Brigitte is 24 years old! Also, just fyi, her name is pronounced Brie-geet
Edit: google translate disagrees with me, it corrects it as Brie-gee-tuh, and honestly at this point I don't mind at all, both pronounciations work! GERMAN NAMES 4 LYF!
As for the cyborg question... GUESS WE'RE ALL JUST GONNA HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE!
I was wondering. Brie-geet sounded like the english name Bridget.
If you ever have questions about germany, or the german language, you can ask me. I'm somewhat familiar with that topic.
I was wondering. Brie-geet sounded like the english name Bridget.
If you ever have questions about germany, or the german language, you can ask me. I'm somewhat familiar with that topic.
That's where the name originates! One time during German class in 7th grade, I noticed a textbook example including a girl named "Brigitte", and our teacher pronounced her name as Brie-geet. I couldn't get that out of my head for YEARS! I don't know why! And so, when I was first conceptualizing Vertigo during the Summer of 2016, I knew I was gonna have a major character who was a Stroheim descendant, and a woman. And so, Brigitte von Stroheim was born. Thank you very much for your offer! <3
Heavy weight. Dim lights. Dark hallway. That was the scene Shizuka Joestar and her unconscious companion had found themselves in.
Walking forward while carrying the comatose priest over her shoulders now, the young woman's eyes glittered vividly behind her shades, and her smirk stood proud on her lips for all to see. Of course though, no one was there to see it. Shizuka, avid fan of a good fight that she was, kept thinking to herself excitedly.
Shizuka: (Was that seriously my first stand battle!? I think that wasn't bad, not bad at all! I do wish I could have another chance to show Achtung Baby's might.)
Achtung Baby manifested in an instant besides Shizuka as the two smiled looking forward, brofisting each other quick and snappy before the Stand vanished once more.
Shizuka: (Who knows though... I'm hopeful about this. Whoever did this to Arthur and me will surely pay, that's for sure! Hurting my friends makes this personal!)
With both her hands occupied, the young girl did her best to imagine herself adjusting her glasses in a cool and stylish way before continuing her thought train. ''Uncle Josuke... Papa and the others... they told me of something that can bring forth Stands in others.'' she pondered. ''Jotaro said it was a golden Arrow.''
The image of Jotaro Kujo visiting Morioh suddenly popped into her head, bringing a genuine smile to her face.
Shizuka: (He rarely ever came... but if this really is what I think it is... perhaps him and the Speedwagon Foundation will be interested enough. I wonder if they will be proud of my contributions. Heh... that's right... a true Joestar at last! I can feel it... this is a true call to adventure! However I don't want to get too hasty, I still got a few days to spend here before ABBA takes me back. For now, I will focus on kicking ass on my own. Bet they will be proud of my handling of Arthur and his Fire!)
Similiar thoughts kept permeating Shizuka Joestar's mind for the next minutes. She was truly thankful not to have any more stairs to carry a 39-year old man over, and that the hallway ahead was very much linear. The cabins with the numbers kept piling up... as if they were all made on the same day, in the same way, not a single difference besides the numbers on the doors and the various forms of rust. Monotony had started to bore the young woman who could not wait to find what led to the end of the path.
At this point, no sense of fear existed in her unlike before. Instead, the most prevalent emotion that could not be repressed was a desire for revenge, though she thought to herself revenge might be too harsh a word. ''Anger, I guess'' she decided as she took a moment to once more adjust Arthur's body on her back and then hopped on each foot to knock away any dust that had settled in her still stylish shoes.
The now weary teenager knew Arthur's input on this would not exactly be positive. She reassured herself however, by remembering once more that she had knocked him out, making her current situation convenient.
And so, she carried on. The lights growing dimmer and dimmer.
============================
Kundenbetreuung Unit #3 - Von Stroheim
Projekt Zimmer (Room): 30 Minutes Earlier
Brigitte von Stroheim closed in on the microphone on her console.
''ACHTUNG! Reinhard reported to me that the artifact has not only come to use effectively as instructed, but it has provided conclusive results. Details aside, what I can inform you all of is that the subject will be meeting us very soon. This allows us to focus on the current project for the time being. It is time to utilise the artifact for Specimen #46. I hereby announce the start of the next phase. Begin as briefed!''
Her commanding voice had everyone in the chambers at the tip of their toes even while sitting down in front of their devices. As soon as her speech had ended, 2 men from the same room were seen across each room through the glass exiting through hatches under their feet. Climbing down the ladders one after the other, they finally made contact with the pure white, clean floor. In the middle of the ground, a giant pillar.
''Proceed.'' the woman exclaimed from the speakers. The men looked at the giant monitor before saluting, despite their sweaty foreheads and the pure stress enveloping the atmosphere. Their eyes delirious, they soon turned solid as they began to take steps towards the middle of the experimental grounds. Carrying weird equipment as well as liquids, they finally arrived at the unknown object and quickly began using the equipment to pierce through the pillar, or cover certain areas of it with a suspicious-looking substance. Their apparent familiarity with the current situation and subject of their handling would contrast significantly with those uninitiated.
''As soon as you have carried out your tasks, return to your chamber, Götze. Hakimi, you are to remain seated. Further support will be coming your way, carrying the artifact. Chamber 8, I request the presence of Dr. Reus alongside me to oversee the next phase. Danke.''
Stroheim's words and tone of voice did not lose boldness. Courage and confidence was conveyed to everyone present effortlessly through the words of the unit's leader. Her legs glued together and arms behind her back, she raised her head high, looking down at the busy men, occupied with the handling of the bizarre stone.
Not long after, the automatic iron gates to the sides of Stroheim's chamber opened wide, allowing for a man in a white coat to enter clumsily. Carrying a pencil behind his left ear, and an album, a folder of papers between his hand and his armpit, he entered the room slightly hunched back and adjusted his weird glasses with his free hand from their handle. Standing upwards with confidence to look at this leader, who did not glance back. Instead, he was only met with the sight of the woman's jet black cape, equipped with the symbol all soldiers were carrying on their armbands.
Stroheim: Marco, you know very well what to do. Marco: Ja! Mein fuhrer, I have everything necessary to proceed-- Stroheim: That will be all. The stage is yours.
Having not broken stance or even changed her sight to look at the scientist, Brigitte von Stroheim stood like an immovable object while Marco awkwardly circled around her to place his equipment on the consoles, before taking a seat beside the standing fuhrer. Taking the pencil out of his ear, he went on to take a paper out of the album and then placing the album where the pencil was before, behind his ear.
Marco: Mein fuhrer! Stroheim: Hm? Marco: I-I think... I think uhm-- Stroheim: Speak freely. Marco: I think that... this being a project seeking to be completed for decades upon decades now... it's worth a celebration, isn't it? Stroheim: What do you mean, Marco? Marco: Well... uh, after this project has been completed on this day, hopefully, mein... mein fuhrer, would you object to a feast in the grand lounge? Stroheim: Not at all.
The scientist gasped, air blowing in and out of the gap between his front teeth, bouncing back for a second, the album on his head also moving along just on the verge of falling off. His gaping mouth soon turned to a confident smile, looking at the unclouded leader.
Marco: Dankeschön! Stroheim: No need. I will look forward to it later today. Indeed, on this day. I wish you had lost your ''hopefully'' from your previous sentence. Marco: Uh... I'm... the statistics don't exactly imply this task can be carried out that quickly... we have been planning this, the previous occupants too, for many decades, but who knows... maybe by tomorrow-- Stroheim: NEIN!
Brigitte von Stroheim finally turned her head to look down on the seated blond scientist, who started sweating and rolled backwards on his chair in response. One wouldn't know from a mere look, but his beady eyes behind his glasses were looking more tired than the bags under them would have you think.
Stroheim: We are the best of the best, Marco. This shall be the day. Let not your heart feel any doubt. Marco: ...J-Ja... mein fuhrer...
Stroheim looked back, the two men on the ground giving a signal towards her chamber, to which she responded to with a smile, before reaching for her microphone. ''Wunderbar. Continue.''
Leaning back to her straight stance, she started talking once more. Not taking her finger off the switch, her eyes widened and her eyebrows raised up high, as she took a massive breath. With a loud roar, it felt like an earthquake that shook the scene, the woman's gold hair flowing along with the declaration being made.
Stroheim: Let it be known! Marco: Fuhrer von Stroheim...!! Stroheim:DEUTSCHE WISSENSCHAFTEN IST DIE BESTE IN DER WELT!!!
Once more, everyone in the rooms sat up proudly, taking immediate position like soldiers in the military, saluting and shouting in unison. ''HEIL STROHEIM! HEIL STROHEIM! HEIL STROHEIM!''
Stroheim's face calmed down, to reveal a comforted expression of power. She released the button and then moved towards shutting off the large monitor, ending her broadcast. Everyone soon returned to their posts, not a soul without their hands full and invested in their work.
