(Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack: Rocket Jump Waltz)
"FINALLY! IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK AFTER THAT SHORT WHILE BEING GONE..!" The humble halls and corridors of Lab 8 suddenly echoed with the voice of an aggressive, patriotic blooded American... Soldier in full pride arrived with Annie, and Florence after a successful series of filming in No Man's Land for the making of the Team Fortress show.
Annie felt extremely uncomfortable at the scenes that she had to witness - which were gore and pure violence - even though every part of the scenes were practical effects... Florence had the same feeling, but the star child could visibly tell, how her producer admired the patriotic woman's confident attitude... She was surprised that the filming of a pilot episode only took a few takes, which led them to filming for the first all the way to the third episode of the show, since their writers had quite the field work on the scripts as based on Soldier's description of her job and life, as a Reliable Excavation Demolition mercenary... Annie was surprised. For someone like Soldier, starring on a violent show, full of armed men mowing each other's team to death was one thing that Annie never expect she couldn't stomach, even though every part of the fighting was scripted, much to Soldier's displease, and with Soldier herself, acting in her own role... - Annie could only wonder... What kind of image would it be, if Soldier wasn't the only part of the 'original' cast of her Red team... The thought of Soldier proudly mentioning her team of psychopaths to her and Florence disturbed Annie the most. And she was already more than disturbed to imagine if Soldier's Red team, actually filled the cast of this scripted show; entirely focused on pure violent slaughter, and screaming bloodshed. All in the name of an ancient War for fudging gravel...
Florence seemed so flustered at how Soldier also gave her flirty stares. Annie had no business to get in that topic, but she remembered... Soldier was only along for the ride until they our down the Skullgirl. And Florence seems to be really getting into hitting it off with Soldier as well... Annie could only wonder how this little thing about to happen between the two adult individuals would go in the end...
"Annie..? Is something wrong..?" Florence asked. Annie was suddenly struck back to reality. Seeing her producer, and Soldier next to her. Both looking at her with a hint of worry. Annie slightly scratched the back of her head and reluctantly replied. "I'm... Fine, Florence... By the way, now that Soldier's show is set aside, we can focus back on the Skullgirl..." Annie reluctantly repaid, but immediately changed the subject.
Soldier felt so joyful, as if her wide psychotic grin already haven't gave it away... "HOO WAA..! AND I AM VERY EAGER TO HUNT DOWN BRAIN DRAIN..! I WON'T EVER LET HIM GET AWAY FROM WHAT HE DID TO CAROL..!" Soldier's sudden attitude changed into her usual demeanor. Annie just sighed before responding. "Yeah... But I'm sure, with the royal help on our side, maybe it wouldn't be long until we catch Brain Drain..."
Annie suddenly stopped. Looking down, she had a very disappointed look on her face as she suddenly had a bitter frown... "I still can't believe about what you did... And I thought I knew you better..." Annie bitterly mumbled. Surprising both Soldier and Florence...
Of course... The two, ever since they filmed for Soldier's show in No Man's Land, even for a short time, quickly developed quite an attraction for one another. And both, especially Florence was completely aware of Annie, awkwardly going along while also helping with the editing crew... "Annie..." Florence suddenly spoke. "... It's not like Miss Doe and I are already -" Florence was Annie's eye widely open.
Annie immediately realized about what she said. And both Soldier and Florence got the wrong meaning of it... "N-no... No, Florence... I'm not talking about you and Soldier..." Annie replied, rather quietly before looking down once more and continuing... "... I was taking about... Valentine..." Annie added with a sigh. This is when Soldier finally spoke. "I DON'T KNOW IF VALENTINE WAS INDEED BEHIND DOC AVIAN'S ATTACK, BUT WHAT I DO KNOW, IS THAT I'M HOPING SHE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH CAROL'S TORTURING." Soldier said, her hands shortly clenched into fists, making Florence put a hand on her shoulder with a gentle smile, which seemed to calm Soldier down.
Annie figured that Soldier must've formed quite an attachment to that girl from Lab 0 that everyone on Lab 8 had been talking about... But wanting to end the conversation there, Annie sighed and spoke... "Well... We should get going and not keep Painwheel waiting... But I'll probably catch up with you two later..." Annie paused shortly before continuing, rather awkwardly. "... I want to checkup on Squigly. Just to see how she's doing, and also, I have to talk with Doctor Avian. With the Canopy military doing reconnaissance around No Man's Land for the Skullgirl, I need to inform Doctor Avian about that, and discuss about tracing possible Skullgirl whereabouts..."
With that being said, Annie parted ways, leaving Soldier and Florence. Soldier looked at the beautiful producer next to her and grinned. "C'MON, LET'S GO SEE CAROL. SHE MAY BE A LITTLE LOUD TOWARD OTHER PEOPLE PASSING BUT ONCE SHE GETS TO KNOW YOU, I'M SURE SHE'LL LIKE YOU..!" Soldier casually said with a grin, and Florence just smiled while holding a fruit basket, and flowers for Painwheel.
