IC Inbox

[noblerise]

If contacting his personal number or via Libra:

"You have reached Jusis Albarea. I'm busy. Leave a message."

If contacting his work number:

"You have reached the office of Jusis Albarea, Esquire. I'm not available at this time, so please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you."

Black Order Inbox and Class VII Group Chat for reference.

Comments

Weekend Hangout

[fiddlestick]

[As the time for Jusis to come over near, Elliot felt a mix of both excitement and anxiety. He thought they hit it off pretty well over the network, it honestly felt like talking to an old friend, but man this was still technically their first real meeting in this lifetime. He hoped it doesn't go badly.

Elliot lives in a small townhouse in a modest neighborhood. Some multi-colored Christmas lights still hung on the bushes outside, though it's hardly anything elaborate. All in all, it's a quaint place.

When Jusis finally arrives and rings the doorbell, Elliot will be quick to answer it (well, right after he takes a deep breath from panicking). Despite his best efforts to conceal them, his cat ears responded to his nerves by refusing to disappear, so they will be fully visible when he answers the door with a bright smile. ]

H-Hey Jusis! You made it!

[MAYBE IF I PRETEND EVERYTHING'S NORMAL HE WON'T NOTICE]

[noblerise]

[Jusis made sure to have absolutely no major work done for this weekend, which is highly unusual for him. He's... Definitely borderline a workaholic, if he's not there already. So it's a very strange feeling to suddenly have so much freedom with his time.

The neighborhood is very lovely, and it seems the perfect place for Elliot to live, honestly. He almost feels weirdly guilty darkening the doorstep with his massive family problems. There's no backing out now, and he's sure as hell not a coward. Yet, when Elliot opens the door, Jusis simply isn't prepared to see his friend with cat ears.

There's open surprise on his face and it actually startles the German out of him.]

K-kleine Katzejunge? Warum...?

[Jusis clears his throat.]

I'm sorry, that was... quite rude of me. You seem... well.

text; un: yrael

[themogget]

Do you have a minute?

[noblerise]

For you, yes. What do you need?

UN: BLACK ORDER | ENCRYPTED | TEXT | 2/1

[kaisoumods]

[An encrypted message, not connected to Libra, will appear on the phone. Instead of the phone giving the usual notification, the Black Order guardians will hear bells ringing in their head until they check the message.

The Black Order guardians know exactly what it means: their bosses have a mission for them. And per usual, the message is annoyingly cryptic]

Constant this world may be
An invasive demon breaks free
By blades it spreads
Until its in the head
Shred shred shred shred

Deal with this foe
A mission you should not forgo
Remember though
You must get at the root
To get a garden to bear fruit.

[They can attempt to respond, but there is no reply as usual. The message itself be completely illegible to anyone who isn't a Black Order member.

OOC: This is the mission for the Black Order for February! Like any of the missions, it's up to you how your character wishes to proceed. It is also up to you if you want your character to disclose mission details to non-black order characters, though the Order itself tends to be secretive.

All Black Order members are receiving the same mission, so if you need to opt out, that's okay! We can just say your character is patrolling the city for the month while other members deal with it.]

[noblerise]

[Really? Right in front of his morning tea?]

text

[switchaxe]

hey got a question

[noblerise]

[Jusis can already feel a headache coming on and he's not certain why.]

Then I will try to answer it.

text

[dawnsdarkness]

hey we can't unionize right?

[noblerise]

[This is... the second time in the same day that he's gotten this question. Jusis is squinting. Perhaps something has happened on the recent Zodiac post?]

This is a complex question that's very technical, so the best answer I can give on that is this.

Technically yes, but most likely no.

after smash or simp the second, text; un: dragnvindr

[burntilldawn]

[There was a time and place to size up a person. Smash or Simp was not it. While there were worse things Jusis could be, Lawyers weren’t on Diluc’s list of favorites to deal with. In business contexts they’re necessary, but they usually tended to be in the pockets of the corrupt if not the villains themselves.

And the fact that his family name was attached to Kreuzen Corp, something he knew was starting to spread across Europe and beyond like a virus, did him no favors in Diluc’s eyes. He was going in with preconceived notions, how they would be proven or not all depended on Jusis. But either way, once the Smash or Simp post had settled, there will be a message in Jusis’ Libra inbox.

God, he hated corporate emails but damn if he wasn’t an expert on them.]

