Angel's Eyes
Self Aware Yandere Verso Dessendre x Gender-Neutral Reader Angel's Eyes {Part 2} will be linked here.
Word Count: 15.8k
Form: Headcanons
A/N: I've been seeing that there wasn't any yandere stuff in Expedition 33... I wish to change that, and... I need a post to prove that I'm not a bot. Even for Headcanons, this is kind of a long drabble. Like... my laptop is lagging the more I type the headcanons. I had to start typing on Wattpad and copy and paste it onto Tumblr. And this gets slightly more comedic as the main plot goes on. But this is also filled with my yapping going through the story. My yapping is only somewhat in depth to what goes on for Verso's character and the story. So it's not just yandere, but it does include those kind of themes- Verso addresses you as his Angel further down the line.
Warnings: Gender-Neutral Reader, Full Spoilers for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Act 2 and Act 3, No Uses of (Y/n), Strong Language, Definitely OOC, Verso Fucking Hates You, He Becomes a Gustave Hater, Graphic Descriptions, Mentions of Cannibalism, Obsessive Romance, Toxic Behavior, Existential Crisis, Very Slight Slow Burn To Yandere, Verso Crashing Out, Maybe a Mental Breakdown Or Two, Overprotective/Possessive behavior, Extreme Yearning, Consideration of Suicide, and Delusional behavior.
This is for entertainment purposes only. The behavior that will be shown is inappropriate and unhealthy, and is not encouraged by me. Please take caution and always remember that you are responsible for your own internet consumption. It's crazy that I have to say this, but no AI has been used whilst typing this out.
When Verso joined expedition 33, he expected the same thing as the others. He would tell them what they needed to know, help them reach his mother and expel her from the Canvas. The members of Expedition 33, despite being struck with grief at the death of one of their comrades, all seemed promising in terms of taking the Paintress down. The Lumina Converter also worked wonders of which Verso himself had to admit.
Right from the first battle he entered with the expedition, he felt that something was odd. Throughout his entire life in the Canvas, he's sometimes had the feeling and thoughts that his body was not his own. After all, he had memories that never belonged to him, and has went through life as a dead man.
After going through a bit of his life already feeling like he was a puppet for another, he didn't feel right about this. He was already living as someone he wasn't, so the fact that he couldn't control his own body wasn't comforting. Perhaps joining this particular expedition wasn't a good idea... but it was too late to back out now. And no one in the group seemed like they were intent on controlling him.
And even despite this control, whoever was doing this was trying their best to protect and help the team survive. Whatever was controlling Verso felt warm, helping him move away from danger or successfully deflect a potentially dangerous attack from a Nevron. Even so, he wasn't in for it and could only wait to get control of his body once more.
It didn't take much for that to happen, and that was when he was teaching the expedition about parrying Gradient Attacks. But it didn't last long... considering he was back to getting his body's control taken from him not even a minute later.
The same thing as last time happened. He couldn't control himself, but whoever was controlling him was a helping force in keeping him away from damage. It was no wonder he'd be reaching high perfection ranks with certain battles.
Verso knew he had to save his questions for later... so he watched as his body moved without his own power, running around and destroying Nevrons or exploring the area.
The more he was forced to run around, the more he began to analyze. Every now and then, his figure would be forced to stop for a few moments before continuing in a small jog as if the person controlling him was looking around. It was as if they weren't familiar with their surroundings, taking it all in as they went.
It was genuine, along with how his body was moving to parry more often than not... like the one behind the scenes was getting used to the attacks of their opponent as well. Of course, deaths couldn't be avoided, but mistakes were inevitable, no matter who someone was.
Through small moments in time, Verso had control over himself again... like just before the Dualliste or whilst the members of expedition 33 were burying the prosthetic arm of their dead friend. It was at important occasions where Verso was able to control his body like it was his own again. But after, his functions were once again taken away from him.
He couldn't help but get irritated at this. Who the hell was controlling him? Was he the only one going through this, or was everyone just going along with it? Were they really used to having their own control torn away from them? Of course it was given back, but it was always torn away not long after.
But not long after this, the control disappeared in camp. And it was gone for a long time, allowing for Verso to finally feel like he had his control. He went up to everyone and asked his questions in a manner that didn't seem like he was going crazy, but they all seemed fine.
Was really it just him? As if he didn't have enough on his plate already. But really, why was it just him that was going through this? It didn't make sense. Did it have something to do with his mother and looking after him? Or was it just something else entirely?
Non, this kind of protection wasn't entirely keeping him from harm, and it didn't have the feel of Chroma to it. It was otherworldly. Clea? Non, she didn't care enough about this counterpart of him to give him such protection. Maelle had no idea of who she really was by now, so it definitely wasn't her. Who was it?
Verso stayed up for a long time thinking of what happened and why the control over his body would become absent at one point or another. Over and over again, his mind would go through it. Who was it? It was driving him crazy and he didn't know if this was going to interfere with what he really wanted.
Would he really want this to continue? The feel of this presence had its upsides and its downsides. It was just that the knowledge that this wasn't his choice was flowing. Nothing really was his choice since he was created. He'd lived a long life and not much had gone right for him.
His mother absolutely sucked at grieving and needed to touch grass, his father was refusing to give up on his wife who was going through mental deterioration, his oldest sister was fighting a solitary war with both herself and the Writers, his youngest sister was living her life inside a Canvas without even knowing it, and he was the crude clone of a dead man.
It was the reality he was burdened to live with for a long time, and he was tired. If this power was really helping him at the cost of his own control, he could only hope that it could let him get the ending he really wanted for both himself and his real family. But for now, he needed to keep his eye on Maelle and make sure to steer attentions to forcing his mother out of the Canvas.
Perhaps he could figure out how this lack of control worked as well. After all, there were gaps between this control and when it would suddenly stop. It would give Verso enough time to depart, but he would need a good reason for it lest he gets questioned by everyone.
The expedition continued. Verso had everyone recruit a certain Nevron foot collecting Gestral into the expedition for extra manpower before heading into Old Lumiere. But unfortunately for everyone, Monoco did a bad and split them all up. Knowing him, he was crying about it despite having no face under his mask.
He in fact was.
But anyway, Verso proceeded with Maelle and Noco, being guided by his lack of control. The longer he went through with having his own body manipulated to attack and defend, the more he started to think of it as less tedious. It was clearly intent on helping him, and felt rather warm. Whatever this was felt like it was guiding him.
Sometimes the one in control would make odd decisions as if they were on crack (Machine Gun Verso), but for the Perfection Rate, he figured it was worth it. Probably. And it kept him from temporarily dying, so that was a plus too.
Verso and Maelle battled their way through the Nevrons, and when he felt the warm control over his body lifting, he figured it was his chance. Verso quickly disappeared from Maelle's and Noco's sides to follow from afar, noting another thing about the force previously manipulating his body. So not only did the control of another have its restraints, it had to know where the subject was to manipulate it. That was useful info.
Verso continued to watch as Maelle battled alone. And when she had reached the old manor, it was only a matter of time until the door would open. He rushed for it, only to have Renoir block his attempt. Not only did it piss Verso off, but the family soap opera ended up spreading to everyone else, so the whole expedition knew the drama.
No time to linger on it. Verso needed them to survive. Having just one of them gone could drastically lower the chances of taking out the Paintress. And having that person in the background controlling him would be a real help right about now.
Really, he was too occupied in battle to think about how odd it was that he suddenly needed the aid of this random behind the scenes helper- But he'd need all the help he can get. And if this power helped him with anything, he wouldn't mind having it control him just a little while longer. Just until he forced his mother out... That was all...
Renoir really was a pain in the ass, even with the force controlling Verso's movement. Maelle ended up disappearing with a small slap and a kick from Renoir (sorry Maelle), and Lune was downed, leaving Verso to clutch up. Both he and his little guardian angel had to lock the hell in. And that they did, just barely taking the win.
When it came to Renoir gathering Chroma, the power that controlled Verso was suddenly gone. It just left? Just like that? Seriously? Look at the Chroma bomb right above them and tell Verso that this was the best time to leave. Alright fine, he didn't need you anyway-
Status Update: Noco has been broken, and the Paintress' Heart disappeared. Verso is fucking pissed, and everyone is mad at him.
