[ oda blinks a couple times. but then he smiles, although a little sad. ]
I don’t know if I’d say that about me. You deserve someone much better, someone who was more aligned with what you think justice is. But... [ there’s a moment of hesitation. ] but you remind me of them. These kids I once knew.
[ there’s a long pause, as oda considers the idea of telling them about the children.
but he nods. ]
They were five kids. I picked them up when they were left orphaned during riots in the city I lived in. Though the oldest was only nine, the five of them were capable of taking down someone like me when they got together. They lived on the second floor of a curry restaurant— the owner agreed to hide them there for me, so the Mafia wouldn’t take them.
[ he closes his eyes, trying to push back the pain in his chest ] You would’ve gotten along with them.
oda’s immediate reaction is to freeze up, unused to sudden displays of affection such as hugs. however, he slowly gives into the hug with a shaky sigh. he raises an arm to weakly hug them back—like a puppet that’s being pulled on a string. ]
Our ideals can’t be further apart, you know? Justice... the type of justice I wanted—still want—for their killer is something you would never accept. But you remind me so much of them— I don’t want to fail you.
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[ well, as fine as he can be considering everything. ]
I... wanted to check up on you, actually. After what happened to Fortune...are you okay?
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[Well, Justice does not want their arms ripped off. They hug themself.]
N-No matter what happens, she'll be okay. She'll come back. I'm trying not to waste too much time being sad.
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But I just wanted to say that I’ll do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. I won’t leave you.
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[Justice perks up a bit more, putting their hands on their cheeks.]
Thank you so much! That makes me feel so glad...even when I was down to just two followers...you've been by my side. I feel so lucky.
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[ oda blinks a couple times. but then he smiles, although a little sad. ]
I don’t know if I’d say that about me. You deserve someone much better, someone who was more aligned with what you think justice is. But... [ there’s a moment of hesitation. ] but you remind me of them. These kids I once knew.
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but he nods. ]
They were five kids. I picked them up when they were left orphaned during riots in the city I lived in. Though the oldest was only nine, the five of them were capable of taking down someone like me when they got together. They lived on the second floor of a curry restaurant— the owner agreed to hide them there for me, so the Mafia wouldn’t take them.
[ he closes his eyes, trying to push back the pain in his chest ] You would’ve gotten along with them.
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[Justice is quiet, contemplative.]
Why...would the Mafia try to take them?
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[ .... ]
But that doesn’t matter anymore. There’s no need to hide them anymore.
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They...aren't alive anymore, are they? Something awful happened...didn't it?
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[ oda pales, but after a moment of silence, he nods. ]
Yeah. The children and the man that helped me hide them are all dead.
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oda’s immediate reaction is to freeze up, unused to sudden displays of affection such as hugs. however, he slowly gives into the hug with a shaky sigh. he raises an arm to weakly hug them back—like a puppet that’s being pulled on a string. ]
Our ideals can’t be further apart, you know? Justice... the type of justice I wanted—still want—for their killer is something you would never accept. But you remind me so much of them— I don’t want to fail you.
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[I'm! So! Sad!]
I'm the one who won't fail you.
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but he manages to compose himself, if only just enough for him to hug them again, this time with a little more strength. ]
Thank you. Thank you, thank you—
[ his voice breaks, but he manages to keep himself together. deep breaths. ]