Silent Treatment Pt.1 (Story)

## Tags

### Tags

Family Trouble, Sibling Squabble, Complicated sibling relationships, Guns, Implied Drimare Racism sorry Angus is just like that :(

This is the first part of the **Silent Treatment** story. For the second and final part, read here.

## **Summary**

After a long time of not seeing his brother, Dante gets invited to come over with no explanation whatsoever. Dante thinks Angus finally wants to talk about his death, but his brother has other plans in mind.

## **Silent Treatment**

Dante sighed as he took in the fresh air from his own old childhood home. The old farmhouse looked the same as it had always been, the sun was setting down, filling the sky with shades of orange and blue, and despite the arid weather that was so common to the region, nothing really seemed out of place.
So why did his older brother decide to summon him all of a sudden, with such urgency no less? Dante was at the highlight of his career, busier than he'd ever been. Somehow his legendary death had skyrocketed his popularity and opportunities were coming left and right.

But despite this, he always made time to see Angus, even if the same couldn't be said the other way around. It had been months since he last heard from him, and his brother had shown little to no interest in seeing him.

Dante figured Angus would be thrilled that he had joined him in the undead skeleton brother club, but that would be expecting too much from him. In the emotional aspect, him and their father might as well be a carbon copy of each other.

As he knocked on the door, Dante's head was filled with thoughts. Maybe his brother finally wanted to see him? Maybe he finally stopped being so busy that he never had the time to attend any of his concerts or even check in on him after he had *DIED* while being *BURNED ALIVE?!*

But Dante took a deep breath. No. He wasn't one to hold a grudge and he was not about to start now. Angus was family and deep down they cared for each other! At least that's what Dante so desperately wanted to believe.

The door opened, and before him was his brother, of course. Angus seemed unenthused, appearing the same way he always did. Skeletal, with a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, and a disgruntled expression.

He looked up and down at him as Dante recalled that it was the first time Angus was seeing him as an undead. But his brother just scoffed at the sight of him.

- ...Hel-

- Took you long enough. - Angus interrupted, with not even a greeting to offer him - Come in.

Dante blinked in disbelief as his brother made his way inside. Angus was cold like that, but Dante had imagined that their reunion deserved a little more dignity than this.

As he followed his brother, he glanced at the old family home, the wood floor creaked with his every step and the furniture was as old as it had always been, though he could tell things were still getting taken care of. Had there been restorations since he was last here?

Hearing his brother in the living room, Dante quickly followed him. Angus simply stood by the large wooden table, his eyes set on a large map of Bonemaw that he had unfolded on it, mixed in with all these notes, documents, and papers that Dante just couldn't be bothered to recognize.

As he saw the map and his brother's stern expression, something told him that Angus didn't call to see him and catch up.

- What is all this? - Dante asked.

- I need your help, Andrew.

- It's Dan-

- I ain't callin' you by your fancy stage name. - Angus glared at him - This is important.

Dante wanted to argue but he knew there was no point to it. Angus was always all business without ever loosening up and Dante just sighed.

- What do you need? - He was annoyed but tried not to let it show.

- We received some information that the raiders might be attackin' today. I reckon they're goin' for the town mayor, and while we might be able to fend them off, I have another plan.

- ...Are you serious? You called me here for *this*?

- Trust me, you were the last choice I considered.

- ...We have not seen each other in so long! I… I *died* and you sent me a letter about how you were too busy to meet up!

- Do you mean the time you *died* due to your own incompetence?

- . . .

- While you're out there dancin' and prancin' like some deranged lunatic, there are people dyin', Andrew.

- Of course… - Dante muttered, *same ol' Gus*, always improving on the art of great conversation.

Maybe Dante was being sentimental to expect more out of him. Their parents were killed by the same types of raiders all those decades ago. And while Dante had grown to accept it, to this day, Angus still held a grudge against them.

- They might be comin' by within the next hour or so. My plan is to trap one and get 'em to tell us where the others are hidin' out.

- What…? How even…? Do you think they will talk?

- I have my ways... - Angus muttered darkly and Dante could almost feel a chill coming up his spine.

- *Eugh*… What do you even need *me* for?