The arrival to Painwheel's room surprised Soldier to find Peacock and Parasoul, both already keeping Painwheel accompanied, and all three noticed Soldier and Florence right away upon entry. Parasoul gave a slow and polite nod, with Peacock, starting to get all up and giddy. "Oh, you're back..! Awesome..!" Peacock exclaimed and stared bouncing happily on her seat. "So, how'd it go!? Did you got used to working with your cast!? Did you also finished filming the pilot episode of Team Fortress!?" Peacock asked so excitedly. Soldier just grinned, but before she could answer the gremlin's questions, Soldier quickly noticed how happy Painwheel was to see her again.
"SORRY FOR LEAVING WITHOUT LETTING YOU KNOW, CAROL... IT WAS REALLY URGENT..." Soldier apologized as she approached and sat on a chair next to Painwheel's medical bed. Painwheel just smiled softly before responding. "IT'S OKAY, JANE... I WAS TOLD BY PARASOUL..." Painwheel's softened even more and continued. "I'M JUST HAPPY YOU'RE HERE NOW..." She then looked at Florence. With Soldier immediately grinning.
"CAROL, THIS IS ANNIE'S PRODUCER, FLORENCE! SHE IS ALSO THE PRODUCER OF THE NEW SHOW THAT I AM STARRING WITH!" Soldier happily said with a smile wide grin, and Florence have appoint mod and smile a Carol. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Carol. Miss Doe positively spoke about you frequently." Florence said with smile and gently held up the fruit basket she and Soldier bought for Painwheel, with Soldier placing the flowers on a small nightstand table. "We brought these for you." Florence added with a smile, and Painwheel only smile softly.
For Painwheel, she was still trying her best to be comfortable around New and other people. She knew they only mean well, but her physical, and mental abuse that she had to endure at the hands of Brain Drain, and Valentine, and not to mention... Her new appearance, as Painwheel sees it, only has to expect fear, resent and mockery from other people. But even so, she was still trying, in the hopes that perhaps, she may have Queen Nancy's Skullgirl blood within her, but maybe she still has part of her humanity left intact. Untouched by the amount of pain thay both Brain Drain and Valentine inflicted... She looked at Soldier before speaking... "JANE... I'VE HEARD ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON, ALL ACROSS NEW MERIDIAN... I'M WORRIED FOR MY PARENTS BACK AT MAPLECREST..."
Soldier and even Florence looked at each other and confused for moment as until Parasoul suddenly spoke... "A mass communication jamming suddenly happened after the siege of Skullgirl minions during the other night... We've only recieved information last night thanks to Molly. And thanks to Roxy, all communications have been back online. Although, the use for wide network communication is still unstable as of now, we have recieved information, especially earlier morning from various sources that the Medici were indeed behind the mass communication jamming." Parasoul paused. She frowned shortly before continuing. "... It would seem that the Medici were preparing on a massive overhaul, with an attempt to extract and relocate both Lorenzo and Vitale Medici... Considering how bad things have gotten. And much worse for them; the current Skullgirl is mainly after the Medici themselves, above all else..."
Soldier frowned... "WHAT NOW..? AND ALSO, WHERE THE HELL IS MERASMUS IN ALL THIS? I HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT HIM IN A WHILE, AND I EVEN EXPECTED HE'D BE WITH YOU BY NOW! ALSO, IS BIG BAND OKAY? I AM STILL WORRIED ABOUT HIM... I MEAN I KNOW HE'S SAFE WITH YOUR EGRETS BUT STILL... THERE'S THESE NEW SET OF CRAP GOING ON, AND OUR BIGGEST FIGHTERS ARE NOTHING BUT MISSING..!" Soldier exclaimed. Parasoul sighed shortly before simply responding. "Ben is still out in the city, hunting down stray Skullgirl minions, as of now as we currently know. But Black Egrets' finest, Panzerfaust, is with him, so you have nothing to worry about since Ben has some assistance. And not to mention, we had recently sent out firing squads as well to help on the extermination tasks for Skullgirl minions..."
Painwheel gently placed a hand on Soldier's arm before smiling gently. "IT'S OKAY, JANE... I'M SURE THINGS WILL BE OKAY... AT LEAST EVEN WITH THE SKULLGIRL AROUND..." Painwheel's gentle tone seemed to have made Soldier feel at ease. Even though Painwheel now shares her own loud way of speaking... And all of a sudden... Parasoul spoke...
"... When Merasmus and I parted ways, the same night before Squigly and I first encountered Painwheel... Merasmus was insistent on going back to where we had left my little sister, Umbrella... To begin a long story short; Umbrella had dragged me into the city to buy her some ice cream... With Merasmus, also joining us as well... Then all of a sudden, the siege of Skullgirl minions just happened. Merasmus left first to investigate, and I, concerned myself, followed after him, while leaving Umbrella inside the ice scream store for refuge until rescue arrives..." Parasoul reluctantly explained to Soldier.
