View source for 1613/Friend Or Foe: Decision About Lute

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/02/19
|Location=The Eastern Ruins
|Synopsis=Lute wishes to help out Duke and possibly Doran, but Doran is a bit wiser then his other Digimon Friend.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=188, 276, 695, 718
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The ruins is probably not the best place for a Digimon-- or maybe it is! Either way the Guilmon X roams around the wreckage of the place. Using its claws to dig through the rubble, sniffing about, and then hoping over to another location.<br /><br />His dino like tail swaying side to side as he digs and then sticks his snout into some rubble, before then rearing back his head and then sneezing. He rubs his snout and then watches the device he has been using communicating flying through the air. "Voices!" and then goes to snatch it before it hits the ground, sliding on his white belly a bit which is a contrast to his red scales with black markings.<br /><br />He sighs gently when the device is safe.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute walks through the ruins, rather calmly. None of his Pokemon are out, at the moment. He doesn't want to scare away Duke. If such a Digimon is being hunted, well. It's unlikely that he would appreciate seeing another monster appearing that he was unfamiliar with. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In his hand, he holds a basket full of food. It has a wide variety of sandwhiches, some chunks of sweet bread, some cured meat, and some drinks. He holds it up in front of him as he walks, trying to lure the Guilmon X with the scent of it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then, finally, he sees the Digimon. He pauses, observing it for a second, before speaking. "Hello. Are you Duke?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He smiles. It's not the most calming smile, especially considering this isn't Lute's normal dumb self. This is in fact the other half of his split personality, the cold and calculating sociopath. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:276|Kari Wolf (276)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kari is in her less beefy Howling armor, clinging to Lute's shoulder and peering over it, watching the ruins for signs of trouble. Her four little drones are hovering about Lute, acting as extra eyes for the shinki, thumb-sized remote machines checking out hiding places and such. Hey, the ruins are kind of dangerous, after all.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The drones spot Duke and Kari waves to Duke from Lute's shoulder. "Hi Duke!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As Lute walks with the basket of food, Duke suddenly looks up and sniffs the are a few times. Those gold eyes blink a few, before he sniffs the air again. He spots Lute who asks his question and then notices Kari waving.<br /><br />The Dragon-dino Digimon suddenly opens his maw in a smile, before running over, and pushing a button on the device he has. "Kari! Lute!" he slides to a stop in front of them and peers at the Basket. Duke stands about four foot, if only a touch taller.<br /><br />He sniffs at the basket, "Food?" He asks looking directly at Lute in the eyes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute continues to smile. He sets the basket of food down, looking at Duke. "Well, Duke, this food is all for you. Feel free to eat your fill. If it is not enough, we can get you more. Or, you could come with us, and we can supply you with more. Much more." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He smiles, and leans down, to get on Duke's level. "And yes, I am Lute. And I come to offer you the resources of the Confederacy. But, before that, I'd like to hear more about your world. What /is/ Yggdrasil? Who works with him? How is he related to the Demon Lords? And, since you were attacked, how have you and the other Exiles been living?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He reaches into the basket, and breaks off a piece of bread, offering it to Duke. Still smiling. And he looks at Kari. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...I assume you have some questions, too, Kari?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He moves a finger to pet Kari on the head /juuust/ a little. His experience with Shinki recently has lead him to thinking they might like this kind of affection. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:276|Kari Wolf (276)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kari retrieves her drones, the little things disappearing in a flash of light, and she pulls herself to sit on Lute's shoulder. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They live in a terrible alley in a terrible part of town, Lute. I've been there. It's not safe!" She adds, "I think Duke prefers raw steak."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she waves to Duke. "Hi~!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke listens to what Lute has to say. Those gold eyes locked onto the young man's own. As Lute speaks to him, the Guilmon X lowers his head slightly to watch him break the bread, but those eyes go back to meet his.<br /><br />There is-- something very deep about that gaze, almost piercing like a honed warrior. Yet its slightly glazed over by the youthful nature of the Child form of the Digimon. There was also a long bit of silence, before he rumbles gently at Lute.