Greetings once again ladies and guys. Hope you are all doing great and have something to drink or eat cause this is where things get interesting. I've got nothing more to say, so let's get to it!
I do not own Skullgirls. All rights go to the amazing team of Hidden Variable, The Composers and Cast: Alex Ahad, Michiru Yamane, Vincent Diamante, Cristina Vee, Kaiji Tang, Sarah Williams, Rich Brown, Laura Post, Kai Kennedy and all the other amazing people who make this game awesome! (I could say the other names but that would take too long)
Enjoy Chapter Six A Man and His Stubbornness...
Setting the Stage Chapter 6
New Meridian, Little Innsmouth (Dak'kull Dubu), Spring 1/3/1997
Months had past since Beowulf and Lacie's talk in the Restaurant and after, they slowly began to grow closer as friends and soon, they began meeting up once a weekend in the same Restaurant no less, when most of their respective work was done.
Regarding Lacie's, "Husband" he didn't have a problem with it and even tagged along at times to join. He thought it would keep The Wulf "Entertained" while he got along with his own duties (In truth, he allowed this to happen just so Lacie could keep an eye on him and that Beowulf wouldn't interfere with his plans).
Still, it was a quiet time for the Champ. Everything seemed calm in the promotion. Couple that with talking to Lacie, Zane coming up with more ideas to increase the other titles and wrestlers popularity in storylines and getting more rest, life was pretty damn good at the moment.
"So, then Omega slammed Damage to the ground and went for Randy's own Signature: The Piledriver! But then Randy reversed it and hit it himself! It was awesome bud I can tell you that!" The black-haired man said enthusiastically, as he did more of the mannerisms that happened in the match. Surprisingly copying them with ease.
While he did that, many others in the Restaurant kept looking over with mixed looks of either: annoyance or confusion or both. Lacie, who was sitting across from the Wulf, mouthed many "Sorry's" to the other guests but others didn't mind and enjoyed the show, especially Yu Wan. The young fish being a fan of wrestling himself.
"Oho but the hype doesn't end there," Beowulf continued. "next! The Macho King goes up to the top rope and is about to hit his finisher: The Diving Elbow drop for a second time, right! But then!"
"Beowulf, you've been narrating the entire match for over ten minutes. When are you going to-"
"Hang on, almost done. So then!" The Wulf interrupted a sighing Lacie, who just facepalmed and continued listening. "So then! Randy leaps from the top rope but Omega springs up and ready's his foot to Superkick Randy's head off his face!"
"(Kick his head off his face…?)" Lacie blinked.
"BUT THEN! Just as Omega's foot is about to hit Randy, Damage's elbow and Omega's kick hit the neck and face respectively and then they both fall down for a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Count! The match ends in a double count out for both men! It was an awesomely, fantastic finish to a great match! Now usually the Wulf doesn't approve of count out finishes but this one just seemed perfect! These guys made me like count out finishes!" Beowulf announced to the world.
"So that was the whole moral then?" Lacie asked while taking a sip of her tea.
"Pretty much, yeah." Beowulf finished, sat back down and took a sip of his own tea: Chamomile Tea that is. Many guests breathed a sigh of relief and were glad they could continue to eat and drink in peace.
Lacie looked at the man across from her very carefully. In the time that past, he seemed to get happier with each passing month. More smiles less stuttering and being more open around her. "(Whatever makes him grin I guess)" The scarf wearing woman thought.
Beowulf meanwhile, took another sip of his tea. "I'm telling ya Lacie, Zane struck gold puttin' these two against one another. Putting on three awesome matches, headlining two Paperviews. One of those I just talked about and just finished up a month ago and now guess what?" The dark haired beauty didn't have to time to guess, due to Beowulf speaking right after.
"They've just become a tag team and have already won the tag team championships! A veteran and a newcomer fighting each other and then out of the respect for one another they got while fighting in those three awesome matches, decide to go after the tag champs and go on to beat 'em first time! Pure storytelling genius! I knew ol' Zaneo had a plan for those two. It's nice to see 'em finally getting a big push…" Beowulf smiled happily.
"You… seem happy for them." Lacie stated the obvious.
"Damn right, I'm happy!" Beowulf responded enthusiastically. "They deserve it! They really do. Gives this big guy more time to rest heh. (And gives me time to think on things…)" The champ gave a half hearted grin.
