(God Eater OST: New World ~The Unknown~)
Annie never left, and remained by Squigly's side. But as she wanted to stay by Squigly's side; Lab 8 medical personnel had to step in to handle the situation. Apparently, and shortly after their moment of silence in each others arms; Squigly unfortunately collapsed once again, which led to Annie, despite not wanting to show her panic, immediately went to get medical help...
Seeing Squigly's unconscious body being treated by a doctor and a small group of nurses, Annie wasn't sure what was going to happen next. It didn't really made any sense to see such life support machines to be used on Squigly, since she was technically still dead. But that was the thing, and the one thing that slowly terrifies Annie now... Squigly isn't actually alive, but in a way, a conscious undead that retains her own former consciousness... And that's the main thing, that could lead to her and Leviathan into becoming one of the Skullgirl's mindless minions...
Annie couldn't bare to watch whatever procedure she was witnessing. Far too complicated than complex to even understand... An undead, being treated medically was just something that isn't compatible... Anyone would have to be that insane to sell their soul in order to gain the ability to treat the undead using science, and medicine. Let alone, bring the dead back to life... What these Lab 8 medical personnel were doing were barely working at all... And Squigly was slowly reaching the possibilities where she and Leviathan may actually lose their own consciousness, and become one of the Skullgirl's minions...
Annie sat in the waiting area... Her mind was clouded over by thoughts about Squigly... Could the Skullgirl really been made aware of Squigly's defective state, setting her apart from the mindless minions..? But just like all mindless Skullgirl minions - Squigly has her part of the Skullgirl's essence... The essence of the Skullgirl that keeps her minions conscious, and connected to the Skullgirl herself, like a hive mind... And Squigly felt that she couldn't feel the Skullgirl, but rather... Someone... Or something... That's slowly draining the Skullgirl essence that's keeping her and Leviathan conscious... Annie closed her eye with a frown and buried her face in her hands... "Squigly..." Annie mumbled...
(God Eater OST: Deo Volente)
The trip to No Man's Land, and tracing the exact location where Big Band was last seen... Came to a horrific shock or Soldier and Parasoul... They stumbled into a cave system, and deep within its vowels, was a nest of rotting corpses, which were now all used up... Body parts of all kinds, along with blood and gore scattered all over the cave that made some of the Egret soldiers with them to vomit off of their gas masks...
"Ben..." Parasoul mumbled in horror... She looked over to Soldier, who was searching around the cave so frantically that she kept yelling Big Band over and over. "Soldier..." Parasoul quietly called out, but Soldier was paying no attention. "BIG BAND..! BIG BAND..! BIG BAND, ANSWER ME, MAGGOT..!" Soldier's loud yelling echoed through the cave. But the was no response...
Parasoul was then approached by an Egret soldier who quickly reported. "Sir. We've checked every possible entry and escape routes within this cave system... We've found no trace of Big Band, sir..." The Egret soldier reported. Parasoul was in disbelief... It can't be... The bodies and all body parts scattered within this cave was proof of Big Band's doing... But no sign of Big Band himself..? There was just no way that he may have possibly... Gotten killed... Unless he actually ended up encountering the current Skullgirl, whom they still have no idea of what capabilities she may have...
Parasoul, with a bitter frown, finally instructed the group of armed Egret soldiers to round up and prepare to head back up into the surface. She then went over to Soldier, who was yelling so frantically... "Soldier... We're heading back up to the surface ground..." Parasoul hesitantly began. But Soldier only looked at her in disbelief before giving a response... "WHAT!? WE CAN'T LEAVE YET..! WE STILL HAVEN'T FOUND BIG BAND..!" Soldier argued, and Parasoul frowned.
"We will figure this out once we reach back to Lab 8, Soldier... But with communications having range limits as of now, we have no way of keeping tabs with Molly to inform us on Ben's current locations... And I highly doubt it, that something bad may have happened to Ben within this cave... And I very hope that nothing bad did happen to him... Let's go... We're heading back to Lab 8..." Parasoul carefully said. Seeing that Soldier was in very foul mood right now... But to her relief, Soldier was eventually convinced, as the older older woman clad in red seemed to have calmed down a bit... "ALL RIGHT..." Soldier finally said, though reluctantly.
(God Eater OST: God Eater)
It was a pleasant arrival back at Lab 8. But upon arrival, Big Band immediately made his way to find Doctor Avian, where Big Band was told by the old Lab 8 director, who's now confined within a medical room, due to an unfortunate uncident that involved Valentine, attacking the Lab 8 director, Peacock, and Annie... The shocking news about Valentine defecting from Lab 0, and not to mention: the horrific revelation that Brain Drain personally unveiled to Soldier, was beyond concerning. It was absolutely disturbing... But knowing Brain Drain's selfish ego, it should not have come to a surprise that he would do something like taking all of his trustworthy Lab 0 colleagues and part ways with Lab 8. All to fulfill his personal goal to acquire the Skull Heart. Big Band didn't needed to be surprised on that one, as it was only for a matter of time that Brain Drain may actually do something like that. And now, he actually did it...
Big Band sighed and frowned. But somehow... He wore a very disappointed look on his exposed face under the shade of his fedora... "What about Valentine..?" Big Band reluctantly asked to Doctor Avian, who sighed as well, while on his medical bed. "I don't hold any grudge against Nurse Valentine... But I didn't think that she would actually take her loss of Last Hope this far either... But perhaps she also bares guilt..." Doctor Avian slept replied but then added. "... Have you heard of Project Painwheel..? Miss Doe rescued a Lab 0 living weapon that has been indoctrinated with synthetic Skullgirl blood, of former Queen Nancy... She came specifically from Brain Drain's lab... And she was believed to have escaped shortly before Brain took a massive Lab 0 overhaul and defected..." Doctor Avian explained.
