"I already told you," Schuldig muttered irritably, "I don't doubt your sincerity. I doubt your ability." There was a considerable difference between believing Artemis was feeding him a line and simply feeling he'd never get a chance to fulfill such a promise, regardless of genuine intent.

Hopefully that clarification hadn't reopened the subject, however. It was more than he wanted to get into, with Arty or anyone else.

In regards for what could keep the boy relaxed in the face of what had been done to him, and what side effects it might have... "Drugs," he offered, opening one eye to glance sidelong at him. "Lots of them. Beyond that, I suppose Haku and Badou and I are, sadly, your best alternatives."