Work Text:
“AH- FUCK- STOP IT, STOP IT, MATE, IT’S ENOUGH-”
“Got it. Pain receptors will be turned off. Alyssa, if you may write down the results.”
“Already doing so-”
Getting check-ups seemed to have become almost an activity.
Their Sinners have been getting more interesting developments lately in case of powers, EGO'S and just general management.
All these developments needed further surveillance from the Limbus Companies point of view, especially if they were gonna use them in battle.
The new abilities they got weren't for the weak, not at all-! Especially the new Golden Bough resonances like IRA and…
The broken one. Which they are still unsure of the correct spelling.
Malkath? Makluth? Is it spoken directly as it's said, like Malkuth? Or is it like Malkut-
Nevermind.
Though, through all these tests that showed all the Sinners abilities and capabilities-
It made them realise every single time that they all came from very different backgrounds.
Be it rich peoples mansions that apparently have hidden labs beneath them, a gigantic ship searching for a monstrous whale or statuses that go far beyond the average citizen-
Nobody was the same. Nobody knew each other. Only small connections could be made from the smoke war.
Probably all the more reason why Limbus Company hired them, if they would logically follow that thought flow.
These people with immense trauma and grief all were special in some manner, even if they didn't think so.
Dante thought so.
Hopefully that was enough for now.
But, they were losing their point! RAPIDLY!!!! So, to get back on this weird track-
If one could guess, they were currently at the Limbus Company HeadQuarters or more specifically-
With the LCE duo Hohenheim and Alyssa currently doing their very important work.
Or…was it really work? Was it just an excuse to run a billion tests on them? Did they have proper permission to do all this?
Whatever it was, they actually did have a want for them to be a trio again.
It was nicer. It had been nicer. More talkative too.
But, it…was too late.
As always.
Doesn't matter. Or- Does, but no point dwelling on it now.
Much more important was what they were doing right now, which was a specific test that was meant to show the limits and reactions of the Sinners.
A pain tolerance test.
The test truly was as straightforward as the name. Get a Sinner on a specified chair, let the machine do the work and slowly raise up the pain meter.
Wait until they cannot take it anymore and write down the limit of what they can take.
Do this until everyone has gone through it, so that every piece of data could be written down.
….If they were gonna be honest-
“Ah, Heathcliff~! You lasted longer than Yi Sang at least, which I would say is a good job!”
“Oy, don't flatter me. I am still waiting on Ishmeal’s turn, so that bloke will get a taste of this-”
“Sorry, but I will probably last longer than you. Who was the one constantly fighting at sea, hm?”
“I swear to the head-”
They didn't like this test at all.
Look, Dante was incredibly used to the sight of the Sinners dying or taking injuries, no matter what happened-
This was their job. And the Manager's job was to reverse said situation as quickly as possible so that the pain wouldn't remain too long.
So they wouldn't suffer all those horrible injuries for too long.
This?
This was the complete opposite.
They had to painstakingly watch every single Sinner go through more and more pain without being able to rewind it, because nothing was actually broken.
Leaving them in pain after, with not much they could do besides talk to them and wait for it all to be over.
It was like watching someone stabbing themself while they reassure you that they don't need healing.
Not ideal.
“Alright, this should be all we got on Heathcliff. Still can't believe that Meursault got so much resistance-”
“Don't take it to heart, Alyssa. He's probably going through orders and making sure he can resist enough to follow along with Company orders. Like protecting the Manager.”
Currently, they were standing near the panel that Alyssa and Hohenheim used to control the pain panel as they liked to call it.
Writing down notes, listing who can hold out the longest, making sure that everything worked correctly…
The usual things you do when doing these tests.
Even if they absolutely did not understand what any of these buttons meant. Like at all.
“Hm…Who should we pick next? You think we should pick out Gregor? Though, I don't want to accidentally trigger something…”
“Might not be ideal. If we truly want to do that, we might have to check in with the arm-”
The two very experienced Scientists looked over the papers, thinking and thinking on who to take in next for their torture experiment.
And Dante couldn't help but lean over to look at the 12 Sinners sitting behind them, away from the window that showed the painful torture device.
Simply talking as if it was a normal Tuesday, discussing what they could do after, what to eat, describing the sensations of what had happened…
As if whoever was next wouldn't be in pain once again.
They…hadn't counted who was left now, but they could probably go off the Sinners if they were to just recall who had been in there already.
In reality, they didn't want to count. They wanted to get this over with.
They didn't want the Sinners to be in pain either, so-
….
Wait.
The Sinners.
The Sinners are being tested currently.
….Aren't they technically-
Dante quickly pulled out their tablet, scrolling through the small amount of apps that it provided, just until it reached the memo app.
This isn't the same as the module they use for the diary, they made sure that THAT wasn't as easily accessible, you can be absolutely sure of that.
Writing down the response as perfectly as they could, coming closer to the two, they finally pressed on the voice feature that would hopefully-
[Why don't you let me go next?]
HAH, JACKPOT!!!
The way both Hohenheim and Alyssa snapped their head over was weirdly satisfying, even if they won't admit it.
Their expressions? Pure surprise and confusion for a moment before Hohenheim somewhat composed himself, squinting heavily at the clock.
Still not being able to completely hide it though.
“...First off. For how long have you been able to communicate like this?”
Dante would have blinked had they had proper eyes, so the small ticking of the clock would have to do for the time being.
Silently, they typed again, also looking back to the Sinners for a moment as they sent their next message.
[For about several days. It's a work in progress.]
Okay, they were growing just a bit too amused about the reactions of the Sinners as well. Let them have this.
There was near audible staring from most of them, Don Quixote looking like her chin was about to fall off the floor from excitement.
The only ones truly not that surprised were Faust, Yi Sang, Outis and Meursault, which didn't surprise them that much either.
It wasn't that special in their honest opinion, they just wished that they learned to do this sooner.
But back to the task at hand, which they really should be addressing properly-
“...Alright. Second off, we have no reason to test you as the Manager.”
Hohenheim seemed to truly be thinking that his argument had a valid point, with Alyssa even nodding along as she wrote down more notes.
Seeming to be resetting the properties of the chair, pressing some buttons they didn't care about.
“Mhm. We are here for the Sinners-”
[I am a Sinner.]
Was it petty to have this response already written a few seconds earlier just to interrupt her? Maybe.
It made a great point interruption though, which was nice for all the times they were simply ignored due their forced muteness.
For a moment, Hohenheim seemed to squint his eyes, looking back at the Sinners again for some reason.
“While that is true to your title, you are still the Manager. You do not hold the same importance for this experiment.”
Dante would have loved to stare down the scientist.