"And... You believe that Valentine is also involved with that..? That living weapon that Soldier rescued..?" Big Band cautiously asked. Doctor Avian nodded and replied. "Yes... At first I never wanted to believe such a thing. But Miss Doe was still a bit adamant despite her doubts... She was so certain that Nurse Valentine was involved about the creation of Project Painwheel under Brain Drain's orders... And just recently... Project Painwheel finally spoke... Confirming Miss Doe's claims... But we haven't told this to Miss Doe just yet... We don't know what she might do once we tell her... And I do believe that now isn't the right time to tell her, now that Painwheel spoke to testify about the main culprits regarding her traumatic experience under Brain Drain's responsibility..." Doctor Avian spoke, rather hesitantly and ended his statement with a sigh.
"We'll have to let Soldier know, eventually..." Big Band suddenly said, and Doctor Avian nodded. "Yes. After all... If you haven't heard... Miss Doe and Painwheel had developed such an attachment for one another... The attachment of a mother, and daughter..." Doctor Avian replied with a gentle smile. But then he suddenly asked. "... By the way... Have you come across Miss Doe and Parasoul on the day back here, Ben?" Doctor Avian, which surprisingly confused Big Band.
"Not at all, doc. Why? Did something happened..?" Big Band asked. Doctor looked at him, shooing visible concern before giving a response. "Earlier they've stopped by here... Parasoul mentioned that you were tracking down the source of undead minions." Doctor Avian explained, to which Big Band nodded and replied. "Yeah. But don't worry. I've already dealt with it, doc." Big Band replied, but this is where Doctor Avian's concerned expression returned... "Miss Doe mentioned that she knows who may have possibly been resurrecting the recent undead minions, which isn't clearly the current Skullgirl... And they both went after you with a unit of Black Egrets..."
Big Band's eyes went wide for a brief moment. But then he sighed and replied. "That's... A bit of a story, doc... But you'll get an explanation a soon as possible later on... But right now... I need to see Stanley. Is he around?" Doctor Avian a nod and replied. But his concerned expression was still on his face as he responded. "Yes... But Stanley's currently tending to Miss Contiello... Apparently... She had been collapsing, and losing consciousness every now and then just recently... It was unexplainable as to why she would lose consciousness for a period of time, when the current Skullgirl is still alive and on the loose... And from what I've heard, miss Annie is still there for her..."
Big Band gave a slow nod. "All right... I'll go check with the reception and head over to check on Sienna. You just rest and recover, doc." Big Band gently said, with Doctor Avian giving a slow now in response. Big Band hurried and made a quick stop to the reception area to ask Squigly's assigned medical room. Unfortunately, the undead diva had been confined within the emergency room this time, due to her unexplainable condition...
(God Eater OST: Swaying Soul)
Upon his arrival to one of the emergency rooms, where Squigly had been confined into, Big Band saw Annie, sitting all by herself among the empty seats within the waiting area. The star child had her face buried on her hands... Big Band sighed before making his approach.
His loud footsteps was eventually heard and Annie, upon seeing him, wore a slightly relieved expression on her face. But her eye, was giving the message that she was very concerned for Squigly, even without a word. Big Band sighed, and spoke first. "I've already been told about... Everything... From everything that happened while I was gone... To Squigly..." Big Band paused. Taking one look at Annie's expression, which changed to bitter concern before adding. "I take it that she's... Still not well..?" Big Band cautiously asked.
Annie, finally let out a huge sigh... "She's... From what Stanley mentioned... Squigly's... Becoming unstable... Her Skullgirl essence was slowly draining..." Annie stopped. She looked at Big Band in the eyes and continued. "... If that happens... We all know that Squigly, and Leviathan, will lose consciousness... And with the constant resurrections of undead minions... She... She might..." Annie couldn't continue... She looked down, with her fists clenching...
"Annie..." Big Band tried to speak, but he was lost for words... He couldn't move. He just stood frozen from what Annie just said. And as he watched the star child, with her head down, eyeing the cold, lifeless floor... He heard Annie suddenly speak...
(God Eater OST: Ephemeral Wish ~Reminiscence~)
"... There's a high chance... That Squigly, and Leviathan, may come back - As mindless, Skullgirl minions..."
"It's no use, Doctor Stanley... The scanners are only picking up faint vital signs from her..." Squigly heard a feminine voice. Possibly from one of the nurses... "We'll monitor her vitals for now... A defibrillator won't obviously work on her... And if we try any of our medical serums, we may only make things worse... The least we can do for now is to monitor her vitals... I need to have a word with Doctor Avian about this situation... For now, please keep on monitoring Miss Contiello... It's the only thing we can do right now..." Stanley's voice was heard... Though his voice was very faint, and somehow, slightly echoed within hearing range...
Squigly's limp body remained on an operating table, with Leviathan, resting limp on her shoulder...
"Mother..!" Sienna exclaimed... Having to witness her mother, shot at point blank range. A visible gunshot leaking huge amounts of blood on the side of her abdomen. Exposing a wide gash of hole from a buckshot... Sienna saw her mother's tearful yes... "Sienna... Run... Run my dear... Please..."
Sienna noticed the woman, with mechanical limbs, and a large mounted gun on her right arm turned to her. "You're next." The woman coldly stated. And Sienna's frozen state could only watched as armed women in playboy bunny suits gunned down every guests who attended the night of Selene Contiello's birthday... And the woman in black, elegant dress aiming a large, mounted gun at her... "No..! Don't you dare..!" Roberto Contiello, husband of Selene, and father of Sienna, suddenly lunged at the woman, but unfortunately, the woman was faster than him and managed to counterattack with barley any effort, before firing her mounted gun on Roberto's chest. A gaping hole was visible with such amounts of blood leaking out...
