Another year has pass, john is now five years old and his brother is four years old.
His parents are still not spending much time with them but now he's in school now, john is being teach by teachers at home, he more or less pay attention but his grades are good.
His sisters ceresia is three years old while his baby sister is one for now and is crawling.
Jo has been doing his work most of the time, and hadn't been able to spend time with his kids. This upset him since he missed his daughter first words, parasoul said her first words were dad. This upset him a lot as he was willing to spend more time with them.
John spend time with his brother more often, playing together even know he's barely able to play with his brother.
They usually play toys with each other, run around the play room and even tag with each other which at times ends up with them playing rough. This upset parasoul which she have to make sure someone supervise them while she's not there.
John would at times try to play with his sisters but he usually lose interest since they were still younger and can't walk yet.
Life at home has been interesting but at times bored him, whenever he watch TV he sees what it's like out there, seeing the world through the screen. Seeing people, kids like him and the amazing things out in the kingdom.
This made him eager to leave his home and head outside and explore, but whenever he say this to his parents is usually no, including his mother.
John beg but they won't allow it, john doesn't understand why but accept it, due to his dislike.
Soon, another birthday was coming up, it was Juna's birthday since she was born on October 31.
The party group set up in a room, the two decided to have parties less lavish and big, since john birthday incident. The maids got the girls ready, the blonde maid name Cammy was with ceresia while another was with juna.
Brad was being taken care of by his father while john was with his mother.
John was being dress by her, he was wearing a white shirt and black pants, he has ginger blonde hair for some reason which confused jo for good reason. Jo has black hair and he has no one in his family that has that color, he asked her and she can't recall.
John has his mother eyes which was orange, and some of his dad looks.
Parasoul made sure he's ready.
"You look great john, you ready?"
He had a smile and nod his head.
"Yeah, i'm ready."
She stand straight and walk away.
"Good, let's go."
She look back as john follows her, they head to the room and see that a lot of people that they know were in here.
A few seconds ago.
Jo was with his son brad as he dress him as brad was wearing a red vest black pants and a white shirt underneath. Brad didn't seem fond of his outfit as his father say.
"I know brad, I know you like wearing regular clothes but this is a special occasion, is your baby sister birthday."
Brad was looking at him with a unsure look but look away like he didn't really care. Jo figure he don't since he's a toddler, but said.
"Besides, you get cake, and ice cream."
Brad looked happy as he laugh briefly about that as jo knew he would like that.
"Right, you seem ready, let's get going."
Jo went slowly with brad following as they left and head to the birthday room.
Few seconds later.
The girl Cammy was with ceresia who was dressing her, she was wearing a pink fluffy dress with white overlays. She seem discomfort as Cammy make sure she's fine.
"Okay ceresia, you look beautiful looking."
She look at her and back as Cammy notice her expression it was sad as she came close and put her hands on her shoulders.
"You missed you mom, I know. You know, you will look a lot like your mother, you have your father eyes."
She has dark brown eyes, she crack a small smile as Cammy was fond of making her comfortable.
"Come on your majesty, your siblings are waiting."
She hold her hands as they left the room and head to the room to have everyone there besides the birthday girl.
Ceresia saw her parents and ran to them and nearly hug her mom. Parasoul was happy to see her and notice her maid waving goodbye before leaving.
"Hey ceresia, did the maid treat you good?"
She nod her head, which pleased her.
"Good, come let's regroup with the rest."
Parasoul hold her hands and lead her to the rest of the siblings, john smile and went closer as Parasoul said.
"John, can you watch over your baby sister?"
"Sure mom."
John replied as parasoul let go as she walks to him, parasoul turns back and see jo there and head to him. While she's getting close she realize that juna isn't here, this was concerning as she said.
"Jo, where's juna?"
He looks at her and was puzzled.
"Hm? Ain't she being taken care of by a maid?"
"Well, she's supposed to be here, her birthday is starting soon. We need to check in on her."
Jo looks at their kids as they were already at the food table eating little snacks, jo said.
"Okay."
He notice Molly with moire as he went to them.
"Molly, can you watch the kids?"
"Sure your highness."
Jo nod and the two left the room and went to check on juna.
A few seconds ago.
The maid was heading to Juna's room with a pack of diapers, she went and made a accident as the maid who had dark blue hair and was good looking was approaching her room until she got stab by a syringe. She stops with a pain expression and collapse on the ground, the suspect drag her away hidden in the darkness and came out wearing the same uniform as her.
She went and grab the diapers and enter the room, she close it and head straight to juna inside her crib and put it by the side.
She looks down at the child who was staring at her with a unsuspected look. The woman spoke in a feminine seductive voice.
"I see that baby-napping is easy as taking candy from, you know what i mean."
She reach for her and realize she's doesn't have any bottom clothes as she dismay at this.
"Oh great, she's naked."
She looks at the diapers and sighed.
"How hard can it be?"
She put her down and pull out a diaper and open it up and put it on, with minimal success.
"Ha, not a bad first attempt."
Juna look like she's going to compliant which made her cringe.
"Oh, Don't even."
She quickly head out with her in arms and open the door to see an egret walking pass. She stops at the egret who looks at her. She figures that she's caught but he proceeded to keep walking which made her confused but relieved.
"Few, thank goodness they're not the wiser."
She head down the left side of the hallway and turned left. She came in through a room leading to a balcony with a zip line out of here.
She kept going and heard juna started whimpering as she stops and try to calm her.
"Hey hey, don't."
She heard fast footsteps and a familiar voice.
"She has juna!?"
She looks back as she knows she's compromised as she looks forward and ran, hearing them down the halls.
"Come on!"
Said a male voice as she ran but suddenly something grab hold of her back collar as she stops and look back to see a large humanoid with an eagle head.
"Valentine!?"
She was surprise by how his stand was already close as juna started to make noises being uncomfortable.
"Let go of juna!"