When it came back to being at camp, the controlling force had gained on him again. It had him talking to everyone and had him making the right choices to gathering their trust once more. But then came the Axon talk. Lord have mercy, he knew he had this random guiding angel helping him, but against an Axon? Well, he didn't know about that one-
He supposed it was their only shot, even if the road was dangerous. Though Verso would have preferred to stay away from them, perhaps this expedition would prevail. And if this helping hand didn't duck out on him again, it would be fine. This man was actively counting on it by now, and he was having beef with it not even a day or two ago.
He still does. He still doesn't know who's controlling him. Verso still doesn't know why they're helping. He has no idea where they are, he doesn't know what side they're on, and he doesn't know how to stop it. And this helping force just disappeared from helping him before Renoir sent an atomic bomb level of Chroma towards them.
Still, he was getting used to how this was going. It felt like a warm gratia whenever he knew his movements were being taken over, and it was beginning to get comforting. It was nice to have something that was on his side and guiding him. It felt like a small respite when Verso would normally have to go through it all alone.
Just two Axons were needed and the Curator would be able to create a weapon capable of piercing the barrier to the Monolith. A few steps backwards, a few steps forward. One at a time.
Visages... Verso never really could fully figure this one out on his own. Masks everywhere, the faces were singing, and it all had to do with emotions that were being concealed or bared. The entire feeling of this island was odd. It felt like being clouded by mist when one could see the straightforward path. Layers upon layers, and he couldn't figure it out.
But the more he went through with destroying every mask, the more he began to realize it. All the Axons the real Renoir created were made after his family. Verso knew that Siréne was his mother, with the Hauler being Clea, and the Reacher being Alicia. This left the Mask Keeper as the real Verso.
And upon entering the manor door in the Anger Mask's section, this was only confirmed. Pretending like he didn't know what was going on had Verso on his guard most of the time. But to have the warm feeling that someone knew what they were doing with him was beginning to comfort him more and more. An otherworldly presence on his side for once? About time. He could rely on it.
More and more, he's relying on this strange protection and its ability to manipulate his body. Verso wondered if they truly knew him. Did they know his thoughts? Did they know his feelings about being in their care? Did they know him inside and out to be able to control him this well? Did they know if he wasn't the real Verso?
No. They probably didn't. The way they've been curiously gazing around while making him explore every inch of an area most likely meant they were experiencing everything for the first time. It seemed as if they were mesmerized by the world of the Canvas and weren't familiar with their surroundings at all. And with how they've been swimming around with Esquie, they were eager to get to know everything they could.
In any case, the longer they stay like this, the more they'll know. Verso doesn't know if they'll really stick with him if he pulls his full intentions into the light. He just hopes they won't know what he truly wants. The unexpected protection has been helping him a lot, and he really wouldn't like for it to leave.
It felt odd to him that he was starting to find respite in having his very being controlled or moved without his own power. It was as if he could rest under the care of another. For as long as he's been going alone, it was a good break despite having his body constantly functioning. Truly, it was a weird feeling.
When it was time to defeat the Mask Keeper, Verso was really wondering if people had weakened this Axon. Two phases of nonstop fighting. He understood that it was like masking who you really were, but this was just tedious. Perhaps he should have expected such from a creation like an Axon.
Then again, Esquie exists.
Soon enough, the Mask Keeper went down. And Verso had a thought resembling that of "I still can't understand you." He couldn't understand the real Verso despite being created with his memories. There were only hints from his mother, the journal gathered from the Manor, and the Mask Keeper. Verso truly couldn't understand who he was created after... so perhaps his real counterpart was the better liar.
Sirene... Verso has went here before. And same as Visages, he never liked it. He himself had gotten hypnotized by Siréne and ended up seeing something he could never have. Julie...
What made it worse is that he fell for it AGAIN. This probably would have been a repeat of how it was before until Monoco managed to step in with the bell gifted by the Grandis. This allowed for everyone to get moving once more, being careful to avoid the sight of Siréne and her singing.
But soon after exploring a small bit of Siréne's island, Verso started to hear something other than the Axon's singing. Humming. It was somewhere distant, just like how it felt when his body's functions were taken from him. Was this the person controlling him? Either way, it helped him focus away from Siréne's voice.
Even so, he looked around to make sure no one was following and... nothing. It didn't seem as if the others could hear this voice either. At least they made no notion that they could hear it. Once again, this left Verso wondering why only he was the one affected by this.
This voice seemed to be talking as if the expedition could actually hear them. Well, Verso could, but he never gave any look or sign that he could. He simply kept going as if it was all normal. Every comment, every thinking process, and every fawning comment over the music or area. Combining that with the distantly warm control and the otherworldly presence that was undoubtedly them, Verso felt more compelled to find out where they were.
As odd as it was... he couldn't help but feel as if this were somewhat endearing. This was his guardian angel...? They sounded like quite the individual if they were making comments on everything. They apologized or cursed if anyone from the expedition died, mumbled their process as they debated on what skills to use, and gave satisfied comments whenever a stronger enemy was defeated.
Then came the next comment, "This game is so beautiful."
A game? What did they mean a game? Verso found out this Canvas wasn't real a long time ago, but a game? Was this really someone outside of it, or was this something beyond him entirely? Was the world outside of the Canvas fake too? Double whammy...
Verso was lucky that you couldn't see his internal struggle... or the way his eyes slightly widened as this information ran through his brain. This was nothing but a game. The Canvas was fake, he knew that. But the world outside the Canvas... was fake too? Why was he the only sentient one? Why was he the only one that could hear this?
He was going through an existential crisis again. And if he told anyone else, he'd end up sounding crazy. What would the expedition think if they ever heard that he was getting controlled by some random being that isn't able to be seen? What would they think if they heard that he was now hearing another person's voice that wasn't his own? They'd think he finally went mental. In all parts of his brain, he really did think that he was going insane. It wasn't the first time, after all...
Thank God he was getting his body controlled right now. He probably would have been having trouble processing or breathing. His rhythm had been thrown off, and he felt as if he had to throttle himself just to calm down.
Really, who the fuck were you? Verso felt unsteady... awfully dizzy. Yet he was forced to keep moving. He felt as if he was going to throw up. His heart was beating through his ears. If people noticed him, it would be obvious he was in a trance. His mental state was deteriorating. All these questions were flooding his mind again at a pace where he couldn't keep up. He should have been used to this kind of news, but it still put a hole in his mind. Once again, another secret he had to keep from everyone.
Verso felt like he was in his mind the entire time he was in Siréne's island. It all went by without his knowledge, but he was fully aware of the voice speaking in his mind. He felt like he was breaking down just by hearing this voice. With every question, his mind was destroying itself. With every comment your voice made, it made him want to scream.
Why couldn't life altering shit just leave him alone? He didn't know who this twisted angel was, but they needed to get out of his head. Did he have to kill himself just so he could do it? Just so he could go back to when this voice and presence didn't bother him anymore?
Look at Siréne. Look at her. Move, body. Fucking move. If he could just get a few moments to look at her... then maybe he could be free of this. Maybe he could be free of you.
... Non. Looking at Siréne didn't work. Not with this voice in his head. It was as if it was the very counter to things like this Axon's charm. This voice pulled his very attention to it and made him pay attention to every word. This was it. His mind was finally breaking and he couldn't even express it in his own body.
He wanted to scream, but his lips wouldn't move. He wanted to end it somehow, But his body wouldn't move on his own. He had to do something. Anything to end this... Was this really his life now? Will this really continue even after the expedition manages to expel the Paintress from the Canvas? The one controlling his movements didn't even know that they were ruining his mental state and that was even more crushing. This being didn't know shit and they were destroying his mental world.
What made it worse was that when he and the expedition approached Siréne, Verso felt the gratia of this "angel's" control lifting. And it horrified him that he didn't want this manipulation to leave. He had just spent the last 30 minutes going through a mental breakdown that definitely amounted to him hating the one manipulating his body, and he didn't want it to disappear? He wanted this person to keep controlling him like their puppet?