Soldier was surprised... This young princess that she hugely dislikes the most... Has a little sister..? And she just so happened to be buying her sister ice scream when the siege of Skullgirl minions happened... Soldier was mixed feelings about this. The thought of a person she automatically disliked for what she and family ideology is, who at the end of the day, is just another person with a family... And this reminded Soldier of herself, with the Red team... Her being the loudest nuisance to most of its members, and her at the end of the day being a dear friend to her best friend, Demoman, as well as being some sort of guidance to the 'fatherless' Scout, despite her insane mentality... Soldier felt awkward...
"YOU... HAVE A LITTLE SISTER..?" Soldier couldn't help, but ask out of curiosity... One which Parasoul felt uncomfortable as she looked down briefly and slowly replied... "Yes, I do... My mother... Happened to be pregnant during the final months of the Grand War... And as a Skullgirl... She gave birth to Umbrella, back at No Man's Land, shortly before my father, the ASG labs along with united militaries of the kingdoms at war launched a siege to stop her from furthering her mass genocide..."
There was an awkward silence after Parasoul finished. But Soldier, despite still feeling the same dislike she had for the princess, knew the look on Parasoul's face that she was uncomfortable with the subject, to which Soldier decided to steer it in back to Merasmus. "IF WE CAN FIND MERASMUS, HE CAN HELP OUT ON EXTERMINATING SKULLGIRL MINIONS... BUT SINCE HE'S NOT HERE, I'M SURE THESE PRIORITIES CAN WAIT, SINCE YOU'RE ALREADY HERE DOING YOUR PART OF THE JOB. IN THE MEANTIME, I WILL FOCUS ON TENDING TO CAROL FOR NOW." Soldier stated before turning to Painwheel, who looked slightly embarrassed as everyone looked at her as well. But in the end, Painwheel gently smiled as she then wrapped her arms around Soldier's.
Peacock, still all up and giddy had a huge grin on her face, showing her sharp and pointy metal teeth that is literally a bear trap... "If I had my camera, I would've taken a picture of you two..!" Peacock happily said, but Soldier only chuckled, with Painwheel looking a little embarrassed, but still maintained her gentle smile for Soldier...
(Skullgirls OST: Daybreak)
The large crowd of guests clapped within the huge manor of the House of Contiello. The night of Selene Contiello's birthday, was prepared a grand celebration. Such expensive, and luxurious preparation of food, attended by the richest noblemen and women, to political figures that friends with the Contiello's, and lastly... The surprise performance of the young diva singer, Sienna Contiello herself, performing for her mother's grand celebration.
Sienna stood above the crowd, all clapping their hands with cheers after her wonderful performance. She gave a formal bow, before leaving the stage and making her way to her mother, who strangely enough, had such a worried look on her face. Her eyes on its own, peeled around the huge guest area that was occupied by the rich guests...
Sienna smiled as she approached her mother. "Happy Birthday, Mother! Did you like my surprise for you? I made sure to prepare for this days ago before the grand celebration!" Sienna said happily with the smile still on her face. But judging from the uneasy expression on her mother's face, Selene seemed to have been startled by her sudden approach, but seemed to have calmed down and replied, rather quietly... "Why, yes... Yes, my dear Sienna... That was... Such a wonderful performance you had..." Selene paused before wrapping her arms around her daughter.
Sienna noticed her mother's sudden strange behavior, as she only looked up at her mother in confusion. "Mother..? Is there something the matter..?" Sienna slowly asked, with a hint of worry on her tone. But Selene didn't seem to pay any attention to her question and only smiled gently as her hands gently pressed on both Sienna's cheeks. "This long night, was unnecessary, my dear Sienna... I would've been content with just a simple celebration rather than -" Selene was interrupted when a small series of gasps came...
Sienna was confused as to what was going on. The only thing she saw, was a woman with black elegant gown, with a black veil covering her face, and a large gun attached to what appears to be her prosthetic arm. All around the woman, she was surrounded by armed women, all wearing playboy bunny suits, and bunny masks... Sienna was startled by the time she was shoved behind by Selene, shielding her away from the view of the woman and her armed bodyguards. "Mother..." Sienna wanted to speak, but Selene held her arm up in front of her. A motion for her to stay behind her mother's back...
The woman in front of them chuckled deeply as she held a thin wine glass on her other hand, before suddenly speaking. "Happy Birthday, Selene. The Medici sends their regards..." *BANG!* The gun on her hand fired loud, then came a series of horrified screams voiding the House of Contiello's...
Squigly gasped awake as she immediately sat up before looking around frantically. "Whoa, whoa! Squigly! It's alright, it's alright!" She then heard the voice of Annie, and to her relief, she saw the star child sitting on a chair beside the medical bed that she didn't recall laying on... "Annie..." Squigly began, but looking over to Leviathan, she found her friend still unconscious before scooping him gently in her hands, and held him close.
"Squigly, I've been told by Stanley and Nurse Ileum about... What happened to you while I was gone with Soldier and Florence..." Annie suddenly spoke. "Do you... Have any idea with what's happening to you and Leviathan..? I mean, we still haven't caught up with the Skullgirl and this is the very first time that you've passed out unconscious with a Skullgirl still alive..." Annie added rather slowly.