She try to break free but couldn't, she heard Parasoul voice.
"Valentine! Unhand my daughter!"
Jo's stand turned her around and attempted to get juna out of her hands but Valentine wasn't letting go.
"Let go!"
Parasoul notice this and said.
"Don't hurt juna!"
They were pulling back and forth while juna was loud, jo said.
"Is fine, my ability will protect her!"
"I'm not, letting go!"
Valentine said as jo stand punched her in the face which was enough for her to let go as his stand float backwards to parasoul side.
"Juna!"
Jo handed it to her as egrets were coming down the way Valentine was going as she was surrounded.
"Valentine, why are you trying to kidnapped juna?!"
She looks on in annoyance as they were approaching as she said.
"You ain't supposed to know, is something I was hired."
This perplexed jo.
"Huh? Who hired you?"
She smirk.
"Is nothing you two should know."
She suddenly pull out a small vial and toss it on the ground and disappear. The two were surprised as parasoul growl upsettingly as jo sighed.
"The disappearing trick."
Parasoul took a step forward and said.
"Egrets! Search everywhere, don't let her escape!"
Juna was sadden by that and was weeping as parasoul held her close and shush her gentle.
"Is alright juna, you're fine okay?"
She turn around and head off with jo following behind as they head back to the room in silence. Jo looks at her who was concerned but also upset, he was bothered as they were at the door.
"Par?"
"Hm?"
She looks at him as jo see her rather question look.
"What should we tell the kids?"
She briefly look at juna and away.
"We should give it to them straight."
"Alright."
He look at the door and open it up to see nearly everyone concerned as Adam head to them.
"Your highnesses, did something happen?"
Parasoul glance at the kids who were wondering the same thing.
"Yes, juna was nearly kidnapped by Valentine."
This surprise everyone except the kids as mumbling were heard as everyone voice their concerns.
John head to them with his siblings in tow.
"Dad?"
John was close to jo.
"Who's Valentine?"
A few people including umbrella was with parasoul as jo said.
"She's, an old rival for your mother."
"Rweely?"
His English needs work, but jo said.
"Yes, I know her too but that's a different story."
Jo notice brad heading to john side while ceresia was slowly making her way to them.
"You really left your sis behind?"
John looks back to see brad standing behind him while ceresia walking to them.
"Sorry dad."
"Is fine, remember to keep an eye on them."
He nod his head.
"Okay dad."
They heard parasoul said.
"Egrets, you search the rest of the castle as well. I'm afraid Juna's birthday is delayed."
This upset umbrella as john was surprise to hear this.
"What? Is juna's birthday party is over?"
"No, just delay."
He head to ceresia and lift her up.
"Come on."
He went closer to Parasoul.
"Hey, i'm taking them back."
"Alright, keep them in our room until is safe."
"Sure."
Jo call for them to follow as they left the room and head to his room.
Jo didn't stop until they were in their room as john soon said.
"Dad, what happen?"
Jo put ceresia down and head to him.
"Son, your baby sister was nearly kidnapped. But I saved her. But right now we don't know if she's still here so, we're having everyone check all over the castle for her."
John was now looking away in thought but it seem like he didn't fully catch that.
"Okay."
"Right, for now we wait. Until your mom comes back."
He nods his head.
"Okay."
The four just mess around a little but mostly relaxed, brad seem upset as jo try to comfort him.
"Don't worry brad, they'll be cake later."
He cross his arms still not content as ceresia was sitting by jo side, john was bored and was pacing around the room while looking outside.
It has been quite a while but the door open to where they see parasoul came in with juna in arms. Ceresia get off the bed and head towards her.
Parasoul was smiling warmly at her daughter heading towards her, jo stood up as the rest followed.
"Hey ceresia, you doing well?"
Ceresia stops with a smile on her face as parasoul attention was on jo, as he waited for a news.
"Well?"
Parasoul smile faded away but was relaxed slightly.
"She's gone, no one had seen her."
Jo was relieved as john seem as well.
"That's good to hear."
Parasoul seem different.
"It may seem, but if we caught her, then we could've interrogation her for additional info."
Jo understands, but seem relaxed.
"Yeah, but for now Juna's safe."
"Yes, but still..."
She was in thoughts, rather bothered by the unexpected guest.
John went up to his mom and said.
"Mum, can we go back to the party?"
She looks at him rather uncertain but glance at her daughter and figure is fine now.
"Okay, we can but it won't be long."
"Yeah!"
John said outloud as brad was happy to have the party back on as they left the room and head back to the room, with them and umbrella as the only people in there. Egrets were outside guarding the front door as they sing Juna's happy birthday, as parasoul blew out the candles since juna isn't developed enough.
The family enjoyed the birthday party as they ate, play some games and even open up Juna's presents, even know she doesn't know how yet, but tried to have her do it with minimal success.
They have nice conversations while avoiding talking about the whole Valentine moment, everyone know parasoul was bothered by it but kept it control.
Soon the party was over since it was starting to get close to the kids curfew as they follow parasoul as jo follow as well.
Parasoul told jo to take ceresia to her room and make sure she's ready for bed, while she take care of the boys but gave juna to umbrella to hold for now.
Umbrella look at her niece and was mixed about it, she doesn't know if she should be content or upset to hold onto her.
"Hey, you tired yet?"
Juna just stares at her as umbrella looks away rather displease.
Parasoul was making sure the boys were getting dressed as she help out brad who was struggling to get his clothes on. John didn't need help which impressed parasoul.
"Good john, lay in bed now."
She was occupied with brad as she was finished soon after.
"Alright brad, get into bed so I can tuck you in."
He head to bed and crawl in, parasoul head to him and put the blanket on him and make sure he's comfortable.
"There."
She glance at john who watch her do that, parasoul went to brad side and lean down and kiss his forehead.
"Good night."
She did the same with John and soon left about to close the door as john said this before she could close the door.
"Mom, the light."
She was puzzled and realize what he meant.