Stroheim: I know you understand, Marco. Let us commence. Speaking unnecessarily will only make your throat sore.
Marco understood and proceeded to write down on his papers, pressing his glasses back into his eyes from their loose position.
The iron woman placed her gloved hand on the glass, while her other one remained behind her back. Watching the progress down on the grounds, her line of sight to the pillar was illuminated by the grand and bright lights. Not a fraction of a second passed for a while without her piercing glare staring the object.
Stroheim:(Finally. It has been many, many years of hard work... but great grandfather Rudol would be proud. I shall finish what he started all those decades ago. And we... shall claim our rightful place. The day of liberation is growing ever so closer.)
Making a smile that revealed her gritted teeth, her glare only grew colder and deadlier...
Stroheim: (Now tell me... what secrets do you keep...)
While she was looking at the man in the pillar.
Stroheim: (Santana.)
========================================
Across the Pacific Ocean
???: Don't you think this is a bit unconventional though? ???: Sure, haha, but Josuke-sensei said so! It's alright not to do things by the book if it's for family, I think! ???: I know right? Kukukuku! I like not doing things the common way when it's possible though! Like at home, sometimes I'd rather take off my underwear by letting it slide down my legs and then picking it up with my foot. What's the fun in using your hands like normal? Wow though... way for this to be your first task on the force, right? ???: I get what you mean, man! And yeah, you really will have a hell of a story for your first time, kouhai! ???: Sure I will... hmmm... can we close the helicopter's door though? The view may be amazing but I don't wanna catch a cold. I plan to have perfect attendance as long as I can help it. Is that okay? ???: Oh don't mention it!
A group of men on a helicopter.
Soaring over the sea bound on a helicopter, the group of men were having a friendly chat, all smiles and banter for a while now. The pilot was concentrated on the job. He did smile brightly upon hearing his friends and their enjoyable talk. They were all armed with a vest you'd see police agents wearing. And that was what they were. On their backs, the black vests brandishing the bright yellow letters ''HMPF''. ''Higashikata Morioh Police Force''.
One of the men, a young adult, was not so fond of the banter. He made it apparent by his empty glance out at the blue skies through the glass windows that he would much rather spend time alone. It was his first day on the job. With a slow and steady gesture, he took his hand and ran it through his recently-cut hair, as short as it was. As soon as he was done, another officer came to him from behind, headlocking him.
???: Come ON, man! I think you might be a bit too stressed out! Let us in~ ???: Y-Yeah but... *cough* you're not making it any easier, senpai...
The man let go and put on his helmet swiftly, which was besides him.
???: Look, I know this is a mission and all, but it doesn't mean you have to be suffering like that! You're like my grandma! And if any mistakes happen, I'm sure Josuke-sensei will understand, we're doing this for Shizuka Joestar after all! ???: And Father Arthur. ???: Well yeah, him too. I mentioned her due to her being related with sensei. You don't sound as enthusiastic as I thought you'd be. Tell ya what, after this is all done, let's all go hang out with some hot chicks in Morioh! WHAT'D'YALL DUMBASSES THINK!?
Everyone on the helicopter, even the pilot, roared a loud and cheerful ''HAI!''
???: I don't think I'm into that... ???: ...You wanna go to a male stripper club instead? I think there's one over-- ???: What! No! I didn't mean-- I don't wanna go to any such place! I... sorry, it's not my kind of fun, y'know? And after all I am too concerned right now, I'm sorry.
"Naaah we understand." said one of the agents. "Sorry if we made you uncomfortable, bro. And you, give the kid some space today."
???: Yes sir! ???: It's alright, I promise...
The officer gave the boy a pat on the shoulders and smiled at him through his helmet before heading over to the frontal part of the helicopter, to sit beside the pilot. The new recruit leaned a bit back, enjoying the full beauty of the cloud and bright sky from the glass. One could easily tell from his expression that he was thinking heavily about something. With a slight grimace to himself, he knew he had to talk.
And so, breathing in through the nose and letting the breath out through the mouth in a loud gasp, he closed his eyes shut and turned his head back to the passenger's seat. The pilot as well as the other 3 officers were talking with each other, having a lively chat before the young man's voice interrupted them for a second.
???: Hatori-senpai! Hatori: Yes, recruit? ???: How about... after all this, we all go for pasta instead? Tonio's! Hatori: Hahaha! Tonio's, huh? Feeling fancy? Haaah!
The boy's senior genuinely laughed, taking off his helmet to wipe his tears off before putting it back on, his laughter only letting off when he was ready to respond positively. Adjusting his visor slightly to be able to see him better, officer Hatori gave the boy a thumbs up as well.
Hatori: Of course, Kawajiri-kun! And guess what, I'm paying!
The boy gasped in joy!
Hayato: R-Really?! Wow, thanks! Hatori: Don't even mention it! Anything to give you a warm welcome! This is how we do things, my friend. Welcome to the Higashikata Morioh Police Force!
The recently hired officer the Morioh Police laughed, joyful as he was, before turning his head back, placing his hands in the back of his head to lay down and appreciate further the beauty of the world around.
His name was Hayato Kawajiri.
Hayato: (Beautiful... so... so, so beautiful...)
The young man smiled and closed his eyes, drifting off to the land of dreams soon.
Hayato Kawajiri did not know it at that moment- he couldn't possibly know- but he would very soon set off on an adventure that would change his life forever.
========================================
Soon, the threads of this story would intertwine. The convergence was inevitable. The signal of the beginning was already sent, as the minutes passed, and the beast waiting to awaken underground Mexico, where it once had awakened before, would be just another step to this already initiated bizarre adventure.
It was only a matter of time.
And at that moment, fuhrer Stroheim would be the first, along with her unit, to witness destiny unfold. Because unbeknownst to everyone, at that very moment, as well as the moments before and the moments after, it was all going according to plan.
Stroheim: ATTENTION, comrades! The time has come to discover the secret of the Pillar Man! Entering the final phase of the project, from this moment onward I shall not tolerate even the slightest failure. No matter what, carry out my orders as planned. HAVE I MADE MYSELF CLEAR?
Everyone at once pressed their own microphone device switches.
All: HEIL STROHEIM! Stroheim: Not a yes... but it gets the point across. Marco: Mein fuhrer!
Brigitte von Stroheim placed her hands behind her back once more and turned to face her assistant and right hand man, lead scientist Marco Reus.
Stroheim: Make it quick. Marco: Ja, mein fuhrer! Well, you see...
The scientist adjust his bizarre glasses with his right hand before using the same hand to pick up the folder from behind his ear, pulling out specific papers to present to his commander.
Marco: Here, the calculations are completely correct! It might have taken a little bit, heheh, b-but this surely is everything we needed! Specimen #46 will awaken as soon as you give the word. All the conditions are correct and the artifact is in the possession of Hakimi. Stroheim: Hmph. Marco: ...? Stroheim: Wunderbar. I shall now give the order... let us use the artifact on the specimen. Brace yourself, Marco. Your time is NOW. You won't fail me.
The scientist sat up from his chair and saluted fast enough that a Guiness World Record book would surely feature him. The swift action caused a gust of wind to fly by Stroheim's hair.
Marco: Understood! HEIL STROHEIM!
Placing the papers back in the folder, he placed it all back behind his ear. Eager and excited, clearly, the scientist cracked his knuckles and started managing the console, which seemed to correspond to the lights shining down to the pillar shifting colour and brightness.
The fuhrer took a step back to take a good look at all the other surrounding chambers. With every single individual in the rooms either looking at the pillar in shock or at Stroheim's chamber with anticipation, as well as the soldier identified as Hakimi, it was clear that the only thing needed was the woman's fierce command.
Now walking forward, the fuhrer stomped her foot on the ground hard enough it echoed throughout the entire silent project room. Pressing her finger down with force on the button to activate all the speakers, her eyes featuring a wild and near deranged look of leadership and authority, a roar of an order rang throughout everyone's bodies.
''UNTERNEHMEN SANTANA BEGINS!''
As soon as the words were uttered, the uniformed man under a chamber started making his way towards the pillar. Everyone started sweating bullets and their palms grew extremely sweaty. Stroheim was unmoved, the only one unmoved.
Marco: (This is it... this is it...!! Hakimi, it's up to you now. Use it, THE ARTIFACT!)
The man was carrying a bizarre object wrapped up in a soft, velvet cloth. Carefully taking it out of the fabric and holding it with his gloved hands, both of them, one could hear him even from far away breathing heavily.
Fully unwrapped, the fabric left behind on the ground, Hakimi walked closer and closer until he was in front of the pillar, and the man embedded into it. He slowly raised his hands, displaying the artifact to all, signaling. The fuhrer's eyes widened.
A golden arrow.
Stroheim: (Excellent... most excellent...)