Squigly took some time to process what the star child said, but as she tried to find the right words to say, her decayed mind slipped back into what she recalled faded memories. One that occurred after the fall of the House of Contiello... "Mother... Father..." Squigly suddenly mumbled in a rather broken down tone. She held Leviathan closer to her chest before closing her only eye. As if trying to reminisce such faded memories that turned her into what she and Leviathan are now...
Annie, giving up to hear an answer, noticed Squigly's sudden behavior... The star child didn't said a word. And instead, she gently wrapped her arms around the undead diva and closed her eye. Almost like a warm embrace of a sibling, trying to comfort the other...
(Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack: Playing With Danger)
"Uurgggwaaaguwaah..!" Hungern suddenly whined. Making umbrella frown as she looked at her living weapon. "You're hungry again? But we just ate garbage earlier morning!" Umbrella scowled. But Hungern started shaking in her hand, signifying that he's whining further. "Uurgggwaaaguwaah..." Hungern replied.
Filia took out a single oatmeal bar, still sealed in its wrapper. "You can have this, Hungern. It might not be much but..." Filia said as she offered the single bar up to Hungern. Surprising Umbrella. "No, no! It's fine!" Umbrella stuttered, but Hungern started to wheeze. "Uurgggwaaaguwaah..." Hungern said, with his multiple eyes eyeing the single bar of food. And his massive tongue, salivating in hunger.
Filia giggled and replied to Umbrella. "It's okay. After all, we've been wandering around the city for hours now while looking for your sister. But surely you can both split the food. You haven't eaten anything yourself, too..." Filia said, while mumbling the last part. Umbrella looked down and frowned before giving a response. "And you haven't either..."
Filia just smiled and casually replied. "It's fine. But really, you should take it." Filia insisted with a smile, to which Umbrella finally, and reluctantly agreed before giving Hungern a stern look. "This is the last time for now, Hungern. We need to find Parasoul or Merasmus." Umbrella suddenly slipped her tongue. She stood frozen, disregarding the fact that Hungern had already scooped the oatmeal bar from her hand and ate it simply in it's wrapper.
Filia stared at Umbrella confused, clearly not sure what to say. But then, the older girl gasped with realization, finally recognizing one of said names... Samson on the other hand, suddenly spoke... Rather exclaimed... "I knew it..! You're the royal family's daughter! And that umbrella you have is Hungern, the Renoir weapon forged to devour armies..! Son of a bitch, no wonder why I keep thinking those names sounded familiar..!"
Filia gasped once again at Samson's statement before glaring her eyes above her head. "Samson we don't even know that..!" Filia scowled, but Samson was having none of it, seeing that Umbrella had already slipped her tongue out... "You heard her say Parasoul! The older princess of this goddamn corrupt country..!" Samson exclaimed again and continued. " We need to leave now. We can't stay with them! If those posers led by her sister finds us with this kid, we'll get in serious trouble..!" Samson's statement made Filia glare at him even more.
"And leave them out here on their own? With a Skullgirl roaming around? Samson, are you out of your mind? Even if she is from the royal family, we can't leave her all by herself! Who knows what might happen to her if anybody finds out that a little princess is lost in New Meridian! Aren't the Medici always looking ways to bring them down? If we leave them here, who's gonna say what will happen to them, especially if anybody finds out who she is? We're helping them find her sister!"
Samson sighed irritatingly and replied. "Listen kid. If anybody's find out that she's from the royal family, people will do anything, and I mean anything to get their hands on her to use as leverage against the royal family. And I'm not just talking about the Medici's! There are many other rich, powerful people in this goddamn country that despise the royal family. People powerful enough that they can make anything inhumane to happen, and the Medici is just one of them... And the last thing we want is to be involved in that situation!" Samson stated, but Filia argued. "That's why we're helping her find her sister! If she really is the little sister of the princess, then we should help her find her sister so we won't have to worry about other people or the Medici trying to take her away..!" Filia snapped.
Umbrella stood motionless, and her face down on the ground as Filia and Samson argued in front of her. "Uurgggwaaaguwaah..." Hungern suddenly muttered. Umbrella sighed with a frown before giving a reply. "I know... We could've told them sooner, but I was just trying to be cautious... I didn't really think that they will stick this long just to help us find Parasoul or Merasmus..." Umbrella sighed again before looking at Filia and Samson, still arguing with one another.
"I'm sorry for not telling truth... It's just that my sister, Parasoul, taught me not to reveal my identity to people in public since... Yeah... You already know why... But I really need to find my sister, so that I can help her fight the Skullgirl..." Umbrella said, with all honesty in her tone and face. Samson scoffed. "No way were gonna help you now. You got a monster that was made to devour people, and devoured people before, so why even bother for our help? The last thing we need is me and Filia being locked up for being allegedly blamed for kidnapping you."
