Hey guys! How's everyone doing today? Apologies that this chapter took so long for me to get out. Now that we're nearing the end of the year, my brain is finally turning to mush and my motivation is almost completely dried up to the point where I'm gonna be taking not really a hiatus but a write whatever I feel like if I feel like even writing kinda break for the entirety of December and hope to be refreshed when the new year rolls around. Until then, please enjoy this chapter that I hope makes sense to you guys and isn't riddled with more questions and some plot holes.
As always, 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.
Chapter 4: Aboard the Pantagruel
XXXXXX
12.13 S.1204
The next day, Jusis slowly awakened from his relatively peaceful slumber. As he sat up, he couldn't help but distastefully pick at the ornate high quality silk sheets that felt smooth to the touch and did little in the way of offering warmth.
"I see you also find your accommodations rather…ostentatious as well."
To Jusis' credit, he didn't jump at his brother's sudden announcement of his presence in his room. He knew he was going to have to speak with him sooner or later and it seemed his brother chose the former option for him.
"Ostentatious is a rather polite way to put it, don't you think?" Jusis wryly remarked.
Rufus smiled with hands clasped together over his lap, the very image of prim and proper nobility. "Well it's not as if I'm allowed to be uncouth enough to call such finery a horrendous waste of mira and a pitiful attempt at peacocking around one's status."
Jusis snorted in amusement. "It's alright. You have my full permission to say the decorations are tacky, tasteless, and highly impractical."
Rufus chuckled. "It's lovely to hear you speak so openly and without restraint. Class VII has certainly left its influence on you."
"...I suppose they did," Jusis said, now somewhat subdued by the reminder of those he'd learned to call friends, "May I ask why you're here? Surely you didn't think I was going to slip away into the night without speaking with you?"
Rufus smiled innocently at him as if he believed that was exactly what was going to happen. "When considering your track record, what else was I supposed to assume?"
Jusis huffed, refusing to give a rebuttal even though he had none.
"When you've finished getting ready for the day, I shall await you in the training hall," Rufus said as he prepared to take his leave, "It's been quite some time since we last sparred. I'd like to see how much you've improved."
Jusis nodded reluctantly, decidedly not in the mood for sparring. "Very well then. I shall join you shortly."
Rufus left with a smile as Jusis began to prepare for the day. Once he was done, he made his way through the airship until he arrived at the training hall. It was a decently sized space that was as lavishly decorated as the rest of the Pantagruel though the decor was thankfully less ostentatious due to the purpose of the room.
Rufus waited patiently as Jusis approached him. "Shall we?" He asked with a smile.
Jusis pulled out his trident in response and Rufus smiled before unsheathing his saber.
"En-garde!" Jusis called out.
Upon that signal, the two brothers clashed blades with one another. For a time, they sparred in silence with only the sounds of their weapons clashing ringing throughout the room. Rufus was the first to break that silence.
"I received an interesting call from father this morning," he said as he thrust his saber forward.
Jusis parried the blade and swung his trident, forcing Rufus to jump back. "Is that so? What did he want from you this time?"
"It was nothing of that sort," Rufus casually responded as he nimbly dodged each of Jusis' strikes.
"Then what was the call about?" Jusis irritably asked.
"Were you ever going to tell me that you'd so dramatically disowned yourself from the Albarea family?"
The two brothers locked blades and Jusis grunted as he pushed Rufus away.
"Eventually…"
Rufus hummed as if he didn't believe him but his expression was understanding. "Is that so? Either way, I suppose I can understand your trepidation of continuing to carry the Albarea name. It's not as if you've had many fond memories associated with it. I know using your mother's surname shall allow you more freedom of movement so I will not criticize you for that. However, I hope you know that no matter what our sperm donor-"
Jusis choked and had to jump away to laugh. Rufus paused in his charge to smile and wait for Jusis to compose himself.
Once he did, Rufus continued. "As I was saying, no matter what our sperm donor-" Jusis bit his tongue to resist the urge to laugh aloud again but his shaking shoulders gave him away. "-says, you will always be an Albarea in both blood and spirit. Mainly spirit of course since blood is clearly not enough if our sperm donor is any indication."
