"No, Beowulf... You're the one - Who's IN Zane..!" Zane's voice suddenly changed into a distorted one, really hard to recognize, but his body exploded into a large biomass, with several tentacles quickly Beowulf all over... Beowulf struggled. "Foolish... But it does not matter now..." As the tentacles slowly drew him closer to what appears to be a large, disgusting mouth, Beowulf used whatever strength he had to break free. Thankfully, he managed to break free from the tentacles, but unfortunately for him, he accidentally tripped and fell off through a nearby open window, and from where he fell up high, must seemed like an 18-carat, run of bad luck. And as he fell to his seeming 'demise' Beowulf realized that the whole game of his comeback, was rigged from the start...

(God Eater OST: Peaceful Time)

"Hey, Mister! Mister! Hello..!" Beowulf jolted awake... He was still alive... Looking around and finding himself on top of a pile of trash in a garbage bin, he looked down in front of him and saw a little girl with short pink hair, wearing a yellow raincoat with matching yellow rain hat, and a large, purple umbrella held with one hand. A very creepy looking umbrella at that, with multiple red pupil eyes, and a large mouth, with it's massive tongue sticking out. "Uhh... Can I help you, kid? You lost? Where's your parents..?" Beowulf asked nonstop, to which the girl, gave him a slightly annoyed expression. "Um... I was just looking for food for my best friend, Hungern..." The girl replied as she gestured her other hand to her large umbrella. Beowulf couldn't process any logic in his brain as to why an umbrella with multiple eyes even have the need to eat. Hell, why would it even have a mouth, and multiple eyes..? Finally finding words to say, Beowulf replied. "Well, uh... This is a garbage bin, nothing but dump here, kid. You should go home now, your parents are probably worried about you now -" "And you're laid-back on a pile of garbage... Hungern loves eating garbage, so... If you live in that garbage bin, maybe you could spare some garbage for me and Hungern, please..?"

Beowulf's eyes widened as he began shaking his head. "Hey, I don't live he -Wait... Are you planning to eat garbage, too?" The girl simply sighed and replied. "Well... Hungern and I haven't eaten since last night. And most of the garbage bins we found throughout the night were surprisingly empty, until we found yours this early morning. Can you please spare us some garbage to eat..?" The girl's tone sounded pleading, and looked at him with very wide eyes. Beowulf didn't understood what was going on, but feeling remorse for the child with her hungry umbrella... Beowulf casually got off the garbage bin. "Thanks, Mister!" The girl thanked him, and immediately began rummaging through the garbage bin. Beowulf watched speechless as the child happily fed her umbrella with whatever garbage she could get her hands on. He even felt so bad at the sight the little girl finding a left over sandwich still wrapped, and began eating it. Beowulf wished he had any spare snack, but he already gave it to that homeless minor with a hair parasite... Scratching the back of his head, Beowulf slowly asked... "So uh... You got a name..?" The girl looked at him for a moment before giving a reply. "Well... My sister told me not to talk to strangers, but since you were very nice to share some of your garbage with us, my name's Umbrella, and this is Hungern, and he is my best friend!" The girl, Umbrella, cheerfully replied while shortly cuddling Hungern, munching on whatever garbage his tongue could scoop over. "What about you, Mister? What's your name?"

Beowulf smirked and folded his arms. "Why, you don't me, kid? Hmph, kids these days... I'm the number one hero of New Meridian! The one and only, Beowulf!" Beowulf proudly introduced himself. Umbrella looked at him confused. "I haven't heard of that name before... Have you been on TV..?" Beowulf's eyes widened in disbelief. "I was on TV! I even fought several contestants in this arena just recently in my comeback! You really don't recognize me?" Umbrella, again, looked at him confused. But then she stared to laugh shortly. "You're quite funny, Mister! But I haven't seen anyone on TV with that name! And I've never even heard of it until now!" Umbrella said between giggles. Beowulf was beyond in disbelief. "Okay, let me try again... I fought and beat the Gigans' greatest warrior, Grendel, and even fought his mother, too! Did your parents or sibling saw that on TV before?" Umbrella placed a finger on her chin and pondered for a bit. "Mom and dad, as far as my sister told me were always super busy with stuff. And is my sister... But I'm not sure if my sister even knows you on TV since, she's practically the same..." Umbrella stared in a as a matter of fact tone. Beowulf groaned. "Everytime! People, especially kids these days don't even know who Beowulf is! How come you don't even recognize an iconic wrestling superstar!?"