Filia has already had enough of Samson, and suddenly smacked her hair parasite with one hand. "Ow! Dammit, that hurt, kid!" Samson barked, but Filia glared at him. "We are helping Umbrella find her sister, whether you like it or not, Samson! I made my word! Also, it's my feet that are moving us around, not yours!" Filia bitterly replied, much to Samson's protests. She ignored him and looked down at Umbrella with a giant smile. "Don't worry, Umbrella. We will stay with you and help you find your sister."
Umbrella smiled happily. "Thank you! Thank you, thank you so much..!" Umbrella joyfully replied while bowing her head. Filia just smiled, completely ignoring Samson's quiet grumbles in protests. "Let's go, Umbrella. We still haven't looked further within the city. If there's anything we know about princess Parasoul, she would mostly be seen in crime scenes, or fighting criminals." Filia said with a smile, with Umbrella nodding in agreement.
(God Eater OST: Adult Time)
From dizziness, and then over to his head aching. Merasmus slowly opened his eyes, with a slightly blurred vision for a moment as he then sat up on what appeared to be a bed. He them looked around to find himself in a very well arranged bed room. It almost felt like a wacky hangover for him as he remained seated on the edge of the bed. But apart from noticing the daylight through the large, slightly opened windows to the balcony, Merasmus noticed a folded piece of paper on the nightstand table. Curious, Merasmus picked it up and unfolded the paper to find a small note.
'Hey, it's me, Cerebella.
About last night at the lounge, I really thought you were gonna chug down that whole container of booze... Quite a shame you didn't... Just kidding! But really, though, I wasn't expecting you would actually drink all that much... Luckily I didn't drank too much myself, even though I wanted to... But glad I didn't. Someone's gotta drag you into the hotel rooms, right?
Also if you read this, you're still in Medici territory. Don't worry, the Family treats their guests with great care, so long as they're not trouble. Even though you do kinda look like a troublemaker yourself... Haha, just messing with you, don't sweat it! Anyway I'll see if I can stop by to see you after some errands from Vitale. See you soon! Hopefully!
~Cerebella'
Merasmus took a deep breath. His mind was having too much to process from trying to sort out finding Umbrella and then all of a sudden, he just so happen to end up in Medici territory... And that's already one concern... But Merasmus, wasn't concerned for his safety... He's dealt with Mafia's before... Japanese, Russian... He can always trick those mortals into thinking of himself as a vulnerable target before he can strike them the least they are expecting. These Medici would be no different... However, the concern was the thought of Parasoul starting to think of his absence to be taking longer than he's supposed to be... And then there's still Soldier... Merasmus prayed to god and Trinity that the derange lunatic doesn't try anything too wreckeless to hurt Parasoul, or worse, like she did on their very first meeting...
Even in his current situation, currently off the line from the Princess and in Medici territory, he still managed to think about these people that he felt thinking about... Merasmus frowned. He wanted no attachments with these people... Even to Soldier, for the most part... Of course... Once this all ends, he and Soldier will find their way back home, and forget all of this insane shenanigans in a vintage world even happened... Merasmus wanted to keep it that way... For the fact that he believes it to be the right thing to do so...
Feeling mentally conflicted, Merasmus closed his eyes and gently rubbed his temples. The his mind came to a flash about what happened after his first meeting with Cerebella...
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...
"Is something wrong Merasmus..?" Cerebella suddenly asked. A look of confusion, and concern both mixed wishing her expression. Merasmus was lost for words... This young woman is working for... The Medici..? Merasmus felt sick to his stomach... He was left for words and couldn't reply, and he couldn't even give the right expression, which confused Cerebella even more. "Hey, you sure nothing's wrong..?" Cerebella asked again, rather slowly. And with that tone sounding so genuinely, that made Merasmus even more sick to his stomach. Who wouldn't be, when a person thought to be so genuine and friendly turned out to be working for a notorious mafia clan...
Clearing his throat, Merasmus gave a simple response. A lie. "I'm fine, Cerebella... Perhaps I need a drink... Or so..." Merasmus cautiously said. It took only a few moments for Cerebella's convened expression to be replaced with a wide grin before replying. "Well, you're in luck - We have FREE booze in the lounging area! Granted, they're the cheapest and not like the fancy ones with great flavours, but that doesn't matter since its free. Want me to give you a tour down to the lounging area?" Cerebella asked, with the wide grin still on...
Merasmus, not giving a single thought, decided to nod. To Cerebella's delight, she led him into River King Casino's lounging area. It was a large lounging area, with various room sections aside from the VIP sections, and each containing all sorts of entertainment attractions; from casino machines, to scantily clad women entertaining the men. Merasmus suddenly took notice... Ever since he and Soldier arrived to this strange world... Most of the individuals that he sees, and the vast majority of individuals are women... It almost seemed like women have the higher population in New Meridian... "I see you staring at the women..." Cerebella suddenly began, rather teasingly. "I mean, yeah, most guys love the curves of women. Especially those that do more than sway their bodies in bed..."
