Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The badlands, home to some of the most intriguing individuals on the planet. On the gravel soils of barren wastelands lie locations of intriguing infrastructure, from the forts to the power plants, they're all there. On these barren wastelands also live mercenaries. A team of them. Two teams of them in fact. One the colour of Red, the other the colour of Blu. They fight for their employers in a fruitless war, a forever acting stalemate with losses and wins beyond a person's comprehension. However, this all changed the day a new team rose from the shadows. They go by the saying 'Our World Now', and have since named themselves 'oWn' after it. They seek equality amongst the colours in the Badlands under one, and encouraged them to rise away from the unfair employment of their bosses. When many refused, they sought more violent means of spreading their influence: join or die.

A year has passed since they rose, and in that year surviving mercenaries went into hiding, forced to live in societies under false names within the Badlands in order to escape death. Dozens of mercenaries were brought in for experimentations by oWn members in attempts to create loyal superhuman members. When they failed, they were thrown out presumed dead. However, that was their unintentional mistake. These experiments worked, but in ways they were not expecting. A new species arose amongst the Badlands from the results of these test subjects, with only so few remembering who they truely were before. They were referred to as 'Freaks' by the general public. These Freaks had broken minds, some in more pleasant ways than the other. They were violent, peaceful, sadistic, emotionally broken, and powerful as intended to be.

Desperate to fix the mistakes of his own creations, the leader of oWn began to hunt down these Freaks, fearful that they would destroy the world he fought so hard to build. With dozens upon dozens of Freaks scattered throughout the Badlands, it was no easy task to accomplish. Nonetheless, he tried, and he conquered. 3 dozen freaks met their fates, but dozens more still remained out there, hiding from each other, fighting each other, or keeping clear from everyone they saw as a threat to their lives. The odd few came close to towns, slaughtering all in their path or helping them in subtle ways with their abilities.

Within the distant shadows of 2Fort, however, a mysterious and religious being, secluded from the rest of the world, opted to use the mistakes of oWn to his advantage. With the crisis affecting his kind at an alarming rate, he figured something needed to be done before it is too late. He figured if he could assemble a group of powerful Freaks willing to work together, they could potentially save their home not only for themselves but for everyone else. If they didn't see it that way, he didn't care. If it meant the world could survive, that's all it would take. After all, what's the world without a little splash of colour?

In the dead of night, amongst a barren facility located in Double Cross, the only sounds that could be heard from miles were the evacuation alarms ringing and the sounds of shuffling boots throughout the area. BLUs and REDs who did not wish to fight were transported away to another location with their supplies, whilst those remaining armed themselves with weapons in preparation for the arrival of unwanted visitors. Sweat beading down from her face, Aelfrun assists the evacuation on instructions from her BLU commander, a Soldier with a temper. She wanted to fight, she had the ability to do so, but at the same time she has heard news of dozens of Freaks being slaughtered, so she remained unsure. After all, a Medic with abilities matching that of a Sniper and Spy was not something you'd expect to see from a Medic. No sooner had the last vehicle been loaded with the last of the mercenaries, the sounds of gunfire and trucks can be heard from the other side of the facility. Eyes widening, Aelfrun shouted at the driver to take of as soon as possible, and ran towards the sounds of gunfire, perching up top with a Crossbow.

Down in the conflict, the REDs and BLUs were slaughtered where they stood. Killed by people they once called allies. Countless oWn members roamed the area in search for retreating colours they could kill or get their hands on. At the front of it all: The Medic, Blaze Hazard. He didn't partake in the slaughter to an extent, only taking out various Spies that tried to backstab him or those around him. In a matter of minutes, Double Cross fell to the hands of oWn, survivors of the attack led away in custody, to be dealt with in various ways. The BLU Soldier, the one behind the defence, was brought before the German Rebel, a grin befalling the Leader as he watched the BLU's face contort into hatred and scorn.

"Vell, your defensive approach vas impressive. But clearly, not effective enough."

"Your a sick bastard."

"So I've heard. I am aware zat zere were transports leaving zis base not too long ago. Vere are zey heading?"

"Why would I tell a German bastard like you?"

"Because zey need to be dealt vith."

"Your here for another reason, aren't you?"

"Not really. Ze only other reason vy I vould vaste my time here is because of reports of harbouring a Freak. Vere are zey?"

"Gone with the rest you old Krout."

"You lie to yourself Herr Soldier. Vere are zey?"

"You'll have to kill me first Doctor."

"Pity. You could have made such a fine oWn member. Vell, vith such low health, you vill not die slowly."

