[He finally does open the door, peering down at her with those red eyes of his....girl......]
Big talk for an L Corp employee. [A scoff.] Or did you knock your head when you arrived here and forget about living in the City? My services as a Fixer don't come cheap, bodyguard or otherwise.
[ malkuth freezes, fist still raised as she stares at him, and then it drops as she steps back.
yeah, not how she wanted this day to go. this is fine. she won't lie if asked about it, after all. there's no point. ]
As a Sephirah, I didn't fight. My employees did. My job was just to gauge energy output levels, manage my respective division, and ensure the smoothness of operations so that everyone else who worked below me level wise could do their job right.
[ even though she's the only one who ever cared about the code of conduct she'd written out, anxious to remain a model example at the very top. the ground floor level space she has in the library doesn't ask that of her, and instead... if she were to think about it, feels as if she's supporting them in a different way. ]
But that aside, I do have combat experience -- I'm just a little wary of Outsiders [ haha it's what they are ] from the City. Sorry. Can I make it up to you with lunch or something on the way back? I'd just like to take some pictures of the buildings out there.
Mm. Management position. Wonder why you decided to act as if you're just a simple civilian, then. What do you have to hide?
[He doesn't even mind her working for L Corp. Yuri was an employee, too. But its the lying by omission that makes his annoyance tick up, especially given all her innocent questions about the City.]
[He heaves a sigh.]
Why me? Ishmael is here in this place. I think you must have met. You could ask her. Better her than roping a Color into your little photo tour.
We have met, and... she's the reason I'm wary. But I do think she's a good person, and I'd like to be friends with her. We're just both pretty headstrong.
[ really have to work for it. it's fine. malkuth is impatient about some things and patient about this. it's okay. you can't force someone to feel differently about you. that's... from experience. ]
Anyway, why don't you tag along and find out? You know as a Color that management has all sorts of things it needs to keep a company secret, don't you? Fixers are on a need to know basis.
[(verg voice) EVEN WORSE THAN ISHMAEL!!!! (no maybe not really)]
Tch. [He still looks a little like he doesn't really want to be here...this was his wallow in despair time...4 hour period of the day....crossed off on the schedule...] So you're dangling intel in front of me? You've already lied about yourself. Why should I believe what you say?
It's for you to decide what you do and don't believe. I'm not gonna be able to change your mind if you think what I say isn't true anyway -- holding info above your head is pretty Wing-like though, huh?
[ malkuth sizes him up for a moment, then turns and has a slow start off. just to see if he'll come. ]
What you need to know, I'll answer. L. Corp is long gone anyway, so it's not like I'm under NDA or anything like that. And I didn't really lie to you, I just played dumb to see what you thought of the City. Everything I said about myself is true.
[ honestly really thinking about it. she hears it slide shut. she could just go, and she wouldn't have to deal with his prying. colors have historically been worse off for her than not (love you gebura) but
well, that stuff didn't matter right now. she's staring down the door, giving him a sense of security. of false hope. ]
Because I know what happens when people from the City are left to their own devices, left to sit and wallow, or rot, or whatever else, and I refuse to look away from it!
[ bitch
an exhale. ]
I did enough of that working at L. Corp. And... I have questions for you, too. Ones better spoken away from people.
[Fine. Fine. He's throwing open the door and slamming it behind him, glowering unhappily as he's sliding his gladius in his back holster. The vibes are Rancid.]
[ absolutely rancid. malkuth huffs under her breath, but gestures ahead of her. ]
The teleporters don't go all the way out there, so we'll be taking a short ride the rest of the trip. Why don't you relax a little? I won't be long, I'm just finishing documenting the things that people had to leave behind.
[ ... but they can be off this time, quietly, until they're stuck in the elevator for a moment. ]
Ishmael said that L. Corp is gone when she is. [ well, the library, but same deal. ] What about you?
[He only lets out a non-committal grunt, stewing in his own angry guy thoughts.]
[The question does make him raise his head, and after a moment, he nods.]
We come from the same Company. And yes. It's gone for good. Nothing but ruins, now, with Abnormalities prowling the hallways and some leftover employees.
[ so in other words, she was right to be careful about her Library involvement from the start. ishmael seemed to have something about it... he might, too. but that does narrow down the list of things she needs to ask. ]
It didn't dissolve the way we hoped it would. [ the day still rings so clearly in her mind, staring at her reflection in the metallic surface.
who does she see, really? who's body is it? hers now, but in memory... ] But the Abnormalities should have been properly taken care of, so I'm sorry the aftermath hasn't been so clean.
[ every facility had the same guidelines, after all. she would know. there isn't a code malkuth isn't familiar with, as long as it was part of the corporation's official dealings. ]
But that means you know about the Library as well. If you meet anyone else claiming to be from L. Corp, they don't have anything to do with it -- so leave them be, okay? I'm the only one that knows anything about what goes on there.
