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s-creations · 2 years

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Quomodo Mundus Cadit - Chapter 7

The defeat of the Devil should have been the end of it. The Cup Brothers won and all debts were to be forgiven.

At least…that was the original plan. No one was expecting the world to fall apart. Whatever was contained in the Devil was not unleashed onto the world. Now it’s up to two powerless children, a dice with no title, and a immortal being with no powers to fix what’s become broken.

(Story idea inspired by artwork created by @inazumaneko)

Fandom: The Cuphead Show/Cuphead Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Relationships: Cuphead & Mugman & The Devil & King Dice, The Devil/King Dice Warnings/Additional Tags: Lots of Characters, Violence, Blood, Sacrifice, People are gonna die, Death, Elder Kettle is in this but won’t appear for awhile, AU, Inspired by Tumblr, End of the World.

The cart was quiet as it traveled along the dirt path. The brother’s huddled together in the back, both hovering around passing out. The lingering adrenaline the only thing keeping them awake. The ex-con man had a tight grip on the reins, looking straight ahead as his mind raced. His body so tense he felt as if he was ready to snap. Lucifer wasn’t doing much better. The demon staring down at his still bloody hands, occasionally twitching, clearly just on edge as Dice was.

They didn’t pull off until Dice had difficulty seeing the road ahead. Both from the darkening sky and eyes barely open. He found a small clearing that was thankfully near a running river. Dice turned to Lucifer and shortly said, “Go wash off.”

Lucifer merely nodded before walking off. As Dice gathered supplies to set up camp, he looked up seeing Cuphead move. The former quickly caught the kid’s attention and gave a shake of his head. Cuphead paused before giving a small nod before sitting back down, holding Mugman once more.

Dice felt exhaustion eventually settle into his bones. No longer needing to focus on the road, his own adrenaline seeped from his body. Mind foggy, Dice rather clumsily tripped over his own feet. But was saved from landing on his face with an arms wrapping around his chest.

“Why don’t you take a seat. I can finish this.” Lucifer said softly.

“I…might pass out if I do.” Dice mutters back.

“Well, you do need sleep. You and the boys.”

“...Okay…” Dice gave the supplies over before more or less collapsing. Leaning against a dead tree to watch Lucifer move items around. Thankful for the fire that sent warmth over the area.

The ex-con didn't mind when two smaller forms pressed onto either side of him. Cuphead and Mugman peered up, silently asking with drooping eyes if they could stay. Dice merely grunted before wrapping an arm around each brother. All passing out while Lucifer’s movement becomes comfortable background noises. When Dice woke again, the boys were still clinging to him. Still fast asleep. A large wool blanket draped over all of them.

Lucifer was sitting by the fire, staring at the flames. The scene gave Dice an eerie feeling as this looked too close to what he saw at the beginning of this ‘adventure’.

“Have you slept?” Dice asked quietly.

“No, I’m to… My fur is itching.”

Dice hummed softly. Reaching up to gently place a hand on either boy’s head. “So… What the actual hell happened back there?”

“...I got angry.”

The ex-con man nodded softly. “I’m not sure what that really means.”

“I’ve been feeling so numb since this started. Emotions have never been my strong suit. You know this.”

“I’m very aware of this, yes.”

“But I’ve felt nothing for so long, I thought it was just because I lost my powers. The empty, numb feeling created from losing something so large of myself. When we went to the village, I felt…I felt again. A small part of whatever’s missing was suddenly back.”

“Is the smell you remarked about…would that be related to this?”

“Yeah… It was Pride.”

Dice blinked. “What? What does that mean?”

“The Mayor, he was dripping with Prideful sin. He stenched of it.”

“Wait, sin. You can still detect sin?”

Lucifer shrugged weakly. “I think it’s more that I can recognize the smell… Kind of like smelling a favorite recipe I haven’t had in a long time.”

“Why couldn’t I smell it?”

“Because you’re not a demon.”

“Okay, I guess that checks out. So, when you had the Mayor trapped, did you… What did you do to him?”

“Sucked the sin right out of him.”

“Ew.”

“You asked.”

“Do you feel better? You seem a bit more aware.”

“I feel as if something important has been returned to me. But I’m still not…okay.”

Dice nodded, staring into the fire. “I haven’t seen you that angry in what feels like a long time.”

“...I heard Cuphead.”

“Heard?”

