Hey guys! How's everyone doing today? Welcome to the Civil War arc of this series aka the Cold Steel II AU. I was hoping to get this out sometime in late January/early February but my brain decided it had different plans because of how often I've redone this chapter, trying to make it a perfect start to the next installment. FYI this chapter and the next two are going to be entirely set up and development chapters focused on every other character except Rean. Sorry guys, Rean and the main plot of the game isn't going to come until the fourth chapter cause when I say I made changes, I do mean I made changes. Anyways, please jump right into the chapter folks and I hope you enjoy it!
I enjoy any comments, except for those that are just full of negativity and not constructive at all. Just give me something to work with instead of just "It's bad." I also appreciate any positive constructive criticism since I'm always looking to improve my writing and storytelling capabilities. Thanks for reading this story! Virtual hugs and cuddles to y'all.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything except any OC's that may come up, any world building that has not yet been officially stated by any medium, and any plot points/structures that have not been used in the games or Drama CDs.
Warning: No beta, we die like Rean's ability to understand anyone's feelings for him.
Prologue: Unknown Path Before Me
XXXXXX
S.1204
Two young children, Luna and Nicky, frantically ran down the road in the middle of the night with food and medical supplies bundled in their arms.
"Come on!" Luna urged as she tugged at Nicky to run faster.
"Wait sis! Not so fast!" Nicky cried out as he stumbled from trying to keep up with her.
A pack of strange looking feline beasts with armor attached to their bodies chased after the two. Their growls grew closer and closer with each passing second.
Luna chanced a glance back and saw how close the beasts were getting. "Hurry!"
But Nicky's hand slipped from hers as he tripped over his feet. He shouted as he fell to the ground. Luna whipped around and saw a beast break from the pack to rush at where her brother laid on the ground.
"No!"
She rushed to throw herself over her brother to shield him. The beast lunged at them and she shut her eyes and prepared for the onslaught of pain as she curled protectively over Nicky.
Suddenly, there was a loud squelching sound and multiple pained yelps.
Luna slowly opened her eyes when no pain seemed to follow and gasped when she saw the beast impaled by a sharp pillar of ice mid-jump. She looked around and saw the other beasts were also impaled by jagged ice pillars. The beasts' bodies broke down and disappeared with the ice pillars following shortly after.
"Are you both alright?" A soft voice asked.
Luna and Nicky looked up to see the most beautiful person they'd ever seen in their short life.
Before them stood a young woman with piercing icy blue eyes and shoulder length blonde hair braided on each side and tied together in the back with a black silk ribbon. She was dressed in a long forest green coat, a navy blue corset like vest over a white blouse, a black asymmetrical pleated skort, and knee length black leather boots. There was a red leather belt with a pouch attachment holding a battle orbment around her waist and around her neck rested a leather cord necklace with a gleaming ice blue gemstone attached to a simple metal fixture. She also wielded a trident colored with multiple shades of blue and engravings that were reminiscent of the crashing ocean tide.
Luna nodded vigorously once she picked her jaw off the ground. "Yes. We're fine! Thank you for your help, miss!"
The young woman sighed in relief and gave the two a small smile that seemed to make her more beautiful as the moon shone down from behind, making her glow almost ethereally.
"Miss, are you a spirit?" Nicky couldn't help but ask as he gaped in awe.
The young woman looked surprised by the question and chuckled. "No. I'm just a regular person like you."
"But miss, you're too pretty to be like us!" Nicky said.
"Alright, that's enough of that," the young woman said, blushing lightly in embarrassment. She cleared her throat and looked at them with a serious expression. "More importantly, what are two children like you doing out here in the middle of the night? Surely you're aware that monsters have become more aggressive as of late? It's dangerous for ones as young as you to be wandering about by yourselves."
Nicky fidgeted where he stood and Luna stepped up to answer. "We know, miss, but we haven't been able to get supplies sent to Parm since the trains stopped coming all the way out there. Our dad is sick and mom spends so much of her time taking care of him so we thought we could help out by getting the supplies we need for them. We were hoping to return by nightfall but it took us longer than we thought to get what we needed."
The young woman sighed but looked at them understandingly. "I suppose I can't fault you for that but you mustn't attempt something like this again. How would your parents feel if you two got hurt trying to help them?"
"Really, really bad," Nicky mumbled, chastised.
"Exactly," the young woman nodded, "So please take care to keep yourselves safe."
Luna and Nicky nodded and voiced their agreement.
"Good. Now come along and I will escort the two of you back to Parm."
The two children gathered their fallen supplies and set off on her instruction. The young woman went to follow but she paused and looked back for a moment. In the nearby bushes that lined the path, she saw a still armored hand peeking out from underneath. She sighed quietly in relief when it twitched and showed signs of life. Then she turned away to follow after the children.
Soon, the three arrived in Parm where a frenzied mother was looking for her missing children. She spotted them entering the town proper and rushed over to embrace her children.
"Nicky! Luna! Oh thank Aidios you're both alright! Do you know how worried your father and I were? Don't ever do that again. Do you hear me?"
Luna nodded, feeling guilty at having made her mom worried about them. "Okay mom."
Their mom pulled back to check them over for injuries. "You're not hurt are you?"
Nicky shook his head. "No mama! The pretty lady helped us out!"
Then their mom finally realized there was someone else there and was startled by the young woman's almost otherworldly appearance. She quickly shook her head and smiled apologetically. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you."
The young woman smiled understandingly. "It's alright. I'm just glad I was able to help these two return unharmed."
"Thank you again so much for your help. Is there any way we could repay you? I'm sure I have something useful around here that we can part with?"
The young woman waved her off. "No, no, it's fine. You don't need to give me anything, especially not considering how your children risked their lives to get you supplies. Besides, I need to leave soon. I have quite the trek ahead."
But their mom was not deterred by her rejection. "Then at least let me give you a warm meal for the road." When the young woman tried to protest again, she interjected firmly, "I insist."