[ so to say. the best way to say it, while they cross through the lower end and out into the city once more. but malkuth's relieved that vergilius, at least, won't... do anything. she still doesn't want netzach and yesod to seem like they know her though; ishmael had been hotheaded at the start, if she knew that those two would become connected to the Library...
there's plenty of things wrong with l corp anyway. ]
I was part of the main branch when it was still up and running. The Library stands basically where the former Lobotomy Corporation once stood, so you could say it was just a natural progression of events. Do you know if anything's taken its place yet?
[See, there's the problem. If she was only L Corp, that would be fine. But the Library is something that grates on his soul. The source of something that caused him so much despair.]
[He might tell her about the Library. He might say that there are rumors its not really gone. But she withheld information from him, and he, untrusting, only sees fit to return the favor.]
not entirely true, she guesses, and she amends the factual statement. ]
Not after they've been booked, I mean. We've had people leave before... they always came back, as if drawn, but once they're sealed away that's that. Or at least, I thought that was the case.
[ ishmael had said otherwise, and. maybe the people who get booked don't die like she keeps thinking they do. but she'd have to ask angela for sure, since she'd know the answer, and angela isn't here. simply assuming based on others' experience is another thing. ]
Ishmael told me... that someone she knew did, which would be a relief if they're telling her the truth! But as far as we know, or knew, they don't.
[ ... well. malkuth doesn't answer until they've come to the teleporter out, searching for the outer most area in the district within an easier walking distance of a bus. she thinks of the WARP trains and wonders if vergilius knows their secret. ]
I don't know much of what happens before someone arrives, unless I'm told, but it seems like she was escaping a situation that would've ended worse than what would've happened to her with us. If they aren't really dead when we book them, and they are just asleep or something... if she knew that somehow, then it's the best outcome for anyone on the run.
[ for whatever reason that run is. ]
I didn't fight her. [ there's no way gebura would let her. stronger or not, Colors are on a different level. ] It was an amazing battle to watch, and I can really see why the people who are chosen to be Colors are chosen, but it ended the same as anyone else: the Purple Tear lost, and we obtained her book.
[ ... okay. hope he's ready to teleport because she's clicking a button and sending them out!!! whoo. different than kaito's portals. worse. ]
[He follows, listlessly - its truly in these moments he seems more corpse than human, something reanimated.]
An amazing match to watch.
[He repeats, hollow - would anyone say that about her and him, and what happened to that orphanage? He can scarcely believe she lost.]
[He's trying to find words when she presses the button, and he only lets out a low noise of surprise before they come back - he feels his stomach lurch, and he stagger for a moment, trying to collect himself.]
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[He finally does open the door, peering down at her with those red eyes of his....girl......]
Big talk for an L Corp employee. [A scoff.] Or did you knock your head when you arrived here and forget about living in the City? My services as a Fixer don't come cheap, bodyguard or otherwise.
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yeah, not how she wanted this day to go. this is fine. she won't lie if asked about it, after all. there's no point. ]
As a Sephirah, I didn't fight. My employees did. My job was just to gauge energy output levels, manage my respective division, and ensure the smoothness of operations so that everyone else who worked below me level wise could do their job right.
[ even though she's the only one who ever cared about the code of conduct she'd written out, anxious to remain a model example at the very top. the ground floor level space she has in the library doesn't ask that of her, and instead... if she were to think about it, feels as if she's supporting them in a different way. ]
But that aside, I do have combat experience -- I'm just a little wary of Outsiders [ haha it's what they are ] from the City. Sorry. Can I make it up to you with lunch or something on the way back? I'd just like to take some pictures of the buildings out there.
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[He doesn't even mind her working for L Corp. Yuri was an employee, too. But its the lying by omission that makes his annoyance tick up, especially given all her innocent questions about the City.]
[He heaves a sigh.]
Why me? Ishmael is here in this place. I think you must have met. You could ask her. Better her than roping a Color into your little photo tour.
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[ really have to work for it. it's fine. malkuth is impatient about some things and patient about this. it's okay. you can't force someone to feel differently about you. that's... from experience. ]
Anyway, why don't you tag along and find out? You know as a Color that management has all sorts of things it needs to keep a company secret, don't you? Fixers are on a need to know basis.
[ nevermind how high you go. ]
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[(verg voice) EVEN WORSE THAN ISHMAEL!!!! (no maybe not really)]
Tch. [He still looks a little like he doesn't really want to be here...this was his wallow in despair time...4 hour period of the day....crossed off on the schedule...] So you're dangling intel in front of me? You've already lied about yourself. Why should I believe what you say?
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[ malkuth sizes him up for a moment, then turns and has a slow start off. just to see if he'll come. ]
What you need to know, I'll answer. L. Corp is long gone anyway, so it's not like I'm under NDA or anything like that. And I didn't really lie to you, I just played dumb to see what you thought of the City. Everything I said about myself is true.
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[he is]
[closing the door as she walks away I'M SORRY PART OF HIM JUST WANTS TO SEE IF SHE WILL GO AWAY OR COME RIGHT BACK]
1/2
well, that stuff didn't matter right now. she's staring down the door, giving him a sense of security. of false hope. ]
2/2
We're going out, Vergilius! I'll make a scene if you don't!
