╚»★. You may call me zumsa, or zum, I'm the owner of this blog
IMPORTANT POST
- This is a yandere focused blog for the pm / project moon game series. I may branch out to other media but that's the main one I'm obsessed with right now. And my favorite sub-subgenre is the yandere tropes so...?
I also don't see many yanworks for pm, so might as well put my token in.
- I write for Limbus Company, Lobotomy corporation and Library of Ruina.
Also wonderlab and Distortion Detective. Though I have no idea if someone is even going to request them..
- I have other accounts, you can go to them for longer stories of mine, all of which are under the same username.
- Requests are closed as of the moment.
╚»★. Rules
- Do not send anything that doesn't fall under criticism at least. Hate messages or bullying is simply not allowed and will be deleted or blocked.
- As I said, I run a yandere focused blog. So that includes darker, more severe subjects. All of the specifics will be tagged so be aware.
- I will only be taking requests for Limbus Company, mainly the bus group, ID's, E.G.O's, and a small handful of other characters. If I do not do your request then I simply do not write for that character. Apologies.
I am open to writing any limbus company character. Walpurgis ty for introducing me to my new husband(cough Hohenheim)
- Be descriptive, even a few specifications will suffice since I find it difficult to write without an idea of what you want. I do want to write something the requester will enjoy.
- I STRICTLY, ONLY write x reader. Any kind of reader is alright, such as any gender, sexuality or type of person.
- What kind of reader I won't do is Neko(I have a burning hatred for those things for some reason), niche rule but idk I had to get that off my chest.
- I do SFW and NSFW, romantic, platonic, and queer platonic. Which will also be tagged. Kinks can get as crazy as you want. Anything not limited to non/dub-con ect ect.
- I will do basically anything unless it's piss, scat, age play(get that pdf shit outta here), or anything that involves animals or children hell no. You will be blocked.
Masterlist's Below👇
╰⊣ ››››﹁ Bad Company Masterlist (under construction 🚧)
Yandere Limbus Company x reader, fanfiction
synopsis:
╰⊣ ››››﹁ The L.C.M.P (yandere dispatch au)(Cancelled)
synopsis: After receiving a sudden role change. Having to enter mirror worlds where the worst possible outcome became reality. You pray that this whole shitshow doesn't get any worse.
╰⊣ ››››﹁ None Yet
▬▬▬▬▬☛ ✦ End...
▬▬▬▬▬☛ ✦ General Masterlist (Under construction 🚧)
A collection of basic references, with links to more in-depth explanations and analysis. As much as possible details are taken from canon sources, but for what isn’t expressly stated, sleuthing was required and therefore has a margin of error. Some sections are also outside-research based for what is hopefully handy meta, especially for fanfic writers.
Note: This post is likely to be edited with future additions.
Please see below the cut for the following topics:
- When does Kimetsu no Yaiba take place?
- Attempted timelines of various characters and canon events
- Where does Kimetsu no Yaiba take place?
- What are the official Corp ranks?
- Translations of some canon material printed outside the manga
- Meta analysis with close reading of canon or outside research on:
——-Demons mechanisms
——-Name analysis
——-Taisho Period details
——-Traditional patterns and symbolism
———–and more…
Warnings: Obsession and general yandere behavior; non-sexual nudity; mild main character harm; blood; mentions of canon typical violence; body dysphoria; self-loathing; body horror; heavily implied self-harm (not lethal and not written in detail); angst then fluff; technical infantilization directed towards MC
Note: Decided to try some new things while writing this one!! And sorry for how long it took to come out.
I really hope Canto 10 doesn't come out and tell me Kromer was still alive, and then I have to bullshit a reason as to how the plot will work.
"Weird, usually you're better at creative descriptions than I am… How about this? Think of the universe itself as a tree. Distinct worlds- the branches of this tree- are connected to a trunk. Different timelines would be twigs connected to this branch, with leaves maybe being a random timeline based off the first one."
"And we wish to look beyond just other twigs… and at other branches?"
"Yes! We want to see what connects them to this one trunk. That is, if the universal tree theory is even true. I heard some people think the universe is a donut, with some solid evidence, but why a donut? What does a donut have to do with a universe?"
"…It's shape, probably."
"Oh- You know that's not what I mean, Elena!"
"Hehe, I know. I'm just teasing you!"
—
You're in that void again. Trapped in that oppressive nothingness.
You push, and push, and push until you come tumbling out onto the ground, water sticking to your skin.
Ah. It's raining.
A torrential downpour that soaks you to your very bone. You're not wearing the proper clothes for this weather, and the water falling from the sky sinks into the fabric that feels painfully thin on your body.
You don't know where you are. Surrounded by towering sepia buildings underneath a dark swirling sky with freezing air biting at your drenched skin. It's the middle of the night- hopefully not close to when Night on the Backstreets begins- and there's no one around.
You simply start walking, wondering if this is a dream. What kind of dream is this..?
Judging from the way your hands look different… maybe you went back into the past again.
But how? And who's past are you in?
The rain bites at your skin, but you continue onward. The deep puddles soak through your shoes and nip at your feet, and the street is dark save for an occasional lamp set at each corner. There is no trace of life at this hour.
At some point, your legs give way and you tumble to the ground. Your palms catch you, digging into the concrete below, and you shake the water from your tail as you stand up once more. In this state you have no bandages and your clothes are akin to something you'd wear any day of the week during the colder months. But now they're so wet you can see through to the red flesh below. Though, that skin is dulled by what almost seems like a filter, dimmed yet nonetheless vibrant.
You examine your palms, staring at the drops of dulled, ruby red blood that oozes out from the scrapes. So your blood really was not always that enkephalin-like substance…
When did it change?
It's not the only scraped part of your body. You dug straight through your pants and into the skin below, and the wings on your hips have lost a few feathers when you landed atop them. With a sigh, you pull yourself up and keep going until your knees almost collapse once more.
This time, you come to rest against a wall just beyond the light of a lamp-post. You crawl under the measly overhang above you, trying to shield the rain from your face. If you're in the past, you don't want to see if disease and injury carries over to the present. The reverse doesn't occur, clearly, but you'd rather not risk it.
Of course, it's hard to prevent sickness when you're stuck outside at night and being drenched to the bone. Even the overhang far above doesn't shield you from the rain. You simply bring your knees to your chest and huddle for any warmth you can find. You stare at the raindrops splattering the ground, and feel them land atop your head.
Elena would've adored this weather… she always loved the rain.
…How could you have forgotten her? What else did you forget if you didn't recall her until merely a day ago? What kind of friend are you?
That is, unless something else hid those memories from you… but what could've possibly hid them?
…
You were working on something with her. Something important. And it wasn't just her. But what was it? And who were you working with..?
What could possibly be going on..? How—
You realize the raindrops aren't hitting your head anymore. Yet, the sound of their impact is almost twice as intense as before. You blink, raising your head to see… A man holding an umbrella over you? His hair is a dark- relatively dull, though that may be due to the sepia that taints everything- green, and his eyes are a bright lime that seems dim in the dark environment. His round glasses are foggy in the cold rain, and he wears a thin clear poncho of sorts over a semi-formal brown suit. In his hands, he's offering you his umbrella.
Slowly, you reach up to take it. Your fingers brush his, and he pauses.
"Ah— your hand." His voice is soft, and he gently takes you outstretched hand in his free one. "Did you fall?"
Your face heats up. "I- uh- I—"
He chuckles lightly. "There's no need to be embarrassed. The weather is particularly nasty today, after all…"
"Y- Yeah. It is…" You hesitate, taking the umbrella from him. He merely smiles in response.
"Do you mind waiting here for a minute?"
"Not like I have anywhere else to go…"
The man chuckles. "Touche."
—
It's been far over a minute since that man left. But, at the very least, he was kind enough to let you keep his umbrella.
The pitter-patter of the rain on the dark nylon dug into your ears as time wore on. Your thoughts were struggling to keep you awake, even if the cold water that ensnared you in a freezing blanket made you shudder uncontrollably.
Sharp teeth clicked as the collided against your will, wet clothes sticking to red skin. The rain seemed to dissolve into mist as it landed on the concrete and blacktop. It blurred your vision, and your hands and feet stung. It was strangely hard to hold onto the umbrella now, with swollen and wrinkled fingers trying to remain wrapped around the plastic.
But through the pounding rain, you hear a voice. No- three voices, only one that's vaguely familiar.
"■■■■■■■■—! What are we even-?"
"■■■■■■■■ has a point, it's-"
"They're right around-"
You raise your head to see three vague humanoid figures, shadowed despite the lamps, framed by rain and mist.
"What the-?"
"…My-"
It's harder to hold the umbrella now. You blink at them, trying to make them out, and choke out a word.
"He..llo?"
You don't even realize when you fall unconscious. In fact, you seem to blink before finding yourself elsewhere. The rain is now simply a vague sound in comparison to the quiet chatter in the room, and you're now wrapped in towels and blankets in a small heap. You see your sopping wet clothes hung up to dry on a string over a tarp.
You turn your head to see three people, one of which being the green-haired man who gave you his umbrella. Though, a woman is sitting beside you, black hair neatly cropped to her chin and gray eyes focused on you.
When your gaze locks with her, she gives you a slight nod. You try to smile in response, exhaustion mysteriously gripping your body. But you no longer feel cold. The warmth almost feels like a tender hug.
"Um—" Your voice croaks as you try to quietly speak, "Where… am I..? Who are… you..?"
"…" She takes a breath, turning her head towards the other two. "They're awake, you know!"
"Yes, yes, we can see…" The green-haired man says, giving you a warm smile. "I'm glad to see you're alright."
"I- uhm- thank you…" You mumble, "For the umbrella, I mean. And for bringing me… here…"
Despite the lack of color, the place was rather cozy. However, that wouldn't be a fully accurate descriptor. This place was a house repurposed into a lab, with a surprising amount of equipment set up for it.
"…Ah, I've been kidnapped by scientists."
