Definitely different sense. Apparently in the future, based on what Limbo saw...the main timeline has most of humanity wiped off the face of the earth.
...So I recall. [ I THINK? ] In mine, humankind is threatened all the time, especially ever since the Beyond openly spilled out into the human realm. But we're still hanging on.
The Beyond. Otherwise also called the Otherworld, the Alt or Alterworld, among others. It's essentially the realm of the supernatural, where anything and everything superhuman is from in my world. Vampires, devils, gods, you name it.
It's always existed, and I've dealt with plenty of things from there, mostly the vampires.
Less "started leaking in", and more like someone broke the wall down.
Three years ago, in an event we call the Great Collapse, the city of New York started breaking apart and shattering like it was the end of the world. It was going to be swallowed up in an abyss, but something happened, and it just all... stopped. [ Does not mention how Steven literally would have died had it not been for that last minute sudden stop in seemingly time and space. ]
Next moment we all knew, the city completely changed, and things from the Beyond were integrated into the city itself like it was no big deal. The mages and the like set up a barrier around the place, and that was that. Though, things are trying to escape all the time anyway.
Yeah, more or less. Not everyone was happy about it, and now that Hellsalem's Lot is effectively more or less considered its own territory rather than being a part of the United States, the diplomacy is crazy. Some places consider Hellsalem's Lot a threat to be eradicated, others see it as a new international opportunity.
[ He shrugs... ] It's chaos and stupid, and I'll be lucky if I can ever get a full day of actual rest again.
[ Please don't kill the US president at least until after Vol 6, at which point Steven will encourage president-cide. ]
Well, there's nothing stopping me from physically leaving. But I did speak to Limbo about Klaus, my partner and boss, I believe, and how much he means to me.
As long as he's willing to keep the balance and be a beacon of light for humanity, then so am I.
[ Yeah. It's brief, but there's a flicker of a genuine worry and uncertainty that ghosts Steven's expression at the notion. Klaus doesn't actually need him, or he wouldn't short sell Klaus like that, but at the same time... ]
Well, that's what we're here in-between life and death for. We've still got a shot... maybe. [ He hopes. ] So if you're short on your indulgences, let me know and I'll try to help where able.
I don't want to leave this place, but I want to do everything I can to help the rest of you escape. So...I do want to indulge where I can, if only for that.
[Not for them. For everyone else. They don't deserve anything.]
Come on. I get your reasons for thinking that way, but all things considered, I think most of us would be saddened if we had to leave you behind.
[ Hm. ] Well. We did just talk about our wishes for a calmer, more chill world. How about we work towards fabricating something like that for an indulgence?
[ Steven just nods. He won't protest Douman's wishes; it wouldn't be so kind either to let Douman live, and have them live their every day and future in fear of becoming a monster.
(Haha...)
He just nods. ]
Yeah. A change in atmosphere is pretty welcome anyway, don't you think?
[ He picks at his sweater, a navy blue that's just about one size too big, but in a comfortable way. Fits him well, but it's no suit. ] Like how I've given up trying to be all prim and proper and business while I'm dead. Keeping up that state of mind without a break does get a little tiring after a while, and it's hard to kick back in a suit and dress shoes.
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Greece? Mmm, I've never been there. The Greece Limbo was in is...not the one I would expect from history, so I believe you on that.
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...Would you be interested, though? In a calmer Greece?
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You know. Different sense.
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The what?
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The Beyond. Otherwise also called the Otherworld, the Alt or Alterworld, among others. It's essentially the realm of the supernatural, where anything and everything superhuman is from in my world. Vampires, devils, gods, you name it.
It's always existed, and I've dealt with plenty of things from there, mostly the vampires.
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Three years ago, in an event we call the Great Collapse, the city of New York started breaking apart and shattering like it was the end of the world. It was going to be swallowed up in an abyss, but something happened, and it just all... stopped. [ Does not mention how Steven literally would have died had it not been for that last minute sudden stop in seemingly time and space. ]
Next moment we all knew, the city completely changed, and things from the Beyond were integrated into the city itself like it was no big deal. The mages and the like set up a barrier around the place, and that was that. Though, things are trying to escape all the time anyway.
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[That's a big deal but the ending is so...mundane?]
So you're all just living like its normal, now? And I guess you and the others have to go after the threats.
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[ He shrugs... ] It's chaos and stupid, and I'll be lucky if I can ever get a full day of actual rest again.
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[Hoo boy, politics! Where is Medb to kill the US president when you need her.]
Can't you just leave? Or is it just your job now?
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Well, there's nothing stopping me from physically leaving. But I did speak to Limbo about Klaus, my partner and boss, I believe, and how much he means to me.
As long as he's willing to keep the balance and be a beacon of light for humanity, then so am I.
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[Yes, they recall. Because what Limbo experienced, Douman also experienced.]
How did you two meet? Through your job?
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It's easy to forget how shitty life is around a guy like him.
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[Douman smiles lightly. Its a very different way to react than the last time that they had a conversation about Klaus.]
Do you miss him?
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Though, that's just my personal business, I guess. [ Haha. ] But things would feel less chaotic with him around, I think.
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[There's a flicker of some vaguely sad expression in Douman's own face.]
Hopefully you will find a way to see him again.
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Well, that's what we're here in-between life and death for. We've still got a shot... maybe. [ He hopes. ] So if you're short on your indulgences, let me know and I'll try to help where able.
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[Douman sighs.]
I don't want to leave this place, but I want to do everything I can to help the rest of you escape. So...I do want to indulge where I can, if only for that.
[Not for them. For everyone else. They don't deserve anything.]
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[ Hm. ] Well. We did just talk about our wishes for a calmer, more chill world. How about we work towards fabricating something like that for an indulgence?
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I am...touched, but I don't want to live and allow myself a chance at transforming into that vile creature.
[It would be like killing a tumor before it spreads.]
Hm, you mean...making a place into a place to relax?
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(Haha...)
He just nods. ]
Yeah. A change in atmosphere is pretty welcome anyway, don't you think?
[ He picks at his sweater, a navy blue that's just about one size too big, but in a comfortable way. Fits him well, but it's no suit. ] Like how I've given up trying to be all prim and proper and business while I'm dead. Keeping up that state of mind without a break does get a little tiring after a while, and it's hard to kick back in a suit and dress shoes.
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You...do look very comfortable in that, yes.
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