“He called for help.”

The ex-con man let out a slow sigh, gripping the cup’s arm gently. “Okay… You said something about the villagers not really being alive. Or that they were dead? You weren’t super clear.”

“That’s pretty much my life right now, right? Having so much information but not really sure how to explain any of it. I wasn’t lying when I said those villagers weren’t alive. The closest thing I could relate them to would be zombies.”

“So…they were undead?”

“Had been for a while.”

“What was keeping them alive?”

“The Mayor, it was his sin…it was so embedded into the mortal. All of it caused it to…grow, change, alter, I’m not sure how to put it.”

“Like…his sin became a power?”

“More like a festering growth. One that leeches onto that horrid trait, that sin. It had become so strong that he was able to manipulate the world around him. Whoever he truly was before, his negative traits were for us to see. Pompous, narcissistic, full of himself. It seems those traits were amplified due to the world as it is. Kind of like…if I’m not in control, sin becomes wild.”

“Hmmm…Sounds like a terrible mayor.”

“Sounds like every politician I’ve ever met.”

Dice frowned. “Do you think we’ll run into any more of these people? These…powerful sinners, if you will.”

Lucifer snorted, but made no comment on the name. “No doubt. I’ll just have to pay closer attention to new areas we enter.”

“And to not rush in like an absolute idiot.”

The demon full on laughed this time. Dice’s heart beating furiously hearing it, hoping his cheeks weren’t flushed. “Yeah, I’ll work on that… How are you feeling?”

“Overwhelmed. It was a weird comfort seeing you act that way. I thought you had returned…”

“To a point, I thought I had too… But I guess that would be too easy, huh?”

“That village was the only one on the trail to our goal.”

“Then let's hope we don’t have to do anything like that again.”

“Agreed.”

___________________

It was slow waking the next day. Mainly for the fact that it was the first time in a while Cuphead felt safe. As well as being remarkably warm. He let out a wide yawn before fully opening his eyes. He was leaning against Dice, who was snoring softly, with a wool blanket draped over him. Mugman was sleeping on the other side of the adult. Pressed as close to Dice as he could. Seeming to think the adult was a large stuffed toy. Cuphead laughed softly.

He carefully pulled away. Not wanting to wake the others as he slowly stood. Cuphead paused when he looked up to find Lucifer, wide awake, sitting by the dead fire. The cup instantly became nervous as their eyes connected.

“Um…morning?” Cuphead offered.

“Morning. Take a seat.” Lucifer replied.

Cuphead shuffled over carefully before sitting by the pile of ashened logs. Looking anywhere he could that wasn’t near the other.

“I’m not going to hurt you.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

The cup faltered at that, peering up slowly. “I mean… You haven’t killed us so far.”

Lucifer laughed and nodded. “Fair.”

“...You also came to rescue us.”

“You asked for me to.”

“I called for help because I didn’t know what else to do.”

“Sometimes that’s all you can do.”

Cuphead nodded weakly. “...You were really scary yesterday. You didn’t look like that when we faced you.”

“Don’t know what to tell you. I’m just as surprised as you are.”

“Will…you turn into it again?”

“Don’t know.”

“...Did you know what you were doing?”

Lucifer looked over in worry hearing this. Cuphead’s eyes shifted back down quickly. The demon suddenly felt nervous. Was he supposed to comfort the kid? How? Dice was the one who was the people person. Lucifer skulked in the shadows. On top of that, Cuphead was his enemy…right? Didn’t the cup still seem like him that?

Taking a deep breath, Lucifer inched closer. Reaching out and carefully placing a hand on Cuphead’s shoulder. The younger flinched, but didn’t pull away. Looking up slightly. “I may have been in a rage, but I was very much aware of what was going on. I wasn’t going to hurt you or your brother…or Dice. I should probably include him in there as well.”

“...Yeah?”

“Yeah…I should be thanking you. You’re what spurred me into action.”

“Really?”

“Yep. It was strange. Hearing you call out in fear seemed to kick something in me. Strange, right?”

“I think that’s called a ‘parental instinct’.” Cuphead teased, which Lucifer laughed at.

“Oh goodness, could you imagine that? Me, a parent?”

“I just shivered from the idea.”

“Feeling cheeky are we?” Cuphead merely laughed, leaning closer to rest against the demon. Lucifer tensed slightly at the action. Worried for a few seconds before realizing the cup intentionally meant to do that.