He has officially gone insane. He's about to crash out-
All this confusion got him so pissed off he was glaring Siréne down like she was the one causing him all this distress. Compared to how he was before, he wasn't seeing anything the Axon was showing him. Instead, he was too blinded by his confusion and his anger. And now here he was, moving in this being's control to be guided once more. And really... Verso doesn't know if he's glad or absolutely dreadful about being in their care. - "Is she throwing a fucking building at me?" - *TF2 Frying Pan Hit SFX*
Anyway, Siréne was defeated. Soon after getting the Barrier Breaker, the manipulating force was lifted from his body in camp. Verso seemed to wait for it to come back... until he eventually realized that it wasn't. He couldn't hear the angel's voice anywhere either. Of course, just when he was finally deciding that he had to at least slowly accept this, the warmth left. It always had to at the worst of times, especially when he internally wished for it to linger.
It was a confusing feeling he was having. It was conflicting. This feeling has caused him so much mental troubles, but it also gave him a warmth none have given before. It gave him an existential crisis and a mental breakdown, yes, but what about the control that made him feel like he could relax and flow? It's been so long since he was able to feel like that... as if he could finally rely on someone or something to aid him. It was more addicting than it should've been. It was like grace, even if just for a moment.
He should have hated the thought of being controlled... of having his safety in another's hands when he was perfectly capable of protecting himself. To think to have someone guiding him made him shove all of that off to the side... Verso was beginning to think of it as some kind of Angel guiding him along. This Angel wasn't perfect at all in terms of being a guardian figure, but they tried their best- And they sounded like they were more interested in trying out everything this world had to offer.
... Including the Gestral games. Explains why you would willingly torture yourself along with HIM AND THE EXPEDITION BUT HEY, HE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH IT.
Verso suddenly had a thought. If this was a game... then would he be able to manipulate it to his liking? He seemed to be the only sentient one. No one else was aware of what he was going through. Perhaps he should keep it this way... There would be no benefit to telling anyone anyway.
Verso knew Monoco would tease him over it but keep whatever he said in mind, and he knew Esquie may end up saying some nonsense like the overpowered and fastest ball he was. Maelle would just give him the side eye like she had no idea of what he was talking about, and Sciel would just smile and nod. And don't even get Verso started on Lune. Either she would interrogate him on what he was talking about, or she would just look at him like he's crazy.
Now, if this truly were a game, where would Verso be able to manipulate its functions? Would it be high above? Or would it be down below? Is it beyond the seas? Or is it somewhere out of bounds of what Verso had explored before? The bounds around the Continent looked like it was surrounded by Chroma, but maybe... just maybe he should try to slice it apart. Maybe that would go well... Maybe he should check the next time his angel stops... playing.
But for now, he could only wait for them to come back and resume control over him. It was only a little while longer until they would guide everyone to fight the Paintress, after all. And he knew fully well they'd be able to do it. If they were able to get the team to win against two Axons, they could have them win against his mother too. Verso was close.... He was getting close to his goal. This was the closest any other Expedition has come before. Well... maybe except Expedition 60 but he wasn't getting involved with that-
He needed you to hurry up and come back. Not just because he felt as if he needed his mother gone from the Canvas already, but he was feeling... cold. It wasn't something warm clothes or a nearby flame could fix... but he wanted to feel the presence of you. He could always feel whenever you were near or whenever you were going to tap into controlling him again. But right now... it felt entirely cold.
Verso knew you couldn't exactly know what he was thinking, but the sensation of you was like having a warm embrace flooding inside of him. He wanted to hear you. He knew he could when in Siréne's island, but... he was having a mental breakdown by then and was about ready to crash out-
It was still stunning knowledge and a double whammy that the life he was suffering truly was just a game. Everything he's done... was just for your entertainment? Were you a cruel God or a Guiding Angel? Or were you just a Puppeteer keeping him moving? He knew he couldn't stick to going crazy about how useless his existence was. The less he thought about it, the better.
Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to give Soarrie to Esquie and just fly to the barrier of the world to cut it up... Non. He could be patient. He could wait. He could wait until the right moment to give it to Esquie or have him find it somewhere. Verso could wait for you.
And that he did. He waited for you to come back. For hours, it was cold. For hours, he stayed awake.... thinking. Verso always did this. His thoughts were varied most of the time... plans as to how to force his mother out of the Canvas, thoughts on his own existence, thoughts on keeping an eye on Maelle, and thoughts on the memories shoved into his mind. However, now, his thoughts were all pointed on one thing.
Just you. Only you.
The same questions twisted in his mind until you had come back. With the warm gratia that twisted in his body and a few words from you making sure you had everything ready to go, he finally got moving under your guidance. He checked on the others, got all of his wine spat out by Esquie, got a letter from Alicia, and got talked to by his father before finally being allowed to skip the night.
From what he heard, you're quite curious as to what's going on. You are completely lost lore wise and have no idea what's going on. Honestly, Verso would prefer to keep it like that, but he knows that won't be happening later on. He just has that kind of feeling that his lack of revealing information won't be able to last.
But finally, it was time to defeat the Paintress. You had Esquie swim up to the barrier, finally allowing for Maelle to break it with her Barrier Breaker. And when the wall of Chroma was finally sliced apart, Verso could feel as if he was finally at the moment he had been waiting for for so long. And as everyone entered the Monolith, Verso could hear you getting interested in the candles. The candles out of everything. Not the hulking woman with her feet out?
Well, Verso did suppose his angel was an odd sort. But you did seem to be fond of the music, softly humming along as you had the team jogging to the Paintress. You really did sound more as if you were along for the ride for this entire trip, vibing and checking out everything you could like a curious puppy. It hasn't been long since Verso's had better contact with you, and you were building him up, breaking him down, and building him back up with how you were behaving.
You really had no idea that he could hear you and feel just how warm your control was over him. You just enjoyed everything you came across. To him, your behavior was... adorable, but it made something inside of him churn. You really had no idea what you did to him. It made him want to show you in some way. Perhaps something small like little notes along the wall whenever you would pass by with another character. Or perhaps something upfront and visceral? No... Maybe. He needed some way to show you that he was aware of you... and he needed you to stay with him until the end, at least until he died.
He had to keep his mind off of the thought when everyone went on to fight the Paintress. She didn't react to anything they were doing. Regular attacks, elemental, void, or gradients. Nothing would work, and Verso could tell you were trying to figure out if there was some stupid gimmick with this. But no, soon after everyone was wasting their energy, Aline came out. And she... set the girls' faces on fire when she did. There was no reason to do this by the way. Maybe it was impulsive anger when she saw Maelle, but there was no reason to do that. - "SHE HAS NO FACE AND SHE'S TORTURING WOMEN THAT HAVE FACIAL FEATURES! DO SOMETHING, VERSO-!"
Verso could hear you yelling that. First: Did he think you were stupid? Yes. And second: He's trying. Shut up-
He's getting burned alive while holding Maelle close. Perhaps that could make his mother remember who he was, even if it was a cruel way to do so. It certainly struck concern with you when Aline had suddenly stopped and disappeared into a portal. No words from her, but a simple path that led further into her domain. - "That isn't a trap, right?"
The inside of the Monolith was so damn long, but it was filled with so many glimpses of lore that you couldn't understand, especially when you got to the manor door leading to Aline's message. Verso heard many "I don't get it" comments in his head, and that was okay. You didn't need to understand, and he would rather keep it that way-
Verso also heard a distraught "No" when you guys got to Gustave's grave. Did Verso hear you say you wanted to play as Gustave again? Too bad. No you don't. Verso is here instead, and he's more than enough for you. Gustave was limited, whilst Verso wasn't. Obviously, he's the better pick for you. And besides... Gustave is dead. Verso is here for you instead. And unlike him... he won't drop dead after getting stabbed in the gut.
When everyone finally got to Renoir, you got jumpscared with the music. Thank God for the Play First Pictos, you could actually vibe with the music. But for the love of God, the fight was hard to focus on when you kept getting distracted by the banger in the background. Verso heard so many apologies from you whenever any one of the expedition members got hit. It really didn't help that Renoir was still being a pain in the ass.
But finally, he went down. And the Curator appeared. When Renoir revealed that Verso was the only part left of his son, he could feel that everything was going to unravel soon. Verso could hear your confusion. He's known you've had a lot regarding him and how much he's kept hidden. All his hidden glances every time someone says something closer to the truth or every time he deflects anything major with humor.
Thankfully, his hidden knowledge was kept in the dark when the Curator and Maelle gommaged Renoir... now getting rid of one piece mentally keeping Verso in the Canvas. Everyone was fixated at what Maelle had done, but Verso was now realizing that his family was going to be gone the more this continued.