The man's boots suffocated all other noises against the marble floor as he stepped down with great force before standing at attention. Not a second later, he used both of his hands, one to hold the wooden part of the arrow and the other to push it from the back, piercing the abdomen area of the figure on the pillar, high above him.
''This is it!'' thought every single person in the room.
Anticipation, build-up, payoff... but no result.
No one could really believe what just happened.
The fact that absolutely nothing just happened.
Hakimi's eyes were wide and his head was sweating wildly, upon realizing the arrow would not pierce through the area. After a brief pause, he continued two more times, to no avail. One could feel through gripping the arrow at that moment that the area was soft enough to penetrate with the sharp edge of the arrowhead. Another pause took place before the anxious man tried to pierce other parts of the figure on the pillar.
''STOP IMMEDIATELY! THAT'S AN ORDER!'' shouted the leader, terrifying everyone else.
Stroheim's glare only widened, as her mouth was slightly open. Her stance was unbroken despite it all, until she inhaled through her nostrils and turned to face her assistant, approaching him.
Stroheim: Marco, explain yourself. NOW. Marco: I, I don't, wh-who would-- I had no--
The terrified lead scientist was at a loss for words, unable to form a sentence through his sweat and anxiety. Stroheim closing in and placing her hand on his shoulder, ever so slightly gripping it dominantly and staring him in the eyes, did not help his situation.
Stroheim: SPEAK. Marco: This-- m-mein fuhrer this! This should, not, have happened, ...! Everything was right! Stroheim: If this does not work out as intended, the specimen will awaken as scheduled without the arrow having made contact. Weeks, months, YEARS of work, many trials and errors. I refuse to allow another failure in the final successful attempt to awaken Specimen #46.
Her grip grew stronger.
Stroheim: I will NOT tolerate failure. Marco: Mein fuhrer!! No mistakes have been made! They also gave us all the info we needed! We have not f-failed! Stroheim: ...scheiβe.
Stroheim let her hand off Marco's shoulder, who gasped for air so hard the folder in between his ear and head almost fell off. The woman turned to the glass once again and stared down at the pillar and the man wielding the arrow. She soon decided to take action into her own hands and control the situation, her glare having subsided. With the press of a button, she spoke and released it again.
Stroheim: Hakimi. At ease.
She then turned to her unhinged right hand man.
Stroheim: Continue as planned. You are working right now. Marco: H-Heil Stroheim!!!
Immediately turning his seat to face the console and starting to use the machinery in front of him, Marco Reus' eyes grew troubled and his body trembled momentarily every few seconds. Sweat from his face fell down on the machines and his hands hesitated to move forward slightly before his own will forced them to act as intended. His whole state was that of a demented man. That was, until he felt a weight on his shoulder like a feather. He turned his head and then back again, and once more to make sure what he had just seen was actually real. His leader, whose hand was placed on his shoulder once again. The woman was actually sitting down on the other chair in the room, her legs crossed elegantly with her other hand placed on her top knee.
Stroheim: Calm down, Marco. Marco: Mein... mein fuhrer... Stroheim: Rest your mind. Stop shivering. You wouldn't disobey my command, correct? Marco: Y... yes, mein fuhrer. Stroheim: How do you feel? Marco: Better... better. Stroheim: Das ist gut. Now... work. Marco: Ja.
The man turned back to his workspace, much more comfortably, evidently. Brigitte von Stroheim looked at the man's face in the meantime, taking her hand off his shoulder slowly and placing it at the side of her dark grey pants, made of soft fabric. She did not take her eyes off the man, and he did not take his eyes off his job. She read Marco and knew in her heart, he felt right.
Stroheim: (Gesundheit.)
Not long after, the woman took control of the speakers once more. ''We have made some adjustments to the lighting and room temperature. Try again. Chamber 5, Philipp! You are to assist Hakimi. Everyone else, your role is known, proceed immediately.'' she ordered and then crossed her arms.
The man went on to strike at the abdomen once more, to no avail. Desperation was no longer to be found, while Marco was at work and every other person in the other chambers followed suit. Soon enough, a loud metallic noise was heard and a hatch from a chamber opened, revealing another man climbing down the ladder below it, who the others identified as Phillip, another worker. He and Hakimi soon met, cooperating in their endeavour while the lighting colours, humidity and more features of the experiment room shifted.
Brigitte von Stroheim was cautious however. She did not know for sure, as confident as she was, as to how the specimen would react when awakened. And whether or not it would cooperate thereafter with the current assigned tasks.
Stroheim: (Santana... I know you are the key. If the records hold water, this will go smoothly. My life...)
Noises.
Marco: Huh? Stroheim: ...!
SLAM!
BASH!
CRACK!
BAM!
The fuhrer uncrossed her arms and clenched her fists instinctively, turning back to face the source of the noise. The origin proved to be something behind the silver entryway to Stroheim's chamber. The noises also had caught the attention of Marco, who looked back as well, distracting himself from his work. The noises were loud enough to be heard in the surrounding chambers, despite the wall reinforcements.
Marco: Mein fuhrer, it's someone! An intruder!? Stroheim: Nein, the man Reinhardt described was supposed to come through here, since it's my chamber. I was expecting him. But what are the noises...
arararararararararara
Stroheim: Do you hear that? Marco: It's...
arararararararararara
Marco: Like someone is... trying to break through! Stroheim: I am the one who permits entry... he cannot pass if I don't--
arararararaRARARARARARARARARARARA
Marco: .....!! MEIN FUHRER! GET DOWN!! Stroheim: !!! Shizuka: ARA!!!
With a decisive blow that everyone became alert off, the moment was created. Marco went in to push his commander out of the way, diving towards her waist, but her boots were grounded hard into the ground. The door came flying with a loud metallic BOOM, despite its insane density, but the leader of the unit had taken a determined expression, and her arms had been extended outwards, her hands wide open.
Shizuka: Phew, walking is tiresome! Anybody home? ...Hello?
The smoke from the blow cleared out fast. The young woman took note of the scene; the silver door was standing upright, before falling down with a loud slam, like a playing card, in front of the teen. A uniformed, gold-haired woman was revealed behind where the door once stood, her arms reached out and veins forming on her forehead. She had used these arms and the weight of her body to halt the advance of the door, making it fall down at the front of her boots, while a bizarre-looking man was beside the same boots, fallen on the ground awkwardly and mumbling to himself.
Stroheim:Was ist das, Marco? Shizuka: WOAH! You just DID that!? Impressive! Wait, will you even get my compliment? I hope so, not enough people speak English over here. And this is what you did to the one I actually could talk to, damn.
The girl was speaking with a perplexed and curious expression, while a slight smirk could always be detected by looking at her dimples. As she was referring to Arthur, she brought him forth from over her shoulders and carried the man from under his armpits to a corner between the wall and the console to her left. The whole movement was like an acrobatics circus act. Before being done, the girl smiled wide and adjusted the hair of the unconscious priest, like a mother tidying up her son's hair before sending him off to school. All the while, the fuhrer released herself from her pose and put her arms behind her back once more, rotating her body to look at the bizarre display, stone-faced and calm. In a fraction of a second, the professor went from comatose at the ground to up and ready behind his commander, his mouth agape comically.
Stroheim: Woman. Shizuka: Ah, so you talk! Yes, I woman. You... also woman, I think. You know, it's kinda-- Stroheim: SILENCE.
Shizuka Joestar's eyes widened and her mouth took the shape of the letter o, raising her eyebrows. She had realized the uniformed woman was at the very least a competent English-speaker.
Stroheim: My men told me of this person, laying there. I was expecting him. But I can tell you disposed of him instead. Shizuka: Heh, guess you could say I ''kicked his ass'' if you wanted to, but that'd be-- Stroheim:SILENCE.
The girl went back to her o-shaped mouth state. Marco Reus jumped forth, still behind his fuhrer, pointing his finger to the girl, who in turn pointed her finger back at herself.
Marco: YOU! WHO ARE YOU!? Shizuka: Me? Nice to meetcha! My name is-- Marco: YOU VILE CREATURE! DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO YOU'RE TALKING TO, SCHWEINHUND!? Shizuka: Not really. Marco: THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY FUHRER, BRIGITTE VON-- Shizuka: HOLD THE PHONE. Now hand the phone over to me. Fuhrer? As in... Hitler? Marco: ...Whut. Shizuka: AH!
The girl shifted her glance at the armband on both the mad Marco and gallant Stroheim's arms, noticing the symbol on them.
Shizuka: OH MAI GAHD! You guys are nazis!? Marco: LISTEN HERE, YOU WILL SPEAK TO US WITH THE UTMOST--
The woman raised her hand, gesturing to her assitant to hold his words. ''That's enough, Marco.'' she declared in German. Despite not understanding, Shizuka Joestar figured out the meaning. Everyone took a moment to themselves in quietness.
