Chapter Text
It took you a lot of deaths to genuinely realize the personnel back at the main facility has given up on you.
You see, you can't leave the Hadal Blacksite at all unless you have secured the Crystal and made it past the final gauntlet which is the Ridge. Each death was a learning process for you... until the later ones were born out of frustration and desperation to just finish the mission.
And with how many times you died, you were sure the guards were fed up of having to monitor an expendable like you.
Notably, the intercom that usually states your objectives is now dead silent. Every time you start over from the first door, HQ would always say something, be it informative or just random statements. Now you walk in silence, emphasizing the fact you were alone in all of this.
It wasn't bad in the early runs. You had an expedition team.
However, each member died a horrific death. One from the jaws of an Angler, and another turned into swiss cheese by turrets inside a room hijacked by an AI.
You died, of course. In fact, you were the third member who'd gone down. Nobody rescued you when you hid inside a locker which unfortunately had a hidden entity. It promptly squeezed you to death.
But in spite of that death, you're still here, living and breathing, obviously. None of your members experienced the luxury of a second life... err, infinite lives?
The personnel found it a blessing at first, seeing that you can come back to life each death, but now they tire of you. Nothing can justify a "good skill" if whoever wields it is, to put it bluntly, absolutely shit.
In actuality with your whole situation, you weren't the one who kept reviving yourself each time. You're just some lowly, falsely convicted expendable. You've no extraordinary powers at all.
Instead, the guy pulling the strings for you would be Sebastian. He's the snarky shopkeeper who actually has an odd interest in you and is not afraid to insinuate it. If he never set eyes on you, then you'd be definitely joining the fishes with your deceased teammates.
Somehow he can bring you back from the dead, no strings attached. The higher-ups weren't informed of the odd reality-defying quirk he can do, but that's a good thing. The less they know about his doings, the better.
And he's managed to do it, what, twenty times already? It's really awful stuff for you. Death loops are not for the sane.
But Sebastian doesn't see any wrong with what he's doing. He just tells you at least you have so many chances to not fuck up the tedious expedition.
Yet you still manage to do so anyway.
...You suppose it's a plus knowing you won't get executed any time soon if you were to not actually follow through with the mission.
Sure, you're still limited to only the Hadal Blacksite, seeing as if you were to try and dive from the starting point to escape, your gear would detonate without fail. But the good thing is, the personnel tasked with tracking you certainly won't monitor how long you've been idling about in a single place. Regardless, you'd kill to have that gear's dangerous mechanism be removed.
If you were to make an analogy of your situation right now, it's like being under house arrest with a tracker that's being monitored by an authority that went out to get some milk.
With that sad revelation, right now, you've been staying inside Sebastian's shop. He was, to say the least, more than happy to let you stay. As long as you don't steal his wares, you're golden.
...Not like he's expecting you to do that. You've no use for his items with how you fully expect to die in the later rooms. You couldn't even get past the Ridge.
Besides, there's no use angering an ally. Though he's dubious at best, he holds you with so much favoritism. Even if you've actually died by his own hands — more accurately, pistol — he still treats you the same.
Who could blame you though? Playing with the flash beacon is fun!
"You weren't listening to me, were you?"
You snap out of your thoughts and look at the tall angler serpent hybrid from your spot near the vent. He's giving you a disappointed look as seen from the downturn of his mouth and the deliberate squinting of his eyes. All three of his eyes.
He's really scary, but you're more than used to his presence now. He won't hurt you unless you give him a reason to, such as playing around with your oh-so beloved flash beacon.
"Huh? What were you talking about?" you ask, clueless as expected, as you swing your legs while sitting on top of a crate — your crate.
"Pay attention next time," he berates you with a tut, "Anyway, as I was saying... You should come and join me whenever I restock my wares." He repeats, all of his annoyance gone.
"You can get some "fresh air" and stretch your legs too! Maybe even smell the daisies," he adds sarcastically in good humor.
You wish there were flowers here. Oh well.
Regardless, you will always follow him. It does get boring just lounging around in his shop.
"Sure," you tell him and hop off the crate.
"Good. You should go on ahead. I'll just secure the items here."
You nod at his words and grab the keycard on the table. You then crawl into the vent to the other side where the locked door is.
What a familiar layout. Makes you think back of your previous runs. You suppose you're somewhat glad that you don't have anything important to think about lately, besides your survival in this godforsaken place, of course.
All things considered, you're actually doing pretty well. Physically? Definitely great, however you're lacking vitamin D, all because of the fact you haven't seen the sun at all. Mentally? You'll get there, but Sebastian proves to be great company.
