A Return to Form?

Written by
 Directed by

**Plush Con Dolor Episode 3: A Return to Form?** is the 3rd episode of Plush Con Dolor. It aired on June 4, 2022.

## Synopsis

What appears to FINALLY be a normal challenge could lead to impending doom for our "contestants". Does Cosmog have any sneaky tricks up his sleeve? And what's going on through Cuphead's, well, head? Find out in this episode of Plush Con Dolor!

## Plot

Zeena meets up with Shotgun Kin and asks for information on Adversary, who she recalls he had info on his alliance last challenge, which Shotgun Kin then spills the beans on Adversary's fear of falling buildings and explosions, given his role as a sergeant. Gyororo however, is known to be very secretive on her information. Zeena reluctantly thanks him, which he wants a kiss from her after all that, much to Zeena's disgust as she leaves.

Meanwhile, Mew celebrates his victory last challenge, which now he knew how Team Registeel felt regarding the season he hosted. Gyororo then approaches Mew and apologizes to him regarding the villain meetup since she was the one who cracked the code to the vault containing the prize money. Since Gyororo knows now everyone is stuck on Plush Con Dolor, there might be a chance she won't see her old Corps again. Mew remarks the fact he doesn't care what Gyororo does in his "all-dudes organization", to which Gyororo spills the beans that she's a girl, much to Mew's shock as he leaves.

Elsewhere, The Conductor, Cuphead, and Susie are gathered to discuss game plans, though the Conductor suspects Susie to be the next one out, since she was the only one who hasn't been murdered yet. Cuphead defends Susie to not jump into any conclusions, which Conductor agrees, seeing as the three of them can be the Final Three. Susie then deducts that this may not be a Stuffed Fluffed season at all given how different everything is. Cuphead then leaves to go look for more clues, hoping the Ultra Beasts may know something. He then witnesses Galaxy Man teaching Monotaro learning how to fly, alongside with The Painter Boss observing, which Cuphead believes nobody else is taking this "game" seriously, whether it's obliviousness, craziness, or downright psychosis. Ice Bird and Komodo Moe grab Cuphead's attention regarding the game, which if it were a Stuffed Fluffed season, there would be confessionals (as explained by Xurkitree in the previous episode that there are no confessionals). However, Seasons 1 and 2 didn't have many confessionals since they weren't perfect, but Season 3 had a lot of them. Their thought process was interrupted when they hear Nihilego in the distance in the shower, which to her shock upon their arrival, squirts out a weird liquid substance, much to the three's disgust. Nihilego leaves, but Cuphead and Komodo Moe then decide to analyze and taste the substance. However, the substance was actually Nihilego Jelly, which tastes like Jell-O. Ms. Fortune notices that it's also just gelatin, which Cuphead then questions who the Ultra Beasts are really, given their alien nature. Poipole notices the mess Nihilego made and Guzzlord cleans it up.

Meanwhile, Toadette was panicking on the last elimination, shocked by the fact Lilac turned out to be a murderer. Stakataka then appears to Toadette, which she asks if he has any advice on the game, to which Stakataka only replies: "One must find methods of escape. Escape is only option. Speak softly, others won't see you as threat." Toadette takes his word for it as he leaves, which Macaron Cookie comments that if you side with demons, you're no better than them, conflicting Toadette's feelings. Cosmog then announces that it is time for the challenge as the others gather around.

Cosmog then announces the challenge, explaining how each one is themed after the various franchises/universe they are from, as the last challenge was in Macaron Cookie's field. For the next challenge, it is Ice Bird's territory as it is Angry Birds themed, where one team will be the pigs to build their structures, and the other team will be the birds, knocking them down. The two teams have ten contestants, but they will also have assistance from the Ultra Beasts, which they will pick five of each per team, which one of them will have to sit out. Conductor and Mew are picked as team captains, which Conductor selects Stakataka, Kartana, Celesteela (much to Kartana's pleasure given his crush on her), Poipole, and Nihilego; while Mew selects Buzzwole, Xurkitree, Naganadel, Blacephalon, and Pheromosa (much to her displeasure, but Buzzwole's delight). This means Guzzlord is sitting out of the challenge due to nobody wanting him to eat the structures. Judging from the Ultra Beasts, Conductor's team is the first to be the pigs, while Mew's team is the first to be the birds. For the contestants, Conductor picks Susie, Audrey, Cuphead, Zeena, Komodo Moe, Dreamcatcher, Kinky, Gyororo, and Monotaro; while Mew picks the Painter Boss, Adversary, Ice Bird, Shotgun Kin, Ms. Fortune, Galaxy Man, Dynatron, Toadette, and Macaron Cookie (much to her displeasure of being picked last again). Cosmog then gives Conductor's team the pig snouts to suit the role, but Zeena refuses to wear one. However, Kinky blackmails her to wear one or else he will leak Zeena's... "photos" on the internet, alluding to her and Zavok's time together.