Stroheim:(So this person defeated our empowered subject. Fascinating.) Marco: (Who does this brat think she is!? Had it not been for fuhrer Stroheim...) Shizuka: (LMFAO that guy has a folder behind his ear)
Stroheim: Speak no more. You defeated the empowered subject in combat. Few earn my attention like you. Clearly, you are ''superior'' to him. Shizuka: Superior? Also what kind of accent-- Stroheim: We are working. I grant you permission to stay, Mädchen. We will get to you soon. For now, do not speak, stay still. Disobey, and even if you are superior...
''I shall execute you.'' declared the commander steely, lowering her eyelids.
''Sunnava Bitch'' Shizuka Joestar thought to herself, wincing visibly. With a gesture of the unit leader's hand, Marco saluted in response and returned to his post, back on his chair, as if nothing had happened. The commander followed up by returning to her observatory position. Behind them both by a few meters, Shizuka Joestar, cringing at the thought of something bad happening and the uneasy predicament she had found herself in. Her hands loose and her stance flimsy, she did not make any noise, but her mind was full of thoughts.
Shizuka: (Dude what the fuck... these guys are nazis! The third reich!! That's the swastika, isn't it? Going to Mexico, Stands, nazis...?! A real JoJo would stop these guys' surely evil deeds right here and now. But something is not right... as much as I want to smash their faces for what they did to me and Arthur-san, something bigger is going on. I have to play smart before I can beat their mugs in.)
The girl walked forward slightly, silent, observing the machinery around and turning her head as well as her whole body to look at the surroundings. This was truly something she had never seen before. The other two people in the room were fully aware, but absorbed into their work, they decided to neglect the unknown Asian girl.
Only a couple of minutes passed all in all until the teenager took note of the subject of the fuhrer's fascination. An object at the center of the room, surrounded by two men using another object she recognized. The situation soon turned familiar to her.
Shizuka: ....!! Uhm--
''Don't.'' exclaimed the woman, sparing not a glance to the girl. The latter ran her mouth regardless.
Shizuka: I know what that object is! Stroheim: ... Shizuka: That is the Arrow! Marco: DIDN'T THE FUHRER JUST WARN YOU, DUMMKOPF!? I WILL-- Stroheim: "The Arrow"? Marco: ...huh
Stroheim turned fast. ''Marco, give us privacy.'' she ordered, resulting in the curious scientist returning to managing the machinery. ''What do you know about the artifact?'' she asked straightforwardly.
Shizuka: Alright, so... that thing awakens powers in people. Stroheim: How do you know of this information? Shizuka: Thanks for asking! Firstly, I, myself, am a--
RUMBLE!
Stroheim: !! Shizuka: !! Marco: !! Everyone: !!
A loud noise was heard from the middle of the room. The time had come. Stroheim's mouth slightly gaped open and her eyes widened while looking at the unaware girl. Immediately she turned her back on her to run back a few meters alongside Marco, lounging over him like a gargoyle.
Stroheim: Marco? Is this it? Marco: Richtig, fuhrer von Stroheim! Specimen #46 is awakening! Stroheim: Now...!
The woman took the microphone into her hands and started speaking. ''HAKIMI! PHILLIPP! Take 5 steps back and halt, pull back the artifact!'' she commanded and the two men immediately followed orders, as their ineffective efforts to pierce through the creature's body stopped. Shizuka Joestar kept being perplexed by the German she was speaking, but did not intervene. ''I wish I took that German class in middle school, but French was just too enticing'' she thought. Her thought train came to a halt though, as she took note of the object in the middle of the whole space, paying special attention.
Shizuka: (What is that... thing... ...!!!)
An epiphany.
Shizuka: (A man in a pillar... like... j-just like... and... STROHEIM!?)
The rubble from the pillar was starting, slowly but surely, crumbling away. From up close, it looked like the wide open eyes of the statue were moving in the iris, and its wide open mouth slowly moving towards closing up.
Shizuka: (That pillar... it's.... no. It can't be...!! Is this destiny?!)
The teenager was sweating profusely and breathing hard, as she instinctively took another step forward. (This... Papa said all of them had perished at his hands... no, no... except one...) Images of Joseph Joestar talking to the very young Shizuka Joestar on his lap flashed like a movie reel in the young girl's mind. Memories from long ago, stories.
Shizuka: (IT'S THE PILLAR MAN!!!) Santana! Stroheim: !!!
The commander's eyes widened and she turned to the young girl immediately, rushing to her with her hand to grab Shizuka from the shirt and raising her up high in the glimpse of a second. The levitating girl had no idea what was going on, and her mouth spoke before her mind did.
Shizuka: YOU! STROHEIM!!! Stroheim: Did you say "Santana"?! Marco: Mein fuhrer, we don't have enough time! We need to make sure specimen #46 awakens safely and unprovoked! Shizuka: Awakens!? Stroheim: Brat... Marco, act. The specimen will receive cooperative treatment as scheduled. The records do not lie. I have something to do...
The crazed expression of the fuhrer was gone, as well as her cap which was now laying on the floor. Her piercing glare did not vanish however, as she sent something of a psychic bullet straight to Shizuka Joestar's heart with it.
Shizuka: Your name is Stroheim, huh? Descendant of Rudol von Stroheim!? Stroheim: How do you know ANY of this? Speak before I end you! (This runt... she knows a lot... I can't get rid of her!) Shizuka: More importantly... what the HELL do you think YOU'RE doing!? Santana can't awaken! YOU need to be ended!
Stroheim moved her other hand to the young woman's neck, gripping it tight momentarily in an attempt to render her unconscious. But it was too late, as the words were spoken instantly.
''ACHTUNG BABY, ATTACK!''
Both Stroheim and Marco Reus felt something tremendous appear, a force of nature so wild, an aura so tense, the gust of wind generated from this hit them head-on, like a shockwave. In an instant, the console Marco was managing was shattered in front of him, as if a rocket had striked it directly, causing an electromagnetic current to fly outward, launching Marco Reus at the wall behind! The man shouted in pain with his back audibly booming against the reinforced walls, while the fuhrer finally let a drop of sweat roll down her face, taking a glance of shock at her assistant who had fallen down on his side, probably unconscious. It was soon directed to the young woman, who was now being choked further. ''YOU LITTLE BRAT! YOU HAVE NO PLACE IN THIS WORLD!'' screamed the commander, amidst the smoke and rubble from the machinery now launched around the chamber. The glass slightly shattered and the walls around the console bent, it was heard in the surrounding chambers and visible from afar. Something was seriously wrong.
A grunt was heard before what seemed to the confused commander like an invisible punch threw itself into the strangler's gut, loosening her grip completely and shattering her calm state. ''BWAH!'' she yelled in pain, taking a step back to hold her abdomen, releasing her prisoner, then a second ''ARA!'' followed, sending the hurt Stroheim slightly back, but her strong stance stopped her from leaving the ground. Now a difference of meters between the two women, the younger one took a moment to breathe and cough, while the other one used her gloved hand to wipe the saliva off her mouth and cheek. Not one cough and no heavy breathing came out of the fuhrer. She glared at the young one wildly and howled, her eyes sharp and deadly. ''YOU! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE JUST DONE!?''
Shizuka: *cough* I... have stopped you from awakening an ancient evil! (Did she seriously just react like this to not one, but TWO of my Stand's blows?! She surely is Stroheim's descendant...) Stroheim: WHAT?! Evil!? Santana will awaken any second!! I will have your head!
Shizuka spat down at the ground, before triumphantly standing taller than the bent fuhrer. She thought to herself aloud. ''It only takes the knowledge of you being a nazi to learn what I have to do! As well as my knowledge of the Pillar Man! And if that just now WAS a hiccup *cough* on... my part; I will break ALL your faces anyway!''
''What is she saying... evil? Knowledge!?'' the unit leader thought.
The commander was caught up in a fit of rage, taking moments to recover from the blows, all the while pointing towards this mysterious teenage stranger, requesting explanation for the insanity that had just commenced.
Stroheim: How did you know of Colonel von Stroheim!? Santana!? The artifact! I have changed my mind, you cannot possibly be superior! You are trash, cow excrement under my boot! Shizuka: Sheesh.
The pillar kept crumbling. Movement from the figure on it slowly started being detected. The creature was awakening. Like a slight earthquake, the ground below the chambers started shaking. Voices came off a boombox-like contraption on the leftover pieces of the mostly destroyed console, they were of the men in the experiment grounds. ''Fuhrer von Stroheim! Specimen #46 is awakening! What is going on...!?''
Stroheim: My men...! COMRADES!! IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, DO NOT ACT!!! Shizuka: (That truly is Santana down there... I didn't ever think he was alive! This must surely be destiny, heh!)
Brigitte von Stroheim took a glance from the side of the room down to the experiment chamber, seeing the men saluting. They must have gotten the message. Meanwhile, more and more rubble started crumbling off the pillar. Fingers were released from the stone, shedding the rocky coil. The time was nigh. She soon shifted her glance.