The black-haired woman snorts, and the green-haired man looks flushed. "I wouldn't necessarily say 'kidnapped'- We brought you in from the rain and- well you were unconscious, and—"
"I suppose one could call it kidnapping…" The strange man in the top hat murmurs, almost amused. You can't make out his face. "But kidnapping comes with ill intentions, doesn't it?"
"Well-" You sigh, "I'm not an expert in language, so I can recite the definition off the top of my head, but I don't think the definition of kidnapping involves 'ill will'. Though, I guess it can depend on the dictionary the definition is sourced from..? And you got me rambling. Hm."
There's a few chuckles from everyone in the room. Hm… Why does this feel familiar? Not the people, but… the lightheartedness of it all.
"…Anyways!" You sit up a bit, "You didn't deny being scientists, eh? Why'd you drag me to a lab..? Please tell me I'm not going to be dissected."
"No dissection plans here." The woman says, "But I can't confirm anything for Dongrang here."
"Dongbaek…" The green-haired man, presumably Dongrang, says with a tone of exasperation directed at the woman next to you.
Dongbaek..? That's the name of one of the bosses in Canto 4, isn't it?
Could it be that you're in Yi Sang's past? But how? You didn't make contact with his string, did you?
So how are you here..?
"Now, now. You two don't need to bicker like children." The man in the top hat says, holding up a hand. "The poor thing is clearly confused. Dongrang, as you requested to bring them here, you are responsible for their care. Including answering their questions."
"I suppose that is only fair…" Dongrang admits, before he turns his attention to you. "I suppose you caught my name, hm?"
"Yeah…" You answer with a nod, "Nice to meet you Dongrang…"
"And it's a pleasure to meet you as well."
Unconsciously, you blurt out your name. At the looks of confusion you receive, you quickly explain yourself. "My name- since I know yours, you ought to know mine, right?"
"Haha, yes, thank you." Dongrang says with that same smile. "You have a lovely name."
Why are you such an awkward dweeb..? "…Back on topic- Why am I here..?"
"Well…" Dongrang approaches you slowly, steps measured and composed. "I must admit, I've never seen anything like you before. Sure, there are some rather strange… things within the City, but you behave human compared to them."
Is this before the White Nights and Dark Days incident? Back in the present, people give you strange looks, but he's talking about you like he's never seen anything remotely like an Abnormality…
Could it be true that you're an Abnormality? You have Enkephalin in your body, but it's a more recent development… The only real confirmation of that is if you'd turn into an egg when killed, but you don't want to risk that…
"I suppose I simply want to understand what makes you tick." He holds his hands up at your expression, "Not by cutting you open. Simply observing your behavior. In exchange, with the approval of Brother Young-ji, you may stay here."
"So… what you're saying is…" You press a hand to your chin, "You'll provide me shelter, food, and water… in exchange for essentially watching me?"
"With the occasional minor experiment, yes." Dongrang says, "You don't mind, do you?"
Okay. You're in Yi Sang's past… somehow. You're being given a direct offer to stay here safely, surrounded by intelligent people who could potentially give you answers. And one of them wants to study you and potentially will be able to help figure out what happened to you. That is, if telling him anything is a good idea.
But… you know barely anything about Canto 4 beyond the ending cutscene, the fact Dongbaek is a boss, and there's something about a Sang Yi. By staying here, you could prepare yourself for the Canto.
Yet, the fact you got involved in Canto 3 raised suspicions, if Outis confronting you last night is any indicator. And even seeing you for a short period of time could raise issues. And who knows what you could mess up? What if by being involved in the past, you do something to ruin what will be the present?
What do you do..?
…
"No, I don't mind." You carefully say. "Well, Dongrang, I suppose it's a deal."
He merely smiles in response.
–★★★–
Your head aches as you sit up. Pounding on your skull like a relentless drum that gnaws at your very being in a corrosive mess of thoughts and feelings. The room is barely illuminated by the stream of sunlight pouring in through the small window, and you're nestled in a tangle of blankets and sheets. And, atop you like a precariously placed cherry, is a certain cat who stares at you with blank, wide eyes.
"Mngh… Hi Orbi…" You mumble with a yawn, a hand breaking free from the cocoon you ensnared yourself in to stroke the smooth fur of the cat. It's cool to touch compared to the warmth you've stuck yourself in.
It's only as the kitten starts to lap at your hand with a rough tongue do you realize there's bits of dried blood stuck to you. And now the bed as well, as you push off the sheets atop you.
Shit- You've ruined Dante's bed. You need to fix this, somehow. Maybe wash the sheets?
You run your hands through your hair, it always feeling like an awkward mix of human locks and a thick mist, blended together in a dark cloud attached to your body against your will. On the table beside you is a glass of water- still cold when you drink it- and a small plastic container with what appear to be small, square cookies inside. There are no notes to signal who it is from, but you have a solid guess as to who brought you these.
"How'd you sleep?"
"As fine as I could." You choke out after startling, looking at the desk Dante sits at. They've shed their overcoat and their red tie hangs loose, now simply in a black dress shirt. You try to smooth your voice, squinting at what they hold in their gloved hands. "What are you… sewing?"
They perk up, flames sparking as they appear to be… perhaps flustered? Maybe simply surprised you noticed at all.
"Ah- I'm just fixing some tears in your coat." They confess, holding up the scarlet fabric. "Or at the very least, trying to. I fear I'm doing a rather shoddy job at this…"
"…" You raise a hand as Orbi nuzzled against it, allowing her to bury the top of her head into the palm. "…Why?"
"Why?" Dante echoes, lowering their hands to rest upon the table. "I… I guess I just wanted to help you out. You feel like you're doing more managing than I am, so… Thought I'd do this favor for you."
"Uh… Thank you." You tell them, "I appreciate it."
We both know that can't be the whole reason.
You are relatively aware, but there's no harm in taking this act at face value.
And why is that the case? Perhaps they do this for you from the guilt of betraying you. Of not giving you a chance to speak. To save him.
You have more faith in Dante than Carmen.
…
"I'm- sorry about your bed." You awkwardly mutter, lifting the cat into your lap. She stares at you with large, blank eyes, before letting out her awkward meow and kneading biscuits into your thigh.
"For what?"
"Staining it with blood." You confess, "I can wash the sheets, though. They'll be clean by tonight-!"
"Oh, don't worry about that." They tell you, resuming their work. "I don't even need to sleep."
"O- oh. Okay." You mumble. Their tone was dismissive. Are they upset with you..? Did… Outis..?
"But…" Dante looks back at you, and you realize the interior of their clock is far more reflective than what you once thought. In the dim light, you barely make out your reflection. "If you really want the bed clean, I wouldn't mind washing the bed for you."
"You really don't have to—"
"Sure, I don't have to. But I want to." They almost seem to smile. "You've done so much for me, after all. Nothing in your contract said anything about doing chores for me, anyways."
You intake a sharp breath, before asking a question you immediately regret. "Is this because of Effie?"
They still, slowly freezing up. The flames on their head die down, and- for the very first time- you're entirely clueless as to what they could possibly feel. There are no hints from body language or verbal indicators. All you see when you stare at them is a clock with unmoving hands.
"…Partially." They admit with a monotone voice. "Partially not."
"…Sorry." You say with a soft voice. "I… really have a problem with saying things I shouldn't, eh..?"
They don't respond. Just quietly resume sewing. You can't bring yourself to look at them, but you have a question you really need to ask.
"…Dante?" They raise their head slightly. "Do you trust me?"
They think for a moment, a faint crackle of flame echoing in your ears. "Why wouldn't I? All you've done since you appeared before me is try to help me, do your job. In fact, you've tried to help everyone. Going out of your way to risk yourself to try to eventually save others."
"There are things about you, sure, but you seem uncertain of them yourself." They tilt their head back, staring at the ceiling with non-existent eyes. "I think out of everyone on this bus, I trust you the most. I don't see that changing either."
If only they knew. "I see. Thank you. I promise I'll ensure our contract to be fulfilled. I'll get you your head back." And then I'll go home. I'll find a way to return to being human and go home. I have to.
"…I appreciate it. I really do."
The silence in the room lasts for awhile, and you gently move Orbi off your lap- despite her vocal complaints- and stand up. "I'm gonna take a shower."
"I'll get started on washing the sheets when I finish your jacket." They reply, "I'm almost done anyways."
"Thank you." You murmur, slipping away from a bed that isn't yours and grabbing a pair of clean clothes. Carefully stepping over a small kitten who trails after you, you slip into the washroom and shut the door behind you. Then you melt to the floor.
You cannot cry, you cannot sob. You must be silent as you shake and dig your claws into your skin until deep marks remain in your flesh. How can they trust you? How can they be so stupid?
Maybe they don't. Maybe they're lying to you, just like you do to them. Maybe Outis went to them and now Dante is waiting to have a reason to hurt you. You keep messing up. Why do you keep being such a failure? A stupid, miserable, mistake of a failure! THAT'S ALL YOU ARE, AND ALL YOU'LL EVER-
Take a deep breath. Listen to me. You're emotional, scared, and acting rashly.
You're upset at the situation you're stuck in, yet take it out on yourself rather than others. Is that what you truly want?
"And why do you care-?" You ask in a whisper, "You're just a bunch of light who mutates and distorts people. And for what?"
Turning you anger out onto others now?
"Just you."
I understand why you're angry at me. You think of me as a villain, and I would think the same if our roles were reversed. I just want to tell you, all I'm trying to do is ensure you can see your desires to the very end. Hate me as long as you want, but I'm not giving up on you, even if there never comes a day you understand me.
"…"
I'll give you space to calm down. I just would like you to know this: I'll never break my promise to you.
"…What promise?" You ask to silence, and your voice slowly starts to rise, "What promise? What promise are you talking about? We met before? What are you-?"
"Who are you talking to?"
Yuri's voice startles you, and you look up. She stands over you, eye glimmering in concern, and she crouches down to your level. Her hands reach to gently brush against your cheeks, now merely the faint idea of warmth.
