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Apocalypsis

Yandere!Limbus Company x Reader

Warnings: Obsession and other general yandere behaviors; violence; blood; gore; MC starts a minor revolution through shenanigans; body horror; swearing; vomit; mentions of child death

Note: THERE’S EXTRA SCENES ON THE END!!!! I HOPE YOU LIKE IT!!!

Tags: @piercing-gaze ; @cumerzumsa ; @silkk-orchid ; @bloodytea ; @benji654 ; @poorgay ; @vibrantvindicatortotem

–★★★★★–

Aida’s corpse lands on the ground with a thud, half of her head torn off thanks to Rodion.

You watch the tall woman step over the corpse without a singular word and go to the elevator, not saying a singular complaint as she walks through the liquified remains of the Tieqiu boss, lightly waving everyone to follow her.

You just stare at the room of corpses, watching as Aida’s string lingers for several moments, before finally snapping. You already know what that means.

And now there’s another spirit following you around…

You flinch when a hand is placed on your back, and glance over at Dante. They tilt their head slightly, and you nod in response to their silent question. You just step forward and continue along, adjusting Aida’s hat to cover her face with your tail as you go. Everyone files into the elevator, and you’re awkwardly left standing in a corner. As the doors slid shut and the elevator whirred to life, Saude released the spout of questions bubbling inside her.

“How did you manage to win without even using any Wishpower?” She asks, tightly clutching the Wishpower sheet Rodya had handed back to her in the midst of the fight with a grin on her face. “No, before any of that, what made you so sure that you’ll win regardless?”

“Yikes, hold your horses, gal… One question at a time. Okay?” Rodya muses with a chuckle, motioning for Saude to calm down. “The Tieqiu Crew’s boss had been wary of the Tingtang Gangleader before the game even began.”

“How did you know that? You couldn’t have read the tells from his mechanical body.” Meursault asks, the rare question coming from him catching several Sinners off guard.

“He had every reason to. After all, everyone seemed to know that the Tingtang Gang owned a Wishpower extractor.” Rodya answers without missing a beat, “He must've been totally sure that Wishpower was gonna come into play one way or the other, regardless of who ended up playing.”

“So… You deliberately made it look like you were using a sticker to bait him into calling you out on it?” Effie asks, raising a brow.

“Yup! Then I declared I’m going all in~ I needed to appear suspiciously ballsy in his eyes.” She gestures over to you, pulling her sleeve up to proudly show off the bracelet. “Not to mention, Squishy’s gift was perfect! A little flash of gold on my wrist, and the act was sold. A winning gambler creates her own momentum and rides it. Fuhu.”

Saude stares blankly at Rodya, and Effie looks away, pinching the bridge of his nose and muttering something under his breath.

“I mean, look. Even you guys thought I’d popped the wish stickers, right?” Rodya asks, leaning against the wall of the elevator. “If I’m being real, at the end of the day, wish stickers and all that stuff are just hopes and desires given official-sounding labels. To someone with unshakable faith in themselves, it’s nothing more than a weird piece of paper.”

“That can’t be true… J Corp.’s Wishpower-related tech is an officially approved semi-Singularity with widely proven efficacy.” Saude retorts, though her voice is cracking, “Tens of thousands of people rely on Wishpower for every aspect of their lives…”

“Nothing hits the spot like a little confidence boost in this day and age, right?” Rodya muses, “But me? I’m different. I’ve always believed in myself.”

“… To have faith is to preclude the plummeting of one's heart.” Yi Sang says softly, “Pray tell, how does one go about acquiring such faith?”

“Oh, that? It’s actually super simple. I’ll let you in on the secret, so listen up.” Rodya says, and Sinclair perks up to listen. “Just think: ‘I’m the most awesome person in the world, so whatever anyone else says is a crock of shit!’”

Sinclair and Yi Sang seem to visibly droop at that advice, as Faust nods like it’s obvious. “That certainly makes sense. Faust subscribes to that perspective as well.”

“… Perhaps I shouldn’t have asked at all.” The first Sinner mumbles to himself.

“Rodya… Don’t tell me you've been taking my words as a crock of-” Dante starts, only for you to frantically motion for them to stop talking before an argument breaks out.

Much to your luck, they trail off as the elevator comes to a stop and the doors slide open to reveal a dim mine and large vault. The ringing of pickaxes striking rock sounds throughout the giant space, and the space is scattered with armed guards.

“Hold on a sec! The heck was the point of winning the game, then?!” Rodya asks, seeming to realize the guards won’t let the group in. “Why do we have to be so sneaky about this? And what's up with those slaves picking away at rocks?”

“We technically did earn ownership, but…” Saude hesitates as the guards seem to notice the large and very suspicious-looking group in front of the vault. “We don't have anything to prove that we're the winners, not to mention how we're more or less intruders to them.”

A wave of unease flickers through most of the Sinners, and you just grab ahold of the blades before they go and cause trouble.

“Quite the grand excavation. They sure didn't waste space.” Ishmael remarks, peering down the cavern, “They even made spare vaults here, all the while digging a tunnel.”

“What an incredible sight…” Rodya murmurs in awe. “When my time comes, lay me to rest under a pile of cash just like that one over there. I want my last breath filled with the smell of banknotes.”

“I’ve only seen scenes like this in movies…” You mumble to yourself, warily glancing at the shaking cages brimming with Peccatula.

“By the way, about that fella at the table who gave us the up-down… Did you know him from somewhere?” Gregor asks, raising a brow.

Rodion’s smile falters. “… A friend from back home.”

Dante shakes their head. “Something tells me the history between you two runs deeper than just that.”

“Greg, love, these get-togethers are always uncomfortable.” Rodion says with a tone bordering on ‘snappy’. “Didya already forget about that one heck of a reunion you had with your former comrades?”

Gregor nods slightly. “…Can’t argue with that.”

“There are things moving behind those bars.” Hong Lu suddenly notes, pointing to the cages with an absentminded smile. “Aha, I wonder if this is where they raise their pets?”

Ishmael grimaces. “…Do pets from your home usually rattle their cages like they're about to rip the bars apart?”

“It’s the Peccatula.” Faust states.

“Did they think they could tame Abnormalities?” Dante asks, glancing back at the group.

“Miss Yuri would’ve knocked three grown adults out cold with a scoff if she heard that.” Gregor remarks with a faint smile.

“Oh, Yuri…” Sinclair mumbles, worriedly glancing back at you.

You just look for a Yuri who isn’t there. Still asleep, huh..?

“It is possible, theoretically speaking.” Faust adds, “Provided that they possess a similar level of intelligence to humans and that an empirically proven method of managing them exists, that is.”

“Like a certain corporation?” You ask.

“Yes.” Faust answers simply.

“Huh… I guess they could make for excellent guard dogs if that ever works out.” Ishmael mutters to herself. Dammit you’re still waiting on her inevitable Little Red EGO or ID. Where is it, Kim Ji-Hoon? Make it and my life is yours.

Well… guess since you’re here now, it already is.

…

Make it and my money is yours.

“Oh? On closer look, these people have fingers or other parts of their bodies bitten off.” Hong Lu says casually, gesturing at the horde of exhausted miners that line the walls. “…Is this in fashion these days?”

Dante just slowly stares at Hong Lu, and you slowly place a hand on their shoulder to stop them from attempting to strangle the 6th Sinner.

“Tch… We’ve got security guards and Peccatula… This is starting to be a bother…” Gregor mutters, lighting another cigarette.

“Got any ideas, Greg? You said you fought on the front lines back in the war. Try something.” Rodya encourages with a shove, as Gregor yelps. “What does that have to— Hey, stop pushing!”

The slave Gregor winds up by blinks, slowly looking up from their endless toiling and towards the 13th Sinner. Gregor stares back at them with a slight grimace, and the air felt like cold butter.

“H- hey. Looks like things aren’t exactly pleasant for either of us, huh? How about we just… let this slide?” Gregor suddenly asks, holding up his human hand.

In response, the emaciated person merely stares back.”

“We're not here for the money in that vault. I mean, sure, we wouldn’t refuse if offered-” He coughs when you frantically shake your head, “But that's not the point. We're just trying to get to the lower level. We're not here to cause trouble, I guarantee you. Why don’t we pretend we never saw each other and just go our separate ways?”

They blink in response, eyes glazed over. “F… Four… 47,920,000 Ahn…” They turn back to the wall, and start lethargically swinging. “47,910,000 Ahn… 47,900,000…”

“Speak some sense, or I’ll B.A.R.F. on your hands.” Ryōshū warns, her hand tightening on her sheathed sword as her red eyes narrow.Sinclair Story Icon.png

“I think… she means she’ll ‘break all remaining fingers’ on his hands…” Sinclair mumbles, turning his head away slightly.

“At this point, I’m more scared by how fast you figured that out.” Dante remarks. The slave ignores the group, muttering to themselves.

“Must repay… repay all the debt… before I can go back to my family…” Then they seem to remember there are other people there. “They said they’ll take off 1 Ahn for every swing… 47 million and… How much…was it… Agh! Don’t talk to me! I need to count…!”

“Hold it. What's all that noise over there?” A security guard says, and several start approaching.

“Ah, shoot…” Gregor hisses through gritted teeth, before suddenly calling out with an awkward tone. “We… We can’t live like this anymore! This is… outrageous… abuse! To tie people up and force them to dig! Let us all… rise up… and fight our oppressors…! Forward—chaaarge!!”

Everyone silently stares at Gregor with the blankest expressions known to man.

Shit… guess the scene’s gonna progress as normal.

Honestly, this is fucked. Everything about this is fucked. You want there to be an uprising and for these people to return to their families. You saw that photo in the scrapyard.

But… you can’t do anything. Whenever you try, there’s only more trouble.

You’re right. You can’t change anything. And yet, it’s admirable that you keep going. You’re surrounded by people who will not help you. But I can help you. I promise you I can.

But…

Just close your heart to all but me. Let me help you.

