Oddswell seemed to consider it.

"That's true but we cannot dwell on what may be, only on what it." Bendy went to interrupt but the doctor went on. "You had an ink attack and he helped you, yes?" He nodded. "You were attacked, and he stood up for you. It got him hurt but you were in no state to protect yourself. You could've been killed, so could he, but a healthy person versus one after an ink attack stood much better odds. Pragmatically speaking, he was the one more fit to take the hit than you."

"Still," Bendy mumbled "I don't like Cup taking the hit for me." Oddswell stood by him then shook his head.

"That's a talk for you and Cuphead." He said simply, before leaving. Bendy frowned but nodded. It was talk they needed to have eventually. Stars, they all had talks they needed to have but the aspect issue first.

Bendy waited patiently for Amica to come around. The dish sluggishly came to then shook his head. He seemed a little bleary until seeing Bendy. He lit right up. He winced as he sat up but hid it well.

"Hey Bends!" He beamed chipperly. "Good to see you up and about!" Bendy managed a weak smile.

"Same to you." Amica chuckled, sitting up more. Another hidden wince. "I'm fine, don't worry about me." He waved a hand dismissively. Bendy frowned.

"You shouldn't just throw yourself in front of someone like that." The demon said sternly. "You coulda gotten seriously hurt!" Amica blinked.

"So?" Bendy felt his argument die in his throat. The cuss? "You'd be alright and that's what matters." The aspect stated like it was a simple fact. The sky is blue. Bendy would be okay. It would matter if I got hurt.

"I would be upset you got hurt." He tried to stress. "You're my friend and I care about you. I don't want to see you hurt." Amica just blinked again, then chuckled lightly into his hand.

"Aww, that's sweet, Bends." He let out a held breath. Good, he got it. "But it's alright. I don't mind. Really." Or not. "It's fine if you're okay." That sounded like some pre-Sarah Boris reasoning, and he did not like that!

"And what about you?" Bendy pressed. "Cup- You wouldn't be okay!"

"So?" Bendy felt like he was going to rip his fur out! Amica seemed like the normal one but apparently not. "As long as you’re okay, it's alright." Amica smiled happily. "As long as the people we care about are okay, anything's fine. No price to high. Mugsy, you, Holly...we just want you all to safe and alright. If that means a few bumps and bruises along the way, so be it."

Bendy didn't know what was worse. What the aspect was saying or how serious he was.

"Bendy, are you alright? You seem a touch pale." Amica reached out to him, but he smiled, moving back.

"Fine, fine. Just....tired from my attack." Amica nodded with his words, blindly accepting them.

"You should rest then." He hummed. "You know how taxing they are." This conversation was getting more taxing.

"I-I sure do. See ya, Am." Amica waved as Bendy walked to the door and shakily shut it. He looked up to see Holly with her ear pressed to the wall with a horrified expression.

'What. the. cuss!?' She mouthed to him silently. Bendy shook his head.

He had no idea but maybe these aspects weren't so cut and dry after all.

Chapter Text

"Uh, guys?" Boris interrupted the adults whispering. Holly, Felix, Boris, and Alice were talking really secretive. All four looked up like they hand their hand stuck in Granny's cookie jar. He frowned. Why were they being so weird?

"Y-Yeah, bro?" Bendy stuttered out. Boris shrugged it off. Whatever it was, they'd tell him soon enough. No sense in pressing for what they didn't want to share. He learned his lesson on that.

"Cuppy's on the roof." He pointed to the ceiling. "I dunno how long he's been here but he's just kinda there." Felix took a deep breath, adjusting his bag.

"I'll get him." With that, the cat walked out. Boris looked between them, wanting to ask but holding his tongue. They'd tell him when they trusted him again. Boris lingered a moment, then trotted out. This Aspectitis really was stardust. Everyone on eggshells and so worried. Nervous.

They may have been acting weird around him, but it was nothing when compared to how they acted around Mugman.

If they weren't careful, he'd pick up on it soon.

-

Felix carefully edged out the attic roof to find Cuppy sitting silently by the window. He sat next to the dish, who was staring blankly over the town. The two sat quietly for a moment.