"It can't be Kromer, right? We're doing our best to keep her away from you… but did she find a way to get into your head to talk to you?" She asks, taking you into her embrace, "If she is, we'll get her out. Effie's already having a ball beating the shit out of her. I'm certain he'd enjoy giving you justice."
"…Kromer's haunting me now?" You weakly ask, and Yuri's eye widens.
"…Unfortunately." She confesses with a sigh. "Effie and I are switching between ensuring she can't get out of that… space we're in. So she can't bother you. It's tough, but we can't die again."
She chuckles at that last part, but softens at your expression. "Hey, we won't let her hurt you. You're gonna be okay."
Why? Why does this world seem to hate you? Out of everyone to haunt you… Kromer..?
"You're gonna be okay."
Your gaze trails down to the floor, to your hands gripping your thighs and wings wrapped around your body. There's a weird lump on the right one, nestled between black and gray feathers. And then you open it.
A small screech erupts from your throat at the sight of the eye. You drag yourself back, metal on the tips of your horns scraping against the wooden door as you desperately try to drag yourself away from the orifice in a place it shouldn't.
Seeing out of a third eye nauseates you as you stare into your own face and in horror at your own wing. You close the eye but it simply opens again and keeps staring. A golden iris that bores into you and you want it gone.
"Hey, hey-! Don't do that-" Yuri tells you, pulling your talons away from the eye you nearly tore out. "Don't. Please."
You relent. Because you always relent.
"Hey, are you alright in there?" You choke, turning your head back to the door as you try to force an ounce of cheer into your voice. As if nothing that's happening in here is.
"Haha, yep! Just- Just saw a spider. Freaked me out a lil', but I'm alright!" You call back, scurrying to your feet as you're left alone. "I'll be fine."
"If you say so." They reply, and you take a deep breath. Shower, pet your cat, and then try to cope. Try to hide the eye… and… continue surviving, you suppose.
Can't be that hard if you made it this far…
—
Your wings are pressed close to your body when you come out of the shower. Your hair is still damp, its misty texture slightly thicker and clinging to your back, soaking through your shirt. Note to self, invest in a hair dryer.
Dante is sitting on the bed, bundling its now stripped sheets up to presumably carry to the laundry room. Your coat sits neatly folded on the desk, sewing kit left open beside it. Orbi is currently taking a nap atop your coat, looking incredibly comfortable as she's sprawled out.
You go over to the cat, who blinks her disproportionally large eyes open and stares at you with not a thought in her tiny skull. You scoop her up by her armpits, holding her up and letting her body dangle. She purrs like an engine in response, and you nuzzle her with your snout. Only to immediately regret it.
"GAH-! You smell foul!" You choke out, reeling back. Dante looks over, pointing at themself in confusion. "Not you-! The cat! She smells like she found a dead rat in the closet and rolled in its guts!"
"I didn't notice she stunk…" Dante murmurs, sitting up.
"Of course you didn't! You don't have a nose." You gag, setting the cat down. "Ew- she needs a bath. Pronto. I think if I have to smell that again, I'll actually vomit."
Orbital Missile Launcher stares at you innocently. "Orbi, my sweet daughter, you smell like an actual corpse and you at getting a bath."
"…Do you want help with bathing her?" Dante offers, "We can do it after I get the washing started."
"That would be a lifesaver, thank you." You almost melt in relief, "Seriously, Dante, sometimes I wonder what I'd do without you."
Mostly because, if they didn't fall for your lie so easily, you'd probably be dead by now. Maybe even Sweeper food.
"It's the least I can do." They reply back, looking almost flustered. Shit, did you fuck up?
"Anyways!" You yelp out, "Before you go, is there anything you need me to do? Such as reviewing documents? With all the new IDs you're collecting, surely there's something, right?"
Please say yes. You need to distract yourself with anything. Anything at all. Just to stop thinking about the fact you're collecting a crap ton of shit life decisions and ghosts who actively make your life worse. And that isn't even the worst of it.
"Well… Now that I think of it, I do actually want to give you something." They answer, "But Faust needs to be here to do it… Can you give me like… ten minutes to do the laundry and get her?"
"Yeah! Sure, I can wait." You say with a smile, now uncomfortably curious. What the hell are they planning..? Should you be afraid? Why is Faust needed for this? "But… does it have to be Faust?"
"Yes, why?" Dante seems almost concerned now, "Does she make you uncomfortable?"
"Sort of..?" You grin, "But it's fine! I can handle it. Go on now! I don't wanna keep you waiting."
"…" Dante sighs, "Alright. I'll be right back."
"I'll be waiting!" You chirp back, watching them hesitantly leave the room. Once the door shuts, you shudder and unfurl your wing. The eye stares back at you, only blinking for a second before its watching resumes.
A hand goes to the mouth on your collar, feeling it under your shirt. Why is your body continuing to change? You want to stop it, but how?
If only there was a way to keep these new parts shut forever…
Then your gaze falls on the sewing kit on Dante's desk.
–★★★–
You're hiding something from me. I know it.
You're always jittery, as if something terrifies you. You talk to people that aren't there, getting aggravated and scared. You're terrified of half of the people on this bus, and seem to be missing memories you never knew were gone. Or…
I can't just ignore how Outis approached me earlier. Telling me how something was suspicious about you, how you claimed to have never been here before but so clearly have with how Kromer behaved around you. I dismissed it at first, accepting your amnesia explanation, and yet…
When I think about it, it was weird how that Demian approached you so warmly. And how you returned that warmth.
Could you be hiding having been here before? Yet… why? Why hide so much?
Of course, every Sinner on this bus is hiding something about their past, as is Vergilius and apparently Charon. And I literally cannot remember anything of my past. But what could you possibly have to hide?
And you clearly trust me. Enough to prefer my company to most on this bus. You said you "Didn't know what you'd do without me." Even after what I did, how I practically killed him, and you still care about and rely on me.
Why? How? How can you possibly care about me so much?
Perhaps… You love me? It would make sense. How easily you seemed to forgive me, how you seem to rely on me, how you're almost desperate for my approval. You love me, like how I adore you. It's the most obvious explanation.
Of course, there always could be something worse you're hiding. But I know you. I know you. You wouldn't be hiding something horrible from me. You're too… precious. Pathetic, harmless, docile… All are words to describe you. The only person I've seen you actively try to harm is Kromer. With everyone else, your weapons drag you along to do it. You… you…
There physically cannot be something horrible you're hiding from me. You look like the mere idea of telling a lie would cause you to break down. So you have to love me… right?
But now I can't help but worry… Do you love me? Or do you simply love the clock? At this point, I'm left wondering if I am the clock. If I were to regain my head… would you still care?
No… No. You said it yourself. You're only here until I find my head. And then what? You're gone forever?
Well, I brought you here once. Maybe I could bring you back again..! Or we could change something in the contract, a term of sorts that would make you stay longer. Or… maybe I don't even need to find my head. Why would I need it when I have you?
…
The sound of my hand on metal and wood rings out in several firm raps.
<Faust?> I call out, <Faust, [Name]'s awake! You can give them the thing you wanted to.>
The door slides open near instantaneously after that, an impassive-looking Faust staring at where my face would be. She peers behind me, lips twitching down slightly.
"Faust would like to ask, where is [Name]?" She utters, looking back towards me.
<They're still in the room.> I answer, <I thought I'd come grab you and bring you to them. Since they couldn't get healed by the ampules, and I don't want them to overexert themselves while still weak.>
She looks annoyed for a moment, but her face smooths out back to its usual disinterested look rather quickly. "Very well."
Its silent as Faust retreats into her room to get your gift, stepping past me to go deliver it to you.
<Actually-> Faust glances back at me, <I wanted to give them it.>
She responds by silently handing me your gift, but continues onward towards my room. I walk next to her, and don't expect her to speak up.
"Faust would advise against putting all faith in [Name]." She tells me in a calm, quiet voice. "They aren't even human."
<…Okay?> I mumble back in response, honestly rather disinterested. If you really did have ill will, you would've hurt me already. You're harmless, I know it. Harmless, gentle, shy… You can't even confess that you love me. I mean, I can't confess to you either- especially with how you'd absolutely tell me no with how that other woman exists. But you're like… a flower. A delicate blossom and I just want to be allowed to hold you. I just want you.
<Strange. I didn't leave the door open when I left…> I mutter aloud, mostly to myself. And when I walk in, well, I get the answer as to who opened it. Because Vergilius is looming over you, and you're shyly looking up at him with your cat nestled in your arms. Along with… cat treats?
"Yeah, fine, I'll bring Orbi out so Charon can pet her…" You mumble, before noticing me. "Oh, hi Dante! And Faust…"
Vergilius straightens up from where he stood too close to you, glancing back over his shoulder at me with a calm expression.
"Next time…" He mutters, nodding towards you, "Tell them when I find out about the things they try to hide."
Your face flushes, a green tint muddying the crimson of your skin as you gape. "D- Dante..? You knew that he knew..? What's next?! Did she know this whole time?"
You point an accusatory finger at Faust, who merely blinks. "Yes, Faust always knew. Faust simply is apathetic to the feline you've brought into your care."
"…How..?"
"Cat fur fell off you constantly."
You face palm in response to that, muttering under your breath.
"Okay, okay!" You take a deep breath, "Lemme get my timeline straight. When everyone left the bus, this little shithead-" You hold up Orbi in your arms, who meows softly in response, "Started screaming as if I died. You, Vergie, heard the sound, came in, saw the cat, Charon apparently followed you, she got attached to Orbital Missile Launcher here, you waited until we all got back, and talked to Faust about it. She approved of the cat for… some reason, and you decided to go get cat treats for her and refuse to explain why."
You lower Orbi with a sigh. "Why does nothing ever make sense here..?"
"You're the one who named the cat… that." Vergilius tells you, voice almost snide.
You give him a glare. "And what would you name her instead?"
Vergilius sticks out a hand towards you, and you tenderly hand him your cat. He lifts her to his face by the scruff of her neck, despite your audible protest to "be gentle with her", peering into her eyes with an almost impassive look.