Umbrella giggled shortly with a small shrug. "Sorry... I've just never really hard of your name before, especially on TV. But..." She paused for a moment, and this gave Beowulf a hopeful look with a smile that she's at least familiar to him at some point... "... I am familiar to a Bad Wulf Man... He's kind of a bad actor to me, though... He's from that kid's show that my sister really loves watching since she was a kid." Beowulf's face dropped in full disappointment. But he sighed and replied. "That was me, too... I worked with Annie for four years when nobody wanted to see me perform in the ring... It was the only show that took me in... I... Also took a lot of insults from kids, and grownups alike because I played the Bad Wulf Man..."

Umbrella stopped eating the left over sandwich and stared at him. "You were..?" Beowulf nodded and sighed, then he sat back down against a wall on the opposite side of the garbage bin. "Yeah... Hmph... Who would've thought... 'The hero that did the impossible' ended up working as a simple stunt performer for a kid's show. Get insulted, doubted, then there I was with my 'comeback' event on this arena... Got my rear handed to me. Lost that opportunity to make my name get recognized by people again... Then I just wake up on a garbage bin... Guess people would've no doubt see me like nothing but trash on a garbage bin..."

Umbrella stopped eating, and leaving Hungern feastimg in the garbage bin like a buffet, she went over and sat next to Beowulf. "You know, mister Beowulf... I kinda see myself similar to you." Beowulf looked at her. "Really? Why's that..?" Umbrella sighed. "Well... Alot of people I know, always doubt me. That's one thing I find similar with you. They always think that I can't fight, and mostly my sister thinks that. She's very strict, and she tends to overwork herself, much like our dad today, and it's rare for her to even pay attention to me most of the time... And whenever I wanna help her out to do some of her stuff, she always dismisses me. Doubting that I won't be any help. The same goes to her followers too... They barely even recognize what me and Hungern can do..." Beowulf felt bad for her. "Sounds like you've had it rough in your own way, huh..?" Umbrella nodded. There was silence, apart from Hungern's sounds of munching garbage. Beowulf then thought about something random to say. "Well... Sometimes in life, people just tend to ignore what other people can do, so they just casually ignore those people. But that's just in my case. In yours, though... I think your sister, and the people you know only doubt you not because they don't believe in you - But because they care for you. Yeah, it seems a little different than how it should be, but seeing what world we live in? Anyone's gotta do what they can to protect those they care for, right..?" He looked at Umbrella a little seriously before continuing. "The way I see it, your sister loves you very much, and she doesn't let you do whatever she does with her because she wants to protect you." Umbrella looked down, but then she looked back at Beowulf. "You... Really think so..?" Beowulf confidently grinned. "Of course I do! Think of it... You're still a kid, and kids are meant to be protected no matter what. I don't know your sister, but I can tell that what's she's doing is all about keeping you safe. I mean, of course she'll do that since, your both family."

This seemed to cheer Umbrella up. "Thanks, mister Beowulf. You're such a nice person!" Beowulf just nodded with a side grin. "Hey, it's what Beowulf do. He fights, protects and cheers people up." All of a sudden, Hungern peeked over at them from the now seemingly empty garbage bin. "Trinity, Hungern, you've emptied the garbage bin!" Umbrella scowled and turns to Beowulf. "I'm very sorry -" Beowulf just chucked and replied. "Nah, it's fine. You should be on your way home to your parents now. I'm sure they're worried." Umbrella wasn't sure how to respond, but just gave a cheerful smile and went over to pick up a very full Hungern. "Thank you so much for the food, mister Beowulf!"

