(Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack: MEDIC!)
The operators working the large communications hub were all frantic about the dozen reports of Skullgirl undead minion resurrection down town of New Meridian. Big Band, who had just gotten back was alerted by the news, to which he was given order to join one, out of several Black Egret response units, along with an old friend of his, Panzerfaust, a large, hulking Black Egret behemoth with a literal tank attached on his arm, as a weapon. "I've just gotten word that Princess Parasoul, Umbrella and Merasmus went down town to buy some ice cream, please, make sure they're safe! Good luck!" Molly immediately stated as she frantically went back to the computers to respond to numerous continual concern reports. Big Band, wasting no time, rushed along with Panzerfaust outside among groups of Black Egret response units. To such an extent that there were various locations of Skullgirl minions reaching fuhrer down town of New Meridian, Big Band flew in his large rocket boosters above the convoys of response team he was assigned to.
The trip was quick airborne, and reaching the designated location, he found numerous law enforcement units, civilians and of course, undead minions. Judging by the glow on the decayed corpses of these minions, they were light blue, signifying the Skullgirl's resurrection, which was strange... The one's he, Merasmus and Parasoul fought outside Maplecrest were pretty much similar, but had green glow instead of blue... Confused but wanting to focus on his task at hand, Big Band had to help local law enforcement in the evacuation of civilians getting caught in the attack of undead minions. But as he was helping on the evacuation of other civilians and wounded law enforcement units, Big Band kept looking around for any sign of Parasoul was Umbrella and Merasmus. Unfortunately, there wasn't any sign of the three...
"Big Band! Ve need a secure line of defense..!" Hearing Panzerfaust's shouted over the loud gunfire, Big Band mentally cursed before focusing to help the Egrets on fighthing hoards of undead, that were apparently tearing through the defense barriers that were set by local law enforcement units...
"Umbrella, get back in the store!" Parasoul commanded by the time she got outside after hearing the series of gunfire. Unfortunately, Merasmus was nowhere to be seen, making the older princess frown as she ordered her sister to get back in the ice cream store, much to Umbrella's protesting "But I wanna see you and Krieg in action! I wanna help too! Don't we Hungern?" Umbrella argued as she held up her purple umbrella, Hungern. Parasoul frowned even more and replied firmly. "Umbrella, this is serious!" She paused shortly with a frustrated sigh before continuing. "Get back inside and stay put until I, or any rescue arrives. This is final." Parasoul's firm tone only made Umbrella frowning bitterly with a groan. "Ugh..! It's not fair!" Parasoul sternly stared down at her sister and replied. "Not everything is fair, Umbrella. Do as I say. - This is for your own safety." Parasoul firmly stated as she pointed back inside the store entry, where groups of civilians were already taking refuge in the midst of the ongoing situation. Umbrella glared before stomping back inside the store, slamming the glass door shut behind her. Parasoul never really wanted to be like this to her, but what can she do? She's just trying to keep her sister safe...
Without a second thought, Parasoul cautiously made her way to the source of the gunfire. It was a series of various gunfire that it came from all directions. But as she cautiously made her approach into the source of the situation, Parasoul's mobile hand radio started buzzing. "Parasoul!? Parasoul, do you copy, over!?" It was Molly on the other end. "Loud and clear, Molly. What is the situation?" Parasoul immediately replied. "Sir, we have been receiving dozens of reports about resurrected minions of the Skullgirl. Apart from your location, the minions have been reported to be swarming around down town. - Additional reports have also been recieved that the Skullgirl's minions are headed directly to the River King Casino and Medici Tower. Lieutenant Adam is already dispatched with firing squads over to River King Casino. The Medici Tower however -" "Molly, we can discuss about the Medici Mafia for another time. But right now, I need status report of extraction teams to evacuate civilians on these areas." Parasoul immediately interrupted. "Yes, sir! We've dispatched multiple extraction teams over there down town, as well as firing squads to hold off the undead minions until civilian evacuation is complete. - I've also dispatched Big Band and Panzerfaust to assist the response units, sir!"