"Nice view, huh?" The cat tried conversely. Cuppy didn't reply. He seemed somewhat deep in thought. "What's on your mind?"

"Yer a zany, right?" Felix felt a bit taken aback. "Well, ya used ta be." The dish boy seemed more interested in his fingers than meeting Felix's eyes. "What do ya do when the joke's over? Why do ya just keep telling them over an' over when they don't make a lick a difference?"

"Umm..." Felix grimaced. He honestly didn't have the answer. He hated the gags. Getting dragged into horror after horror. Living as a king, then had nothing. Consistency was nonexistent. As was stability. It was fun at first but quickly lost its charm.

"Why do we exist if only to keep emptiness at bay? What of our own, Master Cat?" Cuppy went on blankly. "Who keeps our darkness at bay? Do we only exist to serve others?" Felix wasn't sure he wanted to keep this conversation going...

"Are you alright, Cuppy?" He asked warily.

"If the ends justify the means, then what means justify the end?"

"Kid...are you okay!?" Felix had never met any zanies like this. Certainly not one having an existential crisis. Cuppy suddenly perked right up, grinning goofily.

"'Course I am. Jus' wonderin' what yer thoughts on the matter are." The all too familiar zany behavior showing back up. His head bobbled as he chuckled. "Been expandin' on some a my jokes. Guess the whole 'midlife crisis' is flop, huh?"

"...yeah...it's...not very funny." Felix managed weakly. Cuppy shrugged, hopping to his feet. Head bobbing as he did so. How did it work? Having no neck... The cat shook his head. Focus. They had another aspect, and he couldn't let him leave.

"Why don't you come inside? I'm sure Amica would like some familiar company." Cuppy shrugged.

"Sure. He could prolly use a few laughs." The boy winked. "He always likes my jokes unlike some folks." Felix sputtered as the zany bolted inside. He sighed. He hoped he was never that frustrating. Reluctantly, the cat followed him inside.

Chapter Text

After Cuppy appeared, it wasn't long before the other aspects came around. Lost their idea of fun, from what Holly could tell. Diamond looked just fine, and she swore he had a spring in his step. Whatever his 'private time' consisted of, he enjoyed himself.

Ace and Diablo looked like they went five rounds and lost every single one. Ace didn't seem bothered by this fact as his counterpart did. Still murmuring curses and plots of murder upon coming back.

The only problem was they still didn't know what to do. Five aspects were back, but now what? Letting them loose didn't appear to fix anything. If anything, Holly had more concern for the ceramic fool after over hearing Amica.

Alice was on with Iahhel and Holly hoped she found something.

Holly sighed in relief as Alice looked a little hopeful after hanging up. The angel seemed to consider what was told to her, then turned to her.

"I take it there's a plan?" Holly probed. Alice nodded grimly.

"Iahhel was able to translate a few more pages...it just set her back a few hours of use with the quill of germination. She's not pleased, but it's translated." Holly had no idea what that quill was, but it sounded handy! "From what the text says, 'the crystal was used to reflect the aspects on ones being', which I was pretty sure that's what it did."

"It's obvious." Holly stated bluntly. Alice giggled before continuing. What? It was. One Cuphead turned into five. That wasn't anything too complicated.

"Anyways, the passage went onto say what causes the illness and why the crystal is needed." Holly felt her eyes widened. What caused it?

"You have my full attention." She murmured. Alice went on hesitantly. "Aspectitis is caused when there is disharmony within the soul." She said slowly. "The illness itself is the aspects trying to work towards a solution from a severe issue. The main point of it is to ensure there isn't any damage to the soul over said issue or conflict. Said solution can be them agreeing or even splitting into another aspect. Regardless, it's to fix something deeply rooted."

"The crystal comes into play to force the aspects apart, to make a solution found easier. A 'knight's senior' as the passage said would often act as a mediator between them, helping them reach a solid or often times better conclusion." Alice smiled weakly. "In short, the crystal makes them sit down and have some therapy."

"Stars knows he needs it." Holly huffed as she frowned. "But he only contracted it recently. So, whatever stressed or upset him this badly, it wasn't too long ago..."

