A/N: For full immersed experience while reading, I would kindly recommend listening also to the listed Soundtracks of both Team Fortress 2 and Skullgirls on each chapters :)

(Skullgirls OST: Daybreak)

A fist slammed on a table. Within the interrogation room, among the few individuals that were present, Parasoul took a deep breath. An approximate four hours tops, Big Band didn't broke his silence. Strapped in a chair behind the table across her, the ASG operative only had his head kept lowered, hiding his face from the dark shade of his fedora. A clear sign that the saxophone man was nowhere talking.

"Don't make this any more difficult than it already is, Ben. There is no hiding yourself away from what you have already been caught on." Parasoul sternly said. Nothing budged.

Merasmus, idly stood on the far corner of the room behind Adam. Observing only in silence as Parasoul kept trying to get the large saxophone man to speak. Apparently, Merasmus didn't wanted any part of whatever feud this was going on. His only involvement was to take down the Skullgirl. But to the point where he was also summoned to stand guard during this four-hour interrogation process, Merasmus has been allowed the time to vigilantly study Princess Parasoul. And judging from what he's observed so far, the body language of Parasoul was more than enough to tell that she knows, or suffice to say knew Big Band. From back at Little Innsmouth, whatever they've talked about, all the way through to the span of four hours. Who was this man? Detective? Music performer? ASG operative... Merasmus scoffed at that.

How could a man, an old agent from a secret, no longer legit organization remain still, trying to conceal whatever he was being demanded to say? "What will you gain, by keeping silent, Ben? The ASG labs have gone far beyond the boundaries of science. What you are trying to achieve on permanently stopping the Skullgirl cycle is already nigh impossible, better yet, a simple excuse to further your illegal operations. Don't make this difficult for yourself, the doctors and the children that you extract back into the labs, Ben. Trying to protect your illegal, vigilant activities only makes you a likely suspect than a victim." The stern voice of Parasoul was heard yet again.

Big Band only looked at her. Blank expression for a moment, perhaps in deep thought. Conscience, perhaps? Or, planning something to bust himself out? Merasmus has had enough of the time wasted. This has wasted too much of his own valuable, running time alone. Merasmus stepped past Adam, then past Parasoul, who was slightly startled.

Picking up the clipboard on the table, Merasmus simply gazed down Parasoul before giving a slight nod at her. The princess was smart enough to get what he meant, then simply took a step back. Merasmus didn't want any part of this. But considering that Soldier was already involved, he might as well make his part of this whole mess. And he's only going to do it for Soldier. "Mister Ben Birdland..." Merasmus finally began. Rather calm, and collectively composed with his eyes straightly focused on Big Band's. He took a simple look on the clipboard on his hand then back at the ASG operative. "It says here on your background description: You were a former New Meridian's police officer. A noble one, as added here. Now to ask, specifically... What was your task?" Merasmus took a pause, then gazed down at the clipboard. "Patrol. And it also mentions here in the background, that you were a patrolman along with your partner, Irvin." Merasmus narrowed his eyes as he looked at Big Band. "Do you know that what you are doing is considered... Illegal? I have been mentioned about your history with the Canopy Kingdom and its local military during the 'Grand War' a large scale scheme of conflict that involved Gigans, multiple kingdoms and of course... The Skullgirl, at that time." Parasoul slightly shifted uncomfortably at that last part. But Merasmus mentally couldn't blame her. "Tell me. When was the last time that you have thought of going to stop? Like ever once, have you and your fellow colleagues in your research labs thought that, you are doing more damage than good? Do you realize the constant collateral damages that involves your vigilant activities, such an example like back on Little Innsmouth? How much do they even pay you to continue serving their lost cause to pursue what you have already failed to pursue years ago? And you even dragged Jane Doe into this whole mess? How many people are you willing to sacrifice, to achieve - No wait - To exploit and abuse science? Think of your actions, Mister Birdland. You, the Anti-Skullgirl labs, are merely nothing but rogue scientists and operatives trying to ignore that you're no longer making scientific breakthrough against the Skullgirl, but causing science run amuk."