Emotionally? Well... doesn't matter! You're fine.
As long as you're under the shopkeeper's care, you're guaranteed to be okay.
Speaking of whom, he's already in front of you, snapping his clawed fingers to get your attention.
"Get any sleep last night? You sureee love to doze off," Sebastian comments teasingly.
"My bad," you apologize and swipe the card into the reader.
The door opens and you step into the next room with the shopkeeper following closely behind.
During the excursion, you actually lost Sebastian, somehow. Or maybe he lost you? Either way, you can't find him, but you managed to find a certain AI's enclosure.
"Oh, it's you."
You clearly remember this little guy's mockery of you whenever it takes over the Internal Defense System or whenever you get duped by a fake door. Good times.
It doesn't like it when someone gets too close to its cell, but right now, you've actually entered. Now you're behind the chain-linked fence with it!
"Eugh, what are you doing!?" the Painter's screen flickers into an annoyed look.
You pat its monitor head absently, "I'm bored," you tell it outright.
"...Me too," it agrees solemnly, its expression flickering into a pensive look.
From the initial hostility it always shows, deep down, you know there's some solidarity between you and it. It just doesn't want to admit it openly. You'll respect that.
You've seen the Painter's document before. It's sad to know it truly just wants to go back to the surface to get the creativity it always wanted to see. It just wants to make art again, as per its original purpose.
Empty promises from the soulless higher-ups. For shame. For shame.
It's no wonder why the AI adopted such personality. You don't blame it.
"So, why are you here?" it asks, finally opting to latch on to your company.
It's just that lonely.
"Me and Sebastian were out restocking supplies. I lost my way."
"What a ditz. How sad," it replies in an indifferent tone.
"Mhm," you just agree with its words as you're already used to its harsh responses.
You pat it again. It sneers.
"Can you QUIT that?" the AI says in an annoyed tone.
"Painter, I'm beyond bored. Don't you have any games in your system?" you ignore its words as you keep patting the surface of its monitor.
It grumbles to itself a static-like sound. You see its eyes closed as it seems to be contemplating something.
"No. I don't have ANY games!" it responds, still eyeing you in disdain, "Your nonsense is starting to bug me."
That sucks. Still, you want to do something with this silly guy to keep it company.
"Okay. How about this: can I ask you to draw things for me?"
It was going to obviously say no, but the word 'draw' seems to be a dog whistle of sorts for it as its expression shows interest.
"Hmm... I don't see why not," it agrees surprisingly easily.
You smile at its agreement, "Let's start then!"
The minutes pass by, and you successfully managed to entertain the Painter. You asked it to draw simple things like an apple and a dog (its own iteration of one), and they all come back detailed as heck.
It's really cool watching the process happen in real time too as it manipulates the paint program on the screen.
Right now, you're watching it draw a rose as per your request. It starts with a sketch that slowly gets detailed overtime. The end result is very pretty, even if it lacks color.
"I like it!" you say that compliment for the umpteenth time. It never fails to flatter the AI.
It clears its screen to reveal its same old scribbled face, and it's smiling!
"Thank you," it says in gratitude, "It's been a LONG time since I've doodled. Even longer time since anyone's asked me to draw..." It tells you, its expression turning into a slight frown.
Oh, you pity it. You won't say that though as it's definitely not looking for that.
"Hey, we can do this again some time. What do you say?" you offer as you stretch your legs to soothe how sore it feels.
"Okayyy... that's a promise from you!"
You nod with a smile, "Yeah! All right, I'll promise to make that come true," you then leave its cell.
And as you do, you hear beeping coming from your wrist. You bring it to your face and see a metal band that's faintly flashing red. You are hit with a realization that Sebastian's tracking you down now. He's alarming you too just so you'll know.
"See ya, Painter! Need to go!" you wave goodbye and leave its room.
Now to reunite with that shopkeeper...
"Finally. You're one slimy thing," Sebastian gets ahold of your hand automatically and pulls you closer to him, "How did you even get to door 84? We were together for a moment, and then you were gone!" He sounds irritated and rightfully so.
"Uh, I got us a medkit...?" you sheepishly tell him, purposefully trying to dance over the conversation.
"..." he knows what you're trying to do which is why he just simply sighs. He extends his arm and ruffles your hair, "That's... acceptable."
You beam at his approval and the aversion of a tense conversation. Though you two had arguments, they never lead to anything damaging. Like right now. What works just works.