<br /><br />Then with quick reaction time, he swings his claws over to snatch the food from Lute's hand with its long index claw, piercing the bread, and then goes to chomp down on it. Chewing down on it contently with his eyes closed.<br /><br />"Mmmm. Good Food." He says with no manners about it.<br /><br />Then he dives right into the Baskets and starts chomping down on stuff, eating this and eating that. Not seeming to be in a rush to answer questions right away, but seems more focused on eating. Probably starving truth be told given how much Digimon children can eat.<br /><br />As he eats, he noms contently, quickly, and his tail sways side to side. That is when he at last goes to speak as he peers over at the drinks, trying to determine what they are. "Yggdrasil is.. hmm.. big power." Duke says looking at Lute from the drink choices. "Duke don't know much cause many Exiles don't share much." He frowns at that.<br /><br />"Once protectors of home serve him.. and those who are not Exiles or.." He growls at the name before he speaks it, there is a flick of blue in his eyes. "Demon Lords." His eyes narrow sharply, they almost get a predator look to them even as his pupils constricting slightly to slits, though they don't stay that way for long. "..Demon Lords bad. Bad Digimon. Horrible Digimon." He snorts out smoke.<br /><br />"Duke don't like them. Duke.. Duke heart tells him to not trust them.. and others say same.. Duke not sure why though.. but they bad." Duke pauses and flops down on his hign-end. "..though.. they like Duke.. we share attribute.." His eyes close. He seems-- rather distressed by that fact.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute pauses, listening. Hrm. Not too much more information. But, he gets more of an idea on how Duke thinks from his actions, and his reactions to the talk about the Demon Lords, and their whole 'being terrible, but sharing the same attribute' thing. Lute simply smiles at Duke. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Digimon can degenerate to a lower form. You're a virus type Digimon. And from your reactions to me talking about Beelzebumon... You seemed familiar with him. Perhaps you fought him, once. Or perhaps you /might/ even of been a Demon Lord once yourself. I'm not sure, though. I'm just throwing out theories. ...Though, as a Digimon, you could evolve a different route this time, couldn't you?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But, he glances at Kari, still smiling. "...So, they simply live in ruins, and they don't have much of a home. Well... In that case." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A smile to Duke, "We are from the Confederacy. It is a military organization. We fight to defend those who the Union would crush. But, we are not asking you to join us. We are willing to offer you a home, without requiring membership to the Confederacy. We'll give your Exile friends, and yourself, a place to live. There will be food. Drink. Safety. If your enemies come to attack, we will defend you." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His smile widens a bit. "But, there is but one thing we'd ask for in return. We'd like to ask your help, on occasion. For example, if we go to battle, we might ask you to come along with us as well. Of course, along with this, we would be willing to help you with Yggdrasil as well. To fight him. And, we will fight the Demon Lords as well." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Think about it. A safe home for all of you exiles. In fact, we might even be able to find some people who would be willing to partner with them. If you don't know humans that much, well... When a human and a Digimon ally together, the Digimon grows fast. They evolve to their higher states more rapidly. If your Exile friends partner with humans... They would grow to be able to defend themselves." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How does this sound, to you?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:276|Kari Wolf (276)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kari adds to Lute's offer. "It'd be safe and warm! And there's places you can practice getting stronger too! And I could bring sandwiches and steak!" The little shinki is very enthusiastic.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She stops and thinks when Lute points out that digimon get stronger with people. "... Maybe I could get Master to adopt you, Duke!" Yeah right, that'd be a terrible idea. A Guilmon in a condo.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Guilmon X listens to what Lute has to say. His tail tip thumping against the ground. He then goes to take a few more bites of food about then. He sniffs the air and then looks behind him. His ears fins twitch gently, before his gaze goes back to Lute.<br /><br />"You talk much." The Digimon says with a goofy face. "Duke is bored now." then he noms on more food, at least till he realizes the food is almost all gone and looks down at it. "Mmm.. other Exiles need food too.."<br /><br />Duke then taps the basket with his claw and sighs gently. "..Duke can not talk for rest of Exiles. Many Exiles live in different areas. Scattered. Scattered we remain harder to hunt." Tap tap basket. "Union also bad?" Duke asks his eyes looking at Lute, then he looks to Kari. "Duke love steak!" That was a sudden change in thought.<br /><br />He blinks a few times as he ponders over again what was presented to him or-- at least what he could remember. He goes back to tapping the basket. Tap tap. Tap. Tap tap. "Duke.." He says as he taps. "..Duke wants to get stronger.. Duke.. wants to remember.. and see others safe."