Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Camping out in the New Mexico desert wasn’t the most interesting area to camp, but it was just fine for Mick Mundy; The RED Sniper. Being a more introverted person and having grown up in the Australian Outback he preferred being out in less populated areas, out in nature. It had been a temporary ceasefire that allowed the Sniper to leave the base, so he gathered some supplies in town and drove out a few miles outside of the base, it would just be him, the creatures that roamed the desert and the stars.

Around 3 A.M. Mundy was starting to get tired, standing up from the folding chair he spent most of the evening stargazing in; he stretched popping his stiff joints before yawning. Ready to pour a bucket of water on his campfire he heard a loud snap of twigs, then a strange groaning sound in the distance. It didn’t sound right; slowly removing his kukri from the holster on his belt and a flashlight he cautiously headed toward the noise.

When Mundy reached the source of the noise his breath hitched; on the ground wrapped in twigs and brambles was a little girl, unconscious and wounded, her arms and legs bleeding with scrapes. Mundy looked around the area in panic wondering if the child had wandered off from her family or something worse; there was no one around, just barren desert.

“Where on Earth did you come from?” he said softly kneeling down to cut the little girl free from her twig prison. Slightly panicked he carried the child back to his camper gently placing her in the passenger seat before rushing to clean up his campsite, once finished he strapped her seatbelt in and started driving. It would have taken too long to get to town; luckily the Sniper was only a few minutes away from the RED base.

~

Upon reaching RED Base Mundy rushed the little girl into Herbert Ludwig, The Medic’s infirmary.
“Doc! I need ya help!” Mundy slamming the doors open startled the Medic at his desk.

“Sniper!? mein freund, what are you doing back? I thought you were out camping?”

“I was then this little ankle-biter wandered into my camp! she’s hurt!”

Medic stood up immediately rushing over to the child in Sniper’s arms, a surprisingly serious look on the usually manic doctors face.
“bring the mädchen to the examination table” Medic replied gesturing toward the table the mercs knew all too well.

Sniper finally got a good look at the girl and was a bit caught off guard. She was wearing a dirty hospital gown, but there wasn’t a hospital for miles; there was no way she wandered from Teufort Hospital all the way out to his camp site. Another strange thing was her long unkempt hair was almost white, he had heard of people like this. Albinos? it made sense she was very pale, almost ghost-like. His thoughts were interrupted by Dr. Ludwig.

“Herr Sniper, you said she was out in the desert, ja?” Sniper nodded.

”There is severe bruising around the neck… and here” The Medic pointed to the nastier wound on her arm.

“these grazes are from a gun...someone was shooting at this child...wherever she came from...she likely ran for her life...”

Suddenly the atmosphere of the infirmary changed, Medic’s doves flew away from the table, the child started stirring. Her eyes quickly opened, sitting up she moved her arm toward the two men and an invisible force slammed them into a nearby wall; her electric blue eyes glaring at them. She was panting and sweating, concentrating on holding them in place.

Medic suddenly started laughing “mein Gott! telekinesis! the kind has telekinesis! wunderbar!”

Sniper rolled his eyes, of course Medic would be excited about this, he then turned his attention back to the scared child. “K-kid! we’re tryin’ to help you! you’re hurt, if you let us go we can keep you safe!”.

Safe? was that possible? would these people keep her safe from the bad men? the tall skinny man didn’t look like he was lying, he actually looked concerned, the man in the glasses however looked similar to the bad men in the coats; she was getting tired. She released the two mercs, panting and light headed. Medic and Sniper stood up and cautiously walked back toward the examination table, she was still on guard, but giving them a chance.

“Doc, heal her” Medic nodded in response. “Alright mädchen, this will not hurt a bit! just sit back and relax” turning on the Medigun the girl’s wounds started to close up, she was still nervous, needed something to ground her; she grabbed the Sniper’s hand, catching the mercenary off guard; but he couldn't help but give her a gentle smile.

“Don’t worry Bug, you’re safe now...” she had never felt this before, a warmth in her chest...It felt...nice.

Chapter Text

Mundy looked at the clock, it was 4:58 A.M....almost dawn. The adrenaline had finally worn off and the Sniper was overcome with fatigue, but still held the child’s hand, she had managed to fall asleep. He didn’t know who she was or where she came from; but he wanted to protect her, it was almost instinctual.

"mein freund, you should rest, you look like death” Medic chuckled as he picked up papers and medical tools that had fallen due to the psychic blast.

“Wouldn’t be the first time I pulled an all-nighter Doc”

“Ja, but the mädchen seems to have grown attached to you; it would be best that you are alert when she wakes up, I do not think she would feel comfortable with my company” Medic pointed to the bed on the other side of the Infirmary. “Let’s place her somewhere more comfortable, ja?”.
Sniper nodded, gently lifting the sleeping girl from the examining table to placing her on the bed, yawning he pulled up a chair next to the bed and lowered his hat over his eyes to get some rest.

~

Mikhail, the Heavy had heard a loud noise in the Infirmary; at first he assumed it was the Medic doing another late-night experiment. It was almost dawn and the Doctor had not returned to their room, he grumbled as he got out of bed and got dressed. walking into the Infirmary he immediately noticed the chaotic mess; not the usual mess of blood and organs, but equipment, perturbed doves and paperwork strewn everywhere.

“Doktor, what happened?” he then noticed the Sniper and the sleeping child “Who is leetle girl?”

Ludwig looked up and smiled seeing the Heavy

“Ah, Misha! you would not believe the night we have had! Herr Mundy found this child in the desert, and the most exciting thing--she has telekinesis! slammed the both of us into the wall!” he excitedly replied pointing to the cracked tile wall.

The Heavy looked at the wall, then the girl, then back at the wall “You are happy about this?”

“Of course meine liebe! I have always wanted to study the phenomena of telekinesis and psychic energy! we have experienced magic before, so this is not out of the realm of impossibility!”

Mikhail sighed as Ludwig continued rambling about his studies. Taking a better look at the child he noticed her dirty hospital gown. “Leetle girl will need clothes”.

Medic stopped talking and nodded “Ja, she cannot walk around in that filthy thing”

“I will bring shirt, Heavy used to help sew sisters clothes, can make fit better”.

~

When the Sniper woke up he heard more voices than just the Medic, pulling his hat up he saw Mikhail and Ludwig chatting, the large man sewing one of his shirts to make it into a sort of makeshift dress. Medic was first to notice Sniper awake, he smiled; “Ah, did you sleep well?”.

Mundy shrugged “can’t complain” glancing over at the girl she was awake; she and an I.V. in her arm, but was calm and eating a piece of toast. She looked up at him and gave a small smile.

“Looks like you’re doing a lot better now, eh Bug?” she didn’t speak but nodded. Mundy was even more curious now. Standing up he walked over to the two other mercs “how is she doc?”

“Well, her wounds are healed...but she is underweight and was dehydrated”

Sniper nodded, Medic glanced over at the girl looking around the room as she ate.

“She is lucky you found her mein freund, I do not think she would have survived the night”.

“Has she said anything?”

Medic shook his head “Nein, not a thing. Perhaps in time she will speak, but for now we should focus on getting her clean and fed, ja? Misha is almost finished with her ‘dress’”

“Right, you mind if I use the tub in here?”

“not at all! you’re lucky I cleaned it the other day, I had used it to temporarily store specimens!” Ludwig chuckled. Sniper didn’t want to know, he turned around and headed back over to the child, he knelt down and smiled.

“Ya mind if we give ya a bath? then we can get ya some real brekky in the kitchen”
the girl stared for a moment, then nodded.

“Bonzer! how do ya like bubbles? my mum used to make bubble baths for me when I was an ankle-biter” he stood up and headed for the infirmary bathroom. She didn’t know what bubbles were, but the way the man sounded was happy, so maybe it was a good thing.

Medic removed the I.V and the girl entered the bathroom, she had only ever experienced showers; they were cold and confined metal boxes, the water was always freezing. “Alright Bug, ya ready?”

She cautiously walked toward the bathtub, she looked into it then looked up at Sniper as if asking ‘what now?’. “Alright i’ll give ya some privacy, once you’re undressed go ahead and get in the tub and I’ll wash your hair, that alright?” she nodded and Sniper turned around. Once he heard her get into the tub he knelt down and put some shampoo in her long hair and washed the dirt and grime off her. The water was comfortable and warm and the bubbles the man spoke about tickled her nose and smelled nice; she decided that she liked bubble baths.

Once the child was clean and dressed Sniper looked at the clock, 8:14 AM, the others would likely be getting breakfast ready in the kitchen.

“Ya ready for some brekky?” he asked

she grabbed his hand and shyly nodded, Mundy chuckled as he lead her down the hall away from the Infirmary to the kitchen.

Chapter Text

The chatter in the kitchen was lively as ever; Dell Conagher, the Engineer was flipping pancakes on the oven range while the rest of the mercs were at the large table in the center of the kitchen. Jane Doe, the Soldier was at the moment strangling the Scout, Jeremy Willis.

“SAY THAT AGAIN MAGGOT! I DARE YOU!” the Soldier yelled

“urk!-baseball is better than football!” the choking younger man gasped out; he then looked over at his father, the RED Spy who was nonchalantly reading the morning newspaper and occasionally sipping his coffee.

“P-Pops! get-him off me will ya!?”

The Spy lowered his paper and glanced over at his son “If I help you every time you get into trouble you will not learn anything, mon petit lapin.” Jeremy gave an annoyed glare as he gasped for breath, Spy simply returned to reading.

Dell stopped cooking for a moment to break up the one-sided fight “now, now Soldier I don’t think Scout meant any ill-will, plus he’s no good to the team dead”.

“FINE, BUT HE’S ON THIN ICE” Soldier released Scout from his grasp and returned to inhaling his pancakes and eggs. Jeremy finally able to take some deep breaths sat back a little bit. Pyro the sole woman on the team patted him on the back gently giving a muffled “there, there” before going back to drawing pictures of rainbows and fire. Tavish Finnegan DeGroot, the Demoman was hungover, his head laying on the table in his own drool, mumbling about God only knows what; a typical morning at the RED Base.

It was then that Sniper walked in with the little girl. “Morn mates! smells good in here” the other mercs turned to the entrance caught off guard by the usually quiet Sniper, they then noticed the white-haired little girl next to him, she was wearing one of Heavy’s shirts, it had been altered slightly to fit her better, looking more like a one-piece dress. Dell was the first to speak.

“Well, I'll be! who’s this little lady?” the Engineer knelt down giving her a warm smile. Sniper rubbed the back of his head and then proceeded to tell the others about the night before. Pyro waved happily to the child offering her a seat while Sniper told his tale. She sat down and Dell placed a plate of pancakes in front of her, Pyro poured some maple syrup on the pancakes and the little girl’s eyes almost sparkled at the stack of flapjacks.

“So wait this kid is just gonna stay at the base? We’re mercenaries, not babysitters” Scout scoffed

Spy sipped his coffee before speaking up “I believe what Jeremy is trying to say is that a war zone is no place for a child. But it is clear there is something sinister at work here, and if she had the abilities that you claimed to have witnessed then she cannot be taken to the Authorities”.

“It is true Herr Spy” Medic and Heavy entered the now crowded kitchen “The mädchen has telekinesis...though we do not know where she came from, the state she was in last night was serious, it is clear she was in a very dangerous situation; so for now it would be best that she remain here”.

There was a deafening silence for a moment; even Demoman seemed to have sobered up a bit. Spy broke the silence.“And what shall we tell Miss Pauling? I doubt she or the Administrator will approve of us housing a child, let alone a child being pursued by who knows what”.

Sniper finally spoke up “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it”.

Spy raised an eyebrow “and you will be parenting this child Bushman? what of her education? you live in a van, a small one at that.” Mundy scowled at the man; but knew Spy had a point, he wasn’t equipped to take care of a kid. The closest experience he had to taking care of something was the animals on his parents farm.

“Uh, yeah what even is her name? she hasn’t said anything” Scout added, he looked over at the girl awkwardly trying to use a fork to bite into the pancakes.

“Whats your name Squirt?” she looked up from her meal but still said nothing. Medic took this time to respond on her behalf.

“I do not believe she has a name Jeremy, after examining her I only found one form of identification... on the back her neck is a series of numbers: 0013...likely this is what her captors called her”

Demoman slammed his fist on the table startling the others. “That ain't a bloody name! that's a damn serial number! poor Lass is probably one of those gover’ment weapon experiments they always working on makin’ to fight wars!”

“....Demoman has point, prisoners in gulag were sometimes taken to military doktors; stories are haunting” Mikhail added. A weapon...this child was being made into a weapon? This made Mundy’s blood boil.

~

Out in the New Mexico desert men in black suits and armed soldiers combed the area following trail of blood and small footprints, one of the soldiers approached the man leading the group.

“Sir, the trail ends there, looks like someone found it” he said pointing to the remnants of a campfire.

“....Follow the tire tracks, call me when you find where they are”

"Sir!" The soldier saluted and gathered his men.

The man in black scowled staring off in the direction that vehicle had went.

Chapter Text

She was in awe of this new place; everywhere she turned she encountered something new and interesting. They gave her fluffy flat things to eat; they were the most amazing things she had ever tasted! She was happy the tall skinny man had found her; the other people were interesting too and they seemed to want her to stay; this made her feel that warm feeling again.

Once breakfast was finished and the kitchen cleaned some of the mercs relocated to the rec room, Pyro and the little girl sat on the floor looking at pictures in various magazines and books while the others went about their favorite recreational activities. Sniper decided to get some air, heading out onto the shaded balcony of the base. Sitting down in one of the chairs he sighed heavily still trying to take in everything that had happened, and the roller coaster of feelings he was experiencing. Dell joined him outside, sitting down in the chair next to Mundy.

“What’s on your mind Slim? you’ve been quiet since the discussion at breakfast”

“....A day ago I thought I had my life figured out, was content with making a quid shooting blokes in the head for a livin’, but since I found that little ankle-biter in the desert...I want to protect her, and I don’t understand why I care so much”.

Dell chuckled “those are paternal instincts! sounds like you wanted to be a papa and you didn’t even realize it Mick”.

A father? Mundy had never considered it, he never thought someone like him could even be a father. Back home he was considered an outcast due to his skinny frame and inability to grow Australia-shaped chest hair, so having a family of his own seemed like a pipe dream. But this little girl had no one, didn’t even have a name. Maybe it was fate that brought them together.

“...A dad..” Mundy smiled.

The conversation was interrupted by Scout peeking his head out “hey, uh Snipes? your kid is making Soldier fly with her brain” he said plainly as if it was a normal occurrence. Both men looked at each other then briskly walked back into the rec room. Just as Scout said Soldier was hovering in the air, seemingly enjoying it.

“So uh, we all wanted to see her use that power you guys were talkin’ about and-” Scout was interrupted by an ecstatic Jane Doe.

“I AM AN UNSTOPPABLE AMERICAN EAGLE! HAHAHA!” Soldier pointed down at the smiling girl on the floor

“WELL DONE CADET!”.

“Good Golly Miss Molly! she really does have telekinesis!” Dell exclaimed in awe of the situation, Medic was taking notes observing the scene, Pyro was clapping happily. Mundy was relieved it was a more light-hearted scene compared to last night when she had him and Medic slammed into a wall.

“Alright Bug, could ya set him down? I think he’s had enough fun” the girl smiled and nodded, gently lowering Soldier back down to the ground, a disappointed ‘aww’ was the man’s response to returning to Earth.

~

The remainder of the day Mundy with a bored Scout tagging along gave the child a tour of the base, eventually reaching the bedrooms. “This is where everyone sleeps, ‘cept me. I sleep out in the camper; but reckon you can use the room they gave me, mostly been using it for storage-”

There was a tug on Mundy’s shirt the little girl shook her head and then opened her mouth, trying to form words with vocal chords that had barely been used “s..ss...st...staaaaaay...”.