"Next time, I'm putting a leash on you," Sebastian warns in jest as he begins to go back to the previous doors with you in his grip.
That threat sounds way scarier than it should be.
"No thanks!" your cheeks burn in embarrassment, "I promise I won't go off anymore!"
He lets out an amused snort and pinches your cheek briefly before continuing with the journey. He opts to use an alternate route instead.
In just several minutes, the two of you are now back in the shop. You help Sebastian put the items aside and put some into the slots on his tail which are ready to be sold. Afterwards, you go sit on your crate near the vent to begin the mundane routine of just waiting once again.
"There should be an expedition team sent into the fray right now," he fills in the dull silence, "It would be mildly impressive if they reach my shop, but I digress."
And that's what you're waiting for: people.
You're so used to being deprived of genuine human interaction that, impressively, you cut it off as being a need for you. Instead, Sebastian's been the real company you needed all this time. Others pale in comparison. Not the silly AI though. You like that guy.
The notion of seeing other people somehow excites you though. Really, the last people you have ever made contact with is the expedition team you were apart of.
At this point, you just want variety to your mundane routine.
Sebastian turns off the light his esca emits, leaving you to settle in the darkness. His eyes strain under the light, so he usually leaves his shop dim until an expendable comes around. You have to adjust instead.
You push yourself further on the crate until your back and diving gear hit the wall. It's the most comfortable position you can get. In the mean time, you'll take a nap.
The whole time, all Sebastian does is just stare at you. He always does whenever you're asleep. Even if it's dark in his shop, he can still see you with his unnatural eyes.
Seeing you so blissful nowadays is a relief to him.
You bless his imprisoned life, don't you know that? A happy you makes a content Sebastian.
At first, you were hard-headed upon hearing the fact there's no point in doing the mission anymore. You fell into the brink of delusion as you tirelessly made it through door after door and still died, never making it past the final section of this damned ruined facility, even if you've secured the Crystal.
His patience paid off though. Sending you back in here — breathing the same air as him — for twenty times was well worth it.
Honestly, he doesn't know why he actually likes you. Maybe it's the fact you were so easy to tease. Your little interaction with him from your first meeting was what set the first sparks of intrigue. His morals are damned as he doesn't care whether you're a criminal or a falsely accused one. What matters is how you exhibit yourself here.
And he found out you're a complete ditz. Adorable too.
Initially, incompetence is a trait he hates, but yours looks endearing, odd as it may sound.
Then the subsequent interactions from subsequent runs made him like you even more, in spite of the fact it was clear to him your mentality is deteriorating.
He wanted to "save" you, but the most he could do was keep bringing you back to life over and over again, even if it does break you. Each death may be relieved shortly because of him, but it doesn't mean every cause of it is something you can erase from your mind.
Still, you living is better than you being permanently dead.
Then again, he was a hypocrite and caused your death once. He killed you because you kept using the flash beacon on him. Wasn't really a big deal since he can bring you back anyway.
...
Now you can't be broken, all because of the fact everyone's abandoned you, leaving you unmonitored. It took twenty deaths for you to realize that, hey, maybe he is the best being you've ever interacted with.
And now you and him are inseparable. You depend on him and he provides for you without any costs except for your companionship.
It's like he struck gold in his miserable life here. You make it more bearable.
His own train of thoughts cut off as he hears the door from afar slide open. These expendables are punctual. How nice.
He calls out to them like he usually does to those poor souls. Then he brings light to the shop with his esca, just in time as the expedition team arrives to his shop through the vent.
"Welcome, welcome!" he clasps his hands, greeting the newcomers with a practiced smile.
It's quite impressive seeing a team of four make it to his shop. It feels even more cramped here.
The expendables look at you first — confused as to why you, another expendable, is here — but eventually all attention is on him.
"I see that all of you are confused, but do not worry! I have no intention of harming all of you despite what you have seen, heard or have been told of!" he speaks the last part a little bit faster, "My name is Sebastian! This is my shop, as you can see. In here, you can buy whatever you'd like, but for a price, of course."
He goes over the introduction and explains to them whatever loose asset they hold — they're what he needs for any transaction here.
Things go over smoothly. He gives them what they need and he gets folders, vials, flash drives — that sort.
They're a very methodical group. They seem very serious of the mission. Oh how he pities all of them.
Until one member speaks all of a sudden, that is.
"Hey, is this one for sale?" the man asks while pointing at your slumped form on the crate, his tone full of humor.