"Thank you, Rufus," Jusis said with traces of laughter still in his voice, "That means a lot coming from you."
"I wasn't finished," Rufus said, not allowing a moment's pause as he delivered a series of jabs that Jusis deftly blocked, "For you see, in addition to the call this morning, I also had a rather interesting conversation with the demon last night after your return."
Jusis blanched, all traces of amusement gone in a snap. The sparring session was now over with that admission.
"Is it or is it not true that you have rejoined Ouroboros?"
Jusis' subsequent silence was enough of an answer.
Rufus sighed, now looking incredibly tired and aged within the span of seconds. "I won't claim to know your motivations but if what I know about you is correct, you are playing a dangerous game, little brother."
Jusis sighed. "I know. But the risk is worth it if I can finally get the answers to questions I've been asking since I became aware of my unique abilities. In addition, I will be able to protect those I hold dear to me from plots that seek to use them as mere chess pieces, yourself included."
Rufus smiled proudly at how much his younger brother had grown yet was still saddened by the fact that he had to grow in such a way at all. "You really have changed."
"And you still refuse to," Jusis remarked with a frown, "Brother, please tell me, what are you planning to do given your position in both factions of the war?"
Rufus looked away, choosing to gaze at the clear blue sky through the nearby window. "You know I cannot answer that."
"But Rufus-" Jusis began to protest.
"Everything I do is to make certain that you are able to live a life where you are free to make your own choices," Rufus interrupted sharply.
"...even if it's to the detriment of your own?"
Rufus turned to him with a melancholic expression. "If that is what it takes to give you what I was never able to have."
Jusis frowned and shook his head with a sigh. "I hope you know that you are a hypocrite, Rufus."
"I suppose I am…"
"And I hope that one day, you will be able to live a life of free choice as well."
"Maybe, one day," Rufus said before he readied his saber, "Now, shall we continue? I find your stance rather lacking and don't even get me started on how much you keep shifting your center of gravity. I'm almost convinced you're doing it on purpose to goad a reaction out of me."
Jusis smiled, allowing his brother this brief reprieve, and charged at Rufus without further ado.
The two brothers continued their spar with light small talk about anything and everything except the war and the choices they had to make.
XXXXXXX
Jusis walked up to the door of the room where the representatives of Zephyr were staying and knocked without hesitation.
"Come in," the deep voice of Leo called out from inside.
"Pardon the intrusion," Jusis said as he opened the door and stepped inside.
He spotted Leo and Xeno lounging on the couches with a few open bottles of alcohol on the table in front of them. He raised an eyebrow in question and lightly asked, "Rather early to be drinking, isn't' it?"
Xeno shrugged nonchalantly. "Eh, what can I say? The Duke's got good booze so might as well take advantage while we can."
"But you're not here to comment on our drinking habits, are you," Leo said more than asked.
Jusis' silence was enough of an answer and Leo nodded. "When we heard you were on board, we were expecting you to seek us out eventually."
"Ya probably heard everything we told Fie back at Garrelia right?" Xeno added.
Jusis nodded. "Yes, I have so I will only ask this once. What exactly did you mean when you said I have a connection to the events that led to the death of the Jaeger King?"
Xeno chuckled as he took a swig of beer. "Straight to the point. I can see why Fie likes you so much."
Leo gestured to the open seats around the table. "Please have a seat."
Jusis sat down on an armchair that placed as much distance between him and the jaegers as possible. Neither Leo nor Xeno looked offended but they were clearly amused.
"So to answer your question," Xeno paused for dramatic effect before bluntly stating, "We don't know."
"Pardon?" Jusis said, taken aback, "What do you mean you don't know?"
"Exactly that, we don't know," Xeno repeated as if it were no big deal.
Leo sent him a disapproving look that he cheekily raised his beer to in salute. "What Xeno means to say is that we were not privy to every one of our boss' affairs. But we did know he held some sort of close relationship with the bracer known as Undine whom I'm told is your mother."
Jusis' expression twisted in disgust at the thought of his mother and the Jaeger King in a relationship and Xeno laughed. "No, not that kinda relationship. More of a frenemies kind of deal."