"Oh very well," the young woman conceded.
Their mom rushed off to take care of that, leaving the young woman alone with the children.
"Thank you again for your help, miss," Luna said.
"It was my pleasure," the young woman said.
"Miss, what's your name?" Nicky asked, "I'm Nicky! And this is my sister Luna!"
"My name is Justine," the young woman introduced herself, "It's very nice to meet you Nicky, Luna."
"Yay!" Nicky happily cheered. "Now we're friends, right Miss Justine?"
Justine smiled indulgently at him and held her pinkie out towards him. "Of course, pinky promise."
Nicky smiled toothily as he linked pinkies with Justine. Luna smiled at the sight of her brother being genuinely happy for the first time since the war started.
Just then, their mom returned with her promised meal all bundled up and ready to eat on the go. "Here you are, miss."
Justine gratefully took the food and tucked it away in her travel pack. "Thank you very much."
"If you don't mind me asking, where are you off to?" Their mom asked.
Justine hesitated for a moment before answering. "Saint Arkh."
Luna watched her mom's eyes widen in alarm. "Surely not! I know Marquis Hyarms has been taking great pains to remain as uninvolved in the war as possible but the city is still a noble stronghold."
Justine could only shrug. "Noble stronghold or not, there will still be people who need help regardless of their class and political beliefs." She smiled bitterly. "Besides, while the Imperial Army is certainly not the aggressor of the war, they're also not going out of their way to help the everyday citizens who are the unfortunate casualties of it."
Their mom eyed Justine knowingly, seemingly searching for a pin that she knew she wouldn't be able to find. Justine held back a flinch at the older woman's knowing gaze as a hint of shame began to settle within when she was reminded of what occurred before she saved Luna and Nicky.
"It's good to know there are still people like you who fight for folk like us. Please take care then," their mom said with a smile.
Justine nodded. "I'll be sure to do that, and I hope your husband gets better soon."
"Thank you."
Justine turned back to the children and crouched down to be eye level with them. "And you two be good to your parents alright? No more late night excursions."
Luna nodded vigorously. "We promise."
Justine smiled and stood up to go. "Alright then."
"Bye bye Miss Justine! See you later!" Nicky shouted as he waved goodbye.
Justine waved farewell back and walked away with a bittersweet smile.
XXXXXX
Jusis walked down Parm Byroad but stopped when he spotted a familiar side road and didn't hesitate to change his route. He hadn't been able to pay his respects the last time he was in the area for their first field study, which seemed like ages ago, and now was the perfect time to do so. The road to Hamel was thankfully monster free and it wasn't long before he arrived in the forgotten town.
He approached the memorial situated deep within the ruined land and smiled sadly at the sword that was struck into the ground before it. The flowers of ice he'd made so long ago were still intertwined around the dull blade, glistening in the scattered sunlight that broke through the cloudy sky.
"Hello Loewe. It's been some time hasn't it? I hope you've found peace in Aidios' embrace…"
He placed the flowers he'd gathered from the field near the town entrance on the memorial and sat down before the sword.
"As for me, I'm as well as can be considering the Empire is in the midst of a Civil War with a few…extra variables added. I've been traveling around the country, helping where I can but sometimes it feels as if I'm not doing enough and other times, I feel as if I'm toeing the line of going too far. Most of all, I wonder if there isn't anything more I could be doing, as a bracer or a noble of the Four Great Houses or even as a former enforcer…"
He sighed and looked up at the sky as the clouds once again covered the sun.
"Sara wants me to keep my head down and focus on finding my classmates before I make any decisions about my place in this war but is that the right choice? We promised to reunite but even if we do, should I really make my decision based on their thoughts? I know we've been through many ordeals together and our bonds have only grown stronger because of that. I trust those of Class VII enough to consider them my dear friends but I don't believe this is something I could ask them for help with. After all, should the choice of the individual be made based on the opinions of the group? Is there even a choice to be made and if so, how will I know if I've made the right one?"
He shook his head in frustration. "There's too many variables at play, too many secrets being hidden, too much information being withheld. Why do I have this strange power and how is it connected to the Sept-Terrions? Why does Ouroboros care so much about the acquisition of the Sept-Terrions that they will encourage nationwide conflict just to get them? What is the story behind the Divine Knights and their role in this war? Why were Rean and Crow chosen by them? I have so many more questions and I know the answers for them are out there, a way to find the truth, but where do I even begin?"
The soft breeze was the only thing that answered him and he couldn't help but laugh.
"I suppose that's enough of my nonsensical rambling. There is no need to bring the mood down further with my doubts."
He slowly got up and then startled something awful when he realized he was no longer alone. He turned and saw the last person he ever expected to see, McBurn. The man still looked the same as the last time he saw him four years ago except the enforcer now wore a pair of snazzy shades that Jusis recognized as something he'd gotten for the other man during one of their missions.
His mouth twisted downwards into a frown at the complicated emotions that arose within him. "How long have you been standing there?"
McBurn shrugged nonchalantly. "Long enough."
"What are you doing here?"
McBurn raised an eyebrow in question at Jusis' hostility. "What? Can't a guy stop by and pay his respects to one of the few people who could keep up with him?"
Jusis scowled and didn't bother to dignify him with a response. He went to walk past him but McBurn grabbed onto his arm to stop him.
"What?" Jusis snapped irritably.
"Let's have a chat after," McBurn said, nonplussed, "Outside town of course. It'd be pretty rude to start something here, even for me."
Jusis pulled his arm away with a huff. Then he continued to walk until he was just outside of town. For a moment, he paused at the entrance, torn between staying until McBurn was done with whatever business he had or leaving before he could. However, before he could make a decision, McBurn walked out of the town proper.
The enforcer blinked in surprise. "Huh. You're still here."
"Why wouldn't I be?" Jusis couldn't help but retort even as he silently cursed his indecision.
