Chapter 3
Percival's Hired Offspring
(パーシバルの十娘の巻)
(or "Ten Little Android (plus one) Girls")

Steven C was onstage, as they finished a set.

"Hey, kids! It's good to see you all here in Simile City!" He called, as the crowd cheered.

He continued, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have some people with us, but they are busy, outside, getting ready. But they'll arrive… and we can rock this place, tonight!"

The fans cheered, as Steven C called to Mizuki, "Hey, Miz… Any idea what they could be doing?"

Mizuki said, "I think it's something private, Steven…"

Steven smiled, "Well, Steven Cooke will wait!"

He thought, referring to Percival, "And soon, before you miss the show, you douche."

Mizuki held up a saxophone, as Steven C continued, "But, ladies and gentlemen, we know that we have been around, for a long time…"

The fans chanted, "GANG! GANG! GANG! GANG!"

Steven C stated, "HOLD ON, NOW! We have been around… but…"

Meanwhile, outside, eleven Goth Loli maids appeared, in different attires, were touching down, in front of the Prussia armies. All while Steven continued to speak, Percival whispered, "It's ShowTime…"

One girl, April, with long black hair, and a Gold Luger pistol, and pointed at a Prussia soldier.

Wouldn't you know it? The Prussia army was in the presence of Marciano's 11 Sisters!

WAIT! The same Marciano Sisters?

Michelle barked at the 4th wall, "Yes… THAT same Sisters!"

A delinquent shouted, "You think your girls can stop Prussia? Awesome FAIL, ya losers! I SAY, PRUSSIA POW-!"

BANG!

The delinquent fell dead by April's gunshot. She glared, "You don't interfere in Father's business deal…"

She called to her sisters, "Ladies! Let's fight these Prussians!"

They prepared their weapons, as the Prussia Army charged at them.

Michelle whispered, "I bet 20 Pounds that two ninjas get decapitated by July."

Percival smirked, "You're on. It'll be fine, as long as Prussia is out of the way."

Back inside, Steven concluded, "Here's a tune you remember, 15 years ago… because, we may not be the best band in the world, next to the Beatles… But you guys are SUPER RAD!"

The Gang played their cover of The Aquabats song "Super Rad", as we head back outside.

As the music played, January, a girl with long blonde hair, started shooting at five Prussia soldiers with two FN P90 machine guns, killing them. Two Prussia ninjas were exploded by August's grenades, while two more were killed by June's machete and May's Franchi SPAS-12. March smacked a delinquent with the butt of her FN Minami gun, and then fired a headshot at a ninja. July was being cornered by two delinquents, all with a smile on her face. She pulled out her katana and sliced at their chests, spurting out blood. A ninja crept at here, but June threw a knife at his head, impaling his skull.

Michelle asked, as she watched the bloodshed, "So, where's September?"

Percival said, "Meh. This is a whole set… She died, before the transaction."

"Damn."

"I know. Oh, look! How cute!"

He blushed, as the triplets, October, November, and December, carried a huge truck with their bare hands and threw it at three ninjas, crushing them.

He giggled in glee, "Aw, how cute. Three girls killed three ninjas…"

Michelle snarled, as she gave him 20 Pounds, "Fuck. And that was the last batch of ninjas, too."

"Keep it," Percival smiled, "I don't need it. I hope the guys are okay, onstage."

On stage, during the music break, Steven C shouted to the crowd, "SET IT UP, HOMIES!"

The crowd cheered, as the bloodshed continued, outside.

He smiled, "That's my eleven little hitmen… uh, or something like that…"

Michelle was in a disgusted look, "You're such a sick bugger, you know that?"

Percival said, "They'll understand, eventually."

As they continued to watch on, the leading delinquent, the blonde with the scar, went past the Gang members and headed inside the arena.

"Sweet deal!" He cackled, "The Gang will die, for interfering in the Prussia Auditorium."

April killed off two more delinquents, with her gun, as the others ran off, crying in fear. She called out, "Father! Aunt Michelle! The Prussia soldiers have retreated!"

Michelle asked, "Shall we call clean-up?"

Percival said, "Please."

He called on his walkie-talkie and said, "Kotoha, get a clean-up crew on some, uh, about thirty bodies… maybe more."

Michelle added, "Oh, yeah. Make sure to use the purple stuff, this time."

The delinquent escaped, inside the building, as he went onstage. The Gang finished their song.

Michelle said, "Once it's done, what say we join The Gang? It has been twenty minutes now…"

Percival groaned, "Aw, crap! I should've joined them!"

He rushed off, as Michelle followed. She called to April, "April! Make sure this area is clear of corpses, or you get a tan on your arse!"

April grumbled, "Yes, Auntie dear…"

She muttered, "You British piece of-."