Renoir was now gone. Aline was going to be shoved out of the Canvas. Alicia would probably be safe if she stayed at The Reacher, and Clea was already gone. He had no idea where she was at, but Verso could only hope she was safe too. And here he was... contributing to his own family's destruction. Even despite them all being painted creations, they were still his family. He still cared. Which was why there was a pit in his chest.
The moment his family was either dead or gone, he'd have nothing mentally keeping him in the Canvas anymore. He'd have nothing. And once again... Verso felt nervous. The closer everyone got to Aline, the more he could feel the pit in his stomach getting deeper and deeper... It felt like he was sinking the closer he walked.
He didn't want to do this. But he knew he had to. As he approached his mother, hearing her was tearing him apart. She sounded like she didn't know what was what. The way she moved wasn't strained... but it looked like she was in a daze. Her mentality was deteriorating, and it was because of him. With him here, he was a poison. And he couldn't do anything about it... but force her out of the Canvas. To do that, he had to stay strong and keep up the firm exterior... as much as it pained him to do so. - "You need to go home."
He had to focus on expelling his mother from this place, even if it ended up killing him in the end. And with your help, he would succeed. He would hear his mother's words, hearing how her words mixed reality with the Canvas. And he would fight as she got more desperate. Verso would watch as her energy dwindled. It hurt. He was watching his mother's body and mind falling apart, and it hurt.
When she was weakly and stumbling towards him, he did the only thing he could in the moment by holding her. Aline couldn't understand why he would go against her, and he knew it. He could hear her weak words as she laid in his arms, but Verso needed her safe. He needed her alive. Verso couldn't have his mother slowly killing herself in this Canvas because of him. He knew he wasn't exactly her son, but... maybe he could comfort her and have her think she was the real Verso for just a few more moments.
Maelle gommaged Aline, finally allowing for her to be released of the Monolith. Was it over? No. Verso knew it wasn't. There was still one that was below. But... Verso was fine with that.
Truly, he was indebted to you. You have no idea how much he long he was waiting for this moment... how long he had been aching for this. Thanks to you, the expedition had finally defeated the Paintress. And if you wouldn't be compelled to "play" as him when someone later down the line would reveal everything, he was fine with that.
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.....
... Who was he kidding? He wasn't okay with it at all. The thought of you controlling someone else was... unthinkable to him. You've been playing as him ever since he let Gustave die. Surely, you would still enjoy playing with him, even if he lied by omission, right? He wouldn't have to manipulate the game so you wouldn't be able to play as anyone else, right? You wouldn't go with Maelle, right?
Then again, if his immortality was gone, there would be none to play as. Perhaps that was for the better. Verso knew he was getting a bit odd with his thoughts over an individual that was controlling his every movement. Getting to hear you made his mentality even worse, so perhaps it was for the best that he wasn't able to get any further with you.
You didn't know what was coming. You were simply overjoyed at defeating the Paintress, especially as everyone went back to Lumiere. It was happy. Too happy. And then Verso pulled out the letter from Alicia. To be honest, he completely forgot about it- But he read through it, quietly tossing it in the water below the harbor.
He chose one over the other, and if it got everyone erased as a result, he was fine with that. He truly was. His soul would be granted eternal rest if he was able to gommage like this. But he didn't. Everyone else was fading into petals behind him. The same sight every year. And this time, it included more people he had grown to care about. Lune, Sciel, and Maelle-- or rather-- Alicia. At least she was outside the Canvas now. She was safe...
He was the last remaining Human, and he felt... bereft of emotion. Verso couldn't hear you. He couldn't feel your warmth. He couldn't feel your grace... You weren't a part of the Canvas, so you shouldn't be gone. Where were you? Verso couldn't even feel you watching anymore. How cold it felt... He thought that since he wasn't gommaged... you would still be here. But apparently not.
So here he was, aimlessly wandering Lumiere. Some stores had changed, but it mostly stayed the same even after a long while of staying away from the split off land. And after a while, Verso decided to sit... and wait. For what? For anything, really. For you to come back, mostly, but... he didn't know what he was doing. He had grown dependent on a force that had come out of nowhere.
It gave him warmth and the sense that he wasn't always alone. The protection of an Angel was just a bonus. And this Angel spoke as if they didn't know he was listening. It wasn't much of company if they didn't know he was listening, but their voice made its way into his head. They've said a lot as they went through this journey... but Verso couldn't help but want more. He wanted to hear you more, and he wanted to feel the sensation of your warmth more. Verso just wanted more of you. He wanted to be greedy and keep wanting more of your time.
He never get enough of you, really. Most of the time spent with you was being too busy to think about you or was kind of just... hating your existence- But now he found himself wanting more of you, even craving your presence the moment it left. He didn't get much time to admire it compared to when he was having a mental breakdown over things you said.
The more he thought about it, the more he started to crave you. He still needed your company. Verso needed you to stay with him. But where were you? Where were you?
Before Verso could fully think on it, he heard someone take a seat next to him. Maelle. Or Alicia? Maellicia- And when she sat next to him, he could hear you. You were with her the entire time? He spent so long (10 minutes) debating how to get you back and you were with his sister. For the longest time, you've only ran around as him, only switching for specific dialogue with people before switching back to him. Did you go to Maellicia because you wanted to, or were you forced to?
What was his chest aching so much for? Even if he was possessive over a presence that had accompanied him the entire time he had joined the Expedition, he shouldn't have had such an unpleasant taste in his mouth at the thought of his own Guardian Angel choosing to guide another all of a sudden. Did he deserve it for not telling anyone about what would happen? Probably. But he'd at least like a warning-
Judging from what he heard you talking about, you had figured out the truth. Everything in this world was fake... that Alicia and Maelle were one... Alicia was supposed to help Renoir force Aline out of the Canvas, only to be reborn from the Paintress' Chroma to live as Maelle. It really was quite the mindfuck, and Verso could tell you were still processing the fact that he was dead, too. To you, perhaps everything that you had went through with the expedition may have been... just an exhilarating experience at this point. But to Verso, it was everything.
Though he didn't know what allowed you to get all this knowledge, he supposed that it was an inevitable outcome. He knew he couldn't keep up the facade that he didn't know anything. There was no more use for it anymore.
To be honest, the conversation with Maellicia didn't make him feel much better about... anything, really. Even with her sympathies to him being pushed in the middle... he didn't need any of it. He already knows. He doesn't need to hear it. His mood was made progressively worse when Maellicia spoke of keeping this Canvas alive. There was nothing to keep alive, and painting everyone back... it made him feel a sort of... disgust. Painted from memory... just like he was.
Yet, Verso thought back to Alicia's letter. She wanted a way for both sides to live. Both the painted and the living. Just like Verso, Alicia was tired of the conflict between Aline and Renoir. And even if it was too late to get them on common ground, perhaps Maellicia could think of something. It wasn't what Verso wanted, but he also did want to believe that she could prove a good silver lining. It was either that, or the destruction of the entire Canvas.
And Verso chose to trust her.
So he followed her to the Curator, watching her closely for any signs that she may be disturbed at any potential control. She seemed... different. But not that she was scared, she seemed much more calm and confident upon remembering her Painter side. Maellicia didn't look as if she could hear your voice either.
So it was still just him. He couldn't deny the sense of relief in his mind. It was still only him that could hear you. Only him that could feel you. Whenever he got a moment to be fully alone, he would go beyond bounds and make sure to change things up. And if he could, he'd make sure you wouldn't be able to control anyone else. No switching to anyone else... just him. Only him.
The thought kept him calm, as well as having a mind to make sure that he could interact with you in the future. Small snippets could do... He could thank you for all the healing tints you gave him, he could compliment you on every successful counter, he could subtly tell you to calm down in battle whenever you don't know what to do... There was many things he could change up so he could perhaps finally be able to move whilst in your power. And perhaps if you wanted to stop playing, he could stop you from leaving. You weren't done so quickly, were you?
Verso was snapped out of his thoughts when he and Maellicia finally approached the Curator. The moment he shifted back to Renoir... it was awkward. Being regarded as his mother's masterpiece didn't feel comforting. Verso couldn't find any words to say. It just felt... oddly uncomfortable, especially as Renoir and Maellicia started to get into an argument about it. Honestly, Verso could see it from his father's perspective. He didn't want Maellicia to be in the same space as his mother.