Sienna finally managed to move... And in horror, she shouted. "Father..!" Roberto, laying stomach first in the floor, liked at her, while reaching out a hand. "Nrgh... Run, Sienna..! Run..!" Roberto shouted. And as much as she didn't wanted to... Sienna finally listened... She tried to at least... She tried to run. But the woman quickly grabbed her by one of her ponytails, and pinned her forcefully onto a nearby wall. "Leeches... Do you know that the Medici hates leeches..?" The woman taunted... "... And your family... Had leeched their way into fame and fortune... And after all that huge amounts of favor that the Medici blessed on your family... You repay them by starting a campaign against the corruption, and one that involves the Medici busineses..? And right in the middle of this Grand War..? Did you really think that the Royal family can save you on this one..? - I don't think so..."
Sienna was now in tears. She was horrified, while hearing the shouts of her father... "Please... Leave us alone... We didn't do anything -" *BLAM!* Sienna's plea was not heard. Instead, it was silenced... With one, single shot right into the back of her head... Then you get diva singer, Sienna Contiello... Fell onto the cold floor, folding with blood of every unfortunate guests being gunned down...
Such bitter reminiscence... From one act, to another... From an eventful night that was supposed to be a pleasant celebration... To an unforeseen tragedy, leading to the Fall of the House of Contiello... Squigly's unconscious body remained limp... But for some reason... Her mental state, was still functioning... Reminiscing about the final words that she may have recalled hearing... No doubt from her father... Roberto...
Roberto watched in horror, as his deat daughter, Sienna, lifelessly on the cold floor, puddled with blood... Black Dahlia and her group was now busy dealing with the other guests, tuning for their lives... Roberto mustered every strength that he had left... Until he couldn't move due to the pain... He then felt Leviathan's comforting head, snuggling into him... "Leviathan..." Roberto suddenly began... It was already too mate for him... And sure enough... But maybe there can still be a chance for his dear daughter... "... Leviathan... I need you to protect Sienna... Please... Please..." Roberto struggled in his words as he bled out...
Leviathan, didn't needed to hear more... He knew what Roberto meant... But perhaps this was to be expected, considering the impending doom that their family was eventually facing from the Medici... "... Leviathan... Please... Keep her safe.. My daughter... No matter what happens... No matter what may happen... Do not let anyone, lay a hand on her... - Not even me..." This was Roberto's final plea... Unlike Sienna's, it was heard... And without a word, Leviathan slowly emerged out of Roberto's dying body... His former host, and old friend...
"It... It has been such great honor to serve you... Roberto..." Leviathan gently said, with Roberto gently smiling... "You've done the Contiello great service, Leviathan... Now go... Protect my daughter... That is my last, and only... Wish..." Roberto's final words barely finished, as his head and body, finally went limp on the cold floor... Leviathan took a moment to pay respect to his former host, before making his way over to Sienna's limp corpse...
Squigly's dinner suddenly twitched... "She's twitching..." One of the Lab 8 nurses took notice. "Quick, get Doctor Stanley!" But unbeknownst to the nurses... Squigly was still fighting to fully wake up... And her vision was nothing but black... And once again, flashed by memories...
Opening, what seemed like her only eye left... Sienna found herself laying on the cold ground. within the streets of New Meridian... "Oh, thank goodness you're awake! I was so worried!" Leviathan suddenly exclaimed... But noticing how he was in fact, infused from the back of her shoulder, to her hear... Squigly suddenly asked... "Leviathan... What... Happened..?" Her question mad Leviathan look down mournfully... But then, an angered expression formed in his face... "Unfortunately... You were murdered, Miss Sienna... Along with your mother and father... Roberto... He... Wanted me to protect you... To keep you safe... And so I emerged from him... And went over to you, miss Sienna..." Leviathan gently explained as he looked at her before continuing. "... However... I awokened, after feeling such an essence... A dark, raw essence that emitted... From the Skullgirl... Upon my awakening, I've seen hundreds of deceased... Rising up from the ground... You... You are among them... Until you collapsed all of a sudden..."
Leviathan paused. But he gently smiled comfortingly and continued. "But I am very happy that you awokened with your former consciousness back! However... I still feel the Skullgirl essence within me... Do you, Miss Sienna..?" She looked down... Her skeleton hand gently pressing into her chest... She then replied. " Yes... I feel it too, Leviathan..." They both looked around to find their surroundings in chaos... The Skullgirl has done such extensive damage on this part of New Meridian...
"What do you propose should we do now, Miss Sienna..?" Leviathan slowly asked... It took her a moment before she finally gave a response. "We have to help the innocent people... If the Skullgirl is the reason why we are both conscious again... Then we will use that as our chance to help the good people of New Meridian..." She finally responded, earning herself a smile from Leviathan. "Then I shall be right by your side, as I've promised to keep you safe, Miss Sienna." Leviathan said softly.
She smiled and replied. "Please. Call me Squigly." She said. Leviathan politely bowed his head. "As you wish, Squigly." Leviathan responded. But as they both looked to their surroundings further... They began to set on their way, to find the Skullgirl...
(God Eater OST: Enemies of Mankind)
Annie waited patiently within the waiting area. Shortly after seeing Stanley rushing back into the emergency room after a nurse went out to get him, Annie didn't got the chance to ask what was happening to Squigly now... And all that she could do was wait... Big Band, apparently left all of a sudden on orders to deal with something he mentioned that he brought back with him...