Sniper stared wide-eyed, shaking the shock off the merc smiled “now that's a lovely voice...” he said softly

“s..st..stay” she said again

“You...want to stay with me? is that what you’re trying to say?”.

She nodded, it was scary for her to finally speak, her entire life she had been punished for trying to talk; only ever using to voice to scream and cry when the bad men would punish her for not doing as she was told. But these people wanted her to talk, wanted to know how she was feeling; and what she wanted more than anything was to stay with her rescuers.

“W-well, all right I’ll try to figure something out with the camper, guess you can use the bed and I’ll take the swag and sleep on the floor, bit too tall for the bed anyway; legs hang off” Sniper snickered

“You’re gonna need to get a bigger camper at some point Snipes”

Scout was right; luckily he had some extra money from the previous mission, more than enough to buy one of those fancy campers with two beds. “Yeah...since we’re still under a ceasefire I should look into that tomorrow, ya mind watching her then?”

“U-uh yeah! no problem! I’ll watch the runt for ya, besides Pyro’s been hogging her all day”

Mundy’s eyebrow raised slightly “this mornin’ you didn’t even want her here, what changed?”

Jeremy blushed “I changed my mind okay! she’s got cool powers and....I kinda always wanted a sister okay? plus I get to be a BIG brother for a change!”. Right, Jeremy was the youngest; he had 7 older brothers.

“All right mate” Sniper turned his attention back to the child “How’s that sound? want Scout to be your big brother?”.

She thought for a moment “what...brother?”

“Well...it’s a boy that looks out for ya, usually close to your age; sometimes can be a nuisance, sometimes they’re related to ya--but that isn’t always the case". Sniper tried his best to explain, despite being an only child.

She then nodded with a smile “Yes...brother”.

Scout cheered in response “Hell yeah I ain’t the youngest no more!”

“What...about..you, what...you?” she asked the lanky merc.

He froze for a moment, it was now or never, Dell was probably right. “W-well...I guess, if ya like...I could be your papa?” nervousness in his words, the child’s face was unreadable.

She thought about it, ever since he found her the man had done everything he could to help her; maybe that was a ‘papa’. He wanted to keep her and she wanted to stay; the warmth in her chest grew.

“Okay....Papa...” she smiled.

It was like a surge of emotions, Mundy was fighting back tears, he knelt down and hugged the child gently. “She’ll be apples, I’ll keep ya safe Bug.”

“Woah Snipes, you cryin’?!”

“shut ya gob, Scout”.

Chapter Text

The next day like Sniper had said he was planning on heading into town to purchase a larger camper and sell his old one, as well as buy some other supplies; clothes for the kid, extra toiletries and provisions.

Mundy dropped the child off in the kitchen to have breakfast with the other mercs

“Alright Bug, I’m gonna be leavin’ for a bit; Scout is gonna be lookin’ after ya while I’m out”

“Will....be...back?” a hint of sadness in her tone.

“Of course Bug...you’re stuck with me” Mundy smiled, then looked over at Jeremy his face steeled

“Keep her safe, or I’ll shove this kukri through your gullet...”

“Jeez Snipes relax! me an’ the Runt will be fine! besides she could probably snap a guy in half just by lookin’ at ‘em!” Scout crossed his arms defensively.

Mundy gave the younger man a look of warning before patting the little girl on the head; he then left the base.

~

Later that day Scout and the girl headed to the back of the base; luckily the area was not built up like the front and had a semblance of a yard, pulling a baseball, some mitts and his trusty bat out of his bag he showed them to the curious little girl.

“Alright Squirt, your Big Bro Jeremy is gonna teach you how to play the best sport in da whole world; baseball!”

“...baseball..”

“Dats right! I’m basically a master at the game; played since I was old enough to hold a bat! first thing were gonna do is practice jus’ throwin’ the ball back and forth. Once ya’ get the hang of dat’ we can try hittin’ with the bat”

He handed her one of the mitts, it was comically too large for her tiny hand; the Scout couldn’t help but snicker “alright maybe I should just let you throw, dat things way too big for ya!”

Her first attempt at throwing the ball didn’t go very far, landing at Scouts foot “eh, that ain’t bad for a-how old are ya anyway?”

“old...?”

“yeah uh, how long have you been alive? I guess?”

“...bad men...say...0013..is...2,555 days...” she recited, not really knowing if that was what Scout meant.

Scout’s face was blank, probably trying to comprehend what was being said to him. Math was never his best subject in school, though the only subjects in school he was good at were Art and P.E.

“Uh....I guess I’ll have to ask Engie how much dat is later, but the ‘0013' crap has gotta stop; A number ain’t a name, Snipes better pick a name out for ya before I do--and I’ll name you something cool, like Ted Williams or Tom Jones!”

The child was starting to get the hang of throwing the ball, even managing to get it in the weird glove Jeremy had on his hand a few times. Scout was surprisingly enjoying spending time with the kid, it reminded him of when his brother’s would play baseball with him growing up.

The sun was starting to set and Scout got an idea.

“All right Squirt, before we head in I want ya to do somethin’ for me: You’re gonna use dat power of yours to throw the ball at me, and then I’m gonna hit it with this bat; understand?”

“What..if..hit?”

“Eh, don’t sweat it! I’ve had all my blood punched out before, getting beaned with a baseball is nothin’!”

Reluctantly the girl made the baseball float in front of her, waiting for Scout to take his stance with the bat. “wheneva’ you’re ready Squirt!” she nodded

The ball started spinning in place; faster and faster before launching toward Scout. He grinned hitting the ball as hard as he could, he was pushed back a couple centimeters due to the force of the throw but the hit was a success launching out into the sky to God knows where.

“HOME RUN BABY! WOOOO!” he ran over lifting the child up and started spinning her around in celebration, she started giggling. “If da Red Sox had you as their Pitcher they’d be unstoppable! aww man that was awesome...Okay Squirt lets head in”.

~

Setting her down he picked up his gear and they went back inside. Walking down one of the halls Scout stopped in his tracks, he heard the sound of a Spy cloaking. Kneeling down he moved the child behind him against the wall and looked around the corner; it was the BLU Spy.

“Crap, why’s a BLU here? gotta hit da alarms” he whispered sidling against the wall he flipped a nearby switch....nothing. The BLU Spy had somehow disabled the alarms, he was heading toward the Intelligence Room. Scout was panicking now, but he had an idea...a bad idea...but an idea, he turned to the child.

“Ok Squirt, ya see that guy in the blue suit and mask? he’s our enemy, and is trying to take some important stuff, if we don’t stop him it will be bad...REALLY bad, so it’s up to us to take him down.”

“...Objective...destroy enemy...” she knew these terms, she had been taught them for as long as she could remember, to kill what was deemed an enemy.

“N-nah not destroy...we’ll capture him...Snipes would be pissed if I had you killin’ someone...even if it’s a back-stabbin’ rat”

“...Capture...okay..” she acknowledged.

~

The BLU Spy had succeeded in infiltrating the RED Base, disabling the alarms had been almost child's play, he didn’t care that it was a ceasefire; he wanted more than anything to prove he was a better spy than that Frenchman....his arrogance irritated the Englishman and his loud obnoxious brat of a son...he would love nothing more than to never hear that Boston accent again, though BLU’s Scout wasn’t any better; being from New York.

He entered the Intelligence Room, victory was almost in his hands; stepping closer and closer to the briefcase his heart pounded with excitement--then he felt a presence. He quickly turned around, staring up at him was a pale white-haired girl, was he going mad? was this a ghost? her blue eyes looked almost as if they were glowing in the dark room; it was unsettling. He tried to move, but his body was being held in place by some unknown force.

“Yo pally! over here!” that familiar Boston accent...oh no.

“BONK!” Scout smacked the BLU spy upside the head with his baseball bat knocking the man unconscious.
Scout started rummaging through the Spy’s coat, removing weapons and finding a device with the words SPYTECH on it, he pushed some buttons and suddenly the RED Bases alarms started up. Within a minute the RED team in the area arrived.

“What the Sam Hill is goin’ on!? how did the BLU Spah get it in here!?” exclaimed the Engineer, the RED Spy walked over to his son and gestured for him to hand him the device.

“It would seem that the BLU Spy got his hands on some new equipment, capable of temporarily disabling our security measures. I take it you two are responsible for his capture, oui?”

Jeremy smiled, there was a hint of satisfaction in his father’s voice.

“Yeah Pops! we just came in from playin’ ball when I saw this shape-shiftin’ rat sneakin’ around; so me and the Runt hatched a plan!”

“...Capture successful...” she added

“What do we do with BLU Spy?” Mikhail asked setting his beloved gun Sasha down.

Stepping forward the Medic had a familiar glint in his eye a devious grin on his face. “Misha, let us take him to my laboratory...I’m sure we can cool his head...”.

The Heavy knew that look, he sighed and lifted the still unconscious BLU Spy and proceeded to follow the doctor.

Chapter Text

It had taken a few hours to negotiate a deal with the salesman but Mundy had managed to trade in his old camper for a newer one that would be more accommodating for him and the girl.

Mikhail was nice enough to give him the child's estimated measurements so he was able to pick up some clothes for her; he was a little sheepish being the only man in the store, but the clerk was nice enough to help him pick out some practical but cute outfits.

It was getting late and the sun was starting to set, but Mundy had managed to get everything done that he had planned. As he walked to his van from the parking lot he noticed someone kneeling down near his tires; at first he thought it was a hooligan playing a cruel prank by slashing his tires, but that wasn’t the case. It was a man in black suit.

“What the heck are you doing there mate?” Sniper’s tone was calm but threatening, the man stood up and dusted himself off.

“Oh! I apologize! I’ve been meaning to get some new tires for my car and I was checking out the brand on yours; they look nice and sturdy! but I digress, have a good night sir!”
And with that the man in the suit casually walked toward the stores disappearing into the crowd. Mundy knew better, this guy was up to no good; either way he would be a dead man if he tried anything.

As Mundy drove off the man watched him leave, then walked over to a nearby payphone and dialed a number.

“Well?” the man on the other line sounded impatient

“The tires are a match Sir”.

“Follow him, but don’t engage.”

“Understood”.

~

Finally arriving back to the base Mundy parked the camper in his usual spot and headed inside, but as soon as Mundy walked through the entrance he had the barrel of Soldier’s shotgun in his face.

“FREEZE BLU SCUM! IF YOU MOVE I WILL TEAR YOU IN HALF CUPCAKE!”

Mundy put his hands up in the air “Holy dooley! Solly it’s me ya drongo! put the damn gun down!”.

“Jane, it’s just Sniper ya eejit!” Tavish ran down the hall to calm his friend down, moving the shotgun out of the way of Sniper’s head.
“Sorry about that laddie, a BLU Spy broke in the base and dinnae if any more BLU’s were prancin’ aboot”.

Tavish knew Mundy would have worried hearing that the BLU Spy had infiltrated the base, he patted the lanky man on the shoulder “An’ before ya ask, the Wee Lass is fine. It was her and Scoot that ended up savin’ the day”.

Sniper sighed in relief

~

Scout and the girl were in the rec room watching television when Sniper entered the room, her face lit up seeing the man, she quickly jumped off the couch and ran into the mans arms.

“You’re...back”.

Mundy chuckled “I guess ya missed me then?”

She nodded.

“Hey Snipes welcome back! So I’m pretty much the best babysitter evah, even took down the BLU Spy while watching da Runt”.

“Tavish told me what ‘append, I’m just glad no one got hurt...well aside from the spook. Good job Jeremy”.

Scout didn’t expect to get thanked, most of the time he felt like no one appreciated him; but he got praised twice today, he was grinning ear-to-ear.

“Yeah, no problem! da two of us make a great team; we could take down an entire army of spies!”

“A swollen head will do you no good, mon petit lapin” the RED Spy decloaked behind the couch. Scout was startled falling down onto the floor.

“AHHHH! o-oh hey Pops”.

Spy rolled his eyes then walked toward Sniper and the girl “Although Jeremy is exaggerating it was a boon that they were able to stop the BLU Spy, it seems he got his hands on some technology I was not aware of”.

“Anyone interrogatin’?”

Spy took a drag of his cigarette “Oui, I believe he is in the company of the Medic...I do not wish that upon anyone; even that fool”.

Sniper blanched, he knew what the doctor was capable of; especially when he was performing experiments in the name ‘of science’. Heck the Medic had experimented on the entire RED team to make them compatible with the ÜberCharge.

“W-well hopefully the Doc doesn’t have too much fun with the poor bastard...” .

Spy took another drag of his cigarette and nodded.

~

Later after dinner Mundy carried the child out to the new camper, entering the new space he was just as excited as she was. Inside was much larger than his original camper; more spacious kitchen/dining area, and since he was no longer going to be living by himself he made sure there was a proper bathroom; he also didn’t really want to deal with explaining to her what Jarate was.

The biggest change was in the back, two beds on each side of the camper walls. One bed had a set of lilac purple bedding on it and Mundy’s koala plush he would keep on his pack laid next to the pillow. Under each bed was two large drawers for clothing and other items, one side of her drawers had new clothes and the other had various items like board games, coloring books and children’s books.

“I didn’t know if you could read, but that doesn’t really matter; I plan on teachin’ ya as best I can... also could read to ya before bed if ya like-”

Mundy’s head was engulfed in a hug, he smiled placing the girl down on her new bed, he knelt down to look her eye-to-eye.

“I’ve been thinkin’ about this for a while now and...I think I know what I want to name ya...”

“Not...0013?”

“Nah, no one here is gonna call you that.” Mundy started fidgeting with his hat nervously “I-I think I’m gonna call ya...Alice. It’s my Mum’s name an’ I think it suits ya.”

“...Alice...I am...Alice..not...0013...” she recited

“That's right Bug, you’re Alice now”.

“Thank you...Papa, I...like new name”. the newly named Alice grinned

Mundy had to fight back tears again, she was too damn adorable.

Chapter Text

A week later the ceasefire had ended, so the RED and BLU mercs would have to go back to fighting. Mundy was uneasy leaving little Alice by herself in the base; but it was the safest option. She wasn’t in the Respawn System and none of the mercs wanted to risk the little girl getting killed on the field.

Sniper sat Alice down on the couch in the rec room. “All right Bug, I want you to promise me you will stay in the base while me and the others are working”

“...promise?” Alice didn’t know what that word meant, Mundy had to explain it in a way a child would understand.

“It’s like...an agreement, by staying in the base you’ll be keeping your promise”

Alice nodded “Okay Papa, I promise”

Mundy smiled “Let’s make it a ‘pinky promise’ then; put your littlest finger out and I’ll mine and we’ll link ‘em together like this” he demonstrated. “There, it’s an official promise then!”

Alice smiled and nodded.

~

Alice spent some time coloring pictures, attempted to read a book; but didn’t get very far (she was still learning how to read) and watched a little bit of television. But she was getting restless, she couldn’t leave the base so she decided it was better to just explore.

~

The BLU Spy had lost track of how long it had been since he had been captured by the RED’s, his ego had gotten the better of him and now he was paying the price. The RED Medic had decapitated him and somehow kept him alive, now a prisoner in the madman’s refrigerator. Every day the Medic opened the fridge he would beg to be killed so he could go through respawn; the doctor would always say ‘later’.

He wondered if his teammates would ever find him; or if they even cared he was gone. The only BLU that he really considered a friend was Benoit, the BLU Heavy. A jovial fellow who grew up in the French Quarter of New Orleans; the large man would always entertain the Englishman with stories of his youth. Oh, how much he missed those stories now.

Suddenly the refrigerator door opened, he had expected it to be the RED Medic; it was not. It was the pale little girl from the night he infiltrated the RED Base, the hair on the back of his neck stood up.

“W-what the bloody hell are you doing here!?”

