Chapter Text
“Distorted and surreal,
And the moment our eyes meet
For the last time—”
────────
“Why are we committing arson again?”
I look upon my brother, his face contorting into what I can tell a frustrated expression adorned with sickness at my questions. I smiled in amusement, he's never been one for jokes—At least not in these type of situation.
“Cuphead, you know why.” Genuinely! I figured he could take a joke or two from his beloved twin but alas he simply has no good humor.
Wailing dramatically, I voiced my frustration, “Nyea, nyea! ‘No evidence left'.’ But truly, who is willing to search for nobodies?” Mugman let out another sigh of similar tone.
“Boss’ orders,” He muttered, stiff as always in regard of work, “And besides, it'll be soon until we finish all of the Rat’s dirty work.” I whistled at his way, nodding.
Moving to help Mugsy, few of the bodies find their way to my arms. The weight of ‘em oddly comforting as I ‘gently’ place them to the place where they belong—The Pile, “I miss when all we had to do was shoot and shoot then polices and ambulances would took care of the rest,” I grumbled at the memory, good ol’ times.
Mugman, the everly considerate brother I have, pulled me by the handle. “Okay, less talking, more carrying.”
Wincing from surprise—why was I surprised? This is a habit by now—I allowed myself to be pulled to the dry and scattered bodies on the other side. Once again, I huffed at him but do my designated job anyway.
In the end, there were two piles of corpses wet with gasoline. Is gasoline even wet? Does that sentence makes sense? Anyway, there were two piles of corpses drenched with gasoline.
And now, here comes the fun part! “Ready, Mugsy?” I intoned, a lit lighter in hand. A small (and hesitant) nod was all I needed from Mugman before throwing the light to the lifeless.
Fire! Arson! How wonderful!
I smiled mindlessly as I look upon the great flame swallowing them. Such an extravagant view. And that means another work done!
Turning to look at Mugman, I frowned when I see the guilt in his frame. The tight grip on his scarf, the rigid pose, and those eyes that is filled with regret. I can feel the inside of my gut dropped but then again, I was never one for comfort.
So instead, I tapped his shoulder—he broke free from his trance and looked at me.
We both share a nod and I smiled.
“Come along, Mugsy! We have another job to do!” I joyfully said, taking a look at Mugman, who is only nodding in acknowledgement, and then to the burning pile behind us.
Their eyes are gazing straight at me.
────────
“Please investigate this church.” The Clock Toon sternly declared.
This is new.
“A church?” Me and Mugman echoed in unison, tone completely confused.
“Look, grumpy face. If you wish for information, you’re asking the wrong toons!” I spouted in confusion, frowning as I slightly stood up in defense from the ridicule that is happening. “We may be called ‘The Collectors’ but we collect the life of debtors, not whatever you’re asking right now.”
A tug was felt from my handle and dear ol’ me was forced to sit back down, I crossed my arms because of him. Yet I smiled anyway at my brother's direction. Of course, he'll be the one taking the lead when talking with clients. I am so proud of him getting out of his phase of not being able to talk to strangers!
“With all due of respect, Sir—Our job is to collect souls, not information. It is simply not our forte.” Mugman uttered, frowning slightly but keeping his composure.
The Clock Toon merely clasped his hands together, like those professional. Urgh. “I understand but your ‘boss’ made a deal with us, no? To do anything Stars need to do.” he uttered, measured and calm.
Who does this guy even think he is? Mr. Important??
“As The Advisor of The Health department, I was tasked with giving you this mission.”
Oh. He's the freaking advisor. Of freaking course.
He also did a fake cough, adjusting his voice or something. “And besides, if you find anything suspicious, you are free to use... violence.”
The way he said the word as if he was allergic to it. Oh, these high up toons and how they think so highly of themselves. They think they're so holy, huh? I wish I could shoot him right here and there.
But then a photo was placed onto the table, a picture of a nun. A cat toon perhaps? Or maybe not, It's quite hard to guess with the nun veil covering their head and are they wearing an upside down cross? Nevermind that—Additionally, they're quite the looker too! Truly one of a kind.
“But do not, I repeat, do NOT harm this person.” affirmed The Advisor, very clear with his words. Okay? That is weird.
“Why?" I blurted out, words etched with puzzlement. I mean, why this one specific person? What is so special about them?
Mugman, watching me spluttering such word, wanted to knock his elbow towards me—I can feel him wanting to but curiosity get the best of him too, his attention turned to The Clock Toon, waiting for an answer.
Silence took over the room for a tad while before The Advisor voice his answer, “They are Dandicus’ fiance.”
Oh.
Wait, can nun even get engaged? Probably different teaching... Meh, not like it's my business.
“The very one he adores. If a single wound is found and it was caused by either of you. Dandicus will have your heads hanging.” He continued, looking straight at us.
Yikes. That is something, I suppose.
“Do you understand?” He raised a brow, inquiring.
I shrugged but gave a nod anyway, turning to take a look at my twin—who is also currently giving a nod to the Clock Toon.
“We understand," Mugman acknowledged, turning to look at me for a moment before moving to look at The Advisor once more.
He gave us a small smile,"Then it is a pleasure doing business with you, gentlemen.”