"Oh, the night light."
She went and turn on the night light and turn off the main light.
"Good night."
They said their good nights while brad tried, parasoul close the door and left to see umbrella.
Jo brought ceresia to her room as the maid knocked on the door soon after as jo looks at her.
"Oh, Cammy. Pretty good timing."
"Yes, I came soon as I saw you."
"Right, can you get ceresia ready for bed?"
"Of course your Leigh."
Jo nod and looks at ceresia and said.
"Good night sweetie."
He gave her a quick hug and left as Cammy took her hands and head her to a screen.
Jo left as he went back to parasoul and couldn't find her but noticed umbrella walking down the hallway as he went to her.
"Hey, umbrella, where is parasoul?"
"Oh, she's back at her room with the baby."
"Okay, thanks."
She nod and left as jo head to their room.
Parasoul put her in a crib as he approach them as she turns around and was glad to see him.
"Hello jo, did you took care of ceresia?"
"Yes, she should be asleep soon."
"Okay, let's get ready for bed."
Jo agrees and got ready for bed.
After during their business and got into bed as jo lay down as parasoul was still sitting up.
"So par, anything on valentine?"
She looks at him and look away, rather gloomy.
"Valentine won't get away."
She soon had a upsetting look as jo nod his head.
"Right, she got in here so easily."
"We have to make sure she won't get in. We'll increase the guards outside."
"Right, valentine either got in by herself or got some little help."
"Whatever it is, we need to know who had hired her to steal juna."
"I don't know, we should rest for now."
Jo turns to her and close his eyes, she lay down and got underneath her blanket.
"Right, we discussed this later."
They fell asleep as the next morning came.
After another birthday incident they were trying to find clues on who could hire her or the whereabouts of valentine.
They couldn't find much, only hunches that it could be the medici doing but don't have solid proof is them.
Soon days gone by as they couldn't find anything to where they forgot entirely.
Soon the next year came as brad birthday pass, he's five years old now as john was still at his age.
So far things has been slow, less crimes were Happening in the city, they couldn't locate valentine so they keep any leads in tow.
But months pass, brad starting to speak but not in full sentences, john was playing with his brother outside just running around and played with their toys. At times john would glance at the wall, wondering what's over that wall as his brother snap him out of his thoughts by playfully push him. John smiles and ran after him as they continue chasing each other.
Months has pass with no events happening, john birthday has pass, his birthday was October 1st as he's now 6 years old. Few days has pass as things were rather fine for the kids, but the same can't be said for jo and parasoul.
They got reports of skullgirl activities, it has been seven years since the last skullgirl incident involving marie. Now another has emerge.
The two has planned on a search party with multiple team of egrets in the kingdom.
The two debated to head out to search for the skullgirl with a team but decided to wait until they get confirmation that she's out there.
While waiting, they got word from reports of destruction in the outskirts of new meridian of clues of skullgirl activities. Parasoul, in better judgment decided to check on this, jo wanted to join but she told him to stay and watch the kids, this lead to them arguing for a little while until jo said.
"If you're going out there without serious backup, then you won't be beating that skullgirl.
"You saying that we can't handle it? I could beat the skullgirl myself."
"You could, but every skullgirl is different, you don't know what you're up against. Besides, if you leaving me with the kids is like me leaving you with the kids."
She was slightly perplexed.
"What does that even mean?"
"It means that I would do the same, you know that we do everything together."
Parasoul cross her arms, unsure but displeased by this.
"Jo, someone has to watch them, I'm not letting the egrets watching them again."
"Then let your sister do it, she loves playing with them."
Parasoul expression didn't change but she sighed in defeat.
"Fine, I guess you can go."
Jo had a smirk and went closer.
"Yeah, come on we need to get there before dust."
He walk pass her as jo stops briefly and said.
"Almost forgot, gotta get something."
Parasoul was unsure but follows.
"What are you getting?"
"You'll see."
Jo had a smirk as parasoul look annoyed but follows anyway as they head to their bedroom as jo head to a painting of them and their family as he put it down revealing a safe with a combination lock as he open it up and pull out a wooden case with a golden stamp in the middle.
Parasoul sighed, she knows what it is.
Jo opens the case revealing a revolver: 8 inch barrel, blue steel with a red rear sight. It was the model 29-3 as he pull it out, open the cylinder and see it loaded with 44 magnum soft point.
He smiled in delight as he close it with his fingers and grab a few speedloaders and close it and put the case back in the safe.
He turns seeing her standing there patiently but annoyed as jo put his index finger up to give him one second as he quickly head to the closet to grab his arm holster as he head to her and said.
"Ready."
"Why can you use the pistols we have?"
"Hon, this is the skullgirl we're dealing with. We're going to need more firepower than that."
She turns with her eyes rolling around and continue as jo follows.
"That will barely help."
"Yeah, well it'll be more affected than your gun."
She look at him rather insulted but continue on, not responding to him, she head to her sister room and knock on the door.
"Umbrella."
They waited for a while until they heard footsteps coming to them.
"What?"
She seem like she was busy.
"Umbrella, you need to watch the kids, we're going out."
This shocked her as she open her door a bit.
"What? What for?! Are you both going on a date or something?"
Jo glance inside her room and notice few things that he didn't notice.
She has stuff animals in there, poster of men wearing suits and hungren in the corner.
Parasoul was briefly surprised but said.
"N-no, there's...A possibility of a skullgirl in the city."
"Really?! Can I come-! Oh..."
Her excitement changed to a upset look.
"Why do I have to babysit?"
"Because, jo is coming, and I don't want anyone else but you to look after them."
"Hmph, the kids are boring."
Parasoul was appalled.
"Umbrella!"
Jo said.
"Umbrella, I thought you enjoyed playing with them?"
"Yeah, but they're not develop yet. They are going to be boring."
"I highly doubt that. They're kids, they're going to keep you active when we're gone."