McBurn shrugged. "Dunno. Just thought you would've left by now."
Jusis scowled and whipped his trident out, sending a wave of very sharp ice shards at McBurn which he casually melted with his flames.
"Yeesh, what's with the harsh reception?"
"Sorry if I'm not giving our reunion the necessary fanfare considering you tried to kill me the last time we met," Jusis dryly responded.
"Oh come on," McBurn groaned in exasperation, "That was years ago. Are you seriously gonna get on my back about that? I said I was sorry."
"You attacked me and then threw me off a very high cliff!"
McBurn rubbed at the back of his head, shaking it in disbelief. "Geez. You sure you're not actually a woman? You're acting irrationally emotional like one. You're even dressing the part too."
The enforcer waved at the outfit Jusis was still in, the one that Emma and Laura helped put together since it was much easier to roam around Ereobina during a civil war as Justine Liaska than Jusis Albarea. He quietly thanked Sara and his mother for making fake ID papers for his Justine persona but he could do without the constant blows to his dignity even if it was needs must and all that.
Jusis crossed his arms with a scowl. "It's not as if I'm dressing like this because I want to."
McBurn snorted in amusement. "Could've fooled me."
Jusis glared at him and McBurn raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I can see when I'm not wanted. Take care of yourself, yeah?"
"...I will."
"See you later then," McBurn said before a teleportation circle appeared underneath him and he disappeared.
Jusis palmed his face with a groan. "How stupid can you be Jusis? This was the perfect chance to ask him and you blew it. Oh Aidios, I've spent too much time around Sara that her bad habits are rubbing off on me."
"Next time. I'll ask him next time," he sighed in defeat, "Who am I kidding? No, I won't."
He looked up at the sky to see the sun break through the clouds again. He watched the rays of light shine on the ruins of Hamel and turned away from the sight as the feeling of melancholy bubbled within him. He shook his head to refocus and walked away from the forgotten town.
XXXXXX
Jusis casually sat on a rooftop of a building in Saint Arkh and watched the citizens of the city mill about through their day. He had his ARCUS flipped open and was currently finishing up a call.
"Are you sure you're alright, Uncle Hammond?"
Uncle Hammond laughed. "Yes, yes. You don't need to worry. Rufus has made sure that the city remains as untouched by the war as possible. In turn, I've been feeding him well whenever he has the time to stop by."
Jusis sighed in relief. "At least that's one less thing to worry about."
"Exactly. So you focus on yourself first and do be sure to stop by sometime for a meal. I hope you find your classmates soon, Jusis. Don't forget you can call me anytime you'd like and I'll always answer."
"I will, Uncle. Thank you," Jusis said with a small smile.
He ended the call only for his ARCUS to ring only a moment after.
"Hey there you two!" Sara's voice said as soon as he answered.
"How's it going Sara? Jusis?" Toval asked.
"Sara, Toval. I'm doing as well as can be all things considered," Jusis answered the other two bracers.
Toval barked out a laugh. "Fair enough."
"How are things going in your end of the Empire? You're covering the East now, right?" Sara asked Toval.
"Yeah," he responded, "Wanted to keep an eye on the situation with Crossbell and all, especially since those Alliance jammers stop information from going in and out of the Empire's borders. Not that it'll matter much since it's not like I can get into the city anyways but things do seem quiet, at least on the home front."
"And how are your four charges doing? You escorted them to Ymir not too long ago, correct?" Jusis asked curiously.
"Sure did! Though I wouldn't call them mine since I've already got one who's giving me all sorts of headaches," Toval jokingly said.
Jusis was unamused by the other's response while Sara snickered at Toval's teasing tone.
"Anyways," Toval continued, "They're doing alright though there was an incident on the way there, but that just seemed to light a fire in all of them. The prince keeps bugging his buddy for sparring sessions on the regular. They're both slowly starting to come into their own now and don't even get me started on the girls. I forgot how many times the princess hounded me for tips on casting and the Baron was straight up puppy eyed into mentoring his daughter on the finer points of swordsmanship."
Sara sighed. "Let's hope they won't need to put what they've learned into practice anytime soon."
Jusis nodded solemnly at the thought of the four younger teens being forced to fight in the war. "Indeed."
"How about you two?" Toval asked, "Sara, you're by the capital right?"
"Yeah, I'm hanging out in the north," she responded, "There've been a lot of jaeger sightings and I wanted to keep my eye on them in case a situation develops. Also doesn't hurt that the info pipeline flows a little more freely here, especially with my in at the Imperial Chronicle. I've also been keeping an eye on the west even if it has been super quiet over there. Probably because the province is under Cayenne's control. What about you, Jusis?"
"Beside the increase in monster activity, everything has been fine in the southern province," Jusis casually stated.
"I hear a but there," Sara said, always too perceptive whenever he tried to hide things from her, "Come on. Spit it out."
When he didn't immediately respond, she said, in a warning tone, "Jusis…"
He sighed and folded like a house of cards. "I did run into a horde of jaeger beasts chasing after a pair of children a few nights ago. But I dealt with the matter and made sure the children were returned to their parents unharmed."
"And…"
"And I may have run into the unit those beasts belonged to beforehand and…let my emotions get the best of me."
"What?" Toval asked in surprise, "Which unit would-" Then he made a soft sound in realization.
Sara was quiet for a moment before she carefully asked, "Is it safe to assume that the unit belonged to a specific group of jaegers from the north?"
"...yes…"
"And it no doubt brought back unpleasant memories," she said as if it were a no-brainer. She sighed. "I'm sorry, Jusis."
"Whatever for?" Jusis asked, bewildered by the sudden apology, "It's not as if the jaeger unit from back then was under your command was it?"
"Well no," Sara said, "But still…"
Jusis smiled as the irony of the current conversation hit him. "Sara, weren't you the one who gave me that whole lecture about forgiveness not too long ago? Don't start acting like a hypocrite now or else I'll believe I'm the one exerting a greater influence on you than you on me."