…

You don’t know what possesses you. Perhaps a desire to prove Carmen wrong, perhaps as an attempt to make something better. Or just a desire to get one of your favorite Sinners out of the line of fire.

But you step forward, try to move Gregor behind you, and start yelling.

“DO YOU PEOPLE WANT TO SEE YOUR LOVED ONES AGAIN?!” You call out, and- slowly- the slaves start to pause and look over.“YOUR FRIENDS? FAMILY? LOVERS?”

The slave closest mumbles a word of agreement, as hundreds of glazed eyes look towards you. The security guards are approaching quickly.

“[Name], what are you doing?” Gregor whispers to you in a panic.

“Being a distraction so you guys can form a plan-!” You hiss back, before raising your voice again, “SO WHY DO YOU RELENT TO A CYCLE YOU’LL NEVER ESCAPE? WITH EVERY SWING, YOU DO NOT GROW CLOSER TO BEING FREE FROM YOUR DEBTS! YOU ONLY FALL IN LINE AND LET YOURSELVES BE ABUSED AND TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF! THERE’S AT LEAST TEN OF YOU PER GUARD. IF ALL OF YOU TOOK A STAND NOW, ALL OF YOU COULD RETURN TO YOUR FAMILIES! ALL OF YOU COULD SEE YOUR FRIENDS, CHILDREN, LOVERS, PARENTS!!”

You spread out your arms, a fuel of adrenaline and desperation bringing greater volume to your words. “DO YOU FEAR THE MONSTERS IN THE CAGES? THEY HOLD NO LOYALTY TO THE GUARDS, AND WILL GLADLY BRING HARM TO THEM. DO YOU FEAR THE CHANCE OF FAILURE? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! MANY WILL HELP YOU RETURN TO YOUR LIVES! ARE YOU AFRAID OF DEATH? IF YOU TAKE NO STAND, YOU ALL WILL DIE IN THESE MINES. ALL YOU NEED TO GO HOME IS TO TAKE A STAND HERE AND NOW!!!”

You stand there, chest heaving, as what you just did fully processes. The slaves are mumbling, starting to show emotion, and all of Limbus Company that is here is staring at you in silent shock.

“The fuck is that thing?” A guard snaps, and you flinch as you realize they’re here now and the Peccatula are being released from their cages. OH SHIT OH SHIT OH SHIT!!

You try to scramble off the rock, the blades readying themselves to start massacring the guards as you fumble out Yuri’s sword, realizing you accidentally got a solid ten meters away from everyone else and are vulnerable. You could get seriously hurt. OH FUCK!!!!

You ignite the sword as the fact you’re surrounded dawns on you, and you prepare yourself for a bloody, chaotic fight.

Only to watch a guard get a pickaxe lodged in the back of her head, and the slave Gregor spoke to a minute prior standing over their corpse. They pull the pickaxe out, and turn their attention to another guard.

For a moment, everything is quiet.

And then dozens more slaves start swarming the guards. Every moment, more start joining in, and the caverns are filled with screams and bloodshed. You think you catch a flash of white, but you ignore it. You just scamper back over to the Sinners, trying to move as far into the back as humanly possible.

“The hell was that?!” Heathcliff asks you, grabbing you by the shoulders and shaking you.

“GAHH!! I- I JUST-” You start yelping out, “STOP SHAKING ME!! I WAS JUST TRYING TO HELP-!!”

Heathcliff stops and lets go like he just grabbed a hot coal, a slight frown on his face as you catch yourself with a wheeze, putting away Yuri’s sword. “I- I don’t know what made me do that- I just saw Gregor and realized he was fucked if I didn’t do something and I don’t want Dante in pain from reviving him and heard about the debtors wanting to see their families and just… wanted to let them go home. But in all honesty I don’t know what possessed me to start yelling like that IwassostupidI’msostupidandsorryandohgod-”

“Oi! Calm down!” Heathcliff barks at you, startled, “You look like you’re about to piss yourself.”

You immediately shut up.

“[Name], you manage to surprise me every time you act.” Dante tells you. You just nervously giggle and look away.

“Wow Squishy, didn’t know you had… that in you.” Rodion tells you, looking out at the revolution in a mix of surprise and… remorse?

Wait. That tax collector from her memories. Did you..?

Oh. Oh no.

“You did well, private.” Outis tells you, “Better than that moron over there. Next time you attempt a subversion, ensure your acting skills are at least at an intermediate level.”

Gregor sighs, shaking his head. “C'mon, go easy on me… I'm embarrassed too, you know…”

The group stares at out the chaotic scene, with the guards so focused on fending off the slaves- and soon the Peccatula- that your group is ignored.

“So… should we move on..?” You slowly ask, “Cus I don’t think the Golden Bough is here…”

“Right, yeah-” Dante nods quickly. “You’re right. You’re right! Let’s get a move on.”

You watch Dante quickly usher the Sinners to go, and you stand next to Rodya and Gregor with a grimace. “...is it just me, or is Dante acting weird?”

Gregor sighs and takes a drag of his cigarette. “Not just you, bud.”

You glance back, and notice Effie and Saude not moving. “Aren’t you two coming with us?”

Saude shakes her head. “Haha, no, our role is finished.”

“Go on.” Effie says with a wave of his hand, “And don’t fuck up this mission!”

“Uh- see you!” You call back, and quickly follow after the group.

Effie crosses his arms as he watches the fourteen of you leave. “Even [Name] was a nonsensical idiot…”

“Well, they weren’t that bad.” Saude murmurs, looking over at the revolution taking place. “Actually, they were kind of cute. In a pathetic, desperate way.”

“Don’t tell me you actually..?” At Saude’s smile, Effie groans. “Seriously? Not you…”

Saude merely chuckles in response.

–★★★–

The floor below isn’t anything like the towering caverns you had accidentally caused a revolution in. Instead, giant, colorful containers line the space and tracks carrying smaller boxes are everywhere. There aren’t any guards from what you can see, but there aren’t many debtors either.

“It's a freight container, made of smooth plastic that comes in assorted colors.” Meursault notes as you and a few others closely examine a container on the floor, “The use of so many peculiar materials suggests that this is more than just a basic manufacturing facility.”

Without anyone touching a thing, the dead facility springs to life. A tune akin to circus music rings out in cheerful chirps, somehow ringing hollow enough it feels grating.

“I've got a bad feeling about this…” Sinclair mumbles, nervously glancing around. “Why aren't there any guards on this floor?”

No one can answer as the tracks suddenly stop, and the new container before the group opens with a hiss. Out of it creeps an Abnormality who’s mechanic always frustrated you when you first started playing.

“Ah. Ah.” It says in a robotic, awkward voice. “Highly excited!!! Ahh~”

Everyone tenses as the thing’s arms swing back and forth in a in janky, stiff motion, and You Want To Get Beat? Heartily? starts looking around at the group wildly, it’s eyes sometimes staring at nothing at all. “Thoroughly amusing!!! Da GAME of DEATH!”

Faust grimaces slightly at the thing’s sudden sing-song voice, and other freight containers open as more Abnormalities start creeping out.

“ATH. ATH!!” The thing starts to approach, arms stuck out at the Sinners. “ATH!!!! ATH!!!! ATH!!!!”

“Hm… It appears they redoubled excavation efforts from this point onward.” Faust notes, peering further into the factory, “Otherwise, there would be no reason to mass-produce augmented humans on a conveyor belt…”

“Got it, but we gotta get a move on!” Dante says with a startled yelp, “They’re pointing right at us singing that spooky song!”

A metallic clang rings out as the blades deflect a blow from one of the several approaching Abnos. In game you fought three of them, but here there’s more like fifteen!

You just brace yourself for a long, tedious fight.

—

“Are our attacks even doing anything?!” You hear one exasperated Sinner ask, as the Abnormalities refuse to falter and let up. Every time they grow close to death, they merely recover as if nothing had happened and charge again. They aren’t being hit hard enough-

The group- despite your ideas- decided against going into the factory, which meant the fight would remain tedious with everyone being at low levels and the IDs being… mid-tier at best.

You glance over at Gregor being stuck in his G Corp ID and wonder why the 1st season IDs were so ass. And this team comp’s a mess… not even a specific keyword to center around. If you wouldn’t arouse suspicion, you’d go give Dante some tips.

“Huh- [NA-” Dante starts, and color inverts as you realize you were distracted enough one of the Abnormalities is above you, ready to punch down and pummel you to a bloody pulp. Quickly, the nausea takes over as you stumble out of the way, but time doesn’t immediately resume.

What the-?

You blink, and realize you feel kind of… tight? Almost as if you’re clinging onto something. Specifically, your right eye feels tense. With a shake of your head, you try to relax the eye.

Then color returns to normal and you watch the Abnormality punch solid ground, and you try to stay on your feet.

That was… weird. Huh, maybe…

You step aside for a moment until the nausea dulls just enough, and try to tighten your eye. In an instant, time freezes again. You relax, and it resumes. You try this a few more times, and you realize you can just… freeze time.

This is like a Time Piece, but… they can only speed it up and slow down. Maybe this is a power you have..? Time-related powers… what could it mean?

A scream makes your head snap up, and you watch as at least half the Sinners are all killed, and Dante is being charged at by the largest Abnormality here. Oh crap- Okay. Okay. You have a job. So do it.

You freeze time, grab the blades, and charge with everything you have. Jumping up a painfully short height as you flutter your wings in vain for more height, you raise the blades above your head and drive them down into the largest Abnormality as you resume time, barely able to stop yourself from puking.

The screech that rings out from the thing doesn’t hurt as much as when it flings you aside, sending you crashing into a freight container and landing on the floor in a miserable heap. Your ears ring too much to process the yelling as you look around a spinning world, and realize the blades have both cracked in half. You mentally curse, hacking out bile as you feel like a pathetic idiot who just lost their main defense in a world that definitely wants them dead.

Gah… why the hell does your shoulder feel weird..?

The blades both twitch, and you sit up, clutching your aching head in a hand. And you gape as both blades each shrink into a small egg the size of your fist. They weakly roll on the floor, and you stare at the eggs patterned in the same intricate design of the handles of your weapons.