- I need you to watch my back in case they try anythin'. Everyone else is busy preparin' for the raid, so unfortunately you're my only choice.

Dante just glared in annoyance. Was this what was so urgent? Dante couldn't deny it was important, but the town never had trouble fending off the raiders before.

However, his brother's plan to "trap" one, *whatever that even meant*, just sounded completely insane.

- How are you even planning on catching one? Are you going out there?!

- I set up a trap. We wait for one to get lured in and we strike when their guard is down.

- Gus… They go in groups for a reason.

- Instead of tryin' to poke holes in my plan. Why don't you go make your own since you're so damn smart all of a sudden?

- ...Fine. We kidnap the only raider dumb enough to leave their group. - Dante was unamused over his brother's berating, at least he knew this day would go by quickly because of course, this plan wouldn't go anywhere. Angus just spent too much time locked in and scheming, Dante thought. Maybe he was going a bit crazy himself.

- …?! - Angus tensed up.

- And then what? - Dante scoffed - We just start asking them questions?

- Shh! - Angus quickly hushed him, walking to the window to see a growing cloud of sand in the distance. - *They're here.*

- W-What?! I thought you said we had an hour!

- Had you arrived sooner we *could* have had an hour. Let's go.

Angus quickly stepped out of the room and Dante hardly had any time to process what was happening or what the infamous plan even was as he ran after him.

They made their way to the back of the ranch, the farm animals were hardly bothered by all the commotion and Dante wondered where his brother was even taking him. However, as Angus grabbed the shotgun, Dante's blood would have run cold if he had any. *He was that serious, uh?*

His brother didn't say a word, still walking through to the end of the farm, and in the distance, to the side of the road where the raiders would be certainly passing through, Dante spotted the trap that his brother had set up.

- Wait… Is that… *Moona*?

In the distance, in front of them and tied to a tree without a care in a world, was a large brown cow. One of the cows from their farm. Dante just looked in confusion as the bovine nonchalantly ate some dry grass off the ground.

- No raider can resist the temptation to steal unsupervised cattle. We will strike when they're close enough.

- ...That so obviously looks like a trap, no one will fall for tha-?! ...Wait… What are you doing…?

- Takin' aim… - Angus spoke, getting in position to shoot.

Despite his affinity with fire, Dante hated to see guns getting used like this, especially when pointed straight to the animal tied to the tree.

- W-What are you doing?! Are you going to shoot the cow?! The raider?! What is this plan?!

- Can you not be *QUIET* for a minute?! Take cover or they'll spot us. - Angus snarled and Dante just couldn't bear to look - I *know* what I'm doing, stick to your task and be *quiet*.

As they were hiding behind the hay bales, Dante watched as the raiders had made their way down the road, a vast group with some riding horses while others ran by foot, clearly headed into the town.

This was ridiculous, he thought, if they had a set place in mind, they would go for it, not stop by and take breaks to steal random cattle tied to trees on the side of the road. As Dante expected, the group passed by, with no one giving any consideration for the inconspicuous cow.

However, Angus remained in position, completely unmoving.

- After the main group passes by, they start branchin' out and lookin' for trouble. Keep your eyes peeled.

- This is insane…

- You overestimate how smart they are, Andrew. Be patient.

Dante just rolled his eyes, but still did as his brother instructed. He desperately wanted to believe that Angus knew what he was doing, but whatever was happening here almost felt… *obsessive*.

He could hear the commotion in the town happening in the distance, maybe someone could use their help, but no. Instead, this was how they were spending their time.

- There they are… - Dante heard Angus mutter. Up ahead of them was a smaller group of bandits that had separated from the raid, there were like three at most? A significantly smaller group than the original.

Dante was painfully bored. Of course, they saw the blatant trap set up in front of them, and he could almost hear their laughter in the distance. Obviously, they wouldn't take the bait and Dante just prayed they'd go away so he could finally stop dealing with this nonsense.

- Any second now… - Angus muttered, preparing the gun.

- Can you *please* not shoot anyone?

- Why would I give them that mercy? - He scoffed.

- You can't question them if they're dead.

- Just be *quiet*, how many times must I tell you that I *know* what I'm doing?!

