He's back. The man behind the mask? No? Okay. Hey, guys and gals, I'm really sorry for the lack of chapters but I'm back with more of this story. School's been an arse lately but I've continued to write, even when I had a lot of work to do. So to come with my apology, I have not one but two chapters for you guys! I'll upload the next one along with this one. These two chapters are the calm before the storm, after these two, it's the end and I'm already getting started on the final chapter. So be patient. About this one? It goes into a bit more backstory about what happened at Lab Zero and a bit more about Valentine and Brain Drains' "Relationship" before she hated him completely. Jonah and Carol are still the main focus though. I just love writing more about this universe. Enough of me rambling.
I do not own Skullgirls. All rights go to the amazing team of Lab zero, The Composers and the cast: Mike Z, Alex Ahad, Michiru Yamane, Vincent Diamante, Cristina Vee, Kaiji Tang, Sarah Williams, Rich Brown, Laura Post, Kai Kennedy and all the other amazing people who make this game awesome! (I could say the other names but that would take too long heh)
Enjoy Chapter Eleven Too Late?
Sorry for the wait!
Beauty and the Beast Chapter Eleven
Autumn 3/9/2008
It had been half an hour and Painwheel still hadn't woken up. Filia and Jonah didn't try anything else besides shaking her, afraid they might damage her mind or body. "I can't take much more of this." Jonah said angrily. "Jonah.. Just be calm. I'm sure she'll wake up." Filia tried to reassure him, though she was uncertain herself. "Yeah kid. Ya need to stop being paranoid, she'll pull through. Herein the stuff she's been through, she's a trooper!" Filia and Samson encouraged.
"Not to mention she killed Marie." The trio turned to Valentine, she had marks under her eyes, hinting at tiredness and blood was coming from her leg. The wound that reopened from her previous fight, with the girl in question. "Valentine you should rest and the wound-." Filia said worried. "Ha. Don't worry about me. These drugs in my body make me active day and night. There's no need for sleep." "But you are still human." Jonah said. Valentine smirked to herself. "Heh. Alright alright, point taken."
"Wait. Marie? The Skullgirl?" Jonah tried to remember. "Yep. She killed her." Valentine said yawning. "But… How sh..I.-" Jonah tried to form words but kept falling over them. Filia was in shock too. "I can't believe it. Kids got guts." "I'm not surprised by your reactions. I felt the same way but I knew she could do it, I did help create her after all." Valentine felt proud. "Do you feel good about yourself for doing that?" Jonah said silently.
Valentine didn't respond. "Thought so." Jonah said. "Why did you do that to her? What right did you have to take a poor defenseless girl and turn her into that!" Jonah's voice was cracking and rising in anger. Valentine slightly chuckled. "I can't explain my reasons. I just wish I could take it back…. Christmas. I deserve everything I get… Painwheel. I'm trying my best now though to help… I should tell them. Maybe I'm just trying to redeem myself through this… Am I wrong? Damn I'm the worst." Valentine said soberly.
"Listen, I'm far away, In a back alley, in New Meridian's city. I'll try my best and get there as fast as I can, before my Robot self and that girl, who looks like Filia tries to get you guys. Knowing them, they probably know where I live. Anyway, got it?" "Alright." "What will you do when you wake up?" "I'm getting answers. How I get them… I don't care."
Before anyone could say anything else. Painwheel awoke, immediately got to her feet and went over to where Valentine was sulking. "Carol you're awake! Wha-? Wait. Carol don't-" "Carol!" Ignoring the protests of Filia and Jonah, she grabbed Valentine by her collar. "Hey don't rip the rest of this! Its ripped enough alr-" Painwheel interrupted Valentines protests, by grabbing her head and slamming it off the table.
Valentine shook her head, dazed. Filia and Jonah ran over to them both. Jonah held Carol back, while Filia helped Valentine recover. "Carol! What's wrong with you?! What's happened?!" Asked a worried Jonah. "Get off me! She's needs to talk!" Painwheel angrily replied and broke free off Jonah's grip, pushed Filia aside and grabbed Valentine by the collar again. Painwheel could feel her headaches coming back. "Annoyances aren't they?" "Yeah." "Take care of them?" "Sure. Just stop annoying me. Don't kill them, just scare them."
Yu Wan came running over. "Hey wha-" All three stood in place, as Buer Drive was suddenly close to slitting their necks. "You'll stay out of this, unless you want your throats slit!" Carol tilted her head around and smirked at them. Jonah was in shock and stood still, same with Filia and Yu Wan. "What's gotten into her?! I haven't seen her like this since that fight." "This ain't gonna be pretty."Carol turned her attention back to Valentine.
"Now. Answers! Or I'll beat them out of you. What really happened when you kidnapped me, why is all this happening! Why me?!" Valentine only sighed. "I guess you met him again in that place? Thought so. He does like his speeches. "Ms Fortune helped me to escape, she'll be here soon but for now, Answers!"
Valentine took Painwheel's hand off her. "Ok. Ok. You all deserve the truth. I'll say what I was about say, when I suddenly stopped talking. When I killed a child, watched her eyes die out. Before that though, I need to go back a bit further. When a secret assignment was given and my first steps to damnation."
Winter 29/9/2007
Things were going great and not so great for Chris. He got a promotion: head chief of watchman researcher, he was getting along with everyone and Christmas and him were engaged. Well he didn't know about a wedding, maybe in spring he thought.
Though people still gave him the eye from time to time, he didn't like his job regardless of promotion and he was uncomfortable with how things were turning out in the Kingdom. The Medici's were causing trouble and no action was being made. Then out of the blue, the founder and chief of the Anti Skullgirl Labs and head of Lab 7, Dr Geiger wanted to see him! Why him of all the people? but he couldn't disobey the Director.
Chris walked along the hallway, until he got to the end, where a door with silver plating, both ways was in front of him. The Labs did like their metal doors. Maybe it was a trend? You have to have the metal doors.
"(Sigh) Let's get this over with." Chris knocked on the door. "Enter." A voice called from the other side. Chris opened and stepped inside. "You called for me Director Sir?" Chris asked. Victor welcomed him and smiled. "Of course, my boy! Come. Come. We have much to discuss. Take a seat. Please." Chris took a seat in one of the three chairs. Victor put his hands together and rested them on his desk.
