Chapter Text
Cuphead and Mugman, the two brothers, were on their quest to liberate the denizens of the Inkwell Isles in order that their soul doesn't become subject to the devil. They had made good progress, finishing up the first and second Isles with very little issue and obtaining the contracts from them. The brothers went into the 3rd die house, King dice gave his spiel, and they were allowed entry.
"Looks like it's the last isle Mugsy! After we get all the contracts here, we can go face that nasty head of dice and give the devil one hell of a time!"
"You said it brother! Let's get goin'!"
The two set off in the rest of their adventure. They met quite the interesting characters here in the city- there was the radio wolfgang, the phonograph, the spork, and a turtle talking about peace and pacifism. Cuphead and Mugman shaked their heads at the turtle- there was no way they could get any contract without hurting anyone. They continued on, to fight their first opponent: Rumor Honeybottoms. She didn't put up too much of a fight, though magical attacks always threw Cuphead off a bit more than it did Mugman. They retrieved the contract, and continued on their adventure into the afternoon. They easily wiped out Brineybeard, everyone aboard the freight train, Werner, and Sally Stageplay. They even finished that warf-themed run and gun stage, which they didn't even know why they had to do them- but it was on the list, so they finished it up anyway.
Dr. Khal and his robot put up much more of a fight than anyone else so far- but it wasn't anything the two brother's couldn't handle. Flying was always harder for Mugman than it was for Cuphead, but they managed to make it through his long battle, and got his contract. After the fight, they were reviewing the contract list for the Isles, assuring they got every last parchment they needed before going to the final showdown.
"Mugsy, it looks like we got every last one! We can finally give him what for!"
Mugman reviewed the list of contracts, scanning each Isle assuring they were all completed and attained. When he got to Isle 3, he saw one name that was still in grey: Cala Maria.
"Hey Cuphead, looks like we got one more to handle before we're all done here. There's a 'Cala Maria' we have to get. I wonder where she's at-"
Mugman and Cuphead looked around for where her domain could be situated. They eventually found an abaondoned anchor and ship, with a piece of driftwood scribbled in ink, 'danger!'
"Well, looks like this is it! Let's get in the planes and go searching!" Cuphead spoke. They boarded their small aircraft, put on their goggles, and took off in search of the esteemed Cala. Cuphead looked to the horizon, and in every direction of the ocean, but saw no trace of the one they were supposed to be fighting.
Cala Maria could see the two boys approaching her living hospice, keeping her head under the water to remain hidden. Cala was cautious, as she knew very well the quest the two were on. She was very prideful, and didn't want two younger cups getting into her business: it was her debt to the devil after all, and she had to pay it back one way or another. She was afraid of the red-cup, she was witness to what he was capable of; how he defeated Brineybeard and that run-and-gun stage with incredible ease. Though, when she saw Mugman, she didn't feel that same way. His colors reminded her of the ocean, of the natural wonders and beauty it has. She didn't feel as afraid of him, though was scautious to defend what she had to do on her own. Still- she thought, he isn't very bad looking either. In fact, he's quite adorable, his big blue nose and the childish clothing- it reminded her of herself, as she liked to be playful as in her youth. Mugman saw some bubbles over the area where Cala was, and pointed in that direction.
"Cuphead- there she is!"
Cala Maria rose from the water, and spoke in the direction of Mugman: a loud 'yoo-hoo!' Immediately, they both unleashed a barrage of bullets and attacks to finish off this last boss and get her contract. Mugman, halfway through the first stage of the battle, felt something spur and twist in his chest though. Every female boss they have fought up to this point has had something that really creeped him out. Hilda was so fanatic and crazy about the constellations, The Baroness was a mad woman and queen of the even crazier sugarland. Rumor Honeybottoms was a giant honeybee that casts spells and tried to drown the brothers in boiling honey. Sally stageplay was, well, surprisingly normal actually; married if nothing else. But- Cala Maria was beautiful, the way her eyes gazed at them in frustration from the battle, Mugman couldn't even describe what he saw in those eyes- perhaps it was the beauty and essence of the ocean that drew him so much. Was she a siren that just yearned to drag them both into the depths of the ocean? It didn't matter in this moment, as Mugman was completely star-struck. He was SO star-struck, he didn't notice the fact that Cala's projectile after projectile. It hit Mugman 3 times, and he went crashing down into the water: his plane smoking and spinning out of control before he sunk, deeply.
Cala gasped, and abruptly paused the fight. She immediately called back the fish following her command, and dove swiftly into the water. After about half a minute, she arose with the battered Mugman in her arms. She had a tear in her eye: she never actually meant to hit either of them- let alone cause pain and suffering. She regreted fighting back, she should have given up what they came for without causing pain the little mug and cup. Cuphead was no longer attacking, but was circling around the mermaid in his plane.
"Get your hands off my brother!" Cuphead yelled, shaking his fist at her from the plane.