Stroheim: Who are you!?
Shizuka paused, placing her left hand in a v-shape on her chin and grimacing to indicate she was thinking. Soon, with a snap of her fingers, she faced the leader and used her index finger to raise her shades. With a confident, even arrogant smile, she took her stance.
''Me, baby? Well, if you wanna know my name...''
So who are Philipp and Reinhardt named after?
Maximilian Philipp and Knut Reinhardt?
Both have played for Borussia Dortmund, where Götze and Reus are currently playing.
So who are Philipp and Reinhardt named after?
Maximilian Philipp and Knut Reinhardt?
Both have played for Borussia Dortmund, where Götze and Reus are currently playing.
See, I just thought Reinhard was a cool German name. I came up with every other name of Brigitte's unit on the spot while writing this chapter! So everyone else is a Dortmund reference, while Reinhard's name is independent. What an odd coincidence! Dare I say... bizarre? THANK YOU FOR THE CORRECTION! I hope you enjoy Brigitte's character, she might just be my favourite alongside Shizuka herself.
''Could she be...'' were the only actual words formed in her head right then, when all of a sudden, the entire grounds started shaking. Hakimi and Philipp fell down, the arrow being dropped further away. Up in the chamber, Brigitte glared at Shizuka Joestar and started sitting up, assuming a semi-solid stance once more, like someone trying to sip tea in a burning house.
Stroheim: JoJo! You have ruined my equipment and rendered my assistant unconscious. I ask of you to leave this to me from now onward. Shizuka: Oh COME on!
*LOUD RUMBLING*
Shizuka:God DAMN you're stupid! Stroheim: *eye twitch* Shizuka:Santana is a very dangerous being! My father, Joseph Joestar, faced him and three others of his kind a long time ago. He is stronger than any human, and if he is unleashed to the world, no one knows what could happen!
The fuhrer snorted slightly before breaking into a chuckle, which then turned to a coy smirk. She knew she was talking to a fool.
Stroheim: My records are not wrong. Though if specimen #46 chooses not to cooperate... I HAVE MY SUPERIOR GERMAN SCIENCE!!! THIS IS THE START OF OUR GLORIOUS RETURN!
Original concept art from early 2017:
While making a declaration, the determined woman raised her hand in front of her and made a fist. That was the last step. Turning to the now shattered glass and observing as the pillar in the middle of the room crumbled, her perverse smile stretched. Shizuka took another step forward, visibly cringing at the sight of the awakening.
Stroheim: Now, woman. Witness the dawn of our rise. Shizuka:(What the hell is she thinking...!! Then I guess... I will have to fight once more!)
The rocks kept falling in pieces from various positions of the huge pillar that was grounded into the marble. The legs of the figure on it started to move, it was a large muscular man... as the steady progression of this bizarre process suddenly halted, all at once, the man closed his eyes before opening them once more intensely, then jumped forth with great force, leaving the debris behind. He was kneeling down, one hand on his knee and the other feeling the ground upon landing, his head facing the marble and his back arched, it was like a horned Greek statue.
Dead silence.
The man slowly rose up, his perfect mane of hair caressing the naked, prominent muscles. His face wore an expression of calm curiosity. Like an animatronic, he moved his head around expressionless, and clenched his fists a few times. He stomped his left foot on the ground and then turned his head once more. He was staring at the major chamber, smoke still coming out of it. A piercing glare. He knew what he was looking at. He opened his left hand, turned the other into a fist, and pushed them together with force. The creature acknowledged it was not sleeping anymore.
THE PILLAR MAN, SANTANA, HAD AWAKENED.
Stroheim: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! AAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAH!!!! Shizuka:(What the fuck! Why is she laughing! Her eyes... her face... she looks like a demented serial killer...!! DOESN'T SHE KNOW HE WILL KILL US ALL!? At least... I have some of ''that'' in me too... the perfect counter!) Stroheim: WELCOME BACK, SANTANA!!! Santana: ... Stroheim: (No response?) You CAN speak German, can't you? Shizuka:(Where are the subtitles...) Stroheim: Santana! That is your name! You have been asleep for many years, but we have brought you back! Your once shattered body has been healed back thanks to our great technology! I am-- Santana: Stroheim. You are like him. Stroheim: ?
The Pillar Man stared down at the two men he hadn't yet caught wind of. It did not take him long to recognise their relation from the armbands. The ancient creature exemplified its natural cognitive abilities to the audience surrounding him. He opened his mouth for a few moments, taking no breaths, before he directed his words to the unit.
Santana: Humans. You will not succeed.
''Was?'' asked Stroheim, further coming forward, her upper body reaching out of the chamber, out from where the glass used to be, her gloves pressed against shattered pieces of glass without a care. Her confused face soon changed to an excited one, thinking to herself ''This is him... a true respectable being...''. She then gladly assumed her role of a speaker.
''Santana! We have awakened you and shall set you free!'' spoke the excited leader. ''Rudol von Stroheim the Great wanted to bring you freedom, but was thwarted! How unfair for such a magnificent man! I, Brigitte von Stroheim, will finally see your freedom completed personally! We ask for your help in our great cause!'', the words echoed throughout Shizuka Joestar's head, who took a step back, to look at the still comatose Arthur Rown for a second to make sure he was fine. All the while she monologued to herself. ''That is not what happened... papa said he and Stroheim were able to stop Santana! They then attempted to stop the other 3 Pillar Men; Esidisi, Wamuu, Kars, each more dangerous than the last... what is the truth...?!''
Stroheim: My men shall awaken a latent strength within you! Sleeping for so long makes it hard for you to trust us, Santana! But the truth lies before your--
FWISH.
''Ghhgghlghrhgh--''
SLASH.
One of the two agents was executed. Held by the throat, Santana's massive arm clutching his throat tight, Philipp stood headless a mere second later, carved clean off by the other hand. Santana's expression did not shift. He loosened his grip, letting the lifeless body fall to the ground.
Hakimi: Uhh... Uhuh-- UWAAAAAAAH!!!
SLASH.
Both men were decapitated in less than 5 seconds. Their blood stained the clean marble and flew like a river along the floor tile gaps. Santana exhaled. It was too fast for anyone to process. And then came the screams. A cacophony of terror from all the chambers. The silence in the major chamber governed the atmosphere in contrast, with both conscious women having their hearts stop for a second upon the brutality. Shizuka Joestar just witnessed 2 men dying in the span of seconds. Brigitte von Stroheim witnessed her comrades' lifeless bodies decorate the experiment room in a grotesque display. They had no words. Stroheim's stance loosened massively.
Santana: You humans are still fragile. Do not tire me. Stroheim: ....H-Hakimi... Philipp... Shizuka: (Even she is...!) ...Stroheim... h-he... is.. (I can't move...!!) Santana: You are the leader.
BAM! Pressing his feet to the ground with such force to level a few of the marble plates, Santana leaped with astounding force, propelling himself into Stroheim's chamber.
Shizuka: WOAH!!! HE'S HERE!!! Santana: Where are my masters, Stroheim? Stroheim: You just... killed two of my men! How dare you!
The Pillar Man walked forward. He took only a single small step, his bare foot calmly treading the metallic floor.
And Stroheim took a step back.
Stroheim:!!! Shizuka: (I feel almost frozen... this is not what a Joestar does! Break free, JoJo!!!) Stroheim: (I just took a step back...!? ME!?!? How dare he stand mightier than the MIGHTIEST!? This... should not have happened.....!!) Santana: I see you don't know where my masters are.
PEW!
Shizuka: ....!! Stroheim: WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?
Like the fastest gun in the west, Brigitte von Stroheim pulled a revolver from her pocket quickly and shot without hesitation. Santana fell to the ground. The pure anger stemming from her and her gritted teeth were enough to intimidate the young woman behind, who internally jumped from the scare, transferring physically into mere limb spasms. Stroheim dropped her revolver, out of bullets.
Stroheim: ROT IN HELL!!! Haaa... haa... Hgh... Shizuka: That did nothing! Stroheim: SILENCE! My men are dead, my unit in shambles! I must take over... I learned what this creature was, respected its nature. Santana should have cooperated, but I had to put him down with this gun I made myself! (What will I tell ''them'' now... no matter, I must sound the alarm!)
And then he stood up.
Stroheim: AH! Shizuka: WOAH!
It only took a second flat for the man to stand up, his posture proud and dominant, towering over both women at higher than three meters, wider than any bodybuilder. His feet were now making indentations to the floor. His face and body contained the bullets, smoke still coming out of them, until they were absorbed into his skin, vanishing into the man's bare body. Stroheim's sweat fell on the metallic ground.
Stroheim: What the fuck are you... Santana: Your technology has also remained primitive.
