DoofQuest- a Disney Villains Victorious CK2-Style Quest

"Ah, Max. I appreciate you stopping by so quickly. I realize that you're probably busy..." Dr. Doofenschmirtz smiled congenially as Maximilian Goof... slunk in? No, perhaps the better word would be stalked. The young Toon had been noticeably irate ever since his return from Xanadu, even snapping at Janna a few times when she had played one of her lesser pranks and he'd been caught in the blast radius.

Literally, those fireworks Kitsune sold her had some punch to them!

"Well, yeah. You're the boss." Max slid into the seat opposite "The Doof", a mulishly expectant expression on his face. Dr. Doofenschmirtz paused from where he'd been rummaging in one of his desk drawers, before continuing... and pulling out a pair of cold orange sodas. Leaning forward, the lanky man set it down on a coaster in front of Max, who eyed it with some trepidation; before opening it, while his employer did the same after closing the refrigerated drawer he kept his stash in.

"Ah, that's the stuff. Now Max, I actually wanted to talk to you about the last mission I sent you on." Max's brows knit and his expression began to curdle. "It turned out to have some major dividends, even though we're still working to translate those scrolls; and that Talisman is going to be very useful for all sorts of projects." A muscle in Max's cheek twitched, even as his grip began to tighten on the can of soda. "I also went over the reports. Your uncle was quite the lucky encounter." Another twitch, and the sound of aluminum beginning to crumple. "There's just one thing that I think needs addressed." Max's expression turned to one of raw fury as he opened his mouth...

"I want to apologize."

And then stopped, anger draining away to leave confusion in its wake. "You... what?" Max sounded dazed, even as he mechanically took another drink from his soda. Dr. Doofenschmirtz nodded fervently.

"I want to apologize. I kind of thought that the whole Chicken Itza thing was a one-off, just a really bad c-," Doofenschmirtz pauses, then apparently rethinks his words, "A series of very unfortunate events. Echo Creek... I didn't know about your history with possums, and how uncomfortable a place that has it as their mascot would probably make you. After your vacation to Europe though, I thought that something where you were with a friend and had a good solid leader would be more ideal." Dr. Doofenschmirtz hangs his head. "I didn't think to ask you whether you wanted to go. I didn't take your preferences and comfort zone into consideration. And so, I'd like to apologize."

Max stared at his boss for a long moment, before taking another gulp of soda. Out of everything that had been within his expectations for this meeting... All the scenarios he'd pictured during his ride up via elevator; this hadn't been one of them. "Um... thanks then, I guess?" Dr. Doofenscmirtz shook his head.

"Please Max, I should be thanking you for not just deciding to quit and find work somewhere else. You're a valuable member of the team; and even Temujin has said that you have good instincts for people in his reports to me after you brought Janna back. The fact that you're friends with Janna and my daughter doesn't factor into it." Max opened his mouth. "And neither does your father. I can appreciate someone looking to grow beyond their origins, believe me."

Max swallowed, hard. This was starting to feel like that heart-to-heart he'd had with dad during The Road Trip. "I, ah, really appreciate that doc. Thanks. I mean it." The doctor nodded, looking... relieved? Had he actually thought that Max was going to quit?

"I'm glad to hear that Max. I also have something I would like to ask you." Max's expression pinched. Ah, here was the other shoe. "I'm going to be going to New York by invitation of David Xanatos to attend a magic auction. I intend to bring Janna with me as my occult advisor, and Vanessa as well. My little girl needs to start getting a feel for how to network, even if she decides not to take over the company after I'm gone." Max shifted uncomfortably at the comment. "I'm taking Agent Russ with me too, but there's one more ticket. I'd like you to have it and come with us."

Max gaped. "Wait, to New York?" Dr. Doofenschmirtz nodded. "A ritzy, high-class auction with the David Xanatos?" Another nod. Max's expression turned wary. "There's not like, some secondary purpose to this, like going through the sewers looking for irradiated dragon eggs or something? Right?" The Doctor's eyebrows rose, and he got a thoughtful expression before dismissing whatever idea had intruded into his head.

"Nope, just the auction, probably talking some shop and potential deals with Xanatos, and doing the tourist thing for a bit." Dr. Doofenschmirtz paused. "I'd like to promise you, here and now, that I will do my best to keep from sending you out into the wilderness on crazy magical du- goose chases again. Unfortunately, I can't say with absolute certainty it won't happen again, I still remember that incident with the Reforest-inator; but as long as I can help it, I will keep from sending you out into the wilds on missions." The doctor held up a hand solemnly, before extending it to Max. "So... are you interested in that plane ticket?"

Max gave a tentative smile as he stood and shook the man's hand, feeling some of his stress slide off his shoulders. "You know doc, I think I am. Thanks." Doofenschmirtz smiled slightly and shook his head.

"No Max, thank you for giving me one more chance." Doof pauses, looking hesitant, before seeming to come to a decision. "Also, speaking from personal experience here. If you ever feel the need to vent, Technor's actually really good at listening constructively." Max looked surprised, then slightly wary.

"I'll, uh, keep it in mind I guess. Have a good one doc." With that, the young man headed out.