"I-I didnt mean to hurt him! I was just trying to defend myself and I-" she had an angry, upset look but it transformed into an emotion of remorse and regret. Mugman rubbed his head a bit, and gazed into the eyes of the mermaid: they were even more beautiful and striking up close. It's like he could see the ocean in her eyes, like Mugman could see every little detail and specificity of the oceanic floor within her pupils. Her eyes softened, and no longer looked upset. Cuphead, seeing this interaction, was incredibly confused and bewildered. Just one minute ago, both of them were fighting this mermaid with full concentration. Now, it was like they were buddies- Cuphead was primarily worried that she would trick him so that she doesn't give up her contract.
Mugman got a little lost in her face, and Cala was also finding little things to gaze upon in the mug. He was simple and plain, but Cala could x-ray him- it was easy to see that his emotions and personality are quite playful and pleasant. It matched that of hers, she enjoyed being herself and doing childish things no matter how old she got- though to be frank she was still quite young.
"I didn't mean to hurt you little mug.. please, take my contract and go, I don't want to hurt you.." she was still holding Mugman in her arm, as she took out her contract from thin air, and handed it to Cuphead. Mugman, somehow, was not seriously injured and was healing at an incredible rate. She carried Mugman- along with his plane- back to the shore, and gingerly placed him on the ground there. He healed remarkably fast: Cala thought for sure the Mug was irreparably broken and injured, but he was able to walk and stand on his own when theyball got to shore.
"Say- thanks for not letting my brother drown back there, I know it's easy to think that we're here just to kill ya, but we're really trying to help ya too!" Cuphead spoke, then Mugman.
"Yeah! Our elder kettle told us that, when the devil asks for all those contracts, we refuse and give him one hell of a time, then when all is said and done, destroy all the contracts so everyone is saved!"
Cala Maria admired their bravery, they were both so brazen to go against a kind of foe as the owners of the casino. She chatted with them for a few moments, getting their names and understanding the mission they are on.
"I'm still so sorry, Mugman and Cuphead. Please, give that devil and mean mr. Dice what for! You're so strong willed and wonderful, I believe in you both!"
She looked at Mugman with admiration and flirtation, and winked at him. "Especially you Mugsy; go get 'em tiger!"
Mugman's face was turning red like his brother's nose, he really had no response other than to be bedazzled by her wonder, compliment, and overall essence. Mugman was honed in and completely focused on her, little hearts flying out of his face. Cuphead dragged his brother towards the casino, and waved at Cala. The mermaid was thinking about the little Mug, how she hurt him, the gaze he had, the little things that made her heart spur and her tummy float. She adored his gaze, the way he talked: she just wishes that she had more time to talk. Most of all, she hopes that they succeed in beating those nasty guys from the casino. She put her hands on the edge of the pier, getting a glimpse of Mugman as he did of her, and smiled very much at the sweet guy.
-----
Cala Maria awaited, for the night was getting dark. She knew the cupheaded brothers would come out triumphant, or lose to the devil: the last case being one Cala didn't even want to entertain the idea of. She really was thinking about that Mug that she met just some hours ago. She felt bad for causing him pain and hurting him, it wasn't something she did often; defending herself. She usually has no remorse when it comes to that, but she admired and- liked Mugman. He was sweet, kind, and didn't even hold resentment for busting him and his plane up like that.
Cala felt something stirring in her chest, like an emotion that she's never felt before. She didn't want to entertain the idea that she was 'falling' for this mug that she met just several hours ago. She just met him, and they both tried to attack her! Albeit it was for the contract and not out of just pure violence, it was still something to think about- Mugman didn't come to love and swoon her, he came there to fight- thought what ended up happening was more close to flirting than anything else.
She remembered what her old grandmother, Cephela, would tell Cala, to give wisdom to the younger generation of mermaids.
"In this world young mermaid, there's this thing called love- and no matter where you go it's everywhere, from everyone. It can break your heart, and put you in misery." But, ever since she's met that little Mugman, her admiration's so plain to see.
Meanwhile, in the office of King Dice, Cuphead and Mugman take turns beating the various minions that the head of die has to offer- none of them brought up serious challenges. The battle between the two cups and King Dice was, to say the least, anticlimactic and short. They were even able to beat that King Dice without taking a single hit! They were rewarded with a congratulatory "knockout!" And that nasty dice that has caused so much trouble, was finally finished: even his own gloves admit defeat. They waltz out of the room victorious, and move right on to the star of the show himself. They approached the big, furry guy who had a very malicious grin painted on him.
"I see you've defeated my little lackey King Dice! Now hand over those contracts and become my servants forever!"
"Fat chance! We're not giving a single one of these to ya!" Cuphead said with confidence.
"You'll regret saying that! I'll teach you not to back out of a deal!" The devil said with anger and rage, flames emerging around him and the grand final battle starting to begin. The two brothers got their best loadouts equipped, and got ready for one hell of a time.