He wore blue jeans, with a belt, black brooks and a white button up collar shirt, with a multi collard tie. He also had grey eyes, white spiked up hair, except at the back and an incredibly small nose. Chris just wore his usual White shirt, with brown jeans and brooks. His hair however, this time was a bit messy, not pulled back.
"Now Christopher, I can see that you are a very devoted member of our research team." "Well.. I wouldn't say I'm a big part..-" "Nonsense my boy!" Doctor Victor laughed. "In my eyes everybody has a part to play in our Labs. Remember Christopher. We protect and save the innocents of the kingdom. If we were not here, then who would stop the threats of the Skullgirls?"
"I guess?.." Chris hesitated. Victor chuckled. "Listen. I know you feel like you don't have a big part to play, you just monitor the systems after all but I have read your past file of your education. I heard you were a genius at Biology and Chemistry. Is this true?"
"Yes Sir." Chris replied. Victor's expression changed. "Christopher listen. The reason I called you here, is that I have an assignment for you." Chris blinked. "An assignment?" "Allow me to tell you a story. You know about the 8 Labs and their different roles?" Chris nodded. "Well in actuality, not in the records or files of documented history of the Labs, there is also a Ninth Lab." "A Ninth Lab?" Chris repeated.
"Indeed. A while ago, the Lab specialized in Skullgirl blood research but it was shut down, due to it being deemed too dangerous by the King himself. However, it has not been forgotten by a selected few. Myself included. The Lab is called Lab Zero and it is still very much intact. I'll get to the point Chris. I fear that we might not be able to take down the next Skullgirl without sufficient help. The Skullgirls get stronger every time a new one appears and we need to have an edge against them. I want you to go to Lab Zero and start up the research again." Chris's eyes widened.
"Sir I don't know-" "I know. I know it sounds ridiculous but these are hard times my boy. What if the kingdom falls to the next Skullgirl? I would never be able to live that down. I will not force you to go but I beg you to think about it. Even though the parasite project, that includes project Peacock, is going well, I doubt it would be of much help. Patricia Watson is struggling to control her parasite, Hive and Leduc are not experienced enough. Ben and Ileum are and so was Dahlia and Tom but they've left us and even Ben and Ileum are not enough. We don't have a lot of time left, so I beg of you, please do this. If not for me, then for the kingdom!" Victor pleaded. He was sweating like crazy and you could see the desperation in his eyes.
Chris thought of his mother, then Christmas, then the innocents of the kingdom being killed by hordes of undead warriors and bodies. "I don't want to see that again and Christmas…." He thought. "Sir….. I'll do it." Victor's face beamed happily. "Thank you Christopher. You shall be remembered for this, I promise you. I'll give you the details of the location in an hour. You will have fellow colleagues joining you. Some you may know, I took the liberty of asking them as well. Now wait for the details." Chris nodded, got up and was about to walk out.
"And Chris." Victor walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Do anything to keep the Kingdom safe. anything. Don't tell anyone about this. If you have morals, just tell yourself this: "Sacrifices have to be made for the innocents and the good of the kingdom." Victor walked over to the window and looked out. Seeing all the workers and scientists. "I don't want to see great people like this disappear in the blink of an eye." Victor said grimly. "I will not fail you, Director Victor Geiger." Chris said confidently. "Good. I'm counting on you. You are the savior of this kingdom Christopher Drain. Don't forget that. You will be remembered by all." "Sir." Chris saluted and walked out. "I'd rather not be." He muttered, going out the door.
Chris walked back along the metal hallways of Lab 7. Going back to his post and turning left, he was pulled into a kiss. After melting himself into the bliss, he separated. "Aw why did you have to do that? I was enjoying it." Christmas jokingly pouted. Putting her arms around his neck and pulling him close. "Christmas honey… Er… I'm a bit busy, so uh.. Yeah Back to my post and yeah.." Chris gently took her arms off him and began to walk forward.
Christmas caught up and stopped him. "Is there something wrong?" "No, everything is fine my sweet Christmas. (Everything is fine.)" He kissed her forehead, she blushed. "Any missions today?" Chris asked. "Not now. I'm going to head back. How long are you on for again?" "Another three hours. Don't worry I'll be back in time for Celebrity crash. I need to see Beowulf again." "Alright." Christmas kissed him on the cheek. She turned and walked away but looked back as he was going. "Are you sure nothing is wrong? You can tell me anything you know." Chris smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine, don't worry. I'm just a bit under the weather. I'll see you back home. Later.… Sorry." He muttered.
7 minutes later
"Valerie can I ask you a favor?" Christmas walked with Valentine into the generator room. Christmas had just left Chris and was having doubts about his personality change, it was brief but something felt off about him. She then ran into Valentine on her way out. "Sure Christine. What do you need?" Christmas looked, to make sure no one was around. "I need you to spy on Chris and before you say something. He's been acting weird. Just now. I left him and he looked sad and excited. I've never seen him like that and its worrying me. I just want you to follow him, to make sure he's not doing anything stupid. I'm sorry if you-""Valentine interrupted Christmas, by putting her hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Ever the paranoid eh? Heh Christine you shouldn't have to ask. I'd help you with anything in a heartbeat. Besides, who said rivals can't help each other out?""Christmas smiled. "Thanks Valerie. Just please look after him.-""If I'm honest I've never really liked him that much. Always being awkward, doing things by the book." Valentine grimly said looking away. "However." She turned back. "The amount of effort he puts in for you, to make you happy. When I see him trying so hard to put on a smile or to make you laugh, even when he's had a crap day and vice versa. It shows he really loves you. I can't help but respect that. Christine I promise nothing bad will happen ok?" She nodded.
"Good" Valentine grinned through her mask. "Now go home and relax, you've earned. It's not every day you get an early time off.""Christine hugged Valerie. "Thanks again Valerie." As Christmas walked off, Valentine's smile fell. Something felt wrong. "I don't believe in omens but something bad is in the air." Just when she said that, Valentine heard a crash in one of the monitor rooms. She quickly ran to the nearest source and checked inside. What she found was a broken flower pot with a flower wilting. No one was inside the room.