Sighing. Annie finally got up from her seat, and began to go after Big Band. But looking back at the doors into the emergency room... Annie felt her heart skip a beat... "Squigly..." She clenched her fist with a frown... She never wanted to see Squigly... As a mindless Skullgirl minion... But there has to be another way to resolve this situation that Squigly was in... Annie finally walked away...
Following Big Band, she eventually caught up with him after asking around, and to Annie's surprise, she found Big Band within one of the interrogation rooms... Talking to... A book..? Annie entered the room... Much to Big Band's surprise, she gave a simple nod, before setting her eye on the book. It was fully covered in tape, and was even wrapped in chains... "Ben... What's going on..?" Annie slowly asked with a confused look on her face.
Big Band took a deep breath and finally began a long explanation... Apparently... This book he had sealed in tape covered in chains, was a sentient, eldritch artifact named Bombinomicon, as the book said it's name was... And the book was also partially responsible for resurrecting undead minions all on it's own... Annie was skeptical until Big Band explained that this Bombinomicon also mentioned it's relations with Soldier and Merasmus... Soldier... The same Soldier that she and everyone knows about, along with her companion, who just so happens to be a six thousand year old wizard...
"Wow..." Annie finally began and muttered. "... Talk about bizarre..." Big Band nodded at her statement. But then, Bombinomicon spoke. "Ey! Don't talk like I'm not even here..! I can still speak, even when duct taped and chained, y'know!?"
Big Band sighed, clearly irritated... But Annie finally stopped to question. "So... You're here to bring Soldier and your owner, Merasmus, back into your world..? And the reason for this whole thing on why two people not from here actually being here on such a ludicrous reason... Was all just or a vacation? A fudging vacation?" Annie questioned a little bitterly.
"Yeah! They were always fighting every once a year... Every Halloween... And so, Soldier's teammates, and me too, all agreed to send Soldier and Merasmus away during Halloween for a change. A harmless vacation, y'know!?" Bombinomicon replied with a laugh. Annie pinched the bridge of her nose... "And you're aware of what's going on here, yes?" She questioned. Bombinomicon laughed and responded. "Yeah! It wasn't even that hard to get to know this crappy world and city of yours. I didn't even know that an alternate universe even exists and can be visited through magic! Haha, what an adventure to have, eh!?"
Big Band sighed again. "It's no use, Annie... Bombinomicon is only here to retrieve Soldier and Merasmus, to bring them back to their home. We got everything we need to know about it." Big Band said tiredly. But Annie was still focused on the talking book... She then spoke, directly to Bombinomicon... "Soldier is already forming attachments to people here on New Meridian... And she's helping us on fighting the Skullgirl... And now you're here... Are you willing to take Soldier back into your world..? Now..?"
Bombinomicon laughed and replied. "Of course I am, child! Don't be ridiculous! Soldier and Merasmus don't belong here! I'm responsible for why they're here, so it's my job to bring them back home! Hmm... I guess my gut feeling was right.. Soldier and Merasmus did get to have quite adventures in this wierd crappy world of yours... But lemme tell ya this, child - Soldier and Merasmus' bizarre adventure ain't gonna last now. I'm taking them back home. Now release me and bring me to Soldier and Merasmus! - Also, screw your crappy City. It's full of crap and mafias anyway." Big Band just sighed irritated. And spoke to Annie. "We'll have to let Soldier and Merasmus know about this offensive book... At least they don't have to worry about their ticket back to their world anymore..."
Annie didn't respond to Big Band's statement... She was instead, staring into the book... She cleared her throat and began questioning... "So you're partially responsible for resurrecting undead minions recently?" Bombinomicon laughed nervously before responding. "Yeah! Why..?" Annie let out a deep sigh... "How does your resurrecting process work..?" Annie suddenly questioned.
It took a bit of a moment before Bombinomicon responded. "Well, I just cast a resurrection spell of course! Also... Not every cemetery has fresh supplies of bodies. So I had to steal some of that skeleton child's minions to turn into my own... The Skullgirl child that you people are so afraid of. I just usually steal some of her minions by draining their master's essence away, and replacing them with my owner become my slaves. Isn't it genius!? I am more powerful than that Skullgirl child..! I can probably even beat her with my bombs, yee hee..!" Bombinomicon proudly explained.
Annie's eye was wide open for a moment... But then her fist clenched... "So you're the reason why Squigly's in such condition..." Annie's bitter statement quickly gained Big Band's attention... "Annie, what are you..?" Big Band tried to speak, but Annie raised a hand for him to stop. Her single eye, never leaving Bombinomicon... "You're in a lot of trouble, not just for partially resurrecting undead minions... You're mostly in trouble for what Squigly is going through right now..." Annie said with a glare, and her hands, fully balled into fists... Making Bombinomicon gulp and laugh nervously... "Uh... Hehe... Ey, spit valve! Mind taking this toddler outta 'ere!? Where's her mommy!? Take her to her mommy now..!"
Big Band didn't moved. Instead he just looked down and remained still. "Well... You are in trouble all right... So no... Good grief..." Was Big Band's only response. The interrogation from the inside could only be heard of Bombinomicon's wild screaming...
(Skullgirls OST: Forgotten Moments)
The trip back to Lab 8 was a silent treatment during this current daytime... Parasoul, busied herself on trying to get any contact from Molly back on Lab 8. Unfortunately, it took a full hour on the way back to Lab 8. She kept glancing at Soldier from time to time, though. The older woman clad in red was pissed, and worried, both at the same time...
And while Parasoul was never the type to display emotions, she succeeded to maintain her usual stoic, and upfront face. But mentally... She too, was worried... She knew Big Band had already gone through the worst of the worst, but who is to say what the new and current Skullgirl can do..? After all... Every passed, and former Skullgirls had their own uniqueness to one another. That being their own strategies to attack with their legions of undead, to please the corrupted desires of the Skull Heart...
