A/N: I'm sorry for the delay of this chapter. I had gotten a little busy with some things and also had to attend family gathering at my grandparents' along with some relatives, and thus I never had the time to sit back for a bit to work on this chapter. But as delighted as I was to spend time with family on the holiday, I am also delighted and excited to finally have this chapter released. But speaking of holiday, I also hope that you all had a wonderful holiday with your friends, family and relatives, so Merry Christmas, or should I say in TF2, Merry Smissmass :D
Now, on to the main event... This is it, everyone. Soldier's biggest obstacle in the TF2/Skullgirls crossover, the one I've been anticipating to be released the most... Also, like the usual routine. For better experience while reading these chapters, try listening to the listed soundtracks while reading them :)
Disclaimer: I am only responsible for the plot of this crossover. Team Fortress 2 belongs to Valve and Lord Gaben Newell, and Skullgirls belongs to Lab Zero Games.
(God Eater OST: Howl of the Wolf)
The halls and corridors of Lab 8 was a panicking mess. Defenseless, and armed personnel alike scattered everywhere, trying to evacuate civilian refugees. And then there's Soldier, hearing a shocking news...
Apparently, an unknown assailant had somehow infiltrated Lab 8, and as a result, both Annie and Peacock were attacked and left unconscious. - The worst part of it, was Doctor Avian, being attacked as well, and intentionally wounded in the process. Not only this was the harm being done, but also the additional bad news was that due to Doctor Avian's age, and weakening physic, the main Director of Lab 8 was now in critical condition of a 50-50 chance to survive, not only from the injury he sustained in the head, but mostly, the wound on his side. It wasn't clear if the wound was fatal or not, but considering that the doctors of Lab 8 were fearing the worst, armed Lab 8 personnel immediately investigated for any tracks left by the assailant...
All that Soldier could do was sit in the waiting area outside the emergency room. She was worried about Doctor Avian, and on behalf of that, she was worried even more worried about Carol being out somewhere all in her own, especially when there's a Skullgirl on the loose. Then, there was also Annie and Peacock to worry about at well Unfortunately though, despite only being knocked out, the two are still both unconscious and were in the medical bay, bit both her stable nonetheless.
The doors from the emergency room opened, and came emerging an unfamiliar figure, at least female by appearance as Soldier could tell. Her whole body was no skin, but just intestines. She had brunette hair, and was wearing a long nurse gown, nurse shoes and a pair of rubber gloves, all done in white, with her face covered with by slightly tanned mask, kind of like Carol's, but less intimidating, and had a medical Red Cross on the forehead section. She also had a pair of noticeable big spikes, sticking got on both her shoulders.
The nurse, as she emerged out of the emergency room quickly noticed nobody was in the waiting area, all except for Soldier, who immediately got up from her seat and began. "HOW'S DOC AVIAN!? IS HE ALRIGHT!?" Soldier immediately began in a panicked tone. "Unfortunately, Doctor Avian is still in critical condition. The damage done by the wound was still critical for such a physic of his age." The nurse replied, but she she added. "Strangely enough, and thank the Trinity, the wound wasn't fatal at all. As hard as it might be to believe this - I have speculated that the wound inflicted on Doctor Avian wasn't intentional either. Rather, a mere concussion." This was still good news for Soldier regardless as she took a huge sigh in relief. The nurse sighed as well, but for some reason, it wasn't out of relief. "Considering that most of our armed personnel are evacuating refugees to our nearest safe house, we are currently understaffed to look further into this issue. While we have a few armed operatives already investigating, we could still use at least one more to do a specific task, which is to track down the assailant... I don't think it would be wise to send out all current, available personnel just to track down one assailant would be worth the risk of leaving Lab 8 vulnerable..." She paused. Looking down on the floor shortly before continuing, rather in a disturbed tone. "There was also one clue found on Doctor Avian's wound." She then took out a small ziplock bag for Soldier to see.