Grabbing his frying pan out, Blaze lifted it and with as hard of a swing as he could muster, delivered an otherwise fatal blow to the BLU Soldier's head. It would have killed him, had it not been for the increase in health that the BLU could only recognise. The leader of oWn, rather confused, struck the man before him multiple times, but each time his health was restored. Looking around, he signalled for an oWn Sniper and Spy duo to search the area for hiding Medics. A single shot and grunt that echoed soon after made the BLU Soldier wince in failure, confusion and frustration. He ordered her to leave, why was she still there?

Dragging back the self-healing Medic before Blaze, he asked for one of the oWn Engineers to give him a run-down of Freaks sighted within the area. Browsing through a number of files, presumably 10 files, he stopped at one, and presented it to the Medic and Soldier duo before him with a smirk growing on his face. The image of Aelfrun walking by with a few of the evacuated mercenaries was seen in a rather blurry image, and the title given to her as a Freak was 'The Supporter'. Taking the file away, Blaze cupped the merc's chin and examined his features. Well, her features so to speak. She had the eyes of a Sniper, the snarl of a Spy, and the face of a Medic, no doubt the Crossbow that came with her was a feature of her more Sniper abilities.

"You must be Herr Supporter, didn't expect a fraulein I must admit. Zen again, I vasn't expecting a female vithin a man's body."

"It's Aelfrun you dog."

"Is zat a vay to treat another German?"

"I don't resonate vith people like you."

"Hm, ja. Freaks don't do vell vith normality."

"Look, if all you vanted vas me, zen kill me. Let zem go."

"Nein, zat won't do. Zey had a choice to make, und zey made ze choice to die by fighting und killing mein team."

"Your sick."

"So I've heard from your Soldier."

With a sharp jolt, the frying pan the oWn Medic still carried struck the BLU Soldier's head critically, killing him instantly. His hollow blue eyes stared at Aelfrun, and her blood ran cold. With a snap of his fingers she was held up by two oWn members, and just as swift as before the echo of metal hitting bone rang throughout Double Cross. Her body limp and bleeding out, she lay beside the Soldier she once called her ally, her friend. Eventually, they all cleared out with the remainder of the survivors, leaving nothing but bodies and bloodshed behind. The RED and BLU signs that scattered throughout both bases were replaced with oWn symbols. Eerie silence followed, another base now fallen to a corrupted rebellion.

ZAP!

Two Days Later

Walking amongst the decaying corpses in oWn-controlled territory, Aldon wished he wore something, or at least owned something that wasn't pure white. The Spy couldn't complain, he would be able to clean it off regardless. Wasn't the first time it had been covered in dried, scraping blood. Scanning the area around him, taking in the sight of dead bodies everywhere, the Christian Pure Spy held his hands together to his lips, closed his eyes, and muttered a silent prayer for each soul that has passed on. Pulling out a file from within his jacket, the French Freak only hoped he was able to make it to Double Cross in time. Perhaps the individual he was looking for was still alive? He wasn't too sure. He personally knew of the individual's ability to escape death, but that was about it. Everything within the file had the information on The Supporter he needed, Aldon just wished that she wasn't killed in what appeared to be a firefight between Colours and oWn members. His hopes dashed away when he came across the corpses of a BLU Soldier and the Freak he was looking for.

Checking for a pulse, his face fell with disappointment as he felt nothing but cold, clammy skin. Closing both the Soldier's and the Freak's eyes from the world they no longer see, Aldon stood back up. Eyes casting to behind him, instinctively he moved out of the way and pointed his knife at the attacker's throat, holding down their left arm with what looked like a bonesaw in hand. Casting his own eyes over the person who attacked him, he saw a Medic with dried blood running down his face, and a deadringer in his free hand.

"Have you been sent here to kill me too?"

"Non, I was sent by no person." He replied, unsurprised to hear the female's voice.

"Then vy are you here?"

"I simply came looking for a Medic with ze aim of a Sniper, and ze ability to feign death. Tell me, are you Ze Supporter?"

"Vat's it to you?"

"I am one of you."

"In vat vay?"

"I am a Freak created by oWn almost two years ago."

"You're a Freak? An experiment?"

"You are not aware of your own origins?"

"Voke up vith the ability to shoot long distanced und deadringer out of a fatal situation. Vy else am I the only one alive here?"

"I am sorry for your loss."

"No apology could bring back mein dead family."

Releasing the girl from his grip, Aldon looked around to see more BLU corpses than RED or oWn ones. The Supporter crouched walked away from him to sit down, dangling her feet off of the edge of the bridge that led to the rail tracks down below. Sensing conflict within the girl, the French Freak moved calmly and slowly towards her, sitting beside her and reaching for her hand. The girl did nothing to object to the odd action, but shot a look of confusion when the man before her brought her hand now enclosed within both of his own to his lips, and felt vibrations of his mouth moving and the slight mutter escaping his lips.

"Vat-vat are you doing?"