"…Garnet, perhaps."
You blink, before scowling. "…She doesn't even look like a Garnet!"
"Perhaps you're merely blind."
"You little—!"
The way you two are bickering… It almost reminds me of a married couple.
…Ah.
You don't love me, do you? Maybe you love… him.
…
Dammit.
–★★★–
"So… what did you want to give me?" You ask Dante, internally cringing at how shy you sound now that Vergilius left. Why would he even want to call your cat Garnet..? Is there some sort of important connection with him and someone called Garnet?
…You should've read Leviathan.
"Oh, right!" Dante fumbles, before handing you a smooth rectangle. An uncased phone, to be exact. "Here. Faust has to help you set it up… but following your previous… incidents, we wanted to get you a way to communicate with everyone."
Ah. Okay..?
"Oh, thank you." You quietly choke out, "I didn't expect to get a phone…"
God please don't let the City have its own version of TikTok. You don't need more short-form content taking your attention span out back and making it look like a bunch of swiss cheese.
"Is it just for communication?"
"It is it's primary purpose." Faust tells you, "But access to other applications is permitted."
What is a "TikTok"?
Something you do not want to fall into the pit of again.
"I see…" You murmur, turning the phone on. "Does everything need to be set up..?"
"No, simply your profile on the selected application used by the company. Although, a walkthrough of who you will be communicating with is required." Faust leans in close, murmuring the password to the phone in your ears, and directing you to said app.
What follows is a painful and over-complicated explanation of the fact you're apparently now talking with other departments in Limbus Company, as well as the LCB itself. Although, you learned the limits of how you can customize your profile and phone itself are slim, so you're going to go wild with that.
Your definition of "wild" is making your profile picture an image of your cat, edited to have sparkles around her, spamming emoticons in your chat messages, and putting a bunch of meme references no one will understand in your bio.
…And?
I fear most will not consider that "wild," but I don't see it as a bad thing.
At the very least, Faust finished what she came to do and left, and you paused figuring out how to type with massive claws to go do the struggle that was giving a cat a bath. At the very least, Dante was very helpful in the chaotic endeavor.
Now, you have a wet- and somehow still smelly- cat lounging on a towel on your chest as you set up an account on the first social media site you found. It was a weird thing. Simply called "SNS" and functioned like a weird mixture of Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. It also appeared to be one of the only social media in the City. Guess it's just not a common thing..? Though, there is another popular app used for streaming and videos. So who knows?
The greatest struggle that came with setting up your account was choosing a name. It had to be unique, but unable to be connected to you and your job at Limbus Company. Just something you can harmlessly goof off with…
Thus, you ultimately chose #2_Hamhampangpang_Fan, and make your profile picture an image you stole off of the official account for Hamhampangpang and slightly increased the contrast on using a free photo editor.
And you added "Hamhampangpang" in bright red text on the image.
That too.
Ironically enough, when you checked the Hamhampangpang tag, the only poster under it was the official account for the solid minute you scrolled down it. Alas… Hamhampangpang is so wonderful, it deserves more fans.
If you adore Hamhampangpang so much, why not make your account #1_Hamhampangpang_Fan?
Because you aren't him.
..?
Could you please explain what that means?
No.
Alright then.
Though, now you're curious, so you look up to see if there are really any "#1_Hamhampangpang_Fans". And, to your surprise, you find one.
An account named "#1HamhampangpangLover"? And it's private?
Hm? Did you request to follow it?
You want to see what this blog has on it.
"How's your new phone?"
You crane your head back at Dante, who's back to sitting at their desk and working on something you can't quite see from where your chair is.
"Working fine. Thanks for checking!"
"And how's Orbi smelling? Better, right?"
"Oh…" Your gaze falls back on the cat, who stinks of a rotting corpse. "No, actually… She still smells horrible. Almost rotten…"
You look back at Dante, who sits completely still.
"…Huh." They move suddenly, tapping their desk with muffled rhythmic clicks. "Maybe it's not a physical stink? We should take her to the vet. We're in K Corp, after all."
"Wouldn't that be too expensive..?" You nervously ask. "I can't even begin to imagine how much healthcare is here, especially for a cat…"
Maybe you can wrangle up money? Surely someone out there would pay for pictures of monster feet, right? How would that work? How would you open a bank account you barely have any legal documentation?
"Hey, if something's wrong with your cat, we should give her care." Dante reassures you. "Don't worry."
"We don't even have that much money..!" You squawk back. "I just think there may be…"
A better solution. Dongrang.
…
You have an idea.
"Just… give me some time. I can figure out a cheaper alternative, I'm sure."
"…If you say so…"
With a sigh, you return your attention to the device in your hands, resuming carefully navigating through the screen without marring it with an unfortunate scratch as you try to piece together the ideas of your plan. Though, a notification gives you pause.
Direct message from #1HamhampangpangLover..?
Hesitantly, you navigate to the app, squinting as you read what was sent to you.
#1HamhampangpangLover: yo
#1HamhampangpangLover: wanted to ask
#1HamhampangpangLover: why did you request to follow me
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: GAH
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: OH MY GOSH IM SO SORRY
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: I JUST SAW YOUR ACCOUNT WHEN I FINISHED MAKING MINE AND THOUGHT
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: "OH WOW!!! ANOTHER HAMHAMPANGPANG LOVER!!"
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: SO I SENT YOU A FOLLOW
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: I DIDNT EXPECT A MESSAGE
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: ~(>_<。)＼
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: IYUAJMFANSJLAS
#1HamhampangpangLover: lmao
#1HamhampangpangLover: your fine
Don't correct them don't correct them don't correct them—
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Um
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: No offense but…
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: *you're
You gotta be the stupidest person to exist.
#1HamhampangpangLover: 🤓
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: (T^T)
Eh? #1HamhampangpangLover accepted your follow request..? And they followed me back?
#1HamhampangpangLover: if youre gonna correct my grammar
#1HamhampangpangLover: i think its only fair i pick on you for something
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Fair enough…
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: My bad
#1HamhampangpangLover: yeah
#1HamhampangpangLover: it is your bad for dooming yourself to this
#1HamhampangpangLover: oh well
#1HamhampangpangLover: yknow youre a pretty slow typer
They should try typing with massive, razor sharp claws on the ends of their fingers…
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Is that gonna be what you pick on me for?
#1HamhampangpangLover: yep
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Oh well its only fair
#1HamhampangpangLover: 🕺
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Welp
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Two Hamhampangpang fans on the internet
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Shame the tag is dead
#1HamhampangpangLover: yeah
#1HamhampangpangLover: frustrates me to no end that no one seems to appreciate hamhampangpang
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Exactly!! How can people not appreciate it??
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Most people ive met seem unaware of the glory of Hamhampangpang
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Such fools…
#1HamhampangpangLover: exactly
#1HamhampangpangLover: hey
#1HamhampangpangLover: what should i call you?
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: ?
#1HamhampangpangLover: well
#1HamhampangpangLover: our usernames are almost idential
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Uhhhhh
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Maybe just use the numbers?
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Like
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: You're One, I'm Two.
#1HamhampangpangLover: yeah that works
#1HamhampangpangLover: 👍
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: q(≧▽≦q)
Ha… This guy's pretty chill. Maybe you made an online friend.
You click onto their page, scrolling through their limited number of posts. Every single one was just images of Hamhampangpang with captions along the likes of "my lunch." They didn't have their followers public either… Ah, wait. Pronouns. He/him. Good to know.
Wow… this guy has one of the most basic accounts you've ever seen. Well, he seems chill enough.
#1HamhampangpangLover: by the way
#1HamhampangpangLover: next time you go to hamhampangpang
#1HamhampangpangLover: get their cheesesteak
#1HamhampangpangLover: kid you not
#1HamhampangpangLover: best thing i have ever eaten in my life
#1HamhampangpangLover: think when i took a bite of it i literally ascended
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Thank you for the recommendation One!!
#1HamhampangpangLover: of course
#1HamhampangpangLover: send me a pick of what you order next time too
#1HamhampangpangLover: im craving hamhampangpang now
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: o(*￣▽￣*)ブ
#1HamhampangpangLover: 🕺
Haa… One doesn't seem like a half bad guy. Maybe this will lead to an actual friendship.
OML HOW TF DID I NOT SEE THIS PEAK DROP IMMEDIATELY?!!???
Ehem- Anyways time to go on another tin foil hat game theory rant. Buckle up buttercup because this one's long.
I love Dante, always thought of them as a mushy gushy type and their quicker descent into these feelings felt extremely natural for them, especially here. Dante is the one that interacts the most out of every other character, and is naturally good at reading people, so it's obvious that they know something is up- just not what- I wonder how that'll affect interactions later on...
I also wonder why exactly Faust gave rewind a device, which I'm guessing is for company communication for some plotline in the future- (possibly with Roland or something but I'm not sure) (Hamhampangpang is a good guessing point I assume?) Though it's a bit loose since I'm guessing this is to build something in the future since there's not a lot of social media representation outside of devices shown directly in pm.
The reference with Garnet from Vergilius and the fact that he's chill with Orbi is a nice callback to Leviathan. Also it shows a level of familiarity that he has with rewind, allowing him to make such a vague reference that only he knows the importance to... (Also if I'm correct Orbi has black eyes? If I'm wrong then ignore this point).
Also I have a theory about the strings— it's (if I'm not mistaken) a reference to string theory? Which ties into the whole thing of going back in time and actually being able to interact with things since the string is just a figment of someone's existence? Or more like the tape of a casset that can be rewinded (heheh) and play back certain moments from the past? (like moody blues from JJBA)
sorry I got geeked. Love your work twin and ignore the crazy fans rambling... tehe
Warnings: Obsession and general yandere behavior; non-sexual nudity; mild main character harm; blood; mentions of canon typical violence; body dysphoria; self-loathing; body horror; heavily implied self-harm (not lethal and not written in detail); angst then fluff; technical infantilization directed towards MC
Note: Decided to try some new things while writing this one!! And sorry for how long it took to come out.