Soldier had a bit of a hard time trying to identify the material that was in the ziplock bag. But after a brief moment, she looked at the nurse. "THAT'S A MEDICAL TOOL ALL RIGHT, BUT I FORGOT WHAT IT'S CALLED..." "It is a scalpel. Commonly used for surgery, anatomical dissection, podiatry and various arts and crafts etcetera." Soldier snapped her fingers. "OH, RIGHT! ITS A SCALPEL! NOW... WHAT WAS IT THAT YOU WERE REQUESTING AGAIN NURSE UH..?" "Nurse Ileum. But call me Ileum, if you please." The nurse replied but then added. "Now, as for my earlier statement... We can't really tell who's the assailant, but it is heavily implied that there was one attacker. My speculations only leads to one person, but I do not want to be judging others just because of a simple speculation." Ileum sighed shortly before continuing. "Before heading to assist on tending to Doctor Avian's, I've spoken to the security staff within the control room, and within the reaction area, the same spot where Miss Annie, Patricia, and Doctor Avian were attacked - We had an installed security camera there, and from what was caught on the assailant, was a silhouette, and that the assailant is presumably female."
Soldier looked at Ileum for a moment, still trying to process everything that she was saying. "... From the first clues of the investigation, it appeared to be that the assailant used a smoke bomb. Commonly known and used by ASG operatives, mostly for emergency distraction in case a stealth mission, or infiltration goes unplanned." Soldier finally decided to speak. "So you're saying... The attacker is not only a woman, but like a sneaky spy?" Ileum, reluctant, nodded, but her response was different after... "As I've said earlier - I've speculated that the assailant used stealth, like a ninja. My only assumption is that she must've got caught by Doctor Avian, Patricia, or Miss Annie and hence, the attack happened. But from what I can tell, the method used in all three, Miss Annie, Patricia, and Doctor Avian, was to immobilize them unconscious before making an escape." Ileum's voice was reluctant in each word the said, but she was serious in time as she maintained eye contact with Soldier.
Soldier took a long moment until she finally realized what Ileum was trying to explain to her... Just by looking at the scalpel, and thinking about what Ileum said scoutnthrew assailants' method of attack - Soldier finally came to conclusion... "IT'S VALENTINE... YOUR SPECULATION IS VALENTINE... I MEAN, OF COURSE... I REMEMBER NOW... SHE USED SCALPELS AT ME DURING OUR FIRST ENCOUNTER... DAMMIT I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT THAT..!" "We are still not sure if that is the case. For now, it remains a speculation until proven to be true..."
"BUT SHE'S THE ONLY ONE LEFT OF HER GROUP - WHO ALL OF WHICH USE MEDICAL TOOLS AS WEAPONS..!" Soldier pointed out. "That is very true. And given a month have passed ever since Last Hope was wiped out by the Skullgirl, Nurse Valentine, during refugee rescue missions, had seemed to have implemented using Nurse Christmas' scalpels, Nurse Hallow's biochemical syringes, as well as Nurse Patty's IV pole and Nurse Easter's body bags. I know this may sound too much for such a speculation, but I cannot think of the alternative, if there are even any alternatives at all." Ileum paused as she focused her full attention in Soldier. "Doctor Avian, and even Doctor Stanley had been speaking highly of you and your abilities... I understand, that you are being commended for employment in Lab 0, but Lab 8 would appreciate it if you could lend us some assistance to track down the assailant: keyword - Tail Nurse Valentine, but attacking isn't required unless required information is fathers to confirm if she truly was the assailant." Soldier of course didn't hesitated and replied. "YOU CAN COUNT ON ME! ALSO... I HAVE BEEN SUSPECTING HER OF BEING INVOLVED WITH THE EXPERIMENTATION OF CAROL. SO GOD FORGIVE ME IF SHE EVER HAPPENS TO BE INVOLVED..!" "Project Painwheel? The main controversy just recently?" "AFFIRMATIVE!"
Their conversation was then interrupted by a few Lab 8 personnel, mostly a small reconnaissance team speaking to other Lab 8 doctors. The expressions of each individual was shown to be of concern. This is when Soldier and Ileum approached. "WHAT HAVE YOU MAGGOTS BEEN TALKING ABOUT?" Soldier questioned. "There has been a mass resurrection in down town New Meridian. Numerous reports confirmed it to be Skullgirl minions, and hordes of them." One of the Lab 8 doctors replied, but then immediately added. "Numerous reports also stated that the Black Egrets are barely holding out on the defenses, and from the classified reports passed on by our private detective assets - Big Band is among the front line of defense. The town is swarmed by undead minions, and apart of the civilian casualties, we highly worry of Big Band's safety, especially when the news just recently that spread, that he was arrested by Black Egrets..." Soldier has a worried look on her face, but Ileum seemed to have taken the news too heavily as she looked down in concern. But at this point one of the reconnaissance team has spoken. "We've gained visual on Nurse Valentine, all on her own, making exit through the back gates of Lab 0 by the time we arrived from recon. Lab 0 personnel were extremely adamant and aggressive on their questioning on us, and were furious, too."