"It was after he went to the casino." Alice muttered darkly. "After seeing Hat." Holly's frown only deepened. What if Hat did something to him again? Would he even tell them if the demon did? Doubtfully. More so if it was to their benefit.

"Now what?"

"Well," Alice said interlacing her fingers, "I think we should focus on curing Cuphead first. Get all the aspects to talk around a trusted figure. Work out their differences...then maybe go kick Hat's shadowy hide." She smiled.

“Not a bad plan, Miss Angel." Holly conceited with a grin. "I like the way you think." Alice blushed. "Well, at least we know who he'd trust enough to talk about whatever mess he has." The angel cocked her head.

"We do?" Holly nodded. It was him, doubtfully anyone else. Only one person knew everything Cup had been through. Thick and thin. The darker sides. one person he could tell anything.

"Mugman." She said at last. "We get them to talk to Mugman."

Chapter Text

Mugman didn't feel ready.

Not at all. Nope! Stars weren't aligned.

He had five parts of his brother that somehow got along in the first place, and now he needed then to get along again. He wasn't sure what made Cuphead sick. He wasn't sure what could upset him so much, but stars help him, he wanted to help him through it.

And if that meant dealing with his aspects, then so be it. With a deep breath, he cautiously stepped into the living room where the quintet made themselves at home. Already arguing over something. Surprise, surprise.

He closed the door behind him quietly, watching them for a moment. Ace and Amica seemed to be in agreement on the matter, while Diablo and Diamond opposed them. Cuppy...the fiend...seemed more interested in watching a butterfly flitter just outside the window.

"It doesn't matter if we win if we-" Diamond noticed him, his words coming to a sharp halt as he smoothed out his vest. "Hello, Mugsy." The others took notice. Each giving a greeting of their own. He awkwardly waved back, taking a seat.

"Hello yourself." He hesitated. The sooner this was over with, the sooner he could have his brother back. His whole brother. "You guys seem a little hot under the collar. What's got ya all so worked up?"

"Nothing." Diamond said curtly, narrowing his eyes on him. Amica became very interested in shoes, rather than talk. Ace cleared his throat.

"We are at an impasse." He said simply. "Whether to do the right thing," he stressed coldly, "or what they want to." Diablo rolled his eyes.

"No, you jus' wanna off yerself an' be some big fancy hero. Guess what? Yer not!" The demon hissed. Mugman frowned. Oh dear. 'Off' himself? No...Cuphead wouldn't do that... He wouldn't leave him all alone. He promised.

"Sometimes sacrifices for the greater good must be made." Ace explained calmly. "Not that I would expect a demon to understand." Diablo snarled, but Diamond set a hand on the fiend's shoulder.

"I am no demon and I stand against this." Diamond hummed resolutely. "The pros do not outweigh the cons. Nor the risks. What if we fail?"

"We won't." Ace interrupted flatly. Diamond went on as if he hadn't heard him. "Who has to pick up the pieces? Who's to say promises will be kept? What of our family? Our-"

"It's for them!" Amica cried out. "We have to protect them! They can't pay for our mistakes or shortcomings. It's not fair."

"That we do." Ace tacked on. "And no, it is not."

Mugman was doing his best to keep up. Ace and Amica wanted Cup to do something dangerous, that could get him killed because it was 'right', but Diamond and Diablo said 'no'. Were his aspects in conflict over leaving the mob? Was that it?

"Cuppy?" Mugs called out hesitantly. Oh stars, he couldn't stand the zany one, but he hadn't said a peep. Cuppy didn't seem to lean one way or the other, but Mugman needed to know where he stood. Then maybe figure out how to get them to agree? "What do you think about all of this?"

The zany seemed to hesitate, then shrug as if to say, 'cuss it'.

"You really wanna know what's wrong?" Mugman nodded firmly. He wanted Cuphead back. His Cuphead. "You sure?" He nodded again. "Alrighty then." Cuppy promptly stood up on his chair, puffing his chest out like a politician giving a speech.

