#operation: malice malediction

[alterrune]

INTERMISSION 10: THE MEETING

(Killer Laurence and Malice Lily are currently at the stronghold castle Malice Lily made, overseeing Sean practicing his moves on a test dummy.)

Sean. You've got to slash faster than that. Are you hesitating to kill?

C'mon, ML. Give the kid a break. He's still new to this. Besides. I know how to motivate him. Hey, Sean! You want some more candy?

(He shakes his head "yes", but his stomach begins growling as he clutches his gut in pain.)

Ah, looks like the all-candy diet finally caught up to ya. Well, don't worry. There's some pre-made meals in the fridge I installed earlier.

You installed a fridge into my stronghold, Killer Laurence?

Yeah, I did. I know you like the whole medieval times thing, but you can't make a movie set in medieval times with only things from said era. You gotta have electricity to make a proper movie, Malice Lily.

Fair enough. Sean, go ahead and grab something from the fridge. We shall wait here for you to finish, dearest.

(Sean walks off out of sight, but as soon as he does that, the two are suddenly blinded by a flash of pink, and after the pink light fades away, they teleported into what appears to be a singular black room.)

Ah, good. The teleportation worked. Malice Lily and Killer Laurence, correct?

Who the fuck is asking, you little robotic shortstack?

Incorrect. I am the only robot around here.

Yes, that's a common misconception people have about me, Joke-Explainer. Much as I may look like a robot, I'm not. Truth be told, I'm more of a humanoid alien, if anything.

We asked you a question. I would highly reccomend you answer it before we lose our composure and brutally slaughter the both of you.

My name is Susanna Patrya Haltmann. But I prefer to simply go by "Susie".

And I am the Joke-Explainer 7000™! I usually simply go by "Joke-Explainer" or "JE", however.

In that case, yes. It's pretty fucking obvious we are, though. Have you SEEN another duo that looks like us before? Aside from our counterparts from the world we've both found ourselves in, I mean.

Of course we haven't. And yes, we knew it was you from the very beginning. We were only asking because we wanted to hear the words come out of your own mouths.

We summoned you here because we would like to let you know the ColorStreak Battalion is gunning for you. And they will help us with a problem of our own.

Okay, blah blah blah. Lily, you wanna kill 'em?

Let us end their pitiful lives, Killer Laurence.

I had a feeling you'd say yes.

(The two try to rush at Susie and JE...only to find out that they've been teleported without their weapons, and Malice Lily's malice magic has been disabled on top of that.)

Oh, now THAT is a fucking cheap shot.

Did you really think we'd let you harm us like that?

Indeed. Seems like The Joke™ is on you.

What, are you two fucking dating or something? Why do you keep finishing each others' one-liners like that? My fucking lord, is that ever unneccesary.

Yes. We're in a lesbian relationship.

(Killer Laurence stops cold when he hears that.)

I WAS FUCKING KIDDING. YOU ACTUALLY CANNOT BE SERIOUS WITH ME RIGHT NOW.

What, are you against it?

Yes, but it's not the lesbian bit I have a problem with. Trust me, I'm may be a cold-blooded murderer, but I'm not xenophobic.

That's for people of other countries, Killer Laurence, not sexualities.

(sigh...) Homophobic. I'm not homophobic. Oh, and since we're on the subject, I'm not xenophobic, either. Why do I ALWAYS get those two terms confused?

(ahem) Regardless, what I mean is that my problem is the fact that it's a female robot and a female alien dating. I feel like that counts as some kind of interspecies thing? Like, I wouldn't call it zoophilia, but i'd definitely consider it something like that.

(The two look at Killer Laurence with pure anger.)

Susie? Can we please show him what we learnt from my wrestler counterpart after the event from yesterday had concluded?

Yes, Joke-Explainer. I hereby provide authorization to give them a taste of the Smash-Up.

(Susie summons a wrestling ring from out of thin air. After she and JE hop up onto the ring, they both grab on to the ropes, pull themselves back, and hit both of the evil Burnway twins with two seperate flying full-force kicks to the face, with Susie nailing Malice Lily and JE nailing Killer Laurence. Susie and JE then grab a steel chair from under the ring and slam it into the evil duo's faces as a final blow. Susie then puts the wrestling ring away the same way she brought it out, as Malice Lily and Killer Laurence get up from the beating they just experienced.)

Do not call us a "zoophilic relationship" again.

Hmph! I hope you've learnt your lesson!

I VERY MUCH appreciate you dragging me into that little wrestling ring attack of theirs, Killer Laurence. Thank you SO much for nearly making me lose a tooth. (sigh...) I swear, you really need to learn when to stop talking like a chatterbox and start fighting, and to filter your words.