With that, Beowulf watched Umbrella with Hungern carried on their way. Beowulf was still a little worried about her safety in the large city of New Meridian. Especially at this kind of time with a Skullgirl rainy around... But all on his own once again, he had a very quiet journey on the way back to his apartment. Contemplating, on whether he should even continue to pursue what he wanted to... His wrestling career? Perhaps, but it was completely tarnished, especially when Zane turned out to be something disgusting. Beowulf stopped on his tracks, and sat on a sidewalk as he continued to contemplate about his decisions... He wasn't sure if he even did the right thing to do. Fight random strangers in the street, and on the ring... Then the words about his whole career being rigged from the start. From the Grand War to that event that made him who he was... He sighed, then looked down on the ground. "What am I gonna do now... Nobody even wants me..." Beowulf quietly muttered, but then, he looked at people passing by. Some of these innocent people were children... Remembering what he said to Umbrella... He then hesitated... "Children were meant to be protected... Yeah... But am I still the hero people wanted me to be..? When nobody even wants to recognize who I am.." Then... He remembered his promise... "More than the promise I made long before about fighting for our nation! And that new promise - Is that I am going to take on the Skullgirl..! You hear me New Meridian? I'm gonna take her down..!" Beowulf saw his reflection through the water on the canal. Could he really do that..? Take down the Skullgirl alone? But what if he does succeed, and New Meridian rejects him again, like all those years after his fame expired..? Perhaps it wouldn't be worth it... But remembering about that kid, Umbrella... It got him thinking about people like her... Innocent people, just living their lives, and then there's the seven year cycle of Skullgirls, always threatening people trying to live out their lives...

But if he does go after the Skullgirl to take her down and save New Meridian... What then..? Would people praise him? Thank him? Recognize him? Accept him..? Beowulf slowly took off his wulf fur, held it down with one hand and proceeded to walk on the way back to his small, rundown apartment, with his head, slightly lowered...

(Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack: Playing With Danger)

"We really need to find Parasoul, or Merasmus... But where do we start..?" Umbrella muttered. "Uurgggwaaaguwaah..." Hungern suddenly said next to her. Umbrella frowned. "I know that. But we can't just ask random people for directions..." "Uurgggwaaaguwaah..?" Umbrella sighed. "Look. I get it now, we're lost. But I'm trying here... Let me figure this out, and we'll be on our way." Seeing empty benches as they stumbled upon the public park, Umbrella sat and placed Hungern next to her. "Uurgggwaaaguwaah..!" Hungern suddenly exclaimed at her. His eyes, directing to the nearby men, dressed in New Meridian police uniforms. Umbrella tried to consider Hungern's suggestion, but on her second thought, she wanted to find Parasoul or Merasmus. She wanted to show that she and Hungern can help fight Skullgirl minions. After all, their father barely has any time to spend with his daughters anyway, so why would she even bother going back to Canopolis at this point..?

"Oh my..! Are you lost, little girl?" Umbrella heard a high pitched voice of a female. Umbrella turned her attention to see a teenage girl with long brunette black hair, and wearing a filthy, slightly tattered New Meridian school uniform. "Um... Not really." Umbrella casually replied, but Hungern suddenly interrupted. "Uurgggwaaaguwaah..!" "Hey, I'm not lying! Well... Okay, maybe we are a little lost..." Umbrella scowled. The girl in front of them then spoke. "Do you need any help finding your parents..?" Umbrella looked at Hungern, who shortly closed his eyes in response as a 'yes' before looking at the older girl. "Well... You see... Hungern and I were trying to find my sister... Hungern and I had been trying to find her since last night, and throughout the night, we had to find garbage bins for food." "Uurgggwaaaguwaah..!" "Yeah... We also slept inside a cardboard box, too... We were so cold and so hungry..." Umbrella reluctantly replied. The older girl gasped. "Trinity, that's horrible..! Okay... Maybe we can help you find your sister, how does that sound to you?" She said with sweet smile. Umbrella was confused for a moment. "We..? Are you with someone, uh... What's your name..?" Umbrella curiously asked. The girl giggled shortly and replied. "My name is Filia. At least that's what I remember my name was... Also, yeah, and in a way... I am travelling with someone. His name is -" "Hey, kid, I'm trying to sleep here!" Another voice suddenly scowled, this time it was male and rough in tone. " ... Right... Again, I am travelling with someone, and his name is Samson."

Umbrella looked at Filia for a moment in confusion, but then, noticed her hair started moving on its own. "Oh my gosh, your hair is moving on its own..!" Umbrella exclaimed, but Filia just shortly giggled. "Yep. He is Samson." "Actually, I'm over here in the back!" Samson suddenly interrupted from the back of Filia's head. Umbrella stared in awe. "Oh, wow..! That looks so cool! You have a talking hair!? Wait, since he's alive, then he is a parasite!? Also, where is your brain!? Do you also feed him? Does he also eat garbage like Hungern!?" The series of questions slightly offended Samson, who grumbled. "What do you even take me for, kid? I don't eat garbage!" "Samson, she was only curious..!" Filia scowled then she looked back at Umbrella and smoked sweetly. "We can help you find your sister. After all, it's very dangerous to be wandering around the city on your own, especially with the new Skullgirl around..."