Sara snorted in amusement. "Fair enough." She chuckled softly, no doubt shaking her head. "When did you get to be so wise? It certainly wasn't from my influence."
"No it definitely wasn't," Toval couldn't help but chime in.
"Hey!" Sara cried out indignantly. "But I have to admit. It's times like these where you really do sound like your mother, Jusis."
"I'll second that," Toval added, "Nice to see that you've grown up well and we didn't manage to mess you up for life."
Jusis was surprised by the comparison but smiled in appreciation. "Sara…Toval…thank you."
"For what?" Toval asked in confusion.
He hummed in thought. "For everything I suppose. Even though mistakes were made, I wouldn't have become the person I am today without the two of you by my side."
"Awww, thanks Jusis," Toval said, touched by his words.
Sara was suspiciously silent though, at least until they heard a quiet sniff from her end.
"Are you crying, Sara?" Toval couldn't help but tease.
"No! Of course not!" Sara vehemently denied with a voice that sounded suspiciously congested that she was quick to clear, "I just…got something in my eye."
He snickered. "If you say so."
Jusis shook his head with an amused grin.
"So where to next for you guys?" Sara said in an obvious attempt to change the subject.
"With how quiet the east is right now, I think it's a good time for me to swing by Ymir again," Toval said, "If I can catch a train that is."
"The schedules have been getting more erratic haven't they," Jusis mused, "It's making it harder for small towns to get the supplies they need."
"As long as the RMP continues to control the railways, there's nothing anyone can really do about it except help where we can," Sara grimly stated.
Toval let out a sigh of exhaustion. "But it would make life a little easier if we didn't have to walk and hitchhike everywhere."
"Oh come on Toval, a little walking's never killed anyone!" Sara cheerfully remarked.
"So says the one who'd prefer to drink all the live long day instead of properly doing her paperwork," Jusis dryly stated.
Sara squawked in protest while Toval laughed. "Stop ganging up on me!"
"But you make it so easy," Jusis said, teasingly.
"An-y-ways," Sara pointedly said, "I'll stay in the north for now but I might start making my way south. I'll be sure to keep my ears open for any information though, especially on the whereabouts of the rest of Class VII."
"I take that to mean you haven't heard anything more about where everyone else could be?" Jusis asked.
"Besides your confirmation that Laura and Emma are in Legram, everything else is just rumors and wild goose chases," Sara stated with a sigh, "I can't believe I'm saying this but Aidios, I wish I was more terrible at teaching you guys. Clearly you all are taking my survival lessons a little too seriously."
"There there Sara," Toval gently reassured, "You'll have more time to impose your terrible teaching methods onto your students soon enough."
She huffed at that. "Fingers crossed. So far no news is good news but in regards to Rean…I'm more worried about him than anyone else to be honest, especially with the way he escaped Trista."
Jusis frowned in concern at the reminder but chose to remain silent.
"Well that's another reason for all my frequent visits to Ymir," Toval remarked, "Since it's Rean's hometown, there's a high chance he'll show up there eventually."
"He does care greatly for his family and would wish to make sure they're alright before searching for the rest of Class VII," Jusis agreed.
Sara chuckled. "That does sound like him alright. So you know where we're heading to. What about you, Jusis?"
"I will be making a stop at Ordis. I heard a certain bird has been flying around the city as of late and wanted to check it out," Jusis responded wryly.
"A certain bird huh?" Sara hummed knowingly. "You be careful alright? You as well Toval."
"You know me! Careful is my middle name," Toval cheerfully stated.
Both Sara and Jusis snorted in amusement at that.
Toval sputtered with indignation. "H-Hey! What was that for?"
Jusis smiled and shook his head. "Never change Toval. Never change."
"Ha ha, now that it seems we've gone from bullying Sara to bullying me, I'll take my leave then," he said dryly, "Talk to you two later."
He disconnected and then it was just Sara and Jusis still on the call.
"I suppose I'll speak to you later as well Sara."
"Actually," she said before he could disconnect, "Before you go, I have to ask, have you given any thought to what we talked about last time?"
Jusis looked like he didn't want to answer the question but knew there was no way he could escape answering it so he reluctantly said, "I have."
"And?"
He sighed at her persistence. "While it's a nice thought, you know given my circumstances, that I cannot simply wait for the others just to make a decision that will not personally affect them."
"I thought as much," she said in that knowing tone of hers that was always annoying to hear.
"If you did, why do you continue to insist on urging me to wait for Class VII's reunion before making my decision on the role I wish to take in this war? What bearing could they possibly have on such a choice?" He asked, growing increasingly irritated.
"You shouldn't underestimate how much of an influence Class VII has on you, Jusis," she explained, "I mean, look at all that's happened since April. How much you've changed as a person, the bonds you formed, the memories you made, the people that you let into your heart. You are a part of Class VII as much as Class VII is a part of you and that matters."
"But what does that even mean?"
She hummed in thought. "Hell if I know. But isn't that your job as someone from Class VII to find out?"
He scowled, frustrated by the lack of definitive answers he's been getting. "What kind of an instructor are you, giving me such obnoxiously vague advice?"
"The good kind I hope," she said, unbothered but sympathetic by his frustration. "You're only planning to make a decision because you want answers, right? Well as someone really wise and also equally obnoxious once told me, an answer that you find for yourself will surely be one that you'll never forget."
Jusis jerked as if he'd been slapped. Those words, his mother used to say such things, finding great joy in being annoyingly cryptic with her vast wisdom. He gripped his necklace tightly at the reminder of her.
"So until you do, I'll keep telling you to take your time and reunite with your classmates first," Sara continued, "They might be able to help you figure out how to get the answers you're looking for."
Silence followed as Jusis processed what she said before quietly laughing.
"Hey!" She shouted indignantly, having heard his laughter no matter how quiet he tried to make it. "What are you laughing for?"