Leo nodded. "On the field, they were on opposite sides - the jaeger king who kills for money and the bracer who fights for the people. But off the field, they could be found in a bar together, drinking the night away like comrades in arms."
"Your mom was an absolute riot to be around," Xeno said, "She used to drive us insane by being cryptic as hell while giving actually helpful life advice. She was also an absolute beast on the battlefield and could've given the boss a run for his mira if she were still alive."
"Though it has been many years since, we would still like to give our condolences," Leo solemnly said.
"Oh, um, thank you," Jusis said, looking down at his hands with a frown, "I…never knew my mother had that kind of friendship with the Jaeger King but then again," he smiled wryly, "I'm starting to learn there were a lot of things I didn't know about my mother." He looked back up at them. "But that still doesn't answer my question."
"Well we can't exactly tell you anything since we actually really don't know," Xeno responded apologetically.
"But what we do know is that our boss made a promise with your mother before she passed," Leo said, "One that he had every intention to uphold."
"But then he kicked the bucket before he could and he never told anyone what that promise was. So long story short, the reason we told Fie what we did was just the best idea we could come up with to get your attention," Xeno said before finishing off his beer and throwing the bottle onto the table where it managed to land upright with a loud clink.
"We hold no ulterior motives that are malicious, mysterious, or otherwise," Leo added.
Jusis was again surprised but also relieved by the information. "I suppose I should be glad that this is one thing I needn't worry about anymore. But now I'm curious as to what sort of promise my mother made with the Jaeger King that only he could fulfill."
Xeno snorted. "You and me both, kid."
"We went through the boss' things after his death but found nothing that even hints to the promise that was made," Leo elaborated.
Jusis sighed. "Either way, I'm thankful that you told me about this even if the delivery of it could've been more…refined."
Xeno casually waved off his gratitude. "Eh, it's no problem. If anything, we should be the ones thanking you for being good friends with Fie and looking out for her for us."
"Speaking of Fie," Jusis said before pinning the two Jaegers with a pointed look, "I hope you'll truly realize how much she's grown. She is no longer the orphan girl who was found on a battlefield anymore and she deserves answers for your abrupt separation from her life."
Xeno and Leo exchanged looks before turning their attention back to Jusis.
"As much as I am loath to admit it, she has grown quite a lot," Leo said with pride, "Our encounter at Garrelia proved as much."
Xeno nodded with a grin. "Yeah. But we still can't help seeing her as that cute little gremlin who ran around the hideout and got into shit she shouldn't be near." He sniffed and wiped away an invisible tear. "I still remember how she was finally able to build 30 different explosives before she turned 10." Then all traces of joking were erased and what was left was melancholic nostalgia. "But yeah, I guess we can't keep protecting her in our weird little way."
"We'll be sure to truly answer her questions to the best of our ability the next time we meet," Leo said before giving a small smirk, "The Jaeger way of course."
Jusis sighed in exasperation. "I suppose that's all I can really ask for. Thank you again for giving me your time."
"Ah loosen up a bit. You don't need to do all this formal crap with us," Xeno said in joking disapproval, "I doubt you do it with Fie, do ya?"
Jusis' smile became amused as he stood up to leave. "I suppose I don't. Thanks again anyway."
Leo nodded in farewell. "Goodbye Jusis."
"And once you're old enough, we'd be happy to go out for drinks and share some stories about your mom with ya," Xeno added as he raised another beer in salute to him.
Jusis nodded in appreciation with a wry smile and left the room.
XXXXXX
As Jusis walked away from Zephyr's room, he caught sight of Vita standing nearby with a casual stance as if she'd been waiting for him the entire time.
"Hello there Celsius," she coyly greeted him, "Lovely weather we're having today."
Jusis was immediately on guard. "Hello Azure Abyss. Is there something you want besides inane small talk?"
Vita smiled, amused by his attitude. "Now, now, can't a girl warm up a bit before asking a handsome guy to join her for tea? You look like you've got a lot on your mind."
He stared at her, examining her carefully for any hints of deception and finding plenty. "I know you're only asking this because you have some sort of ulterior motive but I suppose I can take you up on your offer."
Then he bitterly thought, 'It's not as if I have anything better to do besides start an investigation that has only become more complicated than expected.'