As he looked back at the group of bandits, Dante noticed that although they hadn't approached the cow, they also hadn't *left* either. *Were they taunting them?*

If Dante were to guess what the group was discussing, he would have assumed they were planning ways to steal it, and he just internally begged for them to go away.

What was Angus even thinking?! Most of the desert raiders were Plant and Animal Drimare of some kind, easily the kind to have the easiest time luring in animals, even their dearest sweetest Moona.

And unfortunately, his fear came true. After what seemed to be a group discussion, Dante tensed up as he saw them approaching the bait. He wanted to cover his face and just get out of there, but he couldn't help but watch them as they surrounded the cow.

- I told you they went in groups… - Dante muttered.

- Yes… And if my theory is correct… - Angus prepared the gun - They will always leave one of their own behind just to save themselves.

Before Dante even had a chance to ask what this meant, the loud bang from the shotgun jolted him from his seat. He watched as the bullet hit the tree the cow was tied to, startling it as it suddenly lashed out from its restraints.

The bandits were startled as well and quickly scattered, knowing the cow wasn't worth this hassle. However, Dante took notice of the one bandit who happened to be in front of the cow when the shot was fired.

While the other two quickly escaped, the third one was overpowered by the bovine who, in its panic, headbutted them into the ground.

Dante was just staring baffled at how somehow the stupidest plan in the world had managed to be successful. Did his brother train the cow to do that or was he just hoping it would lash out in this very precise manner?

As his brother grabbed the rope and ran towards the cow, Dante felt like he had no choice but to follow.

- If they have lashers on their back, tie them before they can use them! They *will* try to stab you! - Angus quickly spoke as he handed him the rope.

Dante nodded but was still baffled, they were both undead, what was the worst thing that could happen? Dying *again*? They crossed that bridge a long time ago.

Regaining consciousness after hitting the ground, the third bandit looked up to see the bovine still stomping around them, dangerously close to where they were laying.

They tried to get up, but before they could call out to their fleeing partners, they found themselves being pushed down again by Angus.

Dante tried to calm the cow, almost in shock at how his brother relentlessly and single-handedly overpowered the bandit. Disarming them and tying their clawed hands, barely giving them the opportunity or chance to fight back.

And as Dante noticed a sharp thorned lasher slithering out of the bandit's back, he recalled his brother's warning and quickly stepped in, grabbing the pair of thorned tendrils from the back and tying them together to minimize their movement. It was like grabbing an angry snake, and the adrenaline was making him nauseous.

- Good job. - Angus spoke as his focus was unbreaking and Dante resented how this was the only positive thing his brother had told him all day.

The bandit groaned as he struggled to move, and Dante looked back to see that his partners weren't going to come back for him.

- Help me carry him to the shed. - Angus ordered, taking hold of the bandit who squirmed, trying to loosen the ropes that had been so precisely tied to restrain him.

- Y-Yes…

Dante's mind felt like a blur, everything was like it was happening all at once. The last thing he expected to be doing that day was kidnapping some random thief into their home, but it always was something when it came to his brother's schemes.

They made their way into their wooden shed and Angus carried the bandit into a chair that had been placed in the middle of it. Dante realized how everything had been set up ahead of time and wondered how long Angus had been concocting this plan.

The bandit was quickly tied to the chair while struggling and Dante took notice of how, other than groans and grunts as he tried to escape, the bandit hadn't muttered a single word throughout all this time.

And as Angus sat down, looking proud of his stunt, Dante finally took a second to look at the random guy they had just kidnapped. He was a Plant Drimare, that was certain, the thorned lashers were a staple of that species, and the things his hazy mind mistook as lumpy green horns were actually cactus plants.

A Cactus Drimare... Of course he was, that explained the prickly green skin, even if it was harder to notice, considering how most of his face was covered with a red bandana.

- What'd I tell ya, Andy? They won't come back for those left behind. - Dante could tell that Angus was smiling as he spoke, likely the only time he had done so throughout all their interactions.

- I do not know… I do not think keeping him here is a good idea, Gus. What if they come back?

- I think we all know they won't. - Angus scoffed, getting up and approaching the bandit who stopped struggling in his seat once he saw him - So that is why our friend here has no choice other than to talk.