But for some reason... Parasoul felt something wrong... Almost as if... Something bad is about to happen... And as if something bad, already happened, while she wasn't aware... She couldn't put her mind to think through this uneasy feeling... Umbrella... And her father... She hasn't heard from them... There's also Merasmus to think about... And now Big Band... Parasoul closed her eyes for a moment. Frowning, she gently gripped on the hand radio that she was trying to contact Molly through... 'Why does it always have to get too complicated, whenever we need to deal with such issues...' Parasoul mentally muttered to herself. But as she opened her eyes, and turned to Soldier... The mercenary woman has busied herself with loading her strange rocket launcher with more than one rocket in it... And her rockets that she takes out, came from her seemingly magical inventory...
Parasoul's thoughts was then replaced about Soldier... What world did she and Merasmus live from..? And Merasmus had already mentioned that their world was only inhabited by humans..? And magic was very limited..? And that their world was in the year of 1972..? Quite a fascinating world to say the least... Especially when Parasoul recalled Merasmus mentioning that their world, has no Skullgirls... No seven year cycle of terror to face... That could mean their world was peaceful... Right..? Or perhaps, civilized at least... As she was also made aware by Merasmus himself, that Soldier was a mercenary, who was never in the actual forces of a military, had been fighting on a war of mercenaries for gravel... An over century old war called the Gravel Wars... Parasoul shivered...
Former military or not... She did see Soldier like an actual soldier... The way the way the older woman acts, despite her clear mental instability... And she is fighting in a war, as a soldier on fortune. A military contractor... But this made Parasoul think about Merasmus as she thought of Soldier... The relationship of these two was probably the most bizarre of all things that she has ever gotten to know about these two unusually bizarre pair... And then there's also the other eight contracted mercenaries that Merasmus and, even Soldier mentioned to her about... All older mercenaries, save for the youngest that Soldier just so protectively forbids speaking of to her ever since... Parasoul felt somehow intrigued about that for some reason, but she didn't wanted to pry, and wanted to respect boundaries...
She watched as Soldier grumbled to herself about Big Band, while cleaning another one of her rocket launchers... A completely improvised rocket launcher, which Soldier loaded with only three rockets. Parasoul sighed and was about to approach Soldier, hoping to strike a conversation. Until the radios from the cockpit of the Egret helicopter they were in started buzzing... "... We are currently undermanned zzzz... Any available units, please respond zzzz... We have a confirmed Medici heist on zzzz... The New Meridian Capital Bank zzzz... Any available units, please respond zzzz..." The voice from a Black Egret, most likely stationed in Canopolis said thoughtfully the buzzing radio... "... Be advised zzzz... Reports stated it's the elite group of the Medici. Black Dahlia was also believed to be spotted executing civilians on sight zzzz..."
(Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency OST: Propaganda) -Von Stroheim's theme-
Now that they were within communication range, Parasoul took a deep breath and ordered one of the pilots to give response to the Egret on the other line, before giving an order to take then to the New Meridian Capital Bank, which was only located far east from Canopolis. Parasoul looked at her unit of Black Egrets, all armed with their Stg44s and Mp40s. Her soldiers were trained to always be prepared, and their crisp attention was enough to tell that each Egret was ready for deployment. Soldier on the other hand... Had the most issues of fighting alongside her trustworthy, brave, and faithful soldiers.
Parasoul does not obviously know what things are, or how things are on the other side of the rift between their separate, and alternate realities. What wars, politics and militaries and nations there are... Making her wonder why Soldier constantly compares her dear nation of Canopy to this... Germany... And it's horrifying 'Third Reich' army that Soldier mentioned to her just recently. Just to clear things up, as Soldier puts it in, in order to express her dislikes towards Parasoul herself, to her father, and their country... Parasoul felt uncomfortable rather than insulted, to think about being compared to a nation that committed a holocaust during a second World War on Soldier's world... Part of this was because she was fully aware of what her father had committed... And that second world war that Soldier briefly mentioned to her, reminded Parasoul of the Grand War... Perhaps, that's one thing to explain why Soldier hated her so much, that the older woman literally tried to kill her in front of her own soldiers... Parasoul shivered just by remembering that. But she knew she couldn't blame Soldier for seeing her that way...
The feelings were mutual, as almost everybody that she tries to protect in New Meridian, pretty much sees her the way Soldier did when they first met at Little Innsmouth... But Parasoul still had to burden that, even though she had nothing to do with her father's personal agendas during before, and during Grand War... She looked at Soldier, who simply looked back at her, before putting her familiarly, large helmet on without a word. Parasoul still didn't know what the loud merc with a mouth think of her now... Sure, Soldier feels a little more at ease when near her, and sure enough, Soldier slowly grown accustomed to her company. But just noticing how occasionally Soldier would warily glance at her armed Egrets... And with Soldier, sandwiched in between two of her rocket launchers, made it feel like the older woman in red was only going along the way just for her, and not for what she and her Black Egrets were fighting for... Parasoul could only wonder... Just how much does she and her loyal men remind Soldier of something that she so hated back in her own world..?
"SO... WHAT IS IT THIS TIME..? THE SKULLGIRL? MEDICI?" Soldier suddenly asked. Parasoul was caught off guard for a moment by this as she still happens to be distracted by her thoughts... She then sighed and went over to join Soldier on the far back of the seats within the large Egret helicopter. Soldier really didn't looked comfortable being near her Egrets, as the woman a couple of seat away by herself...