"Great! Then shall we head to my quarters?" Vita said, gesturing for him to follow her.
Jusis nodded and the two walked to Vita's room where he patiently waited for her to prepare the tea.
"Here you go," she said, offering him a beautifully painted ceramic cup filled with herbal tea, "It's a special blend meant to help with relaxation."
He carefully accepted the cup and took a sip. He immediately recognized the taste as one of the blends Emma liked to use and said as much to Vita. She didn't seem surprised by his observation.
"Well this is a blend that grandmother always liked to use whenever we needed a break from our studies," she explained, looking down at the tea with an almost fondly nostalgic expression, "I'm not surprised to hear that Emma kept a supply on hand."
Jusis hummed as he took another sip of tea. "You know, you remind me a lot of Emma. I can see how the two of you are sisters despite not being blood related," he said as a passing comment.
Vita chuckled. "I'm flattered to hear that but I do hope dear Emma stops comparing herself to me. She could be a strong witch in her own right if she just realized she needn't be like me. That it's best if she never becomes like me."
"What do you mean by that?" Jusis asked in confusion.
When Vita didn't answer, he decided to ask a different question. "Does it have anything to do with the taboo Celine claimed you committed?"
This made Vita laugh, loud and high and amused with a touch of hysteria. "Is that what they're calling it?" She smiled wryly. "Well I suppose if you look at it in a certain way, it can be considered a taboo."
"Would you be willing to elaborate?" He carefully asked.
"Of course," she said, eyeing him slyly, "I'm willing to tell you what you want to know but only if you're willing to reveal what the Grandmaster told you during your little meeting."
Jusis frowned, taking a moment to think about whether such an exchange was worth it before ultimately deciding that there had to be a reason Vita asked. So he agreed and told her everything the Grandmaster told him.
Vita looked surprised by the time he was finished. "Well that's a first. I'm surprised the Grandmaster was as open as she was with you."
"You call that open?" He asked incredulously.
She chuckled. "True, but still. The Grandmaster revealed more in one sitting with you than she's ever revealed to us Anguis in five. We had to work for it. All you had to do was ask."
Jusis frowned, feeling uncomfortable under her intrigued gaze as if she were trying to dissect him with her eyes alone. Then she leaned back and took a sip of her tea.
"Well a deal's a deal. Just so you know, the only reason I asked is because I had a hunch that whatever the Grandmaster spoke to you about would be tied into what I did."
"How so?"
"The so called 'taboo' I committed was my inadvertent discovery of knowledge I never should have learned which was then followed up with the act of sharing that which should not have been shared," Vita explained.
Jusis frowned. "Is that how you came across the Grandmaster? The acquisition of this forbidden knowledge?"
She nodded. "Yes. During my travels around Zemuria, I came across forbidden knowledge unexpectedly. It wasn't long after during my pursuit to understand this knowledge that I came across the Grandmaster who was also in search of it. I simply shared what I knew in exchange for that understanding."
She then held up her hand before Jusis could say anything in response. "And before you ask, no. I can't tell you what that knowledge is. However, I can reveal that it's tied to the truth of the Sept Terrions and their creation by Aidios. A truth that you also have ties to if what the Grandmaster told you is correct."
"Is that so…" he said non committedly but deep down he was disturbed by the admission, "Then I suppose this is just your way of telling me I should turn my focus towards the Sept Terrions?"
She hummed. "Perhaps. After all, there is one tied to each element. The Aurieole of the space element in Liberl is out for obvious reasons and the Sept Terrion Crossbell holds was of mirage. I've also heard rumors that the Sept Terrion of wind is no more, having become one with a certain highland to the north. But the rest of the elements are still up for grabs."
She winked cheekily at him. "It might also be of interest for you to know that the Empire is rather special in regards to the Sept Terrions. But telling you anymore would spoil the surprise reveal."
He sighed. What was it with the upper echelons of Ouroboros and their infuriating tendency to speak in riddles, no matter how simple? "You have already given me much to think about so it would be rude to ask for more. Thank you for the tea and conversation."
She shook her head. "You needn't thank me. After all, I never act without my own ulterior motives. What those motives may be? Well," she chuckled, "I'm certainly not obliged to ever tell you."
