>>5328508It’s a wholly uncomfortable thing to watch the man before you scream and call for his brother– a brother that he can’t even talk to if he wanted to.
Fractaled eyes center themselves onto you in desperation, and, with the emotional transfer, your own guilt is amplified tenfold.
<span class="mu-i">“Why won’t you tell me where Eddie is?!”</span> Conduit cries out, the sound of his mental voice raw. His shoulders wrack as his physical body makes rough, raspy sobs, and you try not to let yourself be overcome by the other mutant’s emotions.
It takes a good couple of minutes for him to quiet himself and calm down, but now you think you can get in a couple of words edgewise.
“Conduit–” You start, taking a breath to center yourself.
<span class="mu-i">“Ernst,”</span> He corrects you, wiping his face with a bony arm.
“Ernst,” You try again, this time with his actual name. Then, you take a long moment to think on just how carefully you say your next words, as you don’t want to give away the more important cards you have yet to play.
“I can’t tell you everything just yet, but Eddie’s… kind of in a similar situation to you right now.” While still distraught, there’s an inquiring look in those unique eyes of his, the mental hand probing for more. “It’s similar, but not the same– can’t talk to us without some special equipment.”
<span class="mu-i">“Is that why I can’t sense him?”</span> Ernst questions, eyes widening in realization.
“Yes.” You nod. “That’s exactly it– but we've got him safe and taken care of for now, though; he's not going anywhere bad. In fact, if it weren't for his help, I wouldn't be here now.”
“So trust me,” You continue, spurred on by the faintest glimmer of hope you feel from Ernst’s mental presence. “Eddie’s still kicking and he still loves you beyond all comprehension. But if I'm gonna pay him back, you need to hold out so I can reunite you both.”
>(1/2) 