The older placed a hand on Cuphead’s arm. Looking up, he was surprised to find Dice awake, watching the scene with a small smile.

Which Lucifer returned easily.

Mugman was still asleep, moved to the front of the cart as the rest picked up the camp. Remaining there while Dice took the reins. Lucifer falling asleep in the back with Cuphead leaning against him. Awake, but content. Just as Dice said, they didn’t come across another village. Taking another two whole days before they arrived at their destination.

There was an eerie feeling hanging in the air as the carted entered the large clearing. The structure before them was a tall, dome building. Seeming to have been carved by a large rock and not built from the ground up. Whether it was already there or it had been moved there, it was unclear. Said structure was decorated with golden markings that seemed to shimmer. Even with the overcast in the sky. A large wooden door was the only barrier keeping the group out.

Dice pulled the cart to a stop right before said door. Taking a deep breath before turning to Lucifer. “What…do you think we should be expecting?”

The demon frowned. “Honestly? No idea. If this is the last stronghold of the Calix Animi, then they would have no doubt built something to hold outsiders back. What that is, haven’t a clue. We’ll just need to move carefully.”

Dice nodded before turning towards the boys. “We will be going in first. If there are any issues, you two are going to run.”

Cuphead puffed out his chest to argue. Only to be silenced by Dice pressing a finger over his mouth.

“No arguing.”

“...Fine.”

Lucifer led the party in, taking a deep breath before pushing the door open. A small but towering room greeted them first. Not a soul in sight. Right across from them was a set of golden double doors. Depictions of the Calix Animi were carved into it. All carrying weapons, halos of light behind each carved head. To the very right of it was a rather plain archway. The hallway winding around to go deeper into the building. They ignored it, heading right to the golden doors.

The first shock of worry came when they realized the doors…were already open.

“They’re open.” Lucifer whispered back to Dice, who’s eyes widened in worry. The latter waved the boys to remain back while he and Lucifer went on the defense.

Slowly opening the door further, the group was greeted with both good and terrible news. It was a moment of relief to see the vault was empty. But that was also the issue of it being empty. The entire vault had nothing held inside. No weapons, no shields, no potions, nothing.

“No…” Dice choked out.

“Are you…kidding me. Where the hell is everything!” Lucifer roars out in absolute rage.

“Shit…shit! Who else would have even known about this? Could they have moved the weapons?”

“How could anyone else know!? How could they have even found out? We had a God damn book written by the idiotic being themselves! There’s no way for anyone else to know!”

“Were there any other places that we could-”

“There was nothing else Dice, nothing! This was our best bet!”

The ex-con man let out a slow breath. Looking back hearing a fearful whimper, finding the boys had entered now. Mugman clearly scared, Cuphead in shock. Before he could say anything, Dice was pushed out of the way. Stumbling slightly as he watched Lucifer stalk out of the room. Cuphead kept his brother behind him as the demon walked by.

“W-What do we do now?” Mugman asked quietly.

Dice huffed weakly, rubbing his eyes before looking around once more. “Perhaps…there’s a secret room. Something of another hidden area. A backup of some kind. Look around to see if you can find anything. Just…move carefully.”

Lucifer felt rage bubbling in his chest. It burned and expanded in a way he was sure he was about to burst. Pacing around the room they’d first entered in, hoping to exhaust the fire out in some way. How could it turn out like this? He was so sure this was going to work. Now stuck with no way forward or any idea who could have beaten them here.

During his frantic pacing, a flash of light caught Lucifer’s attention. Looking up to see a rather corroded over plaque that was mounted to the wall next to the golden doors. A corner of it clear enough for the smallest amount of light from the outside reflecting off of it. Curious, Lucifer walked over. Just able to make out what had been inscribed.

“To allow entry…to destruction… One must be given for the many. What…does that even mean?” Lucifer frowned, running the words through his mind.

Breathing slowly through his nose, he gave a pause when an unwelcome and faint scent hit him. Decay, something that’s been here for a while now. Nothing had been spotted so far, meaning that…

Lucifer’s attention went towards the curved hallway. With the way it was built, it was unclear where it led to. But it was the last palace to search. So what could be the harm in looking? Leaving the voices of his companions behind, Lucifer headed in. Footsteps became muffled as the walls enclosed around him. The uncomfortable smell grew more as he followed the winding path. Soon reaching the end.