This got Soldier's attention. "WHAT? WHY?" "We don't have any clue, but from what were told: Nurse Valentine stole classified information. Valuable ones, we presume, under Brain Drain's possession. All Lab 0 armed personnel and operatives alike have been given a direct order by Brain Drain to apprehend, and neutralize Nurse Valentine." This was shocking news... No one managed to say a word as the Lab 8 operative continued. "Rumour has it this has yet to reach the joint chief of staff. Basically, we can't just execute rouge ASG personnel. We are to arrest and detain them for questioning, before putting them on fair trial. But knowing Lab 0's shadiness... We can only assume the worst for Nurse Valentine." Soldier then finally asked. "IF YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO KILL UNLESS ITS NECESSARY, WHAT WILL BE THE PUNISHMENT?" A Lab 8 doctor replied to her. "The joint chief of staff will file for a meeting of board directors. Those at the very high positions of the Anti-Skullgirl labs, which are all successors to the founders of ASG. The punishment will imprisonment. Guilty as charged until proven innocent. But we can't say who's the innocent here in this shocking controversy. Whether it may be Nurse Valentine, or Lab 0 themselves."
The conversation was then interrupted by the sound of glaring alarms through the halls of Lab 8. "That's the emergency evacuation alarm... It's time to evacuate the doctors..." Ileum suddenly muttered next to Soldier. "We will discuss about Nurse Valentine once Lab 8 had resolved evacuation of all doctors... For now, if have a mission, you may as well be on your way. But don't worry about Doctor Avian, we'll make sure he recieves the best medical care our lab cam offer."
Soldier gave a crisp nod and immediately made her way to the front lobby of the lab, where ASG operatives will be taking mission from the operators slash receptionists. Although she may not be a legit ASG operative, she was still known as an ASG asset, typically known and identified as a hired mercenary temporarily working for the ASG labs in this case. "We have several reconnaissance missions, but none are available as of now, considering the current status of New Meridians, we are limiting available field operations located in the City." An operator that Soldier approached said, but then she also adds. "However, we do have extraction missions. One of them Hugh on the list is is out veteran operative, Big Band. Status: MIA, under Black Egret custody."
The advanced computer monitors on the table showed the location just couple of meters from the New Meridian Boardwalk. "THAT'S WHERE BIG BAND IS CURRENTLY LOCATED?" Soldier asked and the operator nodded. "Yes. But our current Intel also provides that the Skullgirl has yet a 70% chance of appearing within the premises, as well as a 1000% chance of Black Egret presence within the location. Most of our operatives can only risk so much, but to extract Big Band from this location would be an impossible task. Shall you take another mission instead, Ma'am?" Soldier thought of it for a moment, but the she realized: If the Skullgirl has a Hugh chance of appearing... Then there's also the chance that Carol would appear as well. She was after all, as Soldier hates to admit, under control of Brain Drain... Surely, even if she's broken lose out of Lab 0, she may still be under Brain Drain's control... "I'LL TAKE THE MISSION... GIVE ME THE EXACT COORDINATES TO THE LOCATION AND I WILL CARRY ON WITH THE MISSION..." The operator looked at Soldier in surprise, bit didn't objected, regardless of the situation of the location where Big Band was located at. "Transferring coordinates... Transfer is completed." The operator handed Soldier a medium sized mobile device that looked like a thin screen, but was a touchable screen that has an advanced user interface. "You are an ASG asset, it's only fair that you get an ASG mobile device. The device acts not only acts as a mobile telephone on the go, but also has features of a satellite map, which you will need to use at all times to help you locate on your missions. Mission coordinates have also been transferred into your device. Good luck!" The operator said.
Not wasting time, Soldier immediately made her way out of the ASG labs and into the city of New Meridian.