"Always thinking about yourself in the end eh?" Lacie sarcastically remarked.
"Hey, hey! Whoa! That ain't true! …Well, maybe a wee bit, …90%, …Don't quote me on that but being totally honest, it's all for the fans in the end. The money and spotlight is just a bonus in my eyes. I'm just finally glad the big man has shifted his gaze onto talent other than me. Hey, maybe that means we can drop that plan of me giving the belt away in three years. Maybe Zane will decide to do it in a couple of months or so! (Gives me a break early…)" Beowulf took another sip.
"Perhaps you'd also be thinking this puts to rest our suspicions on whether the business was going under or not, to rest now? My answer? Doubt it. Think of this as a one off. It'll go back to the status quo soon enough, so don't get your hopes up." Lacie bluntly stated. Coming across a bit darker than usual.
The Wulf didn't notice "Hey, come on. How can you be so sure?"
"Beowulf… I'm married to the guy remember…? (Not by choice…)" She rolled her eyes.
"Aw yeah… But I'm gonna continue betting the opposite just cause I believe in him to do the right thing and hey, even if you're right, I hope something does change and if not, eh, oh well, I tried. (He just has to, after how successful their feud was)" He closed his eyes and folded his arms.
The dark haired beauty blinked in response. "(Again, his positive nature is bafflingly incredible. My tone was so blunt and horrid and he just waves it off in a manner of seconds. Huh, tough luck trying to break him Zaneo. He's way too good for that) Well, I admire that you're thinking of it positively my friend and I'm not ruling out what you said. It's just all evidence to the contrary but you might be right. At least, I'd like to think you are… (It would certainly stir her up, that's for sure) Oh, I almost forgot to tell you this too. I'll be busy all next week, so, that'll cut us meeting here for a day."
Beowulf opened his eyes. "How are you busy?" He asked.
"I'm meeting my sister for the weekend. She's been out of the city for a while and I only get to see her on very limited occasions such as these. Hope that's alright?" Lacie apologised.
Waving it off, he quickly took another sip of his tea. " Nah, nah. It's all good. Didn't know you had a sister but it's my fault for no askin'. What's her name?"
"Arter. She's my only little sister and can be quite a pain at times when it comes to getting stuff done. Particularly her food, since she's too busy with her ga- whoops! Wasn't keeping track of the time there! Sorry and with that, I'll have to get going now. Are you going home?" Lacie asked, while standing up to take her leave.
"I will be after I go see Zane. Said he wanted to talk to me about something." Beowulf replied.
"I see. I can pay this time too, if you-"
"Not a problem. I'm fine paying it." Beowulf reassured, smiling.
She returned the gesture. "I see, thanks. Hope all goes well. See you in the arena Mr. Wulfamania." Lacie joked lightly and waved as she left, which the Wulf returned.
After about roughly fourteen minutes, he then brought his and Lacie's food and drinks to the main bar, said his goodbyes, apologised to some for his large speeches and took his leave himself.
NMO Arena (Zane's Office)
In the dark place, known as "Zane's office" the dirty blonde closed the blinds of his windows and sat down in his chair to answer a phone call he'd been waiting for all day. "Yes…?" The shapeshifter almost had a worried expression at the response she got on the other side. She wasn't usually this on edge but if it was someone of great importance then, yes she was a bit concerned.
Again, speaking in Zane's voice the shapeshifter answered. "Greetings once again… ...Indeed. Of course, everything is running smoothly… Yes... Hm. Are you sure?! Well, yes but… No, not at all. It shall be as you wish…"
"How is your tool doing meanwhile?" A sultry, soothing tone that seemed to mask an other worldly voice asked.
"I've been having him connect with my, "Wife" Lacie more and that seems to be keeping him occupied for the time being... If I may give you all the credit for that brilliant idea as well. It was very well thought out... He absolutely can't- Hm... Eh...? ...What are you suggesting...? No! …Sorry for my outburst…But please don't bring that up again... Thank you for your generosity. Then... am I to continue with the Title Crush…? I see, very well, I'll try to keep them all entertained till then. Yes. Yes, it appears the war does seem to show no signs of stopping… Yes… So, in about two years? Understood. Is there anything else? Very well. Thank you…" Zane put the phone down and before she could have a moment to reflect, the phone rang again.