She stared, not saying anything, was she a ghost?

“I-if you’re here to kill me, please just get it over with; I am absolutely knackered...” he sighed in defeat.

“....you kinda talk like Papa...”

The BLU Spy was dumbfounded

“Wot?”

“Papa says things like you do...”

This was one of the RED’s child? was that even allowed? At least she wasn’t a ghost--not that the BLU Spy was afraid of ghosts. Suddenly she reached her arms in and pulled the severed head out of the fridge, gently carrying him out of the Infirmary.

~

There was no talking for a while, the silence was eating away at the BLU Spy. “Where are you taking me?”

“...You look sad....” she replied simply.

He scoffed, he was being pitied by a child; he really did fall low. “You didn’t answer my question, you cheeky brat”

“..I thought we could play..that way you won’t be sad....” Pyro and Scout had taught Alice what playing was, now she loved it; maybe the sad Spy would too.

“Play? I’m not your nanny I am a spy!” but then he got an idea, maybe he could trick this kid into bringing him back to the BLU’s or at least fish some information out of her.

"fine, I will 'play' with you I suppose.." he grumbled.

Alice had decided to take the BLU Spy’s head out onto the balcony, it was outside but technically still the base.
It felt good to feel fresh air again; in the distance he could hear the sound of explosions and gunfire.

“Papa’s working...so I gotta stay here...”

“Who is your father?” the BLU Spy asked.

“Papa is....Papa”.

That didn’t answer anything! he was grinding his teeth in frustration, patience...its a child...a weird child that isn’t afraid of talking severed heads, but still a child. He seriously could go for a cigarette.

After some time drawing pictures, a few of the Spy head, some of Pyro's Balloonicorn and then some of some trees Alice looked up from her drawings at the Spy head.

“Why are you a enemy?”

The question caught the Spy off guard.

“....I’m a BLU, my job is to stop the RED’s” he said simply.

“..How come?”

“Because that’s what I’m being paid to do” he sighed, he was getting nowhere talking to this kid, but it wasn’t like he could leave, he currently didn’t have a body.

There was a loud CLANG below the balcony, it startled some birds causing them to fly up and away from the building. Alice took the Spy head and looked down, helping him look as well. It was a strange looking person that resembled a Scout. The BLU Spy soon realized that what he thought was a Scout was made of metal it had entered into the base.

“...That's not Jeremy...” Alice whispered.

“That is not our Scout either...what in the blazes is that?” the Spy added.

Carrying the Spy she headed back inside walking down the stairs and down the hall, Alice listened for the loud metallic footsteps of the metal Scout; it was close. She remembered the switch Jeremy had pressed to try to alert the others when the BLU Spy had broken in, she walked over to it; she was too short to reach.

“Now what will you do?”

She lifted the Spy head up and pushed his nose into the button “Oh.” he said flatly

The alarms started up alerting the metal invader of the little girl’s presence it started toward the strange duo.

The BLU Spy was starting to panic. “W-what do you think you’re going to do?! You can’t fight that thing!” he hissed.

“...destroy enemy..” she replied softy putting her hand out, her eyes started to glow.

The approaching robot started to twitch struggling to take a step forward, Alice concentrated harder, the metal scout started to get pushed back then was slammed into the hallway wall.
The BLU Spy’s eyes widened at the scene in front of him; he realized that this girl was the one that had prevented him from moving when the RED Scout attacked him. How was this possible?! he knew there was something off about the kid; but he didn’t think it was this.

“E-ER-ERROR-” the Scout-Bot was still twitching against the wall until something loud popped inside the robot’s body causing it to stop moving, she let go of it with her power and it fell to the ground in a pathetic heap of metal.

~

The match had ended in a stalemate, Mundy was at least grateful he didn’t get back-stabbed for a change; but the BLU’s definitely seemed more aggressive; likely because they knew their spy was still being held captive. He ended up having a sniping match against the BLU Sniper; an older Czech woman. He didn’t know much about her other than in World War 2 she was sniping the heads off of invading German soldiers that had tried to take over her village. When he did have face-to-face encounters with her she would tell him ‘how soft’ he was. It reminded Mundy of his dad; always calling him soft when they would have to put down a wounded sheep and he would get upset. Maybe he was soft, it didn’t matter anymore; he was happy.

As the RED team were packing up their equipment they heard the alarms at the base start going off, Alice was supposed to be the only one in the base; panic started to set in.

~

When the mercs arrived back at the base there was a crater in the wall of one of the halls, oil and other substances dripping from the hole as well as small metal bits. On the ground a trail of the substances showing that whatever it was being dragged through the base finally ending up in front of the kitchen; a heap of what looked like a robot, at the table was little Alice eating some grapes with the BLU Spy’s severed head on the table. The mercs stood there stunned at the scene.

”Holy Dooly! what ‘appened Bug!?”

Alice smiled seeing her father, not really reading his concern on his face

“...Hi Papa...this not-Jeremy came in...I protected base” she replied simply.

“woah, woah, woah! why does this thing look like me!? I’m gettin’ creeped out! It doesn’t even look cool like me!” Scout said poking the damaged Scout-bot with his bat.

The damaged robot immediately piqued the Engineer's interest, he just had to disassemble it to see how it worked.

“Well now this is interestin’....I’m gonna take this back to my workshop and figure out what it’s all about, I'll see ya fellas later” Dell said lifting the metal heap over his shoulder and leaving the room, everyone’s attention now turned to the BLU Spy head on the table. Medic stepped forward his eyes meeting the Spy’s, the head visibly nervous.

"Püppchen, you shouldn’t go through other people’s rooms and take things” he said in a kind yet firm tone

“...Mr. Spy was sad...so I played with him”

“Is.. he now...” Medic eyeing the BLU, that familiar glint returning.

“Well, no harm done! I’ll be taking him back for now! bis später!”

Alice waved goodbye to the Spy head, he gave a small smile back at her; as weird as the situation was he did sort of enjoy himself.

Chapter Text

The RED Spy walked into Dell’s workshop, on the table was the damaged scoutbot disassembled.

“What have you found Laborer?”

Dell sighed pushing his chair back gesturing for him to come closer.

“Whoever built this is using my grandfather Radigan Conagher plans...there’s Mann Co. parts in here too; this was made by someone with connections or there’s someone in the company embezzling.”

Spy took a drag of his cigarette “Yet they target us...do you think it has something to do with the girl?”

“...Maybe, Mick mentioned a fella checkin’ out his van the day he picked up the new camper; the people Alice ran away from are probably still looking for her...”

“I haven’t told the Bushman....I was looking for any information on the child....no birth certificate; no fingerprint matches, not even a missing person report matching her description.”

Dell shook his head in disbelief “So what Tavish said might be true, poor kid was likely an government experiment”.

“Your family has spent generations working for the Mann’s; have you ever heard of anything like this?”

“Nope....but I’m gettin’ the feeling that if I reassemble this robot I might be able to get more information”.

Spy furrowed his brow “You intend to interrogate the machine?”

The Engineer chuckled

“Somethin’ like that, if I can reprogram him maybe he’ll be willin’ to share”.

~

It was a new day, luckily with no robot invaders. Pyro had patrolled the building checking for any ‘unwelcome guests’, afterwards she decided that it was time for a tea party; it had been some time since she threw one. She decided on who her guests would be and wrote down some invitations; she first arrived at the Infirmary.
Medic was experimenting with an exotic animal organ when she walked in. “Oh hallo Fräulein! are you here for a check up?”

Pyro shook her head no, and handed Ludwig one of the invitation cards; after reading it one of his eyebrows raised.

“.....Well I suppose that is fine, I have collected all I need from the experiment anyway; do with him what you will!”

Pyro clapped her hands happily and went to the refrigerator taking the BLU Spy head out.

“Please kill me” the head asked the masked woman, she shook her finger in disapproval. There would be no killing during party time!

~

Next up was Demoman; Tavish was once again hung over this time laying on the floor in one of the hallways.

“urrrgghhhhh....” Tavish groaned, his head was killing him. A shadow suddenly blocked out the light above him looking up he saw Pyro standing over him.

“Hhhhhou's it gaaaaun Py?”

“Mrrrphh mph!”

She handed him the invitation then waved as she headed outside.

~

There was a knock on Snipers camper, Mundy rarely had visitors unless it was Scout pestering him or if there was a team meeting. He stood up from his seat and opened the door seeing it was Pyro.

“G’day Sheila, what can I do for ya?”

“Hrrroo! Mrprh mpphh!” she handed him the invitation. Looking down at it he had expected one of the Pyro’s childish drawings, but instead it was written out in cursive, very official looking.

You are invited to Pyro’s Exclusive Tea Party: Sniper & Alice
Location: Pyro’s Room

Time: 1:00 PM

Mundy was a bit taken aback, he had never been invited to anything; not even a birthday party. He was also a bit leery of the arsonist, sure she had moments where she was kind--but he had seen what she would do on the field, it was the sort of stuff that could keep a person up at night with nightmares.

“Hello miss Pyro..” Alice appeared next to her father’s leg smiling at the masked woman, Pyro waved happily in response before leaving to go back into the base.

Mundy closed the door and placed the invitation on the table, Alice curious as ever looked at it; making out some of the words. “...Whats that?..” she asked looking up at the Sniper.

“Oh, uh...well I guess Pyro’s invited us to a party”

“what’s party?”

“Well it’s like a event...where people gather and talk, eat food, and have fun?”

Alice’s eyes sparkled, she loved eating food and having fun!

“Are we going to go?”.

If it had been the Mundy a few weeks ago, he probably wouldn’t have ever considered going. But now, the little girl’s quiet excitement was infectious; plus out of all of the mercs on base, Pyro was the most mysterious to him; maybe this was a chance to get to know her better.

“Alright Bug, we’ll go; brush your hair and get dressed”.

~

Everything was set up, Pyro made sure her room was neat and tidy before anyone arrived; the tea table was immaculate. She got out of her usual fire-proof suit and picked out a lovely pink floral mini dress with long sleeves, but kept her mask on.

~

Sniper & Alice arrived a few minutes before 1PM, he knocked on the Pyro’s door not sure what to expect; but as long as Alice had fun he’d be happy.

Pyro opened the door giving a muffled but excited ‘hello!’ gesturing for them to come inside. Pyro’s room was not what Mundy has expected; he was sort of anticipating gasoline, bloodstains and matches everywhere. Instead her room was clean and very...pink. Lacy pillows on the bed that was covered in stuffed animals, a desk covered in art supplies and a tea table with a flowery tea set, a large plate with sandviches and another plate with cookies. Demoman and the BLU Spy’s head were already at the table.

“‘Ey! Sniper and the Lass! glad to know me and the heed aren’t the only guests!” Tavish chuckled as he took a sip of tea.

“I don’t know how you expect me to eat of drink anything, I don’t have a body at the moment...” the Spy head grumbled, he was still baffled why the firestarter would invite him of all people; but it was better than being trapped in the Medic’s refrigerator.

Pyro pulled out chairs for her guests and proceeded to pour tea for the two new guests; the tea smelled...nice.

“It’s chamomile tea with honey, did wonders on my hangover” Tavish said to try to ease the Sniper worries. Mundy took a sip....and it was very good, it actually relaxed him a bit.

“So Spook, why DID you try to sneak into our base during the ceasefire?” Sniper leered at the Spy head

“I-I simply wanted to prove I was better than your spy...I didn’t know it would backfire this bloody bad”

“Papa....can Mr. Spy go home?...” Alice asked while nibbling on a sandvich, this caught everyone but the Pyro off guard.

“Lass....you know we’re enemies with BLU right?” Tavish asked with concern.

“...I know...but Mr. Spy’s friends...probably miss him...”

The BLU Spy was speechless; this little girl was showing him compassion that he had never expected--especially in his line of work, his original plan was to use this kid to escape...now without being influenced she was asking for him to be returned to BLU.

Sniper sighed, he REALLY didn’t want to get backstabbed again; but if he was in the Spy’s situation he wouldn’t want to be stuck as just a head.
“Alright Bug, after this I’ll make sure the spook goes back to BLU”

Mundy turned his attention to his hostess “that okay with you Shiela?”

Pyro gave a thumbs up, the lower part of her mask was pushed up. “Medic said that’s okay! he’s done with the Spy” she chirped.

It was the first time Sniper and Demoman had heard Pyro’s voice without her mask on; her voice was warm and cheerful.

~

Once the tea party had ended Mundy asked Pyro to watch Alice for a few minutes so he and Tavish could deal with the BLU Spy; they took him outside and placed him on a nearby fence.

“I...appreciate this Aussie”.

Sniper shrugged "no worries Spook; I’ll make it quick and painless”

The Spy chuckled “See you on the battlefield”.

~

At the BLU Base the Respawn Machine started up. Most of the BLU team had been in their rec room; suddenly the BLU Engineer rushed into the room.

“The Spy is back!” he exclaimed; the team got up and quickly followed the Engineer.

The BLU Spy was a little disoriented, having his limbs back was almost...strange, as he took his first step out of the respawn he almost fell; a large hand prevented him from hitting the ground, he looked up and smiled. “Hello there Benoit...”.

"Laissez les bons temps rouler, Eugene” The Heavy grinned.

~

Back at the RED base Mundy returned to Pyro’s room to pick up Alice, when he entered the room Pyro was braiding Alice’s hair while she played with Pyro’s Balloonicorn plush.

“Ya ready to head out Bug?” Alice nodded and stood up to follow the Sniper.

Before he could close the door Pyro gently took Sniper’s hand to stop him.

“Ya need something Sheila?”

She nodded and proceeded to take her mask off, Mundy’s breath hitched. Underneath the mask was messy short red hair, her eyes were brown; her face had some faded burn scars mixed in with her freckles. “Thank you for coming to my party Sniper! I’m so happy you and Alice spent time with me!”.

Mundy started blushing

“N-no worries, Sheila”.

Chapter Text

Miss Pauling was going to be visiting the base today; the mercs (except Scout) were dreading it, having to explain why Alice had been living there. They knew having a civilian, let alone a child on the base was against the rules. The moment Miss Pauling drove up the long dirt path on her motorbike Mundy felt anxious, he took a deep breath and steeled himself.

As soon a Flo Pauling walked into the building she was greeted by Scout, much to her dismay.

“Heya Miss Pauling, did’ja do somethin’ new with your hair?”

“Uh, Hi Scout. No my hair is the same as always, is everyone in the Meeting Room?” she was annoyed but always kept professional, as long as he did his job she would put up with his attempts at flirting.

“Oh! oh yeah! I just figured I’d uh...walk you there” Jeremy said awkwardly knowing full well she knew where the Meeting Room was, but he still followed her like a lovesick puppy.

~

“Alright everyone I’ve reviewed your work progress reports and so far everything is looking.....good...” Miss Pauling looked up from her paperwork finally noticing the pale little girl sitting on Sniper’s lap

“Why..why is there a kid here?” she was dumbfounded

“HELLO MISS PAULING, SNIPER FOUND A CHILD IN THE DESERT, SHE MADE ME FLY WITH HER BRAIN POWERS” Soldier explained...in his Soldier way.

“Wait what? Sniper you can’t have a kid here! this is a battlefield! and where are her parents?! You can’t just take someone’s kid!”

Mundy struggled to come up with an explanation; he felt like a deer in the headlights, luckily Spy stepped up in his place.

“I’m afraid it is more complicated than that Miss Pauling; from what information we have gathered she is likely some sort of escaped government test subject. She possesses the gift of telekinesis. If Monsieur Mundy had not brought her to the base she would have likely perished.” There was a hint of pleading in Spy’s tone, perhaps being a father himself made him empathetic to the situation.

Miss Pauling rubbed her temples in thought and stress.

“So Sniper, you decided to adopt her instead of taking her to the authorities?”