Valentine went over, crouched and picked up the flower. However, when she picked it up, the individual petals began to fall off, one by one. Valentine, her hand shaking, let the flower fall. "What does this mean?" She was alone. No voices. No shapes. The air suddenly felt cold. She was starting to get a bit anxious. She felt like the room was watching her. Not wanting to stay, she left. Running out the door, leaving the pot and the flower on the floor. When she left, one petal, still on the flower was getting blown away but it held onto the flower. However, it lost it's grip.
Meanwhile in her back garden, Carol and her father were planting tulips. "Dad can we plant more?" "Sure Carol. I'll get more of my tools." Carol beamed happily, everything was perfect.
Later in the day Noon.
Chris pushed the Lab doors open, with fellow scientists and cleaners behind him. "Alright. I want this place cleaned, Machines working and every single detail on the blood and records. Alright?" Chris commanded. "Yes doctor." They said in sync. "Remember, this is a secret Lab, so you cannot tell anyone about this place. Failure to do so will result in your termination. Pray you don't want me to give you an example." One of the workers gulped.
Chris walked to the main generator, which was also the main part of the building, housed the tanks and was a few feet away from the door to the exit. Chris gave off a happy chuckle. "By the way, you don't have to be intimidated by me. I'm just serous about the work is all, you can remain casual but professional." Some scientists and workers relaxed. "Didn't know I was that scary." Chris sweat dropped. "Alright, let's get to work.""Director Sir!" They said and they all went to there respective objectives. Chris in the meantime, walked to the nearest stairs to the walkways and to his new office.
A few hours later. Most of the Lab was looking more up to date and some of the machines were working. Chris looked through his window, watching everyone do their tasks. The main generator was powering up at a slow pace, though it has been unused for a while. The facility should have power soon. "Hm it's a start. We could probably get this place completely up and running in about 2 days, depending on if we get everything working."
Saying that, he turned around and sat at his desk, reading through the books on the Skullgirls blood. His desk was full of records and books, relating to the Lab, Blood and the machines. As he was reading, he heard a knock on his door. He told Christmas he had extra work, luckily she believed him. Chris was interrupted by a voice. "Director sir, I have more of the records." A muffled voice came from the other side. "Come in and just set them on my desk." Chris shouted.
The door opened and through came a man wearing a Lab coat, skull t shirt and purple jeans. He had brown messy hair and a cut on his cheek. "David, Good to see you. How goes the reconstruction?" Chris welcomed, relaxing back on his chair. "We have managed to repair and reactivate the building and machines. Funnily enough, no damage or age has been done to the place. The machines work just like in their prime and the building itself is not in a big state of disrepair."
"Hm. Very good." Chris nodded. David set the papers down on the desk. "Wow sir. Those are a lot of books. It's surprising how much they kept records of the subjects and the blood." Chris picked up the book and started to read it again. "I'm surprised myself. The records are fascinating. They really were close to finding suitable hosts for the blood. However all were failures. Forgive me, I'm going off on a tangent here." Chris chuckled. "It's alright Director sir." David replied.
Chris looked back up at David. "That will be all. Make sure to get more of the machines running, so we can run some tests.""Sir." David saluted and left, closing the door behind him. Chris looked and inspected the new records. Going through them he noticed something. A ripped piece of paper. "Huh. That's new." He picked up the paper and carefully read through it. "In spite of the recent failures, we have almost come close to unlocking the secrets of the Skullgirls blood. More time will be developed for that. However, fortunately I have discovered a new way for subjects to control the blood-" The text ended there.
Chris blinked and went through all the other records, trying to find a match. He kept searching and rummaging through them, until that was all of the new texts. "Disappointing. I'll have to ask the others to find more of the records. For now I'll continue reading this. Christmas, I might be a bit late tonight." And the residents of Lab Zero continued on into the night.
Spring 31/3/2008
Chris's shift had just ended and he was making his way out of the Lab. He nodded to some of the workers and they silently went to their offices. Valentine watched all this, as she emerged from the wreck room. "See you guys." She waved to Hallow and the others. Then turned her attention to the man walking out. "Alright then Chris, let's see what you're up too." Valentine had choose to follow Chris now, as she didn't want to act too suspicious, since he had started acting like this two days prior. This was the right time.
Chris gave the hand and eye check and exited. Valentine waited and followed soon after. "I wonder why he's taking the long route. Going on a walk? Or is he going somewhere else? Christmas, hope you like what I find." Valentine continued to follow. Meanwhile, a little bit in front. Chris was having his own thoughts. "The Lab is fully operational and we've collected enough data on the blood to begin testing on subjects. Now how will we find candidates? The Skullgirl could appear any day now. We need to be ready."
As he was deep in thought and crossed the Maplecrest bridge into the suburb area. He noticed Valentine following him. She was wearing an overcoat too long for herself, her mask was off and she was letting her hair down. Chris's face creped up into a smile. "Perfect." Chris turned left from the suburbs and continued on into the country side. Valentine started to sweat. "Shit, did he see me? Wait… He thinks I'm someone else, phew. Now I can just act more casual."
A couple of more minutes past and Chris walked into a forest, Valentine decided to go high, so she jumped onto the branches and continued from there. "Why is he here?" She thought, swinging like a monkey through the trees. "Hm maybe he likes it here. He's always been a quiet person." She stopped, when there were no more trees in front of her. "What the?" Chris ran down a small hill out of the forest, into a place, which looked a bit like a wasteland. Valentine jumped down and continued to follow. Her suspicions getting higher each step she took.
As she followed, a building came into view. She found were he was going and old abandoned factory? Weird. She was about to crouch when- "Come on out Valerie, I know you're there." Chris's voice called out in a welcoming way. Valentine rose from her crouching position. The air was getting colder, it was a good thing she had the overcoat on. "Alright, I'll cut to the chase what's this all about?" Valentine asked, walking forward to the man. Chris simply shrugged. "A little bit of this, a little bit of that." "That doesn't answer my question." Valentine asked sternly.
Chris turned and started to walk forward, he inclined Valentine to follow him. "I answered didn't I? I take it Christmas sent you?" "Yeah she did. She's been worried about you." "Of course she has." Chris continued to look forward. "Listen why are you acting strange? On top of that why are you out here?" "Well, if you would follow me into here, I'm sure I can answer all your questions." Chris stopped and gave an eye test and voice print. He waited for Valentine and they both walked inside.