To: Jusis Albarea

Its come to my attention that you’ve been investigating the causes of the transformations some Libra app users have experienced during the full moon. I’ve been conducting my own investigations. It would be more beneficial to compile what information you have with my other source to find a cause.

Contact me at your earliest convenience.

- Diluc Ragnvindr

[A potentially familiar name to Jusis if he’s a particularly aware wine connoisseur, but also the red guy who had The Bad Attitude on SOS2.]

[noblerise]

[Jusis doesn't always receive business-like emails from Libra users. Though, as he sees who it's signed by, he must admit that this is one of the very rare exceptions. He can recall that this name is associated with wine, though he's never looked too deeply into it. Jusis is a lot of things, but there's a line for his fanciness.

He's also a little suspicious, given the contents of the email, but it can't hurt to meet.]

To: Diluc Ragnvindr

It would be a pleasure to meet and share information. My evenings during the week are generally free. However, I am a responsible guardian to a minor, so I cannot stay out for too long. I'm sure you understand.

Please let me know when and where you wish to meet. I shall keep my schedule open.

With regards,
Jusis Albarea

voicemail | right after that BO convo

[switchaxe]

Fuck it--hey, Albarea. Get over to my place as soon as you can. Need to explain some shit.

[noblerise]

[Well. That's new. Jusis isn't going to question it, though.]

Very well. I'll be there as soon as possible.

[He clicks off his phone and grabs his keys. Not long after, there's a knock on Ash's RV door.]

It's Jusis.

un: ecraig | voice

[fiddlestick]

[After Morgan's introduction on the network, Elliot sure has some concerns. But he cares enough about Jusis not to air them publicly, instead calling him]

Um, so does the Black Order usually recruit members that young?

[noblerise]

[Honestly, Jusis expects the call, all things considered. What he doesn't expect, not really, is Elliot's question. The blond rubs his face, thinking very carefully of how he can respond truthfully while not endangering himself.]

Not... typically. I wasn't approached until I was 17, and didn't join until I had graduated from high school. However, there are... exceptions that they sometimes make, depending on the potential recruit's circumstances.

[He stares out at the window, debating just how much more he can say. Jusis decides to toe the line a little bit more. It's Elliot, after all, and Class VII in this life is still extremely important to him.]

I can't go into details about it, but we aren't given much choice when they appear. Saying no is almost never an option.

action because he lives here

[infezione]

[Once Fugo's done talking to Morgan himself, he... actually goes to find Jusis.

He's concerned, frankly.]

Mr. Albarea?

[noblerise]

[Fortunately, Jusis is done with his conversation with Elliot. He's splashed some water on his face to make sure he's regained his composure, which is still fairly evident when he's approached by Fugo. He's in the kitchen, making a pot of tea.

The concern on the teen's face makes him pause.]

Yes, Fugo? Is something the matter?

March 1st

[switchaxe]

[There's no message, just an image that Ash scanned and sent to Jusis.]

Text | UN: jalbarea

[noblerise]

[Ah... This is an unexpected gift, but one he's going to cherish. On seeing the photo, he remembers the wedding between Olivert and Scherezard. He smiles in some fondness at it and sends Ash a text.]

Thank you for the photo, Ash. I'm going to have to get this professionally printed and frame it for home and work.

I'm still surprised we managed to get you into that suit.

after the network incident

[nosferatanking]

[When Jusis gets home the day of the ‘incident,’ he’ll find a small bag of candy on the kitchen counter. There’s a note attached.]

Hey! I saw what happened earlier.

I don’t really know what’s going on, or what a Kresnik is, but I know that you’re an okay guy. It’s only been a couple of days, but I appreciate you taking care of me. I wanted to let you know that I trust you!

Also, here’s some candy.

[noblerise]

[Jusis feels emotionally drained after that conversation, and honestly is home early since he's unable to be effective at his job right now. So, seeing the bag of candy and reading the note, the blond feels both grateful for this kindness and guilty. Like he doesn't deserve it. It's hard to keep Elliot's words in mind, to not fall down into the yawning abyss that is his guilt, but he's trying to keep his head above water.

He sends Morgan a text.]

I know you're in school right now, but thank you for the candy and for your trust. I'll do my best to make sure it isn't misplaced or broken.

voice | un: kissmyash | after the network incident and he's had a chance to calm down

[switchaxe]

[He still sounds a little wrecked, but he's calmer.]

