Staring Post | Chapter 1 | (More chapters coming soon)
Notes: Yeah remember my post about making a dispatch au for the Bad End ID's? Yeah this is it. Let's see how to corperatize a bunch of lunatics! This is definitely not going to have unforeseen consequences now will it? Right? Right...?
Btw, so I can escape the mental gymnastics of having to avoid naming the reader, I'm just going to use [Name] as a placeholder. I beg it's hell trying to avoid it...
I'm going down the line of Cantos, so first up is Gregor, next is Yi Sang and so on and so forth...
Tags: @flowerdustedstars
Warnings: Blood and Gore, not very yandere but don't worry it gets worse, propaganda, descriptions of war, manipulation(not from the yandere this time hurray!), Gregor is insecure as hell. Very likely ooc, apologies for any confusing writing decisions or grammar mistakes, long asf.
Something was up today. Or more accurately this month.
Between the current struggle and horrors of collecting the next Golden Bough, you have begun to notice something strange. Faust, for one was acting more unlike herself. Having caught her gaze piercing into you like she was attempting to use you to solve some equation in her head.
A similar situation could be found with Dante, your manager was always more on the flimsy side as is. But they seemed to be more stressed than usual. The ticking and wheezing of whatever mechanisms in that prosthesis becoming a more common occurrence. Something that was a dead give away of their uneasiness.
Also, spontaneously you and the other sinners were made to do 'bonding' activities. The most note-able one of these is when everyone took turns basically being a stand in therapist. It was a bit hilarious thinking back on it. But the question remains. Why?
It all seemed to center around you though. You mainly took the role of crowding the other sinners in these activities. If you were being scored, and for what? None of it made any sense.
And today was no different. As Dante dismissed the other sinners. All of whose chatter or lack thereof slowly died as each retired back to their respective living quarters. Leaving you remaining by request of Faust, who, for one actually had an ounce of emotion on her face for a split second.
You knew this was coming. But what exactly this turning point was about remained a complete mystery, well until now you assume.
<So... now that you're here.> Dante's ticking began first. The awkward moment of the three of you standing alone in Mephistopheles main cabin was palpable. You could swear you could see the hands of their clock head twitching, like how someone's brow would under stress.
"Faust has deduced you out of all the sinners is most capable for a success in this new project." Faust interrupted Dante, stepping forward with that ever present look. You can't exactly describe it but it just looked very dead to you.
"With the LCB's use of the Mirror technology, the HQ has become increasingly interested in these mirror worlds. They have assigned us with a secondary mission of possibly recruiting these alternate versions." Faust then began. Although you listened intently, confusion became evident as Faust's words clicked in your head. So, Limbus Company was interested in the... ID's..?
Although your heart kind of did stop a bit as Faust added- "Faust has deduced that you would fit best to retrieve and acclimate the recruited identities. Plainly speaking, you will be the recruitment agent in this department."
You had looked over to Dante, who just shrugged. Seemingly as clueless about this new development as you were. Faust didn't seem to keen to explain deeper than she has already. As you cleared you're throat, you couldn't help but ask,
"Why me?" The words were simple enough.
"Faust deduced that your overall temperament and character fit best." Faust plainly answered you, as if you were supposed to get her reasoning. "Simple as that."
You understood that you weren't going to get much else out of her. With that you internally sighed, what did they even mean by 'recruiting' the alternate world versions of ourselves?
Before you could ask however, Faust turned on her heel and began to approach the front of Mephistopheles. Your attention soon diverted from her to your thoughts again. By Mirror world selves, she means the identities? Those things that Dante extracts. You're very familiar with it. But, you forgot that there's actual people behind them. And now... You're tasked with what? Recruitment work for alternate realities?
"So... this is why we had so many team bonding activities." You tiredly spoke to yourself. The correlation is now plainly obvious as to why you were always in the lead of those. So it wasn't a question, just a resigned sort of murmur. The realization was immediate and very tiring. This reason was unexpected as to why you had to play babysitter to the rest of the sinners for a month straight... Honestly you thought you had taken Dante's job with how distant they were being in... everything lately.
They were testing you on leadership, is what you guessed.
<Yep. Sorry that we didn't exactly tell you.. eh. But don't worry about it too much. I'm sure you'll do great...> Dante had walked over, not exactly sounding very convinced themselves. As they stood near you, probably as an attempt to make you feel less nervous or something.
Dante's words weren't the most encouraging. Although you do appreciate Dante at least trying to make you more comfortable with such a sudden appointed role. As Faust returned from the front of Mephistopheles held out a folder to you. Which you had nothing else to do but take it from her.