Taking a seat across from Soldier, Parasoul then replied. "We are to expect Black Dahlia, and her own group of highly trained assassins..." Parasoul paused shortly. "... Were you not paying attention from the frequency..?" She carefully asked. Which Soldier frowned and replied to. "I WAS TOO BUSY INSPECTING AND PREPARING MY WEAPONS, MAGGOT..."
Parasoul frowned by Soldier's wording. But perhaps, and considering this is just how Soldier really is back in her own world... Parasoul took the response lightly, regardless of Soldier's usual loud, and aggressive tone...
They eventually reached their destination into the said bank... And sure enough... It was indeed in chaos, as several armed Medici goons, and the said group of Black Dahlia's dressed in playboy bunny suits were gunning down civilians, and most of them from below were now shooting up on the large Egret helicopter. But as the helicopter retaliated by firing it's mounted machine guns down at the Medici, Parasoul immediately began ordering her soldiers.
"Egrets, move out! Find cover and try to flank the Medici - Soldier... Wait... What're you -" Parasoul saw Soldier was the very first to stand in front of the opening ramp on the rear of the large helicopter. Fully armed with her Direct Hit rocket launcher.
(Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind OST: il vento d'oro) -Giorno's theme-
Parasoul's heart skipped a beat, as Soldier literally jumped out of the helicopter, before the Egrets could even drop down landing ropes for everyone to use... "Trinity... This woman..." Parasoul muttered to herself in shock. And as the Black Egrets all started sliding down the ropes to flank around the Medici; Parasoul saw Soldier pull out a parachute, from her same magical inventory... While firing rockets out of her Direct Hit. The damages were horrifying and gruesome. Soldier was literally firing rockets directly at people, and laughing while her hits result with explosive giblets all over the wide, chaotic street...
Parasoul had to follow suit after her Egrets, and tried to keep up on her pace with Soldier - who upon landing, started to violently attack multiple armed Medici goon with her shogun and shovel... "Soldier, don't overdo it! There's too many of them!" Parasoul shouted as she took out the nearest Medici goons she got close into. Soldier, unfortunately, was too busy... Now attacking Black Dahlia's assassin group... "I'VE FOUGHT WORSE, PARASOUL..! THESE MAGGOTS ARE NOTHING COMPARED TO THE MAGGOTS I'VE FOUGHT IN MY WORLD..!" Soldier confidently yelled until *BLAM!* Soldier was knocked down with one shot from a very familiar figure... "Soldier..!" Parasoul shouted in horror to see the woman laying down next to her shotgun. Bleeding on he side...
Stepping past was Black Dahlia, cocking a newly, but exact replica of her former mounted gun that the Horseless Horsemann sliced off... "You must be really running low on men in order for you that you start hiring wizards, and lunatics like this woman right here... Hmph... I won't let you get in my way this time..." Dahlia tauntingly said. "... And looks like your big wizard butler isn't here to protect you now..."
Unfortunately for Parasoul, she was still fighting a couple more of the Medici goons. And her Egrets were now busy with their own part of the fight... Parasoul readied her Luger pistol with one hand, and Krieg in the other... Ready to defend herself. Until... "OH, HO, HO, HO..!" Soldier, all of a suddenly, slammed her shovel at Dahlia's face, knocking the old assassin out of view. Parasoul was speechless to see Soldier's wound was no longer bleeding... "Soldier... Your... Your wound..." Parasoul stuttered, but Soldier causally laughed and replied. "Kill Me Come Back Stronger pills, maggot! Thank Merasmus!" But just as Soldier finished on her response, Dahlia quickly fired a point blank shot at Soldier, who was lucky enough to dodge the shot, minus a little scrapes from the pullets... "YOU WANNA FIGHT LIKE A WOMAN? I'LL GIVE YOU A REAL FIGHT LIKE A WOMAN..!" Soldier yelled and charged at Dahlia with her pair of pickaxes.
Parasoul wanted to help Soldier out. She was aware that Black Dahlia was the most dangerous assassin of the Medici, and no unfortunate soul that crossed her ever lived to tell tales on how she fights, aside from Parasoul herself, Merasmus and Big Band... And unfortunately for Parasoul; she still had to deal with Dahlia's elite assassins. They were highly trained, but not as deadly as Dahlia is, and this made it a little bit easier for Parasoul to deal with them, at least one at a time. But as she fought... Parasoul kept glancing to see if Soldier was okay... And sure enough... The deranged patriot was actually putting up a very decent fight...
Dahlia's melee hits were not hard and solid, but they were quick and swift. Making it harder for Soldier to dodge, and so she had to toughen up, like her usual, as she retaliated with counter attacks. Soldier eventually managed to catch a side kick from Dahlia. Which Soldier blocked and caught with her pickaxes. "NICE LEGS! BUT NOT AS NICE AS MISS FLORENCE'S..!" Soldier then retaliated with a roundhouse kick, and followed by a back flip above Dahlia. "AMERICAN BOOT..!" Soldier had a wide grin as her boot directly hit Dahlia in the face, forcing her to fall down.
"You... Bitch..." Dahlia slowly got up and spat a bit of blood on the ground. "... Your fighting is completely foreign, like that discount wizard... But that doesn't mean you can last like he did..." Dahlia then quickly fired her mounted gun a coupe if time at Soldier, who was at least quick enough to dive behind a nearby car, riddled with bullet holes. "HAH! MERASMUS KICKED YOUR ASS, DIDN'T HE!? HE MAY BE A WIMP, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN HE CAN'T KICK ASS AND KILL IF HE NEEDS TO, MAGGOT..!" Soldier yelled in remark while reloading her shotgun.