Can I go kick your dad's ass?

[noblerise]

[Jusis is expecting the call, at least. Just another reason why he's called out from work today.]

It's tempting to purchase your ticket to Berlin for that, but I have to decline.

[A soft sigh.]

But I'm going to guess that it's not just about my father that you've called.

3/1; a while after that whole Mess on the Zodiac post; voice

[infezione]

[Holy shit, that sure was an entire Thing, wasn't it? To say that Fugo's concerned would be an understatement.]

... I feel like asking if you're okay would be a stupid question, so I'm not going to ask that, but... Do you need anything or need me to take care of anything?

[noblerise]

[Seriously, Jusis doesn't deserve these good kids.]

No, it can wait until tomorrow. Thank you, though, Fugo.

[He hesitates for a moment, worrying.]

Ash will be spending the night here. If there's a comfort food you think he might appreciate, I can try my hand at making it. Cooking will give me some catharsis.

[It's a simple way to remind himself that his hands can still create something good and necessary. That's what he needs most right now.]

[medicgunner]

[Just because she didn't know what was going on fully and Jusis was always the type to keep a cool head, he was clearly stressed. Anyone would be.

So after the disaster that was the 3/1 Zodiac post, sometime that evening Jusis will get a message from Eunie.]

i'm ordering you a pizza aaaand you can't stop me! :) it'll be there in 30.

[He can reply. But She Won't.]

[noblerise]

[WHAT THE FUCK, EUNIE!!!!

UGGGGGHHHHH... but he appreciates it. Jusis really, truly does. Honestly, he's surprised by how many people are showing their care for him in this moment. So, instead of protesting like he normally would, he... takes the gracious road when he texts her back.]

Thank you, Eunie. I truly appreciate it.

voice; un: 000000; the day after she accused jusis of crimes against humanity

[scryption]

[Well, she's not getting any older. Like literally, she has looked this way for a while and judging by her memories she probably isn't going to age much more.]

I'm ready to talk.

[He spilled his backstory, so she should elaborate on hers. It's a fair exchange, made perhaps less fair by her dragging the connections to light in the first place.

She's working on that.]

[noblerise]

[Ah. Yes. He's been waiting for this. There's no way Jusis can properly prepare for Zero's story after all that's gone down yesterday. Still, he'll face it with as much dignity and composure as he can.]

Very well. Would you like to meet in person or would you be more comfortable speaking like this?

a few days after the 3/1 shitstorm, but before the fae one. text; un: dragnvindr

[burntilldawn]

[Diluc has had some time to calm. The situation at large had. Whatever was happening on the Libra app, he had his own job to tend to but this was something weighing on his mind for the past few days.

Kreuzen, Krusnik, Elliot's words especially. He wasn't so cocky as to refuse admission of his own wrong-doing. So Jusis receives a text from him, as it was the easiest means of contact given both their busy schedules.]

I owe you an apology for the other day. I stepped out of line with what I said. Regardless of the method you choose to stop your father and Kreuzen with, it's your decision to make. It's one I should have respected, and I had no right to take how I feel about the law out on you. I'm sorry.

[noblerise]

[At least it's been a few days to distance himself from those emotions. Admittedly, Jusis still isn't doing very well on that front, but it's enough for now. It has to be.

He reads over Diluc's text, mulling it over, unconsciously looking for hidden barbs. Finding none, the blond texts him back.]

Thank you for your apology. I can't blame you for your anger at the situation. Neither can I blame you for being angry at the law and those who are supposed to uphold it.

mail;

[lapislazily]

[A letter has been delivered at Jusis' apartment with the following invoice for a professional grade cello.]

[Attached is also a simple note in elegant handwriting.]

I neglected to bring my wallet while selecting a gift, so I asked them to send it to you. I'm sorry for the trouble.
- Zhongli

1/2

[noblerise]

[Jusis retrieves the mail and looks through them. A bill, junk, spam, and then... something that gets an eyebrow raise.

He reads it.

Then he reads Zhongli's letter.

The blond sets them both down and pinches the bridge of his nose as he goes to get the advil. After taking it, he brews a cup of tea, and just has an hour to calm himself.]

3/26; action; evening

[infezione]

[So. Today's sure been a day.

Once Fugo's completely sure Jusis isn't occupied with anything else for the evening, he goes to seek the man out, a couple of the day's acquisitions in hand.]