(God Eater OST: Shadow Covering the Town)
"How many more are there!?" Parasoul asked as she continuously attacked the oncoming undead using Krieg. "There are plenty more, Princess! Stay on your toes!" Merasmus immediately replied as he attacked from above while levitated. The world he is in was not only filled with enormous bizarre living beings and entities... But after living for so many centuries of and even going through the most ridiculously bizarre events with Soldier and her team of maniacs, hardly anything surprises him anymore... Even that moving corpse of Sienna Contiello, fighting the lifeless... Merasmus couldn't help but wonder, what was the story behind her hallowed looking shell... Not only her tragedy, but her own individuality above these lifeless vessels of once living beings... Merasmus was somehow intrigued to know her story, and not only that, but also that she too, is after the Skullgirl. It would seem that most people that has the ability to fight are after the Skullgirl, or perhaps even after the Skull Heart. Either good or bad of intentions... Focusing himself on their current situation, Merasmus could barely see any escape out, and both Parasoul and Squigly were already struggling due to the ever growing numbers of the lifeless minions of the Skullgirl.
"We are going to get overwhelmed..." Parasoul said between heavy panting. "It would seem that the Skullgirl has a major hatred within her, to summon such a vast number of restless bodies... If only we had gone to another path to pursue her..." Leviathan suddenly muttered, but Squigly replied. "It doesn't matter, Leviathan, we will fight together to the bitter end like we've already done before."
Merasmus listened to these words, but as he too was bed gave burned out bit by bit he finally decided to use his last strength to get the other out of the swarmed area as soon as possible. Casting out both Monoculus and the Headless Horsemann back into the underworld, Merasmus quickly grabbed Parasoul and Squigly with both arms, and to their surprise, Merasmus levitated even higher, and flew them into a nearby sky scraper.
"We cannot hold that position any longer... I'm sorry, your highness..." Merasmus slowly said as he took heavy breathing. Parasoul too, was burned out, but she still had a determined look on her face. "We must press forward... If these minions have all been crowded in these areas here in the city, then there is the chance that the Skullgirl may appear, and we cannot lose the opportunity to take her down at once while we are here." Merasmus gave her a look. "Yes, I can see that, Princess... But what about Princess Umbrella? We need to -" "Merasmus, the kingdom and it's people comes as the first priority, and set aside all emotions." Parasoul interrupted him in serious tone. Merasmus gave the Princess an incredulous look. "You have a sister?" Squigly suddenly asked, but then leviathan interrupted. "She does indeed, Squigly. Her mother, gave birth to a child in No Man's Land, remember? We were there as well when we had to help fight the former Queen..." Parasoul shifted uncomfortably at this statement, but she looked at Merasmus. "You must understand, that my responsibility has to be my first priority above all else... It is for the safety of all people, not only for the safety of my sister..." Merasmus frowned, and Parasoul sighed. "I am not going to stop you if you wish to go back for Umbrella, but if you do, please, just bring her back to Canopolis and look out for her..."
Merasmus didn't said a word, but the look on his face was more than enough to already tell that he was sorely disappointed at the older Renoir... Merasmus, without a word, flew off the sky scraper, and made his way back to get Umbrella... "I must say, you have quite inherited your father's attitude..." Leviathan's voice suddenly interrupted. Parasoul shortly frowned and replied. "As responsibility, is a responsibility... I must uphold that responsibility..." Leviathan looked displeased by the response, but Squigly was the opposite. Almost as if she was sympathetic towards the princess... Of course... Why would a useless king even allow his daughter to shoulder all the burden of his responsibilities..? No one will ever know the answer...
"If you two are also after the Skullgirl, then you may as well join me, but need I remind you, that we cannot waste time. Let's go..." Parasoul began with a serious tone. "Are you sure you can keep on..? You have been exhausted from all the fighting with the minions... We can still take a bit of time for you to take some rest..." Squigly said a bit worriedly. "No. We can't waste time we -" Parasoul replied but stopped. Her eyes gazed upon something from behind Squigly... It was a frightening figure of what looked to be a young girl... "What... Is that thing..?" Leviathan sleepy asked, almost in a stutter..." Squigly was frightened by the sight, and was frozen speechless... Then Parasoul took a single step forward. Just one look, she could already tell where this frightening abomination came from... ".. You poor girl... I never authorized this..."