Soldier dove out of the wrecked car and fired her shotgun at Dahlia, who easily dodged a split second ahead bride the sprayed shot could even hit her. But Soldier followed her attack by dodging Dahlia's rapidly aggressive attacks along with her constant careful firing from her mounted gun. Soldier slowly began to distance herself away from Dahlia, who seem to have taken this as a sign of retreating. "What's wrong..? Not so confident as you were earlier..? Hmph... What a joke..." Dahlia remarked. But as they stood out in the open road, with Soldier at least ten feet away... Soldier grinned... "WHO SAYS I WAS RUNNING, MAGGOT..?" Soldier suddenly retorted with an evil grin. And bright Dahlia could even react; Soldier took out her Beggar's Bazooka, and quickly a rapid fired three rockets as he Medici assassin.
"Son of a -" Dahlia tried to dodged a but she was caught by the explosion, losing her left arm. She eventually managed to get back up, and just a Soldier came charging in the offensive, Dahlia still managed to put up a decent fight, and even gave Soldier a couple of hits onto her face and sides. But as she fought this derange woman... Dahlia noticed how Soldier was now taking, and absorbing her hit intentionally, as she retaliated with heavy hits from her pair of pickaxes.
This woman's possibly even much worse than that wizard that she fought... And Dahlia was now taking more hits than before... And this Soldier didn't even needed any sort of backup, like Parasoul did with her wizard butler and Big Band... Dahlia realized she was not going to outmatch this deranged woman in terms of endurance... She could take her chances of beating this woman with agility... But firepower and endurance... This Soldier have already proven herself to be more superior. As much as Dahlia hated to admit that herself...
The last resort of Dahlia, was dodging Soldier's attacks, which the deranged woman was obviously in more advantage than she was, and Dahlia cursed to herself and was forced to retreat with the few remaining of her assassins. Leaving the disposable Medici goons to their fates as the Egrets eventually began flanking and overpowering them.
Soldier was too late to catch up as she saw Black Dahlia and the last few of her assassins made their quick escape using a Medici helicopter, which was already hauling sacks of money inside... Soldier stopped trying to keep on as she only stood, staring up Dahlia, who was also staring back down at her. The woman in elegant black dress turned her back on Soldier as the Medici helicopter eventually managed to get away... Soldier clenched her fists and cursed. But feeling some of her injuries that she sustained, Soldier had to drop down onto one knee while trying to catch her breath...
Eventually, most the Medici goons were killed during the firefight, with some surrendering and were now being detained. Parasoul, taking heavy breaths, noticed Soldier on her knee, and was also catching on her breath. Parasoul approached the older woman. "Soldier... Are you alright..?" She then began as she went over to Soldier's side.
Soldier sighed and replied. "I ALMOST HAD THAT BITCH... AND SHE'S FASTER THAN I THOUGHT SHE LOOKED... BUT HER MELEE HITS ARE PATHETIC... I GUESS SHE RELIES MORE ON HER AGILITY THAN STRENGTH..." Soldier then grumbled with a frown. But she felt Parasoul's hand on her shoulder and saw the Renoir princess with an encouraging look. "You... You did very well against Dahlia, Soldier... But what's more important is that you weren't critically harmed..." Parasoul reluctantly said, while struggling to maintain eye contact...
Soldier knew that she and Parasoul weren't in the best conditions to work with one another. And their cooperation was only even starting to become well. But even so... She was still having a hard time, trying to see Parasoul in a good light... Perhaps she'll never understand how Merasmus found such 'attachment' for the princess, that he was even willing to protect her himself... But Soldier knew herself that she will have to take some time. Perhaps, a lot of time, in order to be fully at ease with Parasoul... But looking at Parasoul's reluctantly concerned eyes... Soldier was then reminded of someone that was also dearly close to her... Soldier was somehow reminded of Scout...
"Are you sure you're going to be alright..? Can you stand..?" Parasoul reluctantly asked. But as Soldier didn't responded, and tried to get up, Parasoul insisted on helping her to stand up. Soldier felt awkward... But she accepted the help nonetheless... "LET'S HEAD BACK TO LAB 8..." Soldier suddenly muttered. Though, awkwardly... And Parasoul, awkwardly nodding, replied. "Of course..."
(Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency OST: Awaken) -Pillar Men theme-
"Of course, Lorenzo, my dear. But as you may have not been aware... Black Dahlia has also called my assistance to... Track down a huge, potential threat to the Medici clan." Eliza simply said with a light chuckle. Before her, and confined on a wheel chair was an old, defenseless man... Lorenzo Medici.
Lorenzo scoffed at first, but then he sighed and replied... "I see... After all... Word has been spreading around the Medici Tower that Black Dahlia had been overpowered by... A wizard... Presumably hired by the Renoir to serve their Black Egrets..." Lorenzo said. But Eliza then sighed and replied. "Yes, Lorenzo. I believe so as well... And if words around your Toes claims to be true... Then the Medici will surely have a problem... Now that Parasoul has enlisted such a figure that possible, only I myself, can defeat... But do not worry, dear Lorenzo... You have me now..."
Lorenzo didn't satisfied with the response. And so he replied. "Then I trust that you will do what you do best, Eliza. But in terms of... Why I called upon you here..." Lorenzo paused. He turned his wheelchair around, and facing the massive glass window, displaying the vast view of New Meridian... Lorenzo then cleaned his throat and continued. "... Rumour has it... That the youngest Renoir Princess was spotted mindlessly wandering working the city of New Meridian..."