Merasmus felt embarrassed, but gave a reply. "Ah, no... It's just that... I've just noticed the population of females to be..." Merasmus trialed off. Cerebella stared at him in surprise, before bursting into laughter before giving a reply. "Well, that's Canopy Kingdom for everybody. Full of ladies. Of course... Not all females are counted for... The kinky stuff... If that's what you're thinking..." Cerebella said with a wink. Merasmus immediately knew what she meant. But he was giving Cerebella the benefit of the doubt for being part of the Medici...
"Yes. You may be right... But let's not forget, that there are sick men out there, that fantasizes of sexual intercourse, or worse to females, or any other individual not of legal age..." Merasmus pointed out, rather seriously. Cerebella was caught off guard by his response, to which she nervously laughed, but at the end of it... But her face somehow seemed to look down. Almost as if trying to say something, but is lost for words to describe... Merasmus took note of this. It wasn't really difficult for him to easily read Cerebella, as a naive woman, who disregards facts about the Medici Mafia...
They eventually got onto their booth within one section of the lounging area. It was quite soothing for Merasmus to say the least. But he still didn't let his guard down, as he had his eyes glancing whenever he felt Cerebella wouldn't notice. But as the wailing hours soon came to be, Merasmus find himself having too much of a drink with Cerebella, who on the other hand, drank minimally. He was feeling the kick off the alcohol bit by bit but even so, Merasmus took the opportunity to finally strike a conversation. "How are you liking your - if you'll excuse me - career so far, Cerebella..?"
There was an immediate look of edge from the girl with mint green hair. But Cerebella just casually chuckled before giving a reply. "Well... I wouldn't wanna be blunt with you, but thing is; if you wanna know about my career, you're gonna have to listen through why I ended up with what I have today." Cerebella's casual response surprised Merasmus. But to see such a genuine smile on her face... Merasmus wished that he wanted to despise this young woman for who she works for. Rather judgmentally, perhaps. But he somehow felt conflicted RI notice her smile. Merasmus knew how to read faces, and Soldier, along with her brainless teammates were the perfect practices of his knowledge to read people.
Cerebella wore such an honestly, genuine smile. One that could easily fool people into two different ways of thinking. One is where Cerebella could be identified as a liar with such facade. And the other; is to identify Cerebella as a naive, ignorant, carefree young woman. The latter that Merasmus wished he was wrong. Cerebella is part of a Mafia. And Merasmus knew how filthy mafias can be. From Japanese Yakuza, to Italian mafia and to the Russian mafia. They are all the same; Low live scoundrels that can be exterminated easily like roaches when struck directly where it would kill them. Vulnerable targets, even for mercenaries and an ancient eldritch wizard like him to easily beat. Cerebella is one among these low live scoundrels that he can easily exterminate. But somehow, and Merasmus fears that somehow... His judgement just might be wrong about Cerebella... Just for that genuine smile...
Not to mention, her constant praises, and admiration for Vitale Medici... Rather strange for a young woman to, compliment a man who took her in. Merasmus would've understood this concept of her praises and admiration, if Cerebella made it a bit clear that she looks up to Vitale Medici as a sort of father figure. As that is how it would logically sound fittingly... But for one thing that Merasmus noticed that it seemed to be more than just simple praises and admiration... Merasmus mentally felt like vomiting to the thought of... He stopped his train of thought, and preventing it from reaching that very clear image of what Cerebella's admiration clearly leads to... Instead, Merasmus cleard his throat and opened his mouth, rather reluctantly, to speak...
"Hmm... I see..." Merasmus finally replied. Rather dryly, but he kept his polite expression as he gave a gesturing hand. "... But please. Do consider sharing me what you like to share about your personal life. Enlighten me." Merasmus continued. This surprised Cerebella, and she had a huge grin on her face as she replied. "Well, isn't that right..? I person who's actually interested to know about me..? Hmm, most people only talk to me to flirt and get the chance to..." Cerebella paused with a short giggle, and a side smirk on her face.
Merasmus wanted to rolle his eyes, but he maintained politeness with a response. "Pardon me if you will, Cerebella. But unlike those type of elderly grown men, I have my standards. And I am way older than you may think. But please, do continue on sharing about yourself, if you are comfortable with this sort of topic..."
Cerebella let out a laugh shortly before responding. "Well, to start off about myself..." And so, the evening hours were spent by Merasmus, wordlessly listening closely to Cerebella's backstory...
Cerebella originated from a third world country before the Grand War came to be. She grew up from a middle class and average, but loving family. An only child that was dearly loved and adored by others until the Grand War broke lose to other countries, affecting her own. It wasn't long before her own country was engulfed, and wiped out literally from the globe, due to the power of the Canopy Kingdom's military.
Migration to other countries was the last resort of the last surviving citizens of her own fallen country, and among those survivors, was a young, innocent and naive child. Cassandra Veranos, carrying nothing with her, but a family heirloom that was left to her by her parents before they were taken from her by the War. Although she managed to survive and get away from the horrors unleashed on her home land, the little Cassandra Veranos was unfortunate enough to end up in the very country that caused annihilation to her own country. Canopy Kingdom.