"Here is the details of what the project entails, Faust has described your responsibilities with exact details. Read all of the points. Then tomorrow after working hours we will begin the process." She flatly explained as you turned the folder over in your hands. It was simply titled with a modest 'LCMP' as it's title. The generic yellow with a staple in the corner barely told you anything. There wasn't even a translation for the acronym. You get the LC stands for Limbus Company, the MP was a mystery.
Faust didn't feel inclined to tell you more than what was necessary. Her reservations about the whole spontaneous Intrest in the mirror worlds was kept to herself. Even as she noted your overall reluctance, this was a direct order from the department. So there's not much she could do anyways.
<Don't feel so down about it> Dante chimed in, it was impossible to tell how they felt about it either. Having no discernable face is quite the detriment to physically expressing oneself. Although their tone did indicate some levels of nervousness. How their tone shifted and paused occasionally.
<Think of it like... Being your own manager! Uh, if that helps...?> They were trying, and you could appreciate someone caring at the least. As Faust was as brickwall-ish as ever. As she distanced herself from the conversation as soon as the main objective was complete.
"Yeah... Thank you manager." You dimly replied to Dante. He was trying at least, but it didn't take away the sudden shift in your role. Many questions remained unanswerable until tomorrow. Were you still a part of the LCB? How exactly are they going to have you "recruit"— come to think of it... What IDs are you going to be in charge of?
You supposed the only way to find out was to read the files. As Faust so kindly put it.
Mumbling as you excused yourself from your managers presence. You could feel the sympathetic gaze if Dante had eyes. Which they did not. But that's besides the point.
You've entered your room, the small details having shifted due to the revelation just minutes before. Folder still firmly in hand as you absentmindedly sat on your bed. Holding it aloft as if it was covered in dirt.
"Well... I guess I have to read this..." You lamented, bringing the folder into your lap as you opened it. As you were expecting it was at least forty pages long. Typical Faust to go into detail. But it didn't seem to be written by the apathetic sinner number two.
So, starting at the first document. It was basically legal stuff from the first page all the way to twenty. At least fifteen different signatures were required. And half of it you didn't even understand with how many legal terms and conditions were there.
You can already feel the headache coming on.
The second half was details about the job itself. Which you actually paid attention to since this is basically the guidelines of how to do this new role successfully. Dante was correct in his analogy of being your own mini manager. Because that's basically what you were, a Dante without the ability to bring these guys back.
And now you know what the acronym stood for, 'Limbus Company Mirror Project'. How original. It could've at least been named something cooler.
What floored you was the last line, "Limbus Company is not responsible for any and all damages whether emotional, material, or in any shape or form of negative occurrence that will subjugate the recipient of this role."
What a way to dodge responsibility if this whole thing goes to shit.
You snorted. Already having a feeling that this was going to go absolutely wrong. Or maybe not. Faust herself did deduce you somehow had enough charisma to do this. Which you highly doubt.
Understandably you had reservations about signing the papers. Because that locked you in as the sole person with responsibility over the success of such a out-there project. You have a feeling that you're going to be made to do it whether you sign or not.
So with even more resignation, you began the process of filling all the required spaces. Added the needed information. Then threw the folder onto the nightstand when you were done, and with a hand cramp.
You would groan as you lay down in bed. Throwing the covers over yourself. Deep inside you know that this is a bad idea; that something is up and you can't put your finger on it. That's a problem for future you.
With that, you promptly passed out.
...
Come morning, comes the inevitable. Handing over the files to Faust felt like handing over your own death certificate in grandeur. She didn't seem to care that much about your clear uncomfortable stance on the whole matter. Nothing different from yesterday.
True to her words. The day went on as normal as this rag tag group of insane people can. Thankfully, no outwardly crazy things had happened. Other than awaiting a finished investigation from the Before team. Much like the group had done in U corp, they had to wait.
Which unfortunately only allowed your thoughts to fester and bite. With each hour passing is an hour closer to the beginning of what you can only assume is a disaster. Especially with the kind of Mirror world versions they are demanding you bring back...
Keeping to yourself the entire day, which definitely did cause some concern from the other sinners. But you can't help it. Your nerves were shot and ansty. Hell you damn near had a heart attack last night for crying out loud!
There's no backing out anyways. Might as well just get used to it.
Oh would you look at that? It's already the end of the day. Fantastic...
...
"Faust assumes you have read the entirety of the files provided?" Her monotoned voice didn't help at all as you followed her to the gesslechaft. This area wasn't really visited by the sinners as Dante was solely entrusted with managing the extraction process along with Faust.
But there definitely wasn't a person sized window before. Faust saw how you were eyeing the new installation with weariness. She only walked towards the control panel.