XXXXXX
For the rest of the morning, Jusis wandered aimlessly around the Pantagruel while taking special care to avoid certain people that he knew to be on board. He did not wish to speak with McBurn anymore, having had enough of the man to last the rest of his life. He avoided Bleublanc like the plague as he wouldn't be able to hold back from trying to skewer the infuriating thief just to put a stop to all of his inane antics and crazed ramblings. And he had no reason to seek out Duvalie and would rather not sit through another three hour lecture about how he disrespected her lord for some perceived slight.
During his wanderings, he came across someone new who he hadn't ever seen before on his way back to the guest hall. A young white haired girl dressed in what looked to be a hooded black rabbit version of Millium's white suit.
He stared at the girl in surprise, wondering what someone as young as her could be doing on the Pantagruel and not liking any of the ideas that came to mind.
The girl looked over to him and he nodded in greeting. "Hello. I don't believe we've met yet. I am Jusis Liaska. And you are?"
"Greetings. I am Altina Orion," the girl introduced herself in a flat, emotionless tone.
"Orion?" He repeated with a thoughtful frown, "A rather unique last name. You wouldn't happen to share any relation to a girl named Millium, would you?"
Altina's lips twitched as if wanting to frown. "Millium Orion would be what one would consider my older sister," she answered.
Her response confused him. "What exactly do you mean by that?" He asked.
Her brow furrowed and the downward quirk of her lips deepened. "I do not understand. Do you wish for me to elaborate on the nature of our relationship?"
"Yes, if you're willing."
She nodded. "Millium and I are homunculus, artificial humans created to fulfill a specific purpose. Millium is an older model while I am a newer one and as we are of the same series, thus she would be my 'older sister' so to speak. Does that answer your question?"
Jusis didn't immediately respond, too shocked by what she had revealed. He always knew there was more to Millium than meets the eye, especially when taking her young age, intelligence, and Lammy into account. He just never thought it would be because she was an artificial being. But now he couldn't help but wonder for what purpose were she and Altina apparently created?
"Mister Liaska?" Altina said at his prolonged silence.
Jusis quickly snapped out of his thoughts. "Oh, pardon me. I was merely lost in thought. And please call me Jusis."
She nodded. "Very well, Jusis."
He cleared his throat lightly. "Out of curiosity, would you also happen to have something similar to Lammy?"
Altina's brow furrowed again in confusion. "Lammy?"
"A combat shell with its own consciousness," he elaborated.
"Oh!" She flatly exclaimed in understanding, "You mean a combat shell such as Airgetlam. I do as a matter of fact. But I do not understand why Millium would choose to call hers such a strange name."
"I suppose it's because Millium is rather unique and does what she wants when she wants," he explained with a chuckle, "She most likely assumed calling her combat shell 'Lammy' was a good way to indicate their close relationship."
Altina nodded slowly but it was clear she still didn't quite understand. "I see. So that is why she called Calmah Solais 'Sammy' which is not his name and only serves to confuse him."
Calmah Solais chose to appear at that moment to chirp in agreement. If Jusis wasn't used to Lammy doing the same thing, he most likely would've jumped at the combat shell's abrupt appearance.
Instead, he shook his head with a huff of amusement. "Well, I'm certainly starting to see the resemblance between you and Millium now."
Altina tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean by that?"
Before he could elaborate, a nearby door opened and out came Crow throwing a careless wave to someone behind him. Jusis barely managed to catch the tail end of whatever he was saying. Something about making an important decision?
Jusis looked inside the room and was startled to see Rean (despite Crow's earlier warning of his arrival) who looked just as startled to see him. Crow turned forward to see what Rean was gaping like an idiot at and beamed when he saw Jusis.
"Oh good! You're here," Crow cheerfully said, "I thought I was gonna have to search the whole ship to track you down later." Then he finally saw Altina standing next to Jusis. "Whoops. Hope I wasn't interrupting anything important, baby short stack."
Altina deadpanned at him. "Please refrain from calling me such a name again, Azure Chevalier. And you did not interrupt anything of importance."