…no way. No way-! ARE THEY SERIOUSLY-?!

You yelp as you’re suddenly pulled off the ground by a loudly lecturing Outis, and you’re barely able to drag the eggs towards you with your tail, catching them on the feathers as you drag them towards you.

“-AND WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!” She questions, staring at you with a look of rage you hadn’t expected before. In response, you just weakly point at the Abnormality you just attacked, which has returned to the harmless form of an egg.

Outis blinks, before scoffing. “So what? You cannot be revived, Assistant Manager! Foolish actions like that-”

“What..? Are you my boss, now..?” You ask her dryly. You don’t want to die, but… “I was doing my job, which is to keep Dante alive. And I clearly succeeded. I- I’ll be fine. Let me go….”

Outis glowers at you, but releases you with only a series of frustrated muttering as you rub your sore arm. And tail. Just about everything on you is sore now, actually.

You sigh, glancing down at the now-egg blades, and you pick them up and cram into your pockets. You hope they return to normal soon…

You sigh as the battle seems to have come to an end, with Dante reviving a few dead Sinners with a familiar foghorn-like scream and you stumbling back towards the rest of them.

“How close are we to the Bough..?” You ask when they recover enough to lucidity, standing on aching legs begging to sit down and rest. But soon the Canto will be over. There’s gonna be some running, though, and you aren’t excited for that.

“[Name]! Are you- you look- are you-?” They stutter out, waving their hands wildly as they try to figure out what to say.

“I’m fine, please just answer my question.” You tell them, feeling the wings on your head drooping.

“...we’re close.”

“Great.” You say with a slight nod, “Let’s get going then.”

“Hey, you just got thrown into a wall. We can take a break if you need-”

“I don’t need a break. If we’re close, let’s go grab it and head back to the bus. It shouldn’t take long, right?”

“But… huh? Wait, where are your swords?” Dante asks, glancing around, “You know, the scissor-looking ones? I swore you just had them…”

You feel yourself shrink, but feel relieved by the subject change. “About that… it’s… hard to explain. Because…”

And slowly, you pull out the eggs. “This is what happened to them. They broke, and… well…”

“It appears [Name]’s weapon is a pair of Abnormalities.” Faust notes, examining the remains with a hungry gaze.

“I just found out.” You blurt out before anyone asks, “I- I knew they were weirdly sentient, but I didn’t expect them to be actual Abnormalities. I don’t even know where they came from.”

Everyone’s expressions range from skepticism to visible confusion.

“Wow~” Rodya says with a whistle, slinging an arm around your shoulder, “Guess you really are a special one, Squishy.”

You don’t miss that hint of bitterness in her tone.

“I mean- not as special as you.” You quickly yelp back, “I’m more… weird. Awkward. Inhuman..? You- you managed to pull off that whole stunt during the game, which is a lot more impressive than anything I could’ve done. I don’t even know how I do what I do- I’m like…” a freak.

You swallow a lump in your throat. “Let’s go! Like- we’re almost at the Bough, and, I don’t know about you, but I want to go back to the bus and take a long shower. Plus, we oughta get moving before those Abnormalities recover. C’mon! Let’s go!!”

You quickly scamper onwards before anyone can stop you, stuffing the eggs back in your pocket as you internally curse yourself. You’re going to give up on avoiding standing out. You look too weird and care too much about these stupid characters to not. Just… try to not let them find out.

–★★★–

[Name] is an Abnormality.

I was stupid not to realize it sooner.

They’re an Abnormality. One we haven’t encountered before. That’s why we couldn’t find any trace of them anywhere else. Because they must be new.

Of course, this still leaves many questions surrounding their existence, such as the unexplainable feeling that I have met them before, but it also provides answers to things such as their appearance and general knowledge.

... .... --- ..- .-.. -.. / - .... . -.-- / -... . / -.-. --- -. ..-. .-. --- -. - . -.. / --- -. / - .... .. ... ..--..

It is unlikely they realize they are one.

.-- .... .- - / -.-. .-.. .- ... ... .. ..-. .. -.-. .- - .. --- -. / .-- --- ..- .-.. -.. / - .... . -.-- / -... . ..--.. / - .... . .. .-. / .-- . .- .--. --- -. ... ..--..

I would classify [Name] as a ZAYIN, as they appear to lack any defensive abilities beyond the short teleportation. Their weapons are TETH.

.-- .. .-.. .-.. / -.-- --- ..- / - . .-.. .-.. / - .... . -- ..--..

They will find out in due time. It is likely they would deny it if the idea was presented to them.

-.-. --- -. - .. -. ..- . / - --- / --- -... ... . .-. ...- . / - .... . -- .-.-.-

I will discover all the information I can about them. We will find our answers.

-.. --- -. .----. - / -... . / ..- ... . .-.. . ... ... .-.-.-

…I won’t.

–★★★–

“So… your weapons are Abnormalities?” Hong Lu asks, peering down at the eggs you’re being made to show off.

“Apparently…” You mumble, “I never expected them to be… well… y’know. But, it makes more sense than not.”

“How so?” Ishmael asks with a raised brow.

“How else would they be so… alive? They can comprehend languages with no ears, and they have personalities.” You explain, “I’m an idiot for not figuring this out sooner…”

“I mean, no one else did either.” Gregor points out.

“True…” You mumble, “Guess all of us are just stupid.”

Gregor’s polite smile twitches. “That… wasn’t my point.”

“How long until they hatch?” Dante asks, peering over your shoulder.

“You think I know?” You question back in response, “I don’t know how Abnormalities work or when they specifically revive. Probably soon?”

“...until your weapons are back to normal, I want you as far out of combat as possible.” Dante instructs, “Scratch that, you’re severely injured, just stay out of combat period.”

“Eh?! But- but the contract-!” You stutter out, “I- I need to-!”

“No.” Dante says sternly. “My call as manager. Don’t think I can’t see you limping.”

You’re limping? “Dante, I’m just trying to-”

“Just fall back. Stay to the back of the group.” Dante instructs, “...please.”

You bite your tongue and slow your pace, ‘til you’re left in the very back and a solid pace or two behind everyone else. The ONE time you take a step forward to do the job you made up having to do and that eventually became your real job…

You sigh and scratch your shoulder. Since that weird sensation earlier, it’s itched a bit. But you pause when the skin moves too much.

Furrowing your brows, you slowly peel back the neckline of the shirt to see a weird slit along your right shoulder and collarbone. Did it get scratched? No… the shirt isn’t damaged. Just stained with blood.

You pull open the slit, and see a flash of white, razor sharp teeth. Your breath hitches and you immediately hide it, panicking. What? How- it can’t- no- wha?

Your body it’s… changing? Why is it..?

A gust of cool air in your face and the sounds of faint music makes you look up, to see a monumental castle of ice come up before you. It towers above everyone, and is the music’s source.

You glance at Rodion, who has a tense expression and her golden string is violently shaking, randomly jutting out and waving like sound. Is that how resonance works? What are the purposes of the strings? And why does only Dante not have one? Even the boss back in the room did, so… maybe only Dante can’t resonate with a Bough..? But why do people die when they’re severed?

“I'd come here whenever I felt the need to clear my thoughts. Though there are no armchairs or that whiskey you like…” A man with snow-white hair says, standing before the impenetrable structure. He adjusts his faux-leather gloves as he looks back, his lavender eyes glittering in an expression you cannot tell if it is amusement… or pity. “… the chill dominating this place pierces even the thickest coat. That helps me think with a more lucid mind.”

Rodion steps before the group, mouth pressed into a thin line. “Didn’t expect you to get here first.”

“My men and I knew of a shortcut leading here.” Sonya answers simply, “It was a route we learned by parlaying with the local lowlives in our search for the whereabouts of a great, buried power waiting to be used for our noble purpose. Alas, we… could only make it as far as this place, the general vicinity of the buried Golden Bough; we could not get any closer to it.”

“Thought you'd never leave District 25, but seeing you resorting to those tactics like some kind of gangster… Maybe you should've stayed a country boy.” Rodion says bitterly, “Sonya, your lackeys have been taking from shopkeeps who weren’t even rich to begin with.”

Sonya sighs, before giving a warm smile that feels out of place in an environment such as this. “… Want to know something, Rodya? This cave used to be nothing more than a peculiar hollow whose walls were lined with hoarfrost.” He gestures back, eyes sparkling, “And look at it now. A giant castle, surrounded by thick columns of ice, has risen here. This change happened the instant you walked in.”

“… Sounds like you figured this would happen on my arrival. How’d you know?”

“I have many sources… But that’s not for you to know, Rodya.” Sonya says, but you can’t stop yourself from blurting out.

“You’re with that Hermann woman, aren’t you?” Everyone glances your way as you stride forward, “That’s the only other person we know of after the Boughs. You know her.”

Sonya chuckles lightly, and he moves, approaching you with light, relaxed steps. “You’re that one Rodya called ‘Squishy’, hm? I can see why she calls you that. I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced, I’m-”

“Back. Off.” Rodion warns, stepping between you two.

Sonya raises his hands as he takes a singular step back, his smile never shifting. “I merely wanted to introduce myself to the one who caused the riot.”

You choke on your own salvia. He saw it?!

“Very impressive, honestly.” He continues, “You’re the first person I encountered who was capable of encouraging the masses to rise up with merely some words. Ah, is ‘person’ the right word here? You don’t look…” At your expression, he chuckles. “Nevermind. I just wanted to say, we could do much good, you and I. The Yurodivy-”

“Absolutely not.” Rodion snaps.

“Yeah, no.” Gregor says with a warning tone, arm starting to spasm.

“You’re one-” Heathcliff starts, but Sonya raises his hand. “I was asking them, not you all. But I see what they want doesn’t change much. Unless…”

You don’t like the way he’s looking at you. How everyone’s looking at you. “...no.”

“Very well.” He says, gesturing onwards. “Off you all-”

“What makes you say that I caused this in the first place? I’m not some kinda witch of the Backstreets or anything.” Rodion suddenly blurts out, quickly diverting the conversation away from anything to do with you.

