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

[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?]