"Praying for you."

"Vy?"

"It is my nature, non?"

"Who are you?"

"I was known as Aldon before. I 'ave since gained ze title of 'Ze Christian Pure Spy'. Funny, I was neizer Christian nor Pure in my lifetime. Tell me dame, what name has God bestowed upon you? Surely you were never referred to as Ze Supporter all your life?"

"I don't remember mein true name. The BLU Soldier you saw my corpse beside, he named be 'Aelfrun'. It means 'the secret of mystical powers'. I guess it is because of my origins as a Freak."

"My name means 'Wise Protector'. My own mozher was very Christian. I guess she rubbed off on me."

"From ze sound of things, you remember your past live very vell."

"A gift and a curse, I can assure you."

"...Vhy vere you looking for me?"

"I 'ave been looking for various Freaks willing to 'elp our kind against ze oWn Rebellion."

"Vy try to fight them? They killed dozens of us already!"

"And yet, zere are dozens more of us scattered across ze Badlands."

"Und vat? You vant to band together a group of Freaks to vork together to fight a force that can kill us?"

"I 'ave already brought together two willing to 'elp ze cause."

"Is zat so?"

"They reside currently in 2Fort. Would you like to join zem?"

Aelfrun turned her head away from the Freak before her. Was he even more mad than he already seemed to be? Banding together their kind against a common enemy was similar to BLUs and REDs cooperating with one another for Smissmass! But then again, with the rise of oWn, they managed just that. She turned to glance at the Christian Pure Spy before her, considering her options. She could go back into hiding, live a life of uneasy silence and peace with people that could keep her safe. Or she could fight against the group that killed her family, what remained of the main BLU Team members that stayed behind to fight. Her thoughts crossed to the BLU Soldier, what he would have done in her situation. Perhaps? With content in her eyes, she turned and looked the Freak Spy directly in front of her with a small smile, something she had not managed in two days."

"Herr Christian Pure Spy, you have Ze Supporter on your side."

"Excellent. We shall travel to 2Fort and meet with ze ozher two. 'Opefully zey are both still zhere by ze time we get back."

"...vy say something like zat?"

"One eats living flesh of any kind."

Oh boy...

Chapter Text

Making it to 2Fort was easier and faster than Aelfrun had originally thought. Heck, even on the way here was her new companion able to heal her with what he calls 'Holy Water'. She didn't seem to ponder about such an object as they came closer to the mill that was once presumably home to REDs and BLUs just as her old home Double Cross had been. Her mind tracked back to her old home. She missed it already, and she missed her team even more. She had no idea if the survivors made it out alive, nor if those who stayed to attack were even able to be considered living at this point now that they were in the hands of oWn. Her thoughts traced back briefly to the BLU Soldier that died beside her. A brief thought flashed by her just as fast: What if she died, and he had her deadringer?

A pat on the shoulder brought her back to the present as they were now in front of the RED Base in 2Fort, presumably where Aldon was hiding in the past, and most likely where she would meet her new allies. Aelfrun wasn't fond of what was to come. Fighting against the organisation that apparently created them all that sought out Freak blood was like fighting fire with matches. There were two sides of the coin she could think of that this entire endeavour would end: Either they're one step closer to freedom, or one step closer to Hell. The French Freak beside her guided the German Freak through the Base, traces of dried blood the only thing that remained of the Fort's old inhabitants. Reached what looked like a spawn door, Aldon gave her a reassuring glance and pulled it open.

The first thing the girl noted was a RED Soldier, a regular-looking RED Soldier. Confused, she glanced at the Christian Pure Spy with silent questions in her head that were not getting any answers, at least not yet anyway.

"Um, you said zat zere vould be Freaks here."

"I did say zat. Why do you ask?"

"Vell, vy is zere a regular RED Soldier looking at us-"

"I am Painis Cupcake!"

The RED Soldier now stood in an awkward position, almost too unnatural for even their kind to accomplish without truely being disfigured and deformed in appearances. The man, who calls himself 'Painis' looked directly into her eyes, seemingly ignoring everyone and everything around him. His eyes were gazing at her with want, with hunger. With an eerie smile, he said something that sent chills down Aelfrun's spine.

"And I will eat you!"

With an eerie laugh, he pounced directly at her. He stopped directly in his tracks when he noticed the Christian Pure Spy standing beside her, and immediately lost interest in her. With a wide grin and a creepy but surprisingly joyful laugh, he moved his right hand unnaturally in a wave.

"Oh, hello Spy friend! Is this one food?"

"Non, she is a new friend of yours."

"New friend? Painis love making friends! Painis Cupcake never eat friends."

"I should 'ope so. 'Ave you seen Weaselcakes around?"

"Painis not seen Duck Sniper around. Maybe Duck Sniper teleport away?"