XXXXX

Steven called to the crowd, "Thanks, guys! You did help out, with our jumping and singing-along. But now… Now we have time to make it up to you."

He stood in the middle of the stage and said, "Tonight, we did some old classics in The Beatles, and we decided to spice it up. So, tonight…"

The delinquent appeared and shouted, "STOP THE SHOW! STOP THE SHOW!"

He laughed evilly, as he thought, "Perfect! Now, as the leader of the Prussia Army – Faction #13579, I shall be the first to kill a live band, onstage! Kill the losers! Kill the losers!"

But as he was about to perform his strenuous death strike, Steven called to the crowd, in fake fear, "OH, NO! How did he get here?"

The crowd booed, as the blonde haired thug smiled, "Hiss for me… The show is officially over… as your favorite band… dies!"

He laughed demonically, as Steven shouted, "Don't worry, kids! I didn't expect someone to come by and invade! We figured that tonight is a villain-free zone!"

He then thought, "Beats AAW, though…"

For the thug, he knew that The Gang would fear him. However, they were just acting, almost like someone is going to destroy them.

"Don't worry, kids! I'll save you! Steven Cooke knows how to deal with thugs like him!" He bellowed, as Mizuki was concerned.

Mizuki said, "Uh, Steven… You better use the heavy artillery for this one!"

"Good thinking, Mizuki!" He smiled, "And after that, we'll tell our manager and laugh about it!"

The thug held up a knife and laughed, "Now, now, Steven Kook… What a loser you have been… For this, I decided to have blood pour on this stage, and kill off the band, for no good reason! Prepare to die, you shitface! MWAH, HA, HA, HA, HA!"

Steven seethed, as he cried, "What did you call me?"

The thug laughed, "I said… You are a shitface that will die! Now, hold still, while I claim this arena, in the name of-."

SOCK!

The thug fell down, as he was swollen in the eye, by Steven's right fist. He glared, as the thug winced, "What the hell?"

Steven yelled, "YOU DON'T CALL ME… THAT! GET UP AND FIGHT ME, YOU ASSHOLE!"

The crowd gasped, as he was angry to the MAX. Heather started the drums again, as Steven composed himself. The thug whined, "That hurt… What is with you, you expendable brat?"

Steven said to the crowd, as he calmed down, "Sorry… Sorry… I didn't mean to be so… so… AW, FUCK IT! LET'S GET HIM!"

The thug gasped, "Uh, oh…"

The music began with a fast metal tune, as Steven began to punch and kick the thug, really hard. The crowd was on its feet, cheering for Steven C. Peter, Farra, and Heather were still playing the music, as Mizuki joined the fight. She slammed the thug with an elbow to the chest, while she picked him up and threw him at Steven, who delivered a clothesline to the thug's neck. He fell to the ground, as Farra and Peter stomped on him, all while Steven went backstage. He arrived with a huge pencil prop.

"Don't worry! I got a pencil!" He called to the crowd.

He slammed the prop onto his head, nearly breaking the pencil. He continued to snap, as he swung the prop at him.

"And this is for invading our stage with a knife!"
WHAM!
"This is for scaring the kids!"
WHAP! The pencil broke in two.
"And THIS is for calling me SHITFACE!"
RUB-UB-UB-UB!

He rubbed the eraser point at the thug, messing up his face, skin, and scar. He was out like a light, as he was bruised and battered. The crowd went crazy, cheering for Steven and The Gang.

He got up and was crawling away. He sobbed, "I think I'll take my chances with those… those Gothic Maid Gunslingers… Those guys are freaks!"

He crawled past Percival and Michelle, as they were heading to the stage.

"Was that…?" Michelle asked.

Percival smiled, "Forget it… Whoever he was, he's awful. April will handle it."

They appeared onstage, as Steven called to the crowd, "WE WON!"

The fans cheered, as Percival asked Mizuki, "What did we miss?"

Mizuki said, "I'll explain later. Take the guitar. Michelle, you man the keys."

Michelle saluted, "Okay, then."

XXXXX

Outside, the thug escaped, with a sob on his face.

"I hate them… They'll get theirs, I promise!" He snarled, as he got up.

"My allies are down, but it'll be over, soon! Prussia rules! Prussia is AWESO-!"

BANG!

The thug fell dead, by April's gunshot to the head.

April sighed, "I hate long exit speeches. What is he, Mojo Jojo?"

February said, "Got me. I managed to scan the area. Few have retreated."

April smiled, "At least it's over… for now."

XXXXX

They prepared, as Steven smiled, "Well, look who finally showed up!"

He grumbled quietly, "Where have you been?"

The crowd cheered, as a fat man with green skin swung his shirt around, hooting and hollering, "WHOOOO! THE GANG IS AWESOME! BEST! FIGHT! EVER!"