Big Band sighed and for the first time, he finally broke his silence. "You don't know the sacrifices that our labs had been making. The efforts, and the struggles we had and have to go through. And no. I don't do it mainly for the money either despite the offered salary. I do it, for the good." He paused, and slowly leaned forward. "This whole mess, will keep on repeating. It will and it intends to go on over and over until either the labs finally discover a way to end the seven year cycle, or when the Skullgirl, of any incarnation finally succeeds to achieve the goal of the Skull Heart: Chaos. As for Jane Doe, Soldier... She voluntarily wanted to join the ASG apart from being commended by Nurse Valentine to Lab 0." Big Band frowned. "We don't mean any harm. Or any unnecessary beat to local folks. We just intend to do our jobs." Merasmus crossed his arms. "And what is it exactly your job is?" "Merasmus, he is trying to persuade you to think nothing vile of the ASG labs. Most ASG operatives that we've apprehended before all had the same ruse-" "No, no, Princess... I'd like to make a judgement for myself... Go ahead, Mister Birdland. Continue."

Big Band sighed. But he did continue. "It's our job, as ASG operatives to rescue hostages, refugees etc from Medici obsession. In case you're not familiar with New Meridian; This city suffers slavery apart from robbery and extortion for the most part. And no. We don't force any of the refugees that we rescue to serve us. They are free to choose to do so. Lab 8, specifically, where I serve acts as the orphanage to house the homeless refugees. There's no point turning them in to the NMPD, when the huge majority of them are corrupt and under Medici payroll. You, and the Egrets are likely pointing accusations toward Lab 0. Lab 8 may have it's fair share of researched and manufactured weapons against the Skullgirl, but I can assure you that our doctors there have no ill intentions of abusing refugees with abused science unlike Lab 0 and what it does - Forcing it's living weapons to fight a Skullgirl. Unlike Lab 8, Lab 0 doesn't take care of its operatives despite its higher salary. It only cares about extreme scientific researches, as well as sadistic means of acts like assassinations, abductions and such. That's our complete opposite in Lab 8." His eyes turned to Parasoul.

"Were not like who you think we are, Parasoul. We've always been who we were to the Canopy military. We've never pushed beyond limitations just to hope for achieving to destroy the Skull Heart permanently. It's just down to two last standing labs operational. But we intend to remain loyal to the good cause, even if we have to run independently from the royal family's support. Just like Lab 7 had always been doing. We intend to carry on our rhythm to save folks as ASG operatives, while our restless doctors continue to make discoveries to combat the Skullgirl without the means of extreme researches and experiments that Lab 0 does." Merasmus' eyes blinked a couple of times before questioning. "There are more labs?" Big Band shook his head. "There used to be. Even before I became an operative for Lab 8. But years after years of combating Skullgirls even before The Grand War, the past Skullgirl incarnations also targeted our friendly neighboring labs. Lab 7... Was different..." Big Band's eyes locked onto Parasoul's. She shifted an uncomfortable gaze away and Merasmus took notice of this. "Valentine and I had friends on Lab 7, Parasoul... What you and the Egrets did five years ago after the defeat of former Queen Nancy, took a huge toll on the ASG labs. It may not mean anything for Lab 0, but for us... You took people that were one of us. One of your own." "This has nothing to do with the current matter, Ben. Do NOT change the subject..." "Maybe it no longer does. But to us back in Lab 8, we still think of that night... The night where your newly formed Egrets... Took down Lab 7... Burned it to the ground executed personnel whom you thought were hostile targets... Doctors, refugees and operatives alike... It's why you've lost your best friend. Valentine... To see how she and Last Hope were only trying to evacuate whoever there was can be evacuated, then you and your Egrets came in. Extreme rhythm of beat, guns blazing, and even some explosions. You don't think I remember, Parasoul? How you almost got Valentine killed when your Egrets purged Lab 7? How she thankfully, pulled through, but costed her, her own eye just because of your own people? The Egrets are strangers to us in the ASG. They're not the traditional, local military of Canopy Kingdom that all ASG labs served with during and after The Grand War. The Egrets are wannabe NMPD slash official canopy military. Remember what you did that night, Parasoul. What the Black Egrets did."

Merasmus took a step back. He noticed the anger in Big Band's eyes. "You killed the friends we had over Lab 7. And the people they were trying to protect. And here I am... Trying to tell your wizard friend why Lab 8, a former Lab 0 companion lab, had abandoned all of it's priorities of extreme researches, to honor the real orphanage and safe haven for refugees that used to be Lab 7... We carry their burden. The very same burden that your Egrets brought and gave ASG. The worst part? Was that you were there. And you were involved killing all those good people that fought alongside the military of Canopy Kingdom. They were one of us. That's right. Us. Us, the Anti-Skullgirl labs, and the local military of Canopy Kingdom. We were friends and allies. You may have forgotten, but we haven't. And not a single soul at Lab 8 even to this day, would ever forget what Princess Parasoul, the young princess that was so supportive and dreamt to fight alongside Lab 8 and ASG's best of the best did that night during the purge and destruction of Lab 7..."

