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[superstylishsquid]

This is Alastor. I'm a bit busy right now, but leave a message and I'll get back to you when I have a chance.

Comments

[Audio]

[stylish_hunter]

[He is actually that thick. Dante has the emotional understanding of a rock most of the time.

Although that response comes at a huge surprise, the first bit, the part about being a devil and a devil hunter is exactly what he was expecting. He could cling to that, just go ahead and toss that back at Alastor, save them both the headache of any more of this, but...]

It's true, that is what we are. But as far as I can see it there isn't a need for a devil hunter around these parts.

[Okay still not really doing good at this, at least he doesn't have to look at you. It'd be harder if he could.]

That's what that was about? You thought I was brushing you off? [If one could hear what Dante's brain sounds like at the moment it's a lot of confused noises and question marks in all directions. You are exhausting, Alastor.] You want me to welcome you? Why the hell would you want that?

You got your freedom, dude. You're not required to have anything to do with me anymore. And I only offered to help because you asked, if it's gonna be weird I'm sure you can find someone else to fill the spot.

[Audio]

[superstylishsquid]

Idiot...think about it. You of all people should understand the life of a demon that's an enemy to Mundus.

*There's a crack of thunder and the dying howl of some beast.*

Where do we belong? Nowhere, apparently. Not even with each other.

*And a sickening crunch followed by a yelp of pain.*

Well, whatever. It's not like demons are exactly meant to form support groups, right? I guess I should just thank you for reminding me of that.

[Audio]

[stylish_hunter]

[Oh, well that does paint a different picture, doesn't it? And he hears you slaughtering beasts, Alastor. Not that it bothers him any, that just tells him how upset you really are about this.

But really, he still doesn't understand why he'd be Alastor's choice, aside from a lack of choices. Is 'good enough' really a reason to try to be near someone?]

I never knew you were an enemy of Mundus.

[And not knowing, Alastor, means it's entirely likely you're still an enemy to Dante. Spend your life hunted you're going to treat everyone like a potential threat.

SERIOUSLY HAVING A HARD TIME NOT SNAPPING AT YOU HERE. Breathe, take a moment, and don't spit out the first nasty thing that comes to mind. Such as 'you're right, they don't'.]

Maybe not, but most demons don't defy Mundus, either. So if I understand what you're telling me, you saw another outcast and thought you could hang out in nowhere together, am I right?

[His tone is devoid of emotion, completely guarded. There's still a huge space for manipulation here, and even after being relatively safe here in Ruby City from his old threats, sight of a demon brings all those instincts right back.]

[Audio]

[superstylishsquid]

He wanted me to do something that offended my pride as a warrior. I refused. He doesn't take no for an answer.

*The sound of something tearing flesh and a yelp. That...didn't sound like a sword, more like there were multiple, small blades involved.*

Tch...maybe. Dumb of me, right?

[Audio]

[stylish_hunter]

A demon with guts and honor, can't say I run into many of those. And no, he's not really too concerned with consent.

[Yeah he knows claws when he hears them, Alastor, don't think he's stupid. How long has he been hunting devils?]

Hm, no, I wouldn't say that.

[He's quiet when he says it, thoughtful. Maybe he really did misunderstand your motives. The attempted possession didn't exactly inspire trust and confidence, though.]

[Audio]

[superstylishsquid]

*He's not even trying to pretend he isn't tearing these things apart with his bare hands. In fact, that...sounds remarkably like something being ripped in half.*

Like you said, outcast.

*Desperate times, Dante. If you were in his shoes, would you think to just ask a passing demon for a ride off the island?*

Oh? Well, I guess that's true. It helped me learn why demons are solitary creatures.

[Audio]

[stylish_hunter]

[Put down the animals and talk to him, would you? And no, he's not really sure what he would do in that situation. Probably rail like a lunatic right up until Mundus got fed up and tore his soul to shreds, honestly. He's not the quietly plotting type.]

Maybe it's because they spend a lot of time expecting to be stabbed in the back, or the chest as the case may be.

[Okay now he's getting a little testy because you're starting to sound like a broken record and he's not here to pat your butt and beg your forgiveness. You want to be solitary then fine, he'll stop making the effort.]

[Audio]

[superstylishsquid]

*You don't want him to let his temper build up, Dante.*

And reaching out just leaves an opening to do that in new and creative ways. Growing up, I was always taught that opening yourself up to someone, that even thinking about caring, was a weakness. A way to get yourself hurt or taken advantage of. That's why we don't form bonds.

[Audio]

[stylish_hunter]

[Okay, fine, keep tearing up the monsters then.]

Funny how you learn the same lesson no matter which world you grow up in.

[Still quiet, but he's starting to understand now. A demon with honor, a demon that shows mercy, may also be a demon that knows longing and loneliness. One that actually craves companionship. And to pick Dante to fill that role?

He actually feels sorry for Alastor, stuck in a situation where Dante would actually seem like a good idea. He has the emotional depth of a brick, after all.]

[Audio]

[superstylishsquid]

*He's going to need a bath when he's done, so bad...but at least he has dinner?*

Humans apparently have an easier time of it, at least with each other. But demons are just monsters.

*That comment is punctuated by the buzzing of electricity and another howl.

Trapped between two worlds, wanted in neither...where else is there to turn but to anyone else you can find in that void?*

[Audio]

[stylish_hunter]

[Well that's good, hungry demons are even less pleasant than ones with hurt feelings.]