Mr. Albarea, can I ask you something?

[noblerise]

[To be fair, he'll drop everything for Fugo and Morgan. At any rate, Jusis is having a cup of tea and simply relaxing after a long day. He looks up as Fugo approaches.]

Certainly you can. How may I help you, Fugo?

late march; text; un: freelancer

[lapislazily]

I realize that you are busy with preparations, but there is a small matter I'd like your assistance with.

[So as not to keep him in suspense:]

The hotel management informed me that they have a limit on the length of time my room can be reserved. I need to find more permanent accommodations within the next week. Since you are more familiar with the area, I hoped you might be able to direct me where to look for an apartment.

I'd prefer to be stationed at headquarters, but they've stopped answering. [lmao] I can only assume this means my assignment has been extended...

[noblerise]

[Going through all of this paperwork for the Order has been a hassle, but he's just hoping it's worth it. Not only that, but the Kaisou team's ranks keep getting bigger, which means more paperwork and budgeting. Jusis almost welcomes the distraction.

Almost, because it's Zhongli.]

Certainly, I would be happy to help you search for an apartment. There are openings in Arcadia, if you wish. This is the apartment complex I currently live in. I'd be happy to personally search for a suitable apartment with you, or you can leave it entirely to me.

[It says a lot when Jusis actually hopes and prays that Zhongli will just leave it all to him. He can find a nice apartment with a reasonable rent.]

4/1 video; un: eunietheboss

[medicgunner]

[Without any prompting or context, Jusis gets a message that just showed an ARCUS II sitting on a table. Also a black, fluffy thing? A tail? It's partially cut off.]

Hey, you've got one of these things right?

[noblerise]

[...Uh—]

Yes... did you get that from the Goodwill?

[He actually has to pause for a momentary look of, 'Wow, I really just said that, huh.' Jusis rubs his face with one hand.]

It's an ARCUS II by the look of it. Would you like for me to go over its functions and maintenance?

4/3 Video Pre-Recorded Message

[noblerise]

[As the camera cuts on, Jusis is standing at what appears to be a small dock, and the dark storm clouds make it appear to be nighttime. An island can barely be made out in the distance, obscured by mist. A few spotlights are trained on him. He's flanked on either side by what looks like police officers with their faces blurred out. His wrists are bound tightly in chains, and the prisoner's uniform hangs off of his frame so loosely that he looks frail and skinny. Maybe he is, judging by how his face looks slightly gaunt, but maybe it’s just the lighting. There are deep bags under Jusis's blue eyes, and his blond hair is unkempt and dirty. Normally composed and calm, Jusis has a look of anger, bitterness, and a hint of defiance in his eyes and on his face.]

I, Jusis Albarea, second son of Helmut Albarea, wish to thank the press for coming here today.

[He sounds as if he’s reading off of a teleprompt, and perhaps that’s on purpose. There’s an almost bored quality to his voice, as if he’s trying to provoke or spite whoever is making him read this aloud.]

On April 3rd, the esteemed court sentenced me to life in prison on Alcatraz. However, in light of newfound evidence, they have decided that this punishment is too... lenient. They feel that I should instead be sentenced to death by gallows.

[The blond glares, now, at whoever is behind the camera. Never before has he looked so murderous. His guards don’t seem to react as Jusis continues reading with barely concealed venom in his tone.]

I will be making a plea for my case, as is required by the state. The hearing will be televised. May God have mercy on my soul.

[Then, suddenly, Jusis breaks and tries to rush at the cameraperson. The guards at his sides are lightning quick to grab him in a bruising grip, but that doesn’t stop him from struggling violently against them. He screams out in German:]

Why?! Because I dared to want something more than the wretched, broken heart I was given? Or is it because I want something that I can never have?

[He seems prepared to say more, but the camera is cut as someone in the uniform of the Black Order steps in front to do... something to him.]

voicemail

[nosferatanking]

[Morgan hasn't been in Kaisou as long as most of the users of the app, and he's not been entirely happy with the Black Order. But Morgan knows, whatever life he's in, the importance of the people taking care of him. The other Morgan, the one from the past, probably knew the pain of losing people. He's not going to let this happen here.]

No way!

I don't know what it is that your family has done, but I know what you've done! You've helped me, and you've helped everyone in the Black Order here, and I'm not going to let you get hurt! I'm going to save you, no matter what it takes.