Although his face was covered, the bandit's eyes were still revealed, rusty brown with yellow scleras, glaring ahead with an intense expression, squinting at him. Dante rolled his eyes at his brother, taking a seat for the most pointless exchange he was about to witness.

- Great. We will be here all night then. - Dante sighed - You know they do not talk, yes? That is their thing? That they have some sort of uh… *silence vow.*

- Haha, is that why he's so quiet? - Angus cackled - Oh, I *will* make him talk. - He glared at the Plant Drimare whose expression was unmoving - Now vermin, let's make this easy for the both of us. Where are you all hiding?

- . . .

Dante facepalmed in response - I'm going to put Moona back before anyone else shows up. Have fun talking to a brick wall.

- Tsk… Hurry up, I might need your help.

Annoyed, Dante stepped outside, walking to retrieve the distressed cow that had been left behind, much like the poor guy that lived in their shed now. Dante knew Angus could be ruthless if he wanted to, but he wondered what lengths he'd be willing to go just to get what he wanted.

As Dante guided the cow to its place and pet her head for a bit, he wondered what was even happening in the shed at that moment. He rushed back to his brother, finding him still talking to himself, while the Cactus Drimare remained unresponsive.

- Andy. You're back. You know, I have just devised a theory.

- Another one? - Dante sighed but Angus' cynical smile was unnerving.

- Yes! I reckon our friend here might be mute.

- ...What makes you think that?

- Uhm. Let's see… - Angus circled the bandit, taking hold of his shotgun and suddenly hitting him in the chest with the back of it, knocking the air out of him.

The Plant Drimare let out an audible groan in pain, and Angus smirked - Looks like my theory was wrong.

- YOU PUT THAT THING AWAY RIGHT THIS INSTANT. - Dante snapped, getting up and snatching the weapon from his brother's grasp - This is insane, what do you expect to achieve with this?!

- Need I remind you of what these raiders have done to our family? Of what happened to *our* parents? What happened to *your* mother?

- She wouldn't have wanted this.

- Well, the two of ya'll were always too soft for this family anyway. But I for one, want them to *pay* for what they did to us.

Dante glared at him, wishing he had stayed home rather than being a part of this mess. This was why he left. This was why he changed his name. His identity. His family's history wasn't one he was proud of.

- So your plan is just… get *revenge*? That won't bring them back!

- It's what father would've wanted.

- Gus…

- If you're not going to help, why don't you just sit around and watch? You've always been good at being useless while I get things done.

- You're impossible. - Dante muttered angrily.

He wanted to leave, but he didn't trust leaving Angus alone with the bandit. Or, in this case, he wondered if he was more worried about leaving the bandit alone with him. Angus seemed to have the hang of the situation, but Dante severely doubted that his lack of persuasion skills could get the bandit to speak.

As such, Dante sat back as his brother focused back on their hostage. He still had to recover his breath, but Angus wasn't interested in waiting for him.

- I’ll strike you a deal, *bud*. - Angus raised the Plant Drimare's chin - Your life isn’t important to me. Tell me where the others are hidin’ and you might just leave with your life intact. Fail to do this and you’ll be taken to jail. The law officers will know what to do with you.

- . . .

- I’m sure you wouldn’t want that, would you? - Angus’ tone was sinister, but the bandit furrowed his brows, glaring right back at him, still trying to catch his breath.

- I’m telling you. - Dante groaned - They take their secrets to the grave.

- Tsk. That’s what they tell themselves. - Angus glared at the bandit, a smile forming in his skull - I can tell this one has fear in his eyes. We just need to break him enough to get him to talk.

Dante just wanted to yell, Angus was always serious and cynical, but never to the point where he wanted to harm another living being like this. Dante felt like he couldn’t recognize his brother like this, and he dreaded having to witness whatever insane plans Angus had in mind.

- So, what is it going to be, *thief*? - Angus asked calmly - Will you speak? All I have is one simple question.

Predictably, the bandit remained unresponsive, never breaking eye contact with him. Dante watched the two of them, he knew Angus wanted him to stay put, but he still felt like he had to be ready to jump in and disengage them if anything happened.