Cerebella was a nice, innocent child back then. She spend her early days upon arrival by living off in the streets, and feeding from scraps and begging. Her talent to control her family heirloom did earned her some attention. Rather barely. Not just enough to earn herself some coins to the side to make it through the day. Her unfortunate fate however, would turn into an unexpected twist of fortune...
(Skullgirls OST: Forgotten Moments)
"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!" A very young, little Cassandra Veranos joyfully bowed over and over in front of a few audience. In the steer sidewalk down town New Meridian, two weeks after the Grand War annihilated her country, Cassandra escaped, or rather sniffled herself illegally to get away.
She was scared, lost and starved... Loving off the scraps, and begging in the streets was a nightmare take any child like her move deserve... But discovering the ability of her family heirloom, it gave Cassandra the slightest chance to survive... The talents that she learned herself to control her living hat, she used to do simple, but still entertaining circus performances in front of whatever crowd would give her attention.
Most times, she would only be rewarded work applause and nothing more, but onto the side, she earned herself some canopy coins that she constantly saves to be able to buy food that she could afford. But even so... It wasn't enough to sustain herself...
After her little circus performance, Cassandra quickly dismantled her little stage, only to notice the drops of rain. Cassandra friends shortly but hurried herself to find shelter inside her own makeshift cardboard shelter that she wrapped with plastic to shield from the rain... The afternoon ended, and another evening has come. Cassandra hoped that she earned a total of 15 canopy coins to buy bottled water and bread. The cost of bread has just increased to 10 canopy coins, with water, thankfully remaining to the same price of 5 canopy coins... Cassandra nervously counted her daily earnings... "fifteen, sixteen, seventeen... Oh, Trinity, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Cassandra joyfully said as she then scooped the coins into a small, dirty bag.
"I see you have just finished your little performance... I must say, I am quite upset that I did not get the chance to witness you perform..." A man's voice suddenly said, surprising Cassandra. She looked up and liaise her shelf to find a young man with dark brown suit, standing in the middle of the rain, with tall robot beside him, holding an umbrella for him.
Cassandra took a moment to gather herself and asked. "Um... Who are you, Mister..?" She asked. The man gently smiled and knelt down slowly before responding. "I am a young business man, seeking talented people like yourself, little girl. My name is Vitale Medici. And from what my people have told me, you are quite a talented person yourself..." The man, Vitale, replied airbase gentle smile.
Cassandra felt flushed by the flattering statement. "Um... I am not really that talented... But... I do what I can to survive..." Cassandra replied, rather honestly. Vitale stared at her in surprise for a brief moment before asking. "Where are your..." He trailed off. Cassandra picked off what he was trying to say. "My parents..? Well... They're gone now... The War -" Cassandra was interrupted when Vitale raised his hand.
"You don't have to continue... I understand how you feel... In fact, many people have lost loved ones too... And the people to blame for, rules this country that we're in... The people that took your family away from you... Do you... Know that you are on their territorial nation..?" Vitale asked. Cassandra, without hesitation, nodded. "Yes... But what can I do..? It would be wrong if I want to go after them... So I just stick to my priorities to survive. For my parents..." Cassandra replied, rather softly.
Vitale gently held her hands in his and spoke. "But they are violent people, dear girl...They abuse their power, and step on those that oppose them, and to those that they see as a thorn in their way... Don't you think that you deserve to live in a... Much more safer condition..?" Cassandra was confused. Scared, and even desperate to say 'yes'... "Well..?" Vitale asked.
Cassandra felt lost for words even when she tried to respond... "Yes... But -" Cassandra was then again, interrupted when Vitale spoke. "I know who you are. Cassandra Veranos. My people, those that I had tasked to look out for you had been keeping an eye on you, for your own safety... And they've told me you have such a talent... Such a talent that can be... Utilized..."
Merasmus was speechless. Perhaps he should've waited for a bit more before making his judgements. But not that he could ever blame his own gut for not lowering his guard down... But no matter her past... Cerebella was still part of the Medici. Sure, he may not know much about her or anybody in particular, and sure he was never even there during the days of the Grand War to begin with. He was just along for the ride in this current matter after all. But that didn't changed his views toward the Medici, and even not to Cerebella... To Merasmus and the way she sees it; Cerebella was still a filthy, low life bottom feeder of the Medici Mafia, one way or another... She needed to be exterminated along with the scums of New Meridian... - But that didn't also stopped Merasmus from feeling pity towards Cerebella, and only to Cerebella alone... Perhaps, no matter her individuality today, she was still just as an ordinary girl with a family. She may perhaps used to be a loving girl with a loving family that hair so happened to be entangled within a war, and lost her family as a result... She was, or perhaps may be, only doing what she does - To survive. Or to repay her 'savior' from being lost in the world as an orphan...
Merasmus could feel the alcohol kicking in even further. He mentally cursed and finally began. "I'm sorry to hear all of that, Cerebella. I... Truly am..." Merasmus gently said. But not in a comforting way, but rather, in a treacherous way of faking comfort to console an individual.