"I'm right here mates."

Turning in the general direction of the voice, Aelfrun was now introduced to a BLU Sniper with an odd complexion to him, almost as if he were a sketch on a drawing paper compared to the seemingly clear look of Aldon or even Painis. His legs were twisted in such a way that was incurable, almost as if he were born with it, and his hands always grasped at his face which was contorted to match that of a duck's face. Perhaps the Freak Soldier wasn't too far off when he referred to this Sniper as a duck.

"I see you have met someone new Aldon."

"Ze same goes to you Bill."

"Bill?"

"Hm? Oh yeah, that's me nickname see? Me name's William, or was anyway."

"Ze only one of us 'ere wizout a proper name in zeir file is Painis. We refer to him by what 'e calls himself."

"Painis hungry."

"Aren't ya hungry all the time mate?"

"Painis need food."

"I'll make ya some cake?"

"Flesh better, but cake ok."

The sudden scream of WEASEL was heard as Bill turned a pink colour. Not long after, cake appeared before Painis, and no sooner had it appeared was it devoured by the cannibalistic creature. Seemingly satisfied, Painis collapsed onto the floor, somewhat relaxing. Clearing his throat, Christian Pure Spy and the other 2 dragged the Soldier Freak into the spawn room where they could discuss matters on their newfound situation. The French Freak produced several more files amongst that of each of their own files. In total, in addition to the 4 already accounted for in the room, 3 files contained Freaks that were located but not yet approached. Setting up a projector, with the help of Bill, Aldon dimmed the lights within the room to portray the images of 3 people.

One was notable a Sniper from the distinct hat each Sniper was assigned to, but this one had a full on goatee and scars that decorated his face, and had no signs of outstanding BLU or RED colours on his clothes. His eyes were blood red, and his skin was pale.

The second was also notable as a Spy, given the trademark mask that concealed their identity. This RED Spy donned a Fedora on his head, and had a revolver close to him with an overall polite demeanour written all over him.

The third was a worrisome-looking BLU Engineer, a normal looking one at that.

Viewing all three images, the two Freaks paying attention only certain that the Sniper was one of them, the other two were oddly more human-like than Freak-like. Sensing the confusion in the room, the Christian Pure Spy shifted the images on the projector to show images of the same three, but in different situations.

The Sniper from the first image was seen tearing people apart, blood easily captured in an eerie way in the black and white image. His face was contorted to be of sadistic gratification, and he held a kukri with a Scout's head on it. The sight only further confirmed the fact that he was a Freak.

The 2nd image showed the RED Spy shooting someone in the head with his revolver, corpses of mercenaries with bullet wounds to their heads barely visible in the image. His face kept that same polite composure, but his eyes and smile belonged to that of a sadist than a gentleman.

The third and final image was of the BLU Engineer again, but this time he was under the effects of ubercharge, and his mouth was contorted into a shape that made Aelfrun visibly confused and uncomfortable about. The Engineer was taller than his original form, and his wrench that created an evident dent in the head of a Heavy somehow made that mercenary, and others around him, turn into solid Australium.

"Zese Freaks are whom I wish to come into contact wiz next."

"...You've got to be joking Herr Aldon..."

"Unfortunately, I am not joking about zis decision."

"Heh, you do realise one of 'em has a vagina for a mouth, right?"

"I vould imagine zat no one needed zat information out in the open Veasel."

"Trust me, zey will 'elp us with no 'esitation."

"Painis want eat RED Spy!"

"Zey will 'opefully be our new companions my friend."

"Painis want more friend!"

"Look, as much as zey vould help us, zey don't look like ze type to give zeir lives to the good of this vorld. You did view the same images ve did, ja?"

"If it 'elps with ze discomfort, I will personally go out once more to recruit one of zem."

"And what Freak out of those three would be willing to listen to you mate?"

"Ze Christian Brutal Sniper."

"Vat? Zat Sniper is the Christian Brutal Sniper? Some of us Freaks despise or fear zat man!"

"Our options are slim as it stands Aelfrun. We need to make choices we are not comfortable with, or we take a step closer to death."

"I don't trust zis at all."

"I 'ave an advantage in zis situation."

"Und vat vould that be?"

Not bothering to turn off the projector, the Christian Pure Spy gathered the necessary things he would need in order to confront the Christian Brutal Sniper. Quickly uttering a prayer of Holy aid, he opened the spawn room's door and proceeded to walk away. Turning around with the spawn room door in hand to close it, he gave a reassuring smirk to the Freaks left in the room.

"He owes me a favour."

The door closed behind him, shielding him away from the group he left behind. Turning to the images on the screen, the trio looked at one another with a mix of uncertainty. Or at least Bill and Aelfrun, as the Freak Soldier soon lost interest and collapsed to the floor. Turning to the spawn room door and back at Weaselcakes, The Supporter let out a small chuckle and spoke to her new ally with a smirk on her face.