Slightly annoyed the manger answered "Did you forget something? - Oh, it's just you Lacie… Yes. Good. How long? I see, thank you. No. You're dismissed for now... ...I don't have time for this." The shapeshifter brushed off the woman's tiny pleas.
Just as Lacie was about to say something else, a certain Wulf knocked and entered Zane's office. Quickly, the dirty blonde hurried a response "Thanks but no surveys please!" And slammed the phone down, he then gave a sheepish grin to Beowulf and outstretched his arms in a welcoming manner. "(Goodness sake…) My man, good to see you!" Zane quickly shook his head to get his bearings.
Beowulf didn't notice it at all fortunately and sat in the opposite seat, nodding at Zane. "Hate to be so hasty Zane but could we cut to the chase quick? I'm really tired." The Wulf asked.
"(Surprised he isn't asking about the phone call) Sure babe, no problem. Spin round a chair. It was a last minute thing so, sorry about that heh-heh. It's nothing big, just an update is all. So, here's the deal. I want you to work with Jake in a two month feud. In it, you'll have a match at the next Paperview, which you win obviously. Then he'll steal your championship in the latter part of the feud and he'll announce that he's already champion and all that. Then, you'll have another match at the Paperview afterwards, where he'll get very close to beating you but it ends in a DQ where Grim Reaper interferes and you tag with John to defeat both of them at Survivor Attitude. How's that?"
Beowulf had his hopes up at the start but at the end, he was sadly disappointed. "(Looks like Lacie was right…) Hey bro, that's cool and all I haven't been able to work with Jake in like forever but isn't there something else you can have us do, like me retaining by shenanigans or something?"
"Buddy, come on. This will be in the record books as one of the greatest feuds ever! ... Okay, I know it sounds ridiculous comparing it prematurely to what Ken and Randy did but here, if you do it for me, I'll owe you one. How's that?" Zane said easily.
The Wulf pondered on it for a moment. "(I'd be taking away the spotlight again... and the fans… They'll want to see something new but... oh well, people still like me as champ. Who knows, it might be fun) Fine bro. I'll do it." The Wulf agreed reluctantly.
"Great! Ah... you've got that look on your face again... Listen, like I said before, it'll all pay off. Trust me babe. We need to convince the fans you'll remain good forever then they won't expect the heel turn. Hell, they've still loved you ever since Grendel eh? Eh? So turn that frown upside down my lil' Wulf because also, I'm giving you the week off! Feel free to just do as you please and chill all week long! (That should do it)"
The manager was right, as Beowulf couldn't believe it. Completely forgetting what was previously said, "(I never get two days off a weekday, let alone a whole damn week!) You serious bro!?"
"No, I'm lying. Course I'm serious! You've kept this company going for three years now and this has been long overdue, so there you go-arghhh!"
Before his mentor could finish, Beowulf had already grabbed him into a bro-hug. Making Zane almost melt, literally. "Thanks, so much man. Really!" Beowulf smiled gratefully, as he crushed his best friend more.
"(I really need to get used to these…) Yu..p Your welcome… But ca..n I …air pul…ease!" Zane breathed.
Beowulf let the man go and he collapsed to his knees. "Oops! Sorry bro." He apologised shakily.
The manager took a breather. "It's cool babe. Nice to see you're as strong as ever." Zane complimented and got up, dusting himself off. "Alrighty, so go ahead. Be lazy and all that good stuff but remember, don't get out of shape…" He jokingly threatened.
The Wulf waved it off. "Bah, like that'll happen."
"It could."
"Yeah and I'll get thinner." They both chuckled.
Slapping the manager on the back, which almost made him fall over, The Wulf began to walk out "Alright, I'm off. You stayin' in long?" Beowulf took one step out the door, looking back.
"Yeah, late night work. You know how it is. Oh and Lacie won't be meeting you next week either. She has an apoin-
"Way ahead of ya. She told me." Beowulf interrupted.
"Oh alright (Thought she would have left the appointment excuse to me… No matter) Anywho, I'll see you next week, 'k?" The manager turned his attention to his papers.