Yeah, yeah, I know. Sometimes I just love hearing the sound of my own voice too damn much.

(The two quickly get back onto their feet.)

Alright, spill. Why did you send us here?

Simple. We wanted to test the teleportation device that JE and I finished making, and we also wanted to let you know that the ColorStreak Battion will come out on top against you.

Not just because they always do, but because we need their help with something important. You will not intercept our plans to get their help at any point in time, you kidnappers.

We hope Sean gets back to his true parents, and that you both burn in your own personal hell for what you've done.

Goodbye.

(After Joke-Explainer and Susie say that last line in unison, another blinding flash of pink appears, and Malice Lily's castle fades back into view, as they are exactly where they were standing before being teleported by Susie.)

Sean? Are you there?

(Sean walks out of the room, having eaten some pre-cooked chicken nuggets that were in the fridge that he microwaved. He then pats his stomach and grins.)

Good job, kiddo! Thanks for following our instructions and making yourself some lunch. You think you're up for some Reese's now? We bought some more for you!

(Sean dashes toward Killer Laurence, grabs the packet of Reese's peanut butter cups, and begins scarfing them down.)

Hey. Do you think we could find those two again? Susie and Joke-Explainer, I mean.

Sadly not, Killer Laurence. I already tried, and it looks as though they are from another world entirely. Not a different timeline, a different world altogether. Even if a spell like that was possible, it'd take ten of me just to open it. Which is a damn shame, as I truly was hoping that they would call me "my dearest Malice Lily" like the rest do...

Fair enough. Let's just prepare for the start of our plans in May.

Of course. Did you have to make them so themed around movies, though?

I took some inspirations from a video game for the Nintendo 3DS by the name of "Persona Q2: Shadow Of The Labrynth". I'm a huge cinema buff, and that game is themed around worlds within the screen of a movie theatre. And since this world's Burnway siblings have those Persona things with them, it was an honest-to-god no-brainer to base it off of.

Fair enough. Now let us have our lunch. My servants should help us.

Killer Laurence?

🎶"You are looking without seeing/It's not like you were blind/But something had you fleeing/From what you could find/Just hiding in plain sight/You're already always free!/Now you're looking and you're seeing/Your every choice is fine/No plot limits your freedom/And the story line/Is yours for the making/The road less taken/Could be where you're meant to be!"🎶

KILLER LAURENCE!

Oh, sorry. Couldn't help but sing that song. Road Less Taken is such a banger!

But yeah, I heard you. Let's have us some dinner. General Thomas Tanker makes the BEST boneless chicken bites, I swear!

Yes, he certainly does. Although, I have no idea why you hate bones on your meat. I certainly like them, as it doesn't feel like meat without it.

I just don't wanna bite into something hard while I'm eating some soft chicken, Malice Lily. Personal prefrence, that's all.

Fair enough, Killer Laurence. Now then, without further delay, let us have our well-earned feast! I hope you enjoy it, Killer Laurence.

You bet your ass I will, Malice Lily.

(Malice Lily gives a playful smirk to Killer Laurence as she and Killer Laurence head into the dining room as Malice Lily's mind controlled army, lead by General Thomas Tanker, serves the two of them some absolutely delicious food, which they both enjoy with smiles on their faces, as Sean is heard in the background vigorusly practicing the combat tactics that Malice Lily and Killer Laurence have been teaching him onto the testing dummy the two set up for him.)

END OF INTERMISSION 10

[alterrune]

You bet your ass it will, pal. And we'll defeat you.

And while Malice Lily cannot be saved, Killer Laurence could be sent back to his timeline without any issues. He does still seem to have somewhat of his humanity still intact, even after that massacre the two performed on Easter Day.

Why is his hair in a ponytail, though?

Vi, you know that Ghostface mask is one that covers his whole head, right? It wouldn't fit his hair unless he tied it back.

Yeah. And Killer Laurence has a mullet hairdo, unlike our Laurence, so you bet he has longer hair.

Ah, fair point. Guess tying back the hair helps with that.

[alterrune]

(This is the link the hyperlinked text leads to)

Maybe because your true feelings are nothing but murder, destruction, and chaos?!

No kidding. She's an evil lady. We've only got two days until we begin, but we are more than ready for this.

Yeah. We're ready to capture Malice Lily in a prison she'll never escape from. Thank god you had that blank game cell at the ready, Kyle.

Yeah. She'll be all alone with nobody to help her. Sad, but a fitting punishment. I'm almost ready. Just need to get out of this wheelchair, and Dr. V said I officially get out of it May 1st.