Sonya seems to realize this, yet he plays along nonetheless. “I think the answer to that should become quite obvious once you observe those faces encased in ice. Take a peek. They’re the ones you loved yet secretly contemned, are they not?”

You choke as you feel like the ground gives way under you, and you can no longer breathe. But before you, you see several people- more like shadows than humans- surrounded by things. A group of tax collectors surveying any valuables to collect from a debtor, who’s collapsed on the floor, coughing in pain as a person with a snide grin stands over them. A young girl is sobbing on the floor, desperately trying to get the collectors away from what you assume is her father. But you aren’t there, and you can’t move, and you can’t interfere.

“250,000 Ahn.”

The District 25 resident quakes at the tax collector’s words. “That’s all it’s worth? You can't be serious…”

“Oh, I am dead serious. Just look at how old and battered it is- it's scratched all over, and any shine it once had has long dulled. To be frank, others wouldn’t pay more than 200,000 for this. And the rest… All worthless garbage.” They tap something you can’t make out. “With that, your remaining unpaid tax is now down to 400,000 Ahn.”

Why do the poor only grow poorer the harder they work?

And finally, you notice Rodion standing near to the scene, listening in with a wall between her and it. As a member of the Yurodivy.

It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? As the pawnbroker's vault grew fuller with each passing day… our neighbors only grew more gaunt, forced to give up even their precious mementos and cherished memories to be weighed for pocket money upon her ruthless scale.

You’re sent whirling through absolutely nothing until you’re left staring through Rodion’s eyes. At her relaxing at a desk, watching Sonya talk to a small yet eager group. Devouring every word he preaches. Words you can barely hear.

Sonya rallied people, delivering speeches using big words.They organized a group under the name of the "Yurodiviye." It went okay at first. Sonya's words managed to inspire even the thickest folks to help the impoverished of the Backstreets.

Almost like you, Squishy. I know you can hear every word I say, eh..?

Can the others hear too?

You don’t think so.

…

But I could see it on Sonya's face that he still wanted something more.

Eventually, the Yurodiviye that was first established to actually go out and help the needy was warped into an organization full of passive pundits who only cared about sitting around and endlessly debating how the streets and the Nests were to be revolutionized.

That’s why I left them. That’s why he wants you.

But being an armchair revolutionary wasn’t going to feed our starving neighbors!

“But I told you time and time again, Rodya. That we must wait for the right moment.” The memory Sonya says, looking directly at her.

Sonya, I’m sorry, but that “moment” you kept talking about… It didn't come when little Ivan, Yurodiviye's youngest… dug through trash for food waste just to recall what having food in his stomach felt like… Nor did it arrive after he choked to death from it.

“Detailed policy plans and the power to realize them are both necessary in monumental endeavors such as ours- the redistribution of wealth.” Sonya says simply, but memories and reality start to blur, and you’re being dragged along with it. An observer.

Communism…

You got a word for it?

Back home, yes. An idealistic system that ignores the innate greed humans have. Regardless of age, gender, appearance, everything. Humans live by greed, and for it.

…

“Such personal grievances and tragedies will inevitably occur as the wheel of progress turns.” Sonya says, seemingly incapable of hearing you.

Personal? Don't you remember how it all began? Helping people was our purpose! You and your Yurodiviye no longer seemed interested in doing that, nor in anything I'd hoped for when we began.

“Is that why you decided to take matters into your own hands?”

Absolutely. What our town needed wasn’t an empty promise telling people to sit on their hands and wait for some vague "moment," but someone willing to pick up the axe.

The scene shifts. Rodion confronting that tax collector you first saw in the memory. Axe in her hands.

It must've been one of those days when most of the neighborhood hadn't seen even a glimpse of food for at least 4 days. But the biting wind hounded and howled without mercy, clawing at the cracked skin of people who barely had any energy left to even move. And I happened to know whose safe kept so much money that she could treat my neighbors to a three-day-feast and not even make a dent.

“So, what did you do?”

…No, wait. I don't think I want to do this anymore.

“The Golden Bough has resonated with your psyche and has created this confessional of sorts, just for you.” Sonya says simply, “And a confessional’s purpose is to lead a sinner to the path of penance.”

How is he hearing this when no one seemed to hear Gregor’s? Does he even know you’re here?

He doesn’t. This is just a memory, [Name]. Nothing more.

You don’t hear what the tax collector says. Why would you? You’re just here to watch. Stuck. In this tight, miserable nothingness.

If only that old woman had changed her mind in her last moments…

“But Rodya… You must have known that a terminal leech upon her neighbors wouldn't turn over a new leaf just like that. You knew she wasn’t the kind of person who’d give up that life for that of a generous philanthropist. You wouldn’t have brought the axe otherwise.”

“Poor Rodion, dear, you seem to be under the delusion that you’re some sort of savior…” The woman says with a snide smirk, “Demanding my money so brazenly to my face won’t change anything. You're nothing but a louse yourself, no different from the paupers in the Backstreets.”

That’s right.

I’m the one who put an axe through her head.

There’s so much blood. It stains the walls and Rodion and her axe. It coats her axe in a thick layer of red.

Like cutting open the belly of the goose that laid golden eggs, I cleaved into that hag’s skull.

I mean, someone had to do it. Am I wrong?

Unlike the idiot cottager in the fable who gave in to greed and severed his own future prospects… We were just hungry, miserable people who would've gladly scooped out her brains for a meal.

And unlike the goose, her “belly” was full of golden eggs.

“Yes, the old lady you killed was a tax collector wielding considerable authority in District 25.” Sonya says simply, “But what gave her so much power… was her sibling’s status as a member of The Middle.”

I… I put an axe through her skull for my neighbors, so that they wouldn't starve to death. Was that so wrong?

“No, you did that for yourself. You couldn’t stand the fact that you weren’t anyone special. Did you know?” Sonya shakes his head, his smile one of pity. “The Middle… never forgets, never forgives anyone who has wronged their family. They aren’t too interested in finding out exactly who did the deed; what matters to them is that they demonstrate clearly what happens to the poor fools that dare to disturb them.”

And now you’re left staring at a street of people being brutally killed. Children, elders, and everyone in between.

“The joy of the Backstreets residents, who'd tasted the tenderness of quality meat for the first time in their lives, soon made corpse towers of them all. Not much different from the car pagodas outside the casino.” Sonya’s voice is gentle, sympathetic, “I’m well aware of the sheer weight of pain and guilt you’ve been burdened with ever since then. It can't have been easy to live with the realization that, at the end of the day, you really weren't so different from the idiot who cut open the goose that laid golden eggs.”

Since that day… Nothing I held truly felt like it was mine. It's all… all my fa-

“It's okay, Rodya.” Sonya says, and the memories shift. Back to Sonya staring into Rodion’s eyes with that warm yet proud smile. “You see, Rodya… I've perused hundreds of books and thousands of documents… and met all kinds of people around the City, all to change the world.”

“Change the world so that the oppressed can be free from the exploitative dominion of the ruling class and find liberation in the truest sense. And I want to make that world a reality.”

“However, I learned that such a world cannot be realized by changing what is already here. Once ink makes its mark on a page, it is permanent; you can't simply put the ink back in the pen.”

It changes again, to visions of what could be. Instead of a man being brutalized by tax collectors, the backstreets are bustling with joy as Sonya leads a stunned Rodion down it.

Look closely. This is the world you and I can usher in. “A world… that can be created using the Golden Bough with which you resonated.”

To a vision, not of Rodion standing over the mutilated body of the tax collector, but of she and Sonya having drinks as they look out of a colorful street. “May no soul on this earth suffer from starvation ever again. May every individual have the right to pursue their delights, both spiritual and intellectual.”

To… you wandering down the street, led by the duo as you look around in awe at the scene, rather than members of the Middle slaughtering innocents. Why are you..?

What the..? You- huh..?

“…Join hands with me, and I’ll gift you that world.” Sonya says, but it’s hard to tell just exactly who he’s talking to now. “It would be as if everything that has happened… hasn't happened at all.”

God- you want answers. You want understanding.

Ah. Who could ever understand such a feeling? Even the briefest glimpse of that world felt so dreamlike.

You want out. Out of this nothing.

I wanted to etch that mesmerizing instant into my memory so I wouldn't forget it- not even for a second. If this were a dream, let my sleeping self never wake and join the residents of the dreaming world.

Maybe you can..? Push… push… PUSH..!

But, despite everything…

You gasp as you feel like you’re being dragged straight out of a sea. An ocean of nothingness you were drowning in. Cold air gnaws at you, wriggling into your flesh as you try to catch yourself.

“Sorry, I’m still turning down your offer.” Rodion’s voice helps ground you, and you weakly look towards her, “How should I put this… I don’t wanna bask in the warmth just yet. I feel like I oughta be shivering in this cold a bit longer. Think I’ll stay this way, at least until I can answer whether I deserve to be warm again.”

Her gaze falls back on you for a moment, back on everyone. She takes a deep breath, running a hand through her hair. “Besides, Sonya… You knew my temper would get the best of me and make me kill her, didn’t you?”

Sonya is silent for a long moment, before shaking his head. “Rodya, this will probably elude you, but you don’t have the Sign. I came here hoping to see you possess it, but I’m seeing it on a few of your friends instead.”

Why the fuck is he looking at you. The fuck you mean “the Sign”. No way in hell you have “the Sign”. Oh God, does this mean gayass Demian is gonna be after you..? No- please- anything but him-

Rodion blinks, raising a brow. “The Sign? What do you…”

“On top of that, you can’t even see the Sign. In other words… you don’t have what it takes to lead.” Sonya clicks his tongue. “But I’m different. So, to make a better world-”

“Yeah, yeah. I think I remember hearing ya say something like that a while ago, sitting atop a desk buried in piles of books.” Rodion scoffs, “…That’s why I can’t join you. I still believe that your big words and endless debates won't ever feed the neighbors. And as I’m sure you’ve learned by now…”

She grins, gesturing back at the other Sinners. “There’s no way a rowdy rascal like me would fit under some dweeb’s leadership, right? Hahah!”