Jo said as umbrella was unsure.
"Yes, you were a hassle when you were their ages."
She was insulted.
"Hey, no I wasn't!"
"You were, we aren't going to discuss this, we have to go."
She head off as jo look at her and quickly follow afterwards as umbrella said.
"Fine, but you own me!"
She close the door as jo catch up.
"Umbrella is changing."
"Yes, I know. But is hard to notice."
"Yeah, her room is different. She's a teenager soon to be young adult. She's going to be doing things without us noticing..."
Jo was in thought.
"Our kids are going to be the same, we can't keep them here in the castle."
"What? We can."
"Here's the thing; We can't. They will get restless and want to see what outside this wall, they need to socialize with other kids."
Parasoul was in thought and look bothered, he knows he's right but john is in trouble.
"I want them safe. John is still target by medici."
"What about the other kids, are they target too?"
They were quiet as they waited for an elevator as she turns to him.
"I don't know, if they are then we can't let them out too."
They were quiet as parasoul continues.
"We got to talk about this later."
"Fine."
Jo was uncertain as the elevator open as they head in and head down the first floor as they left with egrets saluted them as they head down the halls as she noticed a high rank egret.
"Egret!"
She called to him as he quickly head to her and saluted.
"Sir!"
"Egret, I need you to get Molly here, and if you find any of my team then tell them to meet us in the lobby."
"Yes sir!"
He turns and head off as parasoul head off as jo follows, they waited until Molly came in a hurry with the rest following.
"Sir!"
The rest did the same as jo look at them and notice they were looking at parasoul, this made jo apathetic.
"You know, i'm her teammate."
They look and saluted him as well.
"Sorry your highness."
Molly said as they look apologetic but jo seem displease.
"Oy vey."
Parasoul notice jo concerns but decided to continue.
"Anyways, a skullgirl has been rumor to be in the city, we need to head to New meridian, there's clue of an incident there."
"Right your highness!"
The team leave and drove off to the outskirts, the two sits right next to each other while looking out their windows, jo see new meridian and the sun lowering. Parasoul was staring at canoplis, large skyscrapers and the castle on top of a large concrete structure while the moon hovering above their home.
Both of there thoughts were on different things, jo was thinking about the skullgirl and what she can do to their kingdom. Parasoul was thinking about her son, concerns for his well being and his social life.
But one thing for certain, they're both thinking about their kids as parasoul was starting to feel nauseous.
She groan displeasent as jo looks back at her.
"Acting up again?"
"I hope not."
Across from them was Adam which caught his attention.
"What's the matter sir?"
Parasoul glance at him as jo said.
"Oh don't worry about it, is just the stomach flu. I mean upset stomach, I mean is-"
Jo stumble on his words as he forget the accused while parasoul look away and gently face-palm herself.
"That idiot..."
She whisper as Adam was getting more concerned.
"A-are you sure of handling the skullgirl in that state?"
"Is fine, i'm fine."
Parasoul said raising her voice a bit as she looks away concerned. They were quiet as jo was concerned for her as Molly asked what's going on which Adam told her.
The ride from there was long with minimal speaking as they soon arrived at the outskirts in a small town of old looking buildings, the area look less well kept and less people roaming the streets. The people look common except for a few dagonians, otherwise they weren't so friendly looking.
The team came out and move on to the sidewalk as jo said.
"So, where are we searching first?"
Parasoul seem unpleasant which raise concerns.
"Are you okay?"
Jo said as she glup down something and said.
"I-i'm okay, I'll just take things slow."
Jo figure this wasn't going well, Adam voice his concerns.
"Parasoul, maybe you should rest while we find clues."
"No, I have to find any- Oh..."
She stops holding onto her mouth and quickly head to the nearest parking lot and vomited on the wall. Jo was losing hope with her continuing with them as the others were surprised by her suddenly emptying.
This caught a few people attention, not that the royals and egrets standing in public wasn't interesting enough. Parasoul finished as she spit out any thing left as she slowly turns and slowly move away from the wall, the rest were quiet as jo said.
"Soo, should I tell them?"
Parasoul wanted to say something but didn't have enough energy to musher.
"Tell us what?"
Jo looks at parasoul with approval while she look at him unsure as she stood straight as much she could. They waited for her to speak and said.
"I'm, pregnant..."
They were surprised as Adam said.
"Again?"
Jo stood there awkward as molly said.
"And you're going after the skullgirl while pregnant?! You should be back in the castle."
"Yes, she should, but apparently she want to prove she can take down a skullgirl."
She look upset at him.
"We discussed this jo, i'm just confirming that she's here."
"Then, why just send us?"
Molly asked as jo said.
"She has send many egrets in different locations but she wanted to check one area."
Everyone was quiet don't appreciate her choice as parasoul was annoyed but sighed looking sadden.
"I'm just seeing if is true, I won't go after the skullgirl."
"And besides, she's protected anyway, my stand remember?"
They see jo having a chill smile as they weren't sure but seem to agree.
"Well, nothing can break his defenses."
King jo is right, is strong as a wall."
Panzerfrause said as jo was grateful as parasoul said.
"Anyways, we need to find any info, sighing or clues."
Jo went a little closer.
"Par, should you rest? Theirs's a convenient store a few meters away."
He points behind him a small building as parasoul look back to see the store looking plain, with a few people standing against the wall and windows staring at them.
They seem decent but not welcoming.
"Jo, we don't have time for supplies."
Jo sighed, figure she wouldn't try.
"Fine, let's go..."
They move on as jo slow down and turn his head to her.
"Where are we searching for?"
Everyone was unpleasant with his words parasoul said.
"Jo, we're looking for any evidence."
"I mean, where specifically?"
Adam added.
"He has a point."
They stop as jo look around their surroundings and hadn't seen anything, the others glance around as jo head to those people which parasoul was unsure.
"Jo, what are you doing?"
He stop near one of them, a old looking man that look like he hadn't bathed in a while.