We begin our Operation then.

[alterrune]

PRESENT DAY

APRIL 20TH, 2025

...and now my world won't need to see me again.

Malice Lily...you really killed your world's version of me?

Yes. But unlike him, you're actually of use to me. He always wanted to do things clean and by-the-books, but you're not afraid to get your hands dirty. You'll hit the enemy below the belt all the livelong day if you have to, and you're a cold-blooded killer who can and will play dirty to get what's needed, just like me. And that's why I prefer you to him.

Why are you telling me all of this, though? Is it some kind of special day to you?

(Malice Lily holds her mask up to her face.)

It's Easter today. A day to celebrate bunnies who lay eggs. Though I prefer to think of it as a day where a bunny kills people instead of hiding some chocolates around their houses. This is the day I try to kill the most people. Care to help me break my record for this year? I managed to add 200 corpses to my count last year, and I've already made some good headway with 180 kills today. How about we break the record from last year together, my accomplice? I'd greatly appreciate it, you know.

(Killer Laurence puts on his Ghostface mask.)

You bet. With my help, we'll up that record by at least 50 people. Time for an Easter massacre.

Thank you. Hoppy Easter, Killer Laurence.

Hoppy Easter to you too, Malice Lily. Clever pun, by the way. Want me to spell that out in the victims' blood onto a nearby wall?

That would be amazing. Please, by all means, do just that for me. "Hoppy Easter!" with an exclamation mark at the end would work best.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Let's do this. Oh, and I'll let Sean know we're headed out.

(After Killer Laurence runs to where Sean is, gives him the heads-up, then runs back to Malice Lily, she opens a portal, and, after she puts on her rabbit mask, the two dash through to begin the mass slaughter to break the record Malice Lily set last year.)

[alterrune]

(Lily moves to the bathroom, and leans on the countertop. I'm awoken by both the light from the TV and from the light in the bathroom, thanks to the sleeping pills' drowsy effect wearing off and making me a light sleeper again. The others are fast asleep, so I quietly grab my Splatoon 3 nightcap, hop into my wheelchair with my "Don't Wake Me Until I've Had My Turf War Fill" onesie on, and slowly drive to Lily, whom I recognize by the pink zip-up onsie that has the phrase "I May Look Cute, But I'm Deadly" printed onto the back of it.)

Hey, Lily...you know it's midnight, right? Why are you up at this hour? Can't sleep?

You could say that, Kyle. Someone showed up through the TV and told me some things.

Through the TV? Lily, what do you mean by---?

(I stop cold as I realize who Lily's talking about.)

Oh. It was Luce, wasn't it?

Yep. Apparently she's connected to Malice Lily as well. I don't think she can interact with her like she can with me, nor would she want to, but she told me that her and Killer Laurence had contingency plans for Sean. Apparently, "a very particular set of skills with methods that work best for Sean", as Luce put it, was something they taught the poor fourth-grader.

That sounds awful.

Yeah, no shit. After hearing all that...how could I go back to sleep? I'd just toss and turn and probably make scared moaning noises all night. And considering I share this room with you, the other four memebers of the CSB, Carol, and my brother, I don't want to have to force you all to have to wear earplugs. I'm glad Colin, Andrew and Miguéla are in seperate rooms from us, at least.

Lily. Listen. The nightmares you have aren't real. Believe me, I need sleeping pills to get a good night's rest thanks to my chronic insomnia, and about three quarters of the time, I have some REALLY bad nightmares. But I know they're not real, which is why they don't scare me as much as they did before. Don't worry. Laurence is sure to comfort you if you have a really bad nightmare. Now if you want, you can sit on my lap and I can drive you back to your bed.

I'd like that, thank you.

(Lily slowly sits herself onto my lap as the two of us drive back to her bed. Once we arrive, she gives me a big, sincere hug.)

Thank you, Kyle. I really needed that. I think I'll sleep more soundly now.

Would you like one of my sleeping pills? They're not something made for a specific type of person or anything like that, it's a "one size fits all" kind of thing. I can give one to you if you'd like.

Actually, yeah, I'd appreciate the help.

(I drive over to my side of the room, open the pill bottle, and one tumbles into my hand. I then drive back to Lily's side and give it to her, alongside a glass of water.)

Just down it with a drink, and you'll be out like a light. Good night, Lily.

Good night, Kyle.

(She puts the pill in her mouth and swallows it with some water, and as I predicted, she's out like a light.)

Time for me to do the same.

(I slip back into my bed, have a pill with a glass of apple juice, and drift off to sleep.)