What Valentine saw next made her heart stop. In front of her was a Lab, with walkways, monitors, working machines and tanks filled with the yellow liquid. By the look of things, it looked recently built or redesigned. Then in front of her, was the Massive generator that powered the whole Lab. The numbers "00" planted on the middle. Chris immediately inclined his hand to the sign. "Welcome to Lab Zero. Specializing in Skullgirl blood research."
Valentine broke out of her trance and they began to walk around. "Why?-Wha- Chris. What is all this?" "The future. The Director gave me a mission to start researching the Skullgirls blood again." Valentine stared in disbelief. The same Lab Zero that was banned for using the Skullgirl blood for weaponry? "But it was shut down." "Yes. However, Victor wanted it to be operational again. Though we had to act in secret. No one is supposed to know that the Lab has reopened again, I'm pretty sure the princess would shut us down if she knew. However, we are helping her and the people, for this is all for the kingdom. We are once again researching the Skullgirl's blood and trying to unlock the secrets of it, so we can graft them on to future ASG unit's. So Christmas doesn't have to worry about me doing something suspicious, so tell her that when you see her."
As they walked, Valentine continued to stare at the reconstructed Lab. "Alright, that's good, I don't know if I should be happy or angry about this but if this place is supposed to be secret, then why did you let me follow you?" Walking along one of the walkways, leading to a elevator to the underground level, Chris waved to his fellow colleagues/employees, as he passed, until he noticed Valentines confusion. "Friends from Lab 7 Victor asked them to help as well. Anyway, I let you follow me because I thought you'd like to aid in the progress of the Lab." Chris said. Valentine folded her arms, when she lost her balance. Chris immediately heard her fall and caught her arm. "Careful. Maybe you should use the banisters for their intended purposes." Chris bluntly stated and continued to walk. "You don't want to fall from this height. Word of advice don't look down."
Valentine chuckled. "Smartass. And I'll not do the cliché thing and look down, like in the movies." She thought, as they entered the elevator, Chris pressed 0. "Why would you need me specifically though?" Valentine asked. "Level Zero Blood contamination Subject ASG units." "Because of this." Chris announced. As they walked out.
What came into view, was tank after tank after tank, for subjects to be put inside, on all sides, with the massive Lab zero generator still in view. Above, was more walkways, a directors office on the top left, operating tables, different types of machines, used for only one could wonder if they were used for implantation and finally gleaming with a dark red shine, was packets of the Skullgirls blood.
Chris walked down the steel stairs, leading to the operating tables. "Impressive isn't it?" "Ye..Y..Yeah.. It is." Valentine stuttered. "This is-" "Yep." Chris interrupted. "This is where we implant the subjects with the blood." Chris reached the bottom, stopped walked over to a case and picked up a saline, full of the terrible blood. "The keys to the Skullhearts power, lie right in our hands. We have everything prepared. Well, I'm not being completely honest. I rushed the text and research on the blood but I believe we are ready to begin." Valentine snatched the saline out of his hand and threw it back in the case. "Alright Chris. Now, already I'm thinking that reopening the Lab was a stupid idea but this, without even running tests and trails? You need to stop. Now."
Chris just put on a look of curiosity. "I don't know why you're being so defensive about this. We've done enough research." "We're dealing with something we can't control." Valentine protested. "But that's what Lab's are for Valerie, to study, test. This could be a revolutionary break through for the Labs!" Chris countered. "Or it could be a disaster. I can see why Victor kept this a secret. This is a mad idea! I'm actually surprised you agreed to this."
Chris just shook his head. "Alright, I see your point. I was against this too but I changed my mind, when Victor pointed something out to me." Chris picked up the Saline again. "Valerie do you have a family?" "An aunt and a sister yes. Why?" "They'll be dead in about a couple of months." Valentine looked at Chris like he was crazy but she also wanted to punch him. "Give me a good reason why I shouldn't knock you out!" She asked, angered. "You're missing the point. The Skullgirl get's stronger every time. How long before she has enough power to wipe out all of Canopy, then Chess and then Gigan? Valerie I'm getting sick of trying to convince you, if you don't want any innocents to die or your family, join me so we can end this." Chris held out his hand.
Valerie hesitated. "He's got a point. I've lived through the grand wars and seen the awesome power of the Skullgirl. Nancy was extremely powerful and I even heard the previous Skullgirl: Selene Contiello was even stronger." She thought and went silent. Chris raised an eyebrow. "Well?" She slowly reached out and shook the mans hand. "Fine. I'm in. Just make sure my presence here goes undocumented." "Hm, don't worry, the other Labs don't know about this one. There are no records or documents on this place, so we are free to do whatever we want. However, that is not why we are here. If I may, What made you agree?" Valentine picked up a saline and began to leave. "My little sister and…. Holly." "Let's Begin."
Later above, the residents of Lab Zero heard screams from the lower levels, they echoed up the walls, as the workers and scientists heard them pleading and crying out for help. None, however came to the aid of the unfortunate idiots down bellow. That, combined with the darkness of the Lab and few lights, made it sound like the souls of the damned. "What are they doing down there?" One man asked. Shaken from what he was hearing. "Dead men tell no tales. Get back to your work." David put the man's curiosity down and they both got back to their posts, even though both men would probably be haunted by the screams and the guilt.
"Subject 0-78. Failure. Next. Subject 0-79. Failure. Next. Subject 0-80. Failure. Next. Subject 0-81. Failure. Next. Subject 0-82. Aaaarghh!" Chris slammed his hand down on the operating table. Valentine cringed from the sound. "How many are left?" "One Doctor. Maybe we should stop this…Take a break?.. I don't think I can take much more of this." Chris looked up at Valentine. "You should have known this when you shook my hand! This is a necessary evil! It!-.… (Sigh) Look I don't like doing this myself, I even think to myself "Am I human? Is this right?" But you need to bury your emotions, that way you can focus on your goal. However.. That is proving difficult I guess.. For the both of us."