His fingernails opened up as if they were light switches being flipped upward. This was a signal Shizuka Joestar understood, her heart skipped a beat and her brain made the connection in the blink of an eye. She quickly dived down in horror.
Shizuka: (Oh sh-) STROHEIM GET DOWN!! Stroheim: Hm?!
A bullet barely grazed her hair while Stroheim, panting and delirious, fell to the ground on her face after being the teenager's hand pulled her leg, causing her to slip and hurt her head. A grunt was heard before a rain of bullet pellets was directed their way, coming at a fast speed, but only a couple were able to even reach near them. That is... due to one of the two women being well-equipped.
''ARA! ARARARA, ARA!'' screamed Shizuka Joestar, her glasses now having fallen on her face from the sudden fall. Summoning Achtung Baby to deflect the bullets with its fists, Santana stood unbroken until he was out of bullet pellets, grating annoyingly the user's forearms under her sleeves. Stroheim was visibly perplexed. What the hell is going on?
Santana: ...I see. You are different. Stroheim: EXPLAIN YOURSELF! Shizuka: Santana shoots bullets, you just fed him! He can't die from that, he's not human! Stroheim: This thing is definitely not human... Shizuka: ...oh g-god... this is happening too fast! ...Stroheim wait!
The fuhrer slowly stood up using her knees, ignoring the grounded girl, to meet Santana who was now paused, his fingernails closed. He also took an upward position.
Stroheim: You've made an enemy out of a superior, SANTANA!! Shizuka: (What is she.... NO WAY!)
''HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!! AHAHAHAHAHA!!!!'' laughed the fuhrer, wiping her forehead to swipe away the blood from the fall flowing down her face, her new smile one of evil determination. Fast and snappy, she saluted with her left hand, quickly before sending it behind her cape, pulling something heavy out of it... A MINIGUN!?!?!?
Shizuka: A MINIGUN!?!?!? Stroheim:GERMAN SCIENCE IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD!!!!
The commander single-handedly flailed the tremendous minigun effortlessly to her right side to grip the beastly weapon with both hands. Eyes broad like never before, the manic chief, grinning an unhinged grin, prepared to shoot.
Santana: That is new. Stroheim:GET OUT OF MY BASE!!!
The rapid fire of the monster Stroheim was wielding had recoil so strong it made even her arms tremble. Despite that, she started walking forwar, overwhelming Santana's body which began erupting left and right, facing the bulletstorm head-on. Such was the force, that Santana was launched to the wall behind and into the next chamber, and the next one too, the agents inside running to the sides to avoid the wrath of the mechanical beast.
Relentlessly, von Stroheim kept walking forward further and furher, until Santana's expression finally changed to one of anger, being launched out into the next chamber as well, an explosion of crimson blood signifying the tide of the battle had shifted! Everyone inside was in shock and terror until the tremendous whirring of the minigun halted. Santana was pinned against the wall of the room and fell face first down on the floor, bleeding massively and no longer moving. The two white-coated men in the room were at awe.
Stroheim: PRIMITIVE, YOU CAVEMAN?! GYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Scientist: Fuhrer von Stroheim! What happened!? Are you okay!? Scientist: MEIN FUHRER! Are you hurt?! YOU'RE BLEEDING! Where is Dr. Reus!? Stroheim: STOP YELLING, WEIGL! Do you want me to cut your tongues out, Sancho?! Use your consoles and contact the other chambers! Then sound the emergency alarm. I will have to explain myself... (but we WON! Hahahahahahah... of course we did!)
The men immediately saluted, ''HEIL STROHEIM!'', quickly then each accessing their devices, identical to the one Shizuka had destroyed in Stroheim's chamber, and then started speaking in German. Uniformed men from the previous chambers Stroheim had gunned her way into with Santana were also following through, having heard the orders. The distant yelling that could only very faintly be heard from around the tubular network of chambers was now fully gone, replaced by silence. The scientists went on to press their hands down large red buttons, and spoke again. Stroheim lowered the minigun absent-mindedly and audibly breathed out. She took many breaths, smiling faintly, prevalent. The soldiers around started crying, panting heavily, letting their emotions get a handle on them.
That was their commander.
Shizuka Joestar ran behind the woman, in complete shock, her skin paler than ever as she almost tripped on the way across the chambers. Catching confused glances from the agents and scientists, she looked around and under the bright light of the room, she shifted her attention to the weapon wielder. ''Stroheim!? WHAT WAS THAT!?'' she asked.
Much calmer than before, the woman turned around with an evil look of victory, put her minigun over her shoulder, and held it with one hand, using the other to point to the young teen. ''THAT... is MINE.", she continued "I constructed this weapon myself. I even made every single bullet. I never thought it would come so useful... but turns out, even such a man cannot defeat our superior German technology!'' declared von Stroheim, clenching her fist in addition.
Shizuka: Are you stupid!? There are only 2 ways I know of to kill Pillar Men! Expose them to the sun's light or use the Ripple! Did you even know what that is, huh!? YOU ARE CLUELESS!!
The fuhrer raised an eyebrow and made a confused face.
Stroheim: The Ripple? Sunlight? This was not in the record, woman. Shizuka:JoJo. I am JoJo. Stroheim: JoJo... this was not easy. I lost 2 men, both agents. It means a lot to me. But, let me inform you... THIS is what it means to be a GREAT one! I have even made Santana fall. Our might is proven. Be honoured to have witnessed me. Shizuka: ....Ngh! (This is my chance! Santana might be out for a while, so I have to do it now!) STROHEIM! I demand explanations from you! Who are you, what is this place, why did you take my friend, how did he get a Stand, and what are you planning to do to us?! Knowing you are nazis, it can't be for good...and I have the power to stop you!
Shizuka Joestar stood straight and gallant, taking a pose that perplexed Stroheim. ''I am the daughter of Joseph Joestar, the man who defeated the Pillar Men! I can sure smash your punk ass too, baby!!''
Stroheim: Your friend? A Stand? JoJo... I am willing to receive you in my base, despite your insulting ignorance. We will speak about all this.
However, after having hurt my precious assistant, ruined the progress of this project and more, DO NOT think you can tread over my duties, knowledge and authority.
Shizuka looked beyond Stroheim, who also turned back, a single drop of sweat falling down her face in anticipation of what she would bear witness to in the next couple of seconds. With a swift motion, what she saw would make her drop her weapon down on the ground, making a loud noise, while everyone else stayed silent, in disbelief of what was happening.
Santana's ribs had grown terrifying and disgusting bony appendages, that had grabbed one of the scientists from the sides, piercing his flesh through his white, now red clothes. Santana was also bleeding profusely, standing straight and confidently despite it all, while holes covered his body like swiss cheese.The other scientist stood helpless, trying to crawl forward, impossible task... considering his back was being crushed into the metal floor by Santana's devastating foot. He tried to scream for help, tears streaming down his face, but a flesh-like substance covered his mouth, moving grossly and causing a pit in Shizuka Joestar's stomach. She knew. The stabbed scientist reached his hand out and started to cry, a desperate display.
Stroheim: Weigl... Weigl: save-- Santana: HM!!
There was no time left for the poor man, the rib blades pulled back into Santana's sides, quickly bringing the scientist into the center of the large Pillar Man's body... and plunging him inside it. Shizuka and Stroheim remained speechless, Stroheim's mouth dangling open in terror. She was shaken by horror. Soon, certain holes on Santana's skin started to heal up, filling up with body tissue and skin, no longer leaking blood, while Santana took deep breaths. It was as if he had never been hit by a bullet barrage. The crushed scientist, Dr. Sancho, kept trying to scream in futility. One of the women found the courage to speak.
Stroheim: YOU MONSTER!!! LET SANCHO GO!!! Santana: You have made a mistake, Stroheim. Shizuka: (That's it... papa told me about this! Santana can release things like leeches from his body, absorbing blood! But what is he trying to do...)
Dr. Sancho started bleeding from the area around his mouth, while the terrible substance kept moving erratically. The screaming got more and more chilling, muffled as it was, when the scientist began to get paler and paler, until it was far too late for anything to be done. Stroheim took a step forward instinctively, but upon the end of the step, the pleadful yelling of the man had concluded. The scientist stopped crawling, his movements halted and his head stayed on the ground. Santana released his weight and the leech jumped forward, up his foot and vanishing inside it. Santana clenched his fists and moved his toes.
Santana: I feel... better. But it's not enough. Stroheim: I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!!! Santana: JoJo. You said my masters were defeated? That can't be true.
A spark awoke inside Shizuka. As if an invisible hand pushed her forward towards making a decision many would consider reckless, the young girl spoke proudly, walking forth and leaving Stroheim behind while placing her sunglasses back on her face.