I really hope Canto 10 doesn't come out and tell me Kromer was still alive, and then I have to bullshit a reason as to how the plot will work.
"Weird, usually you're better at creative descriptions than I am… How about this? Think of the universe itself as a tree. Distinct worlds- the branches of this tree- are connected to a trunk. Different timelines would be twigs connected to this branch, with leaves maybe being a random timeline based off the first one."
"And we wish to look beyond just other twigs… and at other branches?"
"Yes! We want to see what connects them to this one trunk. That is, if the universal tree theory is even true. I heard some people think the universe is a donut, with some solid evidence, but why a donut? What does a donut have to do with a universe?"
"…It's shape, probably."
"Oh- You know that's not what I mean, Elena!"
"Hehe, I know. I'm just teasing you!"
—
You're in that void again. Trapped in that oppressive nothingness.
You push, and push, and push until you come tumbling out onto the ground, water sticking to your skin.
Ah. It's raining.
A torrential downpour that soaks you to your very bone. You're not wearing the proper clothes for this weather, and the water falling from the sky sinks into the fabric that feels painfully thin on your body.
You don't know where you are. Surrounded by towering sepia buildings underneath a dark swirling sky with freezing air biting at your drenched skin. It's the middle of the night- hopefully not close to when Night on the Backstreets begins- and there's no one around.
You simply start walking, wondering if this is a dream. What kind of dream is this..?
Judging from the way your hands look different… maybe you went back into the past again.
But how? And who's past are you in?
The rain bites at your skin, but you continue onward. The deep puddles soak through your shoes and nip at your feet, and the street is dark save for an occasional lamp set at each corner. There is no trace of life at this hour.
At some point, your legs give way and you tumble to the ground. Your palms catch you, digging into the concrete below, and you shake the water from your tail as you stand up once more. In this state you have no bandages and your clothes are akin to something you'd wear any day of the week during the colder months. But now they're so wet you can see through to the red flesh below. Though, that skin is dulled by what almost seems like a filter, dimmed yet nonetheless vibrant.
You examine your palms, staring at the drops of dulled, ruby red blood that oozes out from the scrapes. So your blood really was not always that enkephalin-like substance…
When did it change?
It's not the only scraped part of your body. You dug straight through your pants and into the skin below, and the wings on your hips have lost a few feathers when you landed atop them. With a sigh, you pull yourself up and keep going until your knees almost collapse once more.
This time, you come to rest against a wall just beyond the light of a lamp-post. You crawl under the measly overhang above you, trying to shield the rain from your face. If you're in the past, you don't want to see if disease and injury carries over to the present. The reverse doesn't occur, clearly, but you'd rather not risk it.
Of course, it's hard to prevent sickness when you're stuck outside at night and being drenched to the bone. Even the overhang far above doesn't shield you from the rain. You simply bring your knees to your chest and huddle for any warmth you can find. You stare at the raindrops splattering the ground, and feel them land atop your head.
Elena would've adored this weather… she always loved the rain.
…How could you have forgotten her? What else did you forget if you didn't recall her until merely a day ago? What kind of friend are you?
That is, unless something else hid those memories from you… but what could've possibly hid them?
…
You were working on something with her. Something important. And it wasn't just her. But what was it? And who were you working with..?
What could possibly be going on..? How—
You realize the raindrops aren't hitting your head anymore. Yet, the sound of their impact is almost twice as intense as before. You blink, raising your head to see… A man holding an umbrella over you? His hair is a dark- relatively dull, though that may be due to the sepia that taints everything- green, and his eyes are a bright lime that seems dim in the dark environment. His round glasses are foggy in the cold rain, and he wears a thin clear poncho of sorts over a semi-formal brown suit. In his hands, he's offering you his umbrella.
Slowly, you reach up to take it. Your fingers brush his, and he pauses.
"Ah— your hand." His voice is soft, and he gently takes you outstretched hand in his free one. "Did you fall?"
Your face heats up. "I- uh- I—"
He chuckles lightly. "There's no need to be embarrassed. The weather is particularly nasty today, after all…"
"Y- Yeah. It is…" You hesitate, taking the umbrella from him. He merely smiles in response.
"Do you mind waiting here for a minute?"
"Not like I have anywhere else to go…"
The man chuckles. "Touche."
—
It's been far over a minute since that man left. But, at the very least, he was kind enough to let you keep his umbrella.
The pitter-patter of the rain on the dark nylon dug into your ears as time wore on. Your thoughts were struggling to keep you awake, even if the cold water that ensnared you in a freezing blanket made you shudder uncontrollably.
Sharp teeth clicked as the collided against your will, wet clothes sticking to red skin. The rain seemed to dissolve into mist as it landed on the concrete and blacktop. It blurred your vision, and your hands and feet stung. It was strangely hard to hold onto the umbrella now, with swollen and wrinkled fingers trying to remain wrapped around the plastic.
But through the pounding rain, you hear a voice. No- three voices, only one that's vaguely familiar.
"■■■■■■■■—! What are we even-?"
"■■■■■■■■ has a point, it's-"
"They're right around-"
You raise your head to see three vague humanoid figures, shadowed despite the lamps, framed by rain and mist.
"What the-?"
"…My-"
It's harder to hold the umbrella now. You blink at them, trying to make them out, and choke out a word.
"He..llo?"
You don't even realize when you fall unconscious. In fact, you seem to blink before finding yourself elsewhere. The rain is now simply a vague sound in comparison to the quiet chatter in the room, and you're now wrapped in towels and blankets in a small heap. You see your sopping wet clothes hung up to dry on a string over a tarp.
You turn your head to see three people, one of which being the green-haired man who gave you his umbrella. Though, a woman is sitting beside you, black hair neatly cropped to her chin and gray eyes focused on you.
When your gaze locks with her, she gives you a slight nod. You try to smile in response, exhaustion mysteriously gripping your body. But you no longer feel cold. The warmth almost feels like a tender hug.
"Um—" Your voice croaks as you try to quietly speak, "Where… am I..? Who are… you..?"
"…" She takes a breath, turning her head towards the other two. "They're awake, you know!"
"Yes, yes, we can see…" The green-haired man says, giving you a warm smile. "I'm glad to see you're alright."
"I- uhm- thank you…" You mumble, "For the umbrella, I mean. And for bringing me… here…"
Despite the lack of color, the place was rather cozy. However, that wouldn't be a fully accurate descriptor. This place was a house repurposed into a lab, with a surprising amount of equipment set up for it.
"…Ah, I've been kidnapped by scientists."
The black-haired woman snorts, and the green-haired man looks flushed. "I wouldn't necessarily say 'kidnapped'- We brought you in from the rain and- well you were unconscious, and—"
"I suppose one could call it kidnapping…" The strange man in the top hat murmurs, almost amused. You can't make out his face. "But kidnapping comes with ill intentions, doesn't it?"
"Well-" You sigh, "I'm not an expert in language, so I can recite the definition off the top of my head, but I don't think the definition of kidnapping involves 'ill will'. Though, I guess it can depend on the dictionary the definition is sourced from..? And you got me rambling. Hm."
There's a few chuckles from everyone in the room. Hm… Why does this feel familiar? Not the people, but… the lightheartedness of it all.
"…Anyways!" You sit up a bit, "You didn't deny being scientists, eh? Why'd you drag me to a lab..? Please tell me I'm not going to be dissected."
"No dissection plans here." The woman says, "But I can't confirm anything for Dongrang here."
"Dongbaek…" The green-haired man, presumably Dongrang, says with a tone of exasperation directed at the woman next to you.
Dongbaek..? That's the name of one of the bosses in Canto 4, isn't it?
Could it be that you're in Yi Sang's past? But how? You didn't make contact with his string, did you?
So how are you here..?
"Now, now. You two don't need to bicker like children." The man in the top hat says, holding up a hand. "The poor thing is clearly confused. Dongrang, as you requested to bring them here, you are responsible for their care. Including answering their questions."
"I suppose that is only fair…" Dongrang admits, before he turns his attention to you. "I suppose you caught my name, hm?"
"Yeah…" You answer with a nod, "Nice to meet you Dongrang…"
"And it's a pleasure to meet you as well."
Unconsciously, you blurt out your name. At the looks of confusion you receive, you quickly explain yourself. "My name- since I know yours, you ought to know mine, right?"
"Haha, yes, thank you." Dongrang says with that same smile. "You have a lovely name."
Why are you such an awkward dweeb..? "…Back on topic- Why am I here..?"
"Well…" Dongrang approaches you slowly, steps measured and composed. "I must admit, I've never seen anything like you before. Sure, there are some rather strange… things within the City, but you behave human compared to them."
Is this before the White Nights and Dark Days incident? Back in the present, people give you strange looks, but he's talking about you like he's never seen anything remotely like an Abnormality…
Could it be true that you're an Abnormality? You have Enkephalin in your body, but it's a more recent development… The only real confirmation of that is if you'd turn into an egg when killed, but you don't want to risk that…
"I suppose I simply want to understand what makes you tick." He holds his hands up at your expression, "Not by cutting you open. Simply observing your behavior. In exchange, with the approval of Brother Young-ji, you may stay here."
"So… what you're saying is…" You press a hand to your chin, "You'll provide me shelter, food, and water… in exchange for essentially watching me?"
"With the occasional minor experiment, yes." Dongrang says, "You don't mind, do you?"
Okay. You're in Yi Sang's past… somehow. You're being given a direct offer to stay here safely, surrounded by intelligent people who could potentially give you answers. And one of them wants to study you and potentially will be able to help figure out what happened to you. That is, if telling him anything is a good idea.
But… you know barely anything about Canto 4 beyond the ending cutscene, the fact Dongbaek is a boss, and there's something about a Sang Yi. By staying here, you could prepare yourself for the Canto.