Past the presented archway was a small room. An altar resting against the furthest wall. And lying at the foot of it, unmoving and rusting away, was Elder Kettle.

Lucifer felt fear creep into him as his eyes rested on the familiar form. Without the need to check for a pulse he could tell the kettle was dead. The silver was corroding away, the flesh slowly rotting. No doubt this was where the smell was coming from. It was also clear that there was nothing to be done. Elder Kettle had been dead for a while now. Yet Lucifer couldn’t move. Unable to get his feet to respond, to get away from here.

“Lucifer? Where’d you go?”

Cuphead’s voice sounded from the main room.

Cuphead.

He and his brother were here.

The fear weighed heavier in Lucifer’s stomach.

“Lucifer?” The boy’s voice sounded closer, footsteps heard in the winding tunnel.

Shit.

Feeling returning to his legs, Lucifer quickly turned. Able to stop Cuphead before the final turn. Right before seeing the body. The demon slapped on a clearly forced smile. “What’s up Cuphead? Did you find anything?”

The cup shook his head weakly “No, Dice and Mugman are thinking about what we could do next. I wanted to come and find you. Are you okay? You got…really angry. I was worried you were going to change again.”

Lucifer allowed the smile to falter slightly. “Uh, yeah. I’m not the best with plans not working the way I want. With this being the best way to end this…”

Cuphead nodded again. “Okay…”

“I told you at the campsite, I’m not going to hurt you. Just…when I’m like that, give me room. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay… So, did you find something? I didn’t even know this hallway was here.”

Oh, the fear was back.

“Nothing! Absolutely nothing is back there, just another empty room. Oh…darn! Really boring, promise.”

Cuphead raised a brow. “...You seem really nervous.”

“Uhh…”

“Come on, let me see, I’m curious now!”

Shit!

“Nope, it’s nothing! Let’s go back to the other’s to see what plan they have no doubt-” Lucifer had placed a hand on Cuphead’s shoulder. Attempting to pull the cup back to the front. Only for the smaller form to slip by easily and dashed towards the room. Lucifer felt bile crawl up his throat. “Cuphead, wait!”

“I just want to see what-”

The demon knew the moment when Cuphead found Elder Kettle. The cup frozen in the archway. Eyes focused on the unmoving form. Lucifer gently reached out to take the younger’s hand. Trying to pull him away. “Cuphead-”

“Elder Kettle?” Cuphead called out weakly.

“We need to go back to the others-”

“Elder Kettle, wake up!”

“There’s nothing we can do.”

“No! No no no, he’s right there! Elder Kettle please!”

Lucifer’s arms were now filled with a squirming child. One desperately reaching out, tears flowing as Cuphead called out his caretaker’s name. Stress only grew when Mugman appeared, no doubt benign drawn over by his brother’s cries. Lucifer called out, unsure if he was trying to tell Mugman to stop or to get Dice to collect the child before it was too late. All amounting to nothing as the mug found his caretaker as well.

Mugman let out a scream of distress, going to no doubt try and shake Elder Kettle. Lucifer quickly pulled the mug closer. Dice finally appeared. Taking the entire scene with a quiet calm. Eventually turned to Lucifer and said, “Let them go Lucifer.”

“But-”

“Just…let them go.”

The demon frowned but did as instructed. The boys instantly rushed over to Elder Kettle’s side. Rolling the kettle onto his back, showing a collapsed and sunken face. Eyes closed, face set into a deep frown. The small room was filled with cries and wails of desperate pleas from Cuphead and Mugman. Begging for their caretaker to wake up, to move, to say something. But Elder Kettle remained unmoving.

The boys eventually tired themselves out. Leaning against the other while they gripped onto the kettle’s hand. Lucifer and Dice only able to stand back and watch. The former eventually stood, quietly saying to the other, “Stay with them.”

Dice didn’t argue back. Eyes still on the boys while the demon walked out.

Lucifer left the large temple, making his way over to the cart. Grabbing the shovel before peering around the wide area. Selecting a spot near the edge of the tree line, heading over, and started to dig. He wasn’t sure how long he worked, but he soon had a deep and wide hole created. Sticking the shovel in the ground, Lucifer shook off the sweat before heading back to the cart.

Digging through the pile of blankets, Lucifer pulled out one of a deep purple color. Laying it out on the ground as flat as he could. Taking a deep breath to steel himself before Lucifer returned to the others.