Parasoul gave a slight sigh of relief. "Very well, Molly. We'll discuss the Medici later once I get back, but right now, I need you to keep tabs with our response units while I assist on the evacuation. And as of now, I am currently searching for Merasmus, but call me back once you have anything to report." "Yes, sir, copy that! Please be careful!" With the line ended, Parasoul began making her way through the roads, filled with abandon vehicles, and civilians running for their lives. Parasoul had to address as much civilians she could to head toward the direction she came from as she made her way to where the people were running from. At the center of four crossed roads, where dozens of civilians and law enforcement being attacked, devoured alive, and even those fortunate enough to get away... Parasoul's skin went pale. It was a massacre. And this wasn't even done by the Skullgirl herself...
At the center of the open roads, littered with vehicles and bodies, both dead and alive, was Merasmus, levitating above the ground, defending the center of the crossed roads. Only a couple of feet way from him, was the Headless Horsemann, assisting him on defending the area, while dozens of undead prowled their way through. Parasoul reluctantly risked rushing in to help Merasmus, as the undead just kept swarming in. "Princess! What the hell are you doing here!? And where is Umbrella!?" Merasmus exclaimed in surprise to see her immediate approach. "I told her to stay put back in the ice cream store with civilians taking refuge! Merasmus, what are you doing out here, all by yourself!?" Parasoul firnly questioned as they fought back several undead rushing toward them. "I investigated the source of gunfire, and this was the unfortunate result! - Princess, get behind me!" Merasmus immediately shouted as she pulled Parasoul from being closely bitten in the neck by an undead. With Merasmus smashing it's skull with his staff, he looked around only to see more undead were headed their way... "Trinity... We're surrounded..." Parasoul mumbled as she fired her pistol. Even the Horsemann, no longer able to hold his ground, was forced to back away and get near them as his attacks from offensive, became defensive due to the masses of undead swarming the area they're in.
Merasmus still wasn't giving up however. He levitated above a bit further, and began casting a spell. "Monoculus..! I summon you to destroy these lifeless servants of the Skullgirl..!" Similar to how the Horsemann was summoned - Appeared a large eyeball from a green explosion. Tavish Finnegan Degroot, aka Demoman's original, cursed eye, gazed down at Merasmus, and cautiously eyed Parasoul as an unfamiliar figure. "Monoculus, I require your assistance to help defend this point from the slaughter of these lifeless abominations..!"
Monoculus gave a very slight nod, and began with a sinister laugh as the eyeball himself floated above and began attacking, or more likely, decimating undead minions. Parasoul felt such a chill down her spine at the sight of these beings Merasmus is able to summon on his own... No wonder why he was so confident to take the fight on the Skullgirl in the first place... "Princess, over there..! To the east side of the streets! There are some minions making their we through!" Merasmus immediately pointed at the east side of their current spot. Parasoul took notice of it. "There could be more civilians... Or the response units dispatched..." Merasmus, getting her cue, ordered Monoculus to clear a path for then through the hordes of undead, while the Horsemann followed behind, keeping their rear guarded.
Eventually making their way to the east side of the street, they were only met with one singular person, who appears to be fighting groups of undead minions, while a small group of civilians make a run for their lives. Perhaps another vigilant like Deep Violet...
Fighting their way through the groups of undead minions to hopefully rescue this person standing her ground, Parasoul's reaction was immediately in defense mode as she raised her pistol. Merasmus immediately stopped her, but with no word said, he too was surprised to see the person fighting off undead minions on her own... It was also an undead... A young girl to be exact, presumably in her mid teens, with a snake looking parasite infused on her head... "Your world, truly is filled with bizarre things, Princess..." Merasmus mumbled, but before Parasoul could even say a word, the girl immediately spoke, despite her mouth, being visibly stitched... "Don't shoot! We are here to help..!" The girl spoke, reasonably, with the snake thing, nodding. "Indeed, we are. You are Princess Parasoul Renoir. We know who you are, but you do not need to know us, all you must know is that we mean no harm, and our only intentions is help take the fight on the Skullgirl and her lifeless minions." The snake looking parasite soon, in such a well mannered tone of a male voice. Parasoul's eyes narrowed. "I recognize your host. She's Sienna Contiello. And of all the places, and time, to encounter your lifeless corpse, it just had to be now... But you're a mere servant of the Skullgirl... I will not be fooled to spare a lifeless minion..."