"Excuse me sir, but have you seen or heard anything unusual in this place?"
He was looking at him and them, he has a smile.
"Yes, there was a incident that happened in a apartment complex not far from here, is only a few blocks away from my right."
He points beyond a building as jo nod and back away.
"Thanks, good night."
The man replied: "Is not night yet, is it?"
Jo glance back to see him looking around as he head back to the team.
They waited for jo answer.
"Well, the man said that there's a incident at a apartment not far from here."
He points at where the man pointed as parasoul didn't seem too sure.
"Okay, well we start there."
They head back to the car and drove off, they were quiet for a bit until Adam spoke.
"Excuse me, sir. But how long you been pregnant?"
Parasoul was quiet as jo look at her with anticipation.
"I've been pregnant for three months."
Adam was about to say something until Molly said.
"Three months!? Your pelvis isn't round yet!"
Jo look at it and said.
"Well, is growing, is still the beginning of October."
"Since when the commander wants another?"
Panzerfrause said as jo said.
"Well, we came to agreement. This is the last child we're having. We're done after."
"Okay."
Adam said as Molly said.
"Wow, these streets are dirty. There's barely anyone living here."
They look out the window seeing buildings in decrypt and raid.
Jo was looking out, seeing all the building with less caring look.
Parasoul was concerned of the setting of the buildings and street. This made her a bit upset.
"I can't believe the state of this town, why have nobody told us about this?"
Jo look at her as Adam spoke up.
"This part of town is the poorest side of the kingdom, not many people told us about this area."
"You mean complains?"
Jo said as Adam shrug his shoulders.
"Not sure, we don't get much info."
"Is like somebody's withholding information."
"Withholding information?"
Parasoul said as Molly said.
"We're here."
The car stops as jo looks out to see the apartment and seeing a destroyed part of the building, they got out as they observed the destruction in awe and discontent while approaching.
"Wow, so the skullgirl did this."
Jo said as parasoul notice some familiar soldiers wearing purple arm capes.
"Is that...?"
Parasoul said as they got closer as jo was worried.
"Oh no..."
He said loud enough for them to hear as they approach them as the footsteps were loud enough for them to hear.
The man turns around, his skin was dark, he has black hair and facial hair with amber eyes. He wears an egret uniform but has a purple armcape. He turn around and was pleasantly surprised to see parasoul which quickly changed when he saw jo.
"Y-your highness, wasn't expecting you to be here. But I should've. What brings you here in this part of the kingdom?"
"Ferdinand, we came here on reports of a skullgirl incident. We're making sure that this is indeed the work a skullgirl."
He cross his arms and glance at jo.
"Well, apparently we got the same reports as well. We came here because of the concerns from the people who live here."
Jo spoke up.
"Why just have the cops of this area deal with the issue?"
He look at him with a narrow look which changed.
"The police here has been attacked by local gang, the cops didn't stand a chance and was overwhelmed. Now we're here to settle things and one thing to another we're here dealing with a skullgirl activities."
This perplexed jo and almost parasoul, she was very concerned of the info.
"Why did the cops call for back up?"
"Apparently the gang took out the power to the block and they couldn't call for backup."
"Jeez."
Jo said, unbelieving the news while parasoul was appalled but was concerned.
"I can't believe such a thing has happened here. Such inhospitably and Anarchy."
"Yes, well I can gladly say that the gang has been dealt with and order had been stored."
Jo briefly look around seeing the state of this town, he doubt that they did a good job.
"Right..."
"We can discuss this some other time. Ferdinand, we need any information you got of the situation."
Parasoul said as he realize the reason they're here.
"R-right, the skullgirl."
He turns to the building and start moving as they follow.
"We don't got enough information of what happened here, some of the witnesses didn't see anything but sightings. But the neighbor of that room did give us a few details."
He stops looking at the wreak building where a apartment home used to be. The bottom room was ruined as well.
"Well, what is it?"
He turns his head to her.
"They said that the person living there was a woman, her name is Wendy Aida. She was with her boyfriend and seem to have a disagreement but the witness left so he didn't heard the whole conversation."
They were quiet as parasoul said.
"I see, was her body recovered?"
"No, nothing remains."
Jo look at the building room where it was gone and said.
"You guys head in?"
He was baffled by that.
"No, the balcony is destroyed, there's no foundation left."
Jo look at him with a bit doubt and said.
"Let me check."
He was perplexed but said.
"By all means, go right ahead."
He gesture him to go as jo went off as parasoul soon follow after. Jo was heading to the stairs as parasoul catch up to him.
"Jo, what are you doing?"
"I'm checking the place out."
Parasoul was confused said.
"What are you talking about? There's nothing to see."
"I'm going to use my stand."
At first she was perplexed but remember about his stand, but wonder why he's using his stand.
"Why? How is that gonna help?"
They were reaching the destroyed room as jo said.
"You'll see."
He summon his stand as he stood near the edge as it flies in now hovering above nothing as he look around seeing burnt marks on the wall. He notice a few pictures on the wall, a few were burnt while some were still intact.
He grab one and check it out, he see a couple in frame stand close to each other, they were both happy. The man was tall, good looking but seem average with dark brown hair and caucasian. The woman was good looking as well, dark brown hair, shorter than him but seem average height. Sane skin tone as well.
Jo figure that this is the girl that lives here as he send his stand back as it materialize back to himself now holding the picture. Parasoul look over his shoulder.
"What'd you found?"
Jo turns slightly and handed it to her.
"I believe this is the girl, and her boyfriend."
She check it out, looking everywhere for anything else but found nothing. She doesn't know them but felt pity for them.
Jo summon his stand and continue searching, he notice a nearly burnt drawer still hanging on what little floor this room has as jo stand went to it and pull the drawers and check inside, only finding junk. He check another and find more items but noticed a book, he picked it up and open it.
He realize is not just a book, it could be a Journal or a diary.