Merasmus was speechless at this. This was... Personal, for Ben Birdland, code named: Big Band of Lab 8. At this point, Parasoul only stared at the floor, with fists clenched. "Commander Parasoul?" Adam slowly called. Parasoul didn't said anything. Instead... She finally turned her back on Big Band, and walked out of the interrogation room. Not a single word.

Merasmus pinched the bridge of his nose before turning to the Egret lieutenant. "I'll deal with the ASG operative here. You go after the Princess..." Adam looked at him for a moment. A look on his face showed that he wanted to object and stay, but not long after, nodded and followed after the Princess. Merasmus sighed. "Let's just get this over it, Mister Birdland..." Merasmus spoke once again, turning his full attention to the large saxophone man strapped on a chair. "There's nothing to gain by trying to keep information about your illegitimate organization. Don't make this any harder for yourself and for the people that you have harbored within your laboratories. Just tell me what you know, and perhaps we might even be able to help to lessen the charges that would be pressed against you and your illegal vigilant activities."

"You're new." Big Band replied suddenly. "Pardon?" Merasmus asked, confused. "You're new here. I've seen almost everything and anything out of the ordinary here on New Meridian, even before back when I was a simple cop. But not once have I even seen a wizard. Maybe in foreign countries neighboring Canopy from the far northern lands, I've heard wizards and necromancers occupying those frozen nations. You must be new here on New Meridian." He paused to take a short moment before continuing. "Do you have any idea on what the Skull Heart is, or what a Skullgirl is even capable of?"

Merasmus crossed his arms. "So I was told by the Princess... She told me alot actually. Including your organization's history with the traditional Canopy military and... About Queen Nancy's transformation into the Skullgirl." "It was an unfortunate rhythm of fate... Sometimes... You just don't know that you're about to tune into the beat and rhythm of misfortune without you even knowing until you realized it..." Big Band slowly responded. "What happened during that time... It was a tragedy. The final waning hours of The Grand War on its full scale was halted into a permanent ceasefire, then finally ending the War. The united alliance of kingdoms was formed so immediately due to the fear of the news that the Skull Heart made its presence once again, and that someone made a wish. Nobody suspected it to be Queen Nancy. The formation of the kingdoms' alliances and other nations alike banded out of the fear of another Skullgirl incarnation." There was long pause... "Queen Nancy made a wish. A wish, to end The Grand War, and for all nations and kingdoms alike to live in peace and harmony. It was then granted, through the price of fear from the many lives involved in the War, leading to the end of the War. And that's where kingdoms and nations worked together, by the time she fully transformed. It was also the very moment the Anti-Skullgirl labs was declared legitimate, and so was our alliance within the Canopy military was formed. Strengthened our relationships, too. We've fought Queen Nancy and her resurrected legions of undead. The lives we've lost was... Immeasurable..." Big Band sighed. He then looked at Merasmus in the eyes. "But that's one thing to remember, and to keep in mind. Especially for the people that live here on this nation. - That no deceased friend, or loved one, ever stays buried. Perhaps their souls find peace, but their bodies, every seven years of the Skull Heart's cycle, never put to rest. They will keep coming back from their graves, as soulless servants of a Skullgirl. And it's been like this since... As far as generations from even centuries ago could keep track of the oldest records of past, and oldest Skullgirl incarnations."

This was shattering. Even for Merasmus. But Big Band wasn't finished... "Has Parasoul ever mentioned Umbrella to you..?" Merasmus shook his head. "Not at all... All I know is that, she is the youngest sister of Princess Parasoul." "Queen Nancy was pregnant with Umbrella almost seven years ago to this very day. When she made a wish on the Skull Heart, she was eight months pregnant. Then, when she ran off after her full transformation into a Skullgirl was complete, we were tasked in the ASG along with Last Hope and the best of Canopy's military to find her. After a month, searching and fighting hordes of resurrected undead minions, we found her at No Man's Land. It's a land on the far north of New Meridian. A vast desolate land of gravel landscape. It was then Last Hope, Valentine's group, found the hidden lair of the Skullgirl. I was sent to report directly to King Franz. Told him the news, and that Queen Nancy had given birth to a child. A girl. You could likely guess that we had to fight through legions of undead after it. We got reinforcements dispatched, and even foreign militaries supporting our final ground assault at the Skullgirl's lair in No Man's Land."

