wrathfulkhan | IC Inbox

[It's like a shutter goes down behind the young man's eyes. That's a bad memory dredged up in the least tactful way possible.]

Goodbye, Dante, [he says, and starts to close the door.]

[Dante quickly jammed his foot in the door. Nope, sorry. You're not getting away that easy.]

I did have a job for you, and I was hoping you'd discuss it a bit more civilly than this.

That is not something I discuss, [Gene says flatly.] And this is as civil as I get on that topic.

[But his curiosity finally wins out.] How on earth could that be connected to a job?

Then we don't have to discuss the particulars. I just need your help

[God, this was difficult. He finally drops the act, and speaks more frankly.]

It's my brother. He was messed up bad back home, and the poor guy doesn't even recognize his own name anymore.

[Gene opens the door a fraction more.]

What do you mean? [He thinks he knows what Dante means.]

[And he's back to his usual self as quickly as he changed in the first place, except now he's speaking frankly and honestly.]

I mean a demon from my world did the same thing you were doing to Tony. Except, well, permanently. I've figured out that he's in there somewhere, but other than that? I have no idea what to do anymore. Any chance you could fix him?

It wasn't me, [Gene snarls,] it was Malicant using me. I would never do that to him. [...again.

Which means he's about to jump at the opportunity to use that ring for good.] I can try. I'm not accustomed to undoing that, unless I'm the subject.

We all did things we would never do in that cave, kid. That's not the point.

[Except for those corny speeches. If Dante went evil he would be the corniest supervillan ever.]

But you've done it before? How much different would it be to do this kind of thing to someone else?

I've done it before, [Gene admits, somewhat bitterly.] I've never tried to reverse someone's brainwashing, but I'm guessing the mechanics are similar.

Like I said, I can try.

That's all I need to hear. What do you need to get this done?

Time, and access to your brother.

It would probably be easiest if he's open to the change. How strong is his will?

It's a tough call. He's the most stubborn son of a bitch I've ever met, but apparently there's some pretty tough magic keeping him locked up. I'm going to make an educated guess here and assume that "time" means more then a day.

That would be my guess, [Gene says.] I won't know for sure until I'm actually trying.

Good luck. I'll try to pay you what I can but honestly? That's not much.

Oh, and one more thing?

Don't...don't worry about it. [He waves off the offer of payment somewhat awkwardly.] Consider it a public service.

Hm?

Okay kid, it's your call. [Even though the public service would have been to leave well enough alone.]

He's not taking the news that he's not himself too well, so try and be discreet. Oh, and we never had this conversation.

[Gene has never left well enough alone in his life. Like he's about to start now.]

Of course. I wouldn't take it well, either.

[Beat. Then:]

So how am I supposed to do this if he's not supposed to know we spoke?

I've found that leaving out the details usually helps in this kind of situation. Just keep it vague. Hell, lie and say it's another trashy bar rumor if you want.

[No Dante, that just makes things worse.]

Why do I have the distinct feeling that wouldn't help?

['Cause you're right.]

Maybe I should ambush him. [That is, somehow, an even worse idea.]

Hey hey hey. I said "discreet", not "a giant fucking fiasco."

[They need someone who can strategy. Clearly.]

[Gene scowls.] We can be up-front about your involvement, or we can tell him people are gossiping. Your choice.

I'm sure we can find another option. I just need to think of one. [He's pretty good at finding other options. It's just his other options all suck.]

Edited 2015-01-16 19:30 (UTC)

Ah, who are we kidding. He's going to know I'm the one asking around. Better than having him think I'm airing his dirty laundry.

[Dante's's going to get killed either way.]

[Yeah, probably a good idea there.]

Let me know where and when and I'll be on it.

Good question. He's probably hanging around the hotel, but that's an act of aggression, so should I hit him up and ask when he's available?

[Because, you know, saving him isn't that urgent or anything.]

Edited 2015-01-17 01:26 (UTC)

...sure.

[That'll work!]

You know where to find me.

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