"He's very dramatic, don't you think Herr Bill?"

The setting sun of the Badlands was enough to get anyone indoors, fearful of the arrival of oWn or any unfriendly Freak. That was what the area of Snakewater felt, more emphasis on was what it felt. The area, now painted with dirt-covered soil seeping in blood, a lean but menacing figure stood tall. He was covered in blood, with a recently murdered Scout in one hand, and a bloodied Kukri in the other. With an unsettling grin on his face, the individual looked on at the sight of his work. Dozens of mercenary corpses littered the area, with the odd few that managed to slip away. The Christian Brutal Sniper didn't mind the sight of impaled victims, decapitated victims, or gruesome-looking corpses that were missing more than they should in the events of a melee attack. In fact, he quite enjoyed the sight his power had over these people. Wiping his brow, the Sniper, donning a dark-red and black attire with a biohazard symbol on the back of his jacket, bent down and began dismembering the Scout in his hand, the dark blood on his clothes making his colour hard to view.

A leg came off.

Some bone shards flew from the right shoulder.

A sickening pop as the left leg was detached from the corpse.

The sounds made the psychopathic Sniper grin in gratification. It was something about the adrenaline of being able to kill most anyone that gets in his way that always finds a way to make him enjoy his new-found occupation of murdering mercenaries. Perhaps it was revenge for something? He couldn't remember, and he couldn't care less. Grasping the messily cut head of the Scout in his hand, the Christian Brutal Sniper stood up, and gave out an eerie chuckle towards the head as he made his way to another corpse to dismember.

"Hehe, Snipin' is a good job alright."

"At least your choice of colour is suitable for ze job."

Swinging his Kukri as fast as he could, the Freak Sniper found himself face-to-face with a familiar face. The face of the Christian Pure Spy. The Kukri he swung at him made contact with the Spy's arm, but the solid Australium cross now slowly coating with blood prevented the blade from getting rid of the arm in an instant. Aldon looked directly at the man in masked pain, but he wasn't going to show that pain to the man before him any time soon, knowing the nature of his odd friend, and hopefully, potential ally.

"D'aww, did I get blood on ya suit ya Spook?"

"Naturally we are still human despite our alterations."

"What d'ya want? Can't ya see I have business to clean up?"

"Evident in your...uh...very visible fieldwork."

"I don't like idle chit-chat, ya know that right?"

"Zen you are lucky I didn't just come by to visit for a chat. I'm 'ere for your assistance."

"Me what? Assistance? For what?"

"For 'ope."

"Oh bloody hell mate, I ain't a man of hope."

"Your title says ozerwise."

"It's a wonder I'm even considered a Christian at this point. Me answer is 'no'."

"You 'aven't 'eard me out yet."

"Don't need to, I can only guess. Ya want to fight oWn, right?"

"In a matter of speaking, oui."

"Not gonna happen."

"You can seemingly slaughter mercenaries, I don't see a difference."

"Unlike these snacks, oWn has technology to kill us. Hell, I've seen them kill Dic Soupcan, and that man had a lust for destruction that could have killed them all!"

Frustrated, the Brutal Sniper walked pass corpses he no longer felt dismembering due to the grouchy mood he was now in, and began collecting his re-usable weapons. Axes and Kukris of all sorts were collected, though the odd few were broken beyond repair, things he was able to stab into the bodies of his victims as he went past. Aldon silently prayed for the souls the Sniper before him claimed and stolen, and was still intent on trying to convince him.

"You know, you still owe me a favour from our last encounter Brutal."

"Oh, do I now? Don't remember what for."

"You don't remember ze encounter with a RED Vagineer?"

"Which ones?"

"Back at Gorge."

"Oh, what about them?"

"I was almost dead, you saved me. Zen I returned ze favour by saving you. You owe me."

"It was a tactical favour, you still technically owe me."

"Zat is not how it works, but fine. If zat is ze case, you never told me what it is you want."

"You needed to figure it out."

"I may 'ave what you want."

"And what might that be ya Spook?"

"A file containing everything you don't remember about yourself."

"Not interested."

"It may contain something you've been missing since ze start of your existence."

"I don't do motives around pieces of paper. I do motives on me own terms."

"Well, you still owe me a favour."

"Forget it you suit-wearing Freak."

Walking towards his van, the Freak Sniper began loading his weapons into the back of the van in a careful manner. He might be a Freak, but his passion for killing others called for a sense of professionalism in his own opinion. Popping out of the van once that was completed, he walked around the area collected interesting-looking hats he could probably sell or keep as trophies, depending on who was seen as 'harder to kill' from the way their bodies looked. Aldon shook his own head, determined not to give up, kept on persisting his claims. Eventually the two got into a heated argument. After what seemed like an hour of constant bickering, Aldon sensed that neither of them would get what they desired, and excused himself from the scene.