At this point, Merasmus already had enough bizarre encounters, he casually looked at Parasoul. "Princess, I suggest you turn your weapon to the undead minions. Now..." Parasoul looked back at him questioningly. "This minion can actually talk, Merasmus... I know who she is, but her body, is no longer who she was." The young girl and the parasite looked at Parasoul, clearly offended. But they didn't argued as their group eventually became surrounded by undead minions, with Monoculus above, and the Headless Horsemann on front of their small group, ready to defend. "Princess... We can deal with this living body of Sienna Contiello - Once we are out of this situation... But listen to what I suggested... Turn your weapon to the undead minions. Now..." Merasmus said in dead serious tone, but as he gazed away from Parasoul's questioning looks... The princess eventually realized what he meant. They were completely surrounded on all sides.
(Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack: Intruder Alert)
Doctor Avian came rushing in with Stanley to find Soldier along with Annie and Peacock. Much to their surprise to see the star child's surprise visit. But turning his attention to Soldier, the older Doctor smiled and began. "We had been granted permission to access Brain Drain's lab, to take his unauthorized living weapon Project Painwheel. Miss Doe, as disturbing this controversy was, Lab 0 didn't take kindly to our meddling about a classified weapon, but now that we have the permission to take Project Painwheel under the authority of our joint chief of staff, we can get her away from Brain Drain and treat whatever indoctrination she may have been given."
This news brought a huge smile on Soldier's face. "I DON'T CARE WHAT THOSE MAGGOTS AT LAB 0 THINK! LET'S GET CAROL..!" "Hold on a second." Annie finally stepped in and continued. "You and Stanley should go, Soldier. I need to speak to Doctor Avian about Peacock's knowledge, regarding the current Skullgirl." Annie glanced over to Peacock, who was right next to her. Of course, this gained Doctor Avian's attention rather in surprise. Although he wanted to come along to get Project Painwheel out of Lab 0, he then offered to stay as Annie requested. Soldier didn't said anything at all, but rather stormed out with Stanley in tow to finally get Painwheel. Unbeknownst to them, in this silent, long night... Someone was watching over them by the time Soldier and Stanley left...
"As surprised and delighted I am to see you visit, Miss Annie, what is it of your concern that you wish to discuss about the Skullgirl and Patricia?" Doctor Avian finally asked. Annie, gestured over to Peacock next to her, but before Annie could even say a word - A smoke bomb exploded, plaguing the area in smoke. "What the fudge!? -" Annie reacted but was quickly knocked out on the floor. Peacock, who was trying to call out to her idol managed to find the star child's unconscious body. "Annie!" Peacock immediately tried to pick her idol up, but a solid material, like a metal pole swiftly landed on the back of her head, knocking the gremlin out.
One last person in the room was doctor Avian, coughing from all the smoke... The person that knocked both Annie and Peacock unconscious appeared to be holding an IV poke with a pair of sharpened scalpels attached. Looking over to Doctor Avian as he tried to identify the attacker. His eyes widely opened in sudden surprise as the only sudden question was... "Why..?" The person, immediately slammed the IV pole, hitting him in the head. Then took out a small, sharp material, and finally stabbed Avian. "I'm sorry..."
Storming through the halls of Lab 0 with Stanley, Soldier was so filled with relief that she's finally able to get Carol away from Brain Drain. But that relief didn't last, as groups of scientists were crowding outside Brain Drain's lab, gossiping about the controversy that Soldier stirred. "MOVE OUT OF THE WAY MAGGOTS! WERE HERE TO SAVE AN INNOCENT CIVILIAN!" Soldier aggressively shoved past Lab 0 personnel, but what net her was the sight of Carol's glass cage, broken. A large hole smashed through, and Brian Drain, seemingly 'observing' the scene was present as well. He took notice of Soldier's presence. "Well... I hope you are happy and proud of yourself, Miss Doe. Not only that you exposed such a scientific breakthrough of using Skullgirl blood on Project Painwheel, she has also escaped... For someone being commended to work under the superior Lab 0, I do not think any reasoning will be such an excuse to hire you, don't you think?" For some reason, Brain Drain's voice seemed calm. Almost as if he didn't cared anymore...
Soldier gritted her teeth and bean stomping her way toward Brain Drain to attack but Stanley held him back. "Miss Doe... This isn't going to help..." "LET GO OF ME, MAGGOT!" Brain Drain only shook his head slowly and folded his arms. "You want Project Painwheel, be my guess, Miss Doe. Find her yourself, as she had already made her escape. You have wasted alot of my time and resources on such an invaluable living weapon, that as a matter of fact, I should sue you for this -" "GO AHEAD, YOU SON OF A BITCH! I DARE YOU, GO AHEAD!" The scene didn't went quite well, but before Soldier could even break free from Stanley holding her back from making the issue worse than it was, a Lab 0 operative immediately cake interrupting. "Intruder Alert! All ASG armed personnel, Lab 8 is currently under attack! Seal off all entrances from Lab 8 to Lab 0!"