- Where is Nopal located? - Angus asked slowly but sternly - That’s where you’re all hidin’, ain’t it? - He pulled down the bandit’s bandana, which revealed his sharp bared fangs, snarling. - We know it exists, and we will find it one way or another, so the least you could do is make things easier for us.

- You know nothing is stopping him from lying to you, right? - Dante had his face in his hands - How do you even know that place is real?

- I KNOW IT’S REAL! THEY HIDE IT FROM THE MAPS, BUT IT EXISTS. - Angus snapped, then looked back at the bandit, losing his cool - SO WHERE IS IT?!

The bandit just leaned back looking angered and quickly spat on his face before Angus had time to react.

- Oh… Oh no… - Dante muttered in shock at this.

Angus' eye twitched, processing what had just happened as he became furious.

- So that’s how it is… - He hissed, grabbing his gun once again - This is how you want to talk then?!

- AGH! Angus will you knock it out?! - Dante stood up, grabbing him from behind - This is not you! Just deliver him to the law officers and they’ll take care of it! You clearly don’t know what you’re doing!

- LET GO OF ME! I *HAVE* TO DO THIS!

- Why does it have to be *you* to question him?! What’s gotten into you?!

- I must! It’s my duty! - He snarled - Let me go or I *will* HURT you.

Dante gave in and released him as Angus was breathing heavily. While this seemed to calm him down for a bit, Dante still wasn’t having it.

- I am not going to be part of this! This isn’t happening! Not in this house!

- You don’t live here anymore, what makes you think you have a say in what goes?!

- This is my home too! You are not going to taint that with whatever ridiculous *obsession* you suddenly have with this revenge plot of yours!

Angus just stared at him in frustration. Behind his expression of anger and hatred, Dante could still spot a small reflection of who his brother used to be. Overprotective, hard-working, and someone who strived to do good by him, no matter what.

For a moment, Dante wondered if he had gotten to him, but that small window of recognition was gone as soon as it came. And quickly enough, Angus scoffed and dismissed him.

- Of course... Why do I even try?

- Angus…

- You get to make a clown of yourself for a living and *somehow*, life works out for you.

- Excuse me…? - Dante would have been offended if he hadn’t heard this same insult a thousand times before. -  What does *that* have to do with anything?

Angus didn’t respond for a moment and simply sighed.

- ...Tomorrow. - He finally said - Tomorrow we will take the bandit to the law officers. If they kill him… It’s one less problem to deal with, I suppose.

- They will not kill him, you're ridiculous...

- Of course I'll have to let them know I couldn't do much because I had to *pander* to my little brother's fear of guns!

- I'm sorry I don't want you killing someone like a maniac?!

- You should be.

- Wh-?!

Angus took a deep breath, rubbing his forehead - ...I'm sorry. Do you think you can spend the night? I need someone to watch over this bandit in case he tries anything.

Dante wanted to say no, he wanted to walk out of that door and be done with this whole thing. But of course, he still had a soft spot for wanting to make his brother proud for once, even if it often was a thankless job.

- I… - Dante took a deep breath - ...Yes. I will stay. I doubt he'll try anything…

- Good. - Angus looked back at the Plant Drimare, who was now glancing at the side, head lowered. - We take turns. If you can get anything out of him, then tell me.

- Of course, Gus. - Dante responded, having no intention of questioning the cactus himself. - Just… No more of your intimidation nonsense.

- I will question him if I feel like it!

- Gus.

- I'm sorry, are you on the raiders' side now?

- I am not on anyone's side! I just do not want to see you threatening some random guy like this!

- You don't have to see it. That's why we're takin' turns.

- No… No! You know what? Forget the turns! I'll stay the whole night since I clearly can't trust you not to lash out.

- You'll fall asleep, Andrew.

- I'm *DEAD*, Gus. I don't need to sleep.

- I… *You haven't been sleeping?* - Angus paused, not sure of how to argue against this. - F-Fine. Do that! I have better things to do anyway!

- Yes yes, I'm useless and good at doing nothing, don't flatter yourself!

- Acceptance is the first step towards improvement. - Angus stood up - Have fun with your new amigo. I will be checking in on you. - Angus spoke sarcastically and turned to the Cactus Drimare who looked back at him, his snarl replaced with a more unenthused expression. - And you…

- Gus, don't you start.