He head back and was now holding the book as she look over his shoulder.
"What you find this time?"
He turns to her.
"I think is a...Journal or diary."
He open it up and start reading for a bit.
August 11 xxxx
Me and Josh are finally a couple, it took us this long to finally confess. I was honestly waiting for him to do it, but he said he was shy and didn't know the right time since he was having trouble with his time.
Josh is such a nice and caring person, we have a lot in common-"
Jo glancing over most of it since he figure the rest is personal and wasn't getting him nowhere. He flip through the pages glancing at the words while parasoul was looking with him and was annoyed by him skipping through the pages.
"Jo, let me see."
"H-hold on..."
Ferdinand call out to them.
"You found something?!"
They look at him as jo said.
"Yeah!?"
He look back at the book as parasoul was inpatient with jo.
"Jo, can I see the diary?"
He briefly look at her and was about to say something but said.
"Uhh, not yet I'm still reading."
He continue glancing at the book and turn the page while parasoul said.
"Jo, let me see it, i'm a faster reader than you."
He look at her and figured she's right.
"Fine, you're right- Wait."
He just realized something and start flipping through many pages which upsetted parasoul.
"Jo!"
"Let me see the end, is the most recent entry."
He flip through the recent page as he flip back and see the last momentum.
"I cannot believe it, Josh is actually cheating on me. He's cheating on me with a more attractive girl, this bimbo that has a fancy car and reputation. This girl name Mary hida. Apparently she's only well known since her connection with the renoir family. Since she took Josh, he doesn't see me or commune anymore, that girl stole him from me, now he thinks I'm being too attached.
I'm his girlfriend, he shouldn't be like this, we've been together for years and now he's seeing someone."
The diary ends there as the two were reading was puzzled a bit by this.
"That's interesting. Do you know a Mary hida?"
She look at him.
"I think so, I don't exactly know everyone we met, including in special occasions. Wait, I think I know...She was in our baby shower during our first born."
Parasoul was in thought as jo close the book.
"Well, what do you remember about her?"
"Not much, but if she is mention here then, who could it be?"
Jo lean the book to her.
"Here."
She took it and look at the cover, there was no words as Ferdinand said.
"You found something?!"
She turns to him.
"Yes, but we don't know if it means much."
He swing his hands over his shoulder.
"Come down, I'll check if there's anything helpful."
"Alright."
Parasoul turns and walk down the alley as jo follows behind until his eyes widen as he felt a sudden energy from him. He turn his head and look up to see something he wasn't expecting.
"Oh crap."
Parasoul heard this and stops, concerns but annoyed was on her face as she turns her head to him.
"What is it jo?"
She notice him staring up to his right as she and everyone else look at where he's starting at and saw a spear floating in air being held by a decapitated arm. This surprise everyone since the spear was aiming at parasoul as the hand let go of the spear as it fell as the arm disappeared.
Everyone was shocked as Adam said.
"Oh my-"
"Damn, I was hoping for it to impale you."
They all immediately got into a alert stance as jo saw the suspect.
"There she is."
She was floating closer to them, she wear light red sweater and along dark skirt. She has white hair, pale skin, red eyes with a skull shape in her pupil. She was good looking and didn't seem to fond of them.
"I wasn't expecting the queen to have my diary, but I should've expected it."
"So, you're the skullgirl? Is it Wendy or mary?"
Her eyes widen but quickly changed to upset.
"You really mistaken me with that wench? No, I'm not mary."
"Then you must be Wendy then."
Parasoul said as she said.
"Yes, I would say is a honor for you to know my name, but not this way."
Jo asked.
"Why did you became the skullgirl?"
She look at him with disinterest.
"Well, you should known, since you read my diary."
Jo look at her diary that parasoul was holding as she briefly look at it as well. They didn't realize it but Ferdinand was calling for backup as jo said.
"So you're the skullgirl, then you know what will happen next."
Her upset demeanor change significantly to a concern look.
"Yes, I do. But I won't have you keep my diary."
"I think your diary is your least concern."
Parasoul said as she said.
"You're right, right now i'm your concerns."
Suddenly a bright turquoise light shines as more appeared on the ground nearly surrounding the team.
They see a boney hand popping out of the ground as it show is remains coming out of the ground, more were popping out as they were getting closer to each other as jo said.
"Great, skeletons."
Jo pulled out his revolver as his stand manifest, parasoul pull her weapon, a p08 as one of the skeleton attacked without warning nearly hitting Molly as she dodge as the team started attacking the skeletons.
Jo sight was set on either the skeleton or the skullgirl as parasoul fire from above shooting at the skeletons as their skull exploded.
Jo set his sight on her and aimed as she noticed his gun pointed at her, she quickly send a row of skeleton bones to block as jo fired, hitting the bones as it shattered into pieces.
She flinch from the pieces hitting her as jo continues to firing as she quickly dodge them as the team were dealing with the skeletons quite well.
Jo had enough and send his stand at her and punch her abdomen as she felt back a bit, jo stand punch rush her but she float backwards avoiding the punches as she retaliate by summoning a spear and stab him. But the blade didn't penetrate his skin.
This upset him as he grab it, breaking it and stab her with the blade as she push away with the spear in her.
The skeletons stop and collapse as everyone were confused but look at the skullgirl pulling out a blade from her. She grunt in pain as she look at them displeasent.
"I knew this wasn't going to be short."
She held onto her side and realized she wasn't bleeding, she felt reassured slightly as jo stand disappear as jo shot her as this made her recoiled back and fell.
She landed with a thud as it was a quiet everyone stare at her unsure as parasoul head down the stairs as jo was still up there. The skullgirl got up as cars started to show up and egrets start getting out with weapons at the ready as the skullgirl was not looking at them.
"You're surrounded skullgirl, there's no where for you to leave."
Ferdinand said as she chuckle slightly.
"Who say I was leaving?"