"And... this is?" You asked hesitantly as Faust inputted some series of commands. Before she turned around back to face you.
"This is how we'll be accessing the provided mirror worlds, it is similar in principle to the base Mirror technology. Yet it allows us to peer into specific worlds instead of seemingly pulling randomly." Faust explained as she gestured to the life size mirror. Your reflection warped ever so slightly as you stared at it. Making you look away.
"Do not worry, it has been tested thoroughly. There are no negative side effects that will come from its usage." Faust wasn't trying to comfort you, which was obvious. Wrapping your arms in front of you as the silver haired sinner held out yet another folder. This time it is significantly less chunky.
"Here is our target list, provided from the chosen identities Limbus Company is interested in recruiting into the LCMP."
"Hmmh, right.." You took the folder again. Opening it in your palm as you saw the first page. Which you assume is the first one you're going in after.
It was an ID of Gregors, specifically his G corp identity. You were confused for a second before Faust chimed in to explain as she ever does.
"This particular identity has caught the attention of the LCMP, simply for the potential of his abilities being incomplete." She explained. Then stepped away from you as you shut the folder. You'll read it later. If you have later.
"Now, all you need to do is step into the mirror, and you'll take the place of your counterpart. Your mission is to bring this identity back and register them into the system."
Sounds... easy enough...
You looked at the mirror again. It's reflective sheen making you squint ever so slightly. Its luster was remarkable, but, the reflection wasn't clear. It was muddled. As if the background were swirling instead of a stagnant mirror of what's behind you.
"Eheh, uhh... what happens if I die in there?" You asked the question that's been swimming in your mind since this whole ordeal began. Faust simply looked away. Her silence a deafening conclusion of what would happen if that were to occur...
Great. Fantastic. Absolutely perfect—
Clearing your throat. You stepped closer to the mirror. Faust only giving you an expectant look said she wasn't going to talk anymore.
You steeled yourself. How bad can it possibly be? You'd hope it doesn't go to shit instantly.
Before with one last prayer for your own safety. You stepped into the mirror.
She gives a single, jolting nod, which effectively causes her sunglasses to slide off her head and perfectly into place on her nose, exuding painfully strong deal with it meme vibes. “Contraception, bitches!”
Ask my muses a question!
Note: Please no more questions for the ECP/LCMP characters, for now!
lcmp jungkook: Are you starting to handle the cleavage now?
“Well, considering I get to stuff my face into it every single day...” Jeongguk trails off with suggestion, a smirk colouring his lips. “I would say that I am, yes.”
Pretty pretty please write a beautiful slice of life fluffy ( but also hella smut cos you do that shit good 😈) fic with taehyung. I read the two cheese fics with kookie and fell in LOVE. Definitely one of my faves EVER!!! One like that with Tae would be 👌 P.s I'm an Aussie too ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you and love you so much
Yay, another Australian!! Unfortunately, my WIPs are going to last me until the end of the year and so I won’t be adding any of these ideas to my to-write list. I was just curious to see what ideas you guys had!! 💝
But I do have a Taehyung fic called The Heart’s Variable (which will have a similar tone to the Cheese fics) in the works!! 😊💐
Hey vankoya! Although I just got around to making a tumblr, I've been reading your writing for a while now, and I wanted to say thank you. I'm in love with your style; you so accurately manage to capture the personality of every member, whether it's in a 20k+ piece or a short drabble under 1k words (I audibly cheered when you posted Less Cheese, More Please). Thank you for serving as an inspiration for me to better my writing and for posting your work!
Holy moly, this is awfully kind of you, my sweet. Thank you so very much for such generous compliments, you’ve honestly made my afternoon a whole lot brighter. I’m honoured to be an inspiration for you!! ♡♡♡
I’m just asking in advance. But when you, for example, release more cheese, less please and you’re doing another muse game, does it matter which story we’re requesting? Like are the characters different or is it just another story line?
FUCK MY LIFE I JUST REALIZED I WROTE MORE CHESS, LESS PLEASE INSTEAD OF LESS CHEESE, MORE PLEASE ITS MORE PLEASE OF COURSE
They are the same storyline and characters. Less Cheese, More Please is just a filthier follow-up piece to Extra Cheese, Please! and nothing more. So requesting for either of the stories is fine, as they both have the same characters!!
omg im so excited for lcmp!!!! i cant wait!!! i mean take as much time as you want of course. its your work and i respect you. i just really love you ivory!!!! 💓
I just finished editing it!! It’s in my drafts, but I still might make a few little adjustments. It will definitely be posted over the next 12 hours, though!! ♡