Conductor's team then form a strategy on the structure while wearing the pig snouts, with Mew and Adversary making fun of Zeena for wearing one. Meanwhile, Mew's team strategize, given the one form of structure only. Macaron Cookie doesn't feel like contributing, since she is in a foul mood. Conductor's team then build the structure, while Susie questions about the Ultra Beasts, which they are here for power-ups and extra means of defense on the pigs side. Once they are done, Mew's team observe the structure, while Adversary looks the other way, seemingly off. A few question why, with Zeena noting that he loves destruction, but Adversary adds that while he does love destruction, seeing actual buildings fall doesn't sit right with him, which he decides to wait it out, as with Mew, but for reasons of his own, leaving Ice Bird to go first, but Stakataka is placed first in front of the opposing team. While the challenge continues on, Painter Boss goes and comforts Adversary, which he then explains the reason why he couldn't stand falling buildings was because of the events of "The Second War", the war between Heaven and Hell, an event that took place after the "Battle of Delirium". Adversary never got a chance to talk to anyone about it, but Painter Boss assures that now is the time to talk about it since the two are waiting their turn.

Back with the challenge, the Conductor's team use Kartana to defend their structure, which Shotgun Kin misses the structure. Toadette bumps into Stakataka, while Dynatron does some damage to the structure, with four down and six to go. Galaxy Man and Ms. Fortune do some damage to the structure, which she also takes down Stakataka. Adversary continues to explain to the Painter on the Second War, which Hell lost the war, which the experience was amazing to him as he'd love to go back, but the mental scars still remain within him. Painter then understands and comforts Adversary, reassuring him and giving him a hug in the process, with Adversary letting out his emotions. Cosmog then tells them they are up, but Painter refuses to go, as he and Adversary are having a moment and need to sit out. Meanwhile, Mew notices Macaron Cookie being off, recognizing her from Season 3 as well as noticing the other contestants treating her like dirt. Mew asks why, and Macaron explains that it had to do with her history with Marshmallow Cookie, taking all the glory from her. She used to be so happy before she came into the picture. Outraged, Macaron Cookie turned to a darker passion: turning others' bones into instruments. Mew was initially creeped out, with Macaron questioning if it's weird, but Mew pulled himself together, one psychopath to another. He assures her he's there for her, but then Cosmog calls the two to get into the challenge and knock down the structure, totaling Team Mew's score to be ten points. Conductor's team needs ten points or more to win, however, Painter refuses to go and requests to sit out to help comfort Adversary. Cuphead also requests to sit out with a headache, as well as Zeena (albeit she was faking, but then complains about an injured foot.). Enraged but giving in, Cosmog then lets Painter, Adversary, Cuphead, and Zeena sit out for the challenge, which puts Conductor's team at a disadvantage. Seeing this, Cosmog puts Stakataka and Kartana to fill in for Adversary and Painter (when Kartana becomes enraged, Stakataka holds him down, much to the other Ultra Beasts' confusion), while in the place of Cuphead and Zeena, Guzzlord and Celesteela are filled in. Mew's team begin to build the structure, with the Ultra Beasts playing along with the pig roles. Kartana, at first doesn't want to wear the pig nose, but was swayed otherwise when Celesteela complimented how he'd look adorable as a pig. The Ultra Beasts take note of this crush (with Nihilego shipping the two, making everyone move away from her).