Once again, the lack of eyes was pretty painful sometimes, but the tablet in their hand gave them something to work with.
[But what about my revival ability? Doesn't that affect my pain tolerance?]
Hohenheim blinked.
Sure is a lot of blinking today, isn't it? Good that they don't have eyes for three others to see then.
Alyssa finally decided to properly join in, coming up beside her coworker and giving an interested expression once the point came in.
“Well, they aren't incorrect. After all, feeling the many deaths for the Sinners could give interesting results…”
A smile grew on her face at the idea, seeming to grow into that experimenting mood that scientists always seemed to share.
But
Apparently, the Sinners weren't sharing that.
“Manager Esquire, I beg for you to reconsider such a ludicrous idea! I-It’s- It's horrible to go on that dastardly contraption!!!”
Don Quixote was the first to jump up in worry, coming up to them like they were in life-threathening danger.
Even if they would be, it didn't need to get such a reaction from everyone again.
Their usually upbeat Sinner clasped her hands together in a plea, quivering with her tongue, very displeased with the idea.
Despite most of them seeming to not have minded the test itself, or rather volunteering it.
Gotten to used to the pain. Wished they didn't have to do so…
“Ah, Dante! I do find your enthusiasm interesting, but even I know that the pain was a bit extreme!”
Hong Lu came in, smiling for a moment before seeming to follow his smile into a rather surprised look, brushing over his chin.
Right, Hong Lu did last longer than some others- with near no reaction.
At least he's showing more emotions. That is a very good development they could praise in the consultation sessions later.
<Yes, but- I think it would only be fair!>
“How would that be fair in the slightest-?”
Ishmael was the next to interrupt, crossing her arms and definitely not being satisfied with the answer Dante gave her.
She usually was the one occasionally helping them with getting the Sinners in order and they truly did appreciate that part, it just…didn’t really fit right now.
Though, they did appreciate in a way that everyone butted in to give their opinion, as it would definitely help with some of the self-confidence.
….Were they inspecting the Sinners' behavior too much? Well, they are the Manager but-
Wait, CONVERSATIONRIGHT-
<Well, I am technically a Sinner! And since I am the main revival tool, wouldn't I have the most results here?>
Ishmeal stared for a moment, expression turning into something unreadable as she brushed her finger over her uniform and looked back at the others for a moment.
Everyone seemed to be exchanging glances, some seeming rather conflicted about the response they gave and others simply worried.
Is this about the whole ‘needing to be the reviver’ thing again?
Really thought they would have accepted it by now…
But their ticking continued anyway, deciding to use the tablet again so Hohenheim and Alyssa could hear as well and not be left in the dark.
That would really suck, huh?
Would really suck to not be able to communicate properly-
<[I mean, I feel every kind of injury! There probably is a sort of development in my tolerance, isn't there?]>
Hohenheim squinted, leaning over to look at the results page that Alyssa was holding, which was still not fully completed.
…Okay honestly they were starting to grow nervous that they are the insane one here they weren't gonna lie-
IT'S NOT INSANE!!!! IT'S NOT-
“Faust thinks that Dante has a point.”
FINALLY.
Dante immediately snapped their head over to the monotone yet approving voice, where Faust had been standing for several minutes now.
Holding her arm as usual, getting a few interested looks, like from Outis who definitely didn't look too pleased with the idea.
“I apologize, but I do not see the point in harming the Manager needlessly for a test that we are supposed to do.”
To be honest, if they had a face, they probably would look like a pleading mess towards Faust with all the backslash they were getting.
Luckily, their fellow Sinner seemed to be following them along.
“Actually, there might be intensive information we will get from measuring how much pain Dante can take. Due to their revival role, they will be at a constant rate of experiencing different kinds of deaths with vastly different kinds of pain.”
They were almost happy that the consultation lessons were giving them the ear of a god, for they could understand…most of Faust's speech.
They were trying their best, believe them.
“Your point?”
Outis verified with a raise of her brow and Faust simply closed her eyes as always, probably speaking with the Gesellschaft or at least listening to them.
Even if they honestly preferred it to be not that way.
Just…those people are starting to sound stranger and stranger everyday.
“...My point being is that if we can figure out how much pain Dante could possibly in-take at once, then we can make sure that we can avoid certain deaths to never overdo their limit, ensuring us victory and a safe travel onwards.”
Dante nodded frantically at her words, giving a thumbs up to the Sinners as if those sentences would answer every single one of their questions.
Which hopefully, would exactly do that because it was an amazing point actually, believe them.
….The Sinners stared at each other for a moment, clearly seeming to have a silent discussion that they could never clearly understand.
There was probably doubt. Perhaps anger. Maybe worry? Even if they didn't see the point in any of those beside anger.
The one who turned to them first was Sinclair, averting eye contact at first but seeming to get the courage again.
“Are…Are you sure? I mean, we can't stop you! Just, that…it looked really painful. Even if I didn't get my turn yet…”
Gregor joined in too, nodding and carefully crossing his arms with the bug arm nestling itself above the arm.
Wonder if that felt weird. I meant, isn't it sharp in some way? Does it work like a papercut possibly?
Maybe not, more like a dagger due to the size-
“Yeah, Manager bud. I mean, one of us can go early for safety if you prefer to wait a sec.”
Dante shook their head, a strange warm flowing in their belly due to all the weird concerns that came from everyone despite the lack of true danger.
Maybe, they would have smiled had they had a mouth. Or not. Who knows? They certainly didn't.
<I appreciate it, but no. I want to feel it! Of course, if->
Oh wait, tablet.
Taptaptaptap-
[If you two agree? It is technically your experiment after all.]
About three seconds passed of silence as consideration came between the two, Alyssa seeming to shuffle through her one pocket for a moment before sighing.
“I'm not sure. Hohenheim, what do you think?”
She looked over with an uncertain stare, the shaved face of the LCE Researcher simply taking a moment to consider the idea.
He nodded to himself for a moment, gloved hand on his chin.
“Faust is certainly not incorrect. You would definitely have a wider radius of what is a horrible death and what isn't, especially if the lines blurred with the different demise.”
“It is good that you can accept the rightness of my words when necessary.”
“I will verify, I am only agreeing because you've made a valid point yourself without help, which is admirable in itself.”
Dante couldn't help but be comforted by the returned banter of the two, especially with the smile crossing both of their lips during it.
Reminded them that this was still the same Fauts and Hohenheim from back then, even after everything that had happened.
But finally, Hohenheim turned to them with a nod.
“Then, if you truly are willing to participate, you may enter the chamber. Just sit down in the chair and keep your body still.”