Chris put his hand on Valentine's shoulder. "You've never liked me and vice versa for me. I can tell, by the way you look at me at times and that's fine. You have people that you get along with and others that you don't. However, we need to focus and unlock this secret, otherwise, everyone is doomed up there. Please." Valentine looked into Chris's eyes. She saw sadness, anger, guilt but happiness as well. Mixed emotions in both his eyes. He's doing this all for Christine. She could tell. Valentine mentally slapped herself, for thinking negatively. He was right, sometimes you need to take risks when protecting something. Putting aside her dislike for Chris and seeing the subjects tortured, she nodded seriously at Chris. "Alright bring her out." "Yes Director." One of his assistants said.
In a few moments, a lady struggling to break her bonds. was brought to the operating table. "Remove the last one." Chris commanded. Two scientists pushed the body of the table and dragged it to the other body bags. The woman looked up at the people who would eventually kill her. She was completely terrified and Chris could see it in her body language and face. "I trust you sedated her body?" Chris turned to Valentine. "Of course." Valentine replied. "Doctor. Shouldn't you be wearing a gown and mask?" "No, I'm fine. Besides. The blood doesn't get far enough to touch me." Chris replied. He turned his attention, to the frightened woman bellow him.
In an attempt to get away the woman tried to reason with her captor. "Director.. Please let me go, I wouldn't have told anyone else I swear! I can help get more samples." She sounded very desperate. Chris however, saw through her ruse immediately. "I can see through your mask. I told you all, if you told anyone there would be consequences. This is your punishment. I'm sorry that it had to be this, though be proud that you are aiding us in unlocking the secret to the Skullgirl's blood."
The woman gave up trying to reason and tried to move her body but nothing would respond. "Please! Let me Go! Help! Someone?! Anybody?!" "They cannot hear you." Chris handed Valentine a syringe. "How ironic, you're only the second person to call out for help. The other was subject 0-15. Scream all you want but it won't get you away from your fate." Chris folded his arms and took steps back from the operating table. "In case you die, I'd like you to know that we all hate having to do this but there is no other way. However, you may survive and grow into a fine ASG unit. Let's determine your worth. Do it." He nodded to Valentine and the other scientists.
"I buried most of my emotions then."
Valentine looked at the woman with a cold emotionless face, as she slowly injected the needle. "Feel proud." Valentine said, uncharacteristically. What the poor woman felt next, was her skin being cut and a Venus Canulla being stuck into more than eight different parts of her body. She then watched in horror, as the tube was connected to a poler arm and a tank of blood. Slowly, it creped along the tube and entered her body through the blood stream. Chris silently turned away, as he heard the screaming of the woman mutating and her pleas for it to stop, a few minutes later her suffering would end. "Forgive me but this is a means to an end."
After a couple of minutes, Chris had his arms folded and his head buried on the operating table. He felt ashamed. All these lives wasted for nothing. No progress at all. The sulking man, lifted his head from the table, he turned and began to walk to the elevator. "Chris, where are you going?" Valentine asked. Still not turning, he answered. "Home. I was stupid to think we could make a breakthrough… Clear everything up." "What about the bodies?" "Put them in the tanks. We can use them for more research. Just get on with it." Chris's voice went more irrupted.
He entered the elevator and watched as Valentine picked the tubes out of Subject 0-83's body. While other scientists cleaned the blood up, he could see a big pool of blood and body bags, luckily it was a rather large space, rather than being enclosed. He turned his attention to the gigantic generator in the back. "Lab Zero. Why bother." He was silent when he walked out. The other residents didn't bother to talk to him or say hi. He left with regrets.
A couple of minutes later, he was walking in Maplecrest, back to his flat he lived in with Christmas. "At least I'll make her happy by coming home… Shit! The ring! Damn, I keep forgetting! Need to ask Valerie and Holly to get it." And the idea for the perfect subject started to leave Chris's thoughts. However, something unexpected happened. Fate.
"Look at her ugly face!" "Her clothes too urgh." "I know right, why does Filia even bother with you?" "Um.. I don't Know. Guys.. Could I please get home? My Daddy and me are going to plant some daffodils." Her tormentors burst out laughing. "Gardening? You should care more about your appearance little miss." The sweet girl just shrugged. Kate put an arm around the girls shoulder and Carol shuddered from the contact.
"Listen Cal. I like ya, really but you got to get prettier. These big guys out there in New Meridian, will chew you up and spit you out." Kate giggled. "Don't worry though, I've the perfect thing for you. Girls deploy the surprise!"
The girl turned round, only to be dumped with paint, covered with blue and purple, all her tormentors laughed and pointed. "Well there you go! Now you look perfect! See you on Monday!" They walked off. The girl fell down to her knees and started to cry. Chris watching all this from afar, was going to comfort her when.. "Keep laughing Kate! If I ever had the chance, I'd murder you!" Chris looked into her brown eyes and saw something dark and scary. A hint of red was in it. Inside, he could see a glass and it was cracking, any moment it would shatter. Chris got over his shock. "Yes.. Yes! She is the one!" Chris began to make his way over to her. The girl saw him and was a bit afraid. "Hey Hey! I'm not a bad guy. I noticed these girls were bulling you, I'm sorry I couldn't reach them in time to stop them dumping paint on your head." Chris smiled apologetically
The girl smiled. "It's ok. I'm used to it." Chris held out his hand. "Sorry. Where are my manners? my names Chris." The girl was hesitant to shake the mans hand. "Come on, I won't bite you. What's your name?" The girl was curious about the man, he had this weird aura about him but he didn't seem bad. She took the hand. "Caroline. But mostly my parents call me Carol. "Nice to meet you Carol. Say are you sure you're not mad at them? You're covered in paint!" Carol giggled. "It's fine. I've been bullied almost all the time." Her voice went a bit sorrowful. "But I have my best friend and my family so that's something!" Carol smiled enthusiastically.
Chris took out a cloth from his pocket and gave it to her. "It's not much but it'll probably get some of that paint off." Chris looked about. "Say do you live around here, go to any place in particular?" He asked. "Yes I live in the heart of Maplecrest, just down the road from here and I go to Maplecrest High." "Ah alright, keep your studying up. You guys are the future after all." Chris chuckled, then thought of an idea. "I'm sorry, I need to be somewhere. It was very nice to meet you Carol."
