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

[noblerise]

[The blond shakes his head. All this talk of debt, of something being owed....]

My time and my kindness aren't transactional. They don't require repayment. I give this to you freely and because it is my choice. Just as it is your choice whether you want to accept them or not.

[Jusis clasps his hands together and rests them on top of the table.]

I, personally, do not feel as if you owe me anything. It was an honest mistake. One you've apologized for, and one for which I give my forgiveness.

[scryption]

[Her expression actually registers some degree of surprise when he says it so... openly, and without guile. She's still very much processing all of this. Her pale eyes shift from him to the table, and back to him. What is she supposed to say to that? This society functions on transactions. At least, that's the way she... was taught...

Every time she thinks she learns something, she only has more questions.]

... I see no reason to reject them, [she says finally.] I know I am in need of help—perhaps more help than one person can give. [Jun, Scintilla, Rose, and the others—they've offered help as well. It's not as if he'd be overburdened.]

After learning what I have, and seeing this city... I cannot consider returning to that dark place. There is—something new within me. A spark, perhaps.

[She rests her hand over her heart beating steadily. Alive.]

I want to discover what freedom means for myself. I want to nurture this tiny fire inside me and learn what it means. Mayhap in pursuit of that answer, I will come to understand what drives you and yours, as well.

[noblerise]

[The blond man seems to soften somewhat. Hearing her say that, that she's feeling some sort of spark within her, reminds him abruptly of Altina. Her burgeoning feelings for everyone, and her confession of seeing Millium as her sister.]

I believe you can and you will. The drive you have to learn, no matter how painful, will serve you well in discovering what freedom means to you. Should you find yourself faltering, don't forget that we're here to help you stand again. Keep moving forward, relentlessly.

[Crow, his final breath spent saying those final words to them, rings loudly in his head as he says them himself. Jusis keeps a tight hold on his emotions, burying them as he sips his tea and eats his food. He's remembered that death before, but... it's not until now that he remembers Crow's last words.]

[scryption]

[There's some weight to those last few words that even Zero isn't oblivious to. She thinks for a moment, then nods.]

You have my word.

[The waiter comes back around with two separate checks. Zero pays her half with cash.]

... If you have use for one born in shadow and cannot stray from the light yourself, call for me. [One eye peeks at him from beneath her hat.] In my... distant past, in that old world, my calling was that of the reaper. I do not find it ill-fitting.

[noblerise]

[Jusis pays his with cash as well, covering the tip for both of them. He looks at her, meeting her eyes, and nods once.]

I shall keep that in mind. Should you find yourself in trouble, I'll aid you however I can. [His smile is thin and humorless.] Words are not the only weapons I use.

[scryption]

[She looks at him curiously. If she had to guess...]

... A sword and shield?

[She remembers, vaguely, wielding them herself for a time. It was a different life.]

You seem like a man who has much to protect.

[noblerise]

[Jusis tilts his head slightly. That's an interesting assessment. She certainly isn't far off, though he remembers briefly a woman wielding those weapons in his past.]

...I cannot deny that. You're right, I do have people I wish to protect.

[Not even just the people on his team, but Elliot is one of the first who comes to mind. They can take care of themselves, yet that doesn't take away the fact that Jusis will leap to their defense when called. He'll defend them with his life, like he was prepared to do for Rean.]

I use a combination of magic and a saber to fight. I have a court fencing style that I've been honing.

[scryption]

Might and magic... It sounds like something out of a fairy tale. [Yet the way she says it isn't derogatory, but almost... fond? Some of the scant memories she retains are of daring heroes and flashy fighters in her mother's stories. And part of her had always hoped that heroes like that still existed, even though she had no proof until now.

She lacks imagination, but even she can see how Jusis might resemble those tales of old.]

Perhaps I'll see it myself some day.

[She gets up and pushes in her chair.]

If there is nothing else... [She tucks her hat in a gesture like a bow.]

[noblerise]

[Jusis stands as well, and he gives her a nod. A fairytale, huh....]

There is not. I hope the rest of your day is a pleasant one, Zero.

[He'll walk with her out of the Last Stand. His heart is a heavy burden, but he needs to be able to walk forward on his own two feet. He doesn't want to take advantage of the kindness his loved ones have given him.

After all, what is he if not a hypocrite?]