Conductor's team then begin to strategize with Conductor using brute force, but Kinky intervenes with his logic to form another, assuring them there won't be that many structures. However, he was proved otherwise with Team Mew's structure, going with Conductor's plan instead, sending the Ultra Beasts for brute force, knocking down Team Mew's structure with ease and with fewer contestants. Susie then wonders what Cuphead is up to.

Meanwhile, in the toy room that took place during the second challenge, Cuphead revealed that he faked his injury so he can take a look at what else the island has to offer. He then notices a pretzel on the ground and begins to eat it, reminiscing on his time with Mugman. Adversary reveals that he is feeling a little better, but Painter holds onto him just in case he needs more comfort. However, Adversary orders him to get off of him, but apologizes for snapping, reassuring that he is doing a little better now. However, upon inspection of the room, it is the same room, but everything is rearranged. Cuphead sees some food in a truck, but then used one of his specials- the charge shot, onto the door so he can open it and have a snack. Zeena takes a rest while Adversary notices Cuphead with a plane in the middle of nowhere. The plane opens as Cuphead investigates, however, the plane goes out of control once he is inside, thus triggering Adversary's trauma, letting him black out and mistaking the plane for an angel back in the Second War. Cuphead then blasts open the door, getting him out once everything got dusty. Meanwhile, Gyororo wins the challenge for Team Conductor, with them using fewer contestants and being rewarded with the Tux Shop. Shotgun Kin then tells Gyororo that they should check on Adversary, but once they got there, they find that Zeena has been murdered, with a shocked and confused Adversary panicking if he did or didn't do it. Painter knows Adversary didn't do it seeing as how he was with him all this time. But the investigation is announced by Cosmog as Zeena is taken to Isle de Exilio. Since Gyororo won, she takes Blacephalon and Poipole to help her out. Toadette notices the murder was so sudden, but Kinky comments that a background character such as herself wouldn't worry. Audrey assured Toadette that he's just trying to push her buttons, probably because that's how he thinks. Blacephalon knows the plane was used, but not in the crime. Poipole notices a half-eaten pretzel, while Painter comforts Adversary, who is panicking that he did the crime, but knows he did not. Ms. Fortune also notices a backpack, but notices that it's completely empty. Ice Bird finds it weird how even though Zeena is on Isle de Exilio, her corpse is still intact. However, Komodo Moe notices a strange scent coming from the corpse, one that he recognizes too, but Ice Bird deducts this since he has known a lot of scents. Mew notices tire tracks, while Poipole notices a structure being knocked by the plane before Adversary blacked out. Cuphead was nervous in what if he did accidentally murder Zeena, but Susie reassures him that it couldn't be him, but rather Adversary. Conductor figures it would be the Painter since he was the one who knew everything the whole time. Monotaro and Galaxy Man are having a break, but are caught up by Dreamcatcher, who tell them that life and death are on the line. Susie notices that it must be a projectile that knocked her over by force, and the brute force killed her.