It was at that moment that Rean finally snapped out of his shock. "Wait!" He cried out as he rushed over to the door only to hesitate just before crossing the threshold. "Jusis, you're here."
"I am…" Jusis tentatively said.
"But…why…I mean…" Rean stumbled over his words, struggling to figure out what it was he wanted to say.
Crow frowned when he saw how uncomfortable Jusis was as he refused to make eye contact with Rean. He quickly intervened by sidling over and throwing his arm around Jusis. "Sorry to butt in but I got something important to talk about with my buddy here." He looked to Altina. "Sorry baby short stack but it looks like you'll have to finish your conversation later."
"That is alright," Altina said, "And again, please refrain from calling me 'baby short stack.' I am a perfectly acceptable height for my age and am not an infant."
Crow chuckled. "Sure, sure. Whelp. See you guys later and Rean," he pinned Rean with a pointed look and an unnerving grin, "Think about what I said alright?"
Then he was walking away with Jusis in tow, leaving Altina behind with Rean who's still gaping like an idiot. Jusis didn't pay any attention to where Crow was taking him until they came to a stop and he realized that they were now in Crow's room.
"Back with me now?" Crow gently asked.
Jusis blinked and nodded. "Yes. Thank you, Crow."
Crow waved him off. "Eh, it's no biggie. Want anything to eat? I got a whole thing of snacks and drinks here," he said as he walked over to a cabinet and swung the door open to reveal the plethora of snacks and drinks stashed inside.
"I'm fine," Jusis politely declined.
Crow swiped a can of soda and closed the cabinet door. "Alright. Suit yourself." He walked over and dropped down on the couch.
"Can I ask what you spoke to Rean about?" Jusis carefully asked.
"Only if you'll tell me what happened with the Grandmaster of Ouroboros," Crow pointedly countered.
Jusis flinched and he softened. "Don't worry. I'm not gonna force you to tell me. Why don't you sit down? This could take a minute."
Jusis did so and patiently waited for Crow to speak as he drank his soda.
Crow sighed and leaned back against the couch. "So I basically told Rean about my past cause he was so doggone persistent on knowing it," he explained, "Gave me the usual Rean speech about how 'we won't be able to move on unless we know'."
"Is that so?" Jusis said thoughtfully, "And what about the decision you said Rean had to make?"
"So you caught that huh?" Crow wryly said, "Well it's not like it's anything worth hiding so you might as well know. Old Cayenne's looking to boost the Noble Alliance's firepower and what better way to do that than recruiting the only other Divine Knight that's active."
Jusis frowned, unsurprised to hear that. He suspected something of that nature once he knew Rean was on board but he couldn't help feeling upset that Rean was basically being forced into a rock and a hard place. Cayenne no doubt subtly, if not outright, threatened the well being of Rean's family and friends to get what he wanted.
"Oh don't start looking like that now," Crow said, having caught the concern that was clear in Jusis' expression, "Knowing him, I'm pretty sure Rean's gonna make a decision in the form of a really dumb gamble soon."
Jusis narrowed his eyes at Crow in suspicion. "What do you mean by that?"
But Crow merely mimed zipping his lips shut. "You sure you don't want anything to eat?" He asked in a clear attempt to drop the subject.
"I'm very sure, Crow," Jusis said, unimpressed by his antics.
Crow shrugged. "Alright. Just wanted to check again. Anyways, I gotta go take care of something now. Feel free to hang around or not." He got up and went to leave.
"Wait," Jusis said, making Crow pause in his tracks. He looked back at Jusis in question. "Can I ask you something important?"
Crow turned around and crossed his arms. "Shoot."
"Why haven't you left the Alliance now that you've done what you set out to do?" Jusis bluntly asked, "I assumed that assassinating the Chancellor was the end game for you and yet…"
"I'm still with the Alliance," Crow finished for him.
Jusis nodded.
Crow let out a huff of amusement. "Well that's an easy question. It's cause I can't. The game ain't over until the war is and peace is returned to the Empire."
"But can you not take another path to achieve that very goal? That is a question that's been continuously posed during our time in school," Jusis asked, eyeing his friend in concern.
"Well then why are you still here? Why'd you seek out Ouroboros when you've got understandable beef with them?" Crow pointed out.