"Wait um… Chris..?" Chris turned around. "Yes." "Um.. I err.. Arr..Are.. We.. Friends?" Chris was caught off guard. "So innocent." He thought. "Yes. Yes we are. Don't let those girls get you down, it's okay to be a sweet and caring person, you should see my fiancé heh." He smiled at her. She smiled right back. "I think… she's glad.. To have someone as nice.. As you..." She stuttered. He was caught of guard yet again. "Thank you Carol. I'll see you again." Carol waved at him. "I.. hope.. so too, bye!" Chris waved back and walked off. "Oh, we'll meet again. Unfortunately for the both of us, it will be an unhappy meeting."
Once she was out of site, he broke into a run.
Chris ran out of the elevator. "Stop everything!" Everyone looked at him. Valentine gently put the body bag down. "What is it?" Valentine asked. "I met this little girl. Valerie, she's the one we need! She'll be compatible!" "How can a little girl help us?" "Let me finish! I could see it! She was normal at first but after seeing her being bullied, her aura changed. It was almost like she was another person after being bullied, her eyes changed and I could see so much anger and hate, that is what's required to control the Skullgirls blood! She's young too, about 15, the younger the girl, the more chance she has to control the blood! Her eyes you can see it in her eyes! She'll be a perfect subject!"
Chris kept repeating himself. "Calm down Chris." "How can I be calm! This is the perfect chance to-" "Alright everyone, shut everything down." They turned their heads, to see doctor Avian and two black egrets along with him, coming out of the elevator.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Chris asked, annoyed. "Like I said, shut everything down. Lab Zero is not supposed to be operational. I don't know what Victor was thinking but luckily I found out what was happening. It's too dangerous." Chris felt like he'd been shot. "Sir you can't do this all my work I-" "I don't care Chris! Everything is to be shut down by tomorrow, otherwise you all will be put In prison for acting against the crown!… Listen… Chris. I'm sorry but you have to unders-" "It's alright sir. I understand." Chris accepted.
"If you do this all now, no charges will be made and you can work in Lab 7 again. Alright? Good. Okay, I trust you all to clean this up and leave afterwards. The Lab won't be destroyed but persevered, nothing shall be touched. However, we want everyone here to never come back to this damned place ever again. We trust you to leave everything the way it was." "Is that all?" Chris asked. " Yes. Thank you for your time." With that Avian turned on his heel and walked into the elevator, with the two egret guards close behind.
Watching the elevator go up, Valentine went over to comfort Chris. "I'm sorry. We tried our best.. But maybe he's right. Some things should be left alone." Valentine then noticed he was smiling. "I have to disagree Valentine. This is perfect, we only need two people to operate on a subject. Let them shut everything down. We'll still come back. However, I just want it to be the two of us. We can't raise any suspicion, so we will remain in contact at Lab 7, then come back here." Valentine still was hesitant. "I don't know Chris, it's too risky." "Valerie what's wrong with you? You've got more confidence than this. What happen to the woman who was bold?"
Valentine looked away, then looked back. Serious. "I..I.. Wait you're right." Valentine agreed with him. "I was too afraid to accept change. Now I am. I'll go along with what ever you have planned. Though I still don't like you." Valentine punched him on the shoulder. Chris was surprised it was that easy to convince her. "Heh, I know." "So what now?" "The girl will be in Maplecrest, for now, observe her actions and report anything back to me. I'll get a headpiece so we can communicate. We should wait till their suspicions are gone about the Lab, then make our move." "Alright." "Remember just act normal." "Hmph, sure big head."
Spring 15/4/2008
"Are you sure nothing's wrong with him?" Christmas asked Valentine. They were both in Maplecrest just outside the park. "Positive. He's fine, it's just the stress he's been under. Maybe you should talk to him about it?" "Yeah I should. I didn't know he thought work was that bad… Sorry Val, I'll see you later I've got something to do." Christmas waved her rival goodbye, as Christmas disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Bye. (Sigh) I don't know why I have to lie to her." "Don't give me that." Chris said from the other end, sitting in Lab 7 at his monitor. "I don't want her to worry. Besides I'm going to tell her." "Ever heard of a simple hello? And when?" "When the time is right." "Damn riddles." She muttered. "Pardon?" "Nothing!" "Wait! That reminds me, you and Holly will get the ring right?" "Sure, boss." Valentine rolled her eyes. "Now about the girl?" "Oh yes. Keep walking from the park and you should find an area of Suburbs.
Valentine followed the directions and found where they lead. "Alright I'm here. Now.. Where.. Aha! Found her. Target is with two unknown teenagers. Probably her friends." "Good." "Their going to the park, ironically, where I just came from." "Never mind that trivial matter, get on with the mission." Valentine followed them and stood just outside the gate to the park, shadowed from all eyes. "Huh they seem really happy together." Valentine thought. She watched one of the girl's friends trip and fall but he just laughed about it and began to chase her, while the other friend just laughed.
"Huh." Valentine put her hand to her earpiece. "Tell me again Drain, why do I have to watch a 15 year old girl? "Want to know?" "Yeah." "That's kind of a stupid question, why do you think I'm getting you to observe her?" "Oh right. Sorry for the weird question. I'm tired." Valentine mentally slapped herself. "Maybe you should tel-" "No Victor is too close to Avian." "No? Okay then." "What is she doing?" "Oh. Target is relaxing and enjoying herself. I kinda like the change of scenery, saves me getting sand in my shoes." "In my opinion that's a good look for you." " Ha, Funny." Valentine said sarcastically. "Alright, just observe her for about half and hour, then come back to the Lab." "Okay, see you back there." Valentine turned and began to distance herself from the group. "Hope he doesn't screw up on that ring, Hallow and me save up a lot for it." She smiled, under her surgeons mask.
Spring 2/5/2008
Chris looked through the different records of Lab Zero in his old office. It hasn't aged much but who could tell. It was the dead of night and the entire Lab was empty, save for him. He had to look for an answer, to help the blood stabilize. True anger can control it. However, he needed something else.
Just when he was about to give up, He noticed a ripped piece of paper on a side of and old book. Chris picked it up and looked at it. It seemed familiar. Wait. He took out the other piece of paper he had in his pocket and pieced it together. The second half! It was underneath the oldest of the records. Chris began to read the full script.
"In spite of the recent failures, we have almost come close to unlocking the secrets of the Skullgirls blood. More time will be developed for that. However, fortunately I have discovered a new way for subjects to control the blood. Parasites. With their lifespan and power we are able, through Soul contamination, able to graft them on to subjects and they appear to responding well. We have managed to merge the Skullgirls blood with a young subject and it has created its own parasite. We have named it Gae Bolga Matrix. More tests have to be run but I hope we can succeed!"