Back at 2Fort, 3 freaks gathered in companionship with one another. Or as much of a companionship as they could form. Painis was in an awkward and unnatural form on the floor, Weaselcakes was minding to himself, and The Supporter was reading into the files on the table, including her own file. What was similar about the files was the layout, each had their dates of birth and experimentation, experimentation notes and a stamp over their profile images labelled "DEFECT" in bold red letters. What was interesting for Aelfrun to read were notes on the changing behaviours of each of them over the course of their experimentations. The sudden opening of the Spawn Doors alerted the trio of Freaks to the added presence of the Christian Pure Spy, dried blood staining his sleeve and shoes as he walked in.

"From the state you're in, I'm assuming it did not turn out so vell."

"Indeed, it did not go as planned."

"I'm not that surprised by the news Aldon, no offence to you mate."

"None taken. It was a long shot to begin wiz, but if all goes according to plan, he may be amongst us very soon."

"Enlighten us?"

"I left 'im a small parting gift before I walked away. Ze information in zat file should have him here in a few moments."

"You gave him his experimentation file? No vonder I vasn't able to find it..."

"I don't think that'll work on him mate. He ain't exactly a virtuous person, or a chaotically good one at the very least."

"I can assure you Bill, it might work. All we need now is hope and time on our side."

"I hope you're right Herr Aldon..."

Aldon gave The Supporter a reassuring smile, reaching into his pocket for his vile of Holy Water. Making his way to sit down, he took off his jacket to apply it onto his stab wound inflicted by the chaotically evil Freak earlier. He watched as the skin sealed itself up as if it had never been pierced by metal. As he watched on, Aldon felt as if something somewhere was going wrong, but he didn't know what. All he knew was that he needed his guard up, just in case. At that moment, his Australium cross began to emit a flashing signal the colour of red.

Chapter Text

As reluctant as he was to signal for help, Brutal had no other option. Cornered behind his van, festivised bow in hand as gunshots flew over his head. He just prayed to God that the bloody Spy received it. A small smile briefly covered his face. Oh the irony of his name, praying for help when he would be yards away from any saving grace. Regardless, all Brutal knew was that oWn members were trying to kill him, he was running out of things to attack with, and he was starting to wish that Pure didn't walk away when he did. The piercing sound of a megaphone disturbed the fight, but the clearing of a delinquent's throat gave Brutal an indication that someone was trying to threaten him.

"Attention Freak of the Badlands, we have you surrounded from this side! You are unable to run without being sniped, and fighting will lead to a painful and timely death for you. Surrender now and I'll give you a mercy kill. Don't surrender, then it's only a matter of time before you give up!"

"Go to hell you miniature delinquent! I'm sure Boston wants their asshole back home!"

"Hit the bricks pal you're done! You can't even hit me!"

"Wanna give that a crack? Hows about you run around until I split your head in with an arrow, or better yet a knife!"

"Oooh yeah you're real scary, why not come over here and say that to my face tough guy?"

Having enough of the unending banter, Brutal pulled back his arm, peaked over the van and released the arrow, satisfied to hear it meet its rather annoying target. Ducking behind to try and look for any arrows that were still usable, Brutal slammed his fist against the side of his van and cursed under his breath, nervousness beginning to settle in. Granted, he was effective at short-ranged fights just as he was an expert at long-ranged attacks, but the only problem was that he was running out of things to fight with. If it had been otherwise, he would have taken them out on his own. The Christian Brutal Sniper counted the remaining arrows and machetes he had at his disposal. In total, 7 more arrows and 2 bushwackas. Overall, he was royally fucked if he didn't find more weapons soon. Brutal leaned against his van and rubbed a hand down his face, sighing in frustration as the members of oWn were waiting for his move. He could try to sneak out of there with whatever he could carry, but the Snipers were probably trained to track down escaping Freaks. On top of that, majority of the fresh corpses around him were mainly Spies unfortunate enough to try and backstab him, which could only mean that there were probably more wherever it was they came from.

Running out of options increasingly fast, Brutal tried his luck at sniping down the Snipers with the remaining arrows, he just had to be careful where he peaked. He shot down at least 3 Snipers when an Ambassador Spy managed to successfully shoot at his hand, forcing the Freak to drop his Huntsman. Cursing under his breath, Brutal sunk behind his van once again and sighed. His more dominant hand was out of action, and the enemy were most likely going to close in on him soon. Still, he wasn't going out without a fight, grabbing a Bushwacka and prepared to try and fight his way out.