Yet, the fact you got involved in Canto 3 raised suspicions, if Outis confronting you last night is any indicator. And even seeing you for a short period of time could raise issues. And who knows what you could mess up? What if by being involved in the past, you do something to ruin what will be the present?
What do you do..?
…
"No, I don't mind." You carefully say. "Well, Dongrang, I suppose it's a deal."
He merely smiles in response.
–★★★–
Your head aches as you sit up. Pounding on your skull like a relentless drum that gnaws at your very being in a corrosive mess of thoughts and feelings. The room is barely illuminated by the stream of sunlight pouring in through the small window, and you're nestled in a tangle of blankets and sheets. And, atop you like a precariously placed cherry, is a certain cat who stares at you with blank, wide eyes.
"Mngh… Hi Orbi…" You mumble with a yawn, a hand breaking free from the cocoon you ensnared yourself in to stroke the smooth fur of the cat. It's cool to touch compared to the warmth you've stuck yourself in.
It's only as the kitten starts to lap at your hand with a rough tongue do you realize there's bits of dried blood stuck to you. And now the bed as well, as you push off the sheets atop you.
Shit- You've ruined Dante's bed. You need to fix this, somehow. Maybe wash the sheets?
You run your hands through your hair, it always feeling like an awkward mix of human locks and a thick mist, blended together in a dark cloud attached to your body against your will. On the table beside you is a glass of water- still cold when you drink it- and a small plastic container with what appear to be small, square cookies inside. There are no notes to signal who it is from, but you have a solid guess as to who brought you these.
"How'd you sleep?"
"As fine as I could." You choke out after startling, looking at the desk Dante sits at. They've shed their overcoat and their red tie hangs loose, now simply in a black dress shirt. You try to smooth your voice, squinting at what they hold in their gloved hands. "What are you… sewing?"
They perk up, flames sparking as they appear to be… perhaps flustered? Maybe simply surprised you noticed at all.
"Ah- I'm just fixing some tears in your coat." They confess, holding up the scarlet fabric. "Or at the very least, trying to. I fear I'm doing a rather shoddy job at this…"
"…" You raise a hand as Orbi nuzzled against it, allowing her to bury the top of her head into the palm. "…Why?"
"Why?" Dante echoes, lowering their hands to rest upon the table. "I… I guess I just wanted to help you out. You feel like you're doing more managing than I am, so… Thought I'd do this favor for you."
"Uh… Thank you." You tell them, "I appreciate it."
We both know that can't be the whole reason.
You are relatively aware, but there's no harm in taking this act at face value.
And why is that the case? Perhaps they do this for you from the guilt of betraying you. Of not giving you a chance to speak. To save him.
You have more faith in Dante than Carmen.
…
"I'm- sorry about your bed." You awkwardly mutter, lifting the cat into your lap. She stares at you with large, blank eyes, before letting out her awkward meow and kneading biscuits into your thigh.
"For what?"
"Staining it with blood." You confess, "I can wash the sheets, though. They'll be clean by tonight-!"
"Oh, don't worry about that." They tell you, resuming their work. "I don't even need to sleep."
"O- oh. Okay." You mumble. Their tone was dismissive. Are they upset with you..? Did… Outis..?
"But…" Dante looks back at you, and you realize the interior of their clock is far more reflective than what you once thought. In the dim light, you barely make out your reflection. "If you really want the bed clean, I wouldn't mind washing the bed for you."
"You really don't have to—"
"Sure, I don't have to. But I want to." They almost seem to smile. "You've done so much for me, after all. Nothing in your contract said anything about doing chores for me, anyways."
You intake a sharp breath, before asking a question you immediately regret. "Is this because of Effie?"
They still, slowly freezing up. The flames on their head die down, and- for the very first time- you're entirely clueless as to what they could possibly feel. There are no hints from body language or verbal indicators. All you see when you stare at them is a clock with unmoving hands.
"…Partially." They admit with a monotone voice. "Partially not."
"…Sorry." You say with a soft voice. "I… really have a problem with saying things I shouldn't, eh..?"
They don't respond. Just quietly resume sewing. You can't bring yourself to look at them, but you have a question you really need to ask.
"…Dante?" They raise their head slightly. "Do you trust me?"
They think for a moment, a faint crackle of flame echoing in your ears. "Why wouldn't I? All you've done since you appeared before me is try to help me, do your job. In fact, you've tried to help everyone. Going out of your way to risk yourself to try to eventually save others."
"There are things about you, sure, but you seem uncertain of them yourself." They tilt their head back, staring at the ceiling with non-existent eyes. "I think out of everyone on this bus, I trust you the most. I don't see that changing either."
If only they knew. "I see. Thank you. I promise I'll ensure our contract to be fulfilled. I'll get you your head back." And then I'll go home. I'll find a way to return to being human and go home. I have to.
"…I appreciate it. I really do."
The silence in the room lasts for awhile, and you gently move Orbi off your lap- despite her vocal complaints- and stand up. "I'm gonna take a shower."
"I'll get started on washing the sheets when I finish your jacket." They reply, "I'm almost done anyways."
"Thank you." You murmur, slipping away from a bed that isn't yours and grabbing a pair of clean clothes. Carefully stepping over a small kitten who trails after you, you slip into the washroom and shut the door behind you. Then you melt to the floor.
You cannot cry, you cannot sob. You must be silent as you shake and dig your claws into your skin until deep marks remain in your flesh. How can they trust you? How can they be so stupid?
Maybe they don't. Maybe they're lying to you, just like you do to them. Maybe Outis went to them and now Dante is waiting to have a reason to hurt you. You keep messing up. Why do you keep being such a failure? A stupid, miserable, mistake of a failure! THAT'S ALL YOU ARE, AND ALL YOU'LL EVER-
Take a deep breath. Listen to me. You're emotional, scared, and acting rashly.
You're upset at the situation you're stuck in, yet take it out on yourself rather than others. Is that what you truly want?
"And why do you care-?" You ask in a whisper, "You're just a bunch of light who mutates and distorts people. And for what?"
Turning you anger out onto others now?
"Just you."
I understand why you're angry at me. You think of me as a villain, and I would think the same if our roles were reversed. I just want to tell you, all I'm trying to do is ensure you can see your desires to the very end. Hate me as long as you want, but I'm not giving up on you, even if there never comes a day you understand me.
"…"
I'll give you space to calm down. I just would like you to know this: I'll never break my promise to you.
"…What promise?" You ask to silence, and your voice slowly starts to rise, "What promise? What promise are you talking about? We met before? What are you-?"
"Who are you talking to?"
Yuri's voice startles you, and you look up. She stands over you, eye glimmering in concern, and she crouches down to your level. Her hands reach to gently brush against your cheeks, now merely the faint idea of warmth.
"It can't be Kromer, right? We're doing our best to keep her away from you… but did she find a way to get into your head to talk to you?" She asks, taking you into her embrace, "If she is, we'll get her out. Effie's already having a ball beating the shit out of her. I'm certain he'd enjoy giving you justice."
"…Kromer's haunting me now?" You weakly ask, and Yuri's eye widens.
"…Unfortunately." She confesses with a sigh. "Effie and I are switching between ensuring she can't get out of that… space we're in. So she can't bother you. It's tough, but we can't die again."
She chuckles at that last part, but softens at your expression. "Hey, we won't let her hurt you. You're gonna be okay."
Why? Why does this world seem to hate you? Out of everyone to haunt you… Kromer..?
"You're gonna be okay."
Your gaze trails down to the floor, to your hands gripping your thighs and wings wrapped around your body. There's a weird lump on the right one, nestled between black and gray feathers. And then you open it.
A small screech erupts from your throat at the sight of the eye. You drag yourself back, metal on the tips of your horns scraping against the wooden door as you desperately try to drag yourself away from the orifice in a place it shouldn't.
Seeing out of a third eye nauseates you as you stare into your own face and in horror at your own wing. You close the eye but it simply opens again and keeps staring. A golden iris that bores into you and you want it gone.
"Hey, hey-! Don't do that-" Yuri tells you, pulling your talons away from the eye you nearly tore out. "Don't. Please."
You relent. Because you always relent.
"Hey, are you alright in there?" You choke, turning your head back to the door as you try to force an ounce of cheer into your voice. As if nothing that's happening in here is.
"Haha, yep! Just- Just saw a spider. Freaked me out a lil', but I'm alright!" You call back, scurrying to your feet as you're left alone. "I'll be fine."
"If you say so." They reply, and you take a deep breath. Shower, pet your cat, and then try to cope. Try to hide the eye… and… continue surviving, you suppose.
Can't be that hard if you made it this far…
—
Your wings are pressed close to your body when you come out of the shower. Your hair is still damp, its misty texture slightly thicker and clinging to your back, soaking through your shirt. Note to self, invest in a hair dryer.
Dante is sitting on the bed, bundling its now stripped sheets up to presumably carry to the laundry room. Your coat sits neatly folded on the desk, sewing kit left open beside it. Orbi is currently taking a nap atop your coat, looking incredibly comfortable as she's sprawled out.
You go over to the cat, who blinks her disproportionally large eyes open and stares at you with not a thought in her tiny skull. You scoop her up by her armpits, holding her up and letting her body dangle. She purrs like an engine in response, and you nuzzle her with your snout. Only to immediately regret it.
"GAH-! You smell foul!" You choke out, reeling back. Dante looks over, pointing at themself in confusion. "Not you-! The cat! She smells like she found a dead rat in the closet and rolled in its guts!"
"I didn't notice she stunk…" Dante murmurs, sitting up.
"Of course you didn't! You don't have a nose." You gag, setting the cat down. "Ew- she needs a bath. Pronto. I think if I have to smell that again, I'll actually vomit."
Orbital Missile Launcher stares at you innocently. "Orbi, my sweet daughter, you smell like an actual corpse and you at getting a bath."
"…Do you want help with bathing her?" Dante offers, "We can do it after I get the washing started."
"That would be a lifesaver, thank you." You almost melt in relief, "Seriously, Dante, sometimes I wonder what I'd do without you."