Between the sniffs and soft sobs, it was unnervingly quiet. All right where Lucifer had left them. Dice said nothing as the demon passed by. Kneeling next to the brothers, Lucifer gently pulled the kettle’s hand from their grasp. Mugman gave a small noise of complaint, but nothing more was said. Being careful, Lucifer easily collected the unmoving form in his arms.

None questioned or argued as Lucifer walked out of the temple once more. The demon laying the kettle down on the spread out blanket. Wrapping it around Elder Kettle before lifting him up once more.

Mugman, upon seeing the large hole they were heading to, began to cry once more. Dice picking both boys up, all watching solemnly as Elder Kettle was placed in the newly created hole. Lucifer climbed back out, grabbing the shovel once more and began to toss dirt in.

Not a word was said as Lucifer finished up. Patting the dirt down as gently as he could before calling it finished. Going to stand by the group at the foot of the newly created grave. Lucifer was slightly surprised when Cuphead reached out for him. But took the cup without complaint, the other hand still holding onto the shovel.

There the group remained, saying nothing, eyes on the grave before them.

The light slowly fading. Yet they didn’t move.

Physically and mentally unable to move forward.

#cuphead #mugman #the devil #king dice #inazumaneko #s-creations #fanfiction #inspired by art #au world #also on ao3

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s-creations · 2 years

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Quomodo Mundus Cadit - Chapter 6

The defeat of the Devil should have been the end of it. The Cup Brothers won and all debts were to be forgiven.

(Story idea inspired by artwork created by @inazumaneko)

“You need to listen to reason, please! They’re just kids, killing them will not help!”

“Save your breath Dice, they aren’t going to listen.”

Dice, with hands still wrapped around the cell bars, turned back to glare at his cellmate. “You’re no help.”

“What do you expect me to do? Wiggle bars that I know aren’t going to pop out? We’re stuck here Dice.”

“I can’t believe you right now. The boys are in danger and you’re just going to sit there!”

“Dice, you need to calm down.” Lucifer stood, placing his hand on the ex-con man’s shoulders. Only pulling away when he felt Dice relax. Letting out a slow breath. “Better?”

“No. But I don’t feel like clawing my skin off.”

“It’s something. I get you’re upset. But you’re not going to convince this crew. For one part, I don’t think anyone is close enough to hear us. The kids haven’t even responded. The other is the fact that, whatever is happening here, it has a strong hold on everyone. Brineybeard knew us and thankfully heard us out. The sea-side town was physically affected, not mentally.”

“This place is drenched with something bad. It’s actually soaked into the ground.” Lucifer’s face scrunched.

Dice raised a brow at that. “What do you mean?”

“It…smells here. It’s disgusting. I noticed it a little bit at first, when we first entered the town, but now it’s strong. Sickeningly strong. Spice with something sticky, sick, sweet after tones.”

Dice cautiously turned towards the out hallway, sniffing the air. “...I don’t smell anything.”

“I figured as much. You would have said something by now.”

“I thought I was too busy yelling to pay attention.”

“The smell is bad enough, you would have paused to comment on it.”

“So…this smell. What do you think this smell is? Do you think it’s important?”

Lucifer shrugged. Leaning against the bars and glaring on the concrete floor. “I think so… I mean, the smell is so familiar. In a weird sort of way.”

“Are we discussing the smell of air? Really?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, did you want to go back to yelling at the wall?”

Dice huffed and rolled his eyes. “And you’ve been helpful?”

“Fine. How about we just go to our neutral corners and rot away for the rest of our lives.”

“Fine.” Dice snapped.”

“Fine.” Lucifer replied shortly. Stalking away and curling into one of the back corners of their small cell. Eyes staring on the dirt covered floor. Attempting to ignore Dice as he tried to break down the cell door.

________________________

Cuphead was shaking. He knew he was. It wasn’t from the cold. He was absolutely terrified.

It took awhile to get Mugman to calm down. Between the pain and fear, the mug was beside himself. Tears poured out of his good eyes while he cradled the other one. In hopes of keeping his remaining pieces in place. Using what fabric he could spare, Cuphead had quickly created a makeshift patch. Whispering softly with comforting words while pulling Mugman close. Resting the good side of the cup’s shoulder. Hand gently rubbing the mug’s handle gently.