Umbrella thought about the offer for a moment, but then, knowing she wasn't really getting her and Hungern anywhere at all as she didn't really know all of New Meridian, she gave a nod to Filia, considering her offer to help. "Sure thing! Hungern and I could really use some help, after all... But we've been walking around the streets all over looking for food and my feet are killing me..." Filia shortly gasped. "Oh, Trinity..! Oh wait, I still have a spare oatmeal bar that a friendly stranger gave me and Samson! Here -" Umbrella immediately began shaking her head. "Oh, no! It's okay! Hungern and I already ate breakfast when we found a garbage bin, so really, were good, thanks!" Filia's face showed how visibly heartbroken she was. "You and your umbrella... Ate food from a garbage bin..?" Umbrella cheerfully smiled and nodded. "Yeah! And Hungern loves eating garbage! He ate everything inside the bin, while I had a stale, half-eaten sandwich! It tasted funny, but I'm just glad we got to eat something for breakfast..." Then, as she took her time to rest while sitting on a bench, Umbrella patted next to her for Filia to join her. Filia slowly and took a seat with her.

(Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack: It Hates Me So Much)

"So, uh... Can I ask, how did you got a cool talking hair?" Umbrella suddenly asked. "Hey, I have a name, you know!?" Samson scowled. Filia frowned at him and gave an apologetic look to Umbrella. "Honestly... I don't really remember how I got Samson... All I remember was a Dog, that used to be Samson's host and then..." Filia suddenly placed a hand on the side of her head as she suddenly closed her eyes. "... Ow... Ow... It hurts..." "Dammit, kid! I told you not to over think too much about stuff you can't remember! I told you to just let your memory work it's way back to your brain on its own!" Samson scowled. "Sorry..." Umbrella muttered, but as Filia opened her eyes, her hand still holding the side of her head, she just gave a gentle smile. "It's fine... Anyway... How about you? I forgot to ask your name..." Umbrella cheerily smiled. "My name's Umbrella!" Filia giggled. "Cute name, and quite a fitting one at that, too." Filia commented as she took note of Umbrella's choice of clothing. "Umbrella..? Hmm... That sounded familiar... Also, that large umbrella with you... It looks strangely familiar too..." Samson suddenly muttered. Umbrella felt nervous. Parasoul taught her that unless she ends up interacting with strangers, despite being told not to talk to one, she was advised by Parasoul not to reveal her full name, except for her first and leave it at that. Seeing that they were from a name of royalty, and the city of their kingdom just so happen to be pestered by criminals and the corrupt, it was for her very own safety that she conceals her name of being a Renoir to strangers...

Umbrella nervously laughed and replied. "My dad had a wierd sense of humour so... Yeah..." Filia seems to bought her reply, and Samson only remained quiet. "Oh! Speaking of which, what about your umbrella? What's her name? Wait, he or she..?" Filia asked. Umbrella felt relieved at the sudden change of topic and replied as she happily cuddled Hungern close. "This is my best friend, Hungern! And he loves to eat stuff, and by mean stuff, I mean he can eat literally anything!" Filia smiled widely. "Oh, I love to eat, too..!" Samson suddenly snickered. "Yeah, anyone can tell..." Filia's face turned red before glaring at Samson. "Samson..!" Umbrella looked confused for a moment, until she got what Samson meant when she noticed Filia's physical appearance, and mostly her exposed thighs, but she only smiled politely. "I think you're fine." Umbrella's comment made Filia feel a little more at ease and armed to have calmed down a bit. "T-Thanks..." She paused, then glanced down at herself. "But do I really look..." She sheepishly asked Umbrella. "Overweight? Don't be silly, you look fine to me!" "Not me, though." Samson suddenly added. "Samson..!" Filia, once again scowled. Wanting to steer away from the topic for Filia's sake, Umbrella finally got off the bench and looked at Filia and Samson. "So uh... You offered to help me find my sister..?" Filia gave a beaming smiled. "Yeah! We can help you out, right, Samson..?" Samson sighed from the back of her head. "Fine..." Umbrella smiled happily! "Thank you both so much! Hungern and I really appreciate it!" Filia just giggled as she stood up and replied. "Let's go?" Umbrella nodded with a smile. But as they walked, Samson's quiet behavior was unnoticed. Part of it is that name Umbrella, especially Hungern seemed all too familiar to him for some reason. One that his mind couldn't even find the time to remember, or even recognize those names at all...