Soldier and Stanley exchanged looks in surprise, but with Soldier looking back at Brain Drain... She pointed an accusing finger at him. "THIS ISN'T OVER..! WHEN I FIND CAROL, I WILL BRING HER BACK TO LAB 8 FOR THE HELP THAT SHE NEEDS, AND I WLL COME BACK FOR YOU..!" Brain Drain only raised his hands slightly in surefire, almost as if this was all just a joke... "Of course, Miss Doe... I'll be waiting for your return. Also... Do not even expect to get an employment under Lab 0. You and Stanley may see yourselves out." He was so calm in response... Stanley took note of this suspicious behavior, unlike Soldier, who angrily left with him in tow, and made their way back to Lab 8...
Brain Drain, making sure to close the metal doors to the room in his lab, took out a small hand radio. "The fall back plan was a success. They have fallen for the setup. Now what's the status of Project Painwheel..?" "Sir, Project Painwheel is still on our convoy. Awaiting for your permission to release her down town, sir." A male voice responded, presumably from another Lab 0 operative. "Permission granted. Are the news earlier about Skullgirl minions still ongoing?" "Yes, Doctor. Our reconnaissance team have spotted Black Egrets trying to hold them off... There's also a report stating that Lab 8's operative, Big Band, is among the Egrets. Should we extract him, from Egret custody, sir?" "No. Abandoned the disposable, only gather what is useful. Proceed with the plan: Release Project Painwheel, but be sure to keep monitor of her from a measured distance. It's about time we initiate Project Painwheel for live weapons field testing." "Yes, sir, right away."
Brain Drain was very pleased. Such a decoy of himself destroying this cage he encased Carol, actually worked to trick the lunatic, Jane Doe... Perhaps, all went accorded to plan, even so he was exposed, and humiliated in front of his colleagues... But speaking of plan... Lab 8 under attack wasn't part of it... But why should he care? That's one less lab to compete with Lab 0's superiority...
Walking down the hall to his office, Brain drain was full of satisfaction from his his plan pulled off perfectly. But his satisfaction didn't last... Brain Drain was met with the sight of his office, in such a messy condition... Papers, folders, and stacks of drawers all opened... He immediately went over to a metal closet, containing various research files that he had hidden about his secret unauthorized projects. But as frantically as he is now - Brain Drain found not even a single file. He was robbed of his personal researches... All containing information and data about Project Painwheel, Robo Fortune, and Project Filia Medici... Brain Drain cursed as he slammed the metal closet shut in anger. Perhaps he may have fooled Jane Doe into thinking that Project Painwheel escaped, and in the end... Here he was, the one being fooled next. Karma can be such a bitch sometimes...
Outraged, and going onto a short tantrum, Brain Drain found a single envelope on his desk, along side a small note. Taking the note and opening the envelope, Brain Drain found a thick wad of paychecks, each signed with his signature. And the note, written with a simple message: "I QUIT." Brain Drain cursed out loud and flipped the desk out of rage. But as he took a moment to gather himself from his outrage, he looked at the note again, only to find a single, red heart next to the message... It didn't took long for Brian Drain to figure it out, and he let out an angered growl... "Traitor..."
FAQs:
1. The time to round up the featured cast of characters is nearing. So far, there's still a few more on the list, but the story will get there along the way.
2. Chapter 23: Grudge, featuring Soldier's greatest obstacle is nearing... Get ready for a fight...
3. Bombinomicon, will be overpowered in this story, for those of you that are curious. Personally, I feel like he should be, along with Soldier and Merasmus. I mean, they're from TF2, so it's only fair, right? But that doesn't mean the Skullgirl will be any easy for them in the final fight, of course...
4. The story will also explore the newly added characters of Skullgirls, but only just for a short bit, considering that I wish to have this story as focused as possible on pursuing the Skullgirl, while meeting the rest of the Skullgirl fighters along the way.
5. Soldier will get even more overpowered as the story progresses. But that will be featured in another future chapter.
Thank you for reading!
~Defective Demon 666~