Sonya is silent at that.

“Congrats Dante, you escaped ‘dweeb’ territory.” You tell them with a grin, unable to and not wanting to stop yourself. “Unfortunately, you’re still in ‘childbearing hips’ category, but I can think of many people who’d want you to keep those.”

Dante sputters as Rodya cackles, and the air feels warmer. Not by much, but warmer still.

Sonya’s expression softens slightly, before he steps aside. “The Golden Bough awaits inside the castle, Rodya. I hope you’ll be able to find what you seek.”

He watches idly as the chaotic band moves past him, but he places a hand on your shoulder as you go.

“If you ever change your mind, my offer will still stand.” He tells you warmly.

You sigh. “I don’t think it will.”

And into the ice castle you went.

—

The Sinners stand, slightly battered and bruised from the first fight, and an echoing boom rings throughout the frozen keep, causing you to let out a shriek of pain as it feels as if your ears are torn inside of your head.

“What the…?” Dante murmurs, looking up as the environment quakes and ice-covered rubble falls from above in small but painful chunks. “Wait, if this keeps up…”

They look around, before grabbing your hand and calling out to the others. “We- we gotta get out of here, now!”

“What about the Bough? We’re so close, we can just grab it first-!” You argue back, and Dante shouts back something you ignore as you pull away and move deeper into the structure. Rodya’s string branches out, and you follow the wave until you find where it connects. A small, delicate, golden tree sprouting from a crack. It yields as you yank it out, and you turn to move back as you crash face-first into Meursault’s chest. Right in between his pecs.

It’s actually really firm-

You both stand there for a moment, then your muffled voice speaks. “Dante sent you to get me, didn’t they?”

“Yes.”

“...alrighty then.”

Thankfully, even as the castle started to break around you, it was fairly easy to escape out to the others, Bough safely in your hands.

“Can you stop tryin’ to get yourself killed?!” Heathcliff shouts at you.

“Can you all do you jobs?! Seriously, THE BOUGH WASN’T THAT FAR FROM US!” You screech back, before trying to smooth your ruffled wings with a huff. “Seriously! Why did I-”

“…Am I seeing this right?” Ishmael slowly interrupts, and everyone slowly looks towards the castle. “The castle isn’t falling apart, it’s like…”

“Indeed, it’s most certainly rising to its feet.” Faust notes, and you gape as the building now stands atop chicken-esc legs, and starts moving towards the group.

“Don’t look back! Just run!” Gregor yells, grabbing you by the arm and dragging you along as everyone starts running away from the steadily approaching castle. Furthermore, Sonya is just gone and now there’s a dozen or so more enemies around.

GODDAMMIT WHERE ARE THE BLADES REGENERATING WHEN YOU NEED THEM?!

Dante pants, half keeled over when everyone finally stops, though the castle and its frost-covered minions are still approaching. “I- we ran quite a bit, but what now…?”

How are they panting when they don’t breathe..?

“Footfalls. Not of a human. Rather slow and heavy.” Meursault notes.

Ishmael grits her teeth. “…You could just say that something mammoth is after us!”

The 5th Sinner nods simply. “That may have served better.”

“D- Dante! Our job here’s done, so we can just book it! Cool?” Rodya asks, trying to fend off one of frozen remains of a miner from the upper floor that charged.

“G-gimme a second! I never considered what we'd do once we got down here-” Dante yells back, wildly looking around for any way out.

“Oh, really! Can we worry about that later?!” Rodya shouts back, having had to hack off an arm of the Abnormality attacking her.

Speaking of Abnormalities…

You fumble the eggs out of your pocket and shake them. “C’mon you two… I’m seriously injured and could use some weapons-!”

Unluckily for you, that doesn’t wake them up.

“The bus… Where’s the bus?” Gregor asks.

“Clearly not here!” You shriek at him, “How could it possibly get down here anyways?!”

“Quit prattlin' and run! Away from that thumpin'!” Heathcliff barks.

Faust hums. “That might be the first logical statement I’ve heard leave your mouth, Heathcliff.”

He merely scowls in response. “… I’m gonna smash your skull to bits later.”

—

You feel like your legs are about to give out at this rate. It’s just running and desperately trying to fend off an encroaching horde until-

“I see the exit over there!” Ishmael calls out, pointing. Immediately, that’s the course everyone sets to.

An exit is found.

“Gah, bloody persistent, innit?” Heathcliff mutters, hissing in pain as a chunk is ripped from his forearm.

“We’ll have to distract them somehow before we can get away…” Dante says, looking around for any opportunity.

“Why don’t you throw one of us at ‘em? You can bring them back later anyway.” Ryōshū points out, before staring at a certain German boy.

“Why are you looking at me?” Sinclair weakly asks.

“Great idea Ryōshū!” You sarcastically say, “But how the heck are we going to get the Sinner left behind out of here after we leave?”

Ryōshū hums. “Y.M.B.L.”

“‘You’re more bitey lately’..?” Sinclair translates, confused.

“I’m tired and it’s been a stupidly long day!” You yelp back, having just had to stab an Abnormality through the head with enough force you think your arms may fall off with how sore they are. “God forbid I get-”

“Hold on, look over there…” Dante interrupts, and you see Sonya standing at the exit with a bemused smile.

“Leave this to me.” He says calmly, making a motion with a hand.

“WHY ARE YOU HERE?!” You screech at him, completely realizing you forgot this happened in game. God you wish Canto 2 was more memorable all you remember is Sinclair broke it down whiteboy style and Ryōshū is a fucking menace…

“Sonya?! What are you playing at?” Rodion snaps at him.

“Rodya! What are you talking about? Just let him do his thing, we need all the help we can get!”

She merely scoffs. “No one ever helps for free, y'know? There's gotta be something! Only person I met who’s willing to help all willy-nilly is-”

Sonya interrupts with a sigh, before slightly tilting his head. “It’s just like how you simply couldn’t hold yourself back from using your axe that day. I’m discovering that I might have a similarly… inexplicable drive.”

Rodion moves you behind her as he approaches a very confused Dante. “Dante, I take it that your organization is working to make a better world in its own right, yes?”

“I… Uh-huh?” Dante fidgets slightly, considering his words as Sonya seems blissfully unaware of their uncertainty.

“Silence sometimes speaks volumes. I’ll take that as a positive.” Sonya says, turning to leave. “And one more thing… That child will soon visit you, too.”

“Child?”

“Huh?” Sinclair rubs his eyes, squinting at Sonya. “Ah… Sorry. My eyes must have fooled me. I thought I saw something on his forehead for a second…”

You saw it too. That flash of red. Fuck’s sake, you can see the Sign.

“Yes, I mean that boy who left quite the impression on you. It’ll be a touching reunion, I imagine.” Sonya says with a bemused chuckle, “Don’t expect me to act on the same impulse of kindness next we meet, though. If a clear path towards prosperity of the many shows itself before my eyes, I’ll take it without hesitation.”

His gaze lingers on you for a moment, and members the Yurodiyiye start to appear, thankfully fending off the Abnormalities for you all.

He turns to leave as Rodion sprints past him, but you hesitate for a moment.

“Sonya.” Both he and Rodion pause, giving you curious and confused looks.

“Your moment isn’t going to come unless you make it.” You warn him, “...but you don’t seem like someone who listens to a singular warning from one person, eh? Well, good luck.”

And you follow after Rodion, just as everyone else. She shakes her head and resumes running, but Sonya merely stands there and watches you all leave, lavender eyes focused on your retreating form.

“Until I make it, hm?” He chuckles, “You and her really are alike.”

–★★★–

The 2nd floor was empty, much to your relief, leaving progressing to the first floor a breeze. But the emptiness and silence of the endless caverns left you unnerved. There were no more guards, Peccatula, or even debtors. It was entirely empty.

Though your worry seemed unique, as no one else seemed remotely bothered. At least, not by the absence of any life save for the LCB.

“Rodion. Are you not concerned?” Yi Sang asks the 9th Sinner, his usual mournful expression alike as ever as a short breather is taken on this floor.

“What’s up?” She asks, seemingly unbothered by what just happened.

“Irrespective of consequential differences, he was nevertheless a fellow of yours.”

“Ah, that~” Rodya chuckles, “Eh, he’s a clever dude, so I’m sure he’ll figure out a way to live and all that jazz.”

“…Truly, an ideal form of friendship.” Yi Sang murmurs, before walking away. You watch Rodya lean against a rock and look out, gaze drifting over the dark space as you take a spot next to her.

“So… uh… your memories.” You start, causing her to glance at you, “That… idealized world. Uh- why was I there?”

“How could you see them?” She casually shoots back.

“You think I know?” You ask in response, huffing as you drag your sore body onto the rocks to rest momentarily. “I don’t know anything, Rodya. All I know is I’m stuck here and somehow fuck up every time I try to do my job.”

She chuckles. “You’re a lot more sassy than I thought you were, aren’tcha?”

“Yeah… guess since I’m trying to be less scared of you… well honestly you’re all psychotic and terrify me with how casual you are about things such as the bus that eats people, but I guess I’m just… trying to make myself fit it, y’know?”

You can’t tell if you’re lying or telling the truth.

“Yeah, I get it.” She responds, and a silence falls between you two for a long moment.

“...do you think I messed up by causing that riot?” You nervously ask, “I- well- I saw what happened to you then. What if the same thing happens to them? What if I doomed hundreds of people by shouting some words? What if-”

“‘What if what if what if’,” Rodion snaps back with a huff, “Look, [Name], babe, you haven’t fucked up any more than I have. If anything, I’d say you did more good than bad. No matter what you did those people were going to die, be it from being hunted down or worked to death. At least you managed to get a bunch of weak-willed folk to muster the courage to see their families one last time before they died.”

Is she… bitter..?

“...” You can’t think of anything right to say in response to that. Rodya just sighs, squeezing your shoulder. “You’re better than you think, Squishy.”