[alterrune]

Sutton, it's not just because she's still Lily. If we kill Malice Lily, who's to say regular Lily won't die either? The game has two of the same entity in the same place.

Oh god...you're right. I didn't think of that.

Well, do you have a pocket dimension or something we could stuff her in?

What about the Hammer_Space area? I recently cleaned all the items out of it, and the entrance is a one-way door. Once you go in, you can't come out.

...oh my god. Kyle, you fucking genius. Not only would Malice Lily be trapped somewhere where she couldn't cause anymore harm, but anyone who would try to help her would end up trapped themselves.

Exactly. It'd make Alcatraz look like a fucking daycare.

That's perfect! We'll get to work on that.

By all means, go ahead. Now then, I gotta get going. The CSB are waiting for me in the Target Range. We all need to be in tip-top shape for when we take on Kelso. You two take care, now.

You too, Kyle.

Have fun training!

Oh I will, Samantha. Don't worry about that.

(I put my wheelchair in high gear and speed down the hallway to the Training Room.)

[alterrune]

Malice Lily's Childhood

Much like our universes Lily, Malice Lily was born to loving parents and a caring older brother. In spite of having a healthy family to be raised with, Malice Lily displayed unusual behavior that Aaron and Marian Schaffer would take notice of. Even in adulthood, Malice Lily's childhood was also marred with violence.

Between the idle humming and dissociation to her assortment of sharp cutlery she kept under her bed, Malice Lily was a hard girl to put a finger on. She was often dwelling in the shade of leafy trees, crouching behind corners of alleyways, or, most frequently, isolating herself in the forests that surrounded her town.

Her parents thought her to have a wild imagination: being easily fascinated by mystery or working most efficiently while on her own or anything close to that. But, underneath everything, they were worried. Her forest visits grew lengthier and more frequent and she became hushed about them, leaving Malice Lily as the only one who knew whatever happened in those woods. Malice Lily would go into the woods killing wildlife, starting with a robin before she escalated to larger prey, like squirrels, raccoons and dogs.

Many of Malice Lily's classmates considered her as being "odd", such as being quiet and acting robotic. Teacher's spoke of Malice Lily's lack of personality and communication, but especially her violent outbursts as she would end up attacking a student during recess. According to a classmate, Malice Lily was seen killing ants at the end of a field, and a student would go over to annoy Malice Lily.

Aaron and Marian Schaffer would admit their daughter to the school health counselor. All sessions didn't seem to have any progress for Malice Lily's behavior, and she was eventually dismissed as her parents wanted to talk with her instead.

Aaron and Marian decided they would admit their daughter to a mental hospital in hopes of she would get proper treatment, However, Malice Lily would've left her home, following her older brother Laurence during one of his operations. Laurence didn't know of this, and he realized too late before his own sister stabbed him against the wall with a kitchen knife. All Laurence saw was his own sister staring at him wearing a rabbit mask as he bled out.

Eventually, Malice Lily moved on to The Toppat Clan, where she would kill Terence Suave and Reginald Copperbottom along with Kyle "Alter" Cross, Violet Wolfsbane, Henry Stickmin, and Ellie Rose. This destroyed The Toppat Clan's infrastructure and operations, leaving a path of misery for the members and family.

Aaron and Marian were distraught by the news, but they didn't want to believe their own daughter killed their son. Aaron would admit Malice Lily to a GEOGRAM Medical Facility. Just like before, all 37 years worth of therapy sessions failed.

One day, during blackout, Malice Lily's cell would be found open, and her mother Marian Schaffer dead, having been killed by her daughter after being bashed against a wall repeatedly until death.

Malice Lily would escape the GEOGRAM Medical Facility, and a massive search would be conducted, where a massive killing spree would soon follow. Aaron Schaffer would then be stabbed to death soon after by Malice Lily after a failed attempt by GEOGRAM, The Toppat Remnants, and The Town.

Malice Lily had done it, she had gotten away with numerous counts of murder. She felt a strange sense of gratification as her collection grew alongside her craving for blood when he succeeded in killing her entire family.

 The blood on her knife and mask made Malice Lily feel truly alive. It was only after running for a while that she realized she was seemingly going in circles.

But in the end, Malice Lily got her wish. How could she be charged with a crime if she wasn’t there to begin with? She saw a rift, a glitch in reality, holding a power that Malice Lily felt familiar with despite not having such abilities.

She touched it, she felt stronger than before, as if nothing could hold her down anymore. Malice Lily found herself in a place that felt unfamiliar... and she fully understood that she was no longer in her own world.

And Malice Lily already knew what to do with her newly gained powers, if she was in another world just like her own, how else would her killings be any different?