FINALLLYYYY-
Dante internally forced a groan down, putting away their tablet instead and focusing on the opportunity right before them.
Something where they could show their usefulness!!! Where they could show how far they have come from being an unreliable Manager!
Like back then, when they let people die for the sake of not knowing how to command people-
…
You know, maybe that's a horrible thing to mention. They're Horrible.
Urgh.
Dante shook their head, opening the door to the chamber and closing it behind them, staring at the simple metal chair that was nailed into the ground.
Build into it basically, with machinery around it as if somebody was about to be executed here.
Basically is the scenario, actually.
“Just take a seat right there and we will begin the procedure. Be sure to remain calm and still so that nothing goes wrong.”
Hohenheim called over the speaker, already writing down notes on what they could only guess could be their behavior.
As always, every single lotion of theirs is watched and judged.
Good that they got used to that.
Dante took a deep sigh from the mouth they didn't have.
Rubbing their arms, they looked back multiple times towards the window, where the Sinners had already come together to watch with varying expressions.
Even if they couldn't hear them, they could guess what the conversation topic could be.
Or not.
They could be talking about dinner for all they know.
Which is not exactly that interesting as they can't eat but Rodya and Don always
Okaytheygottasitdown.
Dante heavily shook their head, properly adjusting the end of their coat and plopping down onto the uncomfortably, metallic chair.
Yes, it did have cushioning but that didn't mean that it wasn't cold and weirdly shaped and probably not meant for a Clockhead.
“Okay, put your arms on the armrests and your legs on the blue squares.”
A quick nod and they moved, checking at least thrice to make sure they weren't off-center.
One gloved finger absently tapped the metal surface, mostly just to relax from the massive amounts of pain they would be in soon.
It…probably wouldn't be that bad.
They went through worse.
With a hard CLINK, Metal restraints came across their arms and legs, making sure that they would not escape the situation they allowed to happen.
“We will now start. Stay still so that there will be no interference.”
To be honest, they weren't sure how this was gonna work, but with all the machinery and magic work in the City, perhaps they didn't need to.
Actually, restraints aren't enough, what are they gonna do, sent signals through thuuURGGRH-
OW??? OW. THAT HIT THE BACK OF THEIR CLOCK, HOW DID THAT HURT-
“No worries. The device that clicked onto your clock is a replacement for what we use for humans. This will be for the pain receptors.
A h.
At least they got an answer to the Prosthetic head-? They guessed?
Alas, they finally decided to relax back as much they could, preparing themself for the mountains of pain that are gonna flow over them soon.
They probably reach merely Sinclairs Level- Not that it is low, but still.
“Alarm us when you need to halt the progress, Manager Esquire-!”
Don's shaky voice came over the speaker as they finally started to feel the machine starting to work, truly…
Not doing that much.
Actually, was it on? They aren't sure if the little blip that they were feeling wasn't just the cuffs-
Their head swirled around curiously, but definitely saw that all the lights were on and the fans were whirring like their lives depended on it.
Guess this is just the starting phase then.
Kind of feels like the smallest itch possible, slowly starting to get more annoying as it starts to get recognized.
Sadly, they could not itch it, most definitely because they probably wouldn't be able to pinpoint the sensation.
Their flame flickered more perhaps from passing irritation, that specific itch deciding to bother them more, literally not even hurting.
Just a really, REALLY persistent itch.
“Seems to be faring well so far…Good, I was actually worried they wouldn't last even this long. I still am honestly.”
Alyssa seemed to be honest today as well, writing down notes on her notepad to properly record any movement or reaction.
Perhaps, she was joking with the small observant smile going over her lips.
“Hey, they aren't that weak-! They probably have at least Meursault's level of strength.”
Ishmeal immediately defended them, the intercom truly capturing every single bit of that conversation.
At least it was a neat distraction from the persistent itch that was literally only growing warmer and doing absolutely nothing else.
Was the pain even growing??? Were they raising it?
WERE THEY TEASING THEM-??????
“Ishi, how about you bet on that? 20 dollars that Dante can last as long as Meursault.”
“I-....You know what, I'm gonna win this. One second-”
Wait a moment t they can’t serious right now-
“Hah. W.A.R.B. Give me a sec, I'll join in.”
“W-Wait- I don't think we should bet on Dante's pain!!”
“I agree with Sinclair's statement, we should not use the Executive Manager's pain for some simple betting pool.”
Oh, Outis truly was their savior some-
“However, i do not believe you should understate them, so i will bet 50 that they will go above Meursault and Ishmeal.”
“EXCUSE YOU-”
“Ah, Outis~! I didn't know you were the competitive type!”
Dante would have had the most blank stare currently at all their Sinners, feeling the imaginary hayball pass by without a care.
The flame drifting was enough to show their feelings.
This was ridiculous.
However, there was some good news! The uncomfortable, annoying itching had finally turned to a comfortable, warming pain that seemed to lurch through their legs, arms and general body.
Nothing extreme. As if you shortly hit your arm and hit it a bit awkwardly. Like being punched by a pre-schooler.
Truly, it still felt like nothing.
“Everything still going alright, Mate?”
A quick thumbs up was given.
They quietly started to move their shoe in circles since they couldn't do much else, looking around more and deciding to check the machines again.
Nothing to do, nothing to do-
The warmth was still growing, beating very slowly, but nothing remained still. Nothing special, nothing new, nothing that was a spectacle.
Just a low pain, trying to get a reaction out of them by pinching their side.
They looked up again.
Rodya seemed to have decided to get more bowls to put money in and there were at least three now.
Dante couldn't even pretend to be surprised anymore, that's for sure.
Ryoshu seemed to be smiling as she was poking Ishmael's side, putting Money in the last bowl, probably representing the above Meursault level.
Meursault seemed utterly disinterested, but they couldn't make out what he was saying.
What they did hear though-
“If we must bet on Dante's tolerance, we do have to consider where the money will go at the end.”
“Yi Sang, my dearest Friend. It'll go into the pocket of the one starting it. So, if it's at its highest setting, Outis wins.”
“That is correct. And this will probably be the solution, as I have faith in our Manager's ability to hold on.”
“...I truly am wondering if this is an ideal way of thinking…’
Dante could barely shrug and settle back at Yi Sang's point as the pain finally started to put more effort into doing its job.
It finally started to spread into something much more familiar, something they had gotten used to while doing revivals.
The feeling of bloody wounds on their knees and arms, ripping open from being sliced, hit too hard or falling on the ground.
A rather warm feeling, only missing the hot blood running down their shoulders from the two times they got profusely stabbed.
But for now, it stung slightly with the warmth, feeling it ripping open more and more as it slowly reached the head.