-----
After just 2 minutes and 10 seconds, the brothers emerged victorious on the first try: rewarded with a grand and loud 'knockout!' They gave each-other a big hug for completing their long, intense, yet satisfying mission. Even though it was Cuphead that got them into doing this whole quest, they were both glad to be over with it all, and to have done a great deed to those dwelling in Inkwell. Upon the admittance of his defeat and brother's victory, Cuphead & Mugman strutted out of the casino in style, burning all the contracts in a fire nearby on their way out. When they entered Isle 3, they were met by a select few waiting outside Inkwell hell's entrance. It was Maxwell the radio, Elder Kettle, and the ghost of Mrs. Chalice.
"So boys, how did you turn out with that nasty owner of the casino?" Mrs. Chalice asked with earnest.
"Well, we gave that devil what for, and we threw all those contracts in the fire. Everyone indebted is free now!" Cuphead said triumphantly, with one hand on his side and his other hand bringing his brother in for a hug.
"Boys, this is wonderful news! Everyone has gotta know this right away!" Elder kettle spoke with joy and excitement.
Maxwell, the radio, was already ahead of the elder kettle. He started winding his little lever, and began to broadcast an emergency radio transmission to everyone on Inkwell.
"Attention all Inkwell citizens! The owner of the casino has been booted, and all indebted are now free!" Within seconds, they could heard gasps and cries of surprise in the distance. It was all the denizens of Isle 3 coming out to where Cuphead and Mugman were, to see and thank the two for the great deed they have done.
Meanwhile, Cala Maria was resting her arms on a small sea-stack rock. She gazed out into the distance, towards Inkwell, and sighed softly. She yearned to see that mug again, to know whether or not he succeeded. Cala didn't want to bear the thought that they would fail and fall into servitude to those fiends: the idea made her shiver. Then, she heard the screeches and gasps coming from the mainland. She became afraid for what could have happened, so she swam swiftly to Isle 3.
Arriving to the shore, she was surprised to see happy faces and warm spirits in the air. Overhearing from Sally Stageplay and her husband, the 2 cupheaded brothers were victorious! It made her joyous to know this, she swam as close to entourage as she could to get a scoop in what is happening. She overheard cuphead talking about the events that took place.
"-and then his henchmen came outta nowhere, and there was only one platform for us to jump and dash on. What a rush, huh brother?" He turned to the crowd and pulled his brother in to his side.
"I really wouldn't be able to do it all, without my brave, sweet, caring, and considerate brother, Mugmaaaan!"
Everyone started to cheer for them both, the excitement getting to everyone as Rumor Honeybottoms picked up Cuphead, and Grim Matchstick took Mugman into his arms. Together, with the whole crowd, they paraded around the entirety of Inkwell. They began where they were, at the entrance to Inkwell Hell, and went their way through the streets. Everyone was there to see it: from Brineybeard, Dr. Kahl and his robot, to Werner, even The Baroness and her candy-minions were witness to the event. All- except for the one that mattered most to Mugman- Cala Maria. He remembers just how kind and caring she was, to just give her contract like that without having to finsih the whole battle. Her eyes of turquiose and scales that reflect the sunshine in the water, it was all so beautiful, and she was so warm and sweet. He wanted to see her, witness her striking presence. It almost turned him to stone not being near her, thanking her properly for saving his life from drowning in the depths.
Cala Maria wanted nothing more to be near Mugman, but it was very challenging: the crowd was always near the middle of land, almost never near the water. When they did get close to the ocean, Mugman was preoccupied with waving to the cheering crowd. It frusturated her as she wanted to at least get his acknowledgment, she ballooned up her cheeks like a pufferfish. Elder Kettle saw her distressed face, as well as the one on his own son's face, and whistled the mermaid over to the pier on isle 2. Mugmam and Cuphead were busy having free carnival food from Beppi, and candy from The Baroness.
"Hey, over here!" The elder kettle whistled. Cala swam over, and had a disappointed expression on her face.
"What's all the fuss, is something on your mind?" Elder kettle sat down, and put his hands in his lap to relax.
"I'm, frusturated! I want to talk with that Mug, but everyone is all over him and wants to be with him for themselves! I would like a moment to be alone with him.." Cala pouted, and there were a few tears that were about to form in her eyes, she wiped them from her eyes. Elder Kettle closed his eyes for just a few moments, and opened them again while softly smiling.
"Now, there's no need to fret little mermaid. I can get you some one-on-one time with my son, Mugman. How about in 2 hours, right here where we are?" Elder kettle said. He was being genuine, as Cala could tell by looking into his eyes.
"You-you promise kind old kettle?" She asked softly, keeping her excitement within herself. Elder kettle gave her a thumbs up, and winked: a sign he would keep his promise. He picked up his cane, and followed the group back to the party. Cala was beaming, and was waving her tail back and forth in happiness. She joyfully kept her head above the water to gaze at Mugman in the crowd, admiring him from a distance until the time they could meet.