- Lay even a finger on my brother and I will *KILL* you, y'hear that? - He spoke threateningly - You might run, but I *will* hunt you down and I will not *rest* until you know true pain.

- *Santa Madre Lucia-* ANGUS THAT IS ***ENOUGH***.

- No. I'm makin' sure he knows exactly what to expect in case he tries anythin'.

Dante cursed some more to himself, noticing how the bandit wasn't phased by this threat as Angus checked to make sure he was still properly tied to the chair. He really wasn't fighting back, uh? He supposed that made things easier to deal with.

- The hostage is secure. - Angus spoke, opening the shed's door to look outside for any intruders.

Outside, the sun had already settled as the once orange hues of the sky became a light mellow blue instead, slowly making its way into nighttime.

- I suppose you're staying for supper? - Angus spoke as he looked outside.

- ...Skeleton. - Dante looked baffled - I am a skeleton.

- ...Right. That's a no, then?

- Why would it *not* be a no? I do not have a stomach! Do *you* eat, Angus? I don't think so.

- You *can*, you know that? Sleep too.

- I… I would have known if you HAD AGREED TO SEE ME WHEN I DIED! WHY DO YOU THINK I CONTACTED YOU FIRST?!

But Angus didn't respond to this, simply looking apprehensive - ...I'm going out to check on the neighbours. Can I trust you here alone?

- Really? You are *still* not going to tell me why you have been so weird to me ever since I died?!

- We can discuss it tomorrow once this is taken care of. Now, can I trust you or not?

- ...Fine. I do not care.

- Good enough. I'll be back soon. *Don't. Try. Anything.*

- What do you think I am?

- *I wasn't talking to you.* - Angus spoke, glaring at the bandit.

As the door closed, Dante just groaned into his hands, frustrated at how impossible his brother was being. He knew he should have expected this, but all he wanted was to talk with him and have a normal conversation for once, free of berating and insane revenge plots.

Dante looked back at the bandit, who seemed visibly relaxed once Angus left the room, appearing to let out a discreet sigh.

- Right… - Dante sighed - You've been here all this time listening to that.

- . . . - The Plant Drimare tensed up when he felt addressed again, baring his fangs at him, but Dante just looked tired.

- Eh… Don't worry, I really do not want anything to do with this. I'm not about to start threatening you like my brother was doing.

- . . .

- Of course… You're not going to respond to me either. - He leaned forward, resting his head on his hands.

- . . .

- But… You could tell he was being ridiculous, right? I am not being insane right now, am I?

He noticed the bandit giving him a confused look, raising an eyebrow, and looking around.

- He sends me a message, calling me to come over like it's someone's funeral, and here I am! Turns out it was to pull… *WHATEVER THIS IS* and I… Is there something I'm missing here?

- ...? - Dante noticed him tilting his head to the side, clearly confused by what he was even being subjected to.

- You don't have to respond to that.

- . . .

- You… *can* understand us, yes? - Dante gave him an odd look, noticing how the bandit gave him the same firm stare he gave his brother - …*Español?*

- *Yes*. I do understand you. - He suddenly spoke, catching Dante off-guard. His voice was deep and heavily accented.

- So you *do* talk!

- . . .!

- And you agree that this is insane, yes?

- . . .

- . . .

- . . .

- Back to silence, uh?

Dante sat back, clearly distressed. The bandit breaking the silence vow was more than he expected but other than that, he had no choice other than to sit and wait for Angus to come back. Clearly, no one had any interest in talking to him.

He simply sighed, looking around the shed to find some of their old belongings, from things belonging to him and his brother, to items belonging to their great great great grandparents and so forth.

As Dante stood up, the bandit tensed up again, looking at him in uncertainty but ready to try to lash out if needed. However, Dante didn't give him much thought, scavenging through the old belongings until he found what he was looking for.

It was his old guitar that he played with as a teen. Back when both him and Angus were still living together. His brother certainly had some choice words to say about the instrument. He never was that much of a fan of music, to him it was useless and a waste of time.