Turning into a slow but steady headache, leaving them to press the back of their burning clock more against the cushion stuck in the chair.
Still good. Nothing special really, pretty comfortable.
And the Intercom spoke once more.
“We will now proceed to harsher procedures. Simply scream- no, you can't…make motions for us to stop if it gets too much.”
<Oh, so this was- That makes sense.>
So this was simply the non-threathening version! Probably why they felt pretty much absolutely nothing the first time.
Dante simply brushed and tapped their hands against the metal, trying not to move against the restraints too much.
Preparing for the harsher pains now-
Wwwhiirrrrrr-
…..
….Okay, they are waiting.
Uh-huh, should be setting in now.
….
……..
Okay, somehow this still felt like nothing, they've gotta admit.
Sure, there was a more blooming pain now that their shoulder felt like it was getting dislocated and their ribs felt much tighter around their mid section…
But it was still nothing. It was just the casual pain they've gotten all the time.
This was, again, just like the quick pain of getting their shoulders destroyed.
Dante simply looked at the window again, watching the Sinners, Alyssa’s And Hohenheim’s reaction with quiet curiosity.
And most of them.
Seemed to grow from excitement, worry and even interest-
To slow confusion and a lot of squinting faces, Hohenheim's eyes seemed to check around more as he leaned into the mic.
“....Feeling anything bad yet?”
Dante shook their head.
Truthfully, it was now starting to bleed into broken bone territory, fracturing along the chest and making it feel like they had internal bleeding of sorts.
Yet it was still in its comfort zone, simply bleeding through and letting it be like a knowing river of rocks and twigs.
The only thing really bothering them was the pulsating pain of a migraine starting to come up, with their waist also getting cramps.
Which shouldn't even be possible, they think.
Maybe? It also seemed familiar of sorts, but it was much, much more faint.
Like it was removed decades ago.
Still, there was no need to shake or do anything other than wait as Alyssa seemed to be constantly checking something.
Maybe how high the pain is rated? That's what everyone seems to be doing.
“Huh, hah- uhm…guess we are reaching Meursault's level! Good job, Dante!!!”
“I told you that we shouldn't doubt the Manager. They are far above our grade.”
“It is still quite useless information on how much pain I could take. Logically, the only failure that comes with enough pain is the brain starting to work incorrectly after a while. So at that point, revival is necessary to keep working.”
Dante really appreciated all this talking. It gave them a little distraction from the sheer boredom of this entire experimentation.
Honestly, they couldn't properly remember now how far Meursault went on his go, but if the talk said anything, it was probably brain damage level? If that's a level???
THEY DON'T KNOW, DON’T ASK THEM.
Now, there might be another reason why this wasn't working as intended!
They uh
Couldn't feel their legs anymore.
Like, it wasn't too concerning? This happened often, it just bothered them that their legs were feeling TV static.
Rippling through, making the bleeding plain feel more like restriction of their movement, slowly creeping up to their fingers as well.
Also, perhaps it was just them, but their throat felt like it was tightening up and getting choked, with the migraine heavily pulsating in their skull.
….It's fine.
Barely being able to move. Losing the feeling in their body parts wasn't anything new. Not being able to do anything about everything.
That's just the usual. That's how they worked. That's why they improvised.
It was
Fine.
Mostly
“Is it-....Dante, is it still not bothering you?”
Hohenheim. That was. Hohenheim, right?
Why the stutter?
They gave a thumbs up.
It didn't hurt. It was just kind of hard to think now that their fingers were starting to grow loose, making the thumbs up a bit wonky.
Still no movement
Still no shaking because
It didn't hurt.
It wasn't there.
“Oy, git….I don't tr— this, this is going w– be–ond Meursaults level.”
“Faust does h–e to agree. Dante s—-s to be able to g—er a lot more re—-”
They were talking
Heathcliff…? Faust? They think? There were a lot of voices joining in as the pulsating was
Hurting their
Thoughts.
They couldn't move their body
They
Couldn't move. The pain still didn't exist but the static it
It was there it was in their brain it was everywhere
But this
This
They are
Used to this. This is what
Happens when
When
When they
W hen. T he y. R ev i v.e.
S orr y. He ar t hu rts.
E ver y th ing h ur
Wait
No. No it d o e s nt.
D o esn t hu rt anymore. D o esn 't f eel like a n thing anymore.
“D—-, a— —- –kay s—-l?”
A
Question.
Thumbs up. To th e
V oi ce?
V o I c e.
T h e
R in g I NG
W a s
F am ill ar
T h e
Pa in w as d e c re as ing?
N o t he
W ar mth w a s.
“....W- a— s—p–ng t— t-–t f-r s-f—-y.”
Som e thing.
C licked
O p en
A rms were. Sl I ding? Sl idin g w here
Le gs to o, t he y
Suddenly
THUMP.
A l ou d n oi s e c am e th ro u g h and
“M—G—R E—------E-!”
A d o or
Op e n ed
F oot St e ps. V i br a tons on t he gr oun d.
T h eir che st pr ess ed ag ain st th e fl o or.
W hy
V oi c es.
A nd
St a tic.
“B- Ca-—-l! D- n– for— th— — –ch!”
Or ang e ha ir. S t urdy vo ic e.
Ishmeal?
“Sl–....--ow. Do— —sh it.”
An arm. Came a round th eir shou ld e r.
A n d th en an other.
One had. Th eir sleeves up.
The other h ad. A milit ary tone.
Outis….Heath…?
S lo wly
T h ey moved.
Their ent ire bo dy was pu l sati ng, breat hing, w ar m. To o wa rm too h ot it w as too h ot it was p ulsati ng int o their ve ry brai n and it was only sta tic
Ev er yth ing was st atic and tick ing a nd war mt h and bu zz ing and
Soft
S om e thing
Soft.
“I rec—me-d that the M—-ger r-sts for a mo—-nt.”
“....I agree.”
A calm male and a calm female voice. Or
M aybe they weren't that gender? T h ey cer tainly weren't.
….Ni ce to se e the m get along.
They relaxed
And
Silently. They star ed at the star ri ght before them, glowing so heavenly Into its usual colors, comfo rting them from the heavy static and ringing.
It was vibrating. Making a low humming noise that they couldn't recognize.
It didn't hurt to look at. Even if the colors were bright.
Theirs.
A comfort only meant for them. Glowi ng only for their Clock.
A rare indu lgenc e.
And they would indulge in it for a few more seconds, floating in this space that only belonged to them.
The ticking seemed s o far away now.
….Nice.
Felt nice, the silence.
So rare.