Humans can get along with each other, sure. That doesn't mean there aren't those just as wicked as any devil.

[Are we having a civil discussion dancing around the issue? Dante's not sure anymore.]

But, I've met a few good demons out there, too, and they've made it just fine in the human world. Maybe you're not as alone as you think.

[Dante though, he'll stay in the void no matter what. There's no place for a halfbreed and there never will be.]

[Audio]

[superstylishsquid]

They make it by hiding. What if I don't want to act like my wings are a badge of shame to be kept out of sight if I don't want to deal with the torches and pitchforks?

*Something flying through the air, then a wet impact.*

And demons that aren't vicious or bloodthirsty rarely end up as powerful as I am. They'd see me as a threat, not one of them.

[Audio]

[stylish_hunter]

You want that, that's going to take world reform. And I don't think it's ready for that.

[And he does a lot of work keeping demons as little more than legends and fairy tales, so he's going to have to fight you if that's your goal.

The sigh is audible, but the nose pinch is not.]

So no matter what you do, you think you're stuck. Is that it?

[Audio]

[superstylishsquid]

I spent a while trying to be a villain so I wouldn't be as much of an outcast to other demons, and I never even liked most other devils. You're the only one I know of that's still alive that's in a weight class to not be afraid of me and that's even managed to earn a shred of my respect.

[Audio]

[stylish_hunter]

Did you?

[Huh... that's really a lot to mull over. And with Alastor acting out as he is, Dante finds it hard to believe any of this is some kind of lie.

Which means he really made a mess of things. Well, what to do about it?]

You really must be lonely, trying to get along with me. You said it yourself, who the hell wants to put up with me?

[He's maybe a little bitter sounding there. Usually people won't try very hard, or they'll just use him, so yes he pushes them away. Better that way.]

[Audio]

[superstylishsquid]

People who don't know how determined you are to be alone.

*Zap! Another howl.*

Or who have the patience to put up with it anyway.

[Audio]

[stylish_hunter]

[Sounds to him he's blown a chance he didn't even know was being offered. Well, typical. That's the way it works, you either protect yourself or end up hurt, dead, or worse. Probably best to write this one off as a lost cause, too.

He's really good at burning bridges. And all the evidence that the bridges were ever there to begin with.]

It's too bad. All this time I just took you for another Devil Arm, not much more than that. Got you a free ride off the island so you didn't have to go down with the ship, set you up to mind your own business and I'd mind mine.

Then you went and rusted out on me, never could figure out what was going on with that.

All that, and you just wanted a friend. Shit, you sure are strange for a demon.

[God, this is really difficult and goes against everything his nature is telling him to do. Just finish the push, let him go do his own thing. It's easier that way, easier for everyone.

But we can't start doing things the easy way, now can we?]

So. How do I make this right?

[Audio]

[superstylishsquid]

*There's a pause where he doesn't reply and then the video clicks on. The watch is dangling from his tail and he's splattered with blood, especially his hands, as he sits in a tree. His face is flushed violet from a combination of anger and hurt, but his expression is one of wary hurt.*

Tell me something I don't know.

But...if you want to make it up to me, you could start with helping me clean the blood out of this outfit. I'm not entirely sure I'm feeling stable enough for something like a cleaning spell right now.

[Video]

[stylish_hunter]

[Fine, video it is. And man, you sure are a mess. Awe, geeze, do you have to wear a face like that? Sigh. Stupid demon stupidly making him give a shit, you're lucky he has time for this grumble mutter grumble.]

Fine, drop by, I'm sure we can hose you off or something. Just don't track blood on the carpet.

[Rosa will have a fit.]

[Video]

[superstylishsquid]

*Because he sucks at hiding his emotions. Ask anyone, he's an open book.*

My feet are clean, I've been in the air. But uh...are you sure you're alright telling me where you live? I wasn't expecting that much trust right away.

*Not that he couldn't track you down if he wanted to, but it's the principal of the thing.*

[Video]

[stylish_hunter]

[Emotional demons isn't exactly something he's used to. Last he knew they didn't express much in the way of emotion at all.]

You turn on me now, I don't think I'll have much trouble wiping the floor with your sorry ass.

[He's not too concerned with it. If Alastor is too tired to manage a cleansing spell, he'll be too tired to put up a proper fight against a well-rested Dante. Sure, he could bide his time and attack him later, but that would ruin the benefit of the surprise attack.

Which he's still not 100% certain isn't going to happen, mind you, but we'll call this a test. Keep your manners about you, Alastor, and there won't be any problems.]

House #22, on the park end of the city.

[Video]

[superstylishsquid]

Alright. And...um...do you like wolf? It seems like a shame to let what I can't eat of this go to waste...

*He's an odd demon, but he's still a demon. That means he views just about anything he's killed as possible food.*

[Video]

[stylish_hunter]

[Well that's a weird offer... and a demon sharing food? Is that some kind of peace offering? Dante just doesn't know, but he'd hate to let the pelts go to waste at the very least.]

I'm sure we can do something with them.

[Video]

[superstylishsquid]

*He doesn't see much point in being senselessly greedy. It's more than he needs and food isn't hard to come by here, so...why not?*

I'll drag them over, then. ...Them I'll have to leave outside, a lot of them are pretty bloody.

[Video]

[stylish_hunter]

Yeah that works, we can get them cleaned up.

[Who is 'we'?]