Steven smiled again, as he cried out, "And just in time, because, as I was saying… for the rest of the show, we will sing you ALL your favorite Beatles classics!"

The fans roared in cheers, as the band began to play Beatles songs, including "A Hard Day's Night", "Nowhere Man", "Hello, Goodbye", and their encore "I Want to Hold your Hand".

The Gang finished their gig… but all while Prussia's army that tried to invade the auditorium… and failed, thanks to Percival's hired thugs, the Eleven Sisters. But why? What role do they play in this story?

The next day, back at Percival's estate, outside Simile City, Percival explained the situation about the evil army that almost invaded.

"Guys, while you were playing, Prussia launched a full-frontal attack in that stadium. You see, the Prussia Army, which consisted of former US Yagami members and Lin Kuei-like ninjas, claimed it for their own. However, through my brilliance, I managed to destroy the army, sending them crying like babies."

The Gang was in a stern look at him, as Percival smiled, "Of course… I had help from my friends in AAW."

Farra barked, "Okay… Then explain to us why they are here. Hmm?"

She pointed at April and January Marciano, who were wearing blue and pink shirts and jeans.

Heather asked, "Why are they wearing our old clothes? And do we care?"

Peter said, "They look familiar…"

April said, "Sorry. I was hired by Percival to protect the stadium, along with my ten sisters."

January said, as she bowed, "Well, not much to say, but we are big fans of yours, despite that we are obeyed to kill. Meaning that we can only kill people. But we know you well."

Steven asked Percival, "Why did you bring them? Steven Cooke is no fool! Steven Cooke is not a fan with these… these… Grr… these Gothic Lolita Gynoids!"

Steven Cooke knew that they were Marciano's 12 Sisters.

Farra gasped, "NO WAY!"

Mizuki cringed, "The same Eleven Sisters of Madame Marciano?"

Percival said, "Yes. But they are mine, now!"

April bowed, "It's true. When Mother died, Percival took us in…"

Farra was nervous, as Percival was embarrassed, "Whew! You wouldn't believe me, if you knew…"

Farra asked, "How did your mom die?"

Percival said, "A one-round dogfight, up in the air. Their mother died, after losing."

April said in a sad look, "After that, Nielsen took us in, but we were lonely. And then came the whole… well…"

Steven questioned, "I got a question: How come you're androids and not human?"

January said, "We are 1st Generation models of Marciano's daughters… along with May and Sep. You see, Mother never could produce real kids, since she was old, and had an accident."

Heather said, "You said you were 1st Gen models… What about the others?"

April said, "Well, the triplets and August are 3rd Generation models, while February, March, June, and July are 2nd Generation models. Of course, it's hard to tell which is which, but only we know."

Percival said, "So, when their mother died, I took them in, as a way of forgetting their past. They had a grudge on Mister, whoever he was, but whenever they heard that name, they either seethe or cry. I told them that it was time to move on. I told them that killing him, the chance they get, won't bring their mother back."

January pouted, "He was right. So, in an instant, we've forgotten about him, until the alternate worlds are fixed up. After all… he killed September…"

She sobbed, "Sep…"

Farra groaned, "Damn. That was tough."

Peter said, "I don't know… I don't see why The Gang would approve of girls like you. You guys are bloodthirsty."

Mizuki said, "Bloodthirsty robots with Moé fashion, but with a new lease on life. I think Percival is trying to recruit the 12 Sisters (or what's left of them) and reform them to the side of justice."

Percival remarked, "Temporary new lease. These eleven will stay at my home, rehabilitated, until the worlds are fixed up. After that-."

April hugged him and said, "We shall be nice and not kill your friends, Father Dear."

Percival gulped, "Uh, April…"

January joined on the hug and smiled, "Daddy…"

"DADDY?!" The Gang gasped.

Farra trembled in fear and cringed, "Uh… Darling… What did you do?"

Percival confessed, "Uh… funny story… I, uh, I… I adopted them."

"You WHAT?" They shrieked in horror.

Percival explained, "Well, they had nowhere else to go! What was I gonna do? It happened when the Alternate Worlds started!"

Percival was driving in a small black SUV, as he saw the 11 Sisters in tattered Goth Loli maid uniforms, out on the alley, trying to stay alive.

He narrated, "I was on my way to a certain business matter. But when I saw the Eleven Sisters, I knew that they were the same girls, except with the tattered clothes. I didn't know that they were the Marciano Sisters, at the time."

He stepped out and held out his hand to April, who was in tears, "You. Are you lost? Perhaps maybe I can take you girls in…"

April responded, "Thank you. Our mother died… and we had nowhere else to go…"

"Oh? How did she die?"