“I-I couldn’t just leave her...and if it’s the government she ran from they probably checked with the hospital and police first!” Sniper took a deep breath “Look, I know this isn’t an ideal situation...but everyone here agreed they want her to stay; she’s never been on the battlefield and I plan on keepin’ it that way...”

Miss Pauling was silent for what felt like an eternity.

“.....Alright...I’ll discuss it with the Administrator....considering the circumstances I can understand why you did what you did”.

“What if she says no?” Mundy almost whispered.

“I’ll...try to word it in a way she’ll see it as beneficial, considering your work performance report has improved in the past few weeks...” Miss Pauling trailed off “you said she has telekinesis?”.

Medic perked up.

“Ja! very powerful too! with what I have observed the Mädchen can lift several tons with her abilities. The first night she very well could have killed us if not for her weakened state; we are very lucky she took a liking to Herr Sniper”.

Miss Pauling turned her attention to the child, they both made eye contact.
“Whats your name Sweetie?”

“...Papa named me Alice...after his Mama...” she said softly.

“It’s nice to meet you Alice, do you like it here?”

Alice nodded “Yes...everyone is nice...they keep the bad men away”

“The Bad Men?”

Another nod.

“They made me...do bad things...if I didn’t...I would hurt...” Alice fidgeted twisting her hair nervously.

Miss Pauling frowned, the kid’s speech patterns were stilted, but she understood what the little girl was insinuating, she tried to change the subject.

“So Sniper is taking care of you?”

“Yes...he is Papa” she smiled, Miss Pauling smiled back.

~

After the meeting ended Dell stopped Miss Pauling in the hall

“Ma’am, there’s somethin’ else”

“Oh god, more kids?”

“Nah, nothin’ like that...we had a bit of a break-in the other day; only thing is what broke in wasn’t human, Alice was the one that stopped it”.

Miss Pauling furrowed her brow.

“Show me”.

~

Once in the Engineer’s workshop Miss Pauling immediately noticed the robot on the table, and the fact that is resembled Scout.

“What is this?”

“This, is what broke in. I took him apart and examined every nook and cranny, whoever made this fella was usin’ my Grandfather’s blueprints as well as Mann Co. parts. I was hopin’ you’d be able to shed some light on this mystery” one of Dell’s eyebrows raised.

“I-I don’t know, I’ve never seen anything like this no one I know of at Mann Co. is even interested in robots!”

“Then it seems we have no choice Laborer” Spy appeared behind the two, somewhat startling them,

“Dammit Spah, ya gotta stop doin’ that! especially in my workshop!”

“Apologies, now if you please?”

The Engineer nodded and proceeded to activate the Scoutbot; it twitched and jerked before sitting up and looking at the three humans in the room.

“Greetings, how may I be of service?” It sounded like scout, only without his accent; which was odd.

“Well hello there, we were hopin’ you could tell us why you broke into our base and what your intentions are” Dell responded

“My Maker gave me the task of retrieving stolen government property from Reliable Excavation Demolition’s Teufort Base. I am a prototype and the Maker wanted to test out my capabilties. However I seem to have been damaged and do not have memory of anything past my instruction”. The robot tilted its head almost human-like

Spy took a drag of his cigarette. “Who is your maker?”

“My Maker is my creator, I was only programmed to identify him as the Maker”

“convenient, likely to hide the bastard’s identity”

Miss Pauling stepped forward “What government property were you looking for exactly?”

“The stolen government property was: Human Female Child 0013”.

“So our suspicions were correct, Laborer”.

“Guys, I’m going to discuss this with the Administrator; something is definitely going on at Mann Co. and TF industries...and that kid is somehow mixed into it”

“What shall we do with the machine?”

“I plan on tinkerin’ with him a bit; I have a feelin’ he might prove to be very useful” Dell chuckled.

Miss Pauling nodded.

“Alright, just keep working as usual and keep me posted on developments”

With that Miss Pauling left the room.

“Laborer, I have a request”.

“Whats that Spah?

“Change that thing’s voice; it sounding like Jeremy is...unnerving”.

Spy cloaked and left the workshop.

Chapter Text

A few days later Miss Pauling returned with some good news, Alice was given permission to stay on the base; as long as she didn’t participate on the battlefield.

Mundy was absolutely thrilled upon hearing the news, though the Spy suspected the Administrator had her own reasons for allowing such a strange situation.

It had been some time since Alice had started living on the base and Medic had mentioned it would be wise for her to get a physical. Mundy was a little hesitant, considering the trauma the girl probably had; but he also knew it was important she was healthy, so he agreed.

“Alright Bug, Medic just needs to check ya over to make sure you’re healthy; I’ll be with ya the whole time if ya get scared”.

“...Will it hurt?” Alice had a hint of worry in her tone.

“I’ll make sure it doesn’t”.

Sniper held Alice’s hand as they walked toward to the Infirmary.

~

Upon entering the Infirmary Mundy noticed that Ludwig was at his desk taking notes, his favorite dove Archimedes sitting on his shoulder. Upon hearing the door open his attention turned to the visitor.

“Guten tag Herr Sniper! to what do I owe the pleasure?”

Mundy rubbed the back of his head nervously “Uh.. well since Miss Pauling gave the okay for Alice to stay, I reckon It was a good idea for her to get that physical ya mentioned".

“Ah! wunderbar!” Medic directed Alice to the examination table, she hesitated a little.

“Do not worry Püppchen! nothing will hurt, I promise!”

Mundy gave Ludwig a look that said ‘hurt her and you’re a dead man’, the Medic gave a nervous chuckle. Taking his stethoscope Ludwig checked Alice’s vitals, then used his reflex hammer to check her tendon reflexes and nervous system.

“Vitals are normal, as are her reflexes...now to check height and weight; over to the scale please”

Alice jumped down and headed toward the scale, after checking her height and weight Medic directed the girl back to the table.

“Hmm...she is a little short for her age; likely due to her...previous living conditions, as for weight she’s improved since the night you brought her”.

“Ya need anything else Doc?” Sniper asked.

“Just a few basic questions mein Freund” turning his attention back to Alice the Medic smiled, “are you feeling any pain or discomfort?”.

Alice thought for a moment. “...Sometimes...head hurts..”.

“Does it hurt when you use your abilities?”.

“...Sometimes...” she looked down at her shoes.

This concerned both men, Mundy moved closer to his daughter to hold her hand.

“Have you felt this pain recently?” Medic asked.

She shook her head.

“No...no one here makes me...use power too much...”

Ludwig started taking more notes, his interest in the girl’s power was complicated. Being able to study telekinesis elated the man, but he was torn as this child had suffered, likely from other scientists; sure the doctor had experimented on his coworkers and others, but even Medic had standards! Children were off-limits.

“...Well If you feel any pain like that please do not hesitate to tell one of us” he said as he placed his notes down on his desk, he then turned his attention to Mundy.

“You should be proud, her health has improved considerably”.

The Sniper smiled “wasn’t just me mate, everyone has pitched in taking care of this ankle-biter” he said as he ruffled the little girl’s hair.

~

That night Mundy was woken up by the sound of whimpering. At first he wasn’t fully aware of what was going on, being half-asleep he looked around the dark room; finally focusing his eyes he looked over at Alice’s bed, she was tightly curled up in her blankets and....some of her toys were floating above her. He stood up and went to check on her, she was crying in her sleep; the distress on her face was obvious. Gently placing his hand on her shoulder he attempted to shake her awake.

“A-Alice...wake up Bug, it’s just a dream” he was extremely worried; this was the first time she had done something like this.

It took a moment but the little girls eyes snapped open, causing the plush toys to fall to the ground. Bleary eyed she looked up at the worried Sniper.

“You okay Bug? I reckon you had a nightmare...”

She wiped tears from her eyes, but they kept falling; Mundy wrapped the girl in a hug. “...I thought the bad men took me...and I never got to see Papa again...” she said softly into his sleep shirt.

He gently rubbed the crying girl’s back to comfort her, he figured the physical earlier that day had triggered her nightmare.

“I won’t let that happen....and no one here will let that happen, anyone that comes after ya will have to face nine angry mercenaries”.

He picked the little girl up and took her to the kitchen area of the camper, he sat her down at the table and turned on the stove.

“My Mum used to make me hot chocolate when I had nightmares, I used to be scared of all kinds of things, would keep me up at night..”

“What...things scared Papa?”

Mundy snickered “snakes, bad storms, kids that used to bully me, that sort of thing...” after finishing making the cocoa he filled two coffee mugs and put them on the table.

“Those things are nothing compared to what you’re afraid of I reckon...” he said softly as he sat down.

She stared down at the drink in thought, then looked back up at Mundy. “I...I feel less scared now...no one makes me...use power to destroy enemies”

“Enemies?”

“Other numbers...big animals..”

‘Other numbers’....Mundy figured that meant other test subjects, they we’re likely making them kill each other; his blood ran cold at the thought. He could only imagine what kind of animals the poor kid had to fight too. He tried his best to compose himself, though he now wanted to find the monsters that were responsible and make them go through what this poor kid went through.

“From now on your job is to just be a kid; the only thing ya should be worried about is learning and playing”

She nodded giving a small smile, then took a sip of the hot chocolate; it was yet another thing she liked added to her list. After finishing their hot cocoa and brushing their teeth Mundy tucked Alice in, placing the koala plush back next to her.

“Good night...Papa” she said mid-yawn.

Mundy smiled and ruffled the girl’s hair “G’night Bug, sleep good”.

It took the Sniper some time to fall asleep, mostly worried that Alice would have another nightmare; but also thinking about what information he and the others been able to gather about what this kid had gone through. Regardless he made an unsaid promise to protect her, he really was becoming a father.

Chapter Text

The next day after the team’s mission for the day was over the mercs went about their daily routines, though Spy felt like he was being followed as he walked toward his smoking room. He immediately cloaked and looked to see that it was none other than Alice that was following him, he snuck up behind her.

“Boo”

The little girl squeaked jolting up as the Spy decloaked, he pulled out a cigarette and lit it nonchalantly, taking a drag of it. “Why are you following me?” he exhaled.

She looked down at her shoes twisting her hair nervously.

“Where is you father?”

“...practicing shooting...”

“So you have decided to bother me instead?”

More fidgeting, this reminded him of when Jeremy was a child; though not as talkative. He would follow Spy around when his mother was busy, wanting him to play.

The man groaned in defeat.

“Very well, you may accompany me; but do not touch anything expensive looking” he said as he opened the door to his Smoking Room. She followed behind, looking around at the paintings on the walls and the large bookshelves filled to the brim with novels in several different languages. He sat down in his favorite chair and poured himself a drink. Alice at down on the floor and stared into the fire burning in the fireplace.

“I’m afraid I do not have anything that would entertain a child, so I am quite confused as to why you are here”

She shrugged, not really having an answer. Still this gave Spy a chance to ask her some questions without the Bushman interfering. “I would like to know more about you, and the place you came from”.

She turned her head to look up at Spy, she frowned, but nodded. Good, she was willing to cooperate, Spy took a sip of his drink and began his ‘interrogation’.

“Where were you being held? and by who?”

“...It was a dark place...no windows, only bad men and other numbers... rooms made to test...power”

Of course, he was dealing with a seven year-old who was only recently learning how to speak; her explanations were not going to be easy to articulate. This was going to be frustrating, but Spy continued.

“Who were these ‘bad men’ you speak of exactly?”

“...Some wore coats..like Uncle Ludwig...others wore clothes like you...only black...”

So scientists and men in black, it really was a government facility, likely that only a select few in power would know about.

“What are these ‘other numbers’?”

“...Other numbers...like me, have power...”

Okay, so ‘other numbers’ were the other test subjects; understandable. Did they have powers like her? or perhaps different abilities? so many questions. But now the most important one, the reason she was even here in the first place.

“How did you escape, from these ‘bad men’ you speak of?”

She stared down at the ground, obviously a little uncomfortable about the questions.

“....Nice lady... she took off collar...opened vent..”

So...a woman helped her escape, perhaps grew a conscience--wait a collar?

“A collar?”

“All numbers had them...hurt if you didn’t do what bad men wanted...” she winced at the memory of the collar around her neck.

A shock collar by the sound of it; disgusting. Moving on it seemed this mystery woman was the one that triggered these series of events, likely guiding her to a ventilation shaft; so underground by the sound of it.

“So you escaped through the vent, then what happened?”

“Gunshots...nice lady told me..'run, don’t look back’...I run...a long time, hurt a lot, then got..sleepy” she started to smile “Then Papa found me...”

Spy knew the rest after that, he sighed, it was likely painful for her to remember such things, but it was necessary, his expression softened.

“I know it must be difficult to talk about your past, but it will help us in helping you face those demons..so you will not face them alone”.

He got a decent amount of information, it wouldn’t be good to overwhelm the kid; plus the Sniper would probably give him an earful if he pressed any further.

Spy chuckled “Well, I feel it is only fair I answer some of your questions; I am sure you have some”

She thought about it for a moment.

“...You are Jeremy’s Papa?”

Spy smiled “Oui, I am his father; we do not always get along, but I love my son”.

Alice nodded, moving on to her next question “Why do you wear mask?...”

“It is called a balaclava and it is to protect my identity; I am a Spy, so I must not let my enemies know who I really am...it is also to protect the people I care about”

She proceeded to ask a few more basic questions, like his ability to cloak and disguise; it was honestly a bit amusing. The endless curiosity of a child. At some point Spy got an idea, he stood up and headed toward a nearby desk; rummaging through a drawer he pulled out an old photo album. Sitting back down, he gestured for Alice to come closer.

“How about I show you some photos of Jeremy when he was a child?” Spy snickered opening the album.

~

Scout headed down the hall to his father’s Smoking Room, he knocked on the door before entering.

“Hey Pops, dinner is almost ready are ya gonna be joining....us?” Scout stopped in his tracks seeing Spy showing Alice something in what looked like an album, Spy was trying to hold in laughter. Realization kicked in and Jeremy’s face turned bright red.

“Oh God! are those my baby pictures!? You’re really showin’ her those!?”

Spy couldn’t hold it in anymore he started snort-laughing.

“Jeremy was cute baby...” Alice was oblivious to what would have been embarrassing about the pictures, she liked seeing the photos of little Jeremy with his mother and brothers. Spy was rarely in the pictures, as he was the one taking said photos.

Sniper had returned from practicing sharpshooting in the back, he started looking for Alice when he heard the commotion by Spy’s smoking room; he peeked his head in.

“Oh! there ya are Bug! ya ready to eat dinner?”

Alice lit up, running toward Sniper; he grinned and lifted the little girl up in his arms.

“Hope she didn’t cause ya too much trouble Spook”

Spy closed the photo album and placed it on the table next to him, he stood up and fixed his tie “Not at all, she was a very polite guest”.

“Still can’t believe you showed her my baby pictures...” Scout grumbled as Spy escorted everyone out of his Smoking Room.

Chapter Text

Pyro had gotten up early that morning, it was the mercs day off and she had plans. After the tea party she had become more interested in Sniper. He used to avoid everyone, never wanted to participate in group activities; but once Alice arrived he became fun! He smiled more and actually wanted to spend time with everyone, including her. Alice was a lot of fun too! she liked drawing and playing games with Pyro; plus she was magic! making things move with her mind, it was so exciting!

She headed toward Sniper’s Camper and knocked, a moment later Mundy opened the door and smiled.

“G’day Sheila, what can I do for ya?”

She lifted her mask up over her mouth and grinned “Hi Sniper! I was wondering if you and Alice wanted to go on a picnic with me!”

“A picnic eh? I know a nice spot if ya like”

Pyro clapped happily “Yes! that sounds exciting! I’m gonna go get some food ready! I’ll be back soon!”

She pushed her mask back down and waved goodbye to Sniper as she headed back to the base. She headed to the kitchen and started prepping. After filling her picnic basket with food and beverages Pyro headed to her room to get changed, she decided on a pink one-piece dress and a sun hat. She would take her mask off later.