"Will do bro and Zane?" Zane looked up and froze when he saw Beowulf smiling at him. It was like he was looking right through him and at her. "Again… Thanks." That smile… he just couldn't understand what it was. No sooner, the champ walked out and closed the door…
Zane's mind went blank…
NMO Arena (Zane's Office), Autumn 2/9/2008
A couple minutes after the Wulf left, the shapeshifter had not moved, still in a trance but suddenly, she stood up from her chair, opened her "face" then rubbed her true, now slightly red cheeks and removed her shades, taking a deep breath while she did so. "(I was caught off guard…) Damn him… Then… He looked… so happy… I…"
The nun shook her head. "No... He IS losing… all this is… just... fake..." She said aloud unknowingly. Still, the manager could not get rid of the nagging feeling that had been itching at her for a while. She had been thinking about it more and more as she interacted with the fool but she never had this much trouble controlling herself before. "Enough...!" She snapped.
Deciding to finally join her associates in their attack, the perplexed manager turned to leave. However, the phone rang once again. "Hello" She said, after picking it up. Perhaps some good news for a change.
However, a breathless and hurried voice answered. "Good, you're still there. Listen, the situations changed. He's back…"
Medici Tower (River King Casino)
Bursting through the front doors of the Casino, Beowulf took a couple breaths before searching for his next opponent. His eyes darted all around. Looking over at the slot machines, gambling tables and even up at the balconies but he couldn't see anyone that fit the description. "...Where is he? (Big guy, long coat... Zane even said "River King Casino PDQ") So…"
Before he could think about it further, out of nowhere he felt something nudge his shoulder. "Hey!" He retaliated at the figure who just passed by him.
In response, the passer-by sleekly glanced and smirked at him. Beowulf couldn't really make out the face due to the figure wearing some kind of weird cloak with the hood attached to it covering most of the persons face down to the bottom lip. Also, suddenly, he just didn't want to look at it anymore for some reason... he now felt a bit agitated.
"Sorry friend... In a bit of a hurry. Hm-hm, hope you find him…" The man at least to The Wulf, sounded like one, spoke very softly, chuckled and walked on, seeming to disappear into the crowds.
Feeling the out of nowhere tension ease, he just grunted. "...Yeah, whatever…" and ignored the apology, until he realized what had been said. His head shot around to look for the morbid figure.
All he found however, was just more gamblers and waitresses walking past him. It wasn't this crowded in this area when he last checked... He continued looking all round but he couldn't find any trace of him. "Alright, what the hell was that… He didn't... (does he know about the match?)" Meanwhile, over at the slot machines, a figure in the same mysterious cloak got three Sevens.
NMO Arena (Zane's Office)
"...What do you mean... "He's back...?""
"I mean the ASG unit veteran: Big Band. He's returned to the Lab…"
"But... you... I thought you sent out the false readings. How can he be back...?"
"I… I don't know..."
"Outside interference?"
"No idea... We were very discreet about it remember. For Goddess sake, the three of us were the only ones that knew!"
"And the others have they returned?"
"No, just him for now but the residents are aware of some kind of scheme going on and are also about to discover our location... I don't think Marie and I can take them… Nor do I want us to risk it." Valentine sounded ticked off at the mere thought of it.
Though Marie was very powerful, she was still a relatively new Skullgirl and as such, she still hadn't gotten control over all her power and because of that, Valentine really didn't want to go up against experienced ASG units with an inexperienced Skullgirl.
"But... we... No… No… We… NO! All our work, the months of planning... It was perfect… ...All for nothing...!" Double slammed her hands down on the desk in surprising anger, not caring if anyone heard.
The nun, after a few seconds then regained her nonchalant composure. "Very well… Though it shames me suggesting this... advise Marie to retreat..."
"…Are you sure? There's…" Valentine cleared her throat. "There's always the annoyance that they'll trace us back to the Ca-cathedral..." She stuttered at the end. The nurse herself was verbally stunned by her partner's sudden brash outburst. It wasn't like her at all.
"Then we'll have to go into hiding and plan another attack. This is very unfortunate… but we cannot underestimate them. If we're able to recover and attack again, then all the better. It'll give Marie time to increase her power further. Now, tell her to retreat..." Double almost gritted her teeth.
Valentine hesitated on the other side. "…Understood. What will you do with Beowulf in the meantime?"
"I'll get him to go after another target. (Though, I wonder if he'll be more suspicious…) Rest assured, I'll deal with him."