She look at them with a malicious stare as blue fire appeared around her as it spread quickly towards them. Jo jumped down as his stand ability appeared as a light yellow surrounded the team beside Ferdinand which he quickly head behind Panzerfrause as the fire spread pass them, burning only the egrets.
The rest were protected but the egrets were wailing in pain as parasoul was abhorrent by this as Wendy was already in front of parasoul as she couldn't reacted in time but Wendy grab the book and push her away.
Jo head to them as his stand punched her which send her flying back a few meters away.
She was on the ground as she cough and slowly get up, grasping the book as she held it up and burn it to ashes.
"No one, will keep it."
Then the team aimed at her besides parasoul as she quickly fly up before being shot at by a literal tank as the explosion created smoke and dust to cover up the scene as it dispatched she was no where to be seen.
"Did we get her?"
Molly asked as jo and parasoul look up as she said.
"No, we didn't."
They all look up as she glare at them and left which alerted them as Adam said.
"She's getting away!"
"No shit Sherlock."
Jo said as parasoul commanded.
"Everyone, get into the vehicle we're going after her!"
Without question they head off as jo look at her with a puzzled look and follow afterwards as Ferdinand said.
"Your highness, should we help as well?"
"Ferdinand, you and your team will check around in New meridian, we're heading to the grand Cathedral."
He bow respectfully.
"Yes your highness."
Jo was watching not to far as he call out.
"Par, let's go!"
She look back and said to Ferdinand.
"So long Ferdinand."
He didn't respond as she quickly head off with jo as he was glaring at jo specifically as he turns back to whatever remaining men he has.
They entered the car as parasoul order Molly to take them to the grand cathedral.
Without objections she drove off as jo ask about the elephant in the car.
"Parasoul, do you really think going there while you're still developing him or her is such a great idea?"
Her eyes widen which surprise Adam as well, she look at jo and was concerned.
"Well, I don't have a choice right now, i'm not going against the skullgirl."
"Well...Why not just call another car to take you back to the castle? You should be home with the kids, not fighting the skullgirl. Let us deal with her, I don't want anything happening to our baby."
She was quiet, looking dismay and was looking away, she briefly look at her belly seeing a small budge and look straight slightly.
"I guess you're right, I'll call once we reach our destination."
Adam sighed as they notice his relief.
"Sorry, but your baby in danger is on my conscious."
"Yeah, you know how I feel."
Jo said rather unhappy as par give him the side stare as the ride was mostly quiet, they eventually reach their destination as they got out.
They look at the cathedral being exactly like how they remember, dark and ominous.
"Soo, remind me why we decided to rebuild this building?"
"Because, is our religion sanction, my mother goes to this specific church as much as she could... I'm doing this in her honor."
Jo look at her and was uncomfortable since her mother was a skullgirl and this church is basically her last place she was before she was taken out.
"Right..."
"Alright, let's go in-"
Jo stand appeared and put his hand on her belly, jo staring at her with a displease look, parasoul realized her mistake.
"Oh, right. I gotta call for another ride."
Molly came up and said.
"Parasoul, I could take you back if you want."
"T-thank you for the offer Molly, but you must be with the rest. I can take care of myself."
Molly was unsure but figure she's fine.
"If you insist your majesty."
Jo and the rest were waiting near the entrance.
"Come on, let's go. The quicker we take care of the skullgirl the quicker we can go home."
Molly head off as parasoul soon pull out her communicator and call for another ride.
The group enter the church and walk down the large alley, the place is dark and felt strange and unnerving.
"Yep, just like I remember it, creepy."
They were approaching the main cathedral of a large stone statue of a large women with half of face being skull holding a upside down cross and two other female heads with her.
"Man, been a long time since I been here. Never like this place."
"R-right, we should focus your majesty."
Jo turns to them and said.
"Alright, do you guys know where the tombs are? It has been a long time since I've been here, so I forgot the layout."
Panzerfrause rub his head in thought.
"I think tombs are on the right side?"
Jo moved to see a door further down the hall as jo said.
"Thanks panzer, come on let's get this girl."
They agreed and head down the halls and walk pass a few stained glass windows of three individuals, two jo recognized but not the one in the middle. He and the others continue and reach the wooden door as jo opens it up which lead them to a small room of sort, it look like a storage room of sort.
This surprise jo as he entered and start looking around and was starting to feel baffled.
"What? Ain't the tombs supposed to be here?"
This confused the others as well as Adam said.
"Yeah, I remember now: this is the place where the tombs are at."
"Maybe they sealed it off."
Molly said which caught jo attention in a baffling way.
"Sealed it off? Why would they seal it off?"
"U-um, because is the last place the previous skullgirl was at. I think they want it to be her grave."
Jo was unsatisfied with that and look disappointed.
"I see...Well, if is sealed off, then that means she's not here."
"The that means she's still out there."
Jo look upset at him while crossing his arms.
"I know that, adam."
Adam was looking away in embarrassment as jo said.
"We got to go somewhere else, where could she be?"
"Maybe we should regroup outside?"
Panzer said as jo look content with his answer.
"Yeah, good idea, I don't like this place anyways."
Jo continues on as the rest followed him out, they were reaching the entrance as jo slow down to a Halt looking surprised as the others saw what he was seeing.
"You..."
Jo said as they saw a average height woman wearing a nun outfit with blonde hair. She had her eyes close as jo approach with a serious look.
"What are you doing here? I killed you long ago."
She spoke in a soft voice.
"It seems your shot wasn't fatal."
"Damn. Well give me a good reason why I shouldn't finish the job?"
"Because, I can give you vital information about the skullgirl."
Jo look back at his teammates unsure but wasn't willing to deal with double.
"Okay, I'll bite. Why do you want to give?"
"You may already know who's the skullgirl is, but you don't know where she is and her objective."
Jo was quiet, looking down rather annoyed that they have no leads.
"No, we don't."
"You see, the skullgirl is heading towards maplecreat to deal with somebody she knows. She's going to kill anyone she knows."