Shizuka: So you speak English too now, huh? You remember Joseph Joestar! He is the man who defeated you, and he went on to kill all the other Pillar Men! Santana: ... Shizuka: Esidisi was no match! Wamuu was outsmarted and killed by him! Kars is no longer in this world! The red stone is gone!! YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE LEFT!! And turns out, I'll have to finish the job. Stroheim: (How dare she pass before me!! DO YOU NOT KNOW YOUR PLACE?!!)
The chief clenched her teeth audibly, before she used her right hand to push Shizuka Joestar behind while running forth to grab her minigun which had fallen on the ground, once more with intents of harm. As she ducked to the right in an attempt to lift the beastly weapon however, she was met with a terrible surprise.
Santana: You both shall die. Wait for your turn. Stroheim: .....!!!! BWOOOH--!
A fist to the stomach. Time was seemingly stopped, and Stroheim's eyes went white. The fuhrer felt blood cascading onward to her throat before she coughed once. It was the only noise she was able to make before Santana's punch propelled the commander towards the glass, shattering it and launching her outside onto the main experiment grounds, 5 storeys below.
Shizuka: STROHEIM! Santana: You are first.
Another fist. But this time, Shizuka Joestar's confidence did not falter. She ducked to the side with speed she was momentarily surprised herself to possess, before running towards Santana's abdomen. It was her time to punch. Covering her hand with the sleeve of her shirt as if she was holding onto it to put on a jacket, a glow started appearing. A smile of cocky joy also appeared to create the moment.
The sunpowered glow concentrated to Shizuka's knuckles under her shirt, sending what looked like a beam right through Santana, melting all the flesh in between. ''OH MY GOD! I must have blown him to pieces!!! THIS IS THE POWER OF THE JOESTAR BLOODLINE!!'' she declared internally. Proud of her success, she ran back with a backflip and posed intensely to Santana who was still in his punching position. ''HOW'S THAT, BABY!?''
And then she noticed.
Shizuka: ...oh no
It was nothing more but a small scale hole through Santana's stomach. It couldn't have been wider than 4 centimeters. It certainly looked bigger up close. The large man looked down, his widened eyes now lowering to a reasonable state.
Santana: I see the Ripple Tribe downgraded. Shizuka: (NO! I thought even a little Ripple would do something!! Papa... why didn't you teach me more...!!! God DAMNIT!) Santana: Do not dodge this.
The bulky mass of muscle and calm rage marched onward, trying to send another first forward. This time he knew to be fast, not to miss. Shizuka did not move however. And Santana's punch was stopped mid-air. The bystanders from the chambers, who could look into the one the two fighters were, thought that something invisible was stopping the monster's punch.
The young woman angrily shouted at the Pillar Man. ''If my Ripple isn't good enough, then surely you are no match for my Achtung Baby!!''
Santana noticed.
Santana: I see you possess it... just like Joseph Joestar. Shizuka: (What...?! He can see!) Santana: PERISH!
The man retracted his punch and brought it forth again, this time towards the direction of Achtung Baby's face, hitting it on the cheek, right under its visor. Shizuka Joestar was striked as well and was thrown backwards into the ground, to the previous chamber. ''...........THE HELL!?''
Santana: You will prove to be a formidable opponent if left alive. I will not allow it, JoJo.
That is when the girl knew. Her heart started beating faster than ever before on that fateful day, she panted heavily and intensely while she felt a single tear slowly forming on her left eye. "huh...? Why am I crying...?"
Down on the ground shamefully and understanding the true gravity of the situation, she tried to move backward using her butt. She felt the urge to run.
Shizuka: (This guy... is a MONSTER!)
The monster walked forward and prepared to charge straight into her once more. He was surprised when he wasn't the first to make a move, however. That was, because with a loud ARA! an invisible menace hit Santana on the face. The young woman slowly sat up. ''No... I'm a Joestar! If I don't stop this monster, NO one will! Arthur... I WILL SAVE YOU!!! You're going down!!!'' was what she was thinking. She did not speak aloud, too focused on thinking how to defeat the ancient being. Her simple-minded thinking worked to her advantage, as Santana's face implicated shock. She acknowledged that.
The Pillar Man was finally toppled, smashing against the next chamber's wall, knocking it over with significant force. The people inside could not believe their eyes. The exhausted and panting Shizuka started running, slowly vanishing in the process of doing so.
Agent: ?! Where did the girl go!? Scientist: I don't know! We have to run! HELP FUHRER STROHEIM!
''ARARARARARARARARARARARA!!!!''
Once more, the man was launched from the ground slowly with what seemed like a barrage of blows, felt by everyone in the room due to the sheer intensity the air exhibited. He was smashed against the wall once more, not shattering it, as he fell face forward. His face was distorted slightly, his nose broken to the right side, and his eyes covered with swollen skin from his eyelids. His gut and his sides were greying in colour fast.
Santana's head slowly raised. He was coughing intensely for a few seconds until he glanced at the agent near him and reached his arm out to grab him quick. ''ARARARARA!!!'', sheer power knocked the arm down. But it was not enough. Gathering all his strength, the ancient being jumped forward with a leap and he used both his feet to land on top of the agent. ''HELP!'' he screamed in German. And help was on its way... until it wasn't. The Pillar Man sniffed the air momentarily and gripped the arm of Achtung Baby with all his strength, causing a detached voice to groan in pain. He then moved from the agent and grasped at thin air... or so it seemed. In his empty hand, the body of Shizuka Joestar shortly began appearing. And so did her Stand, which reacted just like its master, making a pained grimace and trying to move with only miniscule success, to break free, to no avail.
Santana: You can turn yourself invisible. Same for your power's presence. No matter what trick you have up your sleeve, JoJo... you humans are inferior. Your strikes lack force. That is why you relentlessly increase their quantity. Yet you also lack the stamina to sustain them. A single blow from you is no match for me. Shizuka: Y-you... bastard...! (My arm... let it go!) Santana: Join Stroheim now. I will return to kill you.
Just like with the fuhrer, Santana threw Shizuka out the window, his grip fully loosened, like a baseball pitcher. The glass shattered and she flew out beyond it, but the young girl didn't scream, instead looking behind her and staring at the stone pillar the creature had come out of. Moments before hitting the ground, she did quick thinking.
Shizuka: ACHTUNG BABY!
Shizuka's Stand emerged, held onto the pillar, while Shizuka grabbed onto its feet despite her weakened arm, stopping herself from a fatal crash. The young girl let go and fell to the ground from 5 meters, hurting her knees, but it was an injury not worth paying attention to. Her attention was focused on the monstrous force of nature that was clearly doing something to the scientists, indicated by the audible screams.
Shizuka: (He... he is killing them... human lives are being...)
Absent-mindedly holding her bruised arm, she then shifted her focus to the decapitated dead body nearest to her, and then the one close by... which was acommodated by someone over it.
The woman was standing up and staring at the corpse of her underling. But turning awkwardly, the woman limped slowly towards a ladder. She wanted to get back. The moment she had taken to even briefly grieve could have been spent more wisely, she decided. But the young girl noticed something off about her... her arm was completely broken and limp, while her legs barely had the ability to move. Her hands no longer had gloves, those were left behind next to one of the corpses. Her hands were bloody... it was tragic.
Shizuka: Stroheim! You can't! I will go back up for you! Stroheim: SHUT YOUR MOUTH, JOJO!!! I WILL FUCKING KILL HIM!!!
The woman exclaimed in pure anger, unfiltered and primal rage, her back turned to the young girl who was in much better condition. The words ''KILL'', ''MURDER'', ''DESTROY'', ''ERADICATE'' flashed throughout the enraged leader's mind simultaneously, loudly and without a sign of ever stopping.
Stroheim: What kind of leader am I... if I cannot even save my OWN UNIT!?
''AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!''
Both the women turned their heads to look at the massacre.
And a massacre it truly was.
Screams from hell, rivers of blood leaking from the broken windows and pouring down onto the ground with loud splashes, yelling that shifted into nothingness... the ancient beast was rushing through each room with controlled chaotic movement, shattering doors and destroying every human in his path, some forcibly dived into his body while some were left behind to suffer from the leech-like atrocities. How could he be doing it all so fast? Both Stroheim and Shizuka turned pale, realizing Santana was traversing through the tubular network of chambers. In a certain chamber, one of the agents opened the hatch, which both women noticed, attempting to climb down the ladder to escape into the experiment grounds.
Witsel: FUHRER STROHEIM!! Stroheim: WITSEL! WHAT'S HAPPENING TO MY UNIT?! Witsel: MEIN FUHRER--
A massive and muscular arm came out from the hatch fast and extended, pulling the poor man back up before he could finish. Another terrifying scream before utter silence, like squealing pigs under a butcher's bloodthirsty knife. The beast continued to rampage. Any uncertainties were now gone. No longer a doubt. Brigitte von Stroheim put each hand on the sides of her head like a demented schizophrenic, realizing her entire unit was being slaughtered.