Merasmus felt heartbroken at this... But he decided to ask. "Queen Nancy was then killed..." "By King Franz of course... It was tragedy, much like the tragedy of young Diva singer, Sienna 'Squigly' Contiello and the Contiello's legacy that involved Medici and her mother that became a Skullgirl." Big Band replied, although, his tone was a bit lower this time. Almost as if he was just whispering. "Another tragedy?" Merasmus asked. "Over a decade now, shortly before The Grand War began. It's another different story. But I guess Parasoul never really bothered telling you more about the histories of these past Skullgirls, did she? And let me tell you, that each Skullgirl incarnation, from Selene Contiello, to Queen Nancy Renoir, had their own different abilities that caused so much destruction, that took countless lives. We haven't yet seen what this new Skullgirl is capable of, other than the reports stated that she's a much younger incarnation, with a feud against Medici's."

There was a long, silent pause. Merasmus was stuck pondering about everything Big Band told him. But then he spoke. "If the Skullgirl has the ability to resurrect armies of undead, so can I. I have mastered the arts of necromancy five thousand years ago, and being a six thousand year old wizard, I can summon my own personal fighters to combat the Skullgirl... But then again... We would be risking lives... Innocent lives..." Merasmus frowned then cursed. "Did the Egrets hired you?" Big Band asked. Merasmus sighed and replied, rather casually, but in dead serious tone. "I made a bargain with the Renoir Princess to help her and her people fight the Skullgirl. In exchange, they fulfill their end of the bargain of a machine being created by their most intelligent inventor to help me and my insane companion, Jane Doe, back to our realm of reality. We came from an advanced earth similar to this in the year of 1972. From there, I terrorize Jane, and her crazy batch of fellow mercenaries." He looked at Big Band, slightly surprised on his seat. "You mean that Gravel Wars they've been fighting on?" Big Band asked. "I was told by Soldier... A centuries old war fought by deadliest mercenaries just for... Gravel..? I get it. Gravel is indeed expensive, especially for city expansion but still... What was the point of that War Soldier was proudly telling about?" Merasmus rolled his eyes. "A ridiculous inheritance between two brain defective twins from the late 18th century. But for other, secretive reasons, there's also Australium. A rare type of gold material that was also involved in the ever lasting War that Soldier herself is still fighting on. If I remember correctly, Soldier is one of the third batch of mercenaries. The third wave of soldiers of fortune to fight the Gravel Wars, still going today. And once we defeat the Skullgirl, I tend to earn the help from Princess Parasoul to get back home, even if I have to drag Soldier with me. We do not belong on this bizarre world of yours with a seven year cycle of genocide, and there is no need for us to be intervening longer than we should be." Big Band looked at him. "So you don't really care about Parasoul, her people and the many lives of the innocent, then? That what you're saying? You're only here, along for the ride until you reach your end of your bargain?" "As harsh as it may be, and just to answer you... Yes. I do not care about your innocent people of New Meridian, neither do I care about Princess Parasoul. Not even an ounce of it. And I tend to keep it that way... Strings attached can be such a brutal obstacle when it comes to hard decisions. The less I care about anyone, the best I can secure my chances with Soldier to get back home. That is my only priority." Merasmus glared at Big Band before leaning in with a serious expression. "Now... Tell me what you know about your operation about Little Innsmouth with Soldier, Jane Doe. So that I can hand over whatever information you may have to Princess Parasoul and be over this huge waste of time. I would like to fight the Skullgirl as soon as possible and destroy that damned Skull Heart so that I can either convince, or snatch Soldier from your illegitimate colleagues and drag her on the way back to our own world." Merasmus finished. But Big Band only stared at him in complete disgrace.

"You're a heartless man, even for a wizard. Soldier told me how you both got here... But that's no reason to be selfish... Just because you're in a desperate situation doesn't mean-" "You know nothing about me, or Soldier. And she was never even in the military at all, if she has ever mentioned to you about being a war veteran herself. Although, by now I can understand why she chooses to side with your illegal cause. She is out of options just like myself. Anyone would do what we do, but the only thing that's separating us is our differences. But in the end, I am just as surprised to see that Soldier and I just want to do what we can to make it back home. Even if I either have to convince her still, or drag her once the Skullgirl is dead and the Skull Heart destroyed, one way or another - We are going back to our own world. Even if it means getting to your good side and helping you with your problems just to achieve that. No strings attached."