"Very well. I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Valentine out."
Double took another long breath to calm herself and sat down in her chair, pondering. At this point, her nun clothing was starting to come through her "Zane" guise, especially at the neck. It all summed up to stress, which was making it hard to keep the disguise stable but the shapeshifter didn't really take notice.
Shifting in her chair, she tried to make sense of the situation. "(...How did he know to come back? Did someone tell him… but how could they know? ...Marie hasn't developed enough yet as well…)" To think that someone as versatile as her wouldn't be in control of the situation. She hadn't had to deal with something like this before for a long time. "Bah, (I'll have to think about it on the way to the Casino. Beowulf will be getting restless…)" Standing up, she applied her shades, put in the ear piece that Valentine made for them to get in contact, Zane's face reattached itself and she took her leave.
Medici Tower (River King Casino)
The Champ continued his walk around the large Medici complex, still searching for the mysterious man and his opponent, if he was actually in the building with him that is. "(I've looked and looked and every time I look another way, it's a different crowd…)" It was one of the negatives while searching. There was just so many people. There was one positive though; no one really knew him here. He did just come out of retirement, it would be annoying if he got heckled by people.
Deciding to rest, the Wulf found a place to relax at the slot machines. Luckily, they weren't too busy. Beowulf then noticed that the machine he was at had been recently used. "(Huh, the person got three sevens and didn't even bother to collect. Eh, I'm not bothered. I get paid enough, money ain't everything)" He disregarded then took a breather. He had been on his feet for over ten minutes and he was already feeling tired? "Phew, (I need to get out more. I guess I am a bit out of shape)" He chuckled but thinking about that small interaction he had with that odd guy before, quickly changed his demeanor to a more serious one.
The aura coming off that guy made even him feel a bit on edge in those small moments. It wasn't just that. "(Something about him...)" It was like he didn't fit in with the rest of the crowd but putting that aside, he needed to keep looking.
A couple minutes past and Beowulf watched the people like a hawk, trying to see if he could make out anyone. Despite not catching a glimpse of the two guys he was looking for, he suddenly overheard a conversation just on the other side of his machine. Lucky for him, they were high enough so he couldn't be seen. Listening closely, he could make out two grown men talking.
"I'm tellin' ya Ricky. She wouldn't just disappear like that..." One of them said hesitantly.
The other, who Beowulf guessed was this "Ricky" said "It just doesn't make any sense, she always comes back right on time. Ohh... Vitale ain't gonna like this... Err... ...Did she say where she was going at all?"
"Ahhh... Wait. Come to think of it. She did say she was going to see some event or something, I can't remember. Hold on, hold on... Maybe it was the show with that famous wre-"
The conversation towards the end got fainter, until the Wulf couldn't hear it anymore. They'd probably got up and left. Judging by their voices, Beowulf guessed they were Medici thugs. "Wonder who they were talking about... (Bummer and here I thought they'd give me a few pointers on that Big Band guy...) Eh, doesn't matter." The champ just shrugged and went back to watching everyone else. Still keeping a keen eye.
More minutes and still nothing. "(Alright) screw this cruddy place." Giving up and deciding to just leave, he got up and began to walk out. Not before he bumped into someone however.
Thinking it was the guy from before, Beowulf picked the person up by their scarf. "Alright then bro, what's the big ide- Huh… Eh?" The Wulf looked on in confusion.
The person who he grabbed, looked down at him with at first, terror, then confusion. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to, huh…? Beo… Beowulf?!"
"…Lacie?!" Beowulf bellowed out. Silence then filled the large space, as Lacie and Beowulf turned to look at the interested crowd. "You didn't see anything… Move along." Beowulf stated seriously and the crowd not wanting to get involved, went back to walking, gambling and whatever else they were doing.
Beowulf grinned to himself. "Ya, I've still got it." He then noticed he still had the styled, violet-haired beauty in his grip. Embarrassed, the black-haired Wulf gently let her down. "Sorry about that… I thought you were someone else…" He apologised.
Lacie checked to see if her clothes were in good condition and then smiled up at her old friend. "It's okay. Fancy seeing you here. Let's see... well... You look the same as ever, though you have a bit more facial hair now it seems." She chuckled.