"I think that's the closest you've ever come to being a real instructor," he explained, "In a good way of course."
"If that's true, did you really have to laugh?" She whined and pouted like a child.
He smiled in amusement. "You have to admit, the words that came out of your mouth really don't fit your overall image so of course I had to laugh."
She sighed. "See if I ever do anything instructor like for you ever again if you keep laughing at me for it," she grumbled petulantly.
"But I am thankful nonetheless despite the absurdity of it all," he said, taking pity on her.
She clicked her tongue. "The things I do for you kids…Anyways, I'll talk to you later then and take care alright?"
"Of course. You as well."
Then he closed his ARCUS and looked off to the distance, slowly getting lost in his thoughts as he thought about her advice. Was it really right for him to rely on Class VII for help on making a 'purely personal' decision?
A train whistle caught his attention, breaking him out of his thoughts. He quickly made his way over to the station by rooftop and landed on top of a train car just as it began to pull out of the station.
XXXXXX
Jusis sat patiently at a bench in the business district of Ordis. He watched the citizens of the grand city go about their lives as if a civil war wasn't raging throughout the Empire at that very moment.
Suddenly, a cup of ice cream appeared in his field of view and he looked up to see Crow was the one offering it to him while he held a cone in his other hand.
"Hey there 'Justine'," he greeted with a shit-eating grin, "Long time no see."
Jusis couldn't help but smile at the sight of his friend and took the offered cup from him. "Hello Crow."
Crow sat down beside him and took in the full ensemble of Jusis' disguise. He whistled, impressed. "Well damn. Gotta admit, you do make a pretty hot chick."
Jusis rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Could you be any more vulgar? Honestly, what Alisa sees in you, I will never understand."
"So says the guy who likes Rean 'Dense as a Brick Wall' Schwarzer," Crow fired back without missing a beat, "At least Alisa and I know what's up unlike the painfully convoluted courting dance you two got going on."
Jusis looked away with a scowl as he blushed. "Shut up."
Crow snickered. "Glad to see that this was all it took to finally turn the tables on you. How do you like them apples now, you menace?"
Jusis' scowl deepened and he practically shoved Crow's face into his ice cream. "Just eat your ice cream before it melts."
Crow laughed as he licked his lips and wiped his face clean of the excess ice cream he couldn't get.
Then the two started chatting, catching up on what the other had been up to while carefully avoiding any mention of anything that could involve the war. By doing so, they could almost forget their troubles and the war that was being waged outside the city borders, could pretend that right now they were just Jusis and Crow.
"Man," Crow sighed as he leaned back on the bench, "I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually miss being in class."
"Are you sure that's what you miss and not a certain maid's cooking?" Jusis jokingly asked.
Crow shrugged unapologetically. "What can I say? Sharon knows what's up when it comes to food. Speaking of food, whattaya say we go get some grub?" He winked. "On me."
Jusis shook his head with a smile. "I'll believe it when I see you pull your wallet out to pay for our food."
But he does end up following the other to a nearby stall for some food that Crow does indeed pay for. Then they went for a walk around the city, taking in the sights of Ordis as they ate. Soon, the sun was beginning to set in the distance. It was almost time for them to part ways again.
"You wanna hit the tables in Raquel before we both gotta split?" Crow asked, as reluctant as Jusis to part ways and stand on different sides of the war.
"Over my dead body will you ever convince me to go gambling with you," Jusis deadpanned.
"Oh come on, you gotta let loose sometime, Jusis. Can't be some uptight noble and do-gooder bracer all the time, ya know," Crow said with a smirk.
But Jusis refused to budge. "No Crow." Then he became thoughtful, nostalgic almost. "But…I wouldn't be opposed to a quick stop to Jurai. I'd like to give my respects to your grandpa."
Crow was taken aback by his request before he smiled softly. "He'd like that. Always had a soft spot for you and your mom. Heh. Sentimental old geezer."
Jusis grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight in comfort. Crow smiled appreciatively and the two left the city.
XXXXXX
Jusis smiled as his uncle placed a bowl of creamy chowder in front of him. He was currently seated at a table on the upper level of Uncle Hammond's restaurant for the sake of privacy. Across from him sat Rufus who also smiled gratefully at Uncle Hammond when he placed another bowl of chowder in front of him.
Uncle Hammond waved off their thanks. "Be sure to eat well! There's plenty more if you want it and I'll be by with fresh berry tarts later. Enjoy!"
Then the two brothers dug into their meal, only making idle small talk as they ate their food. Soon, everything had been eaten and the two were left sipping their preferred beverage of choice - savory herb tea for Jusis and a double shot espresso coffee for Rufus.
"If I were to ask you how many of those you've already had for the day, would you give me an honest answer?" Jusis asked, eyeing his brother in concern.
Rufus smiled disarmingly as he took a long sip of his coffee.
Jusis shook his head in exasperation. "You really must take better care of yourself, brother. One cannot simply run on coffee, sugar, and spite while playing the part of the perfect ace of the Noble Alliance."
Rufus sighed and put a hand up to his head as if to stave off a growing headache. "It's days such as these that I greatly regret the image I have cultivated for myself."
"Brother…"
"But it also reminds me why I do what I do in the first place, so you needn't worry so much Jusis," he continued, smiling reassuringly.
"If you say so," Jusis reluctantly conceded in the face of the other's stubbornness, "But I hope you remember that should you ever find yourself in need of assistance, I am only a call away."
"I will be sure to keep that in mind," Rufus said. Then he clasped his hands together and leaned forward. "And I hope you know that despite the neutral stance you've taken, I support your actions wholeheartedly. After all, there is no shame in not taking an active part in the war when you do more good helping the citizens unfortunately affected by the factions' squabble."
Jusis smiled wryly. "I don't believe a civil war can be called something as simple as a squabble but, I appreciate your support nonetheless."