(Skullgirls OST: Daybreak)

"Commander Parasoul? Sir..?" Parasoul heard a feminine voice, gently calling out to her. And upon opening her eyes, she found herself seated on a couch within the recreation area, with a warm blanket wrapped around her. In front of her, with an amused smile, was the Black Egret intelligence officer, Molly. "Sorry to bother you, sir, but I've just arrived earlier morning. After I received your call last night, I wanted to come over here to Lab 8 right away, but Big Band still needed assistance with requested firing squads for cleanup. Don't worry, sir, Panzerfaust is still out helping him." Molly said, but then paused shortly before continuing. "We were given full briefing of what happened to you, and here on Lab 8 before and after your arrival... Lieutenant Adam and Roxy also arrived with me and thanks to Doctor Stanley, we were given permission to use the empty spaces of Lab 0 to set up a temporary command post. We are all set, and fully briefed, sir." Molly said with a smile and a quick salute.

Parasoul sighed. Feeling embarrassed, she removed the blanket and sat formally. "Then I take it that you are all well aware of the full situation..?" Molly gave a crisp nod. "Yes, sir! We've been given full briefing about the mass defection of the majority of Lab 0. We've also exchanged information that we know with Lab 8 about the Skullgirl, since... The stalemate that Lab 0 caused, surely tells that the Black Egrets and Lab 8 are now on the same side." Parasoul felt reluctantly about the last part of Molly's statement. A huge reason to this was her remorse from what happened at Lab 7, and the history that she was the main cause of it. She felt uneasy, not only to the point that no one showed hostility, and still treated her like a guest, regardless of the visible grudges that she saw among the faces forming Lab 8 as a whole...

Opening her mouth to say something, Parasoul then began... "And as it would seem that we are both fighting the Skullgirl, perhaps we will have to discuss future plans and tactics to combat her and her minions..." She paused, then frowned before continuing. "Not to mention... We still have the Medici... Lorenzo's disappearance could mean both ways to cause worry for us..." "Oh, that's the good part, sir!" Molly immediately replied with a smile, confusing Parasoul until she continued. "You see, we've not just exchanged information with Lab 8, we've also asked them for help for joint operations involving the Medici Mafia, and thankfully, they've agreed, in exchange, we will help them apprehend the majority of Lab 0 and it's Director, Brain Drain. We were told that you have already discussed this with Doctor Avian last night, and we were glad it went really well! Now we just have to organize and assign teams for field operations."

Parasoul let out a small sigh and replied. "As long as it would help us all to take down the Skullgirl, we will have to cooperate with Lab 8 to our very efforts, and yes... I will have to assure the rest of Lab 8 that we will uphold the deal of helping them apprehend Lab 0 and Brain Drain." And with that, after folding the blanket, Parasoul stood up and walked with Molly to visit Doctor Avian, who was now awake, and being given checkup by Ileum. "Ah, Princess, good morning! I see you are well rested, that's good." The old doctor greeted with a smile. Parasoul, somehow felt uneasy. It made her felt that her formality was all for nothing in comparison to Lab 8's way of treating her... All the more reason that she felt that remorse... But trying her best not to show it to everyone, she gave a polite nod. "How are you doing, Doctor?" She politely asked. Doctor Avian shortly sighed and replied. "Honestly, I feel betrayed. Hearing the full details about the medical examination on my wound, I was merely surprised that Nurse Valentine even bothered inflicting a concussion... Knowing her cold nature... You'd likely I expect I would be a old an man on a body bag on the way to the morgue by now..."

Parasoul wasn't expecting this kind of response from the old doctor. But judging from the look on his face, Parasoul noticed that Doctor Avian looked more worried, rather than furious from what Valentine did... She then heard him sigh once more. "I know what you're thinking... I should be mad and furious, but truth is, I'm not. I feel confused, as to why Nurse Valentine would do that... But thinking about that thought ever since I was told about everything... I feel like the death of Last Hope took a huge toll on her, causing something to spark within her..." He paused for a moment, looked at Parasoul in the eyes and continued. "Valentine is like a ticking time bomb. Her patience is only so much that she doesn't have the capacity to live with things that doesn't go her way, and when she has to agree, - Or rather forced - to agree on things she fully disapprove on..."