<br /><br />The Digimon closes his eyes. ".. But Doran says to not trust others. Exiles says be on guard. Duke know Duke need friends.. Duke knows Duke need to fight to get stronger." The tapping stops as he opens his eyes and he looks a bit sad.<br /><br />"..but Duke also doesn't want to see others harmed.. and many don't like to fight.." Duke looks between them. "Also Duke only know what humans are by others explain." he squints at Lute. "..humans are strange digimon."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute is visibly a bit annoyed as Duke gets distracted while he is talking. Lute will just... have to speak in simpler terms, he supposes. "Yes. The Union is bad. The Union would be friends with Yggdrasil, I think." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is blatant lieing, but Lute feels it is wortha shot. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You can trust us. We'll give you as much steak as you want. We'll give the other exiles a lot of food, too." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another pause, giving the Guilmon time to think on it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Let some of the Exiles come with me. Tell a few of them you found shelter. And I'll take them to a place where they will not be found." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Also, humans are not Digimon. We are different." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke tail sways side to side. He listens and those eyes suddenly have that sharpness in them. His ears fins droop gently and he stands up. His snout looking directly up at Lute. His tail even comes to a halt. There is a low rumble from him as he then looks over to Kari.<br /><br />He licks his chops to get the crumbs of food off his muzzle and then looks away, before he looks back at Lute. There may be some hidden intelligence behind the Child Digimon before them. "Duke can not speak for all Exiles. Duke can bring up offer. No promises." He gives a nod of his head.<br /><br />"Duke will-- see what others have to offer too. Hear others." He then looks to Kari. "But.. Duke will help friends." he then extends out his clawed paw, "Lute and Kari friends, right?"<br /><br />"And friends of friends are Duke's friends!" He says with a cheerful smile on his muzzle.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute smiles, holding out a hand, to shake Duke's paw. "Yes. Lute is your friend. And Kari is your friend. Okay? But... Hrm." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He ponders a little bit. He is playing it up, though, to make it look like it is obvious he is thinking. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm going to give you a newer radio, but like. If you see any of your Exile friends? Let us know. We'll bring them food, and give them the offer to come. Alright?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And with that, he pulls out a radio. One that is a /bit/ harder to trace by normal means. But at the same time, is made so the Confederacy itself can trace it with ridiculous ease, due to built in features. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute shows Duke real fast how all of the buttons work and what everything on it does. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Remember, though! Let us know when you see them. We'll send more food." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:276|Kari Wolf (276)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kari smiles brightly. "Lute is Lute! He's friends with a lot of people!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kari also tells Duke where to go if he ever wants to vist her home, a city in a valley, protected by the Confederacy. "I hope to see you some time, Duke!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke sniffs at the radio and then takes off the one he has. He watches closely as Lute explains how it works, seeming far more keen at paying attention now. Once Lute is done explaining he puts it on and smiles brightly. "Lute good friend!" Then he gently nuzzle bumps Lute's hand-- unless he pulls it away.<br /><br />He then looks at what is left of the food in the basket. Which is not much. "Duke will give old voices to Doran. That way Doran can speak too! Also give rest of food to Doran.. if Duke can find Doran." He sighs at that. "Doran good at hide and seek.." He rumbles gently.<br /><br />"Better then Duke." The comes with a grumble and then he picks up the basket with his claws. "..or Duke may eat all food if he doesn't find Doran soon.." he just stares down what is left over and licks his chops. "..food very good."<br /><br />Duke looks over to Kari and nods his head a few times. "Duke will remember where Kari is.." He sniffs the air. "..and maybe we can play!"<br /><br />Duke looks at Lute, before his features soften for a moment and he raises the basket. "Thank you for food."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute allows Duke to nuzzle his hand. Yeah, if there is one thing Lute knows, it's how to deal with monsters. And if a monster wants to be pet, you pet it. It isn't common that a wild creature will allow it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, then. I'll stay as your friend. And I want to meet Doran too, okay? I bet I can tell him why the Confederacy is a good thing, too." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He ponders, "Where is Doran? Would he like some food too, do you think? Because I can have more sent almost immediately if you wish." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:276|Kari Wolf (276)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kari goes into describing Doran as a big fuzzy purple dinosaur thing with a gem on his head, and little horns that look really mean. She has indeed met both Doran and Duke before. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And he looks out for Duke, because he scolded Duke for steaking the steak and tried to get Duke to understand what was going on. Then Duke ran and Doran and I followed!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:695|Doran (695)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Speak of the devil and he shall appear. <br /><br />Doran had been hunting... and making sure that those who haunt this place don't bother their 'camp', for lack of a better word. In fact, he was just on his way back with a rabbit in his mouth when he hears voices -- not the otherworld voices of spirits and dead, but living visitors. Two he recognizes -- Duke and that tiny mechanoid from the other day -- but one he doesn't. The fact that Duke doesn't sound like he's threatened or angry keeps him from just charging in. <br /><br />He slips around the ruins to reach a slightly-higher point above the gathering and only allows himself to be seen once he's settled on a stable perch. His golden eyes constrict to cat-eye pupils as he stares balefully at Lute and Kari, evaluating them for a few seconds before he purposefully lowers his head to drop the rabbit at his feet. Though not hostile, the purple-and-white wolfishly-draconic Digimon is far more untrusting than Duke is. <br /><br />"So." He just looks at Duke, vulpine tail swishing behind him. "We have guests?" His voice, though childishly high-pitched, isn't full of innocence to match. He doesn't hide his distrust, and there's a slight hint of... betrayal?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Mm. Doran is probably hungry, but Doran is better hunter." Duke explains as he moves the basket slightly in his claws. "Doran is.." Indeed speak of the devil. The Guilmon X ear fins perk up as Doran makes himself known and Duke turns to face his friend.<br /><br />He raises up the basket with a big smile on his muzzle. "Doran! Look what they brought Duke and others!" He then blinks his eyes. "..though Duke ate most of it.." He then smiles again. "But they come to offer help! Big help! Even help protect from guardians and Yggdrasil!" Duke however doesn't pick up on the betrayal part. Not yet.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute looks up, hearing Doran's voice. He smiles. So. This is Doran, then? Well. To star, Lute holds his hands to his side, a little bit away from his body. His smile is particularly careful not to show any teeth, as well. He's trying to show he has no weapons. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hello, Doran. Let me introduce myself. My name is Lute. I'm a member of the Confederacy. I came to bring Duke some food, and, to make a bit of an offer." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This... This might work better. Duke is a kid. Doran actually sounds a lot more mature, and carries himself a lot better. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's a simple offer. The Confederacy is a powerful military. We're offering to give you and the Exiles real homes. Food. Drink. And, we offer protection. We're even willing to help you fight Yggdrasil. We're not even asking you to join the Confederacy. We might ask for your help on occasion, but we'd never ask you to do anything you are uncomfortable with." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A smile. "Plus... We have different ways we can help you become more powerful. Help you get strong enough to /defeat/ your enemies, such as Yggdrasil, or the Demon Lords." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute smiles, "Of course, though, this is just an offer for now. You can have time to think. But... I really suggest you consider it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, to make his point, Lute reaches into the basket. While Duke ate most of the food, there is still some left. He takes out a bit of smoked sausage, and tosses it to Doran, in an underhand throw. Smiling. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:276|Kari Wolf (276)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kari waves cheerfully at Doran from Lute's shoulder. "Hi again! I thought Lute might want some company to meet you and Duke, so I came along. Did you find enough food the other day?" She asks, noticing the rabbit Doran has brought back.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:695|Doran (695)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Doran nods neutrally to Kari. He remembers her, the one who paid for the steak and helped them get out of that whole mess (of Duke's making). "We did, yes." His reply is curt but neutral. "I never thanked you for your help." <br /><br />Lute gets a narrow-eyed stare as he speaks. Though he does catch the thrown smoked sausage in his jaws (with a steel-trap *snap* sound to match), he simply lowers his head to drop it next to the rabbit. Clearly, the way to Doran's heart is not through his stomach, unlike Duke. "You sound like Lucemon," he growls, hackles bristling. "All honeyed words and promises, where it sounds good but there's always a catch. Always something in it for the one offering, and always at the expense of the one being offered to." He shifts on his rear paws, standing almost straight up as tall as he can manage. "So what's /your/ catch, Lute?