"So, here's the deal. Sir knight an' Goody two-shoes hear wanna use the lost super to get ridda Boss once an' fer all. Save you an' the missus but using it would kill us. Ya know?" Mugman froze. Do WHAT!? "Meanwhile, Princess an' Angelcakes here don't wanna. They wanna wait for a better solution. One that sixes the furball an' leaves us alive to live out the resta our days. If not, at least get the machine up an' jazz."

"As fer me," Cuppy dramatically gestured to himself as the other four were looking at him in horror, "I haven't been convinced a either one. They both got merit but seem kinda stupid. Choices are die or die later. Not a fan a either one. BUT, what do I know? I'm the funny guy." He snorted, taking a seat. "Thanks fer comin' to mah TedTalk."

Mugman stared at them.

He stared some more. Then, finally, he composed himself and spoke.

"What the ever-loving cuss!?!"

What the cuss.

WHAT THE CUSS!?!

Mugman could barely keep himself contained. "What do you mean 'lost super'? And it'll kill him? The cuss!?" He shouted. He couldn't help it. What the hell was his brother thinking? "Why haven't I heard about this!?"

"That's," Amica started, but Mugman glowered at him. He sharply pointed a finger at the teen.

"I will get to your brand a cussery in a moment. I ain't done, so can it!" Amica promptly shut his mouth. "Why wouldn't Cups tell me about this? He doesn't get to choose self-destruction. He doesn't get to think he can't be helped, isn't worth it, or is beyond redemption. We are doing it together. We stand together." He stressed. "We're a team. Period. We will beat Boss another way. And if we don't," He sucked in a hard breath, "then we'll face that together too."

"Told ya it was stardust." Diablo smirked. Mugman glared at the demon.

"You need to get your stardust together!" He snapped. Diablo looked lost.

"Me?"

"Yes, you!" The younger dish raged. He was on a roll, why stop now? "Chill the cuss out. Seriously. You don't gotta six every cusser who slights ya. Sometimes ya gotta let stardust go." Diablo's eyes flared. "STOP!" Mugman screeched and the glow vanished into shock. "See?" He hummed. "Not that hard, huh? Let's cut back on the homicide an' blackouts, yeah?" He turned sharply to a smirking Diamond. His smirk dropped immediately.

"You need to learn to shut your cussing mouth and listen every now and again. Might do ya some good. Got it?" Diamond bit his lip but nodded. He looked to Ace and scowled, throwing his hands up.

"What the cuss is this sacrifice stardust!? 'Greater good'? Yeah, it's a thing, but how is Cuphead doing that greater good? I wouldn't want to stick around if he wasn't here. Cala'd end up alone. Holly would be heartbroken. Bendy loses his best pal. But yeah, greater good for your little hero complex." Mugman snorted. "And Cup said I have one. Hilarious, after this stardust."

Then he moved onto Amica. "Holy cussing stars, I cannot believe the level you’re willing to drop to to 'protect' someone else. Yeah, it's nice to help others. Even protect them but if it gets ya killed, then what's the point?" Amica tried to speak up, but Mugman wasn't giving him the chance. "You can't help or care for anyone if yer dead." He said softly and Amica hung his head. "Ya know that, right? All a ya, right?"

The other four were avoiding looking at him. Fine, they could listen.

"Listen, I get things aren't the greatest right now. That we're in a dicey spot...but we can't give up. We can't just stop living our lives. We have to keep going. As far as we can. As a team, not enemies. Lift each other up, not break each other down. I love my brother...and you guys to. I don't want anything bad to happen to any of ya. And if somethin' did, I'd be devastated. Please....don't do that ta me."

"I'd never wanna do that." Amica teared up. He covered his face. "We made Mugsy cry." He sniffled horrified. "We don't wanna upset ya. I swear." The others didn't seem too pleased either, sharing sentiment. Mugman reached up and sure enough, at some point he started crying. When did that happen?

Slow clapping interrupted his thoughts. Cuppy stood up looking smugger than he had any right to as the other four devolved into a mix of sorrow and regret with a dash of anger.

"And now our impasse is resolved...right, gentleman?" A mumble of agreements. Cuppy clapped his hands together. "Good, I wasn't really inta this whole 'outside' thing."