Aaron's worst fears had come to pass, he had understood too late that his own daughter could never be helped in the first place, as she was always "Purely and simply Evil" from the start, there was nothing left; no reason, no conscience, no understanding in even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, of good or evil, right or wrong. 

Nothing tragic ever happened to Malice Lily, she was always pure evil from the start.

We figured that out already.

Kinda obvious since "Malice" is in her name.

But to think she was horrid to that degree...yikes.

[alterrune]

The following is the 4th recorded audio tape from Killer Laurence during his incarceration in his universe before his escape:

You want to know what it means to be a killer? You ever been to the art museum downtown? They got this painting by a guy... I forget his name. Famous painter. He did portraits of slaughtered cows hanging on hooks.

You take a normal person to a slaughterhouse, and more often than not, they will puke their guts out. You make it into a painting, and suddenly it's art. There's no difference between the two. Not really.

Don't look at me like that. You know I'm right. You get it. I know you get it. You got to do something that matters. Make people feel something they've never felt before. Shatter the illusion that any of us are really in control. Think of the most profound thing you've ever done... the most beautiful thing you've ever created... and I promise you...

It's nothing compared to watching the life bleed out of someone. To see the fear in their eyes, to feel them pawing at you for release, to hear them pleading — begging... That moment, when someone realizes they are at their end... that's when you feel it.

That's true art. That's what you have to be — an artist... a sculptor... an architect.

Bare hands can feel good, huh? But the blade makes for such a prettier picture. Everyone's got potential... if they truly want to be an artist.

This just gets worse and worse...

Mmmm...oh man, was this the hotel's catering back in reality, Kyle?

(We just finished taking a dip in the pool, and are now having some lunch before we head out the rest of Clifton Hill, including Ballway Arcade and the African Lion Safari location. Alter is indulging in the hotel resturaunt area.)

I don't remember what the hotel even looked like, Alter. Aside from some vague memories of the swimming pool, which I accurately tried to recreate there, I just made something grandiose as hell.

Great. Hey, Vi? You're not going to drink like you did at room's minibar, are you?

No, don't worry. Vomiting like that actually physically hurt me. Believe me, I do NOT want to go through that again.

Oh yeah, as for Killer Laurence...yeah, no doubt he's lost his marbles. But, from what we've seen, he at least he seems to at least somewhat be like our Laurence. Psychopathic, megalomaniacal, and a serial killer, yes, but he still has Laurence's snark and sense of humor.

Yeah. Unlike Malice Lily, Killer Laurence seems to have at least some connection to reality.

Even more so after she cured him of that schizophrenia issue he suffered from.

We'll stop those two when we get the chance. But for now...

...who's ready for Ballway Arcade?

(After a rousing shout of "WE ARE!", and making sure we have our things, we all head out to Clifton Hill, with our first stop being the huge Ballway Arcade. This is gonna be fun!)

[alterrune]

The following is a recorded audio tape from Killer Laurence during his incarceration in his universe before his escape:

Laurence Burnway, born [REDACTED]. Come on. You know all this, what do you want? What's this?

(Killer Laurence looks at the newspaper)

Huh, you've been doing your research, haven't you, Special Agent? What are my favorite television programs? Describe my first pet? What were your friends like as a child? What is this? You taking a survey or you trying to learn something? Would it kill you to be direct? You wanted to know what inspired me? As if I wasn't an original? Well, maybe there was one man I found myself a little fascinated by. Henry Howard Holmes.

Why? Because he was numero uno. America's first Serial Killer. The guy invented the trade. He set the benchmark, you know? Learn your history. Read a book.

You think because I stuck a blade in some people and get off on it, I'm not smart?

I, uh... heh... allegedly killed thirteen people before you got smart enough to find me.

And he'd probably do it again.

Wait. Sutton told us he lived in an apartment and was never caught.

Read the first paragraph again, cuz. It says the audiolog was recorded during his incareration before his escape. Yes, he was caught, but it seems as though he escaped afterwards.

Oh, fair enough.

So, Alter. Did you enjoy the Guiness World Records museum?

Hell yeah! I especially liked that they had a copy of Super Mario Bros out that anyone could play. Hey, how long can we stay here for?

For as long as we want to! There's no worry about budget or timing here, unlike the real Clifton Hill.

Sweet. I honestly don't wanna leave yet. Plus, I brought Damien here with me. Don't worry, I've told him not to bark when you're around, Kyle.

I second that notion. Plus, Thunder's with me as well.

I third it.

Fourthed.

Fifthed.

Sixthed.

Seventhed.