But
They needed to return to reality soon, huh? Can't leave the Sinners all on their own.
Slowly breathing, Dante tried focusing back on sensation.
On normalcy.
One breath in
One breath out
Three second rule.
….
“...Sorry about the betting pool. It kinda sucked honestly."
“N-No, It's…we participated. We were practically enabling you, Rodya.”
“I am ashamed to say, but I did get carried away. I should have not bet on the failure or win of the Manager, no matter the outcome.”
The warmth changed now.
It wasn't the warmth of the pain blooming in their stomach, but something else.
Something they couldn't place.
Something they couldn't name.
…They were happy that the Sinners were getting along.
“It seems that the Manager is regaining a proper breathing cycle and isn't shaking as much. They will probably awake soon.”
“Then we should not assault their eyesight with the bright colors of these lights. If you could?”
“Of course~! I'll try and keep my voice down. I am used to being silent, though.”
….
Nicer now.
The room wasn't blinding them.
Another breath as the static finally started to ebb away bit by bit, leaving them to be able to move their fingers
Their arms
Their legs.
Their head.
Simply breathing as everything returned to them, leaving the strange leftover warmth of the static behind.
Dante finally didn't feel like a TV screen stuck on the first channel, groaning quietly as a weak hand came up to their throbbing clock.
<Urrrrgh…>
They could practically feel the eyes on them, but they politely ignored those for now to focus on their pounding Prosthetic.
Not exactly hurting, but almost certainly bringing way too much pressure to what they could call their brain.
Did they have a brain?
Did stupid questions mean that they were properly conscious now?
Quickly, they tried sitting up-
And that’s static and dizziness, nope nope nope back down-
A low murmur left them as a hand nudged their torso back down, silently breathing as they turned their head over to that person.
“...Dante?”
Outis.
<Hhhheyyyyyyy….>
There was no real pride or impressed stare in her face, simply staring down at the clock who looked drunk.
They couldn't get drunk from their knowledge but that's beside the point-
“MANAGER ESQUIREEEE-!!!!! You have awoken!!!!”
AH-
A sudden pair of vicious arms grabbed onto the couch, standing over them like a prized possession with the most concerned expression in the world.
Determined, yet looking ready to sob in the next ten seconds if something wasn't leaving their non-existent mouth in that time.
Well, they…did need to-
<Oh, Don-...>
“DON'T APOLOGIZE!!! We have all been so very concerned!!! Even Miss Faust!”
Don shook her head intensely, putting a hand on their shoulders and indirectly pointing at Faust.
They couldn't help but follow over to that, seeing that very blank stare morph into something they couldn’t quite read.
Especially now that she averted her eyes like the sight was physically hurting her.
Or the statement. Both seemed plausible.
“That is…Debatable.”
Faust only sighed before approaching them, not addressing the statement at hand at all and looking down at them like a sad potato.
They felt like a sad potato. A full bag of them at least.
“I apologize for immediately questioning you in a state like this, but Faust has to know if anything still hurts after the test.”
Uhhh.
Uhhhhhhhh
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-
<Uuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhh….>
“Yeah no, give Manager bud a few more seconds. I don't think they are in a state of…proper communication.”
Thankyouhurzdgsshssjsj-
Dante didn’t see Gregor but the words spoken were like the ambrosia of the world as of currently.
Even if they had no idea what those words meant.
So, they laid for a few more minutes, massaging their torso quietly and absently checking the pulse on their neck again.
They couldn't really massage their forehead, so they decided to not look like a dunce for ten seconds in favor of their own health.
…Feeling the pulse was always a comforting thing. Made them feel alive in a manner they usually ignored.
Human. In some way.
Even if they aren't anymore.
When the headache decided to not pulsate like a beating heart against their components, they finally decided to go after the question.
Really thinking about it.
…Technically, nothing hurt. It pulsated, sure. It was uncomfortable-
But…
<It…doesn't.>
It was truthful, as truthful as they could muster up in this moment with a clock full of honey-laced fog.
Faust seemed to be satisfied with that simple response, simply giving a nod and gesturing to their position on the couch.
“That is good. If nothing hurts, you may try to sit up properly if you do not feel as ill anymore.”
“And do so slowly. Or else you'll just get dizzy again.”
Outis butted in indirectly, carrying that same strict and commanding voice, laced with a concern they still didn't completely get.
They weren't physically hurt. Nothing was broken.
What's the rush-?
<Sorry->
Dante mumbles out anyway.
“...You are forgiven.”
Are they?
Carefully, deciding that they didn't want another dosage of fresh dizziness, they took a few more seconds than necessary to sit up.
Pushing themself up from the cushions, scooting back on the pillows, giving themself the grace of leaning against them.
A singular sigh escaped them as they rubbed the top of their burning head.
They had important questions to ask and now they were finally in the position to do so.
<Uhm, what…What exactly happened-?>
Because that was a question they had in the back of their mind for a while.
They remembered stinging.
Pain. Static. Blurriness. Voices. Warmth.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
“C.H.N.F. Rather impressive with how long this went.”
Dante stared at Ryoshu, who was currently lighting another cigarette and disregarding another into a rather full ashtray.
They…you know what, they weren’t gonna do this today-
<Please in proper…English, Korean-? I'm currently not awake enough for this…>
They swore they could hear Ryoshu chuckle at that small comment, with the sword shaking in a responsive manner.
Araya must be annoyed.
“She said that you, uhm…nearly fainted. Actually, you might have now that I'm thinking about it-”
Dante raised their hand and then lowered it again, because they properly wouldn't remember so anyway.
“Yeah. Somehow, that ain't the most concerning part of this shit.”
They snapped their head over to Heathcliff and immediately regretted it with the wave of nausea that befell them from the movement.
He sounded somewhat angry though and they quietly wondered if it was at them or the experiment.
Maybe at them. Not like they didn't agree to the test. It was their idea.
Yet, Heathcliff's comment did make them raise their head.
<Ittt’s…not?>
“No, that event is not even close to the results we have gotten from the machine after the test.”
HUGH-
They
May have heavily yelped when Hohenheim and Alyssa came out of nowhere.
They spawned in beside them, THEY SWEAR-
Today they decided to ignore the chuckle from Alyssa that seemed to turn nervous when she pulled out her notepad, probably not having the best time of her life.
“I got to be honest, the results genuinely kind of horrified me even if I was the one who got excited-”
Dante noted that she was heavily averting her eyes away from them.
They couldn't really place why, but it might either be second-hand embarrassment or shame, which she really shouldn't be feeling.
Again, they agreed, so-
“That is understandable. Not even I could predict such…intensive results.”