The thought of his own sister having a deteriorating body and mind made him grimace.
The next thing he knows, he's slowly beginning to gommage and Renoir's creations take form in and around Lumiere. It wasn't a bad feeling as parts of him slowly withered away. He would have waited it all out in a trance if not for Maellicia pulling him along when Esquie and Monoco arrived.
By the time everyone got back to camp, they were watching as Maellicia attempted to paint Sciel and Lune back into existence. And whilst he probably shouldn't have for the sake of things going against him... he helped her paint, allowing for the Chroma to flow. And thus, Lune and Sciel were back in the party.
Status update: Everyone is back, and they're mad at him again.
Cue you having to make him get along with everyone once more... He's never felt more relieved to have your control over him in his life. But it wasn't long before it had left. After all, you had gone through the entire Monolith and defeated the Paintress in one day, only to get rewarded with this. It was most likely that you had gone to rest, leaving Verso to spend his time himself.
Verso really didn't know what you thought of him. Fortunately, you never seemed reluctant to control him or play as him, still keeping him in your party even after everything. You didn't really hold much against him either. If you were actually in this world, then he could definitely see you being mad at him too. Still, thank Esquie you weren't- Though, Verso really would like to see you in his world for once.
You've seen so much of him. Every moment was seen by you until you would eventually leave, so it was only fair that he'd see you too, yes? But how would he do it? Perhaps it would be just like how he started to hear you? In Sirene, where he had heard your content and in awe voice marveling at everything coming out of nowhere? Verso had no idea, but he wished to hear more from you.
He knew he was being selfish to want more of someone when they had already given him so much attention. He was being greedy, but... he brushed aside his care for it. He's always known he was a selfish person, and it never occurred to him that it could actually bite him in the ass in a way like this. Moments that seemed so insignificant suddenly held value in his mind. Verso remembered every moment you took while going for cosmetic changes. - "Who told you that you could be this drippy, my man?"
He recalls you cycling him through different outfits, mumbling about the gommage and flower suits looking pretty good. You froze at the Civilian outfit though. - "... Oh no, he's hot..."
You proceeded to avoid the outfit for the sake of not getting distracted while in combat. He looked too good. Even the flower suit and the gommage suit was pushing it, but you kept it on him. Every now and then, you caved and fit the outfit on him.
Right now, he has painted Renoir's suit on with his regular hairstyle. The same one his real counterpart had gotten burned down in... By most means, he didn't care. He simply thought it was an interesting coincidence, especially since you once said that you wanted the overcoat on him too. It would have made him look even better. Like Father, like son, he supposed. He wouldn't have minded the look either, but perhaps it wasn't the best for combat. Definitely drippy though.
Anyhow, now was the opportunity to peer into the vulnerabilities of this game he was trapped in. Verso was already on Esquie, having him fly to the closest barrier he could to slice through it and peer into the code. So much to manipulate to the point where the Dessendre had no idea where to start... He had lots to change, and he had no idea how long it would take. Fixing so many areas of code and having to think on how do it took a while of trial and error. But when he figured it out, he immediately got to fixing things up.
First: Verso ended up changing the fact that he himself couldn't move whenever you were controlling him. Of course he was blessed with the feel of your control over his body, but sometimes... you played for too long. You got to the Paintress in just a few days to a week. You've been playing enough on some days. Don't get him wrong-- Verso loves that you enjoy controlling him and loved that you're a fond of playing the game for as long as possible. But if he ends up getting the feeling that you've been playing for too long, he will refuse to move.
Verso trusts you and your usage of your time. But he has no idea what you're doing whenever you're not playing the game, and he has a good inkling that you're using up all your energy on playing through the story or some side content, He'd have no problem with it if you didn't have that somewhat tired tint to your voice whenever you spoke to yourself about the game. So, the next time this would happen, Verso wouldn't allow himself to move and will instead wait for you to leave so you can get your rest.
Imagine you play something else and he finds out. That man would NOT be happy about it. He had you stop playing for a reason, and if you start playing something else, he would have to find a way to crash your game or turn your TV off. Verso will not have you making your health worse... He won't let you play it even if you get your rest either because... Expedition 33 is right there. Play it. Play him. Experience everything as him.
Second: Verso finally made it so that he could see you. For a long time, he's wondered of what you looked like. He's wanted to put a face to the voice and feelings that have flooded his brain. What were your surroundings? What did you dress like? Were you actually the angel he thought of you as? Your voice already rung in his head like church bells, and he was sure that either way, he wouldn't prefer anyone else controlling him... He knew that he would always have his Angel's eyes on him to keep him protected. How perfect...
Now, since Verso can see you and can move to his liking, he tweaked his idle animation. Instead of having an animation like Gustave's where he brushes his arm off or scratches the back of his head, he'll look to where you are with crossed arms and a small smile. Verso knows that you're sometimes doing something while the game is running, so he loves to watch until you're done. He also knows that if you come back to him looking at you like he's patiently waiting for you to return, you may just end up getting flustered.
Then again, Verso can move however he wants now, so an idle animation really doesn't matter. He knows he'd just end up looking at you with an interest as to what his angel could be doing that isn't controlling him. Whatever could be more important than guiding him? But the fact that he can look at you whenever he wanted and have you slightly flushed despite you thinking he wasn't aware of you... Verso found the thought to be oddly enticing, so he knew damn well he'd just be watching you until you returned to keep playing the game.
What a sight that would be... A sight only for him... Your flustered face as you mutter an apology and get back to playing... All for him, and he'd eat it up. Especially in combat. If you can't parry something, he'll use his own muscle memory to parry it for you. That way, there's guaranteed counterattacks. If you praised him at the end of a battle, in which he knew you would, it would make him feel good to give you a mostly flawless victory. The others are on their own though, sorry. They aren't getting any help-
Third: He found a way through your devices. In Verso's time editing the code, he went deeper and deeper, only to find a different wall. Naturally, he sliced through, finding more code and paths diverging to different information. Your information. Of course... Verso looked through all of it. Hours upon hours of looking through everything, learning just where you lived and just what you looked like... Of course, he couldn't do much with this information with how limited his options were right now.
But he could watch you now. He stopped needing sleep since forever ago, and he'd rather watch what you're doing. Whatever was connected to your Wi-fi was where he could go. So here he was... watching you for hours. Hours and hours. He lost track of time just staring at you, stalking you through the camera of your devices as you went about your day. Verso just couldn't help but keep watching.
What an individual you were... Verso truly was blessed if he was able to be controlled by you. He could feel himself falling in love already... His eyes were already softened as he looked at you, linking your voice and the way you controlled him together. To think that anyone else could have been his guardian angel, but he landed you... He struck gold with this one, didn't he? Your face was already burned into his mind to the point he refused to look at anything else in your room until he had let everything sink in.
How warm he felt... This time, it felt much more like a pull in your direction. His heart was pounding the more he watched you, and the thought of being in your life gave him the right feeling... Verso could finally thank you for all that you've done for him, and you could finally interact with each other without the threat of a glass screen. Oh, how enticing the thought was to him...
He wished he was there with you. Verso wished he was real. He couldn't even envy the real Verso anymore because not even he was real. There was no way to code his painted self into existence for you. As much as he tried, it would be impossible... just like how it would be impossible to force you into the screen with him. It made Verso livid that he had to stay behind a screen barricading himself from the one person that aided him for so long.
Life altering shit really couldn't leave him alone, and it was driving him insane. One thing after the other, and it always ended with him behind a barricade that he could never pass. One barrier after the other, and he was always stuck behind it. His head was beginning to spin. Why couldn't he be real? Why couldn't he be with you? Why could he only be behind a screen? Of course he could get your attention by any means, but he could never be real. He could never truly be with his angel.
Verso could feel himself slowly sinking down to his knees and clutching at his hair. He hates this. Fate's always been cruel to him, and he's always had bad luck. A full 100+ year old life, and the moment he thought he finally found someone he absolutely knew he couldn't let go of, they were completely oblivious to his existence while being a fully living being. Why couldn't he be real? Why couldn't he be born in the same world as you? Why couldn't he be there with you? This was the problem with having found heaven. Having it taken away from you or having it just out of your reach is more terrible for having known it in the first place.