Cuphead felt some weight off his shoulder when Mugman finally fell asleep. But not enough to let himself fall asleep. He was in a panicked state of mind, eyes traveling around the small cell. As if there would suddenly be a solution to get out of this situation.

Maybe he could blast the door-

Wait, no powers.

Okay…well, what if his soul could turn into the strong form-

No powers.

Ugh, okay, think… What about turning immortal and-

No. Powers.

Cuphead’s head was pounding, eyes sore and bloodshot. There was a heavy weight in his chest. He never thought his life, their lives, would fall into this state.The world falling apart, people either dead or struggling. Elder Kettle just…abandoning them and their only ‘reliable’ adults were those trying to hurt him and Mugman before. That was crazy, insane!

And it was all his fault.

Cuphead’s breathing hiccuped, quickly pulling himself back from falling off that edge. With everything that was going on, with how exhausted he felt after each day, Cuphead wasn’t able to think about a lot. Now however, wide awake with nothing to distract. He kept going back to the same point.

This was all his fault. There was no way around this point. All of this started when he decided to go into that damned Casino. Cuphead felt terrible when he put Mugman’s life on the line. Now, he was distraught. Because his stupid, selfish choices caused everything to go to Hell. The only people he could trust fled (probably to get as far away from Cuphead as possible) and the other two were previous enemies. Previous enemies that were just as powerless as the brothers were.

All of this falling back to one point.

Cuphead gambled and lost.

From the very start, he was determined to set things right. To make sure that nothing else could be lost (oh, the irony there). Cuphead had tried to get the contracts on his own at first. Feeling sick when he had to call his neighbors and friends out to fight. Had tried to convince Mugman that the mug needed to go home when the ‘younger’ suddenly showed up. But no matter how hard Cuphead tried to keep a grip on the situation, it all slipped through his fingers.

Lost in his thoughts of escaping and berating, Cuphead wasn’t aware that the sun was rising. Both brothers jumped when their cell door was slammed open. The Mayor standing in the doorway while being followed by a large group of his followers.

“Good morning, my little sinners,” the Mayor practically purred, “I hope you’re ready to be sacrificed!”

Cuphead curled closer around his brother hearing the mug let out a whimper. The cup opened his mouth to try and argue, to beg, to curse. But nothing fell out.

“Silent acceptance. What a wonderful sound. Gather them up my lovely followers. We need to start.”

Either too exhausted or mind still reeling on trying to figure out what to do, Cuphead barely fought back. Foggy mind still trying to to work out some solution as they were both easily lifted and carried out. He heard Mugman whisper a desperate plea for Cuphead to do or say something.

But the cup wasn't moving. Eyes straight ahead.

None of the cells they passed held Dice or Lucifer. They were led (carried was probably more accurate) back towards the center of the village. Their cart was gone. Possibly destroyed to be used as raw materials for whatever crazy idea the Mayor had. The ruined fountain was now hidden away, underneath a large wood stage. A structure that towered above them. The only ‘unique’ thing about it all was a single wooden plank with a single piece of rope tied to it.

The brothers were carried up said stairs. Quickly tied up by the rope, letting out a scream as they’re pushed off. The single beam letting out a dangerous creak at the sudden and sharp supply of weight. Now both brothers were dangling dangerously above the uneven bricked road. Cuphead felt his stomach drop at the distance between them and the ground. Which seemed to only grow the more the cup stared down.

“Dear followers,” the Mayor called out cheerfully to the large crowd gathered below, “the time you’ve been waiting for! The justice our Melodious Voice deserves. These despicable beings of deceitfulness will bring about the ending we all deserve. When their heads are smashed upon the ground, we will gain our reward!”

There were cries and cheers of agreement at the Mayor’s speech. The brother’s let out another scream of fear as the rope jerked. Looking up to find another follower slowly cutting the thick rope.

“Fester in your fear, oh sinners! Your dark emotions will only make our victory so much better.”

“C-Cuphead!” Mugman cried out, “C-Cuphead, what do we do?”

“I-I…” Cuphead swallowed weakly. Wide eyes darting around in desperation, trying to find some sort of solution.

Another jerk to the rope as it’s cut a little further and Cuphead seemed to snap out of his fear. In the moment of clarity, he filled his lungs and belted out a single word that held every plea in his body.

“HELP!”