A few days after April's Event | In-Person

[kaisoumods]

[Wherever Jusis might be staying, he'll get a knock on the door. Outside stands a man in dark clothing and a hat. With him, he's carrying a small suitcase.

Jusis, lucky guy, will actually recognize who it is. It's that cryptid of a fedex guy that the Black Order will employ to make deliveries. Maybe he'll even know his name.

Whether he knows that much or not - Jusis should know from experience that Hummel fully intends to stand out there as long as it takes to get someone to answer the door]

[noblerise]

[Jusis looks to see who the hell it is before he opens the door. Hummel will be greeted with the sight of his colleague in a black, short-sleeved pajama shirt and pajama pants that might look out of place on him. The blond clearly doesn't give a damn judging by the expression on his face.]

Hummel. I assume you have something for me?

[Maybe he should warn Elliot and Rean about his Fedex cryptid co-worker, but... it's maybe funnier if he doesn't. Or something.]

UN: Velvet | Voice

[gotbadblood]

[Velvet had opted to help out the team rescuing Danny, so she hadn't been among Jusis's rescuers. Nor has she come by to check on him. She had too many things she needed to sort out in her brain.

Finally, she'll send a voice message.]

Tell me one thing.

Did you know what would happen to the four volunteers?

[noblerise]

[Jusis has been processing as well, not really checking his phone much other than to make sure nobody needs him right that second. On getting Velvet's call, he answers immediately. The blond isn't sure what prompted the question, but he answers with sincere honesty.]

Hell no.

[A lot of his decisions would've been made very differently if he'd known, including his own involvement.]

Post-Alcatraz Doting Time

[motiv8]

[Thanks to Jusis' gravity magic, the trek out of Trauma Jail and back to Jusis' apartment isn't as excruciating as it could be. Rean half-considers just going back to his own place with Jusis in tow, but decides it's probably best if Jusis gets to relax in his own home for the night.

Rean does his best to avoid any crowded areas on the way back. He knows that if he were in Jusis' place right now, he really wouldn't want to be seen by anyone, and is the golden rule not to treat others how you want to be treated?

Eventually, they do make it back, although managing the door into the building is a somewhat awkward experience. Once they finally reach Jusis' door, Rean pipes up.]

Think you'll be good to stand for long enough to get us in?

[fiddlestick]

[It would've been more convenient to go back to their place, so Elliot gets the temptation, but in the long run it's probably best they don't have the feral black Order folks barging into their home at what might be all hours.

Once they reach Jusis's door, Elliot will get up off his resting spot on Jusis and jump down. Once he lands on the ground, he'll transform back to a human and stretch his arms. Feels good to have human limbs and height again.]

If not, I can get the door. I'd just need the key.

mid april; action;

[lapislazily]

[The peach juice has been disposed of, Jusis and the other kidnapping victims are safely returned, and all should be well. Or at least, that's the assumption. Zhongli isn't exactly the guilty conscience type—he's already made it quite clear that none of this was his intention—but Jusis is... a friend, if allowed, and he wants to take care of the people he likes.

He's in a particularly strange spot because he isn't one of Jusis' close friends, he isn't a friend from a past life, and he isn't a coworker who lives with him. Even so... he wants to do everything he can. That's likely earned him a few enemies along the way, but Zhongli would rather people direct their anger at him than at Jusis, especially for how that mission went down.

He isn't sure what to expect when he arrives at the door to Jusis's apartment. No pizza heelies today, he didn't want to risk dropping this huge container of soup or the bouquet of golden peonies and chrysanthemums resting on top. Is he about to get yelled at? Is someone going to punch him? He has no idea. Life sure is interesting.

He raises a hand to the door... hesitates... then knocks politely, and waits.]

[noblerise]

[Jusis isn't going to say no to a visit from Zhongli, all things considered. The older man helped him a great deal in accepting himself. Not to mention, his instincts as a unicorn tend to make him consider all of his team members part of his herd. He's accepted that as part of himself, but it can be an inconvenience when he's not careful.

The blond opens the door, wearing clothes that are casual for Jusis but not so for literally anyone else. He looks like he's stepped out of the front cover of a fashion magazine. Jusis seems a little surprised to see Zhongli here.]

Ah, Zhongli. [Oh, that's quite a bit of stuff he's carrying. Jusis steps aside and opens the door wider.] Please, come in.