You have this man crashing out and having a mental breakdown behind your screen and you have no idea💀
Verso didn't calm down for a while. It's been a long time since he was able to let his anger out like this, so he was there for a good amount of time, now simply sitting down and watching you. He was pathetic... He was yearning for you and nearing the end of his sanity because he didn't exist. No... it was because he would never be anything more to you than just a character you play as.
But he wanted to be more. He wanted to be so much more... You took up so much space in his mind, you took up all the control in his body, he could feel how warm you were when you did, so why couldn't he take up anything more than something temporary? Verso didn't want that kind of life. He didn't want to be temporary to you. He wanted to be permanent. He wanted to be driven into your mind without any hint of leaving that way you could understand just how he feels about you. Verso wanted to be attached to you and never wanted to let go. He would do anything just to physically be with you.
The more he stayed behind your screen, the darker his thoughts got. He needed ideas that would let him fully be with you. He needed to know a way. He didn't care if it was from small things like slowly getting you in the know that he's self aware, or things like him tearing himself apart just to display his own heart out for you. He knows he would split himself down the middle if he could end up keeping you warm inside his bones. His immortality had to be good for something. Hell, if he needed to sacrifice any part of himself to you, he'd do it without hesitation.
Do whatever you want with his sacrificed parts. Keep them somewhere, toss them out, request more, or even eat them. You could do whatever you wanted with his sacrificed body parts and he would give as much as you need. His heart, his kidneys, his entrails, his brain... Do whatever you want with them. He's immortal... He can regenerate it all. If it meant that he could physically be in your presence... he'd gladly spill his guts and vomit as much blood as necessary or go through whatever pain needed. One way. Just one. All he needed was one way to get beyond this damn barrier, and he'd be the happiest man alive.
Verso probably would have stayed behind your screen for the rest of his life had it not been for Esquie popping up after sensing his turmoil. Thank god for the fastest ball because Verso actually snapped out of it for a while. And despite having the tug to not leave the coding where he could see you... he eventually flew back to camp on Esquie's back.
With how long Verso was gone and how he came back looking like he had an original experience for once in his 100+ year old life, Monoco was now concerned. He and Esquie came up to him to talk about it, and really... Verso didn't feel much of a reason to hold it back, especially from his closest companions. And even if Monoco made fun of him over it... he knew how ridiculous it would've sounded, so he was fine with it. And besides, the two knew what was going on with the Canvas, so it wouldn't be hard to believe that there was a double whammy in this world.
If he had to know the truth, they had to know too. Double it and give it to the next person.
Finally connecting with the both of them over his problems made Verso feel slightly better, especially since the both of them knew it was serious with him. Did it interfere with his original plan to erase the Canvas or himself? Yes. Did they know they'd follow through with whatever he wanted? Yes. Even if it included somehow getting him to you or getting you to him, probably. They just have no idea how they're gonna do it-
Verso didn't want to do anything obvious since it might scare you out of playing the game, and that's the last thing he wants to happen. He still needs you. That very fact seems to somewhat disturb Monoco, and to some extent, Esquie. Their best friend was now obsessed with someone who only he could see and hear and feel. It wasn't the first time Verso has been off his rocker, but it was still concerning nonetheless, especially since he had to act like nothing was happening at all-
Maellicia, Sciel, and Lune are completely left in the dark about this. And you know fully well Lune is gonna skin Verso for information regarding this mysterious person controlling him- Anyhow, it is now Act 3, and it is time for side content.
"Why is this game so fucking hard now-" <-- You forgot to equip Painted Power and decided to try fighting Golgra in an attempt to resurrect Noco.
***Cue intense farming that lasted a day***
Anyway your team's beefed up now, you farmed lumina at the Tower Peak of the Monolith. You decided to face everything now-
You were an absolute sweetheart at helping Sciel get over her fear of water and learning of her darkest secret. "My lovely caramel queen, Sciel." You never called Verso anything like that before so now he was side eyeing Sciel to see what the hell he didn't have that she did. Getting jealous of her is insane when she's married and HE KNOWS THIS- For the record, you did not have her and him get together.
"Sorry, Verso. You probably wanted to score." He in fact did not want to score when you're an available option. This man wants to score you so bad, he refused to let you choose the romantic routes or would switch them around the moment you click so you pick the friendlier options. Verso would choose you over anything in the world and that is not something debatable.
New swimsuit though. You put it on Verso, slowly looked down once and kept your eyes on it for a solid 30 seconds before putting the Renoir suit back on in shame. Verso proceeded to watch in amusement as you bonked yourself a few times to get out of horny jail. The fact that this fucker was tempted to ask if you liked what you saw, he knew he lived to tease. And for your own sanity, you kept your eyes away from that swimsuit and kept him in the more presentable outfits- Thank God you didn't have him run around in it, you would've saw the physics💀
Esquie, as always, was the fastest ball. His shenanigans has always helped someone in one way or another. And that included making a rock of Francois with Clea over it. You felt so bad about being trigger happy on Francois' fight but it was the only way to get Urrie. Learning that Francois used to be so much more happy with Clea in the picture only made you more sympathetic, especially since you knew what she was dealing with outside the Canvas.
Getting a max level bond with Esquie allowed for Verso to learn Angel's Eyes. He gained inspiration from you. His Guardian Angel keeping an eye him to make sure he was well protected and making sure he made the right decision, even if it was a lie he tried so hard to hide. Aureole was practically an embrace from you keeping him safe and alive. (This man is going delusional)
Now, for Monoco's, you came back to Golgra for revenge. It definitely took a few tries, but you got it. Hearing you thank Verso just for doing enough damage to her was already fulfilling to him. And to Verso, beating Golgra is harder than beating Renoir. This is a generational achievement, and he needs to congratulate you. (He ended up sprinkling in a bit of dialogue while talking with Monoco.) - "Thanks for helping. I never understood how Golgra got so freakishly strong." - "I could take Golgra on by myself, but I had a little Angel beside me." - "Bah, you're just blessed. I'm never showing weakness around you ever again." - "Jealous?"
The moment Verso said he would be sure everyone checked in on Noco at the Gestral Village, you raced his ass there and checked on how the little dude was doing. Both you and Monoco were close to crying upon seeing how different Noco was. He will never be the same again.
Anyway, level three Monoco Gradient Attack. *Taco Bell Sound*
Doing Lune's questline was the least you could do after farming Lumina at the Tower Peak for so long. But holy shit, was doing that Glissando kind of irritating, especially since it exploded into dancers that you had to go Machine Gun Verso on. Even in the end when you got that expedition journal, you saw how upset Lune was at how her parents said that "she would finish their work".
Verso made you choose the option to not help her compose, he knew where that shit was going ever since he got that sudden kiss to the cheek. Whether or not you understood the innuendo Lune gave, Verso wasn't letting it happen and switched the options last second before you could help. Still, it was enough to give the level three gradient.
"Doors of Chroma... OUPUN" *Nuke*
Maellicia's questline was the hardest. There's a sudden jump of difficulty when you get to a certain point of the Reacher, and it's when you get to the Ladder Area. And that's not even halfway through the area, so you were just having Verso run his way through, occasionally getting into trouble and making sure the Nevrons couldn't knock the place down.
So... there was a problem. Verso edited the code so that you couldn't walk around as anyone else, but, the next time he came to, he felt that your control was gone from his body, but he could still hear you. And when he heard that you had fun battling Alicia, his eyes immediately looked towards Maellicia without his head moving. Shit had him looking like Higiruma in the tub because he realized his sister broke through his coding.
Even the power of painters could break past the game entirely...? Well, Maellicia didn't really seem as if she knew what she had done, but that makes it all the more dangerous. If she knows of what's just directly outside of the bounds in this Canvas... Verso could end up having more trouble than he would think. If she figured out you existed... he couldn't let that happen. If she got any ideas, he would have to put that to an end.
And the moment Maellicia gommaged painted Alicia, he only got worse. That glare he gave her? Yeah, he was not happy with her. Verso saw how blank Maellicia looked after the deed was done. He knew painted Alicia wanted this to happen, but it didn't make it any easier to accept. His sister was now gone, marking another reason as to why Verso had no reason to stay in the Canvas. Only a few more left.