________________________

Dice wasn’t sure when he fell asleep. He hadn’t intended to, so he assumed his body had just given out. Learning against the metal bars, sleeping ‘peacefully’. Until a loud ‘BANG’ echoed in their small cell. The bars rattled furiously as something clearly slammed into them.

“W-What?” Dice called out, standing up on shaky legs as he looked around. He eventually noticed it was Lucifer who had moved. Gripping at the bars and snarling, his fury standing on end. “Lucifer? What’s wrong?”

“They’re in danger.” The feral creature growled deeply.

“Who, what-”

“I remember that smell now. We need to get out of here!”

Dice’s comment of sarcasm about trying to get out last night died away in a hard swallow as he watched Lucifer easily rip the door off its hinges. Letting out a grunt as he threw said door and rushed out before the metal hit the ground. Dice had to pick his jaw off the floor before following out. Feeling horribly sluggish between the confusion and exhaustion as he tries to catch up.

Stumbling back slightly upon turning the corner and almost tripping over a partially torn body.

“Oh…” Dice swallowed weakly, “We’re in that kind of mood- Wait…that kind of mood?”

It suddenly hit Dice why this scene all looked so familiar. This was a typical tantrum attack from the Devil, not Lucifer. A confusion of how this was even possible and what had set the other off, Dice picked up the pace. Easily ignoring the multiple bodies that now litter the floor. Lucifer was kicking the doors open just as Dice finally reached him.

“Lucifer! Lucifer, what’s happening to you?” Dice stumbled back slightly, catching the full view of the other.

This was definitely not the being Dice had been traveling with the past few days. Horns had grown, fangs clear and long that were framed with curled lips in a snarl, claws tearing deep gashes into the stone wall. Yellow eyes were shining brightly, pupils barely visible slits. It wasn’t the full Devil, but Dice knew this was not something that could be counted as normal.

“Lucifer-”

“Do you smell it?” the other’s voice was a low growl, “Fear.”

“The boys?”

“He’s caused this. That prideful, arrogant bastard. I’ll rip him APART.”

Dice clenched his fists. “They get him! Why are you just standing there?”

He stumbled back slightly at the sudden gust of wind as Lucifer took off. Dice following as best he could once more, heading towards the center of town. He heard the screams of fear followed by the roar of no doubt Lucifer. Turning the next building just as a body was flung past him. Lucifer was doing his best to fend off the Mayor’s followers. The crazed man himself standing above it all on a large wooden structure. And dangling off said structure by a slowly fraying rope were-

“Boys!” Dice called out in panic. Feeling sick with worry as fearful eyes landed on him. Screams of fear and pleas being drowned out by Lucifer and the screams. “Lucifer, I need to get up there!”

But the other had difficulty breaking free from the piles of mortals. Holding his own, but unable to rush to aid. Glowing eyes always snapping back to the Mayor, clearly stating that the mortal was his only goal. So, Dice was on his own. He knew running up the structure would take too long. It was going to be a struggle just to cut his way through the current fight. Meaning Dice had to try and catch them.

But for that he would need-

Eyes landed on a discarded knife. Not his own, no doubt it belonged to one of the villagers and weren’t able to use it before Lucifer got to them. But it benefited Dice. He snatched it up as he darted forward. Keeping on his toes as he dodged around the bodies being thrown around. A quick moment of silence of thanks that all seemed to focus on Lucifer.

Heart hammering, Dice took a deep breath, aimed, and threw the knife. It hit its mark. Slicing through the remainder of the rope easily. The brothers let out screams of absolute fear as they dropped. Dice quickly got below them, letting out an ‘Oomph!’as they landed in his arms. But Dice didn’t stop. Now that the boys weren’t in danger of smashing, Dice’s next concern was to get them as far away as possible.

“It’s okay, you’re both okay.” Dice whispered in what he hoped was a calming voice. Dashing away from the center, ducking between the crumbling buildings.

Hoping they were well hidden, Dice set the brother’s down and began to untie them. Carefully and quickly checking them over, a brief moment of relief when Dice discovered no new injuries. Mugman was sobbing. Dice happily allowing the mug to cling to him. Cuphead was more quiet in his sorrow. It was the first time Dice had ever seen the young cup cry. Face scrunched up with eyes closed, tears flowing, shoulders shaking slightly with the occasional hiccup.

Cuphead was startled as he was easily picked up. An arm holding him close to a warm body he knew he shouldn’t find comfort in.