Well it's a good thing I "eighthed" it. Looks like it's unanimous. We'll be here for as long as we can! I got enough power in my wheelchair, after all.

(The others all cheerfully celebrate the fact that our Clifton Hill vacation will be for as long as it can be.)

(I'm proud to be a part of the ColorStreak Battalion. The five of us are more than just co-workers, we're legitimate family.)

[alterrune]

A "myth", huh? Well, she sure as hell seems like a fucking fairy-tale witch.

We haven't seen anything like this since Outworld.

Outworld, eh? Wow, been a while since we heard that name.

The powers she has are far beyond anything that the Heaven Incursion and the "Institute For Idiots and Imprisonment" threw at us during our little adventure there, though...

Yeah. This isn't Outworldian power. This is something stronger.

...

...uh...Samantha? You still listening?

My apologies. Sutton just came back from checking Outworld with Aaron, and I was checking with him. Both of those two told everyone there about Malice Lily's origins and her powers. They confirmed no such power can be obtained from there, and that Malice Lily and anyone under her spell would be unable to enter Outworld due to being from an alternate timeline. But they did say that it could be possible that she gained her dark magic abilities from her own timeline's Outworld.

Hmmm...any word on Malice Lily's current location?

She seems to be building a stronghold in the same place that the Wall complex was formerly located at in the Siberian outskirts of Russia.

Of course. She's making her location obvious to us. She wants us to challenge her.

Outworld and the old Wall complex...jeez, two locations you guys haven't heard mention of in a long-ass time.

We'll still kick her ass, regardless of where she's held up.

After Kelso, of course.

Right. Almost forgot you need to get out of that wheelchair, first.

[alterrune]

Wow. Just...wow. I have no words.

It's rare for all of us to be rendered speechless at the exact same time, but this completely socked us outta nowhere.

Once Kyle gets outta that wheelchair in may, Operation: Malice Malediction will immediately be initialized. We can't take any further risks.

[alterrune]

How Malice Lily destroyed the Toppat Clan

Malice Lily killed her brother Laurence, and she looked at the operation file that was on the ground. "Toppat Radical Shipment". Malice Lily heard of The Toppat Clan, how it was crumbling under it's new leader, Terence Suave... but he was starting a competition essentially, he was killing the Toppat's from the inside out.

Malice Lily looked at the container next to her... The Toppat Radical's would load the container into the airship, and Malice Lily would kill Terence on that ship. Everyone else could also be part of the main course.

Malice Lily got onto the container and waited, she looked into one of the boxes... a collection of knives. Malice Lily admired the blades, she couldn't just leave them inside gathering dust, so she took all of them and hid them underneath the straps in her jacket.

Soon, Malice Lily could feel herself on the airship now, so she opened the door and killed the first Toppat she saw. Malice Lily wasn't afraid, she never knew fear from the start, she won't lead a group of armed gangsters get the better of her.

The Toppat's took notice of their missing numbers, but they were horrified by how fast they were dropping. Henry Stickmin and Ellie Rose were the first to take action... and Henry's own gadgets were turned against him, he was dead. Ellie flew into a blind rage, and that made her attacks easily to counter and predict, and she was killed with her own stop sign.

Malice Lily began to feel truly unstoppable, no one stood a chance, until she heard Kyle "Alter" Cross and Violet Wolfsbane behind her... finally, a proper challenge. Alter used everything he had, to kill the monster that had caused even further damage, but Malice Lily outsmarted Alter, and he tricked him into killing his own cousin Violet.

Alter only became even more enraged and gave it his all, he truly did, and Malice Lily met an equal for once. It would end in Malice Lily's favor, and Alter would expend all his powers eventually, and he would be killed by his own Alterrune after it was used to bash his head in by Malice Lily.

Malice Lily turned her sights to Terence Suave, unfeeling for the cries of anguish behind her. Terence tried to fight back... but he was truly pathetic, and Malice Lily used Terence for her entire collection of knives. Terence had all of knives Malice Lily had embedded into his back, he was already dead from the first few knives.

As the airship crashed, Malice Lily crawled her wait out of the ashes, and saw GEOGRAM Personnel surrounding her, and she was promptly incapacitated. But Malice Lily had her day of fun, she was satisfied, and a very patient girl, so she wouldn't mind waiting the next few decades for her to kill her parents next.

This just gets worse and worse.

No kidding. She tricked me into killing Vi in her timeline? Goddamn, she's clever for a psychopathic murderer.

Regardless of such, we'll still stop her. If she thinks we're scared of her or that we'll turn on each other, she's got another thing coming.