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke stares up at Doran, even as Lute talks. Seeming to observe how his friend acts to all this, though when Lute reaches into the basket and tosses up the Sausage, he also tracks it with keen eyes to where it goes.<br /><br />Though it is in this that his eyes also land on the dead rabbit. That is when his brows furrow, before he says softly. "..Doran always better hunter.." He frowns gently and looks down at the basket as he lowers it. He closes his eyes, as his ear fins droop gently. Something was bugging Duke suddenly-- even if he wasn't voicing it.<br /><br />Though when Doran speaks up to Lute. Duke's gold eyes blink and he looks up at Doran again. Then he shifts his body weight slightly and looks at Lute, "You have a catch?" He asks with some confusion in his voice. His eyes then looking at Kari.<br /><br />His ear fins though were still drooped down, before his eyes shift back to the rabbit and now sausage at Doran's feet.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute just smiles. "My catch is fairly simple. I somewhat am interested in finding a Digimon Partner amongst the Exiles. I do not expect to find one, but it is worth a shot. I am one who partners with and trains monsters of various kinds. And, Digimon are a type of creature I have been interested in for some time." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "There is one more catch as well. We'd simply ask for your help on occasion, most likely, in battle. We would not ask you to do anything you are uncomfortable with, though." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute smiles though, "Honestly? My main interest... Is simply academic. I'm a researcher as well. I want to learn more about Digimon." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute smiles. "It's not that hard of a condition really, is it?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, a glance at Duke, "He means 'catch' as in, what is the reason I want to give this to you. As in, I am giving you something, you give me something back." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke taps his claw to his chin, using the other paw to hold the basket. "Mm. Trade." He remembers that from last night.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:276|Kari Wolf (276)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kari ohs. "Yeah, I work for the Confederacy and sometimes I have to help them do things. Most of the time though I help by manning the food cart at lunch or helping Master get small boxes off the top shelves!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:695|Doran (695)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Doran's ears flatten. "Ah. Of course." His mouth pulls back in a grin, though with the sharp pointy teeth being displayed, it looks almost like a snarl. "We'll protect you from your enemies, or maybe we'll give you the power to fight them instead. Just fight with us, let us learn about you, and all your problems will go away." <br /><br />His head lowers as he takes a step forward, perching right on the edge. "Do us both a favor and do not patronize me, Lute. I'm far older than I look. I remember when Lucemon betrayed Yggdrasil and created the Demon Lords, I remember how the war between the two sides tore the Digital World apart, and I distinctly remember the effect it had on the innocent Digimon who did not or could not choose a side." <br /><br />He releases a low long growl, his shoulders loosening in the process as he forces himself to relax. "You seem to also be mistaken about the organization of the Exiles. There is no structure, there is no leadership. Each Digimon makes their choice for themselves, so you need to find and talk to each one as you find them. If they choose to take your offer as relayed to me, then so be it." He pauses for a few moments, just looking at Duke, and shakes his head. "For me, I thank you and respect you for your honesty, but I decline." <br /><br />He picks up the smoked sausage and tosses it back to Lute -- underhanded, with scarcely enough force to make the distance. "I refuse to bind myself to one side or another when I scarcely understand the stakes involved. I have no quarrel with anyone, and I prefer to keep it that way." He tilts his head to the side. "That said, I'll see about spreading the word to other Exiles if I come across any others. Your offer is indeed generous, just not for me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke thinks a bit more on what Lute has to say and blinks his eyes a few more times. He then glances away from the whole group, before placing the basket down. His ear fins are still back as he keeps his thoughts to himself, but his gold eyes peer back to the rabbit--then to the sausage.<br /><br />His eye ridges furrow a bit as he snorts out a touch of flame from his nostrils. Though when Doran speaks, Duke flinches a little. He then quickly steps around the basket, there was a flicker of blue in those gold eyes. "Doran!"<br /><br />Duke then almost sounds like he is pleading gently. "But if we can get help, we could.." He lowers his head as his pupils shift slightly and he steps back. He shakes his head before he speaks up again. "We could fight back! Duke wants to see.." His eyes soften a bit then as he lowers his head. "..Duke wants to see everyone safe.."<br /><br />He then looks up at Doran once more. "Don't you?"<br /><br />His eyes then flicker again, before he staggers back a bit and shakes his head again. "...nrrh.. stupid headache.." He huffs gently, before he looks at Lute and Kari. "...Doran makes up mind.. Doran not easy to change mind." Duke nods his head gently. "..Duke.. duke doesn't want to be caught between friends but..."