What Verso hadn't accounted for was the choice of lying to Maellicia or telling her the truth about if he let Gustave die or not... Either way, you saw the option. There was no use hiding it from you, and he could hear that you had gone silent. He could see the expression on your face that you had no idea what to think. Complete silence and the lack of a decision on this part made Verso's heart ache.
Don't look at him like you got betrayed. He had to make a decision, and he thought that if Gustave was still alive... he would have gotten in the way of everything. And besides... Verso was better for you. Gustave's skill tree was barely even open, he would have been a liability to the team. You've barely even known Gustave, it was only for one act- Expeditioners died all the time, but he would still be here for you. Verso would still be here for you. He was here- It was okay-
Oblivious to his self aware struggle, you had him tell the truth. And whilst the conversation seemed to end on a lighter note with Maellicia painting "Papa, va t'en" on the Monolith, Verso could tell you still weren't entirely happy with him. And honestly, he wasn't entirely happy with what happened either. Maellicia just created an entire problem that suddenly dropped him on thin ice with you.
He never really got the chance to reconcile with you either when you suddenly paused the screen and saved the game before closing it out... On the inside, Verso knew he was wrong for letting Gustave die, and over the time that's passed with you controlling him, he knew what kind of person you were. But... on the inside, Verso knew he would do it again if he had the chance to do it over. He would let Gustave die as many times as needed.
Did Verso need to entirely code him out of the game? Definitely not. But did he want to? Absolutely. Even after Gustave's death, he's been a thorn in Verso's side for a long time. Why must you still favor him even after he's gone? Gustave was endlessly naive, and if he couldn't survive, what good was he? He was nothing but an engineer with too many dreams too big for his own body. It was actually making Verso livid at how much you still loved Gustave despite him being right here. You could love him instead, but... you choose the man who had a leading appearance for one act...
Verso has beef with and is hating on a dead man btw.
Verso didn't code Gustave out, and instead made his way to the barrier of coding because he had to fix the programming Maellicia had unknowingly broken past. This man had to make sure the coding was tight before he began to watch you from behind the screen. Now that you weren't playing the game... you didn't look so sour about Verso's decision anymore... Hold on- Were you playing another game-?
Why were you playing as a puppet Twink in a horror fantasy world? Yes, I'm a Lies of P fan, what gave it away?
No. Non. No no no. You were not getting away from him like this. You were not playing as this... TWINK when Verso was RIGHT HERE- He forcibly crashed your game. Whenever you would try to go back into it or into another game, Verso would crash that one too... All except Expedition 33.
Play him. Don't avoid him. Play him. You had more to do with him, and he wouldn't let you stop until he knew you had enough. Get over Gustave and keep all of your attention on him. He's alive, so keep your attention on him. Verso couldn't accept the fact that you'd get sick of him, even if he was acting like some possessive jerk right about now. He knew you didn't know what he was truly like, but he couldn't help it.
Because of you, he wanted to live. He wanted to find a way to live with you. He wanted to find a way to be by your side... Verso wanted to find a way to be physical. You've been protecting him for so long... it'd only be natural for him to do the same thing when he would find a way to you. He could watch over you and protect you. The thought itself was nice... but he could experience so much with you in the real world.
The world wouldn't be filled with Nevrons... and the world wouldn't be destroyed. He could even ride a train with you. God knows how much he would sacrifice just to even be acknowledged by you. Perhaps when you beat the game, he would leave an Expedition Journal for you... After all, it's not like you would know if it was real or not. But what use would a journal be when he could appear in front of you and tell you directly?
It was almost time, and Verso had gotten you to go back to playing Expedition 33. This man had to rush back to camp. He was out of breath by the time you logged on, and had to act like he was perfectly fine. Everyone looked at him with complete concern when he came back looking like he ran 10 miles.
By now, you had gotten over the little problem with Verso letting Gustave die... mostly. He saw the mini sour looks whenever you remembered, and could only mentally mumble an apology, even if he never meant it.
Anyway, you went on to defeating Clea, having to get rid of the Dualliste, group of Eveques, Lamp Master, and Goblu. You also talked to the last bit of the real Verso's soul, in which he had talked about Clea in a rather wistful tone as if barely remembering her. How long had it been since he had last seen her from outside those large doors? And how long had it been since he had been forced to keep wandering the Canvas he had created?
Painted Verso seemed to be keeping his eye on the small boy. The child was aware of everything right now, so was he aware of how this was a game? He didn't seem to be... So it really was just the painted configuration that was knowledgeable of what was happening here... all because you controlled him enough for him to figure it out.
... Verso wondered if Gustave ever felt you controlling him. But whatever the case... he wasn't enough.
Anyway... the Clea fight was a nightmare. Her fight demands perfection, as does her character in general. God knows how many times you second guessed to the point Verso just had to parry for you and get the counterattack. But eventually, you learned on your own and started to mostly get the moveset down. And in thirty minutes... you finally beat it- Even for you, thirty minutes on a boss fight is insane.
Man, the painted family is so sad, it got Clea killing herself just so she could escape being a living Nevron factory. And with that, all of Verso's family was now gone. He truly did have no one keeping him in the Canvas. The only reason he'd really be staying is for Maellicia. As mad as Verso was at her... she was still his sister, even if she was... the "real" version. He wants her to leave the Canvas or... find a good middle ground for everyone, that way he could find a way to get to you.
Maybe internally, Verso somewhat envied Clea for being able to... die. He of course felt regretful for not being able to find her earlier, and felt an odd anguish at the thought of his older sister having her entire being stolen from her to... just become a Nevron factory. And by now, Verso wanted to live with you. But even Clea could die, even if it included having a painful end. Verso didn't know if it was morally right to think that at least Clea was at peace now when there was still a part of him that envied her being able to die.
He didn't know what to think about it. It was an odd but empty sensation in yet another part of himself that was now gone. All that was left of it was his memory with his sister, whether those memories were real or not.
Now, the other area to go to... Renoir's Drafts. You were convinced that every place in Act 3 was Hell. Every place in Act 3 was out for your head, you swear you're not crazy. Verso might be considering switching the difficulty to Expert just to fuck with you- Or if you're already on Expert, he may just be nice and switch it down for you.
Everything in Renoir's Drafts was so expensive, you were lucky you farmed hella at the Tower Peak in the Monolith. You could barely afford everything there, but you managed to get all the weapons and Pictos the merchant was selling. But that one item that needed parkour... that was the one downside to Renoir's Drafts.
And of course... Simon. It took a day. Even with Verso helping you, it took a fucking day- The two of you were bashing your heads against this and forgetting to respecc because you thought it was too much work. You just didn't want to get rid of the Machine Gun Verso build, that shit go brrr- And third phase did not bode well for Verso, and being erased from the Canvas so suddenly made him contemplate taking Simon out of the game.
So, time and time again, first phase, second phase, and third phase was went through... Simon was not giving an inch. He kept spamming the long combo, so you just ended up doing the Solluminati's slow turn gif whenever you saw it while parrying as best as you could. But when it comes to Simon, any combo just becomes long af...
Anyway, by some miracle, you somehow beat Simon. And when Verso got his sword, he could hear you snort. - "Looks a little big for you. You sure you can hold that?"
This was supposed to be a sentimental moment and you ruined it with... that- He almost looked at you with complete exasperation. Anyhow... that was Verso's new weapon now- The double damage was gonna work wonderful with End Bringer.
Now... you moved onto Verso's Drafts. Even if it wasn't exactly him that made it, Verso still felt somewhat embarrassed when he saw how colorful it was. He knew it was made by a literal child, but still... it felt like your crush was seeing baby photos of you... and hearing you having a laugh about how soft Verso was in this place was relieving, especially since you acted along with any behavior in this place without a hint of judgement. - "The door wants... cake?" - "Doors deserve cake, too." - "He spitting facts."
You made sure to get every slice of cake you could, getting every Pictos and fighting every merchant you could. Any little side quest and any little mini game, you made sure to do it. Any mini boss and hidden area, you made sure to find. That meant you ended up having everything, so now you were "ready" for Osquio.
The cutscene was so adorable, you could barely stop smiling at how Verso and Maellicia were playing. The dynamic with Osquio, Esquie, and Verso was perfect. The "coucou" wave was everything. It's like Verso was living out his childhood again, and he was having his fun with it.