Cerebella seems to have not even noticed his tone and just casually smiled. "Nah, it's fine, Merasmus. Vitale does have a point, though... He's my only family... My only... Well, I mean, yeah... I gotta do what I can to protect my family, right..? People have been hating on the Medici so much, just because they're the most well-known, and successful name in this country. Mostly financially..." Cerebella replied with a sincere smile.
Merasmus couldn't give the right facial expression to this response. Was she really thinking that he was being genuine to her, as part of the Medici Mafia..? Merasmus had met worse people back in his world. From idiots, to scoundrels, raging psychos, and greedy leeches... But Cerebella... Has got to be the most, if not the first, naive, and ignorant person that he's ever met in his over six thousand year old life... And the part that made Merasmus felt sick to his stomach was not the alcohol. Not to fact that Cerebella was part of the Medici Mafia... But the part that he could literally see it in the soul through her eyes that she has a thing for older men... Specifically Vitale Medici. 'Oh, dear God... This young woman... I feel like I'm gonna be sick...' Merasmus mentally muttered to himself...
"Hey, Merasmus... Maybe you should stop the shots now... You're almost emptying the container on our booth... And that night not be a good thing for you considering you're looking too... Squeamish all of a sudden..." Cerebella genuinely said, and gently placed a hand on his shoulder with a look of concern on her eyes.
Merasmus wanted to vomit. This young, talented woman... A naive, and ignorant one at that, is actually still being genuine toward him..? Has she still not notice the red flags he's giving her..? How he's disgusted about her... Obvious desire for Vitale Medici..? Merasmus plastered a smile on his face. And he felt that he was getting drunk anyway, so he decided to comply to Cerebella, kindly telling him to stop his drinking... He had lost count of his shots...
"I... Need to find..." Merasmus blurted out suddenly. "... Um... Um... Brel..." He tried to continue, but as soon as he laid eyes on Cerebella, trying to holding him for support... Merasmus finally blacked out...
(God Eater OST: Adult Time ~Romance Mix~)
Merasmus took a deep breath. He had already wasted enough time... Finally. He got up from the bed, got freshened up and dressed, before finally heading out. Hoping not to run into Cerebella ever again... As much as he somehow pity her past... Merasmus felt disgusted by who she is now. And by her personal desire alone... But the cloud of thought on his mind distracted him... He accidentally bumped into a woman...
"Ow! Watch it, dear! For a tall figure you clearly are an ignorant to your... Surroundings... My... What a sight..." Quite a seductive tone of a feminine voice... Merasmus looked down to see an older woman. Dark brown skinned, wearing some kind of Egyptian outfit while carrying a large scythe, that also had a microphone on it...
Merasmus slightly bowed his head. "I apologize, madam. I... Tend to bump into people..." Merasmus politely said. But mentally, he was frowning as he apologized, due to the rude tone of the woman. The woman slightly flinched back, with her hand on her firm chest. She smirked and replied. "My... Quite a gentlemen you are I see..."
Merasmus felt uneasy as he minimized eye contact with the woman... It's not that he had anything against the female gender... But this world, and country that he's in, just seemed pretty overpopulated by women... And now, he is starting to get drawn into them like a magnet...
FAQs:
1. About Cerebella - As stated, a based on her wiki... Cerebella tends to ignore, and disregard the acts of the Medici Mafia. Part of this is because she did owe it to the Medici did taking her in from being an orphan due to the Grand War, and her way of repaying them, she dutifully serves the Medici as an enforcer.
2. Another piece of fact about Cerebella is her suspicious admiration for Vitale Medici. While it may be true and considered canon, that Vitale Medici took Cerebella in - to take advantage of her control on her hat, Vice Versa under Medici favor - it is also implied, canonically, that Cerebella's admiration for Vitale is directly aimed to win his heart, based on her Wiki. - To put it simply; Cerebella wants to be sugar daddy's with Vitale Medici.
3. I somehow ended up making Squigly and Annie have a sibling sort of relationship, as based on this chapter. To begin with, this took inspiration from Squigly's origin story mode in Skullgirls: Mobile and Annie's story arc in Skullgirls 2nd Encore, where both of their stories seem to put the image that Squigly and Annie are friends, and it's also a fact that Squigly even hinted that she wished that she and Annie could've met in different circumstances during Annie's story arc. I guess I may as well expand what they ended up with in this story...
4. Umbrella's role in this story would be similar to her own story arc in Skullgirls 2nd Encore, but I plan to do a rework on how it would play out. If she will be fighting the Skullgirl with Soldier, and/or Merasmus, it would entirely depend, if she doesn't end up getting killed while being vulnerably exposed within New Meridian.
5. Chapter 29: A Tragedy In Three Acts is now in the works. If you have played Skullgirls: Mobile, then I am certain you would be familiar with the chapter title. Chapter still on early stages of production, but it would be released once ready.
Thank you for reading!
~Defective Demon 666~