Her appearance had not changed at all, apart from her choice of clothes which consisted of: Black Chelsea boots, maroon bell-bottom jeans, a black open button overcoat and her same old black t-shirt with the stylised numerals. She also wore black leather gloves.
Beowulf sheepishly rubbed his head. "Yeah… Well you know. My beard just grows whenever it wants to, so it's all over the place. We can trade if you want? Heh. But what about you? I mean you look the same too, in a good way…! Zane said you were away in Chess. You come back for a bit?"
"Walk with me." Lacie inclined and they both began to make their way out the Casino. "Chess was nice but I missed being here. Not to say it wasn't a great experience. So many nice people and locations. It was lovely." She reminisced.
"I'm glad it was." Beowulf nodded and then scratched his chin from an itch he'd been having ever since getting up from the round seat.
The scarf wearing woman then caught his attention again "So, you and Zane are still talking?" She asked, as they walked out into the mediocre dark Morning.
"Yeah, just recently actually. We've decided to give the Biz another go. Cause well… you know… after what happened..." Beowulf stopped.
"I understand, you don't have to say... I'm sure you have been able to use those big brains of yours to think of some great ideas to get the people enthralled. Be it with the Skullgirl and the chaos right now. They need something to keep them happy and content."
"I don't think I should tell her the big plan so- Mmhm. I hear that. It's the same as always. Everyone cheering and shouting my name. The eyes of the people on me, they're all happy… so many smiling faces. It's amazing… Still, You're the last person I thought who'd want to come here. Would have thought that wouldn't fit your style you know?" He smiled a bit while rising an eyebrow.
Lacie closed her eyes and humoured him. "Hm. Yeah… though, I could say the same for you." Beowulf swore he could see a hint of a smile tracing her mouth.
"Hey! I was there on business." He defended quickly.
"What kind of business?" The scarf wearing beauty shot back.
"I had a match booked with someone but they didn't show up, so I'm going back to tell Zane about it. Seriously, where's all the respect gone? I busted a nut running all the way there and then some chump slugs my shoulder. (Sigh) It's been a hell of a mornin' I tell ya." Beowulf slouched.
Lacie patted him on the shoulder. "There, there, It'll get better. Trust me." She encouraged.
"Thanks bud. So, what about you, why were you there?" By now they were in the main streets and the sun could be seen rising from behind the buildings in the background.
"I was there to meet my boyfriend. He was a bit late in getting into the Casino however, bless him. We didn't get to converse long either. He's a busy guy you see. Heh. Kinda reminds me of you." She teased.
"Pssh, stop. Wait… Boyfriend?! But I thought you were-"
"Still with Zane? I thought he would have told you… We deforced after… you know…"
The Champ's original thought slipped his mind after hearing that "…Now I get why you…"
"Yeah…" Lacie nodded.
"(Also explains Zane's attitude these past couple of days… I shouldn't have asked… Sorry bro…) Well I hope everything works out for you…" Beowulf silently cursed himself.
"Thanks and this is where we'll have to part ways I'm afraid. If we can, I'm in the city for a few days. Maybe we could catch up later?" Lacie sounded hopeful but she dropped it after getting no response and gave a gentle wave to The Wulf, as she turned to leave.
"Yeah… sounds good. Later." Beowulf replied and did the same but stopped when he heard Lacie say
"Can I ask that you not tell Zane that I'm here? It would be the best scenario… for both of us. Please." Her voice had a hint of desperation in it. Almost like she was afraid to see him.
Beowulf simply gave a "Sure… See you." And began his journey to the NMO Arena. Lacie gave one last look behind her shoulder at the man, before smiling and going her own way.
Cursing himself again the moment she was out of sight, he rubbed his chin very roughly. "What is going on… I'm getting all this crap from outta nowhere... All I want is to wrestle and spend time with the people I haven't seen in ages (Well come to think of it, I haven't seen any…) and my match is somehow cancelled, at least I think it is. She then goddess damn shows up out of the blue and (Breath) Just calm down man… (Sigh) I need a seat."