As such, Dante took great pride in having his career take off just to prove his brother wrong, but Angus just wasn't thrilled in the slightest. Dante sat back down, guitar in hand as he tuned it.

He noticed the bandit gave him an even more confused and uncertain look and so he offered him a smile.

- You do not mind, do you prickly bandito? I am not going to waste your time with nonsense questions but I do have this song I've had in my mind that I want to practice. There's a long night ahead of us.

This time, the bandit let out a tired and audible sigh, still trying to struggle out of the ropes to no avail.

- Uhm. - Dante stopped playing - Not a fan of music either? I'm surprised you and my brother don't get along. You have so much in common.

- . . .

- I do not think jail is much better than this… - Dante looked thoughtful, he knew raiders were bad, but he couldn't help but feel for this one.

- . . .

- This might sound crazy but I'd probably release you if it didn't get my brother to destroy me. He really hates you all…

The bandit stopped and looked back at him, but Dante couldn't even begin to understand what was on his mind. Instead, Dante just thought back to the past and his brother's grudge.

- They killed our parents, I was too young to remember but he... Well… I was the only survivor, and Madre Lucia allowed Angus to stay to look after me.

- ...Why are you telling me this?

- …?! Well, I am just making conversation, you are not giving me much to work with!

The bandit seemed thoughtful for a while and Dante wondered if he was going back to staying quiet.

- ...Your family… What is their crime?

- What? There is no crime, they owned this farm and sold animals.

- Playbill.

- Uhm?

- That is your family's name. Playbill. Is it not?

- I… How do you know?

- ...I have said too much.

- Wait! What do you know?!

- . . .

The bandit closed his eyes, shaking his head as he furrowed his brows. Dante felt antsy, why did no one ever want to tell him anything?!

- You… You're going to jail, the least you could do is tell me!

- . . .

- Right… - Dante looked annoyed - Why *would* you tell me? I'm as much of your enemy as my brother is.

Dante sat back, this time in silence. He often was terrified of silence, filling the air with words to prevent the quietness from taking over. But instead, he just embraced it, drowning in his thoughts of what the bandit told him. Was it true? Could it be that his brother wasn't telling him something?

Angus should be returning soon, how long would it take to check in on the neighbours? Boredom was taking over and Dante took his guitar once more as he began playing again. A sad solemn song slowly filled the air and he sighed, playing as he noticed the bandit still avoiding his stare.

After what felt like an eternity, Dante paused, hearing the sound of the gates opening in the distance. Angus was back.

- Well… Here we go again. - He sighed, knowing he should stop playing to prevent an unwarranted comment from his brother - Do not worry. I may have a plan to get him to stop trying to ask you more questions.

- . . . ?

After the sound of footsteps approached, the door opened to reveal Angus who walked in a rush. He seemed almost out of breath but had a satisfied look on his face.

- I'm sorry for my delay. The attack was evaded and everyone is safe. And, you'll be excited to hear this, Andy. Authorities have been informed of our little guest here. Tomorrow we will be delivering him and they will take care of the rest.

- That… is really not exciting, Gus.

- But it was *your* idea! He'll be questioned by professionals! Anyway, I see you've adopted a method of slow torture by playing your instrument at him. Well done.

- I am not torturing him!

- Well, you are torturing *me* with that thing. But I will admit… Hearing it does make me nostalgic.

- . . . - Dante sighed and put the guitar to the side.

- So, did you manage to get him to speak?

Dante looked at his brother then back at the bandit, who although had put on his angry glare again, had a hint of concern in his expression.

- Uhm… - Dante muttered - Yes… Actually.

- Ah. *Of course, you would…* - He paused - And what did he say? - Dante could tell Angus wasn't thrilled by this response.

- He... Well, he only speaks Spanish. All this time, I don't think he could understand you...

- Oh… Is that so? - Angus looked back at the bandit then at Dante - Well, *you* speak Spanish! What did he say?!

- He begged me to stop playing the guitar. He is... very upset.

- … - Angus squinted at him - You're lying to me, aren't you?

- Wh-What…?! - Dante tensed up, he *was* a terrible liar after all.

- I know you're a people pleaser. If this cactus told you to stop playing, you would have! And you were playing when I came in!