You in fact were not. You died time and time again, even with Verso's help- This felt like Simon all over again- You and Verso were once again bashing your heads against this boss, and it was the goofiest thing ever. - "Oh my fucking God, Verso, why did you make this guy-"
Well, Esquie had to have an evil cousin, and Osquio fit the bill quite nicely. Whee for Esquie, Whoo for Osquio. That punch combo is a fucking menace and you were not having it every time it popped up. By the time you were at that last attack, Verso did not trust you to get that last Gradient. He parried that shit for you.
There's so much to love about the last cutscenes. The low quality finish, Osquio's flip off and Esquie actually getting taken aback, Monoco getting upset about not being able to take the ultimate cake eater's foot, Verso getting to see the the last sliver of his real counterpart's soul once more, and him getting whoo'd.
The little punk look was nice with the vibrancy. Both that and the Esquie outfit was cursed, absolutely cursed. Verso could hear you snickering as you made him run or fly around in them. But yet, you switched back to the suit soon after.
Now, you made sure to do everything you could in Act 3. Every Pictos, every expedition journal, every hairstyle, every merchant, every mini boss, every major boss, etc. So now you were practically loaded up for the final boss.
Coming back to Lumiere was absolutely peak. The music and watching Maellicia's army full on tackling Renoir's creations felt like looking at absolute cinema. And there were so many colors in the sky, it was wonderful. Dramatic af, too, especially with the real Verso playing the piano in the destroyed opera house.
You stayed there for a while, simply listening to the different songs he played for a good while. And whilst you were there, you happened to look up... seeing the painting of Gustave and Sophie. If only Verso could play those songs for you... They were all songs he had composed of and for his family, but perhaps he could make a song about you... and play it for you as well in the future.
The Expedition 60 journal. Legendary. This game is so tight. Absolute Cinema.
Anyhow, the time has finally come where you guys finally go up against Renoir. And unfortunately because you went through all the side content first, you may have just bombed his ass. And you felt kind of bad because this guy really wanted to save his family and you just Judgement Cut this man with Steeled Strike.
But you actually felt bad when you saw that Verso... really didn't want to do this. Verso was being used as leverage to keep the Canvas alive, and he could tell that Maellicia was going to become like Aline if this kept going. He couldn't have that happen, especially when most of his entire family was fighting each other. Aline, him, and Maellicia against Renoir. This was escalating to a point where he didn't want to participate. There was no middle ground in this fight, and the more it proceeded, the more the family was being broken apart. And once more, it was because of him.
He didn't know what to do. His family was tearing each other apart, and it would leak outside the Canvas if this all went down the drain. Who knows what would happen if Clea joined this fight? Verso knew she wouldn't, as she had things to do, but... if she did, this conflict would've ended with everyone split apart.
Verso couldn't do anything in the conflict he himself was participating in. His mother disappeared soon after Renoir was defeated, Maellicia was still trying to get her father to allow her to stay in the Canvas, he was refusing to budge despite how weak he was, and Verso was realizing that he was being used as a crutch for another unhealthy coping mechanism.
The moment Renoir showed Aline's struggling figure, Verso's decision to switch on Maellicia had already been decided. Whether it would erase his potential future with you... that was fine. An either or would work. Maybe his coding would still be in the game... and maybe he could find a way to be with you. But right now... he needed to forget it. He needed to do what he could with his family... and at least make sure there was the smallest sliver of them being able to reconcile.
But watching his mother right now was already making him think into what Maellicia would become if she stayed like this. Verso couldn't let that happen. The moment he had his chance, he took it and leapt further into the Canvas. And there, the sliver of young Verso's soul continued to paint. His painted counterpart could finally end this and give everyone peace... even if it is in his own way.
But of course... Maellicia didn't want that. There was one more battle. And if it was with his sister, then so be it.
If you seem to lean more towards Verso's ending, he wouldn't stop you. In fact, to have your control over him during the last battle seems rather fitting. His guardian angel with him until the end, supporting and protecting him even with the lies and decisions he put everyone through.
Still... this fight definitely wasn't something he wanted to partake in. Whether Maellicia or the others thought of it as selfish or they understood didn't matter anymore. Verso found a reason to live with you, but he would still let himself die just to ensure that his family never ended up breaking themselves apart. He finally had a way to fix it, and he would make sure it happened... even if it put a complete stop to his wants.
In a way, it felt relieving to have multiple ends visible in sight. For the past few days, Verso had been through a roller coaster of emotions. This journey was both exhilarating but frustrating... He had unexpected help and he's undoubtedly grateful to you. Verso feels as if he owes a lot to you, and he wants to repay you. But yet... depending on how this goes, he can or he can't. Either way, he'll find a way to say thank you, whether he has an expedition journal pop up as post game content.
He may not be there to bring it to you himself, but you can learn the extent of his feelings if you read it. Verso supposed that he would be fine with it if you thought it wasn't real and just something... random. Maybe you'd think it was addressed to Julie. But... no. She hasn't been on his mind ever since you found his expedition journal talking about her. It was a sore subject, but... he knew she couldn't be brought back.
It's too late for that. He couldn't keep looking back at the past, especially when he had an Angel helping him in the present. You helped him get this far, even if it included the end of everything in this Canvas. Maellicia was gone. Esquie and Monoco were gone. They knew what would happen... but the others didn't. Sciel may have accepted her fate, but she certainly didn't forgive Verso for his last minute switch up. And Lune... oh boy. Verso figured he would get the worst of her anger, even if it was in a stare that communicated her anger and resentment.
"As long as one of us stands, our fight is not over." And here Lune was... finally sat down now that her long awaited goal was ripped away from her at the last moment possible.
Verso was okay with it. He was fine with all the resentment and regrets fit on his shoulders. As long as he could do anything for his family... he would. When Verso started to disappear with his younger counterpart, there was a sense of peace to it. He could finally go in peace and ensure that his family could make a better choice in the future.
Now, if you're leaning more towards Maellicia's ending... Verso won't let you pick it. Either he'll switch the options around last second, or he'll make the option not able to be clicked on. He doesn't get why you're doing this. Verso understands being attached to the expedition team, but the rest of Lumiere? No, not at all. He won't let this happen.
Why abandon him for Maellicia? Don't you see that what he's trying to do is for the better of the real individuals outside the Canvas? Of course, the younger but real Verso said that he thought of the life forms inside of the Canvas as real as well, but... the painted counterpart can't afford to care about that when everyone was almost already all gone.
There's only a few people left, and it's not worth it. Maellicia may have her burn scars, and he may be gone, but... spending your life in a Canvas isn't worth it. Verso is willing to sacrifice himself and the people he cares about for this. In a way, he still is her brother. And just like the real Verso, his painted counterpart would kill himself just to save her. So of course he didn't let you pick her ending. You're getting his, whether you like it or not.
But it really didn't matter. When you were going through the credits, Verso was before the Renoir fight again. Everyone was still here... and all your progress was still there. But no one seemed to remember what had went on just moments prior.
... So he couldn't save anyone. It'd just turn back at the end. How cruel that everything he did was just... for naught, but it also turns him back to you. The last stretch he had was to get to you. He had to get to your screen. While Verso was there, he could code out most of everything else. He just had to find a way to get Esquie out while making sure the others didn't see him. Just like back in Old Lumiere, taking care of enemies helped him make a sudden ditch.
Now, while the credits rolled, you had left it running while getting a good break for yourself. And that was perfect time for Verso to get through your screen. He had to slice through it for himself. Verso had the thought that it may destroy your platform, but he had no other choice. He's waited long enough, and after figuring out for himself that all his efforts were for naught inside the Canvas... he figured that he would try his luck with you.
Either he would reach you, or he would turn into petals trying to go to the real world. He went through enough. He went through 100 years of bullshit... Verso can be allowed this one thing, right?
He sliced right through and finally outstretched his hand. The moment it went through, Verso could feel complete exhilaration. To think it was this easy and he had delayed it out of caution until now... He was already started on getting the rest of himself through your screen when you had come back from whatever you were doing. And as Verso saw your figure completely frozen in shock, he could only chuckle whilst stepping out of the screen, now staring at you with complete infatuation.
He finally had Heaven in his hands. His angel was finally in his grasp, and he wasn't letting go.