Big Band felt disgraced at this moment and Merasmus could clearly see it in the man's face. He didn't cared though. He meant everything that he said... But part of him... Felt sting of regret... He didn't wanted to feel too much empathy for Parasoul. A young princess with such heavy responsibilities just because of her kingdom facing such vices... But then again... A deal is just a deal. Merasmus wasn't here for the long run. He's only in it for what would benefit him and Soldier to make it back home... "And yet you care about Soldier... Just because you're doing these selfish acts for your own benefit, you still consider taking her with you back to your own world." Big Band suddenly interrupted. "That, is out of the question. And that is none of your business either. None that concerns you."

There was a long pause of silence after... And unbeknownst to Merasmus, Big Band was just biding his time all along on cutting the strapped rope around him while he was sharing histories about the past Skullgirls. What only held Big Band back from breaking lose to make a run for, was Merasmus' selfish goal of his own benefit... He felt disgraced by this wizard... Only wanting to help, show bit of respect to Parasoul not out of genuine kindness, but out of necessity... How... Cruel... How... Mischievous...

In the end, Big Band didn't continued trying to cut the rope on his back using his little claw hand. Matter of fact, he was already halfway finished on breaking himself free... But he decided to stop, then to remain still seated. Perhaps he felt bad for Parasoul. Trusting a mischievous wizard... But he knew she was smart enough to even see that herself... But yet he remained seated. Abandoning his plan of finally breaking out to retreat back to Lab 8. "All right... I'll speak of what I only know..." Merasmus raised a brow, then let out out a sigh of relief. "But understand... That I am not snitching on my family back at Lab 8... I don't want any of them to be harmed... You'll leave them be, and I'll stay under your custody, and tell you what I know. I have Information about the current Skullgirl." Big Band's eyed narrowed as he looked at Merasmus in the eyes. "And since you're mischievous enough to make a bargain with Parasoul out of your necessity... I'll level the playing field for you - Just leave Lab 8 alone - I don't want my remaining family to suffer the fate of Lab 7 from the Egrets... Do we have a deal..?"

Merasmus thought of this for a long moment... But something about what Big Band said got to him... Family... Could that also be why Soldier was so adamant to join this Anti-Skullgirl labs just to make it back to her team of weirdos? After all... Merasmus knew enough how much Soldier still cares for her own team, even through her ridiculous, crazy ways... "Well..?" Merasmus was interrupted by Big Band. Finally... He nodded. "We'll have a deal... But there's a condition..." Big Band sighed, defeated. "Anything, then... Just promise to leave Lab 8 alone..." Merasmus gave a slow nod. "Right, then... It's nothing complicated... But I would like to enlist your services to help me and the Egrets locate the Skullgirl. That is all." "And who's to say what will happen next once we do locate her, if say I do help you and the Egrets..?" Big Band countered. "You must be forgetting something. I am a six thousand year old wizard. And the fact that Soldier is also after the Skullgirl, perhaps we can come into an agreement to take down the Skullgirl together. If we defeat her, surely we can easily deal with her minions. Then we can call it an end to this mess. And while we are at it, the Anti-Skullgirl labs would be left alone. I can speak about that to Princess Parasoul, considering how gullible she can be at this current desperate situation. How does that sound, Mister Birdland?"

FAQs:

1. Merasmus is a good liar. While he may not much care about the majority of New Meridian and it's people, he does indeed care about Parasoul at the very least, especially at what she's facing. Merasmus' empathy towards Parasoul has also increased by the mention of her sister, Umbrella, and he is in fact ready to protect Parasoul at any given time, like he did on Chapter 12, but Merasmus doesn't want anyone to know that he cares and is only masking his emotions in front of Big Band to both hide that as a fact, and as an act of his mischievousness, to also get Big Band into helping him and the Egrets locate the Skullgirl.

2. Merasmus will indeed be able to summon Monoculus and the Horseless Headless Horsemann to assist him fighting, as well as skeletons, even without the use of Bombinomicon. This explains Merasmus' confidence on fighting the Skullgirl.

3. Yes. Even with his hate towards Soldier, Merasmus still cares for her. This is probably due to their history of being roommates together.

Thank you for reading!

~Defective Demon 666~