Parasoul's eyes blinked a few times. She knew Valentine was - as much as she hated to admit - an old friend that she had when she was young during the Grand War... Knowing her fully well to an extent of finding herself not even surprised to what Doctor Avian said was enough to not make her confused as to why the nurse did such a thing. Although, this was just a speculation of Nurse Ileum... "But... Regardless of the tool that was said to have been found in your wound..." Parasoul trailed off, and she noted Doctor Avian, and Nurse Ileum next to him, exchange uneasy glances... This is when Ileum finally spoke. "We've just recieved report from the security staff. One of the surveillance cameras near the recreation area had also captured the assailant that attack Doctor Avian, Miss Annie and Peacock... My speculation was correct, as the footages caught of the attacker, to be Nurse Valentine... There was also one footage of her caught by one of the surveillance cameras from the main bridge connecting Lab 8 to Lab 0, showing Nurse Valentine on a hurry. We've asked the skeleton staff left on Lab 0 for backup footages from their security cameras..." Ileum stopped. Then she turned to Doctor Avian, who on the other hand, continued for her. "There was footage of Nurse Valentine braking into Brain Drain's office. The captured footage of Nurse Valentine wasn't long, but on the very end of it, showed Nurse Valentine carrying a duffle bag. We don't know what she might've taken with her from Brain Drain's lab, since most of his lab, like Lab 0 was completely ransacked."

Parasoul was speechless for a moment. She was even surprised that the Lab 8 doctor was more worried as he looked. "I know you are trying to understand Valentine's current well-being... But aren't you worried for yourself..? Especially, after what she just did..?" Parasoul slowly asked. Doctor Avian only sighed before responding. "I can't help it. After all... She is still a part of ASG... Or so was, I am not sure anymore..." He then smiled gently. "But don't worry about me, princess. I assure you, once I am discharged, I will begin helping you with the Medici operations."

Parasoul looked down, feeling a little uncomfortable. "You... Don't have to call me that..." Doctor Avian looked at her confused. "You are still princess of this kingdom, it's only fair that we treat you with respect -" "I don't think that's the right word you're looking for, doctor Avian... I mean... After all... People here still remember, and of course would always remember about... Lab 7..." There was prolonged silence within the room in the medical ward... But surprisingly for Parasoul, Doctor Avian looked calm as he already was... "I see... But that was years ago, princess... Nobody is a perfect person, let me remind you that. After all, we've all committed grave mistakes in our lives at some point..." Doctor Avian gently said and gave a faint, but a sincere smile. "... The best we do is to learn from that, and to better ourselves. Remember, princess... Lab 8 used to be the exact same as Lab 0 during the Grand War... And there were things that I am not proud of myself just by thinking of those days..." Parasoul felt that comfort in his tone... She was feeling convinced by his words, and she wanted to believe him. But then... She remembered the whole revelation that Brain Drain spilled for Soldier... She knew Doctor Avian had a point... Neither ASG, the Black Egrets, and her family, the Renoir's, are perfect... They were all flawed beings at the end of the day, trying to better themselves against very common enemies; Skullgirls, the Medici Mafia, and now the newly listed Lab 0... Perhaps people on Lab 8 may take time to forgive her, and to accept what had happened, and perhaps she may as well take her time to do the same to forgive herself from what she did... But one thing was certainly clear now as Parasoul realized - Lab 8 and the Black Egrets share a common ground against the terrible odds... It just so happened to be blended with such a bittersweet history between them...

"I'm sorry... I'm very sorry... For my actions on Lab 7... I..." Parasoul stuttered, but doctor Avian only smiled weakly. "I think you need to find your way to forgive yourself from that. I've already forgiven you, princess. Perhaps the others here in our home haven't yet, but I am sure they will learn to accept what happened back on Lab 7. I have faith that Ben, Valerie, and mostly you yourself will find your ways to forgive you. Just remember... We are all flawed, but just because we are, we shouldn't let that hold us back to reach what we aim to achieve..." Such a warm feeling she felt within her heart... Such comfort... To know that she was on her way to being forgiven from her mistake... But there are still people that haven't, and even herself included... But Parasoul already acknowledged everything that doctor Avian said... She too, needed to find her way to forgive herself from her past mistake... Parasoul finally smiled weakly. "Thank you..."

She then heard Molly sniffing. "I'm sorry, sir... It's just that, this is the first time I've seen something this emotional outside television dramas..." Molly sheepishly said with a smile while wiping on her eye. "Well... Before this topic does get too emotional, let me do the honors of changing it about Miss Doe..." Ileum finally spoke for the second time. Much to everyone's relief, Ileum continued.

(Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack: Rocket Jump Waltz)

"Miss Doe departed earlier morning with Miss Annie... From what she mentioned, she recieved a call from Miss Annie's producer, therefore Miss Doe had to leave on a rush." Ileum said. "But what about the patient? Carol?" Parasoul asked, remembering about the poor girl who now had her mother's Skullgirl blood and DNA... "Patient Painwheel is still asleep. But Miss Doe told me to let Painwheel know where she went to once Painwheel wakes up. And I must say - They have grown quite a close attachment to each other that Miss Doe had not left Painwheel until earlier morning. It is a great thing that she is there for Painwheel... After all, the poor girl is clearly suffering from trauma, both physically and mentally from what she had experienced on Lab 0 under Brain Drain's responsibility..."

There was another long silence after Ileum's statement... But regardless of Painwheel's condition, Ileum we right, and Parasoul couldn't even agree more herself, considering that Soldier was the only person that's gotten too close to stop Painwheel, and even went through quite the effort to save her from Brain Drain, it was only logical that Soldier would stay by Painwheel's side until she recovers to be returned to her family...

(Skullgirls OST: An Uncertain Fate)

He looked everywhere. Merasmus, has looked everywhere and he couldn't find Umbrella. After arriving to the same ice scream store he and Parasoul left Umbrella, he was horrified to find the store was a complete wreck. It was obvious to say that the undead Skullgirl minions broke into the store, and slaughtered every people taken refuge there. But not among the piles of gruesome remains that he found inside the store, there was no clear sign of Umbrella being there, and thankfully there wasn't. Leading to the conclusion that she and Hungern somehow managed to escape, after seeing that the back exit of the ice cream store was fully opened, and Merasmus assumed it to be since the back of the store didn't looked trashed as the main area inside with all the gruesome remains.

Tired, Merasmus had to sit down on one of the benches on the sidewalk, ignoring all kinds of wierd looking pedestrians passing by. "Where would Umbrella be... Dammit..."Merasmus muttered to himself. But as he was not about to give up looking for Umbrella, his eyes caught something interesting... Over to his far right, mainly across the street, was a large skyscraper, with a large, glowing sign showing 'River King Casino' but although that wasn't what ultimately got Merasmus' attention; it was the sight of large circus tents down below... There's just a possibility, but at the same time, it was ludicrous to hope finding Umbrella in one of those large circus tents... Merasmus sighed as he got up, and reluctantly walked across the street and onto the circus tents...

(Skullgirls OST: The Crowd Goes Home)

The crowd cheered joyfully on the performances from inside these large circus tents. But intending to continue his search for Umbrella here, Merasmus decided to head to buy tickets to enter these tents, thanks to the given allowances that Parasoul provided for him during his stay with the Black Egrets. Most of these circus performances reminded him of the late circuses from the early to mid 40s, and some and of these performers even perform the old circus classics from the late 20s to early 30s... What a loving era this world live in, and living for so long himself, these eras of vintage classic and jazz where among Merasmus' personal favourites... Unfortunately, it's not always sunshine and rainbows, thanks to the Skull Heart, causing Skullgirls to exist...

Looking around and trying to act as casual as possible, Merasmus couldn't help but admire these performers. Most of these performers even looked below the ages of twenty and some in their early to mid 20s... Very talented people, Merasmus figured. But as he was about to exit what seemed to be the fifth circus tent he entered, he accidentally bumped into a young woman with mint green hair. She was light brown skinned, and her outfit looked like something a performer would wear, with the orange on her outfit, matching her cute and round orange hat that she held with both hands. "I'm very sorry, miss, I wasn't -" "Oh, no, no you're too kind..! It was my bad, I wasn't paying attention to what I was going." The woman cut him off, but then, she continued. "You're leaving already..? I see the show is still going..." Merasmus gave a very polite smile and replied. "Ah, well you see -" He immediately decided to hide the fact that he was there searching for a young little princess of Canopy Kingdom. Of course... The thought of a young princess being lost in the large city of New Meridian would only end up causing mass panic to the public - Much worse, the corrupted of the public may cease the opportunities to take advantage of that to use Umbrella for whatever reasons they desire, which Merasmus feared right now... "... Well, you see, I've been watching for quite awhile, but I figured taking a tour around. The place is very filled with joy, despite the... Uneasy conditions, involving the Skullgirl these days. Quite a good morale boost, keeping the spirit of New Meridian up and joyful nonetheless." Merasmus lied, and being mischievous that he is, he then added. "And I must say, these are some of the finest circus performers I've ever seen. And from where I came from, these types of performers had long passed on, as the current modern ones, I am not quite fond of." The woman laughed shortly and replied. "Well, I see your point. But lemme tell you, that these performers we have, are New Meridian's finest!"