At the elimination ceremony, everyone is gathered for. The contestants then discuss their evidence, with the half-eaten pretzel and plane tracks, with Cuphead admitting he was in the plane, but on accident. A few deduct that if it was him, someone must have set him up, which led to Adversary being shifted the blame. Adversary doesn't remember as he went into his "commando phase" soon after. The pretzel was not linked with Adversary, but rather the plane. The only three that took place were Cuphead, Adversary and the Painter, but Moe questions what if one of them was hired to do it. The backpack could either be Cuphead's or Adversary's, but Adversary explains his side of the story where he was discovering the odd features of the room, since everything shifted, then he saw the plane crashing into the crate and then everything went black. There was no blood on the corpse, neither on the suspects. Cuphead explains his side that he was in the plane but it was semi-automatic. He thought there was food in there and wanted to check it out for himself since he flown in planes before. Audrey then asks if anyone had dirt on Zeena, which Ms. Fortune recalls her experience with her, and Shotgun Kin blurted how Zeena talked to him today. Before he could answer, he notices Adversary's worried expression and stayed silent. Dreamcatcher then accuses Dynatron, seeing as how she could have murdered Zeena as a favor for Ms. Fortune, but Dynatron rebukes, since she was not present at the crime scene. Macaron Cookie then asks Shotgun Kin what he was talking about, but he spilled the beans about talking about him and his trauma, much to Adversary's anger. He really feels like he murdered Zeena, but Painter assures him that he didn't kill her, since the second the tower fell over, he wasn't being himself. He even dropped his backpack once he went back to normal, since it lasted thirty seconds. Everyone then shifts to Painter, wondering how he knew the exact time as well as not explaining his side of the story. Monotaro doesn't trust Cuphead's story though, and wonders what happened after the plane crashed, which Cuphead busted the door down afterwards, he did the same thing when getting a snack. Mew gets angry about the food since it costs money, and showing off his haughty status as a former show producer. Ice Bird then deducts that the backpack belonged to the Adversary, but the weapon remained unknown. Adversary wonders how the pretzel got in his backpack though, and Moe wonders how it could've been the case if there wasn't any wound marks on Zeena's corpse. Kinky tries to deduct a new theory, but Susie cracks under the pressure that Kinky did not do it so she can get him to leave and stop messing with others' heads. Gyororo then confesses that she was the one who put the pretzel in Adversary's backpack for a little snack, since she knows how hungry Adversary can be. Adversary thanks her for the kind gesture, since it means a lot to him. There weren't any weapons present, but Painter points out how some of the contestants here can make their weapons disappear, such as Dreamcatcher, Mew, Ice Bird, or Cuphead. Painter then brings Macaron into this, since her macaron parades can be used as a stampede. In this, Mew then betrays Macaron Cookie by spilling out her secret of grinding up people's bones to make instruments, much to everyone's disapproval on Mew's behavior. Ice Bird then concludes that anyone who uses a weapon in battle are out of the picture and did not do the murder, giving Monotaro, Shotgun Kin, Gyororo, Susie, Conductor, and Komodo Moe (but not before giving Ice Bird a subtle hint with the smell of the corpse) to leave. Galaxy Man questions what did Moe mean by sniffing, but then Ice Bird figured out what he was talking about: the scent of Nihilego Jelly. Ice Bird didn't do anything with the slime, but he knows Komodo Moe was playing around with it. Toadette asks if anyone else bothered with the jelly, but Cuphead was also there with Moe, but Cuphead didn't punch, kill, or stab Zeena, rather using his finger guns as his primary weapon, since it could knock out a big potato. Macaron Cookie then angrily accuses Cuphead as crazy with how absurd his story is, but Cuphead explains his story about his adventure in Inkwell Isle alongside with Mugman and their adventure with the soul contracts. Everyone is confused, but Galaxy Man and Painter Boss know anything can happen where he comes from. Audrey still doesn't know what the weapon was, and accuses Painter for painting a bomb to possibly blow her up. But suddenly, Painter upchucks his evidence, showing a white substance, showing that there are no bombs as he falls over. Adversary and Ice Bird question about the white substance, which was a shot made out of milk (Much to Mew's disgust and Ms. Fortune wanting milk). Galaxy Man then asks about Cuphead's powers, which signifies the evidence against Cuphead; the milk, the jelly, and not knowing anything about the crime scene.

Adversary then orders Cuphead to show his inventory, which he then reveals while the others do not know his adventure in Inkwell Isle, he is acquainted with King Dice, who told Adversary about the Cup brothers. Cuphead then shows his inventory, which he has the peashooter and charger equipped. Everyone begins to gang up on Cuphead, but Ice Bird tries to assure that Cuphead would never kill a soul. Adversary then asks what it does as Cuphead gives a demonstration, however, upon realizing this, he tried to deduct that was what he did to try and open up the plane. Seeing as how the shot was the one that killed Zeena, had not been for the evidence, Adversary would have the full-on blame. The shot a powerful shot, but it was not magic, leaving Galaxy Man, Ms. Fortune, Dreamcatcher, Toadette, Macaron Cookie, and Audrey to leave elimination. Adversary tried to figure out what the corpse smelled like, but upon his shock, Ice Bird realizes since the corpse had the scent of Nihilego Jelly, and Cuphead was there with Moe since he touched the jelly since it tasted like tapioca pudding. Painter Boss admitted he was trying to keep him safe this whole time, but he couldn't hide it any longer, since Cuphead was the one who accidentally murdered Zeena, much to Ice Bird's disbelief. The evidence stacks up: The scent of Nihilego Jelly, checking his inventory, the blast that killed Zeena and the chair, and the pretzel he ate. Ice Bird tries to ask why he did it, but Cuphead knows that it had to be an accident. He then admits it, but as an accidental murder after he crashed the plane and then blasted the door open, but killing Zeena in the process. Looking back, Cuphead thought he would have done everyone a favor since he knows how many have been getting bullied by Zeena. Painter adds the fact he knows Cuphead was lying about his cracked head, hearing Cuphead saying how he wanted to check out the rest of the island for himself. While everyone knows he didn't mean to do it, a murder is a murder.