<br /><br />His eyes then look back at the rabbit. "..Doran always better hunter.." His eye ridges furrow.. "..because Doran isn't weak.." His voice becomes soft again as he shakes his head once more and goes to step away from the entire group and just-- flops down on some of the rubble. His claws resting over his muzzle as he rumbles to perhaps only himself.<br /><br />He is caught in a bit of a conflict right now, don't mind him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute smiles at Doran. "Well. Spreading the world is all I can ask of you. I assumed the exiles at least formed /some/ sort of group, but simply letting them know of the offer is enough for now." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He considers his words. He /really/ wants to make sure these two remain on his side at least somewhat. But, for now, it seems the discussion is getting close to an end. But then, he glances at Duke. Pondering. His mind really /is/ shattered, isn't it? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Duke, whether or not he allies with me, or convinces the Exiles that they should ally with me, I am fine with the result. Do not worry." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A glance back at Doran. "I think I'l take my leave, though. But, should you..." A glance at Duke for a second, "...either of you, encounter the other Exiles. Simply keep us informed. At the very least, we can in fact offer them food." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, Lute reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a Pokeball, and opens it. From it, the large Dragon-type Pokemon Giratina appears. And Lute begins to climb on its back. He doesn't take off yet. He of course is going to wait for Kari to get on and get a ride, too. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "By the way. I've met Beelzebumon. I'm not sure if he is the same Demon Lord from your world, but that is what he calls himself. And, well. I consider him an enemy, either way. So. If you have to deal with /him/ as well, simply let us know." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:276|Kari Wolf (276)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kari adds. "You're always welcome to visit me, Doran! I told Duke how to get to my home." She finds a place to hold onto Lute very tightly for the ride back to Confederate territory on Giratina. She waves cheerfully at Doran and Duke. "Take care of yourselves!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:718|Duke (718)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Duke rumbles gently and lifts up his head gently to see the giant dragon that Lute climbs up on. His eye ridges furrow and he then curls up slightly. "Duke will.. still help Duke's friends.. but what Duke said last night still remains."<br /><br />He lifts up his head gently, those gold eyes falling on Lute, before he looks at Doran. "..Duke will talk to others too.. because Duke wants to get stronger.. so that Duke can protect Doran as well. Protect everyone."<br /><br />"..but first Duke gets rid of bad headache. Bad.. bad.. headache.. nrh.."<br /><br />Duke does wave his tail to them, though it seems whatever happened there between the little conflict has the Guilmon X down for a bit.<br /><br />Though once they are gone, Duke looks back up at Doran-- if Doran has stayed. "...What if.. Duke was once Demon Lord.." He says with a frown. "..what if.. Duke.." He then lowers his head again and hides his snout under his muzzle. "..Duke jealous of Doran.. Doran don't need anyone..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:695|Doran (695)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>When Lute release Giratina, Doran jumps back from the edge as he instinctively tenses for battle. In fact, his eyes start to glow and a faint glow could be seen around his outline for a few seconds before he evidently realizes that the creature isn't going to fight them. Possibly about to Digivolve? <br /><br />His eyes constrict at mention of Beelzebumon, and he curtly nods. "I will have to meet him for myself... but I thank you for the information. I will keep an eye out for him." He bows his head to both Lute and Kari. "Though I refused your offer, I would like to meet and talk again. No strings involved." He chuckles faintly. "But word shall be spread in the meantime, I assure you. Safe travels." <br /><br />He picks up the rabbit and begins making his way back down to rejoin Duke. At the Guilmon X's words, though, he emits a heavy sigh as he crouches down next to him. "You're wrong," He murmurs, barely audible. "So horribly wrong."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:188|Lute (188)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lute simply.... Looks at Duke and Doran. Smiling. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doran knows a lot more about what Duke is than Duke does, apparently. If he is wrong about being a Demon Lord, and horribly so... He must be some sort of opposite to them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He'll have toask Beelzebumon later. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes. We can meet again. But for now... Farewell." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And with that, Giratina spreads its wings, bursting off into the sky. It almost certainly doesn't seem like a Digimon if one pays close attention to it. But still, it is definitely an intimidating creature in its own right. But, it flies off, with Lute and Kari on it. <br> <br>


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