Hohenheim hummed, slowly going over his tablet and tapping things that they could never fathom.
But also they
Couldn't really understand what he was talking about anyway.
They kinda did need to know what results there are after passing out on their poor floor that was probably cleaned to perfection.
Looking around, they muttered as they couldn't seem to spot their handy tablet for communication, scratching the back of their burning clock.
<Uhh...can't reach my tablet- What- What results? Please. I don't speak scientist.>
“Dante is requesting a proper answer of the results.”
Faust decided to be a savior, speaking right for them in the most simplistic way possible.
As always. Saying it how the company would like it.
“If all the results have gotten out correctly after the test has succeeded…then you have far surpassed every single one of the Sinners pain tolerance combined.”
HUH.
HUH??????
WHAT???? HUH????
It was like the room turned into a cacophony of flinches and confused and shocked stares as Rodya was the first to express her disbelief.
“Wait- Every single one-?!”
Hohenheim nodded way too calmly.
“Indeed. It surprised me too, believe me. The fact it went beyond you Sinners…made me come to some interesting conclusions.”
There was something in his face that alluded to a hint of melancholy, but it quickly faded as he tapped around on his tabler.
So much speaking yet no answers whatsoever.
That is the way of the smart people, they suppose.
“If you could indulge us in these conclusions?”
At least Faust was keeping track of everything.
“Yes, give me a second to get the notes down-”
Alyssa quietly huffed, properly going through her notes now while the other Sinners seemed to be talking among themself.
Eagerly awaiting results.
Well, if they got a moment-
Dante grunted as they readjusted their sitting position, shaking off the rest of the bleariness while adjusting their crumpled coat.
Properly sitting up now, sitting politely by putting their hands together and waiting for the results and conclusions.
Honestly, they…hoped they weren't too severe. They had been here for a while and they still had some Sinners to go through.
Even if they preferred it wouldn't be that way.
“One of the more important notes that I got is that…Well, I might as well ask-”
Alyssa sighed, fully turning to them with a crease in her brow and a rather confused expression.
“Dante?”
They tilted their head upwards.
<Hm-?>
“Why did you not alert us to stop the procedure once you reached your limit?”
Dante
May have mentally froze on that one.
<Well- I-...uhm.>
What
Were they supposed to exactly say to that? I mean- They mean-
It wasn’t that bad. It was just the usual revival pains that lurched in their stomach and made them feel warm!
It was most literally nothing special that they didn’t grow used to before, so…there was just no need to, was there?
There was nothing to say.
<I didn't think it was necessary, and->
“Manager, in what universe would alerting us to your breaking point be not necessary?”
Outis seemed to be not happy with that response, among many others.
Immediately stepping forward, crossing her arms and pulling one out to gesture with a flat hand, as if scolding a simple soldier-
Yet still authoritative. Calm in an aggressive way. Strictness melting into a form of confusion that they still didn't get.
And of course, they would defend themself. Because it wasn't that bad.
Truly not.
<Look, it's not like I wasn't struggling to think at that point-!>
“You seemed perfectly fine to give us some bloody thumbs up right before ya collapsed.”
<I->
Dante let out an exasperated sigh.
Especially at Heathcliff's comment, paired with an expression that spoke of annoyance more than ever.
They stopped for a moment, clasping the side of their head with their Clock, resting their arm against their knee.
…..It…they just. Didn't…they did this before.
Everyone saw this before.
…So, why-
“...Dante. Why didn't you alert us? Alyssa and Hohenheim would have stopped the procedure."
Ishmael's question really did seem that simple.
“Why didn't you alert us, Dante? Why didn't you think of giving a sign, Dante? Why didn't you alert us to the thing we usually brush over, Dante”
“Why are you so FUCKING DUMB, DANTE-”
They shook their head. No point in getting angry over any of this.
They chose this. They chose to do this test and clearly failed in the regard of not worrying anyone.
So. Might as well be honest about it.
Because the answer was as simple as always.
<....It didn't seem that bad.>
“Huh-?”
Ishmeal and the Sinners seemed to be getting more confused as the conversation went on.
They felt sorry in a way, but bluntness was necessary in a situation like this.
<It simply felt like I was reviving you all. It…felt comfortable. Warm. It didn't- it didn't hurt as much.>
They remember it very clearly. How revival usually went.
A warmth spreading through their chest at the smaller injuries. Feeling choked when they were strangled or frowned. A broken arm turning into a small itch.
Normality of sorts, a pain that stops becoming a pain but simply an obstacle to go through.
<More like…a flower blooming in my chest. And at one point, it just->
The feeling stops existing. Or it becomes smaller.
Like it never existed. Like it simply vanished without a trace, making sure that it never even reaches their head.
<...It cuts out. My legs first and then the rest of my body. It didn’t come to an unbearable point.>
At one point it did.
Multiple points actually.
Every time that point is reached, their brain simply decides that they cannot do this anymore and lets them rest.
If only for a few more minutes before they have to exist again.
<I wasn't feeling anything I didn't feel before.>
Simple. Straightforward. As a Manager should be.
And not a single lie told, mind you!
<Hence I didn't alert you. Because there was nothing to alert you too.>
And that's all that needed to be said, was it not?
For a moment after they said it, it seemed to be nothing more than silence, the Sinners carrying quite the unreadable expressions.
Just while Alyssa was writing down notes more slowly, constantly looking at Dante in a way they couldn't describe either.
They…didn't really get it?
Weren't they aware of what happens at revival? They should be. Everyone has seen their reaction before.
“That's, uh- …Absolutely not good, actually-?!”
Sinclair was the first to speak up with a horrified expression on his face, gesturing at Dante before grabbing his own jacket, rubbing it between his fingers.
What was there to be horrified about? Perhaps they were too descriptive-
“Bud, I think that actually is much worse if ya just said that you didn't wanna tell us...”
Okay maybe they were too descriptive.
But it wasn't-
“May we get the context here? We sadly can't speak Clock.”
Oh yeah. They couldn't- right, they didn't even use the translation on the tablet. Because-
Wait where was the tablet actually.
Dante frantically looked around, peeking over the couch and looking over the couch cushions to desperately find the one communication device they had.
As they currently could not spot the one object they truly needed in this situation, they looked over to Faist.
Hoping the frantic ticking would give enough of a message.
Which luckily, it seemed to be.
“Dante says that the pain was bearable the entire time and that the mind simply stopped communicating pain after a certain point, as well as everything else.”
There was a quiet, mostly knowing silence between the Sinners while the duo stated curiously.
Hohenheim seeming to squint more than they think was necessary, putting a thoughtful hand on his chin.
“...Hm. So, you dissociated out of it?”