Chris put the book down and smiled to himself. "Excellent. When I implant the Skullgirls blood into her, I will implant Gae Bolga, along with my own Parasite. Now were would they hide such an impressive Parasite… huh?" Chris turned the ripped piece of paper around. A message was written.
"In case of emergency. Gae Bolga Matrix will be held in heavy containment, in a small crate, underneath the generator."
Chris put down the piece and left his office. "Soon, Very soon." His moment of mysteriousness was interrupted by his phone. It was Christmas, he sighed and answered it. "Hi honey, you just interrupted me while I was thinking. Alright. Heh ok, I forgive you. Hm? No sorry I'm working late again. I know. I'll be home soon alright? Ok, love you." Chris put his phone back in his pocket. He sat back in his chair. "It's annoying when you're bored." He thought, he decided to take another look at the papers.
A couple of minutes later, after going through just basically notes on the Lab and the Skullgirl. He found an interesting document. "Hm interesting." Chris began to read.
"Documented: 1/1/1995. Clones. Such a fascinating concept. I have researched day and night on finding out the secrets to unlock this incredible mystery. I have finally found it. Razing the dead is a hard task but not impossible, I can create a séance and summon spirits, then capture them, to make the clone more powerful. The clone itself just needs DNA from the original and it works by slowly growing, it just needs to be put in a cooling tank and that will do the rest. Combined with the two souls, it is invincible. I fear my work will be band but I appeal to anyone who finds this to continue my work."
Chris set the document down. He immediately got out his pen and wrote on it: "Clone data, two spirits. Suitable host." And at the bottom he put. "Subject 0-85."
Summer 5/7/2008
Valentine hurried to the destroyed Lab 7. Medic team quick behind. A quick attack had been done to the Lab by an unknown force. Reports already stated that Victor had died in the crossfire. Yet another great mind lost. No one had found his body, maybe he could still be alive? Doubt it. She wondered who could launch a quick and calculating attack. The only thing she could wonder now is: Would they attack Lab 8?
Valentine reached the wrecketch of the Lab and bodies were littered around, covered in rubble. Some were moaning, some were already away to the afterlife. "It never gets easy seeing this." Valentine scouted and found more bodies under rubble. "Medic team, over here quick! Get the rest of my team here! We'll try and heal as many as best we can!" Valentine shouted. The nurse looked around a bit more, until she saw a pair of legs underneath a banister. Wait. She recognized those shoes and trousers.
Valentine ran over to the rubble and lifted the banister off. It crumbled after she threw it. Due to her enhanced strength, this was nothing. Valentine put her hand to her mouth. Right in front of her, was Christopher Drain. His clothes had been mostly burned away and parts of his skin were burnt or bleeding. His legs were unhampered only dirtied. What was most damaged, was his face and arms however. His skeleton could be seen coming out from his torn hand. The other one, had completely lost its skin and was just a bony hand. But his face was the most damaged. Rubble and dirt covered up his entire burnt face, he was bleeding heavily and parts of his scalp was gone, so his Brain was visible his hair was gone and so was most off his top half.
Valentine immediately cleared the rubble and quickly rapped his head and arms around in bandages. "GET ME A FUCKING MEDICAL TEAM HERE NOW! WHERE ARE THE REST?!" Valentine shouted. Soon and entire team of about 4, were around Chris, patching him and checking to see if he was alive. "WHERE IS MY TEAM!" Valentine shouted. "They will be here, any minute." A woman said, patching Chris up.
They had given up hope when. "Chr…. Chri… Chist..mas" Chris muttered. "He's alive! He's lost a lot of blood. Inject him with an AB blood type and get him to Lab 8 now!" As soon as they got a stretcher, The Last Hope members were on the scene. Valentine ran over to them. She herself mentally damaged from what she saw and the blood on her face. "Where are we needed?" Christmas asked. "Christine.. I Chris." Christmas eyes widened. "No Valerie.. He's not" "No. He's alive they're tending to him now." Christmas quickly hugged her in relief and tried to run over to Chris but Valentine stopped her. "Don't! It's best if you don't see him you have to save lives." "But.. You You're right. Alight, Girls let's move out! Get as many healed as possible!" "Right!" They said in unison.
Summer 9/7/2008
Valentine left Chris to rest and walked out of the room. "Project Painwheel? Interesting but why am I still thinking this is not what I want?" Valentine walked out of the infirmary part of Lab 8 and into the corridors. The nurse was starting to regret going along with Chris in the first place. "I should have said no. Damn!" Valentine slammed her fist into the wall. The impact was so great, it caused a crack, her hand was lightly bleeding as well. "I.. I just.. What's wrong with me? I need a break from all this." Valentine switched her mindset to her mission. "First I just need to collect her and bring her to Lab Zero. Don't think too much Valerie, this is all for a noble cause." Was it really though? She couldn't tell what was right and what was wrong anymore.
She spotted Christmas coming down the hallway, Valerie patched up her wound and greeted her with a wave. Christmas waved back. She was in her normal nurse uniform, however her shirt was open, showing her tank top. "Are you going to see Chris?" Valentine asked. "Yeah. Is he awake?" "He was. I think he's resting now." "Oh alright. Doctor Avian has a mission for us. We are to track down the Skullgirl and this mysterious Nun. Reports from the residents say the Skullgirl is a 14 year old, with a maid outfit on and a vacuum, so she won't be hard to find."
"Understood." Valentine nodded. "How long until we go out?" "2 hours." "Alright, I'll be in Maplecrest, so just you and the others meet me there." "Alright. I'll go see Chris now. Try not to get lost." Christine joked. "Thanks." Valentine laughed and said goodbye. When she got outside, it was evening, the sun almost down. "Let's get this over with." Valentine muttered.
She waited. Usually where Carol got back from school. She was about to give up and go search for her, when she spotted the girl with the boy. "Hm, they seem to really like each other. They're both blushing? A confession?" Valentine watched the boy kiss the girl on the cheek, talk for a bit, the boy enter his house. The girl began to make her way forward. Valentine stood as stiff as a board. "I can't do this. Why am I doing this? I just…" Valentine couldn't steal away a nice and sweet girl like her. "She's happy. Why should I kidnap her? It's for a greater cause." She told herself. "Is it though? Great. I'm talking to myself. I'm going to go crazy. Forget it I don't' care." However, Valentine was still uncomfortable with her choice.