Eliza's eyes went wide. But the fact a sinister grin plastered on her face. "My... That is... Quite the news you have, Lorenzo..." Eliza commented, but her tone was not quite as interested as she was on the first topic... "Yes indeed, Eliza... And I need you... To track down, and bring me that child... Think about the possibilities we can use her against the Renoir... Especially now that they are barely even trusted by their own people... No one would bat an eye, and no one would have the will to protest, if we do get our hands on that child... Princess Umbrella..." Lorenzo coldly stated. His aged eyes, staring into the view of New Meridian... Clearly searching...
Eliza sighed. But then she replied. "Very well then... But considering that you only want me to track down the little princess Umbrella, and not the Life Gem that you've lost, then this task you're giving me would be no such problem at all." Eliza's response made Lorenzo grin, and his sinister grin was even showed on the reflection of the window for Eliza to see. "As I expect form such a magnificent asset... You never cease to succeed me, Eliza. But just to be sure that you have some personal backup... Take Vitale's little pet, Cerebella, with you... Who knows what may happen once you do find princess Umbrella, out in the streets of New Meridian..." Lorenzo carefully stated. And Eliza grinned mischievously and then them replied...
(Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders OST: Noble Pope) -Kakyoin's theme-
"Do not worry about a thing, Lorenzo... I'll be sure to deliver princess Umbrella Renoir to you. In one piece, if possible..."
Merasmus searched nonstop on almost every corner of the streets of New Meridian. He had no luck of finding umbrella... He had already looked everywhere. But there was still plenty of placement look for, and unfortunately, he can't do all the work himself... Merasmus cursed... "Dammit... What am I going to do now... This was all my fault..." Merasmus muttered to himself as he flew atop buildings. He now blames himself for this... Of course... Had he not had wandered away to investigate, then Parasoul would not have had the idea of leaving Umbrella all by herself, just to go after him... Merasmus cursed mentally to himself...
He needed to inform Parasoul personally... That Umbrella had been missing ever since the previous undead minion siege... And he's willing to take responsibility for that... And so, Merasmus flew straight for Canopolis... Hoping to find Parasoul there...
Upon arrival... Merasmus was left confused to see several armed Black Egrets... And royal guards, heavily guarding the main gates and outside Canopolis... Merasmus, who was already familiar to the people at Canopolis decided to ask a Black Egret soldier. "Excuse me, but may I ask where Princess Parasoul is..? Has she already returned..?"
The Egret looked at him for a moment before responding. "Oh, I you're the asset that Commander Parasoul enlisted! But wait... Haven't you heard..? We're now on a stalemate. Lab 8 and us in the Black Egrets are now working together to combat the Skullgirl and her minions. We've just received full orders from our temporary established base within the Anti-Skullgirl labs. Commander Parasoul had already relocated there, and if you have anything to report to her, then you should join one of our helicopters preparing for take off to the Anti-Skullgirl labs." The Egret soldier crisply explained.
Merasmus was in shock... But he remained composed and nodded. But then he noticed the faces of the Canopy Royal guards... They all looked... Depressed... As if they were mourning... "We've also got some extremely bad news..." The Egret soldier suddenly said before continuing. "... King Franz... Was brutally assassinated..." Merasmus' skin went pale.
The Egret soldier then explained the news that King Franz had planned to open the gates of Canopolis to accept refugees from New Meridian during the previous Skullgirl minion siege. The same night that Umbrella was left all by herself within the city... Due to this... Most of the authorized personnel, from Black Egrets to Canopolis royal guards, we're all given a direct order from King Franz to evacuate refugees that may needed to be evacuated from Her Meridian... But the unfortunate turn of events happened... King Franz, followed by several Black Egret personally were all attacked and killed...
Merasmus was speechless... But as he finally managed to, he then asked... "Does princess Parasoul know..? About this news..?" He asked, and the Egret soldier replied. "As of now, we haven't gotten the chance to inform her of the King's unfortunate passing... Due to the recent communications jamming, and to top it all off, we are currently understaffed, still, and we still have refugees that we are currently tending to within the walls of Canopolis..."
Merasmus finally gave a faint nod... He wanted no attachments... But somehow... The more that he wants to remind himself of that... The more he's feeling drawn close to Parasoul and her people... Merasmus needed to try his best to maintain himself, if he ever wants to make it back home with Soldier... He cleared his throat, and reluctantly replied. "I... I will personally relay this message to princess Parasoul..."
The Egret gave a nod. "Thank you... Morale is extremely low right now because of our loss of King Franz..." And with that, Merasmus was then led to one of the Black Egret helicopters, boarded with armed Egret soldiers, along with supply crates. Merasmus was hesitant to join this trip to the Anti-Skullgirl labs. He was not familiar of them personally... But he has a responsibility for Umbrella's absence that he needed to confess to Parasoul... And a heartbreaking message to deliver to her, about her father's unfortunate passing... Merasmus then joined the Egrets on the helicopter, and took off to the Anti-Skullgirl labs...
A/N: So yes. I've basically decided to have JJBA: 'Propaganda' (Von Streihem's theme) to be Parasoul's theme, and JJBA: 'il vento d'oro' (Giorno's theme) to be Soldier's theme in this story. I think it just makes sense. And as shown in this chapter; JJBA: 'Noble Pope' (Kakyoin's theme) is also my chosen theme for Merasmus. :)
FAQs:
1. Merasmus will also get some character development, and his upcoming Blockbuster will also be featured in the near future chapters.
2. Just like how Eliza and Cerebella encountered Umbrella in her story mode in Skullgirls: 2nd Encore; I plan to make Umbrella's role to be similar to her story mode. But like I previously mentioned, I plan to change things up a bit.
3. Soldier Vs Black Dahlia is just beginning around the corner. We will see more of that in the upcoming chapters.
4. Chapter 31: The Contiello Lives On! is now in the works, and should be ready for publishing anytime soon.
Thank you for reading!
~Defective Demon 666~