The results are in, and Cosmog confirms that Cuphead murdered Zeena, but on accident. He was snooping around where he shouldn't be, and in Cosmog's plane no less, while Adversary and Painter Boss were trying to relax from the challenge. Cuphead then decided to eat a pretzel off the floor, but then decide to sneak out more food. He crashed into a large crate, but Painter accidentally ate one of Cuphead's shots. The second shot was two strong however, and it ended up killing Zeena, whom was too frail to take a hit like that. Cuphead is in disbelief, wondering what Mugman and the Elder Kettle are going to say about him, but Cosmog assures him that they won't be saying anything. Before Cuphead's execution, he goes to say goodbye to his friends. Komodo Moe apologizes for giving it away, but Cuphead assures him he was doing the right thing. Tearfully, Moe says goodbye and how he will miss him. Susie bids Cuphead goodbye, but will continue on in his honor. Everyone says goodbye, knowing they will miss Cuphead. He thanks everyone for their kind words. Ice Bird then tries to have second thoughts, in deep denial that Cuphead committed a murder, and asks for Zeena for confirmation. Zeena is then brought back, confirming that Cuphead killed her (much to his fear), and in disgust she died to a boy.

Cuphead's execution is then in place: He is placed in a casino with chips surrounding him and cards at his place. He is placed as the dealer of the cards, which the Dry Bones show their cards to Cuphead, much to his fear, however, a gloved hand gives Cuphead two aces and two eights. However, the Dry Bones aren't happy with the cards as Cuphead tries to escape, but the ace and king cards are thrown in his direction as he tries to avoid him, but Pheromosa knocks over the dominos, prompting Cuphead to stay in the circle of chips as all the Dry Bones throw their cards at Cuphead, damaging him. Pheromosa tosses the ace away as Buzzwole plays Billiards, knocking over Cuphead with the balls. Suddenly, a pair of die showing Snake Eyes is cast, and Cosmog, taking the form of King Dice, appears to Cuphead, signifying that all bets are off. The gloved hands knock over the chips, as they take their share, winning the bet. And as icing on the cake, the gloved hand takes Cuphead, but not before tipping the chips, signifying he lost the bet and putting him into the fire for Cuphead's soul to be the devil's for the taking, cracking his body and burning him away. A soul contract is then placed afterwards, signifying the Devil has got his soul.

Cosmog was thrilled with the execution, especially with the whole card aspect, and dismissed everyone else for the day. Zeena declares how she can rest easy now that Cuphead is gone. Mew questions how people like her sleep at night, but Dreamcatcher remarks at Mew's hypocrisy, especially with spilling Macaron Cookie's secret. While Mew ranted on, Susie then realizes that Cuphead's death allowed the game to unravel: those people considered friends became foes, while the villainous became the helpless. Susie laments how it will be hard to continue without Cuphead, but she must press on, signifying her role as the new main protagonist.

## Characters

* Cosmog
* Dry Bones
* King Dice (arms only seen; debut)

### Ultra Beasts

* Nihilego
* Pheromosa
* Xurkitree
* Celesteela
* Kartana
* Guzzlord
* Poipole
* Naganadel
* Stakataka
* Blacephalon
* Buzzwole

### Contestants

* Cuphead (executed)
* Adversary
* Gyororo
* Shotgun Kin
* Komodo Moe
* Ice Bird
* Dreamcatcher
* Audrey
* Toadette
* Zeena
* Dynatron
* Ms. Fortune
* Macaron Cookie
* Monotaro
* Kinky
* Susie
* Mew
* The Painter Boss
* Galaxy Man
* The Conductor

## Trivia

* Though not physically seen, King Dice makes his first appearance.
* Adversary's backstory is fully revealed.