The girl let out a growl. Then then a loud scream... "GET... OUT... OF... MY... HEAD..! NO..! GET AWAY..! HE'S... HE'S... HRAAAAAGH..!" Behind the girl, a visible form of a dark shadow appeared... Parasoul knew she was right... But this was too far now... Brain Drain has gone too far... The large fan looking blade on the girls black started spinning rapidly like a rotor blade of a helicopter... "Initiate: Operation Painwheel. Your task is to hunt down the Skullgirl, and extract the Skull Heart before retrieving it back to Lab 0 for weapon study..." The shadowed figured, who Parasoul strongly identifies as Brain Drain paused, his head, and red glowing eyes landed on her.. "Terminate possible obstacles. Skullgirl minions, or whatnot. Am I clear?" The girl growled. "N-NO... YOU... CAN'T MAKE ME... HURT... PEO...PLE..!" The girl was then visibly electrocuted and she let out a painful scream. "N-NO..! RUN..! HE'S... HE'S... CONTROLLING ME..!" And all of a sudden, she finally stopped... On her knees for a brief moment, she let out a murderous growl. Like a wild, wounded predator, surrounded by other predators... And as the old saying goes, a wounded animal, is a dangerous animal... "It's nothing personal, Princess. This is after all, Science. All in the name of Science... Project Painwheel, you may begin on your task." The bloodshot eyes of the masked girl landed on Parasoul and Squigly, the only came a murderous growl by the time Brain Drain's shadowed figure dissolved away... "Maybe we can help her -" Squigly tried to act pest say something finally, but the girl let out a loud scream and finally charged at her and Parasoul...
Fighting her way through dozens of undead minions was like a simple stroll in the chaotic battlefield of Coldfront, and Soldier easily managed to make her way through the City. Although, it took her some getting used to on how to properly use the given technology to her, but she managed to navigate her way through to her destination... Her mission was to get Carol first, and she had to make it in time. She knew she was in a race with time. Either Carol passes by, or gets to encounter the Skullgirl, Soldier knew it was a huge gambling risk, but that is what a mercenary was all about. Gambling with risks... But even so, she didn't liked the idea of setting aside Big Band just to get her hopes up to encounter Carol... This mission was, after all, to extract Big Band... But surely he would understand, considering his situation seems to be stable while under Black Egret custody...
Her shotgun made quick work on the distant attacks, while making quick and easy work using her Escape Plan and Equalizer for closer combat. Now looking around the surrounding environments, Soldier had to rocket jump through rooftop after rooftop as she designated coordinates led her into sky scrapers to find Big Band. But as she was not going to find him just yet, Soldier suddenly caught the sight of a small battle on one of the sky scrapers... She couldn't see quite clearly, but appeared, or so, she was able to make out a figure overpowering two others. Soldier decided to make an investigative approach...
Armed with her Direct Hit rocket launcher by the time she arrived to get a closer look... Soldier's eyes widened in shock. It was Carol... She was overpowering a lifeless corpse of a young girl with a snake in her head, as well as Parasoul... The Princess of the kingdom of umbrella Nazis... At this point, Soldier did nothing as she disapproved highly of Parasoul. Soldier only stayed back, but for some reason, as she watched Carol to fully overpower her two opponents... Soldier noticed that Carol wasn't going to stop... She was going for the kill, and she acted more like a wild predator than a human in self defense... Soldier was reluctant... But as an much as she disliked Parasoul... It wouldn't be right to let an innocent girl to kill a person in this case...adter all, Carol didn't looked like she was in control of her own self...
(God Eater OST: Give Me Power)
Parasoul took a blade gash on her side from the large spinning blade. Although Squigly managed to distract the poor girl, the young diva wasn't quick enough to react to the aggressive attacks of this living weapon that Brain Drain made, thus slamming the door diva onto the ground with a liking thud...
After taking several beatings, bruises and blade gashes on her body, Parasoul finally fell onto the ground. She couldn't keep up with the speed of this abominable living weapon, and she has already taken too much injuries to push herself to her limits to fight... Growling and crawling on all four limbs, the last thing that Parasoul saw was the large spinning blades, ready to shred her to pieces... Parasoul closed her eyes, ready to accept her fate... "CAROL, STOP..!" Thuds could be heard as well as the sounds of scrambling feet on the ground...
When Parasoul opened her eyes, she was still alive... And Squigly was by her side, checking up on her. "Thank goodness, you're okay! It's a miracle that an armed lady came to stop that poor girl... You were almost shredded to pieces..." Squigly said a little mournfully. "Indeed. It is by miracle..." Leviathan added. But as they all looked at what was going on... Parasoul's face came into shock... It was Jane Doe... Fighting the living weapon...