His companions fall into a hushed silence as Sebastian stares at him, expression morphing from being jovial to just unreadable in a fraction of a second.
A joke? He isn't laughing.
"Is your pathetic life for sale?" he retorts with his eyes narrowed, "If you value it, I'd suggest you to tread your words lightly."
Now is that an overreaction? Obviously. It's been a long time since he's ever had an outburst. Maybe he should have moved your crate next to him within his range.
He'll consider that once these suckers just buzz off and continue with their fruitless endeavor. He hopes the oh-so funny man dies to the Painter's shenanigans.
The group eventually leaves to traverse the next doors. He moves your crate next to the spot he idles on. That'll do.
...You wake up soon after, confused as to why you're next to him randomly.
"Oh, you're a priceless thing, you know?" he tells you while ruffling your hair fondly.
He doesn't elaborate any further. He doesn't need to.
Days pass by (at least you think so) and life has been generally mellow. Expendables come and go. You talk to them briefly and that's the last you'll ever see of people until the next team comes.
They never finish the mission, just like you.
Besides that, you've hung out with the Painter countless of times now. You think it sees you as a friend, actually. You started to draw along with it, even if your own skills are... very amateur, to say the least.
Then there's Sebastian. He still constantly does jabs at you like the usual, but he's been more focused lately. You always see him tinkering something, and it's a sign you can't pester him. That's why you always go to the AI's room, seeing as he's not paying attention to you all that much.
You're not really sad about it. After all, he pings the device on your wrist all the time whenever he deems it to be "too late" to be out. Although your sense of time is skewed, you know when only ten minutes have passed. He apparently doesn't.
You don't understand him, but you're sure he'll explain things to you eventually.
And today he's actually doing that! You're barely paying attention as he does some hand gestures at you and is probably spitting facts.
All you hear are the words "gift" and "important". They're enough to make your brain go off as you stare at him.
"...Here," he takes out an odd-looking device that's behind him this whole time.
"What's that?"
An exasperated sigh escapes him. He looks at you with narrowed eyes, "You weren't paying attention again?" he raises an eyebrow but presses on.
"I'll keep it short for your delicate attention span," he takes note of your pout and smiles slightly in amusement, "This thing is a device that can entirely disable your PDG. Disrupting its connection can trigger its activation, so we'll just have to kill the entire thing altogether. Better for the long run."
"Though I'm sure those cretins above aren't watching over you anymore and can't force you to blast off, let's not take any chances..." he drawls out, his tone full of contempt.
"How'd you find it anyway?" you ask in awe, now seeing the device as a saving grace.
"...I made it, but that's a trade secret," he brushes your question off with a smug smile, "Anyway, could you turn around? I'll jam the thing into the gear."
You comply and turn around to show him the modified diving gear. His hand holds on to your shoulder as he attaches the device into the middle. Definitely not into the oxygen tanks, you're sure.
For a moment, you hear such an ear piercing sound that then settles into silence. Maybe that's part of its function.
Then you hear Sebastian cackling... and crying? You turn around to see what he's on about.
"Are you okay?" you ask in genuine concern as you poke his serpentlike abdomen.
"I — I can't believe that'd actually worked," he confesses while he absentmindedly holds your hand that's been poking him, "You're free! More freedom than you can imagine in this hole."
You're still here in the facility though. Nothing's changed except the fact you can finally leave.
But oddly enough, you don't feel like doing so. A past you would have dreamt that reality, but now? You're unsure.
"It still feels the same," you say with a small frown.
He suddenly lifts you up, causing you to yelp, and brings you close to his face, "That's true, but how'd you like the sound of a permanent vacation on the surface? Away from here?" he stares into your eyes and smiles widely.
When he puts it like that, you automatically want to follow.
"Sounds cool! I'm on board if I'm with you," you nod with enthusiasm as you find the prospect nice.
"That's good," he sets you down and squishes your cheeks deliberately, his claws poking them, "Just give me a few more days to prepare. We'll see actual light soon."
His words make you even more happy as you don't hold back from hugging his waist. He can't hug you back normally due to the height difference, so he pats your hair.
"Can we bring the Painter too?"
"Of course, of course. I promised it freedom too anyway."
Even if the world above is now a blur to you, at least you'll be able to wear something else besides a diving suit. At least you won't be seeing metallic halls and a scenery exclusively only water anymore.
You unfortunately forgot your old life, but then again, you'd rather be moving forward.
A normal life with Sebastian... That really does sound nice.
...With the AI too! Can't forget about that silly thing.