Mostly because, if they didn't fall for your lie so easily, you'd probably be dead by now. Maybe even Sweeper food.
"It's the least I can do." They reply back, looking almost flustered. Shit, did you fuck up?
"Anyways!" You yelp out, "Before you go, is there anything you need me to do? Such as reviewing documents? With all the new IDs you're collecting, surely there's something, right?"
Please say yes. You need to distract yourself with anything. Anything at all. Just to stop thinking about the fact you're collecting a crap ton of shit life decisions and ghosts who actively make your life worse. And that isn't even the worst of it.
"Well… Now that I think of it, I do actually want to give you something." They answer, "But Faust needs to be here to do it… Can you give me like… ten minutes to do the laundry and get her?"
"Yeah! Sure, I can wait." You say with a smile, now uncomfortably curious. What the hell are they planning..? Should you be afraid? Why is Faust needed for this? "But… does it have to be Faust?"
"Yes, why?" Dante seems almost concerned now, "Does she make you uncomfortable?"
"Sort of..?" You grin, "But it's fine! I can handle it. Go on now! I don't wanna keep you waiting."
"…" Dante sighs, "Alright. I'll be right back."
"I'll be waiting!" You chirp back, watching them hesitantly leave the room. Once the door shuts, you shudder and unfurl your wing. The eye stares back at you, only blinking for a second before its watching resumes.
A hand goes to the mouth on your collar, feeling it under your shirt. Why is your body continuing to change? You want to stop it, but how?
If only there was a way to keep these new parts shut forever…
Then your gaze falls on the sewing kit on Dante's desk.
–★★★–
You're hiding something from me. I know it.
You're always jittery, as if something terrifies you. You talk to people that aren't there, getting aggravated and scared. You're terrified of half of the people on this bus, and seem to be missing memories you never knew were gone. Or…
I can't just ignore how Outis approached me earlier. Telling me how something was suspicious about you, how you claimed to have never been here before but so clearly have with how Kromer behaved around you. I dismissed it at first, accepting your amnesia explanation, and yet…
When I think about it, it was weird how that Demian approached you so warmly. And how you returned that warmth.
Could you be hiding having been here before? Yet… why? Why hide so much?
Of course, every Sinner on this bus is hiding something about their past, as is Vergilius and apparently Charon. And I literally cannot remember anything of my past. But what could you possibly have to hide?
And you clearly trust me. Enough to prefer my company to most on this bus. You said you "Didn't know what you'd do without me." Even after what I did, how I practically killed him, and you still care about and rely on me.
Why? How? How can you possibly care about me so much?
Perhaps… You love me? It would make sense. How easily you seemed to forgive me, how you seem to rely on me, how you're almost desperate for my approval. You love me, like how I adore you. It's the most obvious explanation.
Of course, there always could be something worse you're hiding. But I know you. I know you. You wouldn't be hiding something horrible from me. You're too… precious. Pathetic, harmless, docile… All are words to describe you. The only person I've seen you actively try to harm is Kromer. With everyone else, your weapons drag you along to do it. You… you…
There physically cannot be something horrible you're hiding from me. You look like the mere idea of telling a lie would cause you to break down. So you have to love me… right?
But now I can't help but worry… Do you love me? Or do you simply love the clock? At this point, I'm left wondering if I am the clock. If I were to regain my head… would you still care?
No… No. You said it yourself. You're only here until I find my head. And then what? You're gone forever?
Well, I brought you here once. Maybe I could bring you back again..! Or we could change something in the contract, a term of sorts that would make you stay longer. Or… maybe I don't even need to find my head. Why would I need it when I have you?
…
The sound of my hand on metal and wood rings out in several firm raps.
<Faust?> I call out, <Faust, [Name]'s awake! You can give them the thing you wanted to.>
The door slides open near instantaneously after that, an impassive-looking Faust staring at where my face would be. She peers behind me, lips twitching down slightly.
"Faust would like to ask, where is [Name]?" She utters, looking back towards me.
<They're still in the room.> I answer, <I thought I'd come grab you and bring you to them. Since they couldn't get healed by the ampules, and I don't want them to overexert themselves while still weak.>
She looks annoyed for a moment, but her face smooths out back to its usual disinterested look rather quickly. "Very well."
Its silent as Faust retreats into her room to get your gift, stepping past me to go deliver it to you.
<Actually-> Faust glances back at me, <I wanted to give them it.>
She responds by silently handing me your gift, but continues onward towards my room. I walk next to her, and don't expect her to speak up.
"Faust would advise against putting all faith in [Name]." She tells me in a calm, quiet voice. "They aren't even human."
<…Okay?> I mumble back in response, honestly rather disinterested. If you really did have ill will, you would've hurt me already. You're harmless, I know it. Harmless, gentle, shy… You can't even confess that you love me. I mean, I can't confess to you either- especially with how you'd absolutely tell me no with how that other woman exists. But you're like… a flower. A delicate blossom and I just want to be allowed to hold you. I just want you.
<Strange. I didn't leave the door open when I left…> I mutter aloud, mostly to myself. And when I walk in, well, I get the answer as to who opened it. Because Vergilius is looming over you, and you're shyly looking up at him with your cat nestled in your arms. Along with… cat treats?
"Yeah, fine, I'll bring Orbi out so Charon can pet her…" You mumble, before noticing me. "Oh, hi Dante! And Faust…"
Vergilius straightens up from where he stood too close to you, glancing back over his shoulder at me with a calm expression.
"Next time…" He mutters, nodding towards you, "Tell them when I find out about the things they try to hide."
Your face flushes, a green tint muddying the crimson of your skin as you gape. "D- Dante..? You knew that he knew..? What's next?! Did she know this whole time?"
You point an accusatory finger at Faust, who merely blinks. "Yes, Faust always knew. Faust simply is apathetic to the feline you've brought into your care."
"…How..?"
"Cat fur fell off you constantly."
You face palm in response to that, muttering under your breath.
"Okay, okay!" You take a deep breath, "Lemme get my timeline straight. When everyone left the bus, this little shithead-" You hold up Orbi in your arms, who meows softly in response, "Started screaming as if I died. You, Vergie, heard the sound, came in, saw the cat, Charon apparently followed you, she got attached to Orbital Missile Launcher here, you waited until we all got back, and talked to Faust about it. She approved of the cat for… some reason, and you decided to go get cat treats for her and refuse to explain why."
You lower Orbi with a sigh. "Why does nothing ever make sense here..?"
"You're the one who named the cat… that." Vergilius tells you, voice almost snide.
You give him a glare. "And what would you name her instead?"
Vergilius sticks out a hand towards you, and you tenderly hand him your cat. He lifts her to his face by the scruff of her neck, despite your audible protest to "be gentle with her", peering into her eyes with an almost impassive look.
"…Garnet, perhaps."
You blink, before scowling. "…She doesn't even look like a Garnet!"
"Perhaps you're merely blind."
"You little—!"
The way you two are bickering… It almost reminds me of a married couple.
…Ah.
You don't love me, do you? Maybe you love… him.
…
Dammit.
–★★★–
"So… what did you want to give me?" You ask Dante, internally cringing at how shy you sound now that Vergilius left. Why would he even want to call your cat Garnet..? Is there some sort of important connection with him and someone called Garnet?
…You should've read Leviathan.
"Oh, right!" Dante fumbles, before handing you a smooth rectangle. An uncased phone, to be exact. "Here. Faust has to help you set it up… but following your previous… incidents, we wanted to get you a way to communicate with everyone."
Ah. Okay..?
"Oh, thank you." You quietly choke out, "I didn't expect to get a phone…"
God please don't let the City have its own version of TikTok. You don't need more short-form content taking your attention span out back and making it look like a bunch of swiss cheese.
"Is it just for communication?"
"It is it's primary purpose." Faust tells you, "But access to other applications is permitted."
What is a "TikTok"?
Something you do not want to fall into the pit of again.
"I see…" You murmur, turning the phone on. "Does everything need to be set up..?"
"No, simply your profile on the selected application used by the company. Although, a walkthrough of who you will be communicating with is required." Faust leans in close, murmuring the password to the phone in your ears, and directing you to said app.
What follows is a painful and over-complicated explanation of the fact you're apparently now talking with other departments in Limbus Company, as well as the LCB itself. Although, you learned the limits of how you can customize your profile and phone itself are slim, so you're going to go wild with that.
Your definition of "wild" is making your profile picture an image of your cat, edited to have sparkles around her, spamming emoticons in your chat messages, and putting a bunch of meme references no one will understand in your bio.
…And?
I fear most will not consider that "wild," but I don't see it as a bad thing.
At the very least, Faust finished what she came to do and left, and you paused figuring out how to type with massive claws to go do the struggle that was giving a cat a bath. At the very least, Dante was very helpful in the chaotic endeavor.
Now, you have a wet- and somehow still smelly- cat lounging on a towel on your chest as you set up an account on the first social media site you found. It was a weird thing. Simply called "SNS" and functioned like a weird mixture of Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. It also appeared to be one of the only social media in the City. Guess it's just not a common thing..? Though, there is another popular app used for streaming and videos. So who knows?
The greatest struggle that came with setting up your account was choosing a name. It had to be unique, but unable to be connected to you and your job at Limbus Company. Just something you can harmlessly goof off with…
Thus, you ultimately chose #2_Hamhampangpang_Fan, and make your profile picture an image you stole off of the official account for Hamhampangpang and slightly increased the contrast on using a free photo editor.
And you added "Hamhampangpang" in bright red text on the image.
That too.
Ironically enough, when you checked the Hamhampangpang tag, the only poster under it was the official account for the solid minute you scrolled down it. Alas… Hamhampangpang is so wonderful, it deserves more fans.
If you adore Hamhampangpang so much, why not make your account #1_Hamhampangpang_Fan?
Because you aren't him.
..?
Could you please explain what that means?
No.
Alright then.
Though, now you're curious, so you look up to see if there are really any "#1_Hamhampangpang_Fans". And, to your surprise, you find one.
An account named "#1HamhampangpangLover"? And it's private?