They quietly nodded, deciding to relax back a bit while their gloved hands fiddled by themself, hoping to find a distraction among all the talking.
Too much talking if they would give their opinion for once.
Even if they weren't gonna speak it-
“Honestly, it's not entirely unusual for the brain to do that before death. It sometimes even causes hallucinations to…comfort a person.”
Alyssa grimaces at Hohenheim’s words, despite him only speaking the honest truth.
Infact, her expression seemed to only grow more troubled and confused as the conversation continued, looking at her notes.
Some Sinners like Don seemed to even be looking over them with her, tapping her pen against it right before forcing her gaze up.
“Okay, I do not want to sound rude as hell right now, but wouldn't you feel if your leg just cut out?”
Well
Yes, you would. They did.
Buttttt-
“I mean- If you knew this was happening, why didn't you alert us then? Sounds like something to alert us to, y'know!”
Alyssa sounded pretty assured of her answer, which was plausible in the context of any other situation.
For Dante, it was actually far from it.
They shook their head confused, tilting their head to the side.
<No, it's…not?>
Don was probably giving the loudest gasp in the room currently, pushing Alyssa nearly into Hohenheim as she strude forward to the Manager.
Carrying that same, stubborn expression as she pointed right at them with an accusing finger.
NOT THEIR FAULT???
“Manager Esquire, why would the disjointness of thou clear mind be unimportant to our fellow ears-?!”
WELL. IT WASN’T. NECCESSARY???
Dante could barely shot up their hands as she pressed her hands against her waist, looking like she was about to accuse them of horrible murder.
And it's not like they were good at defending themself either in the heat of the moment-
Spare them, P L E A S E.
<I- Look, it's just- we->
Dante stuttered along with frantic ticks, looking around frantically for an answer they didn't have and would not get lime this-
So, they waved her off, lowering their head and clutching it with one of their gloves.
<One- One Second. Please.>
….
Reluctantly, Don nodded, gicing a small yet concerned sigh as she took a step back, especially due to Faust guiding her away.
There was a small nod coming from the others and now that they weren't bombarded with questions, they could finally earth for that STUPID TABLET-
WHERE IS IT. THEY HAD IT. THEY KNOW THEY LEFT IT SOMEWHERE-
AH!!!
Dante nearly triumphantly shot their arms in the air as they found it right behind the couch, deciding to not question the location as of currently.
They had more important matters to attend at the moment!
Grabbing the tablet, Dante carefully wrote down everything they needed, putting up one finger to excuse themselves…
Before finally sending it to voice.
<[It is simply due to the fact that this is something that happens all the time. After fights. During fights. It is simply one of the]>
….
They hesitated.
This wasn't exactly a subject that they discuss…a bunch. Even in their consultation sessions.
Something that will happen. Something that can't be stopped. Something-
“One of the…?”
They could barely huff as Ishmeal tilted her head to the side with a curious expression mixed with the quiet lining of her lips.
Take your time. Better like this before you say something wrong again. Or type. Type right now.
<[It is simply one of the things that can't be prevented. Usually, I am better at controlling this, so I do apologize for this incident.]>
….The silence stretched on for too long in their personal opinion.
It truly was nothing special and they have been doing this for over a year now, haven’t they? Nearly two. Perhaps two.
Why was everyone caring now? Because they showed a more violent reaction towards something that's supposed to test their limit?
Because they didn't say anything? For something they have gotten used to?
For something people wanted them to do?
What do they even WANT from them anymore-?
They were supposed to work. To go along. But now they are not? NOW it's concerning?
Just because they saw it in front of their very own eyes?
Oh, please, they-
“That is not entirely correct, Dante.”
Dante lifted their head towards the voice.
Meursault.
The one who had not spoken much beforehand, seemingly having just waited in his regular position the entire time.
Looking just as calm now, even whike giving such a cryptic reply.
<What? What- What part of that…isn't Correct?>
Dante stuttered out, arms on their knees and hands slowly resting on the couch as he approached them with relatives calmness.
Just like protocol, without a single emotion clear in his face beside a small tint of…
Strictness? Familiarity?
Something like that.
“You assume that these things cannot be prevented. While you are correct on the fact that minimal damage of each Sinner is near impossible, the success rate of a fight can change the ‘inevitable’ pain you will have to revive.”
….
They tapped their leg quietly.
Not incorrect. No. It's logical even, they would give him that.
"It is not a need to suffer through and after fights if the Sinners overall performance is better.”
But that still doesn't mean-
<I get your point, but->
Outis didn't seem to care much for their opinion, or maybe she was just way too smart for their mind to handle as she easily spoke over them.
“Meursault is correct. While I do often go over the utter incompetence of the others-”
“Oy, Watch it-”
“I…will say that it has massively improved from the past battles, which gave us a bigger survival rate.”
That
Isn't often.
That Outis actually compliments the team in any way, getting a soft gasp from Rodya and Don as their smiles definitely grew a lot more.
She politely averted her eyes from the sight, getting a gentle thumbs up from Hong Lu and Yi Sang.
“Which means we can reach a point where such a state can be perfectly prevented.”
Outis smiled, as if that was truly the final, perfect answer.
‘Oh, it's less damage now. We won't die so often. So it's okay now. So it's fine now.’
Something build in their stomach, something they would now prefer to be the blooming warmth of revival pains.
It hurt in an uncomfortable way, just like everything else did.
Dante shrugged.
<...I guess?>
….Maybe, They felt guilty for the way the Sinners expressions fell at such a simple, unimportant comment.
A Manager usually puts more effort into not dissapointing their Sinners.
Didn't you learn?
Outis quietly looked at them, putting her arms behind her back and seeming to have the patience of a saint.
One that they definitely didn't deserve.
“You sound rather unsure. Do you not trust us?”
WHAT.
WAIT NO that's notthemessagetheywantedtogive-
Fix it fix it fix it you dumb CLOCK-
<wHAT- Nono, I do!! It’s just- I don't…mind you guys getting hurt. Or- What I mean is->
Dante took a deep, shaky sigh as they clutched their Clock again, looking around frantically and gesturing so wildly that they might start to hit something.
They did! They trusted their Sinners with their entire soul and body and clock! How would one even ASSUME that they didn't-????
They
They needed to talk properly.
Deep breath.
In. And out. Your fine. This is fine. Explain yourself and then it's fine.
<I can handle revival, is what I mean. You do not have to be more careful on my behalf. It is fine.>
That's better.
Dante gestured more properly, putting a hand on their chest and resting one arm on their legs as they tried their best to get the point across.