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[SPEAKING THROUGH THE DOOR]
Why do you care so much.
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[ bitch
an exhale. ]
I did enough of that working at L. Corp. And... I have questions for you, too. Ones better spoken away from people.
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[Fine. Fine. He's throwing open the door and slamming it behind him, glowering unhappily as he's sliding his gladius in his back holster. The vibes are Rancid.]
The sooner we get this done, the better.
[#PETULANT #FUCKINGSUCKS #LEAVEHIMALONE]
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The teleporters don't go all the way out there, so we'll be taking a short ride the rest of the trip. Why don't you relax a little? I won't be long, I'm just finishing documenting the things that people had to leave behind.
[ ... but they can be off this time, quietly, until they're stuck in the elevator for a moment. ]
Ishmael said that L. Corp is gone when she is. [ well, the library, but same deal. ] What about you?
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[The question does make him raise his head, and after a moment, he nods.]
We come from the same Company. And yes. It's gone for good. Nothing but ruins, now, with Abnormalities prowling the hallways and some leftover employees.
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It didn't dissolve the way we hoped it would. [ the day still rings so clearly in her mind, staring at her reflection in the metallic surface.
who does she see, really? who's body is it? hers now, but in memory... ] But the Abnormalities should have been properly taken care of, so I'm sorry the aftermath hasn't been so clean.
[ every facility had the same guidelines, after all. she would know. there isn't a code malkuth isn't familiar with, as long as it was part of the corporation's official dealings. ]
But that means you know about the Library as well. If you meet anyone else claiming to be from L. Corp, they don't have anything to do with it -- so leave them be, okay? I'm the only one that knows anything about what goes on there.
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[Weird vague poetic nonsense and all, but he means it. If L Corp didn't fall, then would Limbus Company even exist? Definitely not.]
I know that. An L Corp employee showed us the way, once. [And she was lost.] How did you go from that place to the Library?
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[ so to say. the best way to say it, while they cross through the lower end and out into the city once more. but malkuth's relieved that vergilius, at least, won't... do anything. she still doesn't want netzach and yesod to seem like they know her though; ishmael had been hotheaded at the start, if she knew that those two would become connected to the Library...
there's plenty of things wrong with l corp anyway. ]
I was part of the main branch when it was still up and running. The Library stands basically where the former Lobotomy Corporation once stood, so you could say it was just a natural progression of events. Do you know if anything's taken its place yet?
[ since. the library is apparently gone. ]
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[See, there's the problem. If she was only L Corp, that would be fine. But the Library is something that grates on his soul. The source of something that caused him so much despair.]
[He might tell her about the Library. He might say that there are rumors its not really gone. But she withheld information from him, and he, untrusting, only sees fit to return the favor.]
No. Not as far as I know.
[And a pause.]
Malkuth. How do things escape the Library?
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[ well,
not entirely true, she guesses, and she amends the factual statement. ]
Not after they've been booked, I mean. We've had people leave before... they always came back, as if drawn, but once they're sealed away that's that. Or at least, I thought that was the case.
[ ishmael had said otherwise, and. maybe the people who get booked don't die like she keeps thinking they do. but she'd have to ask angela for sure, since she'd know the answer, and angela isn't here. simply assuming based on others' experience is another thing. ]
Ishmael told me... that someone she knew did, which would be a relief if they're telling her the truth! But as far as we know, or knew, they don't.
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[What a flawless system this Library is.]
[Of course, he has to ask.]
Did you book a lady called the Purple Tear?
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[ unforgettable entrance, really. one of the two reasons she was wary of him. ]
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[Why...why did she....]
[His voice is more hoarse.]
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I don't know much of what happens before someone arrives, unless I'm told, but it seems like she was escaping a situation that would've ended worse than what would've happened to her with us. If they aren't really dead when we book them, and they are just asleep or something... if she knew that somehow, then it's the best outcome for anyone on the run.
[ for whatever reason that run is. ]
I didn't fight her. [ there's no way gebura would let her. stronger or not, Colors are on a different level. ] It was an amazing battle to watch, and I can really see why the people who are chosen to be Colors are chosen, but it ended the same as anyone else: the Purple Tear lost, and we obtained her book.
[ ... okay. hope he's ready to teleport because she's clicking a button and sending them out!!! whoo. different than kaito's portals. worse. ]
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An amazing match to watch.
[He repeats, hollow - would anyone say that about her and him, and what happened to that orphanage? He can scarcely believe she lost.]
[He's trying to find words when she presses the button, and he only lets out a low noise of surprise before they come back - he feels his stomach lurch, and he stagger for a moment, trying to collect himself.]
What the hell...we have to use these things?
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Whew! That really never get easier -- I don't know if I prefer our Head Librarian's teleportation trick or not.
[ easy answer actually she does not prefer it. angela and her trollish ways. ]
And yeah, unless you'd like to spend even more time with me. Let's see... oh, there it is.
[ the bus station....... there's a bench with some civilians on it, waiting, and malkuth stares at them for a moment before looking up at vergilius. ]
Elijah Weiss. What's yours?
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