A silence rests between you once more, and now everyone’s continuing on back to the bus. But you and Rodya wait behind for a moment.

“Hey, Squishy, why’d ya talk about humans like that?” She suddenly asks, “About them living by greed. How are you so familiar with them if this is your first contract?”

Should you..? “...because I used to be one, Rodya. But please don’t go blabbing to the others about it.”

And she doesn’t manage to say anything in response as you push yourself off the rock and rejoin the rest of the Sinners.

—

Dante, wheezes as they collapse onto the seat of the bus, having just finished recounting the events of the day to Vergilius with your and Faust’s help.

“…I see, so that’s your story. There’s just one thing that bothers me, though.” The expression of the Red Gaze hardens. “This man… Sonya, was it? His actions during those final moments don’t quite seem to align with the way he pursues his ideology. We need to get a clearer idea of his true intentions before moving on from this-”

“Hey, time out, tiiime out!!!” Rodya blurts, “First Yi Sang, and now you too? Why does everyone care more about Sonya than me? I'm the one who got the Golden Bough, aren't I?”

“...well, technically [Name] did-” Sinclair starts to point out.

“Wouldn’t have if she didn’t resonate with it.” You retort back, before practically melting into your seat. On your way back out of the casino, the blades managed to recover enough to resume their usual forms, but the knowledge of what they are still haves you reeling. But honestly? You’re too exhausted to care.

Faust said you’re supposed to go try on your new uniform in like an hour… maybe you can squeeze in a nap until then…

Rodya chuckles, before reaching into her pockets with a dramatic flair. “As a plus… Check this out, everyone~”

With a wave of her hands, she displays the overwhelming handful of colorful chips with a dazzling grin. “We can exchange these cuties for cash at any casino, so we should drop by one. I nabbed ‘em while our one and only assistant manager hit the jackpot and dazzled the floor.”

“I was practically thrown into the machine…” You lament, rubbing your still aching head. Don, meanwhile, nervously gulps at the glower Vergilius sends her way. Poor girl is absolutely fried.

“I’m impressed that you thought to pocket all that amidst the chaos.” Dante admits, and you realized they’re practically laying against you.

“Well, Verg? What do you say to a juicy serving of prime sirloin steak to celebrate our abounding success today?” Rodya asks, shaking the chips slightly as a few tumble to the floor.

Vergilius stares with no expression at her for a moment, before glancing Charon’s way. “…Any thoughts, Charon?”

“… Mmm.” Charon thinks for a moment, pressing an ear to the wheel. “Seems Mephi wants it too. Fresh, succulent, juicy meat.”

Gregor grimaces. “Gah, of all the things you could mention…”

Vergilius shrugs, going to take his own seat. “Alright, then. I’ll entrust Rodion with the task of locating the venue for our team dinner.”

Charon nods. “Okay. Vroom-vroom.”

“Now we’re talking, Verg.” Rodya says with a chuckle, “After all’s said and done…”

You close your eyes, missing the nervous expression she had for a mere moment, missing the glance she tossed your way, missing that faint glimmer of hunger and curiosity in her eyes. Missing the way it’s hidden with no trace and missed by all on the bus.

“I’m pretty rad, aren’t I?”

–★★★–

“Impressive, Yurodivy.” A woman with short, neat hair says. It’s dark enough in color it starts to border on the color of the emptiness of the night sky. Her boots are impeccably clean as she walks through the remains of corrupted debtors and the occasional fallen member of the Yurodiviye. “Not only did you manage to clear out the legion of foes…”

Hermann stops, her gaze falling to the man with crisp white hair behind her. “You also burned all that cash.”

Sonya chuckles, waving a hand. “You should know, Hermann, that I’ve never been a friend of capital.”

“I will admit, you're not like most idealists; you actually walk the talk.” She says simply, turning and approaching him with calm, measured steps. “You'd have earned yourself a further compliment if only you had capped it all off by securing the Golden Bough.”

Sonya’s expression barely changes. “...I encountered that one you mentioned. That enigma. I must admit, they are more impressive than you’d like to think.” For a rare moment, he frowns. “Alas…”

“I suppose you didn’t win them over.”

“They are more like her than I thought they would be.” He answers, “But they’re somehow more stubborn. I’ve never encountered anything like them. Even Rodya couldn’t compare.”

Hermann pauses. “...the little enigma even managed to woo you in the minutes they spent interacting with you?”

“Well… I wouldn’t necessarily say ‘woo’,” Sonya answers, “...Part of me might’ve wished that they agreed to follow me, though. Like how she’d follow me like in the past.”

He thinks for a moment. “Actually, never mind. I think I’m actually relieved to find that things haven't changed at all. Rodya never wished for a perfect, flawless utopia. I’m not sure her new friend would either. Rather, she might have felt that it would be boring to live in such a world, since there’d be no way to affirm that she’s special.”

He glances above, smile faint. “That’s the impression I got.”

“I thought her to be a woman of virtue and unshakable principles…” Hermann says with a quiet hum, “Turns out she's but a dreamer, just like yourself.”

“She still has a long way to go, that's all.” Sonya says, before confessing, “… Though I doubt she'll admit that.:

“I got your point. I’ll keep it in mind for future considerations on our course of action.” Hermann says, “What of the enigma? What did you learn about them beyond that they're like that friend of yours.”

“...[Name].” He says after a moment, “Though, many seem to prefer using a wide array of nicknames instead of their actual name.”

“[Name].” Hermann echoes, before turning to leave without another word.

“You won’t scold me for this?” Sonya asks, surprised. “I did ultimately fail to complete the task you gave me.”

“Would reprimanding you make the Bough suddenly appear at our feet? Or perhaps give us every answer to the sudden intrusion to everything expected? No.” Hermann continues ahead, “It’s fine. Wherever the Boughs may be right now…”

She faintly smiles. “What matters more is who claims the bundle at the end.”

–★★★–

You adjust the collar of your shirt for the third time this evening.

Ugh- why are you so anxious?! It’s just a dinner with everyone, plus Effie and Saude. Maybe it’s because you’re worried to go out in public? You’ll be fine… right?

You let out a sigh under your breath, nervously reaching up to your horns. They’re less smooth. Starting to feel like… bark. Tree bark. Tree bark-like skin.

Your shaking hand trails down to your neck. You pull back the collar, unable to stop your shivering as you see the slit along the bone. You tap it with a claw, and it twitches. Then you slowly pry the makeshift lips open, and the mouth on your collar clicks its teeth together, the long, wet tongue slowly slipping out and brushing against the pad of your index. You feel both the tongue and the finger.

You flinch and snap your hand away, the tongue slipping back into the mouth as it shuts again. Immediately, you drag the neckline back over it, shivering slightly. You wish you had something with a higher collar to wear… all you have is Yuri’s jacket, the clothes you woke up in, and now your new uniform.

New uniform… think about your new uniform. Not this.

The uniform itself looks like Dante’s. Red jacket, black button-up shirt, black pants, gray belt, black shoes. The main difference between your’s and Dante’s, though, is the fact your tie isn’t red and is instead gray, like your belt, and there is no writing on your jacket, which is also much shorter than Dante’s trenchcoat. The outfit also has adjustments to fit things like your tail and wings. It’s made for your body exactly. The body you were forced to have. The one that’s changing to grow less humanoid.

You groan as you rub your eyes, smacking your forehead with the heel of your palms twice. What’s even happening to you..? Why is it getting worse?

A rapid knocking on the door makes you glance up, and you sigh. “Come in.”

The door slides open a crack, and Dante peers in. “Ready to go?”

“...yeah. I’m ready enough.”

Dante tilts their head as they pull the door all the way open, watching you step out. “What do you mean? What’s wrong?”

“It’s… hard to explain.” You answer, “I… don’t know how to really say it. I’ll tell you when- if- I’m ready.”

Dante gently places a hand on your shoulder. You stare where their eyes would be if you had a head, not moving, not pulling away, not saying a word. You tense, then relax, then tilt your head down. You’re tired.

“...Looking forward to the dinner?” They ask you.

No. You’re terrified they’ll see the mouth. “...Yeah.”

—

You aren’t entirely sure what kind of restaurant this is. Clearly, it was pretty high class, especially for the Backstreets, and it offered all sorts of types of food that you recognized from all over your world. Though, you noted it primarily had Korean food.

“Wow~ Look at all of this~” Rodya muses, as if she wasn’t the one who picked the restaurant.

“Shouldn’t we wait for Effie and Saude before we order?” Sinclair meekly asks.

“I’m just figuring out what I wanna eat,” She replies with a playful huff, “What are you eyeing, Squishy?”

“Oh- uh-” You blurt out what you think you’re going to order, startled she targeted you specifically. Outside of Gregor, you seem to be one of her favorites to tease…

Speaking of Gregor…

You glance over at him, where he sits to your left. Dante is to your right. He idly stares at his own menu, his cigarette out of his mouth in compliance with the rules of the restaurant. Ryōshū, meanwhile, told them she’d “S.Y.N.C.” anyone who tried to make her stop smoking.

Gregor glances your way, his eyes locking with yours. He gives you a slight smile, and you shyly advert your gaze. He’s really beautiful in person… GAH! NO! DON’T SIMP FOR THE BUG MAN!!! RELATIONSHIPS WILL BE YOUR DOWNFALL!!!

“Sounds good~” Rodya coos, and you turn your head away as she continues talking, wishing you weren’t sitting with your back to the front door to the restaurant so you could see when Effie and Saude show up. You hope they show up soon. It’s awkward you insisted they come along and yet they’re late… then again, you rode here in a death bus with a guy who has a clock for a head and a Color Fixer who’s tired of this shit, so…

“You’re late.” Vergilius’ deadpan voice drawls, snapping you out of your thoughts. You peer over your shoulder to see Effie standing with his arms crossed, Saude gently waving, and the waiter who led them here quickly walking away to get them water.

“I hope it isn’t by too much.” Saude replies without missing a beat, and she and Effie sit down. “It was a little difficult to make it here on such short notice, after all.”