~

Alice was looking out the window of the camper

“Papa, Miss Pyro is back”

“Alright Bug, get your shoes on; you’re gonna have your first picnic” Mundy couldn’t help but smile, the little girl’s excitement was infectious.

Meeting Pyro outside the Sniper led the two past the barn in the back of the base; it was one of the few spots in the area that actually had grass and trees. When they reached their destination it was under the shade of a large cottonwood tree, the field surrounding the area was mixed with various wildflowers like desert marigolds making a very scenic view. Pyro removed her mask and placed it in her bag, her doe-eyed stare taking in everything.

“Oh wow~! I never realized how pretty is was back here!” she chirped

“Yeah...pretty”

Mundy couldn’t help but look at the Pyro; most people would probably find her burn scars unattractive, but to him she was perfect. The way her freckles mixed with them made her look like a work of art in his eyes, and her red hair matched her passion for fire. His heart felt like it was fluttering.

Alice had only seen flowers in picture form, being able to physically touch and smell them; it was a thrilling experience for her. As they ate under the tree she couldn’t help but stare at the plants throughout the field. Mundy noticed and grinned.

“If you’re done eating you can look around, just stay where we can see ya”

Alice nodded and stood up, wandering to a nearby patch of wildflowers.

Sniper and Pyro ate in silence for a moment, finally working up the courage Mundy decided to start up a conversation.

“...This was a nice idea of yours, she hasn’t really had the chance to be out in nature like this...well in a relaxing way at least”

Pyro sipped some water before speaking. “I didn’t want to waste it being inside all day; plus I wanted to do something special with you two!”

Mundy blushed.

“W-why me exactly? I’m sure ya get along with the others much better”

Pyro twiddled her thumbs “Well...I want to get to know you better, you never wanted to do fun things like this before”.

She was right, before finding Alice...Mundy wouldn’t have bothered with making friends and forming bonds with the other mercs. The man he was now...was not the reclusive, stone-faced Sniper.

“Alright Sheila, to be honest...I’d like to know more about ya too”

~

 “What are they doin’ now Lad?”

“nothin! they’re just sittin’ there talkin’!” Scout frowned as he looked through binoculars.

Demoman, Scout and Soldier were in the loft area of the old barn, watching the picnic in the distance. Scout had noticed Pyro earlier making food for the picnic, curiosity got the better of him. At some point Tavish and Jane joined in watching the scene unfold.

“I WANT TO LOOK IN THE BINOCULARS, STOP HOGGING THEM MAGGOT”

As Scout and Soldier wrestled for the binoculars Tavish sighed, his arm resting on the windowsill; though he never outright said it the Scotsman was a sucker for romance.

~

“What’s your name?...if ya don’t mind me asking”

“Well...the people at the orphanage called me Madeline, so I guess that's my name?” Pyro--or Madeline replied.

"Madeline...ya mind is I call ya Maddie?” Such a pretty name, it suited her.

She started beaming “Yes! I like that! now tell me your name”

“Oh! uh... It’s Michael, but everyone always called me Mick”

Maddie giggled “both of us have M names!”

They chatted about other things, like where they grew up. Pyro was an orphan so she had never known her parents, she explained that her earliest memory was of fire; which she equated to her fascination with it. Going from orphanage to orphanage she never had a ‘normal’ childhood, the longest time she stayed with a foster family was a retired firefighter; he understood her pyromania and taught her how to control her urges to set fires, as well as how to put them out safely...the firefighter was probably the only reason she wasn’t institutionalized. She never finished school, but got her GED at some point; she also seemed to have issues with anxiety, wearing the suit and mask seemed to make her feel ‘safe’ like a security blanket she equated it to.

“I don’t feel anxious when I’m with you and Alice, so I don’t feel like I need to wear my gear around you two. It makes me happy when I’m around you”.
Mundy’s face turned flushed.

~

“Oh man! Snipe’s face is like a cherry tomato! this is hilarious!” Jeremy snickered.

Tavish smacked the back of Scout’s head “Ow! what was that for!?”

Dell had heard the commotion up in the barn when he was grabbing some parts outside, he went to investigate, climbing up the ladder he saw Scout, Demoman and Soldier.

“What the sam hill are you three up to?”

“SNIPER AND PYRO ARE ON A DATE, WE ARE DOING RECONNAISSANCE” Soldier managed to steal the binoculars from Scout, in the process choking him with the neck strap around it.

“Honestly...you boys should give them some privacy, you wouldn’t want anyone watchin’ you on a date would ya?”

Though Dell didn’t say it he was proud of the Pyro and Sniper, they were both misunderstood by the others and because of that used to be lonely in their own way. Pyro was like family to the Engineer, her child-like nature made her a little on the naive side; so he tried his best to look out for her. But he trusted Mundy, the man had proved himself to be a good man.

~

As the pair watched Alice investigating different flowers and insects Mundy nervously placed his hand on Pyro’s hand. Her hand was warm, she didn’t move it away; instead she interlocked her fingers with his; his heart was pounding, he needed to talk about something.

“W-what do ya think you’re gonna do once our contracts are finished?”

Maddie hummed “I’ve never really thought about it, maybe I’ll go back to firefighting...or find more mercenary work; what about you Mick?”

“Well...now that I’ve got Alice I want her to meet my parents; my mum always wanted grandkids, she’s gonna need identification though, plus I’ll need official custody...bit hard to do with her situation”.

“You could ask Miss Pauling, she might be able to do something”

“Thats...actually not a bad idea-”

“Papa! Miss Pyro! look!” Alice ran toward the pair with various flowers in her hands.

“Wow! so pretty!~” Alice handed the flowers to Maddie, she beamed taking in their scent “I have a vase I can put these in” the Pyro continued.

~

“THE CADET IS BEING A WINGMAN, SHE DESERVES A MEDAL”

Demoman took the binoculars from Soldier, Jeremy finally managing to escape the strap choking him. Dell shook his head and headed back down the ladder, these three were hopeless. He grabbed the parts he needed and headed back to his workshop, he was still tinkering with the scoutbot.

"Looks like they're packing up, guess the show is over" Tavish mused.

Scout was disappointed between gasping for air "*cough* Aww... man! *cough* they didn't even suck face!"

~

As Sniper, Pyro and Alice walked back to the base Pyro put her mask back on. Mundy would miss seeing her face, but he finally understood why she wore it outside of work.

"L-listen...um...Maddie, I had a good time. I...I just want to say that.." Mundy too a deep breath "Ireallylikeyou" he blurted out.

He couldn't read her reaction with the mask on, but she suddenly wrapped him up in a tight hug.

"I lrrk yh too!"

She waved goodbye to the Sniper and Alice before skipping back into the base, Mundy's legs felt wobbly, he was completely smitten at this point; a goofy smile on his face. Alice didn't really understand, but her Papa was happy and she had fun playing in the field; she decided she liked flowers.

Chapter Text

It had dawned on Mundy that he hadn’t called his parents in quite some time, with everything that had been going on it had slipped his mind. He had left Alice with the others and drove to the payphone he often used to call his folks. Putting some change in the coin slot he dialed and waiting as the phone ringed. An older woman answered.

“Hello?”

“Hey Mum! It’s Mick”

“Mick! ya haven’t called in ages! we were worried about ya!”

“Sorry ‘bout that Mum...'lot has happened...ya remember how ya always wanted grand-kids?”

There was silence on the other line for moment.

“Mick, did ya get a girl pregnant!?”

“HE DID WHAT?!” yelled someone in the background

“N-No it ain’t like that! tell Dad to calm down! I sort of...adopted a kid”

Another moment of silence on the other line, followed by a deep breath. “Mick...ya adopted a kid? h-how and when?!”

Mundy tried his best to explain the situation, while omitting the whole ‘she’s an escaped government test subject with telekinetic powers’. He could hear his father mumbling things in the background, likely also listening in on the phone call now.

“She’s doing amazing now Mum, some of the blokes I work with have been helping me too! I-I honestly never thought I’d be a dad; but now I can’t imagine life without her”

“...oh Mick that's wonderful! ya need to bring her out here so we can meet her!”

Mundy chuckled “I’m workin’ on that Mum; as soon as we’re able to we’ll be vistin’”

“Ya better Mick!” yelled Mundy’s father in the background.

“Alright love, we’ll talk to you later”

“Love ya Mum, you too Dad”

“Have a good one Mick!”

As Mundy hung up the phone he sighed, at least that was taken care of, he didn’t want to tell his parents he was possibly in a relationship quite yet. Everything was still up in the air, he didn’t want to jump to conclusions with Pyro--Madeline; she had always been affectionate to people she spent a lot of time with, so he wanted to be sure that she was actually interested in him...romantically. Mundy was getting ready to turn around and head back to his vehicle he was grabbed in a headlock, he managed to flip the assailant over his head, a man in a black suit. Then another tackled him to the ground while the other got back up to assist.

“HOLD HIM DOWN!” another yelled, there were three attacking him now. Mundy managed to push the one the tackled him off and get a few punches in.

“Piss off ya drongos!” he spat.

One managed to get behind Mundy and arm lock him, the other two started punching. Eventually a fourth came out of nowhere and used a syringe to inject something into the Sniper’s neck, his body felt numb and then...he lost consciousness.

~

It had been hours since Mundy had gone to call his parents, he wasn’t normally gone that long and it was getting dark. Spy felt there was something wrong, he knew which payphone Sniper used so Scout and him drove out there to investigate.

When he arrived, the camper was still there, no lights were on. He parked behind it, Scout looked around the area of the camper, no sign of Sniper; so he went inside to check. Spy walked over to the payphone, there were several footprints in the sand...as well as blood, signs of a struggle; then what looked like someone being dragged away. Nearby on the ground by the payphone was Sniper’s hat. Spy knelt down and picked it up, there was blood one it.

Suddenly the phone rang, Spy stepped over and picked up the receiver.

“....Gray Gravel Processing Plant, tonight, midnight. Bring 0013, or the Australian is dead.”

*CLICK*

Spy’s face formed into a scowl “Merde...”

Scout ran up to Spy, his eyes widened seeing what was in his father’s hands.

“Jeremy, drive Sniper’s van back to the base...I need to contact Miss Pauling” Spy said in a somber tone.

Scout nodded, he knew when his father spoke in such a tone it was serious.

~

Everyone was gathered in the Meeting Room, the tension in the room was discernible; though the mercs didn’t know what had happened they knew it was not good.

Miss Pauling walked in holding what looked like maps and other paperwork “Okay everyone, we’ve got a huge problem”

Spy followed behind, placing Sniper’s bloody hat on the table, there was deafening silence.

A gasp escaped from Alice standing in the back of the room, she started to tremble staring at the hat, her father’s hat....she knew; the bad men took him. The fluorescent lights in the room started to flicker, the little girl’s eyes were glowing, her hair started to move despite there being no wind in the room, her emotions overwhelming; she wanted to kill them, the men that took her father from her. The team looked at each other not sure what to do, afraid she would lash out at them, they knew what her power was capable of. Miss Pauling stared wide-eyed at the oppressing energy the child was emitting.

Mikhail however, knew that face; it was a face he made when he was a child....when his father was taken from him and his family. A face of unbridled anger and sorrow. He stepped forward and knelt down in front of Alice’s trembling form, gently wrapping his massive arms around her in a calming embrace.

“....Do not worry leetle one, we will get Sniper back....and we will make the ones that hurt you suffer”.

Then like a dam overflowing, a sob escaped Alice as she hugged the Heavy back, she started wailing; it was probably the loudest the quiet little girl had even been. Mikhail gently rubbed her back, she hiccuped between sobs mumbling between breaths that she wanted her Papa back. The mercs looked at each other a look of understanding between them all; they had to get their teammate back and reunite him with his daughter.

~

Mundy’s head was killing him when he opened his eyes; he had a nasty gash on his forehead and when he breathed it hurt; probably broken ribs. He didn’t recognize his surroundings, it was a cold chrome colored room with a steel table in the middle. He soon realized he was handcuffed to a chair, he pulled a little at the cuffs, they were tight on his wrists.

Then a man walked into the room, he looked to be late 30‘s early 40‘s. Short blonde hair parted to the side, and piercing grey eyes; he almost looked like he could have been a Hollywood actor, he wore a black suit like the others.

“Good evening Mr. Mundy, I’m Agent Burman”

Sniper scowled, but said nothing, the man looked down at a file he was reading.

“Michael Mundy, age 29......29?” he scoffed. Sniper rolled his eyes, he knew he looked older than his actual age. Burman continued his reading of the file.

“Dual citizenship in Australia and United States, currently employed by Reliable Excavation Demolition...About a month and a half ago you stole government property from us” he looked Mundy dead in his eyes.

Mundy shrugged “‘fraid I don’t know what you’re talkin about mate”

Burman smirked throwing several photos on the table, photos of him and Alice, as well as photos of her interacting with the other mercs. Mundy’s brow furrowed.

“We’ve been watching for a while Mr. Mundy, you were smart to keep her at that base. But now we have you, and once that...thing is returned you can go back to fighting over useless land for those geriatric Mann brothers”.

Sniper didn’t respond right away, he looked down at the photos of the smiling little girl; his little girl.

“...She’s not a ‘thing’...she’s my daughter, she loves flowers and drawing, her favorite color is purple, her favorite food is pancakes, she brightens up a room the second she enters it; and if ya think for a second me or my team are gonna give her back to ya wankers, you’re a damn fool!”

Agent Burman crossed his arms unimpressed by the Sniper’s statement, shaking his head in annoyance, he walked over to the door, two men entered and walked over to Mundy to restrain him.

“I guess I’ll just have to show you what 0013 really is, and let me tell you....it is not a sweet little girl, you might change your mind after this”.

~

As the men dragged Sniper down a long corridor he could see through glass into different rooms, in some rooms he saw emaciated children with white hair in hospital gowns being tested on by scientists. This really was where Alice came from, it sent a chill down Mundy’s spine; to have started life in such a dark awful place, it was just as bad, if not worse than what the little girl had tried to tell them. The agents dragged him into a room with a chair in the center, in front of the chair a large screen, they shoved him into the chair and restrained his arms and legs.

“Now Mr. Mundy...I will show you what 0013 and what the Amelioration Project is” Burman turned on the large screen, the visual looked to be some sort of crash site.

“In 1947 an unknown flying vessel crashed in the New Mexico desert, we recovered the remains of several unknown entities”

The screen then changed to what seemed to be an autopsy of a pale humanoid creature.

“In 1959 we started the Amelioration Project; using the DNA of these extraterrestrials we have worked to create the ultimate super soldier to defend American soil”.

So Alice was some sort of human/alien hybrid? sure her hair and complexion was pale, but she still looked human...but it did explain her abilities.

“Over the years we had a few failures, but 0010 and onward have proven to be quite advantageous”

The still screen then cut to footage of Alice, the Sniper frowned at the lack of light in the little girl’s eyes; he was so used to seeing those eyes sparkle with wonder, it broke his heart to see them so empty and without hope. A voice on the footage started talking.

“0013 finish it”

Mundy soon realized what was going on in the footage, Alice had told him. She was standing over a wounded boy cowering on the ground, her hand was out but she was hesitating.

“FINISH IT 0013!” the voice yelled, she still hesitated. The collar around Alice’s neck started to spark, she screamed clawing at it, until she fell to the ground.

Instinct took over as Mundy started struggling to get out of his bonds, he wanted to hurt the bastards that had tortured these kids, one of the agents punched him hard in the gut.

“0013 has always been a bit...disobedient compared to the other test subjects, but they all obey after a while”

In the footage Alice finally stood up with tears in her eyes, her hands trembling as she walked toward the wounded pale boy, he cried out; there was a loud snap and then silence.

Mundy was seething with anger his eyes set on the arrogant government agent “...When I get out of here...you are a dead man...”