"She… Well, she had an accident… I'm sorry. I'm just in tears, after she was killed in a dogfight."

"Ah, yes. Dated back to World War I, of the very first dogfight. A dogfight sounded bad for her."

"It was with spaceships."

"Oh. Sorry about that. And… my condolences to her."

He held April up, as she held up her gold pistol. She fired at Percival, but it was empty. She wept, "Sorry. We have no bullets left… since we are programmed to kill… and we have no money!"

She wailed and cried on his shoulder. Percival comforted her, as January called, "HEY! What are you doing to April?"

Percival remarked, "Listen, I don't mean to hurt your sister… as long as I see you, downtrodden and in rags."

He stated, "I'm rich! But maybe I can compensate you. If you and your sisters can join me, maybe… Then maybe I'll give you a job."

April sniffled, "You will?"

He narrated, "So… After taking in April and the remaining Sisters, I later learn that she was the leader of the 12 Sisters. She told me that she wants to go see Nielsen, their creator. After they were repaired, after being in grief and sadness, he offered me their services, in case they chose to be in action. I accepted, but on one condition…"

Later on, a week later, at a courthouse, Percival signed in eleven sheets of papers. He thought to himself that Farra won't like this.

"I'm just saying," he thought, "They were lonely… but my wife won't approve of androids with Moé points and Gothic fashions. Her, Peter, AND Steven… Would they approve of it?"

"After that, the adoption was made," he continued, as April and January hugged him, "Well, they were victims of the fucked-up madness, and, well… they are orphans. Steven Nevins told me to care for everyone, even if the worlds are messed-up like a swirled ice cream cone, on a Tuesday. I had a chat with him, about adopting androids that were obedient to their Mother, after she died, and he said that it was okay, as long as you treat kids right."

Farra stammered, "Uh… Oh, man! Why would you do such a thing?"

She yelled, "If you knew about them, you would've asked!"

She sighed, "Per, I'm sorry… I don't think having 11 daughters would do me good. But… they look like they are teenagers, rather than kids!"

Peter said, "Well, six of them look like children."

March, August, and the Triplets. That's FIVE, nitwit.

Steven said, "Yeah! Steven Cooke won't approve of these fembots on our team, even with pale skin and Gothic Lolita uniforms!"

Peter turned away and said, "I approve of it."

Heather cheered, "Me, too!"

Mizuki smiled, "They did help us, outside the arena, when the Prussia Army invaded."

Farra cried, "Wait a minute!"

April and January bowed, "Thank you very much."

Percival said, "So, it's agreed. We had an arrangement with each other. While April and January are busy with you five, I'll handle the remaining nine girls. I'll call Michelle and she'll pitch in. They need to adjust to civilian life. They may be evil girls, but we cannot leave them to become shallow sad people."

Steven spoke at the 4th wall, "He's right. If you see a child lost, talk to them about it and make sure that they are safe. Also, try not to adopt them, on the spot, like Percival here. Make sure the lost kids are taken to an officer or an adult, just to keep them safe from danger, and make sure they are treated with kindness and respect. Remember, lost children are people, too."

~Learning and Growing~

April said to Farra, "So, what do you say?"

Farra said nothing, as Mizuki smiled, "You sure are cute. By the way, where did you get those clothes?"

April nervously chuckled. January replied, "Our dresses were at the cleaners. Plus, they were covered in blood."

Mizuki asked, "If you can, can you show me your dress? I am a major in Cosplay!"

April whispered to January, "At her girth, she'd fit in July's."

Meanwhile, in a huge corporate building, a woman, all shadowy and in a silhouette, was watching from her chair, after hearing of the Simile City attack.

"So… It seems that they have arrived, and not too soon," she said, "Perhaps maybe I'll launch my services, when the time is right…"

She then marked O's on each of The Gang's pictures, except for Julie, Steffi, and Steven N.

"Seven of these miscreants have shown, and they foiled Prussia's plans… Soon enough, The Gang will be nothing but road kill, once I am done with them… by the same people that stopped ACROSS."

She spoke to a woman with a Chinese garb, ample bust, long black hair, and a fan. She declared, "There are seven of them. Make sure that they are dealt with. You, however, have a job in Daten City. If they come, you know what to do…"

The woman smirked, "Indeed, Master…" as she glowed in a greenish aura.

Who was this girl, and what plans does she have for Daten City? More importantly, why did she recruit the zombified Rei Tachibana to oust The Gang?

Rei snapped at the 4th wall, "Aw, you guessed, right?"

Well, duh. We thought you were dead.

Next time, The Gang, Percival, and Michelle adjusts to caring for the newly-acquired daughters of Percival Gaynes. But will it be enough, before the dangers begin?
Find out in the next chapter of…

The Gang
-(Now IN-COLOR)-