- Gus, look I…

- ...Don't tell me that the two of you were just chatting about music instead of *you* doing what *I* asked!

- …

- You decided to show him one of your little songs, didn't you?

- ...I …Yes…! You caught me… Yes, I was... asking him if he had ever heard of me… He could be a fan, you know? - Dante would be sweating if he could, though he noticed his bandit friend was more visibly concerned by this.

Angus looked angrily at him, looking deeply into his eyes, and Dante felt like he could see right through his lies. But before he could say anything, Angus suddenly started to laugh.

- Hah… Hahaha! I expected little but this is just too much! - His laugh sounded so genuine that Dante couldn't tell if he was laughing with him or at him - Alright brother. I suppose that works.

- It does…?

- Yes. I don't suppose you'd like to act as a translator for me while I ask him more questions?

- I told you I am not taking part in that!

- I see, I expected that. Regardless, whatever happens to him, we did it together. I'm actually proud we got this far.

- ...Yes… Of course…

- Well… You'll keep watch durin' the night, yes? I can come by later to check if everythin' is fine.

- I'll be fine, Gus… He… does not like talking when you are here.

- Tsk. What'd I ever do to warrant that? - Angus cackled.

- Aha… Yes…

- Hey… Tomorrow we'll talk. Properly catch up like you asked. Would you want that? - Angus offered a genuine smile and Dante couldn't help but get a sick bittersweet feeling as he heard this.

- I… Yes... I would like that very much…

- Well then. Goodnight Andrew. If you need help, just call and I'll be there.

- Of course… - Dante nodded but he just felt sick, the guilt was eating him alive.

He saw Angus leave the shed and buried his face in his hands. His brother was finally opening up to him, and it had to be over a lie. He didn't want to be part of this. He didn't want whatever awful thing was going to happen to this bandit to be his fault. To be something that made his brother proud of him.

As he glanced at the Plant Drimare, he noticed his frightened expression. He was looking at him then back at the door, pausing as if hoping Angus was out of hearing range.

- ...Why did you lie to your brother? Why are you doing this? - His voice was quiet, making his raspy tone all the more noticeable.

- He is never going to accept me for who I am… But I can't have hurting you be the thing that makes him *proud*!

- But why? We are enemies.

- No! I don't know you, how could we be enemies?! I just do not want any part of this interrogation thing!!

- ...I fail to understand your motivation.

- *You*. You know something about what happened to our family.

- . . .

- You said there was a "*crime*", what were you talking about?!

- . . . !

The Cactus glared at him, snarling just like he had done to his brother. However, his ears were lowered almost as if in submission, and Dante quickly realized that this was a sure way to lose his trust.

This was an interrogation all over again.

- I'm sorry, I…

- . . .

- It's just that Angus wouldn't tell me…! And you seem to know something!

- I do not know anything! I know the Playbill family had bad blood with us, but I do not know what triggered the attack! - He hissed frustrated

- I… I see… - Dante muttered, noticing how the bandit was struggling with loosening the ropes around him and just sighed - I don't know how to ask you anything without it not sounding like an interrogation...

- I am not telling you where we're hiding. If I do, all of our families will be killed.

- Families…? I thought you were all living in some sort of... secret criminal hideout.

- ...Ugh. - He kept struggling - Are you going to release me or not?

- Shshhh! Not yet, bandito! - Dante spoke firmly - Do you want my brother to put a bullet through your head?!

- I dare him to try.

Dante sat back, certain that the ropes were strong enough to hold him tight. He gave the bandit a stern look and crossed his arms, though he wondered if he could be as intimidating as Angus.

- Not now. I will release you in the middle of the night when he's asleep and you will *leave* and not come back! Else my brother will hunt you for sport if he finds you.

- Your brother has made a powerful enemy this day.

- I'm sorry, do you not *want* to be released? If you go after my brother then you will have problems with the two of us!

- . . .

- And if the two of you start shooting around, not only will you wake up the cows but also the entire town will know you're here! So, *for your sake*, I would not do that.

The bandit seemed to consider this for a moment, and Dante was beginning to question whether it was a good idea to do this or if his brother was right about raiders being nothing but trouble. This one was certainly proving himself to be the latter.
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