'Eh, it could've been worse I suppose...'

Turning around and slightly peaking behind a corner, Brutal surveyed a potential way out when the shouts of an oWn Soldier distracted his train of thought. The sound came from the other side of his van, and hoping for an opportunity to escape, the Freak peaked over the boot of the van. His hopes and face fell at the same time when he only saw a cocky Soldier pestering a BLU Engineer to either move on immediately or be killed where he stood. Brutal figured that the Engineer could have been someone that managed to escape his earlier massacre, but something inside urged him to keep his distance from the BLU Mercenary. Turning his attention back to the now slowly advancing oWn hunters, Brutal braced himself to fight his way out, silently hoping that he could make it out of this one. What cruel irony, he told Aldon he wasn't someone advocating for hope, and yet here he was hoping to make it out alive. He knew he could get out of there in one piece, but the only problem was he was outgunned by a long shot. He'd run out of arrows and knives before he could reach the gates.

Bracing himself for the fight ahead, Brutal stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the screams of a dying Soldier, the enemy now turning their attention away from him. He should have taken that chance to run, to leave while he still had the chance. Thing is, he froze dead in his place, uncertain if he should really be moving with a raging Vagineer mutilating an oWn Soldier into solid Australium right behind him. Force any information out of the Freak and he would tell you in a heartbeat how he barely managed to survive Vagineer attacks. Unfortunately for him, that left him vulnerable to ambushes, his Bushwacka getting knocked out of his hand by an oWn Spy that was brave enough to get close to the Freak. Impaling the cock-sure Spy was easy enough, considering he still had arrows at his disposal, and laughed at the quickly dying man with a permanent jacket pin the shape of an arrow going through his heart.

"Nice try mate, but I'm the best!"

"Clearly as impulsive as ever in a fight I see. Pity you've stained my white suit wiz more blood."

"Can it Aldon, your lucky I'm relieved to see your sorry arse right now, otherwise I'd stab ya here an' now."

"Save ze impulse for ze fight, Dillon. Speaking of, I 'ave a collection for you."

Brutal didn't want to admit that Aldon, the Christian Pure Spy, was a sight for frustrated eyes, smiling widely at the sight of fresh new weapons he was now itching to use in this carnage. A sting erupted from his arm suddenly, observing a needle dispensed whatever healing properties it had. He looked around to see someone perched on the high ground with a Crusader's Crossbow, giving the duo on the ground a thumbs up. The shrills of an enraged Vagineer erupted throughout the area, catching the attention of the Christian Freaks as they readied themselves for a complicated battle.

"Just like Gorge ain't it mate?"

"Not exactly, we dealt wiz a RED Vagineer, zis one is BLU. Zey're more cunning and rational zen zeir counterpart, be careful."

"Less tellin' me wot to do an' more fightin' mate."

The cries of oWn mercenaries falling dead to the ground was sweet music to Dillon's ears. But that music was short-lived when he was met with the harsh swing of the BLU Vagineer's dented Australium wrench making contact with his stomach, sending him flying a bit. Well, that's unnecessary internal bleeding he now has to deal with once again. Getting up, he picked up his duel Bushwackas and charged at the Freak, aiming to get the upper hand over the creature. Whatever oWn mercenaries were still left alive were now either getting killed by the Vagineer or by Painis Cupcake, who was ecstatic about having a free banquet, even if he was visibly sad about being unable to eat the ones turned into solid Australium. Cries of 'WEASEL' filled the air as the deformed and floating Sniper took care of a few enemy mercenaries, transforming one into a jar of Jarate, and...vomiting onto another...? Healing was being provided from a distance by another Freak (as he had been told) who was surprisingly a good shot. Aldon had been helping Dillon subdue the BLU Vagineer, reminding the Christian Brutal Sniper of the similar fight he and the Christian Pure Spy had back in Gorge. The out-of-control Vagineer jumped extremely high into the sky and hit the Freak perched on high ground with the wrench, their body falling to the ground dead. The zap of a dead ringer was heard next to Dillon as he was now met with a Medic that looked like a fusion between a Medic, Sniper and Spy.

"I vas hoping to not have to use that so soon."

"Better to 'ave you 'ere zen dead Aelfrun."

"Might not be for long if ve don't subdue zis creature Herr Aldon."

"Bloody 'ell mate wot happened to you?"

"Fused vith two males summarises it up nicely!"

The trio ducked out of the way as the Vagineer attacked once again. Dillon regained his bearings as he threw another machete at the creature, noticing that the girl, Aelfrun, had retreated a few steps back to gain some distance between herself and the creature. Painis' wheezing cry of joy came from behind Dillon's back as the Freak launched himself towards the raging Vagineer, cluelessly excited about his next free meal. The BLU Vagineer swatted Painis away with ease, launching him in the direction of Aelfrun, knocking them both to the ground. Aldon appeared behind the Vagineer to subdue the creature with more injuries to its body, only to be picked up and thrown like a rag doll into the distance. Another scream of 'WEASEL' joined the chorus of battle cries as he engulfed Aldon in a light green colour, guiding him safely back to solid ground.