Merasmus curiously raised an eyebrow. "We..?" The girl looked at him surprised, then opened with a friendly smiled. "Oh, you must've not seem me perform yet..? I am also a performer. A proud one at that, too." She had a wide grin as she continued. "And like I said, these performers are New Meridian's finest, and I'm a proud member of Cirque Des Cartes, but sadly, I've just finished performing on the stage, so now I'm just enjoying the rest evening before calling it in." Merasmus gave a polite nod, and mischievously spoke. "I would've love to see you perform, but perhaps in another time then." Then woman giggled and replied. "If you like, I can be your personal tour guide. Show you around the wonders of Cirque Des Cartes?" Merasmus, seeing nothing too foul in this friendly offer, figured why not and gave a polite nod. "That would be wonderful." The woman cheerfully smiled. "Great! Oh, by the way, my name's Cassandra Veranos, but most people know me as Cerebella. You can call me either Cassandra or Cerebella if you like." The woman, Cerebella, said with a smile. Such a kind, friendly person, Merasmus thought to himself... "I must say, you have a very fine name, Miss Veranos." Merasmus mischievously commented, causing Cerebella to slightly blush as she laughed. "Cassandra or Cerebella is fine, really." Merasmus have a small, polite nod. "Very well, then, Cerebella. I would be happy to be toured around Cirque Des Cartes."

Accepting the offer, Merasmus then walked along with Cerebella, enthusiastically touring him around the wide location of Cirque Des Cartes, and it's various attractions. But as he just politely went along, Merasmus somehow found himself enjoying the evening as well. After all... The only things that he ever enjoyed was the tormenting of the mercenaries, whether they be from Red or Blu. And the main attraction, his main attraction, the Carnival of Carnage... Merasmus smiled as he was given an enthusiastic tour. But his smile, was both from enlightenment of experiencing this old timey circus, and at the same time, a brief reminisce about his own hosting of the past Halloween visits to the mercs... But thinking about Soldier being one of them that he has to visit, and the one to torment the most... Merasmus somehow felt a hint of something... Remorse...

"Hey uh... Merasmus..? You okay..?" Snapping out of his thoughts, Merasmus noticed Cerebella staring up at him, with a hint of confusion and worry on her face. Merasmus, allowing himself to remain composed gave a response. "I am... Fine. I just remembered something... But really, I'm fine. Nothing to worry about." Cerebella remained staring at him for a brief moment until she finally smiled. "Well, this evening isn't gonna last forever, so c'mon, lemme show you around inside the casino, and maybe even get you to meet the family." Cerebella cheerfully said with a beaming smile. Merasmus only smiled politely, but then, he was left confused. "... Family..?"

Cerebella giggled shortly at his question, confusing Merasmus even more. "Why, my big family, of course! And the family man that not only owns both River Kong Casino, but Cirque Des Cartes, too!" Merasmus was quite intrigued as they walked, and then he finally asked. "Owning both a casino and a large circus is quite an huge responsibility required to manage." He gently commented, and Cerebella grinned. "Yep. And that's why I admire him. C'mon lemme show you inside River King Casino, I'm sure you'll love it inside just as much as here outside! Vitale and the Medici always loves seeing new guests in their jumble home..!"

Merasmus' realized he spoke too soon about that man, who just so happens to be as Vitale Medici that he's heard so many terrible things about... His blood ran cold as he looked at the seemingly innocent, naive looking Cerebella in front of him...

FAQs:

1. Due to Cerebella's complicated and canonical character of wanting to be sugar daddy with Vitale Medici, I will also incorporate that into this story, and possibly even expand her character.

2. Chapter 26: Bad Hair Day Is now in the making and will be released anytime soon.

3. Idea for making Soldier super overpowered is now on the planning. This reveal shall be featured in a nearing future chapter. But of course, just like wishing on the Skull Heart, it will come with a price of its own...

Thank you for reading!

~Defective Demon 666~