Faust seems to be communicating-
“Dante says that it would be fine for them to go through pain for us if we perform poorly.”
M
MEAN TO THEM????? SERIOUSLY????
<NOT WHAT I SAID????>
Dante could only watch in excasperated confusion as her words were received as fact by Hohenheim and Alyssa, quietly nodding along as if that wasn't the most wrong thing ever.
Or- it wasn't wrong but- STILL, it was so much meaner than what they said! AND SHE DIDN’T SAY IT COMPLETELY RIGHT!!!
“Well, yes. The Sinners are correct. Revival cannot be prevented as well as reversing injuries, but it would be kind of like a test.”
Hohenheim hummed though fully, tapping along his tablet and gicing a rare smile of his towards them, seeming to start agreeing to some kind of idea.
At least Hong Lu seemed to be curious.
“Oh, a test? What kind~?”
Alyssa chuckled again too, showing her notebook freely and resting a hand on her hip as she gestured to the other Sinners with confidence.
Maybe, it's something actually go-
“Well, if you guys learn to dodge enough, you probably don't even need revival! It'll be like training for your future battles!”
Wa
Wait.
What?
No
No revival? No need to rewind injuries or
Make sure that every little cut is gone?
No need to feel their ribs break as the warmth flooded through, watching the Sinners injuries fade and their faces get lighter again and
Seeing the
Happiness on their faces
If revivals aren't there then
Their Clock
Their use
They would he usel
<Wait- that's…that's not…>
Dante stuttered out, slowly getting up as they reached out unconsciously to the ones they are supposed to be leading.
Leading that needy hand quickly back to grip their arm was surprisingly an easy task though, constant nervous ticking coming from them.
For once, they are utterly grateful to not have a readable expression.
Don easily was the first to notice this with her unique skill, face turning into a concerned pout at this simple motion.
“Dante, is there something amiss with the lack of bloodshed-?”
Ryoshu huffed out a cigarette, seeming more than unhappy about that simple comment as she brushed the tip off on a nearby table.
“Most definitely. F.S.”
“Miss Ryoshu, I was not referring to thou-”
Dante sighed.
No, they- they should listen.
They need to listen. They need to go along. That's what they are good for, no?
<It’s- No, it's…it’s fine.>
It's fine.
It's fine that they don't want them to be in so much pain.
It's fine that they aren't considering the use of their Clock.
It's
It's fine. It's fine. They are fine with this. It's not like that promise is gonna be kept. It's not like they aren't gonna die again and the revival will happen and
Haha
Haha aaaa haaa
It's fine.
They are fine. This won't change anything.
Just
Give a satisfactory response for their efforts, as they are trying so hard to be kind.
Don't be selfish now, you stupid piece of sh
<Just a bit surprised at the effort you guys all put in for this plan.>
Dante huffed more gently, rubbing the back of their head as they were now properly standing, stuffing one hand back in their pocket.
Perhaps gripping the fabric a but too hard.
Not like anyone would see, huh?
Ishmeal huffed at the comment, clearly not completely satisfied but accepting it for their sake.
“Wha- Of course we would! There is no point in getting you unnecessarily hurt, Dante. Especially now when we are working better together.”
Sinclair nodded steadily, Continuing on while giving a quick nod back towards Ishmeal.
“And with… how much effort you put into leading us. Genuinely, it’s been great.
Man, they are truly trying to get them to blush-
“Hah! It's a risk and reward thing, baby! Just another thing I can put on my dopamine list.”
Of course, their dearest gambler snickered, wearing that proud smile whike her comment actually did make them a bit happier.
Despite that, Sinclair very quickly nudged Rodya at her comment for safety, getting a quick confused stare before quickly widening her eyes in realisation.
A nervous chuckle escapes her, as genuine as can be.
“And- And of course to prevent you pain. is what I mean. Sorry.”
Dante nodded gently, having already gotten her point over five seconds ago. In the kindest way possible.
For once, Faust seemed to agree with everyone, giving a nod herself and a look over to the others.
“Faust finds all of these statements to be correct for once. We are at an advantage if we prevent too much reversal.”
Gregor seemed to be going along as well, giving a quick nudge to the shoulder as he seemed to be in a much better mood than he was previously.
“Yeah, Manager bud. We will…try to be careful for ya. Somehow.”
Discussion seemed to spark among the Sinners, Hohenheim and Alyssa sharing a satisfied and eager smile for once as they worked together.
…If they got to be honest.
They still didn't quite get it.
What would any of this truly change? They would still need to revive, especially with the harder foes ahead, probably able to rip everyone apart in a second.
They would simply need to do their job, no matter how well the Sinners played their parts.
…Alas, resisting is pointless now, isn’t it?
If the Sinners want something, they will do everything in their power to get to that point, especially if it means using a hundred arguments.
And today, they didn't want to bother arguing about the lack of sense this entire conversation made.
Maybe, something would come for it.
Gotta stay positive after all.
That's all they could do.
For now, they simply typed on their device though.
<[This will suffice. Then, we have a solution to keep the pain levels down to a minimum, Hohenheim and Alyssa.]>
Alyssa simply gave a nod in response, pulling up her notepad once again and flicking through the many pages and contents.
Letting out at least one exhausted huff after the whole conversation, one which they could perfectly relate to.
“That sounds good, at least for now…”
Hohenheim hummed in response, waving it off more than anything as of right now.
‘Mhm. Now that we’ve done the whole talking and waiting for your Manager to wake up, we still have some candidates who haven't gone through. So…”
Oh yeah, the one thing they axtually really didn't want, perfect-
Urgrhrghhrgrhrrh-
“Ah, shit- I'll, uh…I'll bite. Let's get this over with.”
Gregor seemed to be volunteering despite everything, walking away from them and carefully brushing over his bug arm.
Perhaps, trusting him to do this test was…good? They didn't know.
They genuinely didn't.
“Take care, Manager bud. I'll be right back.”
Gregor waved to everyone, simply getting some small comments here and there and-
“BE ON YOUR GUARD, GREGOR!!! DON'T LET THE EVIL SPIRITS FALL UPON THOU-”
“Ah, Lad, don't scream in my damn ear-!!”
…
Dante sat back again, relaxing against the cushions of the couch as the room filled with discussions, discussions and more discussions.
A simple routine that never seemed to stop, even outside of the bus and every mission they ever went on.
….At least they know their pain limit? Maybe? They are unsure if the results they have gotten really count as answers.
They’ll accept it for now. Not like they got much of a choice.
…
As long as their Sinners are happy with the results they've got now, they'll try believing in it.
Even if they knew it won't stay for long.
Especially not until the golden Bough.
But
They'll bite.
As they always do.