“Glad you could make it.” You tell them. You don’t miss that these two are no longer in their LCCB uniforms. Then again, all of the Sinners- excluding Dante- are in much more casual outfits. Outside of them, Vergilius, Charon, and you, no one else is still in their uniform. You’d dress out of uniform if your clothes were clean… or if you actually had a variety of things to wear.

You just try to ignore your endless series of nagging thoughts as the dinner drags on. You all order, the food comes, and you’re all in the middle of eating as conversation swirls around the table. You’re only paying half attention, but you think it gets to be about the mission.

“...and things would’ve gone better if they stuck to the plan.” Effie says, barely masking his frustration at the day’s events.

“Hey! We still succeeded at the end of it…” Rodya says with a playful pout. “Don’t tell me you’re annoyed.”

You glance at Saude, whose expression doesn’t change from her usual smile as she nudges Effie. Her message is clear: “Don’t get riled up. Let it go.”

“Why wouldn’t I be annoyed?” Effie retorts, ignoring Saude’s silent message, and you try to drown out the fight that’s starting to break out. You didn’t even know he was this frustrated at every plan he and Saude made being dashed. You’re not getting involved, you’re not getting involved, you’re not getting involved, you’re not-

“Just- for fuck’s sake- why am I even wasting my words on someone as stupid as you?!” Effie snaps, slamming down his glass, pushing himself away from the table, and storming out of the restaurant. The other patrons glance the way of your table, as do a few waiters. But, after what feels like barely a moment, everything resumes as normal. Most Sinners don’t even bat an eye outside of the occasional annoyed mutter. The only ones genuinely bothered by him storming out are Saude… and you.

When you look away from the door Effie left through, feeling guilt for not… trying to do anything. Whenever you try, there’s just more trouble. It happened back in the Lobotomy Corporation with Yuri. It happened in the casino. Who’s to safe if you try and change anything with Effie you’d even succeed? You may just make things worse again…

A prickling feeling creeps up your neck, and- nervously- you peek up. Only to see Saude with her eyes open, for what feels like the first time ever, and staring at you with an unfamiliar intensity you’ve never really witnessed before.

When she realizes you’re looking back at her, she motions her head slightly to the door. It’s not hard to guess what she’s telling you.

“I’ll… be right back.” You softly announce, pushing yourself up from the table.

“Why?” Vergilius asks you with a skeptical glare.

“Just… gotta do something. Don’t wait up.”

“[Name]- you don’t have to go do anything…” Dante reminds you, “Just sit down and enjoy dinner with everyone.”

“I don’t have to… but I should.” You don’t really want to give up, honestly. You just… need proof that what you’re doing is really worth it.

So you head out after Effie. Thankfully, it’s easy to find him. He’s sitting on a nearby bench, back turned to you, and seems to be shaking. Don’t ask why the bench has anti-homeless architecture, this is the City, you aren’t that surprised. This place is like… more evil New York. But the rats are eldritch horrors.

“...Is the anger out of your system, or do you need to blow off some more steam?” You ask, causing the man to only sigh in response and look up.

“I’m not going to take my frustrations at those idiots out on the only genuinely competent one that isn’t Faust.” Effie tells you, motioning you over absentmindedly. “...How the hell do you even deal with them?”

“I think I despise myself too much to honestly think negatively about others.” You reply, getting a weak laugh from him as you sit down. The two of you sit side by side in silence, the darkness of the night sky barely being broken up by the series of streetlights. This part of the Backstreets is right by the Wing itself, so it’s actually half decent here… a bundle of shops, restaurants, and even some tourist traps… It’s not the worst place you’ve seen.

“...” Effie scowls, “Gah- I honestly just want to strangle those idiots- They ruined everything Saude and I planned. And for what?”

“...we did still succeed.” You remind him.

“Still! Hours of careful planning- going out of our way to make the most foolproof plan we could. And for all the hard work to mean nothing! We didn’t even get a ‘thank you’. I think anyone would be pissed if everything they did meant nothing because a gang of morons decided to do whatever they felt like! And Saude started to enjoy it?” He groans, smacking his palm into his forehead. “I love Saude, she’s the best partner someone like me could’ve asked for, but how was she possibly able to tolerate all the shit we had to go through?”

“...” You don’t know how to respond.

“...” Effie is silent as well, glancing your way. “Why did you even come out here? You always had this look of horror at getting involved.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Do you think I’m stupid? You kept trying to get out of the mission after we got to the casino. But you still kept trying to make an effort to make the mission go well. So you weren’t lazy or anything…” He turns his head your way, “What? Did you think your presence would make things worse?”

How do you respond to that? Honesty? Lie and claim he’s delusional? What do you..?

…

Your gaze locks with Yuri’s, and she gives you an encouraging smile.

“...yeah. Yeah, I do feel like I made things worse.” You answer. “I mean- look at me. Look. I have horns, and a stupid tail, and wings, and it’s so obvious I’m not a human. People don’t view me as a person, I’m just… a thing. And I’m a thing that makes people’s lives harder. I want to help and make things better, but it’s like the world itself tries to reverse anything I do.”

“I’m not supposed to be here, Effie.” You continue, feeling the sting of tears in your eyes. “I wasn’t supposed to be a part of this mission considering how rushed the plans were for me, I can’t even disguise myself because of how I look. I- I can’t change anything. I want to change things and… and I can’t. I couldn’t save Yuri. I couldn’t stop something wrong from happening on the first floor of the casino. I couldn’t even get the Golden Bough successfully on the last mission even though it was in my hands. I’m- I’m just a useless demon…”

“Hey…” Effie says with a nudge, “For your information, I think you made the shitshow that was today a lot better by being actually useful.”

“Useful..? Useful?” You echo, “In- In over half the fights I either stood around aimlessly or got injured! How- how is that useful!?”

“You managed to actually wrangle a group of idiots better than the clockhead could.” He reminds you, “And considering no one else could do that, you’re pretty damn impressive. You have more respect from one Sinner than all the Sinners have for Dante combined.”

Do you..?

“And for your place here being wrong..?” Effie shrugs, leaning back, “Your presence was unexpected, but not unwelcome. If people really didn’t want you around, you wouldn’t be around…”

You are not a fan of the implications of that…

“...maybe you’re right.” You admit, glancing away. “It’s just… ugh… I feel like I’m going insane.”

“‘Cus of the idiots?”

“No-! I mean- partially… but mostly it’s because…” You sigh, “Would I sound insane if I claimed I could see the dead..?”

Effie gives you a confused look. “Uh- yes? What are you talking about..?”

You fucked up you fucked up- “...nevermind, forget it. Just-”

You didn’t even realize you were starting to hold your hands up until Effie grabbed one. You slowly looked his way, and he stared into your eyes with an expression you couldn’t read. You don’t think you’ve ever seen it before…

“Haha! You two lovers or somethin’?” Aida’s voice suddenly grated your ears. “Thought this cara de huevo was more into the chick who never opened her eyes, but seems he likes you more, if ya get what I’m saying.”

Now she’s talking in Spanish sometimes? You recognized she had a hispanic accent, but you didn’t think anyone spoke Spanish in the City…

Though, what really catches you off guard is when Effie flinches and pulls his hand out of yours.

“Did you-” He starts, before pausing. “Eh?”

“..?” You tilt your head, confused. What the..?

Effie slowly reaches out, taking your hand again. Though, he stares directly at Aida. She blinks in response, and all three of you realize Effie can see the dead woman too, judging from his gobsmacked expression.

Aida starts cackling, and you gape. “You- you see her too?! YOU HEAR HER TOO?!”

OH! OKAY THEN! LET’S JUST DRAG EFFIE INTO YOUR “SEEING DEAD PEOPLE” THING, HUH?!

“For a second I thought you were schizophrenic, but-” Effie tries touching and taking his hand off yours, “Oh jeez- that- that’s the Los Mariachis boss… haa… you can actually see the dead.”

“HOW ARE YOU DOING IT TOO?!” You sputter out, very glad it’s only you and Effie out here.

“You think I know?” He asks, raising a brow. “Just… wow. Seriously, wow. How- why-? Do you even know..?”

“...no.” You admit, partially confessing the truth and partially lying, “...sometimes, when people die, they just… stick around. Looking like how their corpses did right when they died and they sometimes just… show up. Then go away after a bit… I’m kinda getting used to it..? It’s still weird though.”

Effie just lets out a weak laugh of disbelief. “The only competent one I met for the first time today is the assistant manager… who’s a demon… who can see dead people…”

“Are you in shock..?” You nervously asked, pulling away, “It’s weird, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean-”

“Don’t apologize!” Effie huffs at you, “Do you know how many opportunities this opens? The fact that ghosts exist? The things your existence reveals- holy crap, [Name], this is- is…”

He lets out a winded laugh, shaking his head. “...I’m guessing no one else really knows, eh?”

“...no.” You admit with a weak voice. “Please- please don’t tell anyone. I don’t think it’d be a good idea for people to find out or-”

“Hey, hey. Calm down.” Effie tells you gently, “Calm down. I won’t tell the dorks you’re stuck with, but I’m telling Saude. She won’t tell anyone either. You’re safe, okay? No one’s gonna force you to suffer because of this.”

You don’t believe him.

Effie just sighs. “Hey, I’m not the kinda guy to blab to the world. Secret’s safe with me, alright?”

You nod slowly, a little nervous. A little skeptical. But Effie doesn’t seem like a bad person… you could trust him, right..?

“Doing better?” Saude asks, and you and Effie look back to see her coming out of the restaurant and approaching you two.

“Still annoyed, but…” Effie glances your way, “...a bit better now that I got it out.”

You smile faintly. “Okay, uh- let’s head back in now. I’m sure if we spend much longer out here we’ll get in trouble.”

“Hey.” Effie suddenly says, nudging you. “I think they can wait. After all, if I go back in there, I think I might try stabbing one of them with a fork.”

“Let’s go on a walk.” Saude suddenly encourages, “The three of us. After all, you don’t exactly seem comfortable with them. It’ll be good for you to get some air.” How did she notice that?!