"Of course, you're doing good work which is always commendable," Rufus said before smiling widely in amusement, "Though I'll admit, I find it rather amusing that you are doing so in your alternate persona. Ah! It brings a big brother such joy to know he has such a beautiful little sister."
Jusis groaned in embarrassment from being reminded about his disguise for the nth time. "You know the only reason I'm dressed like this is because being in disguise is the only way to move about the Empire with any sort of freedom."
"Freedom, hmm?" Rufus said, looking out the nearby window wistfully, "I wonder how long it's been since I truly enjoyed such a privilege or if I was ever able to enjoy it at all."
Jusis flinched, feeling guilty from having unintentionally said something he shouldn't have. "Brother-"
Rufus shook his head, cutting him off. "You needn't look sad nor guilty, Jusis. It's already too late for me. I willingly chose to walk down my current path in order to give you the freedom to choose your own. You already carry the legacy of a bracer and the past of an enforcer, you don't need the lineage of our family burdening you as well."
He smiled encouragingly at him. "There are other paths that lay before you so it is my hope you choose the one that will lead you to happiness. And should such a path not exist, that you make it with your own two hands. Regardless of whatever you end up doing, know that I will always love and support you."
Jusis was surprised by his words but smiled gratefully for them. "Thank you, brother."
Rufus nodded. "Now what say we get another serving of berry tarts? The batch made today seems to be especially crisp and fresh."
Jusis shook his head, this time with fond exasperation. "By Aidios, that sweet tooth of yours really does not need to be indulged anymore."
"Nonsense! One can never have too many sweets," Rufus proclaimed before he smiled playfully at Jusis, "But shall we take it for the road? It would please me greatly to purchase something fashionable for my cute little 'sister'."
"Rufus!"
Rufus laughed at Jusis' flushed protests and he couldn't help but smile at the sight. He was glad that his no doubt overworked and tired brother was getting some form of a break, even if it was at his expense.
XXXXXX
S.1204
Jusis gritted his teeth as he clashed with the behemoth wolf-like cryptid that had decided to make its home in the forests surrounding Legram.
After a long struggle, he let out a wordless cry and slammed his trident home at the base of the cryptid's neck. He quickly jumped off and away as jagged spikes of ice grew from within the cryptid and ripped it apart.
Upon its defeat, the cryptid dissipated in a wave of mana that caused an almost inconspicuous ripple in the air that made Jusis' nerves tingle, like something fundamental in the world was somehow shifting. The energy in the area also briefly changed, seeming to shift before settling down to normal again.
He let out a sigh of relief at having defeated the cryptid but couldn't help feeling uneasy about the aftermath. Then he noticed a familiar presence appear nearby.
"I was wondering when I would run into you again."
The presence stepped out from behind the trees and revealed itself to be Lianne. Dressed in everyday attire instead of her usual armor, she somehow looked even more beautiful and regal in her simple blouse, long skirt, and sensible boots.
"Hello Jusis," she greeted before smiling in amusement, "Or should I say Justine?"
He groaned as if in pain. "Please refrain from doing so. I still have my pride as a man despite how I may currently dress."
She chuckled and nodded to him. "Of course. I hear you've been quite busy these past couple weeks."
"And you must not be busy enough if you have the time to speak with someone no longer affiliated with the Society," he dryly remarked.
"The Stahlritter are efficient enough to complete their duties without me watching over them every moment of the day," she casually explained, "My role has yet to truly come so I have merely been spending my days preparing for it."
"And I don't suppose if I asked you what exactly those duties were, you would be willing to share what you know?"
She shook her head. "My answer remains the same as last time."
He sighed, at least he tried. "I suspected as much. So why are you here?"
She smiled cryptically at him. "Let us just say that I had a feeling you were wavering on your path so I thought to lend you an ear and maybe some advice on how you may continue to walk forward."
"And where did you get such an idea in the first place?" He couldn't help but ask with a tone as dry as a desert.
"I…may have heard about it from the demon," she hesitantly admitted, "Complicated though your relationship may now be, for some reason that escapes us all, that man cares deeply for you."
Jusis looked away, conflicted feelings arising as he thought of McBurn.
"I apologize if I overstepped," Lianne said with a soft grimace.
He shook his head. "It's fine." He turned back to her with a grateful smile. "However, I will accept your offer of an ear and advice. Shall we talk as we travel? I would like to reach Legram before nightfall."
"Of course."
Then the two slowly made their way down the road to Legram.
The journey began in silence before Jusis was able to pull himself together enough to speak. Once he opened his mouth, it was like he couldn't stop. He poured his troubles out to Lianne like a broken faucet gushing out water with no end.
He spoke of his fear for his brother, forced to dance along to the Noble Alliance's tune as their perfect ace. He spoke of how he traveled across the country in order to help the civilians who were being unfairly affected by the war only to wonder if he was even doing enough or just a toe shy of crossing a line he couldn't come back from. He spoke of his concern for those of Class VII whom he still didn't know the status of. Were they alright? Were they in trouble? Did they need help?
And most of all, he spoke of how his past had made him question his present and his future, that he didn't know how to continue forward without answers to the questions he'd been asking, without the truth that was hidden in the shadows.
Lianne listened to him patiently until he finished and offered what wisdom she could.
"I can see how troubled you are over this. I cannot help you decide what to do next as that is something only you can decide for yourself. However, I would like to tell you something that I have learned throughout the years."
She only continued upon Jusis' silent prompting.
"People forget that this world is not just made of black, white, and its many shades of gray. It is made of all the colors of the rainbow and everything in between. Do not trap yourself within a box, hoping that its small space will eventually grant you the answers you seek. Instead, follow your heart wherever it may lead you and strive to make your own path to the future painted with a million colors."
While her words would sound cliché or annoyingly vague should it come from anyone else, the fact that it was her speaking made them ring deeply within. She stopped and placed a comforting hand upon his cheek and smiled encouragingly at him. When her eyes met his, they shone brightly with emotion. But he noticed how her gaze was unfocused, as if she were speaking to someone else in his place.