"CAROL, STOP THIS NOW..!" Soldier shouted as she blocked Carol's attacks with her shovel. But Carol was like a wild animal, determined to fight and even kill to survive being cornered by other animals... And her attacks were fast and aggressive, as she leaped back and forth on all fours, and even managed to slice Soldier's arm with her large blades. Soldier of course, didn't wanted to hurt her... But she had to fight back not only to defend herself, but to stop the poor girl... "She's under manipulation of Brain Drain..! You have to take her down..!" Parasoul suddenly shouted. Soldier never wanted to acknowledge what she said last, but considering that she was indeed under control... Soldier knew that fighting Carol was terribly the only way to get her to stop, and to bring her back to Lab 8 to get her sorted out...
Getting back up on to her feet after being sent stumbling backwards, Soldier wore a very reluctant look on her face... But she had to do this... "I'M SORRY, CAROL..." She then took out her Escape Plan and Equalizer emigre charging at Carol, who charged at her like a wild predator.
It hurt Soldier on each successful hit she delivered on Carol. She didn't wanted to hurt the poor girl, and she wanted to help her, but was there any other way? Was there any other solution? There wasn't anyone logical enough, or strategically experienced enough to provide an answer. The only answer there is, was to fight the person that she wanted to help, and wanted to protect from Brain Drain... This hurt Soldier, and it almost made her feel like fighting one of her teammates on the Red team. She somehow imagined Scout in the position of Carol... But that made it even worse as she fought the unfortunate soul, tortured in who knows whatever painful ways possible, in order to become a living weapon just to take down the Skullgirl...
Taking several hits and cuts from Carol, Soldier managed to retaliate with her pickaxes, and after so long of the painful fighting that Soldier wished she never had to go through with Carol... Carol was finally brought onto her knees... She was growling, but she remained on her knees, her hands both clutching on her head which was now resting on the ground... It almost looked like as if she was trying to control herself... Then... Just then... "Why have you stopped? Project Painwheel, I command you to proceed on with your mission..! - Wait... YOU... You just wouldn't give up, would you..?" It was Brain Drain, or so what appears to be Brain Drain, in the form of a dark shadowed figure... Soldier tightened her grip on her pickaxes and held one directly towards Brain Drain... "YOU SON OF A BITCH! I KNEW YOU WERE CONTROLLING HER..! IF IT WEREN'T FOR CAROL, I SHOULD'VE KILLED YOU EARLIER WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE..!" Words of Soldier caused such shock to to the others like Parasoul, Squigly and Leviathan... But Brain Drain didn't even flinched. "You are quite a bold one, aren't you Miss Jane Doe..? I must admit... I am impressed that you still even figure out how to locate my living weapon, despite that mental instability of yours... But if you think that I will stop here... Then you are wrong. I have a few more powerful bullets to fire in order to obtain the Skull Heart." Brain Drain Turned to Parasoul. "Yes, you heard that right 'Your Highness' I aim to obtain the Skull Heart, and the Skull Heart only alone. But if I were to do that, I would do it in the most logical way possible. I've spent years, and years of calculating, careful planning and scouring for the rarest, and even the most expensive materials to craft my necessary needed tools to use if I wish to obtain the Skull Heart. I do not care for the people that you wish to protect... Hmph... Such little mindless leeches, praising those hands that feeds them, or those that give them benefit... Greedy little leeches, content of what they have been given..."
Brain Drain turned his head back to Soldier. "I'm surprised that you didn't even let Project Painwheel to kill the Princess... Didn't I hear that you strongly disapprove of her? That you also wanted to kill her? Of course... Even I would have want to do that myself... But you see, Miss Doe... The country of the Canopy Kingdom was never the country it seems outside from the other countries' perspective... If you already haven't heard of the Grand War... The 'Peace Treaty' that was being established by the proud King Franz himself. He was the one who started the Grand War, and why might you ask? Out of fear that the other countries were already advancing themselves into the modern world of society. His poor excuse was to "Protect my people, and my kingdom" but in reality, when he succeeded to start a multi-scaled war, he secretly contracted the Medici Mafia, Lorenzo Medici, into a secret cooperation to sabotaged all peace meetings, and both parties even reached out specifically to Lab 0. When they had that promotional wrestling event, all in the name of Canopy propaganda, the mighty nation of the Gigans sent their fierce warrior, Grendel as their representative in competition to Canopy's brainless muscle brute, Beowulf. You could likely guess, that we sabotaged it by drugging Grendel to help the Royal family achieve their mischievous deed."