[alterrune]

Case File: Malice Lily and Killer Laurence Subject: Murder Films Report Written by Hagan Sutton

Me and my nephew Joe had conducted multiple investigations following the recent murders of numerous citizens in the past few days. Much like before, all of the targeted victims were completely random, some have even gone missing. However, in each crime scene, we found multiple cameras and tapes scattered across the rooms. Upon reviewing the tapes, it should the killings of each victim, all represented in the same way one would see it in a movie. Many of the cameras set up appeared to have been transported into the homes. Given the nature of Malice Lily and Killer Laurence, the reason why all of these murder events were filmed was for one reason, Both Malice Lily and Killer Laurence want to make a real life slasher film, where they use real people as live victims for their killing sprees, and I assume Killer Laurence was the one who kickstarted that idea. Maybe they've been leaving these tapes for us as a sick joke. The worst part is that Sean Samsa, the son of Olivia and Andrew Samsa, have also been involved in these killings as well. Sean is already becoming a terrifying protege as well, and he could very well take up the mantle for Malice Lily and Killer Laurence. We know the end goal's for Malice Lily and Killer Laurence, kill anyone in their path, film the proper scenes for it, and have Sean continue their legacy. No doubt that even if Malice Lily and Killer Laurence finish their "Slasher Film", it's not going to stop them from killing people.

But this twisted game of their's... we're the hunted, and they're the hunters.

Yeah. They'll find out those roles are in the wrong order soon enough, Hagan.

Indeed. The CSB will make sure of that.

Kyle? Nephew? What are you two doing here?

I overheard you reading your note out loud, Uncle Hagan, and I told Kyle to give me a ride on his wheelchair to make sure we were able to talk to you about what you wrote before we left.

(Sutton hops off the back of my wheelchair to talk with his uncle, as I turn it around to face him.)

Hagan, the way I see it, Sean's still a kid. If we take Malice Lily & Killer Laurence away, he'll be back to his old self.

(Hagan begins caressing his beard in thought. As he was formerly part of the Wall staff, he grew long hair and an equally as long to combat the cold. He decided to keep it once the Wall complex was destroyed, and always makes sure it's clean and styled to his liking. He's adopted the nickname "Hagan The Viking" by his friends and the Blackjack Remnants, which he wears like a badge of honor.)

But what about the things he's been taught? I don't think we'll be able to unteach him the things he's taught.

Well, Kyle and I have been discussing that, and we could probably turn him into the Black Widow of the group once he's back with his parents. Someone who's able to take anyone down with pure skill and brute force at the exact same time, and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty to get things that the enemy has. Plus, we don't have someone like that on the team yet. Utilizing the skills those two psychopaths taught Sean for us instead of against us would work.

That's my nephew! Always coming up with seemingly crazy plans that actually have a damn good chance of working.

Well, Uncle Hagan, I can't take the credit for all of this. Kyle was suggested the Black Widow thing.

Yeah. He just asked me if I had any thoughts on if Sean needed to be punished or not. I told him we didn't have to, and we could simply turn the teachings Malice Lily and Killer Laurence gave him into a good thing.

Heh. Alright. Once Malice Lily and Killer Laurence are detained in that blank game cell, we can put Sean back on the right track.

Actually, we may not have to do that to Killer Laurence. Unlike Malice Lily, Killer Laurence seems to have some of his humanity left in him. And despite everything he and Malice Lily have done, he's not completely insane. We could probably just send Killer Laurence back to his own timeline.

Malice Lily, though, I'm trapping her in that blank game cell for sure. She won't be able to do anything to anyone anymore, and she'll suffer be a fate worse than death: being stuck for eternity all alone, with nobody but herself to talk to.

Sounds like a plan. You are getting out of that wheelchair first, right?

Yeah. Dr. V said I'll finally be out of it by May 1st, which will also be the day Operation: Malice Malediction starts. Perfect timing.

I'm definitely keeping this thing, though. It's too good not to.

I'll see you later, "Hagan The Viking".

Ha-ha! Yes, you definitely shall. May Thor guide you to victory, as the vikings said.

(As Sutton hops back onto my wheelchair, he waves his hand in front of my head to catch my attention.)

Yes, Sutton?

Thanks for calling my uncle that nickname of his. He needed a good laugh right now.

Heh, anytime. Let's get you back to your station. And you're welcome. Spreading a bit of positivity is my specialty.

Indeed, Kyle. I'm glad that even in situations as bleak as this, you've still got a smile on your face.

What can I say? It's a gift.

(I drive my wheelchair back to Sutton's workshop, and after giving a quick goodbye, drive back to my room.)

(We arrived back at GEOGRAM HQ a little while ago. Clifton Hill was fun, but it's time to get back to work.)