As luck would have it, he spotted a bench near the entrance to the Gardens of Aeon, next to the Cathedral. Being that he was now on the outskirts between downtown and Maplecrest. Relieved, he sat down and leaned his back on the bench to get comfortable, all the while, questioning what he was doing. "(I just don't know… am I getting played around with here…? No Camera Crews. No one there to see me fight… Nah… It's just a slip up. There was probably a mistake or something. I mean that happens sometimes, you just can't help it. Yeah, that's totally what happened.) Right, guys? Yeah, thought so." Beowulf nodded confidently and smiled to himself while closing his eyes.
He wasn't going to let something as stupid as a "slip up" get him down. "Just set up another fight for my comeback tour, we make magic, Zane's happy, I'm happy and then it's your turn Skullgirl…" Deep down however, Beowulf still had an uneasy feeling…
AM Streets of New Meridian
"Ring!"
"Yes?" Double pressed the small device in her ear.
All she heard was static for a few seconds, when a heavy panting voice answered. "...We managed to get away."
"Good. How did Marie take it?" Double asked. Hoping that Marie had agreed with the decision.
"She's handling it better than I expected but she's a bit pissed that we had to call it off so soon."
Silently thanking Lamia, she answered back. "It can't be helped, when things go this dire."
"Hm. Should we return to the Cathedral?"
"…"
"Double?"
"Huh? Oh, yes…"
"Understood. I'll advise Marie on it."
The call went dead for a second, before another voice answered. "I am VERY displeased Double."
"When are you not…" Double muttered.
"This change has altered my plans entirely. I will have to wait further now." The nun could feel Marie's hatred burning, even from the ear piece. "But… I understand the caution we need to take." Marie's voice calmed down.
Relieved that her lady was thinking rationally, the nun continued. "I appreciate the cooperation Lady Marie. To other matters, I am about to send Beowulf to deal with another potential annoyance. Perhaps, if we're lucky, she could be the person who tipped off that insult to machinery. If it was someone that is."
"I see. Our dog can come in handy it seems. Make sure he understands it's a matter of great importance. Unintentionally of course. We need to deal with this now before it becomes more than just a thorn. We may not get another chance like this again. As long as the ASG Labs and its agents continue to breathe, that stops my vengeance entirely and Double, if you fail and we don't get another opportunity? Our deal is over. Marie… out." The communicator call ended abruptly.
The nun stopped dead in her tracks in the back alleyways. "(...Why now…? Everything was going according to plan… and now this sabotage to our operation…. Damn this!)" Double clenched her fists in anger… Thinking of her "student" she tried to reassure herself "We're making progress..."
The monster then remembered the interaction before he left. That... smile... "(Stop thinking about it... Stop it...! You are winning, he is losing... This is just a minor interference... I'll get him to deal with the problem, then we can continue with...) He... What am I doing...? I don't understand..." Once again she stood in silence.
After a few moments, she took a deep breath and continued on.
Elsewhere. The nun's two subordinates were getting closer to their "home" making sure they weren't being spotted at the same time. They took as many shortcuts as they could and had to even put to rest some unwanted attention. Most importantly, they'd narrowly escaped the Lab 8 residents. However…
"Not long now. Another mile and we should see it. It would just have to be in the dead of morning wouldn't it…" Valentine cursed and signaled Marie it was all clear.
The Skullgirl meanwhile, was trying to keep her rage quiet. Marie had waited months for this and it had just gone down the drain, all because of one man.
Though she understood just how dangerous Big Band could be, she couldn't believe that with all her power, she was retreating "(With my power, I should have been able to swat him away like a fly…)" Marie thought angrily.
"Something on your mind?" Valentine noticed the supernatural girl's pissed expression.
Marie slowly looked up and glared. "I don't have to say. You already know what's on my mind... " The Skullgirl quietly spat.
"You're mad?"
"YES!"
"Shhhhh... I know. You and me both but let's try not to think about it too much. Anger clouds the mind and we need to be sound in judgement for whatever comes next. If you pardon my outspokenness there."
"Granted."
"Thanks. Besides, we need to be as stealthy and as sleek as possible. There may be a curfew but if you start shouting, then people will be sure to notice."
"Thank you for the lecture doctor…" The maid sarcastically sneered. Who had almost all of her powers camouflaged, in particular, her three giant Gigan skulls. She couldn't do anything about the floating however. It just came with the whole Skullgirl's package.
"Correction, I'm a nurse." Valentine smirked in triumph. "(I know I'm acting like a child but who cares. Not everyday you get a win over a Skullgirl, even if it is in banter)"
"Whatever." Marie ignored the nurse for the remainder.