Soldier looked at Parasoul in disgust, but Brain drain had more to say... "Princess, do not even act so slightly to present yourself as a good example of being a noble protector. You know your family was responsible for the Grand War. Specifically, your father, who is still currently alive when he has no right to... Bastard... And as for the permanent alliance to happen at the rise of Skullgirl Queen Nancy, Miss Doe..? The ASG labs didn't needed to be announced legitimate. At least for the superior Lab 0. We will always exists, one way or another in the pursuing of scientific advances. Unlike the other fallen labs, especially Lab 8 and the fallen Lab 7... Fools... You might have already known that those labs have strong relationships with the Canopy military, but who is to say when they all discover the truth that their Royal family, lied to them about the Grand War? Not only to the ASG labs of Lab 8 and Lab 7, but to their own people, and even to their regular military that I've heard had been long discarded, stationed in No Man's Land, as useless expendables. All replaced by these fascist Black Egrets. And yet they think that they are a noble cause, when all they do, is repeat the same mistakes of their leader's father. It would seem that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as they say... And perhaps you may have succeeded to compromise one of my superior living weapons, Miss Doe, perhaps I may as well give you a compliment or simply put; a job well done... But it does not matter... If Project Painwheel will be nothing but a failed experiment, then you may as well have her... But do not even think that you could stop me from obtaining that Skull Heart. I will obtain it not for this country, it's kingdom nor people, but for the name of science... And I still have my ways..."
This shocking revelation was too much to leave all others speechless. Soldier already knew about the Grand War... But Parasoul's father, the King of this kingdom being the one who started a War so large, it wiped out a few third world countries, now turned into barrens of wastes..? She couldn't believe it... This country was filled with lies, and secrets... And to take account that the Royal family even worked with the Medici one time was a new surprise for her... "WHY ARE YOU SAYING ALL THIS..? WHY!?" Soldier questioned. Brain Drain only chuckled deeply. "I've figured, since you have already sabotaged one of my greatest triumphs... You may as well know about the secrets that lies within this country, so that maybe and perhaps, you may rethink your decisions thoroughly. Do you really think the people of this nation are worth fighting for..? This nation, being worth fighting for..? Lab 8 is a fool with that mindset. To stop Skullgirls in order to allow a nation run by a lying Royal family, infested with corrupt Mafia, and corrupt politics is one that does not need saving. It deserves to be left to its fate. Perhaps we should even let this nation and all life in it to be devoured by the wrath of the Skullgirl, and once all is gone, perhaps, Lab 0 may finally take the chance to take the Skull Heart. No cause is deem worth siding, and no people here in New Meridian, and Canopy Kingdom are worth fighting for."
Brain Drain let out a simple sigh before simply looking down at Carol, who was now unconscious... "You are a huge disgrace... But of course... What do I get from an average schoolgirl with a simple caring family... Nothing but weaknesses. I should've known better... What a waste of resource..." And with that, Brain Drain's shadowed figure, dissolved, this time, for good...
Soldier put away her melee weapons, but she had her hands, balled into fists as she shortly looked at Parasoul... Her family was responsible for the Grand War, and were even the ones that started it... But it didn't matter now... What mattered was Carol... Carol was safe now...
Soldier quickly rushed over to Carol and held her as gently as possible, cradling the unconscious girl within her arms... "YOU'RE SAFE NOW... YOUR SAFE NOW..."
(God Eater OST: Those Carrying Solitude)
It wasn't long until they were eventually found by Black Egrets led by Adam. Then, came Panzerfaust and Big Band. It was a silent, yet shocking scene. All of them found, Squigly, Soldier and Carol, herself included, were all injured... There were no words said, and only the medical team along the Egrets did their job on treating the injuries, despite some uncertainty towards Squigly's, conscious rotted body, and Carol's disfigured form...
"What... Happened here..?" Big Band finally asked as he approached her... Parasoul couldn't respond... After all that truth that Brain Drain spilled for Soldier to hear... She couldn't bring herself to speak as she was in worry. Not for herself, or anything, but for Umbrella... What if Umbrella was the one being told by all of the truth that Brain Drain said..? But thankfully, she wasn't here... "Parasoul... What's wrong? Are you... Alright..?" She heard Big Band once more... She looked at him, patiently waiting for an answer... "Brain Drain..." Was all she could say...
