Catch and Release: Mugman X Cala Maria

And so our story begins.

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.