(The Airship is currently grounded at GEOGRAM HQ to make sure Malice Lily can't do anything to it without being spotted by GEOGRAM. We don't want another incident similar to what Suave did happening again.)

(Miguèla's training is going along well, by the way, and while he has been using his custom Ant-Man suit in times when it isn't combat-oriented, he always makes sure he gets Sutton's permission before going through with it. He knows about the "with great power comes great responsibility" thing, and knows what it means. And I love that.)

(Dr. Sander and Dr. Free are also now working under Dr. V as assistants. They can't go back to their work with Malice Lily still out and about, so they're working under Dr. V for the time being.)

(Who knew a vacation to Clifton Hill was all we needed to improve everyone's mood?)

[alterrune]

Same here, Doc. Same here.

She's absolutely terrifying. Nothing like the cute, cuddly and deadly Lily Burnway we know.

We'll still beat her ass, though. We don't do "running away in fear". We always choose fight over flight.

[alterrune]

(We'll get him back once I finally get out of this wheelchair in May, you two. You have my word. -K)

[alterrune]

(The GEOGRAM Detective suddenly arrives on the scene.)

Hold off on that for a moment, you two.

Ah, Detective! To what do we owe the honor of seeing you here?

The camera here caught Killer Laurence, Malice Lily and Sean on video, and with sound at that. Sadly, it seems like it was deactivated before they enacted their murder, but it reactivated just after they had finished the job.

Well, what are we waiting for? We have a tape player in the patrol car, so let's play the damn thing already.

Copy that, Hagan.

(The three then hop into the patrol car and begin playing the tape.)

APRIL 16TH, 2025, 3:00 AM

(sigh...) What a waste of time and effort.

(Malice Lily uses her magic to turn the stronger men into members of her army, leaving the weaker ones behind.)

Would you mind telling me why you went after some completely random strangers on the street, Killer Laurence? It had better be good.

Because they had THIS on them.

(Killer Laurence holds up a "MISSING CHILD" poster that features info about Sean.)

They caught a glimpse of us and Sean, and I had a feeling they knew who Sean was and were about to call the police on us. And as it turns out, I was right.

(Killer Laurence raises a thumbs up to Malice Lily.)

At least I'm actually getting better at the whole "unplanned killing" thing! Never thought I'd see the day when THAT finally happened.

(As Malice Lily grabs Killer Laurence's hand and gently forces it back down to his side, both of them notice that Sean, who has eaten all the sweets the men had on them, is now slicing one of the men's eyes with a box cutter, which is now purple and pink from exposure to Malice Lily's poisonous enchantment on the box cutter's blade.)

Sean, you silly goose! That's something you're supposed to do BEFORE you kill them! It blinds them so they don't know who it was that killed them! Glad you remembered to do it, though, great job!

Would you like a treat? We don't have any Reese's at the moment, but I have a Caramilk bar on me. I know it isn't the same, but do not fret, we will get more Reese's soon enough, young one. Your training has been going well, after all, and you deserve more treats for how proud you've made us.

(Sean dashes over, scarfs down the Caramilk bar, and gives a thumbs-up to the two of them, both to express his enjoyment and to say his thanks.)

Thank you for staying silent, by the way. I appreciate you following our orders, even with unplanned detours like this. Now then, let us depart.

(Malice Lily opens a portal to her castle in Sibera, which she, Killer Laurence, and Sean walk into. She promptly closes it behind the three of them.)

END OF TAPE

(The three are sitting at the TV, wide-eyed in shock at what they just watched.)

Great find, detective. I had a feeling that Sean couldn't have learnt Malice Lily's magic so fast, so Sean using a blade that has been enchanted by Malice Lily's magic to have some kind of magical poison effect makes some unclear parts about this make far more sense.

So they really have corrupted Sean that much, huh? Damn...poor Olivia and Andrew. Those two are probably horrified by their own son doing all this unneccesary killing and violence.

Indeed they are, Hagan. I showed them this tape first, and Olivia began crying so hard and so suddenly I had to pause the tape to give her a moment. She's seeing her son commit a murder, so I don't blame her for reacting so...well, violently to this.

Thank you for the info, Detective. Oh, and when we get back to base, remind me to radio Violet Wolfsbane to tell her the teleportation signal's finally been hijack-proofed and it's safe for her and the other members of the ColorStreak Battalion to use.

I'll do that, Sutton, don't worry.

(The Detective then puts the patrol car into drive, puts out the warning to the rest of the patrol unit, and drives off with Joe Sutton and Hagan Sutton back to the GEOGRAM base.)