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]

[Jusis listens to what Jun has to say without interruption, not at all surprised to see that his guess is spot-on. He's heard most of this from Ash already, but it's not as if the teen knows that. After a moment, the blond is quiet as he thinks.]

Ash... told me about what happened to him not all that long ago. He asked me to promise him that I would hold him back if he started to go too far. But you're right that he chose to fight for his survival.

[He sighs softly.]

And I don't think he left it behind, either. However... since coming here, he's changed for the better. The side-effect being that while he's finally starting to lay down his roots and take steps to move forward, he's running up against his contract price.

[The blond reaches into his pocket and turns off his phone completely. Then, he gets up to get a piece of paper and a pen, writing something down before sliding it over to Jun for him to read. It says: I want him out of the Order. If Jun looks at Jusis, he'll see the blond shake his head. He can't speak this out loud and can't go into further detail, but it's the sincerest truth.]

I'll keep looking into possible avenues. However, if it all comes to a head, I only ask that you be ready. We're going to need all the help we can get to save him from that spirit.

[whiteshroud]

[So he had already opened up about that...huh. He supposes it's to be expected with how much Ash seems to trust Jusis]

...Mm, I'd agree with that assessment. He's said Fugo is his best friend and he cares enough about you to stand up for you. He's made some precious bonds, and it's causing some growing pains.

[When the piece of paper gets passed to him, he picks it up and reads what's said. Ah...so that's what Jusis wants. It's easy for him to figure out why Jusis felt the need to write it rather than vocalize it. It wouldn't be unreasonable to suspect the Black Order tracks them somehow.

Well then, that's easy enough to deal with. The piece of paper in his hands will suddenly burst into small flames, quickly burning it away until it's nothing but cinders left. Christ Jun]

I'll do what I can. Though, you'll have to forgive me if I choose to act on my own accord this time rather than follow instruction.

[He was compliant during the peach mission, but that was because the black order held the cards. This matter was a different ballgame. ]

[noblerise]

[Jusis nods at that. There's no need to elaborate on the honest truth. Ash is beginning to stop running, but that's coming at quite the price.

He raises an eyebrow at the paper bursting into flames, but makes no further comment on it. Better to be safe than sorry, and Jusis has played this paranoid game for almost 11 years to the day. Still, at Jun's declaration, he gives a slight shrug.]

I have no authority over you, and I don't pretend otherwise, unlike some of my colleagues. As long as death is off the table, do as you will with the information I've given you. I have others I need to inform for the same reasons.

[whiteshroud]

[Jun will nod]

Just making sure it's clear. You tend to speak with an air of authority, and your response to my power was to immediately try to figure out how it could be of use to you.

[Which sure, he wants to help Ash. And he knows Jusis is doing this out of care of a family member. But don't think he's afraid to call this out for what it is. ]

[noblerise]

[Jusis doesn't exactly look like the words have affected him all that much, but he's not a very emotive man to begin with. At least, not to people who aren't close to him.]

Perhaps there is some truth to that, and it's something I'll keep in mind. However, do not misconstrue my intent. If you tell me that you don't want to, I will respect your decision and find another way, even if it was the only power that could save him. To make demands of you makes me no better than my father and the Order.

[He tilts his head slightly.]

I have no desire to use you like some sort of tool or weapon. I'm only asking for help, from one friend of Ash's to another, and you're free to tell me to go to hell and do it myself.

[whiteshroud]

[Jun is going to turn to look at Jusis now]

Did I say I was unwilling to help Ash? If there's a way to help, I will. He was once my brother, after all.

[What their relationship was now...Jun had no idea. Their lives has clearly taken very different paths since their parting- but the weight of their shared experience still holds some anchor in Jun's heart. Something he wanted to make very clear to Jusis]

[noblerise]

[Jusis pauses, closes his eyes, and takes a deep breath. After a second or two, he opens his eyes again.]

Alright.

[His voice is somewhat gentler, now.]

I'll let you know if I find anything else or if anything happens to change his situation.

[whiteshroud]

...Very well.

[He pauses, as if waiting for something, and then decides otherwise]

Enjoy your cheesecake, Jusis Albarea.

[And with that? He teleports away]