Burman was indifferent, a cocky smirk on his face

“I sincerely doubt that Mr. Mundy”.

Chapter Text

It was getting close to midnight when the mercs arrived inside the Red Bread Truck on the outskirts of the Gray Gravel Processing Plant; the group huddled around Miss Pauling as she looked down at her watch like she was waiting for something.

“Hey uh..Miss Pauling what are we waitin’ for?” Scout was visibly anxious gripping his baseball bat.

Before she had a chance to speak another voice spoke up

“She was waiting for the cavalry of course!”

The RED team turned to see it was the BLU Spy, pulling up next to the RED’s truck was the BLU team of all people. They got out of their truck and stepped up to the RED team, there was a moment of silent tension until Miss Pauling spoke.

“I called them to help, if we’re dealing with a secret government base we’re gonna need as much man power as possible, so I need everyone to refrain from killing each other until we rescue Sniper”.

Alice ran up to the BLU Spy “...Thank you...Mr. Spy”.

The BLU Spy smiled “It’s the least I could do, worry not; we’ll rescue your father”.

“Okay everyone here’s how we’re gonna do this” Miss Pauling pulled out a a blueprint of the Gray Gravel Building and told them her strategy.

~

Mundy was forced to watch hours of footage, all of it was of Alice being tortured and abused through tests and combat. When she would refuse to hurt the children she was forced to fight, she would be shocked with that damn collar. Then the final piece of footage played, a woman with long brown hair in a lab coat was holding Alice’s hand guiding her to what looked like a maintenance room. There was no audio, it looked to be security footage. She knelt down and disengaged the collar around the little girl’s neck, and started saying something to her. Moments later she turns her head back to the door, likely security. She ushered Alice toward a opened vent as the agents broke the door down, she yelled something to Alice before being shot down by the armed men, they then start to shoot into the vent. The footage ended after that.

Burman sighed “A bleeding heart had to go and cause all this trouble, then you had to go and find-”

“Sir” a voice on Burman’s radio started.

“What is it?” Burman’s tone was that of annoyance.

“We lost contact with the east tower, there’s movement at the south entrance we can’t-” the man on the line was cut off then there were screams and the sound of explosions. Burman started to look nervous.

“Agent report!” there was no response, only the sound of more explosions and what sounded like the RED Soldier cackling and yelling about collecting ears.

Mundy started to snicker “looks like my team is here...”

Burman scowled and pulled up security footage, it showed the bodies of security agents up and down one of the halls. He cut to another camera, this one showing the RED and BLU Scouts freeing the test subjects from their cells, the BLU medic healing the wounded children. Another camera showed both Engineers and the BLU Spy in the security room, the Spy looked at the camera and winked before disengaging the security cameras.

“Ya look nervous there mate” Mundy couldn’t help but smirk.

“SHUT UP!” Burman screamed.

Suddenly the sound of gunfire got closer and closer to the room as well as yelling.

Then there was silence, the large metal door started to creak loudly, an invisible force started to pry the doors open, bending the metal before it was completely destroyed. On the other side of the door a was the RED Heavy and Medic, leading them was a very angry Alice, her glowing eyes set on Agent Burman. The agent felt the hair on his neck stand up, his cronies taking a cautious step back.

He tried his best to maintain his composure, clearing his throat “Welcome back 0013, it’s good that you’ve returned to us-”

“Give me back...my Papa...”

It was chilling to hear a 7 year-old talk in such a menacing tone, Burman felt like he was staring down death itself; without her being collared he was no longer in control. Panic started to set in he took a few steps back until he was next to Mundy, he pulled his gun out, turning the safety off he held the barrel to the Sniper’s head.

“I see they taught you how to speak; that's unfortunate. A good weapon doesn’t talk back; I suggest you do as I say...or your precious ‘papa’ is gonna have his brains splattered all over the room!”

“She will not be taking orders from you any more you fils de pute”

The RED Spy’s voice came from behind Burman, both of his men were backstabbed when he wasn’t looking, he adjusted his tie as they both fell to the ground.

This brief second of distraction gave Alice her chance, using her telekinesis she slammed Burman hard against a nearby wall; there was an audible snap, when his shoulder hit the wall it broke. The impact knocked the agent unconscious. With him out of commission Alice then turned her attention back to Mundy, he was covered in bruises and cuts, one of his eyes were swollen shut; but despite that he smiled at her.

“G’day Bug” he said softly

Huge tears welled up in the little girl’s eyes as she ran to the Sniper grabbing his bruised hand, Medic and Heavy folowing behind.

“P-Papa!....they...hurt you!”

“No worries Bug, Im okay...just a bit tired”

As Spy removed Sniper’s bonds the Medic examined him quickly “You likely have a mild concussion, no sleeping mein Freund!” Ludwig looked up at Heavy and gestured for him to carry Sniper, Mikhail nodded lifting the wounded Sniper over his shoulder.

Suddenly the building started to shake “ah, sounds like the Demomen are almost finished with the explosives, we better return to the surface ja?” The doctor said cheerfully as Spy led the group out of the room.

Moments later the large screen turned back on an elderly man on screen with a displeased expression on his face “Agent Burman, it seems your little project has fallen apart”

Burman stirred, regaining consciousness he looked up at the screen “Mr. Gray...I assure you t-this is just a minor setback I-”

“Enough of your excuses Burman; you and your predecessors promised me super soldiers, I invested so much money into this little science project and have nothing to show for it. You even had my prototype taken by those buffoons! You will have no more funding from me...consider yourself fired.

The screen went black, and underground lab started to rumble as the RED and BLU Demoman’s bombs went off. Burman sat there in stunned silence as the lights in the room went off, rubble falling from the ceiling.

~

Outside the processing plant the RED and BLU gathered a good distance away as the building caved in on itself, the surviving test subjects stood there stunned as it came crumbling down. Aside from Alice only five children had survived those terrible experiments, two boys and three girls; each in varying ages the oldest looking to be twelve. Miss Pauling walked over to them and have a reassuring smile.

“Alright kids, I’m gonna make sure you guys get some help, you won’t have to worry about those bad men any more” she then turned to the RED and BLU teams “You guys get back to your bases, this never happened...understand?”

“AFFIRMATIVE!” RED Soldier saluted holding what looked like a collection of human ears on a string.

The RED team rolled their eyes at the Soldier’s latest body part collection, first it was teeth, then heads, now ears.

The two Scouts seemed to be arguing about something as they walked back to the vehicles

“I didn’t need your help ya Yankees lovin’ loser!”

“You totally did ya Red Sox worshippin’ wimp!”

“Shut up BEN-JUH-MIN!” Jeremy said in a mocking tone

“You first JER-RUH-MEE!” Benjamin the BLU Scout said in an equally mocking tone, leading the two to start wrestling on the ground like a bunch of grade schoolers on the playground. The BLU Heavy sighed lifting both boys up by the back of their shirts.

“You boys are like two roosters! save the fighting for work hours, comprendre?”

“....fiiine sorry Benoit” Benjamin pouted

“I ain’t sayin’ sorry!” Jeremy crossed him arms glaring at the other Scout, Benjamin responded by flipping Jeremy off.

“Urgh...you boys are hopeless” Benoit said dropping both Scouts on their butts.

The RED Spy walked next to The BLU Heavy and started discussing something with him in French, once they reached the vehicles they shook hands; Jeremy quickly caught up with his father.

“Pops, what were you two sayin’?”

“Oh? nothing of importance, it was just nice to hear my mother tongue again”.

As the RED and BLU Team drove their vehicles back to the bases they noticed emergency lights in the distance, Miss Pauling said she would take care of the aftermath, knowing her there would probably be some bodies buried at some point.

~

Mundy woke up in the Infirmary laying in the bed, he was sore but alive. Ludwig was feeding his doves when he noticed the Sniper started to stir.

“Ah you’re finally awake mein Freund!”

“How long was I out?”

“About 34 hours, the Medigun can heal physical wounds, but concussions can still be dangerous; the Mädchen refused to leave your side”.

Mundy looked down and realized Alice was sleeping next to him, her head nuzzled in the crook of his arm. He gently ran his fingers through her hair, he had seen what the poor girl had gone through in that horrible footage. She was finally free from the ‘bad men’ she didn’t have to hide in the base anymore, he could take her shopping for groceries, go to museums or take her camping--so many possibilities.

Alice started to wake up, she looked up at Mundy and smiled.

"Morn Bug, ya sleep well?"

"...mm hmm...do you...still hurt?"

Mundy sat up and patted Alice on the head "Just a bit sore, but she'll be apples".

Chapter Text

The next day Miss Pauling called for Sniper and Alice to meet her in the meeting room. Medic hadn’t discharged him from the infirmary so Mundy was still in his pajamas. Alice sat on his lap looking through a book when Miss Pauling entered with some documents in her hand.

“Good morning Sniper, Alice. You look a lot better”

“Thank ya ma’am, what can I do for ya?”

Pauling sat down in front of the pair. “The Administrator has given both RED and BLU a temporary ceasefire. Even though she was upset I had RED and BLU work together...she was pleased with the intel we collected from the lab”

She glanced over at the Sniper, the unease was written all over his face. “You don’t have to worry, she has no interest in continuing their research...she’s more interested in having leverage against the government. You two won’t have to worry about them bothering you any more.”

"What happened to the other kids?"

"We took them to TF Industries personal hospital; after that they will be fostered by professionals who have experience with abused and exploited children. They'll be okay Sniper, I'm making sure of it".

She pulled a document out and gently pushed it across the table, Mundy looked down at the paper. It was a birth certificate, a professionally forged one.

Alice Mundy, Born May 4th, 1965. Parent of Michael Mundy. The mother was put as unknown and the height and weight were made up.

Mundy was speechless, trying his best to blink back tears. “T-thank you” he managed to choke out staring down at the paper fearing that it was just a dream. Alice looked down at the paper, not understanding what it was she glanced up at the emotional Sniper.

“Papa...what is that?”

He collected himself, happiness building up in his chest. He stood up with the little girl in his arms spinning her around happily.

“Well Bug, this paper says I’m officially your dad, and you’re my daughter!” Alice giggled as Mundy kissed her forehead, he hadn’t shaved in a few says so his stubble tickled her. Pauling smiled at the heartwarming scene; her work usually involving subterfuge, but today she was able to do something good.

“We ‘oughta celebrate! best tell the rest of the team the good news!” Mundy set Alice down and picked up the document.

“You guys go ahead, enjoy your time off....and congratulations to the both of you” before Miss Pauling could walk out she felt a tug on her skirt, she smiled down at the little girl.

“...thank you..Miss Pauling!”

“You’re welcome Alice, I’ll see you around”.

~

Medic wanted to examine Sniper one more time before discharging him, as he did the examination Mikhail sat with Alice. The large man was braiding her hair with incredible skill, Mundy was impressed. “you’re pretty good at that mate”.

"да, Heavy used to braid sisters hair. Lots of practice”. Most would not assume Mikhail was skilled at ‘domestic’ activities; but helping raise his three younger sisters made him quite skilled at cooking, sewing and styling hair. As he finished up he grinned with a satisfied expression.

“There, you are like leetle princess!

Alice felt the silky braid, then looked up at the Heavy with a look of wonder on her face “...thank you, Uncle Misha” the man gave a hearty laugh and patted the girl on the head.

Ludwig finished taking down notes on Mundy’s vitals; he gave a sigh of relief as he placed his pen down on his desk.

"Wunderbar! everything looks good herr Sniper, you are free to go”.

~

After being cleared Mundy gave the rest of the mercs the good news, everyone was ecstatic. “We should throw a party tonight!” exclaimed Jeremy, the others agreed wholeheartedly.

The Engineer chuckled “A party huh? sounds good! Me and the boy will go get some supplies in town; anyone else wanna come?” Tavish and Jane joined in, the group of four left in Dell’s truck.

~

Mundy and Alice went to the camper to clean up and get changed; Mundy shaved and changed into a clean button up shirt and black slacks. He then helped Alice put on a cute lilac dress with lace and ribbons, the woman at the department store had recommended it back when he bought her clothes.

Mundy gave her a warm smile “Ya really do look like a princess” he received a hug in response, he could tell she was excited.

A knock came from the door, Jeremy cracked the door open and poke his head through. “Hey you guys ready? we’re all set up in da barn!” he noticed how nice Alice looked and grinned “Hey Squirt, you clean up nice! ready to party?”.

“Mmm hmm!”

“Awesome lets get goin’!”

~

When they arrived at the barn is was lit up with white lights, multi-colored streamers hanging from the ceiling and pink balloons on strings floating and a banner with the words ‘IT’S A GIRL’ written on it. There was a long table with various foods and beverages, there was a large pink cake at the center that also said ‘IT’S A GIRL’.

To The Sniper and Alice’s surprise the BLU team was also there, the BLU Spy grinned noticing the two enter the barn.

“Well! the guests of honor have arrived!” he exclaimed.

Alice ran up and hugged the man’s leg “Mr. Spy!...hello!”

He patted her head “Congratulations Alice, I am happy for you” she giggled and thanked him.

It was a nice atmosphere the RED’s and BLU’s getting along, instead of killing each other. The Scout’s were laughing and talking about stuff they did at their respective high schools while eating fried chicken; some of the other mercs were playing poker at another table, Mikhail looked like he was winning.

The RED Spy was speaking French with the BLU Heavy again, laughing about something. At some point the Pyros built a bonfire a safe distance from the barn. The RED Pyro taught Alice how to make smores, taking a bite her eyes filled with bliss as she ate the tasty treat.

The BLU Pyro was apparently a pyrotechnician before joining BLU so he had a stockpile of fireworks and sparklers, the RED Soldier was excited about the prospect of making the sky look like the Fourth of July.

Mundy noticed the BLU Sniper alone in the corner of the barn drinking a beer, she gave a nod of acknowledgement as he walked over to Dell who was sitting with the BLU Engineer; both were enjoying slices of the cake.

“Heya Slim, you need somethin’?”

“Actually yes, I reckon someone with 11 PhD’s would be able to help me catch Alice up on schooling, I’d like her to be able to learn with others kids her age...”

Dell patted Mundy on the back “Sure that ain’t no problem! I can help”

The BLU Engie chuckled “she’ll be doing college level math by the time your done teachin’ her Dell” the two Texans laughed, despite being on different teams the two had a mutual respect for each other.

“Oh, by the way Slim; Py wanted to talk with ya. She headed up to the roof of all places, I’ll keep an eye on Alice for ya”.

“Thanks Truckie, for everything”.

Dell gave him a wave, more or less meaning 'it's no problem'.

~

Climbing up into the loft and through the window Mundy saw the Pyro up on the roof, she glanced over at him and gestured for him to come up. Carefully climbing up he sat next to her, she took her mask off and smiled.

“I’m so happy you met me up here Mick, I wanted to talk to you”.

“Whats on your mind?”

Madeline fidgeted a little with her mask, a solemn look on her face “I was so scared I would never see you again...when we found out you were taken...”

“Ah, I’m sorry Maddie...but I’m okay, everything worked out” Mundy gave her a reassuring smile. He had faith in his teammates but deep down, he was scared too. Scared he'd never see them again, scared that Burman would get Alice again and continue his experiments on the poor girl and the other kids. He felt like he had more to lose now.

Down on the ground the BLU Pyro, Tavish and Jane were lighting off fireworks, it was a beautiful sight watching the vibrant colors in the sky; they could hear Alice giggling and clapping as she watched. Mundy gulped, it was now or never; time to ask Pyro about their relationship.

“Uh...Maddie, r-remember the other day...when ya said ya liked me? did ya mean that like a frie-” suddenly a soft pair of lips collided with Mundy’s, his face flushed. She was kissing him! I guess this answered his question. It felt nice, his heart fluttered as he took her hand.

She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder, watching the fireworks show. Her heart was fluttering too.