Putting on the most sinister face she could, she walked up to the girl. "Hey kid, could I talk to you for a second?"
Valentine watched Carol scream, as the implants were being made to her body. Even when Carol started crying, Valentine said nothing. She just kept injecting her and fitted the Parasite Buer drive, into her spine. After all was finished. The girl sat motionless on the table. Slowly a mask was fitted to her face, little spikes piercing her skin, before connecting the skull mask on.
Brain Drain then gave her the commands and Painwheel rose from the operating table. "Check all vitle signs." Brain Drain said. "Body is stable. Parasites stable, soul contamination stable. Everything is normal Doctor." "Good. Painwheel I've given you your orders. Fulfill them." "Gurrrrrrgh." Painwheel said, as she slowly got off the operating table and began to make her way out of Lab Zero. As she did, the Venus tubes connected to her began to violently rip off. Valentine tried to walk over and disconnect them but she was stopped by Brain Drain. "She can't feel anything. Leave her be." Valentine looked at the floor in shame. "What have I done?"
Painwheel opened the tunnel hatch and jumped inside. Brain Drain folded his arms. "I'm going to connect to her through a physic link. What are you going to do?" "I have a mission. I'll contact you after." "Very Well" Valentine left the Lab. When she got out it was night. A half moon, in the distance, she could see the buildings gleaming in the dark. "It took that long?" Valentine thought. Just then her communicator went off. "Valerie where the hell are you! Get your ass over to the old Cathedral ruins now! We think we've located the Skullgirl." Patty shouted from the other end. "I'll be as quick as I can." Valentine responded. "You better or-" "Sorry Val just take your time." Hallow interrupted and apologized. "Thanks Holly." Valentine made her way to the ruins.
Summer 10/7/2008
Valentine located her team. They were stationed under some pillars. "Where have you been!?" Patty screamed. "Sshh. Do you want us to get spotted?" Easter scolded. "Sorry." Christmas walked over to Valentine, she noticed her glum expression. "Hey, you alright?" "Yeah I'm fine." Valentine lied. "Good, we need to be ready to kick that Skullgirls ass." Christmas joked. "Yeah." Valentine chuckled. "Boss, found her! She's with the nun."
Christmas brought out her cutting knifes. The others brought out their respective weapons as well. "Alright. We've been prepared for this. Many of us have had experience before but this is a new Skullgirl, so expect different attacks. I know some of you might be scared but we have something she doesn't have, humanity and hope! So let's show her all of that!" Christmas shouted. "Right!" They replied.
In the wasteland, the two girls heard the shouts. "They come." "Yes." "Should we attack them?" "No, let them come to us. Their spirits are high but they shall find only the grave… I sense… One of them is conflicted." "We can use that to out advantage."
The Last Hope prepared to strike. Christmas looked at Valentine. "Don't chicken out on me. I don't like seeing you like that." "I'm not. I'm as ready as you are." Valentine replied. "Heh so am I." Patty said. "And me." Easter replied. "Ditto." Hallow said. "LET'S DO THIS!" Christmas let out a battle cry and the rest did the same. They charged at the two assailants. However, Valentine knew deep down that they would fail and she was right.
Marie uncurled her vacuum around Valentines neck. "You made the right decision. Come. We are going back to our headquarters. We can discuss what we will do next there. Bear in mind, we will be attacking the Lab you used to be loyal too and everything and everyone that is associated with it." Marie said unemotionally. "I understand." Valentine looked at her teamates dead bodies. Double and Marie began to walk away. Double turned around and walked over to the kneeling Valentine. "What are you doing?" Valentine got up and walked over to her dead teamates. "If I may, I'd like to take some of their weapons for my own and give them last rites?" Valentine looked at Marie. The Skullgirl silently nodded. "We are not without mercy. You may bury them. We shall wait." "Irrelevant. This does nothing to aid in our plans she-" "DOUBLE!" Marie silenced the shapshifter. "We owe her at least a bit of closure."
A few minutes later, Valentine stood and planted one of Christmas's crosses into the ground, she did it with the rest of them as well. The nurse turned traitor, immediately turned away after she planted it. "You will not pay your respects?" Marie asked. "I don't deserve too." Valentine said grimly. "I will do whatever you ask of me." Valentine looked right into Marie's eyes. The Skullgirl saw nothing but emptiness and coldness. She and Double then walked in sync with Valentine into the sunset. "Good. We'll start next with Lab 8."
Autumn 3/9/2008
"You cold heartless bastard! You let your teamates walk to their deaths!? You could have done something!" Valentine just responded with a: "I know. I'm sorry." "Even after turning me into this, I thought there was no other way you could sink even lower but I was wrong. At least I can avenge their deaths and everyone else you killed, by killing you!" Painwheel was about to stab Valentine with her spike. Jonah and Filia were already too late to stop her.
Just then, Ms Fortune walked in calmly and sat down, completely oblivious to the situation. Everyone just watched her silently, until she noticed what was happening. "Oh. Am I interrupting?" She asked. Painwheel's face went blank. The girl then dragged a motionless Valentine across the floor with her. "And where were you?!" Painwheel asked irritated. "Had stuff to do. I've got a real life outside of this you know." "Oh yeah?" "Yeah." Nadia replied. She noticed Valentine being held by Painwheel. "Hey creepy Nurse lady." Ms Fortune greeted her. Filia and Jonah came running over. "Carol let her go. You-" Jonah was interrupted by the windows smashing.
Glass going everywhere. Through the dust, a pair of yellow glowing eyes could be seen. It cleared and the two attackers stood on the table. Robo Fortune smiled. "Good. Evening." She greeted them all and picked up a glass full of beer. She slowly enclosed her hand around it, crush and it broke into little pieces on the floor, the beer going over her hand and making everyone in the room shudder. "How. Are. We. All? Beep. Boop. Meow."
Well, things are going to heat up in the next one. Expect a lot of fighting! Hope you enjoyed. Do you like the story? (Characters true to the original?) Review at your leisure and have a good one!