Big Band sighed... But his eyes shortly glancing Carol's way, still being held close by Soldier for some reason, the older operative replied. "Don't tell me he's done that..?" Parasoul frowned, then closed her eyes for a moment before responding. "He's done more than that..." They both heard Soldier's barking at the medical team, refusing to hand them over Carol, and held the unconscious girl closer working her arms... "I dunno what really happened... But I'm gonna guess you two actually ended up fighting..?" "More of the opposite... She saved me from being killed by that poor girl... That girl was under manipulative control of Brain Drain... Even wanted me killed..." Big Band was surprised, and caught off guard by Parasoul's response... "He... He's gone too far with this one... Just a poor kid... Turned into that... And he even had the nerve to use her to kill you..?" Parasoul frowned again and opened her eyes before responding. "We will discuss this to Doctor Avian... He is still the head Director of Lab 8, right?" Big Band looked at her confused. "He is but... You're not suggesting you're taking Soldier and that poor kid into the lab, were you..?"
Parasoul distanced her eyes from Big Band's... "Like I said... Jane Doe, had she not intervened from the poor girl's attack, I would've not been alive by now... The least I could do to repay that is... Bringing you three, and even Sienna Contiello over to Lab 8... I am still not sure how Sienna Contiello is even alive with her own conscious, if she was ever to be brought back to life by the Skullgirl..." Big Band sighed shortly. "She's another story, for another time... But I wouldn't be joining you on the way to Lab 8 just yet... There's still plenty more of those stray minions scattered around the city. I've also received a report from Molly that we need to dispatch firing squads on some overrun areas, too." Parasoul let out a sigh, and gave a small nod.
Seeing Big Band walking over to Soldier, Parasoul wondered... Why was Soldier so attached to that girl..? Did Jane Doe knew her..? And she still doesn't know what happened to Merasmus, and Umbrella... With a short, mental prayer to the holy Trinity, she hoped that Merasmus has already brought Umbrella back to Canopolis...
(God Eater OST: Give Me Power)
"It was a failure, Doctor. That ASG asset compromised Project Painwheel. We had to retreat as well since the Skullgirl minions began swarming the areas nearby her location... Awaiting further instructions, Doctor."
Brain Drain only listened, displeased through the call. But with a small, frustrated sigh, he replied. "You have new orders. Gather all of our assets. Lab 0 assets only, and prepare all of our equipment of a massive overhaul. We will relocate Lab 0 off elsewhere... There's no logical reason to stay in the same location with Lab 8..." "Yes, Doctor."
Walking inside his lab, Brain Drain accessed another secret part within, and inside was a small chamber containing a mechanized replica of Nadia Fortune. Next to it was cryogenic pod, housing an unconscious young girl with tanned skin, and a green hair parasite on her head... "Hmm... If I were to put down a King... I'd use... Definitely not you... No use for a defective Clone, not just yet... But you could come in very efficiently against Nurse Valentine... Perhaps I'll consider you..." Brain Drain said to the unconscious girl inside the cryogenic pod. His attention the turned to the mechanical replica of Miss Fortune... "As for you... You should be enough to neutralize King Franz... Let see, how this kingdom of lies shatter to pieces to lose their mighty king... Hmph... A defective Clone of a homeless Medici girl to neutralize a defective Nurse... And an obedient mechanical feline to neutralize a King of liers..."
Brain Drain then took out a mobile phone and began contacting one of his assets. "I have new standing orders. Locate Nurse Valentine and Survey Canopolis for King Franz... - I think it's time we test the abilities of Project Filia Medici, and Robo Fortune..."
FAQs:
1. King Franz Renoir, Parasoul's father was the one who started the Grand War, but not everyone knows it. He also sabotaged peace talks with the hopes of protecting his people, but the reality is that he's only done harm than good. This piece of Skullgirls lore was later revealed through Umbrella's story mode in Skullgirls 2nd Encore.
2. It is confirmed canon that Brain Drain is only after the Skull Heart, for his own ill intentions. This goes to show that he doesn't care about the ideologies of the Anti-Skullgirl labs, and this factual piece of lore was covered by completing Robo Fortune's story mode.
3. Chapter 24: Tortured Soul is now in the making. We would soon be focusing on Soldier and Painwheel's character development.
4. Since the release of Umbrella's story mode, I will also implement it into this story, so more climaxes can be made.
Thank you for reading!
~Defective Demon 666~