"The fuck is your gimmick mate?"

"Huh?"

"You keep on screamin' the word 'weasel' over an' over again. Wot's the gimmick?"

"Well, uh, I'm Weaselcake-"

"Not relevant mate. Doesn't explain shit about your powers."

"I was accidentally fused with a rubber duck mate, what kind o' gimmick do you want me to 'ave?!"

The BLU Vagineer swung at them both, causing them to separate. Perfect timing in Dillon's case, he wouldn't dare admit he had no words to bite back with after what Weaselcake said. Fused with a rubber duck on accident of all things wasn't the weirdest thing he's heard about other Freaks, but it was still up there as weird. Painis launched himself directly at the floating sniper, the other covering him with a light green glow and throwing him right at the Vagineer, who had Aelfrun on the run despite her attempts to fight the thing with a sniper rifle spear. Dillon threw his machetes at the creature as a means to inflict more damage on its form, causing it to change its desired target from the girl to himself. Cursing to himself, Dillon began to run whilst using his bow to try and create distance from himself and the Vagineer. Last thing he wanted was more internal bleeding to deal with. He met up with Aldon, who threw a Bible at the blasted thing.

"Heh, thought you'd use the damn thing!"

"If I 'ad time to, I would have. As it stands, zat thing is more useful as a throwable weapon right now."

"Well, can't ya magic us outta 'ere?"

"I've already used more power zan I wanted to in zis endeavour, zat would leave me unable to use my abilities."

"You're a headache and a 'alf Aldon!"

"And you aren't?"

They were all in Dillon's van after concluding that a 'tactical retreat' was in order. As it turned out, the Vagineer in question thought the very same thing, launching itself far away from the fight right as Aelfrun attempted to backstab it with her bonesaw. Most of the Freaks in the van wanted to admit they were tired from the whole ordeal, even if their bloodied forms never wanted to get up from where they sat in the van (with the exception of William, who was comfortably floating in the middle of the van's interior). Dillon took a swig from his bottle of Red Shed, almost half-empty at this point in the drive. The brew tasted like shit, but it did wonders doing absolutely nothing to get him drunk. Another downside to being a Freak: lack of getting drunk. He could imagine what kind of hardship that would be to several Freaks if he gave a rats arse to care about getting wasted. He had been able to get some form of rest throughout his ordeal as a Freak, didn't need to wish about getting drunk anytime soon.

Aldon was in the seat next to Dillon, physically exhausted but in the act of cleaning his wounds with Holy Water. He might as well have been the only one in the van who would vocally admit he was tired, unable to teleport the lot of them (and the van itself) back to their base in 2Fort, the last of his powers drained creating shockwaves to throw the aggressive BLU Vagineer off-balance. A half-full bottle of Red Shed was lifted close to his face, causing Aldon to smirk at the action.

"Look at you being considerate."

"Ya look like ya needed a drink."

"Even if I was an alcoholic, I cannot get drunk. Besides, I prefer wine over beer."

"How Christian of you."

"How French of me to be exact."

That brought a chuckle out of both Freaks, both returning to a state of silence as the van continued to drive.

"So ya got me to join your group of show ponies, now what?"

"We gather more allies to our cause."

"You're one to be ambitious mate, but that really depends on wot ya want as a 'friend'."

"I was 'oping you could reach out to a rather low-lying BLU Vagineer, different from ze one we 'ad to deal with."

"Me dealing with a Vagineer? Did ya really forget how bad I am with 'em?"

"I zink you're rather friendly with zem."

"I'll take a 'ard pass on it thanks. Anyone else you got?"

"Well, zere is ze Gentlespy-"

"Say no more."

"What?"

"I said 'say no more'. Patrice and I go back a long way. Knew 'im before I knew you."

"So it may seem. Very well, you will go and seek him out if you know where 'e was last seem."

"Heard he was causing havoc at Mercenary Park. Good place to start."

"Hearing you zis willing to 'elp is almost startling."

"I ain't willing to help your cause. I just got a really good fucking reason to use your show ponies to help me kill some smug experimenters."

A tired chuckle escaped Aldon's lips as silence engulfed the van once more, or at least his side of the van. In the back, he could hear muffled chatter from Aelfrun and William. He would be lying if he said he wasn't growing more confident in his desire to take down oWn once and for all, that goal growing closer each time. He had to remind himself that things will go wrong eventually.

He just didn't like not knowing when things will get ugly.