Chapter Text

A few days had passed since the celebration. With Dell’s help Mundy was able to set up some basic home schooling for Alice, It was a relief because the Sniper had no idea where to start. Luckily he had already started teaching her how to read and write pretty early on, though her speech was still stilted; which was to be expected considering her situation. The Engineer had been able to explain basic math to Alice, even using visual aid to help her understand better; with science Medic excitedly offered to help--as long as the science projects didn’t involve cutting open living things Mundy was fine with it.

Aside from helping Alice with school work Dell was working on making the Scoutbot something of his own; he made it less bulky and more articulated. He altered the face slightly giving it ‘eyebrows’ which were able to fall and rise to show a slight bit of emotion, as well as ‘eyelids’ so that the robot’s eyes could blink. Dell didn’t know why he wanted to make it capable of showing emotions, maybe it was just because he could.
~

Everyone was gathered in the Rec Room, some where watching a monster movie on the television, Ludwig and Mikhail were playing chess, Tavish and Alice were working on a puzzle, it seemed to be of kittens tangled up in yarn. Dell entered the room with an excited grin on his face.

“Howdy fellas and ladies, I got someone special to show y’all” he turned to the entrance gesturing for someone to come forward “come on in, no need to be shy!”.

The sound of mechanical footsteps entered the room, it was the now altered Scoutbot. It was wearing one of Dell’s old university sweaters and some old slacks, instead of the Scout’s baseball cap it was wearing one of the Engineer’s extra hardhats.

“Meet Scott, my new assistant” Dell said as he patted the robot on it’s back.

Jeremy was first to speak up “Scott? you named it Scott?!”

“Yep! combined Scout and Robot, get it?” he chuckled.

Pyro was first to greet the mechanical man, happily shaking his hand. She trusted Dell, thus she trusted the robot.

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am” Scott finally said, his voice was no longer Jeremy’s but what sounded like a young man with a southern accent.

Some of the mercs were a little apprehensive, especially since the robot had originally broken into the base to kidnap Alice. The little girl didn’t seem to show any fear, more curiosity than anything, she walked up to the robot and stared up “...Hello Scott, I’m Alice”.

The robot no longer had memories of his previous operation, in a way he had been given a fresh start thanks to the Engineer.“Pleased to meet you Alice” the robot gently shook the little girl’s hand; Dell had made sure one of the first safety protocols he added was so the robot wouldn’t crush anything...or anyone.

Jeremy scowled as he stood up and sized up the Scoutbot, even though the Engineer said he reprogrammed the robot he was still leery. The robot tilted his head, not really understanding what was going on. Dell stepped forward to put distance between Jeremy and Scott.

“Scout, there’s no need to worry he’s not gonna harm anyone”

“Yeah? well I still don’t trust it, especially since whoever made him tried to copy me, badly I might add!”

“I’m sorry if I offended you in some way, I hope we can be friends” Scott put his metal hand out to perform a handshake, Jeremy clenched his fists.

“Forget it, I ain’t gonna be friends with a bucket of bolts” The Scout walked out of the room angrily.

Alice was confused, she had never seen Jeremy so angry before; Scott was just trying to be nice.

“Uncle Dell...why is Jeremy mad at Scott?”

Dell sighed “Not sure to be honest”.

“The boy is insecure, probably thinks the robot will replace him” Spy replied as he was reading through a novel.

“Well that ain’t happening, Scott isn't even gonna be on the battlefield, ain’t that right Scott?”

“Yes, I will be assisting Mr. Conagher in his workshop”

“I told ya to just call me Dell, no need for you to be so formal” The Engineer patted the robot on the back again.

“Oh, My apologies: Dell”

“He’s much more polite than Jeremy” Spy snickered.

~

Scout was sulking outside on a wooden split rail fence throwing a baseball in the air and catching it, out of the corner of his eye he noticed Alice walking up. She climbed up on the fence and sat next to him, looking out toward the field of desert flowers.

“What? did they tell you to come out here to scold me?”

“...what’s scold?..”

“Oh, uh...guess not, don’t worry about it” Jeremy felt silly now, thinking a seven year-old would be reprimanding him.

“I know I was being a jerk, I jus’ don’t trust dat thing...I guess I don’t wanna be replaced; sure Engie changed it, but It still WAS a robot copy of me when it first showed up here!”

Alice didn't say anything for a while, trying her best to understand Jeremy's worry's. It sounded complicated, but she hoped Jeremy and Scott could become friends.

“...No one can replace Jeremy...Scott isn’t Jeremy...” Alice stated simply, despite that the Scout felt like he was hit with a ton of bricks, the blunt honesty from this kid.

“...Yeah you’re right! you know, you’re pretty smart for a little squirt” he pulled Alice in for a hug, she giggled as he gave her a faux noogie.

Engie walked up, Scott following behind.

"There you are! everything okay Scout?" Dell took his hardhat off rubbing the back of his head.

"Uh...yeah, look I'm sorry for that Engie"

"Well shoot, I ain't the one you need to apologize to" Dell gestured to Scott; Jeremy gave Dell a look that said 'are you kidding me?'. He groaned and approached the robot.

"...So um...Scott...I jus' wanna say... I sorry for bein' a jerk to ya".

Scott blinked and tilted his head again "That's alright, perhaps we should have a race?"

Jeremy was flabbergasted "Y-you wanna race me?" he shook away the surprise and grinned. "Fine I'll race ya! we'll prove who is the REAL Scout around here!".

~

The Scout and Scoutbot stood next to each other in front of a 'finish line' made in the dirt, the rest of the mercenaries were watching with amused anticipation as the boy and robot took a runner stance. Spy stood next to the Engineer.

"interesting choice of boosting Jeremy's confidence"

"heh, wasn't my idea, was Scott's".

Spy's eyebrow raised as he took a drag of his cigarette, he knew Dell was a genius with machines; but the robot seemed like it had it's own personality; it felt like something out of a science fiction novel. He would have to inquire more about how the robot was able to 'think' for itself.

Soldier stood in front of the dirt line with a pistol.

"FIRST ONE AROUND THE BASE AND BACK IS THE WINNER AND A TRUE AMERICAN!" he raised it up to the sky.

"ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET....."

The pistol went off.

"GO!!"

Within seconds Scout and the Scoutbot were off, they were neck and neck for a good amount of the race; oddly Jeremy was having a good time--the only other person he had a challenge with when it came to running was the BLU Scout.

As they got closer to the finish line he could hear the others cheering, they both glanced at each other before Jeremy hit the finish line first.

"WOOOOHOOO!" Jeremy started cheering as we ran back toward the others.

"Congratulations, Your speed is impressive" Scott put his hand out, this time Jeremy took it

"You're not too bad yourself! maybe you can be my runnin' partner--the rest of these slowpokes can't keep up with me!"

If Scott was able to smile he would be, he was learning a great deal about humans and emotions. He was happy.

"Yes, that sounds like it would be fun".

Chapter Text

It was shopping day, the base was running low on food and other items. Usually each of the nine mercenaries would rotate responsibilities each time they would have to go to town, this time Mundy had volunteered; he knew Alice wanted to experience what it was like outside the base--and a shopping trip would be an easy start.

Mikhail and Jane accompanied the father and daughter duo, taking the RED Bread truck. Alice stared out the window watching the scenery change from desert to farmland, to then the city of Teufort.

~

As they pulled into the grocery store parking lot the Soldier got out first and addressed the others.

“ALRIGHT MAGGOTS! OUR MISSION TODAY IS TO COLLECT PROVISIONS FOR THE BASE, I WILL SEEK OUT THE BUTCHER AND PERSONALLY TAKE DOWN THE STRONGEST STEER THEY HAVE TO MAKE THE BEST DAMN AMERICAN BARBECUE RIBS IN HISTORY!”

Mundy and Mikhail sighed, hopefully this wouldn’t lead to anyone loosing a body part or a neck snapped. Sniper took Alice’s hand and knelt down to look the girl eye-to-eye. “Alright Bug, I know you’re excited but ya gotta stay close to me; don’t want ya to get lost”

“...Okay Papa...”

~

As they walked in Soldier headed toward the butcher, Mundy and Alice followed Mikhail. The Heavy looked through the list, grabbing bread and a large container of coffee. He showed the list to Mundy.

“Leetle Scout wants this cereal, perhaps Alice wants box too?”

“Alright mate, we’ll go get it; anything else?”

“Doktor wants birdseed for doves, Heavy will be in produce section”

Mundy gave a thumbs up as he and Alice headed for the cereal aisle. People gave curious glances at Alice, which was to be expected; a small child with white hair is an odd sight. Mundy frowned however, maybe it was that paternal instinct, but he wanted to protect her from the judging looks. Once they got the aisle the Sniper grabbed Jeremy’s favorite sugary cereal, then looked down and smiled at the little girl.

“Is there anything ya want?”

Alice gave a puzzled look as she searched the shelf of cereal, she eventually picked a box with a bumblebee on it, some sort of honey oat cereal. The Sniper chuckled, she ended up picking one that was much healthier than Scout’s. “Ace choice, Bug”.

Luckily birdseed wasn’t far from the cereal section, hauling a bag over his shoulder Mundy led Alice toward produce. As they met back up with Mikhail the little girl excitedly showed the Heavy what cereal she picked out, he smiled as he placed the cereal and birdseed in the cart.

As they got to the checkout counter Alice noticed a display with various sunglasses, a pair of violet star shaped ones caught her eye.

Mikhail noticed and grinned “You want those leetle Alice?”

She was stunned at the suggestion “...Is that okay?...”

The Heavy laughed and nodded “да, I will get them for you; you are good girl--good behavior deserves reward”.

Once everything was paid for Mikhail handed the sunglasses to Alice, she put them on her face and hugged the Heavy. It warmed his heart, she reminded him of his sisters when they were little; he did everything he could to make them happy in such a dire situation. Mundy had never thought of the Heavy as a gentle giant, he’d seen the man kill his opponents is such brutal ways, laughing in elation. The man generally only cared about two things: his gun Sasha and Dr. Ludwig, but since the little girl entered everyone’s life he’d seen new sides of all of the mercenaries.

“That was nice of ya mate”.

He hummed in response as they headed outside to load groceries into the back of the truck. “She is credit to team, was important in your rescue...is very good girl”.

Right, Alice had been up front and center in infiltrating the secret government lab. He hadn’t witnessed what she did to get through to the room he was being held in; but he could imagine her fear...and rage. At some point he would inquire about what had happened that night. As Sniper helped load up the truck, Alice stood near him and noticed the park across the street, kids playing on the swing sets and wooden playground. She had never played with other children before, the thought never crossed her mind...until today. Mundy noticed where she was looking, Mikhail looked too.

“Soldier has not returned, I will go find him. Go take Alice to play with other children?”

Sniper looked down at Alice “Ya want to go play with the other kids for a bit?” Alice nodded and Mundy took her hand, they crossed the street and headed toward the playground.

~

Mundy took a seat on a nearby park bench so he could keep and eye on Alice, she stood there for a moment watching the other kids.

“Go on Bug, have fun, I’ll be right here” he said to reassure the anxious girl, she nodded and cautiously walked toward the wooden playground. She heard screaming and yelling, but it was different from the ones she used to hear in the lab; they sounded happy. It still made her nervous.

“You look weird” a voice came from behind her, Alice turned around and was greeted by a girl her age. She had short black hair tied in a green bow, as well as a matching green dress. Alice felt like a deer in the headlights, she had never actually spoken to another kid her age, she nervously fidgeted.

The girl got closer, looking Alice up and down. “I’ve never seen a kid with white hair before, my Daddy has white hair; but he’s old! are you old?"

“....I’m...seven...” Alice replied softly.

“Oh! I'll be seven soon!....you wanna play on the swing set?”

“...what’s...swing set?”

The other girl raised an eyebrow baffled by a kid having never heard of a swing set, but she shrugged.

“I’ll show you, c’mon!” the girl took Alice’s hand and led her to the swing set, she sat down in one of the swings and gestured for Alice to sit next to her. Alice sat in the seat of the swing, not really sure what to do, she looked at the other girl.

“Okay, now we swing; use your legs to go higher--like this!” she instructed and Alice followed suit, excitement built up as Alice went higher and higher. Alice got high enough that she saw her father and he waved back to her; she happily waved back.

“Is that your daddy?” the girl asked, Alice nodded.

“My Daddy is busy with business right now, he’s super important” she was bragging, but deep down she was envious that the white-haired girl’s dad was there, spending time with her. They talked and swung on the swing set for a while before the lanky Australian came over.

“Alice, time to go Bug!” he called over

“Coming...Papa!” Alice stuck her legs out to stop, once she stood up she smiled at the girl she spent time with.

“...I had fun...thank you” she said before she ran into her father’s arms, the girl in green waved goodbye sadly.

~

As Mundy and Alice returned to the RED Bread truck they were greeted by a bloody and bruised Soldier, he was missing some teeth; Mikhail had an annoyed expression on his face.

“WELCOME BACK SNIPER, CADET!”

“What the bloody hell ‘appened to you?”

“I BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF AN ENRAGED STEER! A TRUE AMERICAN FIGHTS HIS POTENTIAL FOOD IN HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT! NOW WE HAVE SOME OF THE BEST DAMN RIBS FOR DINNER TONIGHT”

The Sniper and Heavy groaned “Let’s just get back to the base before someone calls the police”.

~

Not long after the mercs and Alice left a limo pulled up to the playground, the girl in green ran up to the limo and got inside, she sat down and put her seat belt on.

“Hello Olivia, did you have fun playing with the peasant children?” an elderly voice said from across the limo.

“Yes Daddy, I played with a weird girl on the swings, she was nice”.

“Well, as long as you were entertained I suppose that's all that matters. We’re going to be busy soon, so you best enjoy the free time while you’re able to”

“Yes Daddy” Olivia said with a hint of sadness in her tone.

“Mr. Mann, we’ll be arriving soon” the limo driver said to the elderly passenger.

“Excellent...”.

Chapter Text

It was Halloween, Alice didn’t know what that meant. Holidays were a new concept for her; the mercs did their best to explain it to her: you dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, played pranks, and could go out and beg for candy. It sounded fun, but she didn’t know what she wanted to dress up as.

Everyone congregated at the barn, Dell had gotten pumpkins the previous day so those who wanted to carve pumpkins could. Mundy helped Alice carve hers, sure she could have used her power to carve it, but she wanted to try it traditionally.

“Looks good, we’ll put a candle in it and place it outside” Sniper admired his daughter’s first jack’o lantern, the lopsided grin on the pumpkin was charming.

Mundy was hoping to take Alice Trick or Treating later, he wanted her to experience Halloween the way kids did; no wizards, giant eyeballs, or getting sent to the underworld to fight undead creatures. Though that didn’t exactly go as planned. The sun was starting to set, and suddenly a booming voice disrupted the festivities.

"Cower fools! Merasmus is here! prepare to meet YOUR DOOM! Fac Inimicos Meos Monstra!!"

Before anyone could react a blast of green smoke engulfed everyone in the barn as the wizard cackled and then everything went black.

~

When Alice woke up she was in an unfamiliar place, it was a forest of dead oak trees. She looked around and saw she was alone, crows cawed at her from the tree branches. She stood up and dusted herself off, she was afraid...more because she was alone, she didn’t like being alone.

“...Papa?...Uncle Dell?....Miss Pyro?....anyone?...” there was no responses, she was fighting back tears. That's when she noticed in the distance a glowing green light, she had to be brave and find her family; so she started walking through the creepy woods toward the light.

~

After some time walking through the woods she noticed old destroyed fencing as well as lit up jack’o lanterns with creepy faces leading toward a massive old stone tower. That's when she heard a stick snap behind her, then some sort of growling. Alice quickly turned around and gasped, a large biped wolf man emerged from the trees charged straight toward the little girl. It lunged toward her but was stopped in midair, it yelped as it was suspended in the air with Alice’s telekinesis. Getting a good look at the wolf man now Alice quickly realized the creature was the Sniper, his clothes were identical and despite the fur everywhere his facial structure was the same.