Jo was upset with this as the others were concerned, jo said.
"Really? Well we need to get to that suburbs."
"Yes, you should."
She turns and walk away to a pillar but stops and turned her head to them.
"I'm not here to fight you, but the next time we meet, I won't be so hospitable."
"Yeah well, the same here."
Jo said as she suddenly have a smile.
'So long, say hi to the children for me."
This made jo upset and on edge as she walk out of sight as jo moved to see her suddenly disappear.
"Jeez, can she vanish out of thin air?"
The rest follow after seeing her disappeared which baffled them as well, but Adam said.
"S-sir, we need to get to maplecreat pronto."
Jo gave him the side stare rather unhappy with his reminder.
"Yes, I know adam."
He said rather unpleasant and dislike as he was awkward quiet, taking back his words as jo moved on.
"Come on gang."
They left the cathedral as parasoul was still outside with Ferdinand and royal officers in the background. Jo was surprise to him here as they turned their attention to them.
"Parasoul, why is Ferdinand here?"
He gets closer as Parasoul said.
"Because, he came here to tell us that his team got word of sightings of the skullgirl in maplecreat."
"Huh, how coincidences, we got the information ourselves, from a certain source."
She was puzzled by that.
"Hm? Who was it?"
"Double."
She was surprise to hear that.
"What? That monster is still alive? I thought you killed it."
"Well, apparently I missed her vital organs, but to be honest is not like she's human so how should I know where that is."
She sighed rather unpleased but also concerned about this, she turns to Ferdinand.
"Ferdinand, we need your men to search the cathedral for any sighting of double. Whatever you do, don't face her just yet."
"Yes your highness!"
He saluted her as jo said.
"So, are you heading home?"
She didn't turn around as jo wonder what she doing, parasoul was feeling shameful at what she has to say.
"About that..."
Jo initial shock wasn't expecting her to disagree.
She turns around but wasn't fully facing him.
"I made a vowel to always go after the skullgirl, I can't break that promise."
Jo in disbelief said.
"Parasoul, no. You cannot come, you're pregnant and not fit for fighting. You have to take care of yourself."
Parasoul wanted to object but was unsure.
Jo looks at Ferdinand and said.
"Take her back to the castle."
He was about to say something until parasoul spoke first.
"Jo, ain't your stand can protect me from anything physical?"
"Yes, but I don't know about the baby. If you fall and landed on your stomach, you will be fine but I'm not sure about the child."
Parasoul open her mouth only to shut it, jo got closer to her.
"Honey, you're literally the last person to do something like this. Please, go home, the kids need you anyways."
Parasoul was quiet, looking ashamed at her decision.
"Y-you're right, I should head back."
Suddenly, she felt a strange feeling in her lower abdomen as she held on to it while grunting.
"Par, you okay?"
"Sir?"
She was breathing heavily and said.
"I don't know, bit something is wrong with the baby..."
"What?"
Jo said worried as the others were feeling the same, jo went and felt it moving as parasoul said.
"I...I think I can hear I heartbeat!"
This perplexed jo and the others.
"What? How is that possible?"
"I-i don't know!? Bit is heartbeat isn't in a normal pace, is going in a fast pace!"
Jo started to panic said.
"Shit, we gotta do something about this now!"
Suddenly she felt it calm a bit which puzzled her and relieved her just a little.
"What? The baby heartbeat, is slowly down."
"Is that a good thing?!"
Adam said still panicking as parasoul feel it calm a bit.
"Y-yes, is now normal."
"What the hell cause it?"
Jo asked as the others were clueless as well, but Ferdinand said this.
"Maybe, the skullgirl has something to do with it."
They turned to him confused.
"What? How does that make any sense?"
"I'm just speculating, the baby was doing fine before you met the skullgirl?"
Parasoul and jo look at each other rather unsure about it.
"Yeah...But who know if is medical issues."
"No, that's not possible. The baby is in perfectly good health the last time we did a check up."
Jo was in thought.
"Yeah, it was."
"Then, how did the hear rate increases when is still in parasoul?"
Molly asked as they were quiet and were in thought as she turns to jo.
"Jo, if this is an attack from the skullgirl then your ability should of counteract it."
"I uhh...Don't know how that works. I mean I care for the baby without a doubt, but I have not met the baby yet, is still inside of you... This must be a loop hole in my ability."
This confuse parasoul and the rest as well as she said.
"How does that make any sense?"
"I think he means that since he hadn't met the baby his ability doesn't affect it."
Molly said as panzer said.
"Yeah, but jo ability didn't protect Ferdinand."
"That's because he doesn't care for me."
He said rather upset to jo as he had a awkward smile and look away. Jo said.
"Anyways! If the baby is being affected by either by the skullgirl or medical issues, I say parasoul should see a doctor or the team needs to stop the skullgirl."
Parasoul seem unsure as jo turns to Molly.
"Molly, can you take care of parasoul? Me and the rest are going to deal with the skullgirl."
Molly seem uncertain as parasoul was about to say something but didn't. Ferdinand said.
"I'm coming with you."
Jo was rather surprise to hear that
"What? You're coming?"
"Yes, I want to help in taking down the skullgirl. You're going to need more help than just your abilities."
Jo see the egrets and his men waiting as jo said.
"Fine, but keep up."
"Jo-"
Parasoul stops jo as he said.
"Parasoul there's no other words you can say to make me bring you."
"I-i know, but please keep the team safe. You're going against a skullgirl, she's different than any other skullgirls."
"I will, I hope the baby will be alright."
Jo look at her and smiled dearly at her as she smiles as well. Jo turns and head to his car.
"Alright everyone, let's move out!"
They all saluted.
"Sir!"
Molly went to parasoul and said.
"Come your highness, let's take you to the nearest hospital."
They head off as parasoul spoke to her as jo and the rest head to their vehicles and head off to maplecreat.