"Remember, as you travel on this journey we call life, it is not always perfect. Just like any road, it has many twists and turns, ups and downs. Sometimes we get lost and often we do not arrive at where we intend to go. Yet still we manage to learn more about ourselves in doing so and end up where we were always meant to be."
While Jusis was curious who she could be seeing in his place, he let it go as he couldn't help but feel reassured by the words she spoke even if it still left him unsure as to what he should do.
They continued on and soon arrived at the town border of Legram. Mist hung thickly in the air, barely allowing them to see the fading rays of light that signaled the arrival of dusk.
"Thank you, Anne, for your words and your company," Jusis said, "While I am still unsure as to what my next step will be, I feel more reassured for when the time comes for me to take it."
Lianne shook her head. "It was no trouble. Please take care and I hope the next time we meet, it will not be on opposite sides."
He watched as she walked away and disappeared into the thick fog that had settled around the town.
XXXXXX
Jusis put down the last of the paperwork and stretched his arms out with a sigh. Miles also joined him before collapsing on the table in relief.
"Finally, the last of the paperwork done," Miles said as he checked the time, "And just in time for dinner too. Thanks again for helping me out, Jusis."
"Of course, it was the least I could do since I know all to well the burden of paperwork thanks to a certain heavy drinker," Jusis said sympathetically.
Miles laughed. "You have to admit though, for all her faults, Sara's pretty reliable."
Jusis nodded knowingly. "She is indeed."
Miles looked out the window and sighed when all he saw was fog. Jusis followed his gaze and his brow furrowed in concern.
"The fog is still not gone?"
Miles shook his head. "Looks like it. It slowly crept in when the war started and it's only been getting thicker the longer it goes on."
"There must be something else going on," Jusis tapped the table with his pen thoughtfully, "I didn't notice when I first arrived but now that I am focusing on it, there is something distinctly off about this fog."
Miles nodded. "That's what Emma thought too. She and Laura have been investigating it these past few weeks but so far, no dice."
"Speaking of Emma and Laura, I would like to thank you for humoring my request to not inform them of my arrival," Jusis said gratefully.
Miles shrugged nonchalantly. "Of course. It's a strange request not gonna lie, but I had no reason not to comply. If you don't mind me asking though, is there a reason why you didn't want to see them?"
Jusis fidgeted with his pen as he struggled to keep his response casual. "As you have said, it is because they are busy dealing with this troubling fog. Why, I'm certain they're even going so far as to camp at Castle Lohengrin."
Miles chuckled awkwardly at the spot on deduction. "Yeah, they are but they're supposed to be back tomorrow morning so you could meet up with them then."
Jusis shook his head. "No, it's quite alright. I plan to be gone before they return anyways."
"Then why stop by Legram at all if not to see your friends?" Miles asked, confused.
"Knowing that they are still fine is enough for me and I also wanted to help you take care of any guild matters while Toval was away," Jusis said, "Though it was a pleasant surprise when you shared what Emma learned. I wasn't aware she was able to sense Celine's general location, not when she wasn't able to the last time we were in Legram."
Miles laughed. "Yeah, I don't know how it works either but that's magic, I guess."
Jusis nodded. "Indeed. But it is good to hear that Celine has been up and about. That must mean Rean is as well and it seems he is traveling across the country, most likely searching for us."
"Class Vii will be reunited sooner rather than later," Miles agreed. Then he hummed thoughtfully. "You know, I actually envy you, Jusis."
Jusis looked surprised by his admission. "Why is that?"
"It seems Class VII, from what I've been able to observe at least, is a group full of people who support each other wholeheartedly and without question, allowing you to have a solid foundation to fall back on and a solid support system to rely on for help," Miles explained with a soft smile, "I'm glad, and I know Toval is too, that you have friends you can turn to for help whenever you happen to stumble or fall or get lost."
Jusis was taken aback by how on target Miles was with his observation and couldn't help but nod in agreement. "I agree."
"Then why don't you do so?" Miles asked, not in a judgmental manner but one that was genuinely curious about his reluctance.
However, Jusis had no answer. Why didn't he turn to his friends? Especially with how much Sara had been encouraging him to do so? But then again, this was one of those cases where he knew the answer deep in his heart but didn't want to say it aloud for fear that by acknowledging it, it would make it real. And that was something he didn't know if he was ready to do yet, not when there were still so many questions and virtually no answers.
Miles eyed him empathetically and he grimaced at the feeling of being seen through. "Anyways, please at least stay for the night. It's much too late to be doing any sort of traveling."
Jusis looked down at the papers still in his hands and sighed. "Very well then."
"And I hope that you'll at least consider meeting with Laura and Emma come morning, even if it's just for passing greetings. Maybe consider staying long enough for Rean and the others to reunite with you three in Legram?" Miles gently suggested.
"...I'll think about it," Jusis hesitantly said.
Miles nodded even though they both knew that Jusis didn't really have any intentions on following through with his suggestion.
XXXXXX
Jusis stood on the dock of Legram, looking towards where Lohengrin Castle would be sitting in the distance with the moon barely breaking through the dense fog that still surrounded the area. He was currently on a call with his uncle who had some distressing news to share.
"What do you mean the Kreuzen Provincial Army is moving strangely?"
"Shipments of soldats and tanks were transported through the city and sent to the fort, enough for at least three platoons," Uncle Hammond explained in a grave tone, "And many soldiers have been pulled from their post in and around the city, sent back to the fort as well to await further orders. Your father seems to be planning something."
"And whatever it is, it won't be good," Jusis concluded, "But as long as Rufus continues to return regularly, he should be able to keep father in check."
"I don't know about that," Uncle Hammond reluctantly confessed, "He hasn't been back to the city since you last visited."
"But that was weeks ago!" Jusis exclaimed in surprise and concern.