"It has lost its charm..." Diamond agreed. "I would rather return to our former abode...with all of you." He tacked on in a pained tone. Cuppy tackled him with a hug.

"Awww, I knew ya loved us!"

"Get off."

Mugman let out a held breath, leaning back in his chair, feeling more at ease. Then it occurred to him as the other aspects were trying to dogpile/hug Diamond. He didn't know how to make them 'Cuphead' again. Sure, their impasse was resolved but they weren't, like, floating back together or anything.

Maybe Alice's crystal thing? He'd have to ask her. But right now? He figured he'd help the aspects tackle/hug Diamond who was trying to escape. He grinned, pushing back his worries for the moment.

Chapter Text

Alice patiently waited for Iahhel to get herself together. She sighed as chaos reigned on the other side. Huffing and puffing, the woman managed to get back on the line.

'Alright....I think I have the situation under control. No more fires. Last time I ever leave the blade case open. I swear they just wait around for me to not pay attention so they can snatch an artifact. Stars...'

"Sorry about that." Alice mumbled. She wasn't sure what else to say. "We have the aspects talking...but how do we get them to recombine?" Iahhel sighed and some papers rustled.

'Okay,' She said, 'According to the text, they crystal can reflect them and refract them. Past that, I'm not sure.' Silence fell between them. 'How's the notes going?'

"Well." Alice frowned, thinking of her scribbles. "They aren't so great, and I redacted all personal and patient information. Just my observations and facts."

'I wouldn't have it any other way.' The woman chirped back. 'When you figure it out, give me another ring and I'll come get the crystal.' Something crashed in the background. Iahhel sighed heavily. 'Gotta go. Ice wraiths got free.... again. 'Bye, Alice.'

 The young archangel hung up the phone, thinking. If the crystal 'reflected' Cuphead's aspects just by touching him...then perhaps doing so again would combine them? It was worth a shot.

Alice gathered up the shards and walked to the 'therapy' room. She was surprised to see Mugman and the other aspects hugging a scowling Diamond. He looked utterly and completely done, but Alice could feel his happiness.

"I take it everything has worked out now?" She hummed. Mugman grinned back up at her.

"I think so." His smile fell a touch. "Do you know how ta get him back?" Alice held up the offending shards.

"I have an idea. It may or may not work." She shrugged.

"Give it your best shot, Angel." Diamond deadpanned. "Not like we know either." Alice nodded, handing a few to Mugman.

"I assume Cuphead touching them to bring out all of you, the reverse may be true too." Mugman nodded, flipping a shard in his hands.

"Makes sense ta me." He handed one to Diablo and Ace. Each aspect hesitantly taking it before fading into light. A red and light blue crystal shard falling to the floor. Alice handed one to Cuppy and Diamond. Both vanished as well, adding green and pink to the colored shards.

Alice held the final shard out to Amica. He stared at it, then smiled sadly before taking it.

"Just because we agree now," He said softly, turning to Mugman as he faded into yellow light, "doesn't mean we won't do what it takes keep you safe." A yellow shard fell to the floor. Alice picked up the shards, carefully putting them together. Once they fit together, they flashed into a bright light.

When the light faded, there was one very disheveled and confused Cuphead. He blinked, looking lost.

"The. Cuss. Was. That!?" He shrieked hysterically.

"Cuppy!" Mugman declared happily, hugging his brother tightly. Cuphead hesitated before hugging him back. Alice smiled, until Mugman's joy turned cold. He squeezed his brother tighter. "If you ever try to pull some stunt like you were thinking, you won't have to worry about Boss comin' after ya, 'cause I will." His voice was flat. "Got it?"

"Y-Yeah..." Cuphead actually felt somewhat panicked, to Alice. How odd. "Got it."

"Good." Mugs’ cheer returned tenfold as he leaned back. "Then let's let the other know you're alright!" He practically dragged the older sibling off, leaving Alice alone with the crystal. Cuphead felt better. Didn't seem drained or fatigued anymore.

She picked up the object, making a mental note to finish her 'research' before calling Iahhel, then finish up. For now, she'd just be happy her friends were back together and whole. They'd had too much tragedy lately.

She was simply grateful for a happy ending.