Conversations ceased, until they stopped just outside a wooden barrier. Valentine scouted out the area and returned soon after "(This should do it.) OK, we're going to take a quick shortcut through here. Try not to draw too much attention alright?"
"I could say the same for you."
"Just do as I say please."
"Very well." And both began walking, well in Marie's case floating, across the wooden platform.
Unbeknownst to them, someone had been giving chase from above ever since they retreated from Lab 8. Feeling it was the right time to attack, the interloper made her presence known.
Already aware that something seemed off, Valentine readied her scalpels and threw them at the attacker but they just deflected them using an able sword on their way down from the rooftops.
Landing with grace, the attacker aimed their sword at Marie. "Skullgirl! You will not cause havoc anymore!" She declared, though not loud enough to attract enough attention.
Realising the situation, Valentine quickly put herself between the attacker and Marie. Backing up slightly just in case things got too hectic, the nurse turned to address her lady, giving quick glances just in case the girl tried anything. "This is getting complicated. I didn't foresee this happening."
"I concur. Though I am poised to say, would you recommend a hasty retreat once more?" Marie kept her gaze on the attacker as well. She now realised just how vulnerable she was in this situation. Though the thought still pissed her off to no end.
"People see you here? Yeah, we'll be getting all that unwanted attention. Time to scoot. However, in order to make it a success, I'll cover your escape and join you back in the hideout once I'm finished up here."
"Hm. Don't be too long. I can sense a great power in her. It could probably even match mine in my current state. Be careful." The Skullgirl agreed, warned and left the two to battle.
"Careful's my middle name..." Valentine sarcastically remarked, as Marie floated upward and away out of sight. She was taking a huge risk with that but this was a dire situation.
Powering herself up, the turquoise haired girl spoke seriously "She won't get far. I will find her and destroy her but first, I'll deal with you. You'd only get in the way later."
Valentine took out and straightened her pole arm. "(Throwaway am I?) Brave words kid but they won't help you here." The nurse smirked while getting into her fighting stance.
"I don't need to be brave, I just need to believe!" Annie proudly stated while, channeling the power of the stars into her sword. Analysing the nurse's stance, she threw Segan to distract and charged Valentine.
Bastet's Den...
A certain Wulf stopped and looked up at the entrance sign. "Ohhh. So it's her... Awesome!" He nodded excitedly and went inside.
Meanwhile, inside the lovely establishment. The owner was enjoying a bit of down time.
"More tea madam?"
"Why thank you Horace. Ah, such a lovely morning to do a song." Eliza hummed, while taking a sip of her tea, courtesy of her bodyguard. "Hmm, oh, such a delectable taste. I really should have you make the tea more often dear."
"Thank you, madam." Horace bowed, while a fellow bodyguard overheard what had been said.
"Hey and what about my tea?" Albus sat up and asked angrily.
"Oh, don't feel mad Albus. Yours is nice too. It's just I prefer Horace's." Eliza bluntly stated, while taking more sips of the tea. "Again, so delightful!" The diva sang.
"You can be a real pain sometimes, ya know that bird brain?" The dog folded his arms, unhappily chafed.
"I didn't do anything. She just prefers my tea. It's not the end of the world." Horace waved it off.
"It will be if you keep talkin'…"
"Now boys, let's not start a fight. My guests came here to see us perform, not a stage fight." Eliza quelled the bickering.
"Heh, it would be fun if it were tho'." Albus snickered.
Resting, Eliza and her two attendants had just performed onstage and were about to again in a short while. Beforehand though, they were taking a short break in the woman's own V.I.P. lounge.
"It feels good owning everything. Good thing, I attached my home to this lovely establishment." Eliza chuckled to herself, while uncrossing her legs.
Deciding to go out and meet the guests before the encore (no pun intended there), Eliza excused herself and made her way out into the main hub. Bringing Albus with her and leaving Horace to relax.
Walking out into the seating area, the diva was about to get everyone's attention when…
"You, Eliza! Prepare for a beat-down of a lifetime!" Eliza turned her attention to the front doors smashing open and a howling black haired man coming right for her.
"I'm sorry, what…?" The confused woman blinked.
Yup. The game has certainly changed. Review at your leisure and have a good one!