“You’re okay.” Dice whispered calmly.

“I-I… I couldn’t d-do anything.” Cuphead choked out.

“It’s okay,” Dice commented, “You're okay. You can’t expect to carry the world. That’s…That’s why I’m here. Let me help.”

Cuphead collapses against Dice, feeling some sort of weight being lifted off his shoulders. Allowing himself to relax around the ex-con man. Dice let out a sigh of relief as he held the brother’s closer. Trying to enjoy the brief moment of silence.

“You ungrateful sinner!”

Dice tensed up at the unfortunately familiar voice. Keeping the boys close to his chest, the ex-con man found the Mayor behind him. Breathing ragged with a knife held tightly in his hand.

“You’ve ruined everything! You are beyond redemption, your blood will be spilled along with theirs!”

As the Mayor raised his knife, Dice held the brothers closer, trying to quickly work out some escape plan. It was impossible to dodge. The Mayor was to close and any movement could put the boys in immediate danger. But fighting was out of the question as well. Not enough room to maneuver. Dice was clearly going to have to take the blow.

The knife had barely started to lower when something heavy collided against the Mayor. Keeping the brother’s as close as possible so they couldn’t watch, Dice felt himself tense as he watched. Being filled with absolute fear.

Lucifer looked absolutely deranged. Fur soaked with blood, claws covered with the same substance with his hangs painted red. He was snarling as he towered over the Mayor. Who was now pinned to the ground, eyes wide with fear as he stared up at Lucifer.

Dice could only watch as Lucifer’s jaw unhinged, a fearful moment passing that Dice thought the other was going to fully eat the Mayor. Instead an unholy noise left Lucifer, one that sounded like a soulless wail. One that was unnaturally mimicked by the Mayor in turn. A purple-greenish smoke started to rise off the stiff Mayor. Lucifer seemed to suck every last bit of it until the Mayor was nothing more than a small pile of dust with rags covering it.

Satisfied, Lucifer stood once more, putting his jaw back in place before facing Dice. Who was as stiff as could be with a hand on the back of each brother’s head.

When Dice allowed his brain to restart, he realized Lucifer had returned to his ‘mortal’ self. “Lucifer…what the hell was that?”

The other paused at this. Attention going back to the slowly disappearing into the wind pile of dust. Eye growing wide in surprise, as if he just now realized what happened. “I..am not really sure…”

“What do you mean you don’t-” Dice swallowed weakly, looking down at the boys quickly. They hadn’t moved, still pressed desperately close, not wanting to move. “We can have this talk later. Right now we need to-”

The ground suddenly began to shake. Lucifer quickly bends down and wraps his arms around the boys and Dice protectively. The adultes watched as cracks suddenly began to form. Large wisps of the same purple-green smoke crawled its way out from the center of town. Seeping into said cracks, all disappearing into them before the cracks closed and the ground became solid once more.

A few moments passed before Dice gave a weak, “What the hell?”

“Okay. We’ll unpack all of this later. Right now, we need to get our supplies and leave.”

Dice merely nodded. All huddled close as they moved together through the eerily quiet town.

It was a moment of relief upon finding the cart and horse (surprisingly) in tack. Along with their supplies nearby in a half-hazard pile. They remained quiet as they hitched everything up and quickly left. Making a point to cut a wide path away from the center.

“Is everyone dead?” Mugman asked weakly when they were far enough away.

“I’m not sure they were even alive to begin with.” Lucifer replied back, but didn’t explain further.

In all honesty, no one wanted to continue to talk about it. At least, not right now.

The purple-green smoke seeped into the ground. Wiggling its way deeper, sliding through every crack and opening. Reaching a cavern deep into the earth, completely shrouded in darkness. The smoke hovering near the top, as if afraid to go further in.

But it wasn’t given much of a choice.

In the heavy darkness, unseen by any, a large mouth unseen in the darkness opened and easily swallowed the smoke. Multiple eyes of sickly yellow, glowing as they peered around the dark. A soft giggle echoing within the cavern.

“So…they’re still alive. I should be upset…but I’m so curious to see how far they can get into this ‘adventure’. I’ve waited a few centuries for revenge…I can wait longer.”

#cuphead #mugman #The Devil #King Dice #inazumaneko #s-creations #fanfiction #inspired by art #au world #also on ao3

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