Effie helps you up to your feet, and you’re just relieved Aida left as Saude places a hand on your shoulder, and the two sort of take you along as they start walking down the streets.

It’s barren, despite Night on the Backstreets being hours away, and the dim twilight is disrupted by the streetlamps and light from the inside of stores. Some people within the buildings glance your way, but you’re able to ignore the occasional stares as the LCCB duo let go of you, but hover close, idly chatting.

It’s a lot less oppressive than being around the Sinners… why’s that..?

“Hey, [Name], are you that impressed with your uniform that you’re flaunting the thing around right after you got it?” Effie asks, playfully teasing you.

“It is rather nice.” Saude asks, “Tailor-made too. Glad Faust had the decency to ensure what you wear fits you well.”

“Oh- uh- actually… this is the only clean outfit I have. Well, outfits..? Because I have multiple of these uniforms and- why are you looking at me like that..?” You shyly ask in response to the blank stares these two are giving you.

“Seriously? All you have are uniforms and the outfit you had at the casino?” Saude asks, utterly shocked.

“No, absolutely not.” Effie says, looking over at Saude, “We can excuse clothes shopping as a business expense considering it’s for an employee, right?”

“We can come up with a few good excuses.” She agrees.

“Woah- Woah! Wait, wait! My uniforms are fine! I- I don’t need-”

“Do you even have sleepwear?” Effie asks, at your lack of response, he chuckles, “Yeah, thought so.”

“C’mon, [Name],” Saude encourages, “This is for your own good. Now, don’t worry about a thing, and let us help you.”

“I…” At the smiles the two give you, your willpower fizzles away, “...okay, okay… I’ll do it.”

And with that, the two chipperly lead you towards a series of stores.

—

“[Name] has been gone for forty-seven minutes.” Faust answers calmly in response to Rodion’s question. The third time she asked that, actually, in the last ten minutes.

Everyone stands outside the restaurant, and to say I’m worried sick is an understatement.

“What could possibly be taking them this long..?” Sinclair asks.

“I never should’ve let them go out after Effie.” I mutter to myself, “Especially in the Backstreets when they’re unarmed. What if they got hurt? What if I let them get hurt?!”

Heathcliff scoffs. “Ain’t it obvious? They abandoned us.”

“Assistant Manager Esquire would never!!” Don Quixote screeches back, “Do not sully their good name with mad accusations! And yet… perhaps they have been kidnapped!!”

She continues on her loud rant until a glare from Vergilius shuts her up. But Don Quixote being quieted doesn’t mean the chaos within the Sinners died down. I’d have to be insane to think that [Name]’s disappearance didn’t cause whatever order there was to be broken down.

If this goes on any longer, I think someone’s going to kill someone else.

Some of the Sinners look dismayed, others look pissed, and some seem confused or unphased. It’s a chaotic mix of “oh god, where is [Name]? Are they okay?” and “I’m going to find them myself and rip off their tail with my bare hands”. And no one knows if they’re okay or not. Only Vergilius seems generally apathetic to their disappearance. And-

“[Name] is alive.” Faust suddenly announces, causing everyone to immediately shut up and look her way as she looks up from her tablet. “They’ll be back in a moment, unharmed.”

For a moment, everything is silent, before the chaos breaks out again, but ten times as worse. I just shrink away from it, and try to get as far out of the blast radius as I can when Don Quixote and Heathcliff seem to break out into a fistfight.

I just look away, and notice a figure with two large horns sticking out of their head, with two more human figures next to them, coming up the street. And I can’t stop myself from rushing to meet them.

[Name] flinches back as I come running up to them. “[Name]! You’re- you’re…”

My gaze falls to the many bags Effie and Saude are holding. Even [Name] is holding one… What the..?

“Dante!” They yelp back, the wings on their head fluttering as their snout curls up into a nervous grin. “Oh- I… I… ohmygoshimsosorryIletlmyselfgetcaughtupand-”

“Are you okay?” I ask them, “You disappeared and we didn’t know if you were alive or not-!”

“Calm down, Dante,” Effie tells me, “[Name]’s fine. We just did them a favor and grabbed some things they were lacking in if they’re now a part of the LCB.”

“We probably should’ve notified you before we left, but it was for the best we did it sooner instead of later.” Saude adds, “Right, [Name]?”

[Name] hesitates, their mismatches eyes wide. “I… uh… Dante, I’m so sorry. I totally should’ve told you I was leaving or did what I could to get back sooner, but Effie and Saude were just taking me to get clothes, considering my number of outfits is… very limited.”

Huh..?

“I totally get it if you’re mad! I- I won’t do it again and-”

“You went to get clothes..?”

“Uh- yes.”

I balk, startled and panicked. “If you needed clothes, you totally could’ve just asked me! I’m more than willing to help you out with anything you need. If you need clothes, I can get you clothes! You don’t need to go with…” I gesture at the two members of the LCCB, “Them.”

[Name]’s expression shifts, and their wings droop. They’re so adorable I just want to hold them in my arms and never let them go I want them to be mine- “I… okay. I mean- I don’t need clothes anymore. I have plenty now, but… sorry.”

Effie mumbles something in their ear I can’t hear, and they nod slightly in response. They perk up slightly and peer behind me. “Hm? Dante? What’s happening..?”

“Oh- OH!” I try to keep them from looking at whatever’s happening back there. Focus on me for five minutes, won’t you? Just looking at me is enough… “Don’t worry about that. I can handle it.”

[Name] just nods slowly, not believing a word I say, and Effie and Saude share a look I can’t help but despise.

“Come on, let’s go.” I encourage them, offering [Name] my hand.

[Name] sputters, quickly taking the small horde of bags from Saude and Effie, saying something I can barely hear to them, and trying to give them a wave as they walk past me and to the bus. I don’t look back as [Name] yelps when being essentially ganged up on by the Sinners for disappearing. I don’t look back as they yell at me for help.

All I can do is stare at the smiles Effie and Saude have because of [Name], and hate them.

–★★★–

You let out a quiet sigh when you walk out of your and Dante’s shared room to find a private space to prepare for your plan, gently closing the door behind you. Okay, you got tons of options to practice in where no one is likely to walk in on you… what you need though is something with a small item you can pick up and put in one of your pockets, a reflective surface, and room to move about. Which would be the perfect place to go..?

“Assistant Manager Esquire!” A shrill voice rings out, as Don rushes up to you, taking your hands in her own as her eyes look red. Well, the whites of them. We aren’t at Sancho yet. “How fares your head? I apologize for my grievous error in which I brought harm to you! Any punishment you wish upon me, I shall accept, for I have failed you.”

Where’s this coming from?! “No, no! Don, it’s fine, I’m-”

“You are not fine!” She screeches back, “I’ve witnessed the blood upon your clothes! I… I have failed you.”

She looks like she’s about to cry… “You’re… not going to give up on the idea of a punishment, aren’t you..?”

She shakes her head in response.

“Okay… uh… you…” It takes a moment of thinking, “You have to use my name now. No more nicknames.”

Don looks like you just asked her to shoot herself in the face. By that, you mean she looks horrified but somehow willing..? “Very well, Assis- I mean- [Name]...”

“Okay, uh-” You snap your fingers into fingerguns at her, “I gotta go now! Gotta do… demon taxes.”

“Demons have taxes?”

“Yeah and they are brutal, so I gotta make sure I’m all prepared and… stuff. Don’t wait up.”

“Wait!” Don pipes up, following after you, “Why dost thou not simply to thy’s “taxes” in thy’s room? Surely that would make sense!”

Oh shit-

“Don’t wanna bother Dante with the paperwork and stuff… plus, it’s pretty secretive.” You lie to her, “You know- I don’t wanna be a hindrance after the stunt I pulled a bit ago…”

Don stares at you, eyes sparkling. “Thou can use my room, then!”

“Huh?”

“I shan’t use my room for the next hour or so! Surely, that is plenty of time for you to put it to use!” She nods, grabbing your hand, “Yes, yes! Come along, fair [Name]! My abode awaits!”

Eh… guess it’s not the worst room to use…

With a euphoric giggle, Don opens the door to her room, and you step inside. Huh… it’s just a wee bit bigger than Dante’s room.

If you had to describe Don’s room… well, you’d have to admit it looks just like you expected. Every available surface, save for the floor, is covered in Fixer memorabilia and merchandise. There’s a bookshelf, desk, bed, and a few shelves, a door to her bathroom and closet, and the space is entirely cramped. It’s a strange mix of messy and organized. And, just your luck, there happens to be a small hand mirror set down on the desk.

Don jabbers your ears off as she haphazardly clears a spot of her desk for you, before turning to you with an excited grin. “Farewell, my fair [Name]! Please do not fuss with any materials within my room.”

And with a wave and giggle, she practically skips out of her room and closes the door behind her with a thud.

Well… not expected, but pretty damn decent. Now you just gotta practice…

You position the mirror so you can see yourself, grabbing a random pen you found and setting it right in front of the mirror, and move to stand in the center of the room.

Okay… now to do the thing again… just focus… focus… focus and…

Color inverts around you, and time freezes just like that, and you start counting the non-existent seconds. It doesn’t take long for the nausea to creep in and for you to immediately relax and let time resume. You take a moment to breathe, and do it again, relieved to find you were able to keep time frozen for one more second.

Again. Until you can do at least two minutes.

It takes awhile, and with time regularly being frozen, you aren’t sure how long you’ve been at it. But around the one minute mark, you started moving around too, trying to get as close to your original position as you could when time resumed. At the one minute and thirty second mark, you also added in grabbing the pen and putting it in one of your pockets.

You do this at least ten times when you reach the two minute mark.

Two minutes should be more than enough time to freeze everything, steal a few K Corp ampules, and get back to your original position.

And with this, you should have everything you need to save Effie. All you need to do is stop the bleeding and patch up his wounds, and he’ll be okay!!

You won’t fail him like you failed Yuri.

You won’t.

–★★★★★–

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