The leader went on to run as best she could towards the ladder, her cape flowing in pursuit, with a trail of blood left behind each step. It was her only chance if she wanted to save the men. That's what she thought. Shizuka was ignored... but she understood why. For a moment, it all dawned on her. Responsibility and its implications, as well as a single phrase conquered her thought process. Stroheim was probably thinking ''what about X?''... and it soon hit the young woman too.
Shizuka: (What about Arthur?)
Her blood ran cold as she also decided to follow Stroheim, reaching her with her own poor speed at that moment almost effortlessly, all the while the screams would not end. She decided to turn the fuhrer from the shoulder. ''Safety in numbers'' thought the girl, she needed to go with her if she wanted to stand any sort of chance.
The response to that was a clawing across the face.
Shizuka fell to the ground in pain as the commander's nails had scratched the young woman across the face. Hitting her behind, Shizuka touched her face and saw blood in her hands. Her jittery eyes then looked at the fuhrer who was desperately trying to climb the ladder with one arm, near broken-legged. She fell.
Stroheim: (No!)
She tried again. No good. The pure rage from before was competing with inhuman hatred, malice, loathing towards the slaughterer above. Third attempt; managing to reach the 4th footing of the ladder's ''steps'', the bloodied woman dropped once more, hitting her head on the ground, falling backwards.
Stroheim: (Santana... I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!! I HATE YOU!!!! I FUCKING HATE YOU!!!!!!!!)
Shizuka could only watch the display which she could only think of as pathetic. She felt very, very guilty thinking this. But von Stroheim thought the exact same thing.
On her back, she stared at the bright lights of the ceiling that were still left pointing at the abandoned pillar. Soon, she sat up using her hand and stayed there on her knees briefly down to the moment of her pounding her fist down on the ground so hard it cracked the marble. Now her hand, stained with someone else's blood, also contained her own.
Stroheim: (Pathetic...)
Brigitte von Stroheim's psyche was feeling utterly crushed. It did not take long for her thoughts and her spirit started to drift.
Stroheim: (Mother... father...) Stroheim: (This is your finish line.) Stroheim: (Pathetic.) Stroheim: (NO! The Stroheim line will not end here!!) Stroheim: (They lied...) Stroheim: (Pathetic.) Stroheim: (We will gift you the freedom you deserve.) Stroheim: (Marco! Look!) Stroheim: (I was right. You would never rival him.) Stroheim: (SHUT UP!!) Stroheim: (My unit! MY... My...) Stroheim: (Pathetic.)
Shizuka Joestar lunged forward.
As if it was a movie reel playing in slow motion, the image of the young woman, showing raw weariness yet a strong will, passed in front of the wounded leader. Stroheim watched in awe. Blood running down her face, the girl gripped the steel rails of the ladder as tight as she could and started climbing up. Her eyes tired and her mouth open, her clenched teeth out for the world to see in a pained expression, she did not think twice about climbing up. She spoke not.
''Fool...'' thought to herself the damaged fuhrer. ''She stands no chance and yet... truly, a fool!" she continued. ''But if she's a fool, returning to the fight... then what am I for not doing it first...!!''
And Stroheim tried once more.
Crawling this time, something shiny caught her eye from her peripheral vision before grabbing onto the steel... but the distraction was short-lived.
The younger one already ahead with an headstart, the cape of the unit's leader flailed below, as Stroheim found more and more success in climbing, grasping onto the steel ladder tight. The screaming and shouting seemed to assist them in their endeavor in some way. They were going to get back to the fight. Silence stayed mutual between the two, but an understanding was felt.
They only climbed so far before noticing something.
The screams were over.
Both the climbing women halted their advance. It was not a tangible scent, but they understood the gross smell of impending danger was coating the atmosphere around them. Something was about to go down. From where? How? By who? All these thoughts took place during the course of only a couple of seconds.
The hatch they were climbing towards opened up. It was too small of a space even for a regular, average-sized human being to fit through. It was designed that way. The frontrunner of the climbing expedition, Shizuka Joestar, was met with the image of Santana's blood-soaked body fitting face-first out of the hatch, quickly, as if he was play-doh squeezing through. ''STROHEIM, GO!'' she managed to yell before the muscular titan dived into Shizuka using his hands as catapults, Shizuka's already loosened grip only made it easier for her to be smashed into the ground, knocking the commander away too.
Stroheim: AAAGHK--!! Shizuka: BWAAGH!!! Santana: This is the end for you.
Such was the scene. Shizuka's smashed into the ground, bleeding near the stomach thanks to the being's exposed, dark horns on his head. Two they were, opening two small holes into the exhausted girl's abdomen. As small as they were though, they hurt massively. Santana was utterly perfect, not a single wound or incorrect feature on him. Stroheim was knocked over, leaning on her back against the reinforced walls of the experiment grounds. Bleeding and holding her destroyed arm with her only capable limb left, she could no longer utter a word in fear of worsening her own condition. She could only watch Santana get up with a flip and stand on his two feet, watching the squirming and truly annihilated kid. It really seemed like it was over. Stroheim turned to her side to see something she had noticed earlier. Santana glared the fuhrer and told her ''Be quiet. It's not your turn yet.'', a haunting tone of voice acommodating this grim statement.
The behemoth of a being proceeded to grab the younger of the two living human beings left in that place from the head. His strong hand gripping her face, he jumped up in the air fast and charged into the ground, hoping to crush her head. The near unconscious girl used what was left of her power at that moment, Achtung Baby appearing behind her, throwing a barrage of blows at nothing, in hopes of lessening the impact. It worked, as evidenced by Santana's reaction upon placing his victim's head into the ground. The whole process should have been instant, but it took a comparably long time for contact with the ground to be made.
Santana: Impressive. I could smash your head in my hand. Master Wamuu told me to respect my opponents... Shizuka: ....gh..!! ....*cough* Santana: When he died... did Master Wamuu suffer? Shizuka: He... n-no... Santana: I see.
The Pillar Man raised his free hand up in the air, leaning over the grounded victim, which was still being pressed down by the monster's hand. He was preparing to drive it into her brain, destroying it instantly. Shizuka understood just from a glance with her left eye. The right one couldn't be opened... her head was still hit badly. She had never been this beat before... she recalled times of her getting into fights and returning home full of bruises, cuts and other injuries. Joseph, Suzie, Josuke, everyone would worry sick, some crying upon seeing the poor girl's state. But she always returned that with a confident smile. This was a world of hurt she was not an expert on.
Trying to summon her powerful Stand or even just turn invisible proved a fruitless endeavour. Flashing between transparent and corporeal, she eventually gained her form for good. A vanishing trick would never work.
Shizuka: (So... this is it...? I did all this... for nothing? To come here and die? I couldn't beat Santana... who Papa defeated before...) Santana: I will now kill you instantly. You will not comprehend that I destroyed your brain. Shizuka: (I wonder how everyone is... will they even learn that I... I ended up here... oh man... life doesn't flash before your eyes in this moment it seems...) Santana: Have you no last words, JoJo? Shizuka: (Arthur... are you okay? Mikitaka... hope ya didn't get in too much trouble... mom, dad... I ruined everything, didn't I? Josuke, I really wanted to ask you to watch The Hobbit with me when it comes out, we've not gone to Mori-Cinemas since January... I wonder how Billy Joel is doing... Principal Gimme would probably expel me for the rest of the school year if he learned this, haha...) Shizuka: B... Santana: Then vanish. Shizuka: (Bonnie... she's gonna miss me... everyone will... I'm a JoJo, this shouldn't... n-no...!)
Santana turned his hand to a fist. Shizuka tried once more to summon her Stand. But her consciousness was fading, as Santana's grip on her head started to pressure her brain out of reality. Shizuka's thoughts desperately tried to form cohesively in her mind for one last time.
Shizuka: (I'm s-so... sorry... I love you all, baby...) Santana: Be obliterated.
''GRRRRRRRRR!!!''
Santana: Hm?
''GRRRRRRRRRRWAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!''
Shizuka witnessed the unbelievable. ''Is this what you see before you die? How bizarre...'' she thought. Santana's shade obscuring the light seemed to be gone, the brightness waking up her consciousness uncomfortably. "Wait... this isn't... !!!"
Like a panic shock in a dream causing your body to shake out of sleep, Shizuka felt a weight off her chest, turning to her side in order to balance herself on her thighs to see what had just caused Santana to back away.
Shizuka Joestar watched Brigitte von Stroheim in a fit of rage, positioned on Santana's chest and piercing her hands through him, shredding him. Her feet had his arms pinned down, paralyzing him. The predator's pointed fangs bit Santana's neck with unparalleled violence, tearing his throat out and dirtying the clean white marble with a cascade of blood and gore as she swallowed whole pieces of him. Her eyes bloodshot red, hair ragged and messy, nails sharp... and her collarbone presenting a gaping wound.
Shizuka: You are...!! Stroheim:WRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEHHH!!!!!!!!!
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