Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

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[misstrust]

[ Her hero(????)

By which I mean, Dorothy just studies him warily, because she's pretty sure they discussed the whole problem of not having money and-- ]

What price?

[soulus]

As the requester, I will allow you to decide before I accept.

[She knows better than him just how much the doll means to her, for better or for worse.]

Information is a valuable asset.

[misstrust]

You know that for the most part, we're largely in the same boat regarding what we know, right? And I doubt you're interested in anything about me before we were brought here.

[ Granted, it's not a flat-out no. ]

Of course, I could always educate you in something a little more pleasurable--

[ It's Rufus, though. ]

[soulus]

[True to her judgment, he makes absolutely no comment on that offer.]

It doesn't have to be now.

[He can add to her current tab.]

In the event you're unable to pay here, you can always make your payment once we've returned to our respective worlds.

[misstrust]

... Sorry?

[ Wait, what-- ]

Can you actually travel to other worlds? Or is that just you telling me that you're going to wait until I'm a soul wandering in the underworld...

[soulus]

Bounty hunters are able to cross worlds. I'm certain I can arrange a way to yours . . . if the payment is worth the travel expense.

[misstrust]

Well, money won't be an issue in my own world...

[ Hm. ]

All right, then.

[soulus]

That's good news.

[He holds his hand out. The doll, if she'd please.]

[misstrust]

[ And she places it there with a tired sigh. ]

Good riddance, Dad.

[soulus]

[He pauses, then looks down at the doll in his hand.]

This is your father.

[misstrust]

[ And that beautiful (no) face stares back at him. Dorothy clearly took entirely after her mother. ]

An approximation of him, yes.

[ And she lifts an eyebrow. Say something about it, she dares you. ]

[soulus]

[That's the only confirmation he needs. All he says is this as he closes his fingers around the doll with no regard for its condition:]

I will dispose of it.

[misstrust]

[ This poor doll did nothing wrong.

But Dorothy peers at him for a few seconds, as though she's unsure how to respond to that-- which is silly, because he's just confirming what they already agreed upon. Finally... ]

Thank you. I'll keep my end of the bargain.

[soulus]

[Now that the doll's in his possession, Rupe takes renewed interest in it as he rears up on his hind legs to give it a sniff. Rufus doesn't give it to him.]

I will inform you once the task is complete.

[And if that's all, he'll be on his way to get it done as soon as possible.]

[misstrust]

[ Yep, she won't hold him back. All she really does is nod, her expression a little distant.

Go forth, Rufus. ]