“...P-Papa?...”

The growling creature suddenly stopped, the angry feral haze he was in subsided and he was grounded by his daughter’s voice and scent, realization set in and the wolf ears on top of his head flattened and he started to whimper.

“..Alice?..”

Alice dropped the werewolf to the ground and tackled him into a hug “Papa!” she was crying, he gently hugged her back trying to watch his claws from hurting the little girl.

“...I was scared...everyone disappeared..” she said as her face nuzzled into his fur.

“I’m so sorry Bug..” when Sniper woke up he was in a feral rage, like a wild animal he was attacking anything that moved, the thought that he almost attacked his own daughter caused him to whimper.

“...Are you hurt Papa?...you look like a doggy now!”

Now that Mundy was lucid he looked down at himself, he was covered in brown fur that matched his hair color, his clawed toes protruding through his boots, looking behind he had a tail, he groaned.

“Looks like that wizard turned me into a bloody werewolf! c’mon Bug, lets go find the others, with this sniffer I should be able to find ‘em”

Alice was still wrapped around Mundy, now she was giggling “You’re so...fluffy!”

He was embarrassed, but his tail was wagging like crazy, damn thing had a mind of it’s own. Alice was beyond amused.

~

There was a large graveyard in front of the tower, tons of aged gravestones, some crumbling, with his enhanced hearing Mundy could hear the sound of knocking, it was coming from a old wooden coffin in an open grave. A muffled voice coming from the coffin.

“Yo! open up! I can’t breathe in this thing!” It was Scout.

Alice used her telekinesis to lift the coffin out of the hole, Sniper grabbed the lid of the coffin and tore it off. Inside the coffin was a skeleton wearing Scout’s clothes, blue glowing orbs in it’s eye sockets darted back and forth. The skeleton jumped back against a tombstone freaked out at the sight of the wolfman.

“Woah, woah! don’t eat me! I’m too handsome to eat!”

Sniper crossed his arms annoyed, grumbling under his breath. Alice stepped forward, a smile on her face.

“Jeremy! you’re okay!”

“Wait, Squirt? why are hanging out with a wolf monster?”

Alice looked confused “...but this is Papa”

“W-what? Snipes? that you?!”

Mundy rolled his eyes and put his hand out to help Scout up, as soon as he grabbed Sniper’s hand he freaked out seeing his own skeletal hand.

“Oh god! what da hell happened to me!? im freakin’ bones!”

“Merasmus did this; c’mon we need to find the others” Sniper growled out.

~

As the group of three headed through the graveyard they came across a large dead oak tree, hanging from a noose was Soldier. He didn’t look any different, though his skin was now an odd pale green color and there was a large hole in his torso; Scout walked closer and poked the hanging man’s boot.

“Uh...Solly?...you okay there bud?”

There was no response for a moment then suddenly Soldier screamed.

“WHO WOKE ME UP!? I WAS HAVING A NICE NAP!” Jane looked down seeing the odd group below

“WHAT ARE YOU MAGGOTS LOOKING AT? CAN’T A MAN GET A POWER NAP--OH HELLO CADET”

“Hello Uncle Jane...everyone looks different”

Scout climbed up the tree and untied the noose causing the Soldier to fall face first into the dirt, when he pulled his face out of the dirt his nose was missing. He was a zombie, now that was obvious.

“Uh...mate, your nose fell off...” Mundy managed to say, uncomfortable at the sight of the rotting man.

“OH, THANK YOU WOLF SNIPER” he dug around in the dirt, he found his nose and reattached it, oddly it stuck back on. He turned around and looked at Scout “YOU NEED TO EAT MORE SCOUT, I CAN SEE YOUR RIBS”.

The blue orbs in Scout’s eyes sockets rolled. In the distance they heard the sound of galloping coming from the direction of the woods, turning around they saw Dell running toward them. Only instead of human legs they were stout equine legs, his lower half was that of a horse.

“Shoot! is that you fellas?!” getting a closer look the Engineer’s ears were also horse ears, flopped to the sides due to his hard hat.

“Woah Engie! you’re a weird horse man!” the SkeleScout circled around Dell.

“Centaur actually, looks like everyone was turned into some kind of monster huh?”

“Looks like it, though Alice doesn’t seem to have been changed” Mundy replied, looking toward the tower; the green glow at the top was ominous “Have ya found anyone else Truckie?”.

“It’s just been me and Py since we woke up”

“Pyro is with you? where?”

There was a high pitched giggle, a red glow emerged from one of Engineer’s pouches on his belt. It was Pyro, only about six inches tall. She was still in her fire proof suit only she now had a pair of fiery red wings protruding from her back.

“She was settin’ fire to some tree’s when I came to, guess she isn’t too bothered by this”

“Ihm a fhairy!” she exclaimed through her mask, she was loving every minute of this as she flew around the others.

~

The graveyard was massive, but they were getting close to the end, a massive moat surrounded the tower; a drawbridge prevented them from progressing further.

“Aww man, now what?” The SkeleScout pouted, kicking a rock into the moat; a voice said “ow!” down in the moat, the rock hit something in the water.

Sniper caught a whiff of cigarettes and expensive cologne “Spook? is that you?”.

“Go away” was the response he received, Spy sounded irritated.

Jeremy looked down into the moat “Pops? why da heck are you hiding in a moat? we gotta get out of here!”

“I...I can’t” Spy decloaked, his skin was a pale red and his eyes were fish-like. His lower half was made up of slithering eight tentacles, he attempted to climb out but struggled. Jeremy and Mundy pulled the TentaSpy out of the moat, he looked embarrassed, the tentacles moving around.

“Merde, I can’t control these infernal things, I seem to be an aquatic creature...I doubt I would be able to keep up” he took a drag of a cigarette, the smoke came out through his gills that now existed on the sides of his neck.

“Heck, Spah I can carry you! just don’t squeeze me to death with those things” Dell stepped closer taking the Spy’s webbed hand allowing the tentacles to wrap around his horse body; Spy struggled to keep his balance at first.

“...My thanks Laborer”

“Shoot, it ain’t nothin', now we just have to find Medic, Heavy and Demoman”

“If you are looking for the Demoman he is over in that shed feeling sorry for himself; these disgusting tentacles need to stay wet so I have been stuck here the whole time”

~

Soldier marched toward the rickety old shed and bangs on the door “TAVISH! IT’S SOLDIER! WE ARE GOING TO GO KICK MERASMUS’S ASS COME ON!”

Incoherent sobbing and mumbling was the response from inside “Ahm a bloodeh monster *hic* it’s over for me!”

“WE’RE ALL MONSTERS TAVISH, NOW COME ON!” Solder slammed through the door causing it to splinter and fall to the ground. Sitting in the corner was the Demoman, surrounded by empty bottles of his scrumpy. Even though he only had one eye, he now only had one large eye right in the middle of where both eyes should have been. A single horn protruding through his beanie.

“Ahm, an actual cyclops now!” he drunkenly sobbed.

Soldier wrapped his arm around his friend and dragged him out of the old shed “ON YOUR FEET SOLDIER! WE’VE GOT A WIZARD TO FIGHT!”.

~

Soldier and Demoman returned to the rest of the group, they were still trying to figure out how to get the drawbridge down, bats were screeching in the sky above them; but then a large silhouette flew down and landed in front of them. It was the Heavy, his body was made of stone, on his back were large bat-like wings; he was a gargoyle.

"...Uncle Misha?" Alice looked up in awe at the stone man, he nodded.

"Is leetle Alice okay?"

“Yes...I was scared because I was alone...but it’s okay now!”

Medic emerged from Heavy’s back, he was latched onto him like a koala.

"Hallo meine Freunde! isn’t this exciting!?” Medic didn’t look too different, the only difference was his eyes were red, sharp pointed fangs and pointed ears; a vampire.

“Where have you two been?!” Spy was annoyed, he wanted to be changed back to human as soon as possible.

Heavy sighed “Doktor wanted to examine monster bodies...” everyone looked over at the vampiric doctor.

“What?! it is not everyday a person is transformed into a supernatural creature! I had to run tests!”

Some of the mercs groaned, Dell spoke up “Heavy, since you can fly can you get the drawbridge open?

"да, I will get bridge down, then we fight old witch woman” Mikhail flapped his large stone wings jumping up into the air he grabbed the edge of the drawbridge and pulled it down, it slammed down with a loud BANG!

As the dust settled a booming voice came from the top of the tower “FOOLS! Enter my tower if you dare! now die!” Merasmus cackled and the graveyard ground started to tremble, skeletons started to emerge from the graves and charged toward the monster mercenaries.

“We don’t have any weapons! what now!?” Jeremy backed up.

“WE BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF THESE BONE HEADS!” Jane screamed and started trying to choke Scout, if he had organs and skin it probably would have been effective.

“N-not me stupid! the other skeletons!”

Soldier stopped strangling Scout and proceeded to rip his own arm off and use it was a weapon.

Heavy dropped down and started punching the enemy skeletons, his stone fists breaking bones with ease.

“Get across bridge! we fight with fists!” Heavy yelled as he destroyed skeletons in his path.

Sniper scooped Alice up into his arms and started to run across the bridge, Alice threw skeletons out of the group's path with her power, Dell kicked the attackers with his hind legs as Spy struggled to hold onto the Engineer without crushing the centaur’s ribs.

Once everyone made it inside the tower, Mikhail pulled the giant lever to make the drawbridge go back up. Everyone that was able to fight was catching their breath.

~

Once everyone rested for a moment they started up the stone stairs, avoiding traps and destroying attacking creatures. After some more traps and enemies they reached the top of the tower, Merasmus was standing on a pedestal, he glared the the monster mercenaries.

“Welcome Fools! to your doom! You have fallen right into my trap!”

Soldier tried to charge toward the wizard but his face slammed into what seemed to be a force field, almost like someone was pushing their face against glass.

“DAMN YOU MERASMUS! OPEN THIS FORCE FIELD SO I CAN BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF YOU!”

“Hahahaha! that won’t be happening Soldier! you all are now trapped inside a powerful magic circle used to trap monsters!”

Heavy tried to break through but there was no effect. The wizard sneered at the group.

“Now that I have you all right where I want you! I will put you all on display in my evil circus as an attraction! collect souls for Bonzo the Ancient Sumerian Circus God, and then pay off my debt to the Japanese Mafia! ahahaha!” Merasmus’s laughter was interrupted when he noticed the little girl standing next to him, her electric blue eyes glowing.

“...Why is there a child here?”

“She’s my daughter ya bloody bogan!” Mundy growled out.

Merasmus was silent for a moment “oh....congratulations”

This was when the old wizard realized his mistake, he didn’t know about the little girl and when she was teleported with the rest of the RED team she was unaffected by his curse, thus she was able to walk through the magic circle.

“...change everyone back! and...send us home!” the seven year-old ordered.

Merasmus didn’t know what to make of the girl, he felt an overwhelming pressure coming from her.

“W-what is this!? the psychic aura coming from this child!”

“THE CADET CAN WHOOP YOUR ASS WITH HER MIND” Jane said with satisfaction seeing his former roommate panicking.

Merasmus’s arms twisted behind him as if an invisible person put him into a submission hold, the little girl stepped forward and started hitting the wizard with her little fists.

“Change my Papa and everyone back!...or i’ll beat you up!”

“ow! ow! ow! ow! mercy! VERY WELL! Merasmus will undo the curse and return you all to your disgusting base! just stop hitting me!”

Alice stopped and released him from her telekinetic grasp and Merasmus stood up and started chanting.

"maledictionem meam solve et ad domum tuam redi! the curse shall wear off by the stroke of Midnight! NOW BEGONE!”

The room was then engulfed in light.

~

When the light faded the mercenaries and Alice were back inside the barn, the mercs were still in monster form; but a wave of relief settled over everyone.

“Woohooo we’re back!” Scout cheered, his bones rattling and he celebrated.

“Well, since we are monsters until Midnight I must go to the lab and run tests!” Ludwig said excitedly.

Spy detached himself from Dell’s back and plopped down to the ground “Gentlemen, this was an absolute nightmare; would anyone be kind enough to take me to my bathroom so that I do not dry out?”

Heavy nodded and lifted the Tentaspy up and headed back to the base.

“Ahm gonna go drink m’self to sleep and hope I ‘ave two eye sockets tomorrow” Tavish mumbled as he stumbled following Heavy and Spy.

Soldier finally reattached his arm that he was using to fight skeletons. “ALRIGHT MAGGOTS I WILL BE PATROLLING THE BASE TO MAKE SURE MERASMUS DOES NOT SHOW HIS SORRY BEHIND BACK HERE UNTIL NEXT HALLOWEEN!” and with that he marched off.

"I'm headin' to my workshop, gonna need pants when my legs go back to normal" Dell chuckled as he trotted away.

Mundy checked his watch, it was only 6:30 pm--trick or treating was still happening. "Alice, ya still want to go trick 'r treating?"

Alice nodded “...yes, but I don’t have a costume...”

That's when Pyro flew over and giggled “I hrrv an ideah!” she said through her mask.

~

In a neighborhood in Teufort a woman heard the doorbell ring, she grabbed the bowl of candy and opened the door a little girl with white hair stood on her stoop, she had a cute red dress on and a matching red hood; behind her was a tall man dressed like a werewolf, it was a very realistic looking costume.

“...trick or treat!” the little girl said

“Oh my goodness! Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf! how cute! here you go sweetie! Happy Halloween!” the woman grabbed a handful of candy and placed it in the girl’s basket.

“Thank you!” the little girl said before heading to the next house, a man or teen dressed as some sort of baseball player skeleton was chatting with the wolf man.

“Man this is awesome! I haven’t gotten this much candy since I was like ten!” Jeremy said excitedly as he looked into his pillowcase filled with candy. He wouldn't be able to eat any until he was human again, but he was still excited.

Mundy snickered as he watched Alice and Jeremy head toward the next house.

“Brilliant idea with the red riding hood costume Maddie”

The Pyro was sitting on Mundy’s shoulder, she had her mask off.

“Aww thanks Mick! it just made sense since you're a wolf right now” she chirped

"I'm gonna miss how soft and fluffy you are though" she said nuzzling into his fur.

Sniper chuckled embarrassed again, though his tail was wagging again happily.

~

By 8:30 pm Alice was exhausted, they returned to the base and went their separate ways, Mundy carried the sleepy girl back into the camper and tucked her in. They'd worry about cleaning up tomorrow. The wolf man Sniper laid down on his bed and decided to read for a bit, at some point he fell asleep.

~

By the stroke of Midnight as Merasmus said the RED team returned to their human forms. Spy had spent most of the night in his bathtub, when the tentacles vanished and his legs returned the man gave a sigh of relief. He got out of the tub and went to bed, he was planning on sleeping in.

Medic was disappointed he turned back human, he was in the middle of tests! Mikhail entered the Infirmary and guided Ludwig to bed.

Pyro was sad she wasn't a fairy anymore, but she was glad she was normal size, now she could hug her friends again! she had so much fun this Halloween.

Scott was fascinated when Dell returned to the workshop with his lower half being a horse! Dell simply laughed and said "magic, doesn't make any sense" they did maintenance on a sentry when Midnight rolled around the Engineer fell backwards, his legs turned back into human legs; Scott handed Dell a pair of pants. The grateful Engineer patted the robot on the back and headed to bed.

The other members of the RED team were asleep when they changed back to human. Mundy woke up at some point to use the restroom, he noticed he was human again when he looked in the mirror; he was relieved he was back to normal. Halloween was always a strange day since he started working for RED, this year wasn’t any different; he was just relieved Alice had a good holiday despite the strangeness.