"Exactly. It seems now that Rufus isn't here and not in any hurry to return, your father has decided to take a dangerous gamble and proceed with whatever ambitions he has."
Jusis groaned in exasperation. "No doubt they are to try and overthrow Duke Cayenne as the leader of the Noble Alliance." He pinched his brow as a headache appeared. "I'm returning to Bareahard."
"Wha- and do what?" Uncle Hammond sputtered in disbelief.
"Whatever I need to do to stop my father," Jusis stated resolutely.
"But Jusis, you know how your father is with you, not to mention the general attitude the provincial army holds towards your bloodline," Uncle Hammond remarked, ever the voice of reason, "How will you be able to get those in power to listen and intervene?"
"It's fine because I don't plan to talk. I plan to take action," Jusis said, standing firm in his impulsive decision.
There was a brief pause before Uncle Hammond softly responded. "Are you sure that's what you wish to do? By interfering, you're essentially taking part in the war, Jusis. Didn't Sara suggest that you wait to reunite with your friends before deciding if and how you would become involved?"
That halted Jusis in his tracks because his uncle was right. Now that he knew Rean was up and about and on his journey to find all of them, he could simply wait until the rest of Class VII arrived in Legram and then plan his next move with the support of his classmates. But then he would be dragging them into a conflict that had nothing to do with them, placing them in unnecessary danger.
And besides, it was his duty as an Albarea to hold the Duke accountable and make amends for any mistakes he'll make. It wouldn't be right to ask Class VII for their help when he knew it was a duty only he could uphold and was capable of completing by himself. After all, he was once an enforcer and that was not something that just went away even when you left.
Yes. This was definitely something he had to do alone. Even if he wanted to see Rean, Fie, and the rest of Class VII again, to know that they were truly alright, he could wait. If they happened to make their way to Bareahard though…he'll cross that bridge when, and if, they got there.
"It was all well and good when the war seemed to move at a snail's pace, but whatever my father plans to do will quickly escalate the conflict," Jusis said grimly, "No, I will not wait anymore. I will join the war and do my part in bringing it to an end, whatever that may be."
Another pause from Uncle Hammond before he carefully asked, "And what about the Society?"
Jusis's hand gripped his ARCUS in a white knuckled grip at the reminder. He sighed when he realized that as much of a threat Ouroboros was, there were more pressing matters at hand. "...stopping the war takes precedence over them. They seem to have a stake in this conflict and if the war is stopped sooner than later, then their plans will fall apart." Hopefully goes unsaid.
Uncle Hammond sighed deeply, conceding to his nephew's decision. "Very well then. I can see you have your heart set on this." Then he groaned as if in pain. "Your mother would have my head if she knew I was letting you do this. Then she'd turn right around and hug you with pride while my body rotted in a corner."
Jusis huffed out a laugh. "Mother always was a wild tempest."
"Haha! That she was!" Uncle Hammond jovially agreed. "Alright then, I guess all I can do is ask that you stop by for a meal when you get here and be careful."
"I will, Uncle Hammond."
"Good night, Jusis, and see you soon."
The two hung up and Jusis looked out into the fog surrounding the lake, the moonlight still struggling to break through its thickness.
It was times like these he wished he could speak with Estelle, Joshua, and Renne. He wanted to know if they were alright wherever they were now. Unfortunately, the Noble Alliance set up signal jammers at the start of the war at key points around the Empire's borders to prevent any type of signal from going in or out of the country, effectively leaving Erebonia on its own.
Just like he was choosing to be…
He stood up with a sigh and made his way back to the inn. There were a long few days ahead of him after all, best to get some rest while he still could.
XXXXXX
Jusis walked over to the entrance of Legram, the morning sun barely managed to break through the fog that had only grown thicker in the night. He'd already said his farewells to Miles despite the man's best attempts to have him stay long enough for Laura and Emma's return from Lohengrin Castle.
He looked back into the town just in time to see a small boat carrying two familiar figures dock at the pier. If he squinted, he could barely see Laura hopping off and turning to help Emma out of the boat.
For a moment, he did want to stay and either wait for the girls' to notice his presence or make his way over to them instead. However, his resolve was already made last night. He would do what needed to be done, what only he alone could do, without Class VII.
"I'm sorry for this is something that I must do by myself," he said softly, "But when we cross paths again, I hope the resolve you all carry is stronger than my own. Maybe then I will feel assured enough to lean on you all for support."
He turned away and steeled himself before walking over the threshold and out onto the highway, away from Legram and away from his friends.
As he disappeared from view, Emma and Laura looked over to the entrance of the town, having sensed a familiar presence. They both shared concerned looks with each other and quickly made their way to the guild building.
And scene! Hope you guys enjoyed part 1 of 3 of the prologue! Again, it will be a bit before we get to the main game plot cause there is a lot I need to set up for it. Now this entire chapter was of course focused on Jusis since he is our main protagnist for this AU series. I tried to show his various relationships with key people in this one, namely Crow, Rufus, and McBurn. Also setting up his mindset that will be dictating his actions for the course of this story cause while I would love to just have him go with Class VII or even searching for them as earnestly as Rean does, he is still used to doing things by himself or only relying on the people he's grown up with aka the Sky trio and Sara and Toval.
As close as Class VII is, they're not quite to the necessary level of closeness they need to be for AU Jusis to wholeheartedly rely on them. If anything, now he's just more motivated to do everything on his lonesome so he doesn't put them in harm's way because he'd never forgive himself if something happened. Basically, his mindset is like Rean's except he's got a bit more power and experience to justify not immediately relying on them. Plus, it wasn't until the Civil War that Class VII truly started to bond together as a group. Nothing like a war to make some life long relationships, am I right?
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the start of the Civil War arc. There will be a lot of changes as I'm sure you've all picked up in key parts throughout the chapter. Hope you guys are looking forward to part 2 of the prologue which will focus on the rest of Class VII sans Rean of course. Until then!