Hm? Did you request to follow it?
You want to see what this blog has on it.
"How's your new phone?"
You crane your head back at Dante, who's back to sitting at their desk and working on something you can't quite see from where your chair is.
"Working fine. Thanks for checking!"
"And how's Orbi smelling? Better, right?"
"Oh…" Your gaze falls back on the cat, who stinks of a rotting corpse. "No, actually… She still smells horrible. Almost rotten…"
You look back at Dante, who sits completely still.
"…Huh." They move suddenly, tapping their desk with muffled rhythmic clicks. "Maybe it's not a physical stink? We should take her to the vet. We're in K Corp, after all."
"Wouldn't that be too expensive..?" You nervously ask. "I can't even begin to imagine how much healthcare is here, especially for a cat…"
Maybe you can wrangle up money? Surely someone out there would pay for pictures of monster feet, right? How would that work? How would you open a bank account you barely have any legal documentation?
"Hey, if something's wrong with your cat, we should give her care." Dante reassures you. "Don't worry."
"We don't even have that much money..!" You squawk back. "I just think there may be…"
A better solution. Dongrang.
…
You have an idea.
"Just… give me some time. I can figure out a cheaper alternative, I'm sure."
"…If you say so…"
With a sigh, you return your attention to the device in your hands, resuming carefully navigating through the screen without marring it with an unfortunate scratch as you try to piece together the ideas of your plan. Though, a notification gives you pause.
Direct message from #1HamhampangpangLover..?
Hesitantly, you navigate to the app, squinting as you read what was sent to you.
#1HamhampangpangLover: yo
#1HamhampangpangLover: wanted to ask
#1HamhampangpangLover: why did you request to follow me
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: GAH
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: OH MY GOSH IM SO SORRY
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: I JUST SAW YOUR ACCOUNT WHEN I FINISHED MAKING MINE AND THOUGHT
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: "OH WOW!!! ANOTHER HAMHAMPANGPANG LOVER!!"
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: SO I SENT YOU A FOLLOW
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: I DIDNT EXPECT A MESSAGE
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: ~(>_<。)＼
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: IYUAJMFANSJLAS
#1HamhampangpangLover: lmao
#1HamhampangpangLover: your fine
Don't correct them don't correct them don't correct them—
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Um
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: No offense but…
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: *you're
You gotta be the stupidest person to exist.
#1HamhampangpangLover: 🤓
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: (T^T)
Eh? #1HamhampangpangLover accepted your follow request..? And they followed me back?
#1HamhampangpangLover: if youre gonna correct my grammar
#1HamhampangpangLover: i think its only fair i pick on you for something
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Fair enough…
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: My bad
#1HamhampangpangLover: yeah
#1HamhampangpangLover: it is your bad for dooming yourself to this
#1HamhampangpangLover: oh well
#1HamhampangpangLover: yknow youre a pretty slow typer
They should try typing with massive, razor sharp claws on the ends of their fingers…
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Is that gonna be what you pick on me for?
#1HamhampangpangLover: yep
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Oh well its only fair
#1HamhampangpangLover: 🕺
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Welp
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Two Hamhampangpang fans on the internet
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Shame the tag is dead
#1HamhampangpangLover: yeah
#1HamhampangpangLover: frustrates me to no end that no one seems to appreciate hamhampangpang
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Exactly!! How can people not appreciate it??
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Most people ive met seem unaware of the glory of Hamhampangpang
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Such fools…
#1HamhampangpangLover: exactly
#1HamhampangpangLover: hey
#1HamhampangpangLover: what should i call you?
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: ?
#1HamhampangpangLover: well
#1HamhampangpangLover: our usernames are almost idential
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Uhhhhh
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Maybe just use the numbers?
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Like
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: You're One, I'm Two.
#1HamhampangpangLover: yeah that works
#1HamhampangpangLover: 👍
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: q(≧▽≦q)
Ha… This guy's pretty chill. Maybe you made an online friend.
You click onto their page, scrolling through their limited number of posts. Every single one was just images of Hamhampangpang with captions along the likes of "my lunch." They didn't have their followers public either… Ah, wait. Pronouns. He/him. Good to know.
Wow… this guy has one of the most basic accounts you've ever seen. Well, he seems chill enough.
#1HamhampangpangLover: by the way
#1HamhampangpangLover: next time you go to hamhampangpang
#1HamhampangpangLover: get their cheesesteak
#1HamhampangpangLover: kid you not
#1HamhampangpangLover: best thing i have ever eaten in my life
#1HamhampangpangLover: think when i took a bite of it i literally ascended
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: Thank you for the recommendation One!!
#1HamhampangpangLover: of course
#1HamhampangpangLover: send me a pick of what you order next time too
#1HamhampangpangLover: im craving hamhampangpang now
#2_Hamhampang_Fan: o(*￣▽￣*)ブ
#1HamhampangpangLover: 🕺
Haa… One doesn't seem like a half bad guy. Maybe this will lead to an actual friendship.
OML HOW TF DID I NOT SEE THIS PEAK DROP IMMEDIATELY?!!???
Ehem- Anyways time to go on another tin foil hat game theory rant. Buckle up buttercup because this one's long.
I love Dante, always thought of them as a mushy gushy type and their quicker descent into these feelings felt extremely natural for them, especially here. Dante is the one that interacts the most out of every other character, and is naturally good at reading people, so it's obvious that they know something is up- just not what- I wonder how that'll affect interactions later on...
I also wonder why exactly Faust gave rewind a device, which I'm guessing is for company communication for some plotline in the future- (possibly with Roland or something but I'm not sure) (Hamhampangpang is a good guessing point I assume?) Though it's a bit loose since I'm guessing this is to build something in the future since there's not a lot of social media representation outside of devices shown directly in pm.
The reference with Garnet from Vergilius and the fact that he's chill with Orbi is a nice callback to Leviathan. Also it shows a level of familiarity that he has with rewind, allowing him to make such a vague reference that only he knows the importance to... (Also if I'm correct Orbi has black eyes? If I'm wrong then ignore this point).
Also I have a theory about the strings— it's (if I'm not mistaken) a reference to string theory? Which ties into the whole thing of going back in time and actually being able to interact with things since the string is just a figment of someone's existence? Or more like the tape of a casset that can be rewinded (heheh) and play back certain moments from the past? (like moody blues from JJBA)
sorry I got geeked. Love your work twin and ignore the crazy fans rambling... tehe
Wasn't expecting to get tagged in such a post but a pleasant surprise!
Tagged by: @ohnomykokoro (answer and tag six people you wanna know better! (i dont know all questions, so imma copy everything... ))
FAVORITE COLOR: hm, I like pink as well as blue and yellow. I'm not crazy about any of them though.
LAST SONG I LISTENED TO: "Don't" from Persona 3 Reload by Azumi Takahashi and Lotus Juice...I've just recently got into Persona and have all games on the Switch (but none finished ;;;;) and while I am not fond of alllll remade songs, this one is a melancholic banger.
CURRENTLY READING: ....Disappointed but not surprised, Vinland Saga😐. I just really like looking at the pictures and analyzing the way Yukimura draws and maybe smell the fresh paper too and ogle at Thorfinn😩...but the last one I finished is "The Full Moon Coffee Shop" by Mai Mochizuki. It's a short read about several people feeling unsatisfied and lost in their life and a magical coffee shop run by cats comes by on a full moon and helps them. It's more of a feel-good-read.
CURRENTLY WATCHING: I'm currently not watching anything because I finished a lot of things recently. The Amazing Digital Circus, Death Note, If Wishes Could Kill, Beastars, Istanbul Encyclopedia...
Some were really just something to relax after work while I was intriguied and followed others. Overall good stuff.
CURRENT FAVORITE SONG: "Love Sick" by Keina Suda. Thought for a while since it was either that or "Ghost Avenue" by Eve but I seriously could listen to Love Sick all day, it's got such a banger melody it's hard not to bop your head to it. Another good one is "undress me" by Cö Shu Nie. imo she has a gorgeous voice and the way she composes feels and sounds breathtaking.
Mutuals I'm tagging: @just-some-user-hunny , @yanderes-galore if you feel like doing it!
Atp it's just bullying me. I'm the only amusement it gets so it ragebaits me. It saw me tweaking and went "oh shit mb" AND FIXED ITSELF. DID IT RIGHT AS I WAS GETTING TO WORK TOO
I'd punch the damn thing but I care about it too much and its too expensive for me to replace
character design just got revealed or dropped recently or smth idk i only follow so many limbus folks on twitter but he looks cute im putting him in my mouth im biting him (affectionate)
Uhhhehwbannmm sorry... I live completely under a rock
Is it the bamboo hatted kim design?? If so, then I totally agree.
Cutie patootie spotted, slaps my belly or something
Guess who's soft locked. Guess who's approximately approaching your inbox. That's right, URA!
Abel is actively TRYING to kill me. He's breaking my back, absolutely cruel. I barely survived Yesods core suppression— I was actually unironically struggling. Oh my god. It was terrible. I wouldn't wish this on anyone with a completely sane mind. I'm near sighted enough Yesod.. Please.. Stop..
I'm doing a day 1 restart, I'm angry. VERY angry. Why would Abel do this? Why does the old man enjoy the screams of pain coming from within the facility? We'll know soon once I give him a knuckle sandwich. Multiple knuckle sandwiches. I am now LordLu, Mao, cut them down.
But!!! I finally got adult money (enough money to buy Ruina). You know what that means. I bought Ruina. Yaayy!! Yay! Yay! I'm anticipating playing LoR after Lobcorp.. This is like waiting for an update of a favorite fic.
Oh wow, you're clearing through the game pretty fast! My playthrough took years to finish sjdgs
But yeah, Abel's proper phase is actual ass and even then it's not the worst </3 being a lobcorp player is suffering I fear </333 Good luck giving him knuckle sandwiches though, I'll be rooting for you!!!
Also congratz on getting Ruina!! More fun awaits you past this point trust me