Jusis was struck speechless, unable to answer. "That's…I…"
Crow nodded in understanding as if Jusis' reaction just proved his point. "Exactly. I've already stepped foot on my current path and I need to see it through or else I'll never be able to face Gramps or the rest of Class VII again."
He then turned his back to Jusis so he couldn't see the conflicted expression on his face despite the easy tone he still spoke with. "Oh yeah, before I forget, catch."
He threw something over his shoulder and Jusis caught it. He looked down to see the item was a lavender scrunchie with a long lavender ribbon tied into a bow with two white feathers artfully sewed onto it.
"When you get the chance, tell Alisa I said hi and give that to her. It's a hair tie I made that I thought would suit her," Crow explained.
"And why would you assume I will run into her long enough to be able to do so?" Jusis asked when the real question was, "Why not give this to her yourself?"
Crow smiled sardonically, not that Jusis could see. "Trust me. I know because I know you and I know her." Though what he really wanted to say was, "Because I know I won't be strong enough to say no if she asks me to stay."
Then he left the room with a careless wave.
Jusis sighed and looked down at the hair tie, closing his hand around it. "You should still give it to her yourself, you idiot."
XXXXXX
Jusis lay on the bed in his provided room, pondering as to what his next move would be when the sound of a siren abruptly interrupted his thoughts. He jerked up and rushed out of his room with his weapon drawn. He was immediately greeted by Crow and McBurn who seemed unsurprised by the alarm that blared throughout the airship.
"What is going on?" He asked them.
"Seems like the knight's finally rescuing the princess from her tower," Crow responded with a knowing smirk.
"The Ashen Awakener's staging a jail break with the Imperial Princess," McBurn elaborated upon Jusis' confused look.
Jusis was unsurprised that Rean was attempting to escape but, "Wait princess? You mean Alfin has been here the entire time and no one thought to inform me?"
"Didn't think it was important," Crow said at the same time as McBurn who said, "Not my problem."
Jusis groaned in frustration. "You two are unbelievable."
Crow winked cheekily at him. "Just part of the charm."
"And how does Duke Cayenne want the situation to be handled?" Jusis asked.
"He's not here," Crow said.
Jusis nodded with a frown. "Then what about my brother or the Azure Abyss?"
"They're not here either which is why Rean is staging his little escape now knowing full well they'll be gone a while," Crow responded, "Guess he thought he could still take on Zephyr, Ouroboros, and the ILF somehow someway."
Something clicked in Jusis' head and he immediately understood. "So that was what you meant by a gamble."
"Yup," Crow said. Then his expression became serious. "So what do you plan to do?"
Jusis was taken aback by the sudden change in attitude. "What do you mean?"
"Now that you know Rean's trying to escape with the princess, are you going to join us in stopping him, are you going to stop us instead, or are you not getting involved at all?" Crow asked almost as if it were an ultimatum.
"I…" Jusis hesitated, not knowing which decision to make that he could ultimately live with.
Crow understood his hesitancy. "Take your time and think about it. But don't take too long or it'll be over before you know it."
"Crow…"
"We'll be heading straight to the deck," Crow said, "That's where Ordine and the Ashen Knight are so join us when you can or don't."
And with that, Crow and McBurn ran off, leaving Jusis to once again ponder what the hell he was going to do.
Eventually, he came to a decision and by the time he stepped onto the deck, he saw the aftermath of Rean's rematch against Crow, this time sans the Divine Knights. He saw Rean with white hair, red eyes, and a crackling black aura around him and realized he must've gone into his ogre state.
Then not even a moment later, the black aura dissipated and Rean fell to his knees, barely avoiding kissing the metal floor of the deck with Alfin's support.
"Rean!" Jusis couldn't help but call out in concern as he rushed over to help.
Alfin looked surprised by his sudden appearance. "Jusis?"
But Rean was relieved. "Jusis!"
"Reckless as ever I see," Jusis said in gentle scolding as he crouched beside them.
Rean chuckled weakly before groaning and clutching at his chest in pain. Jusis looked to Alfin and said, "Help me heal him."
Alfin nodded and they both pulled out their ARCUS units to heal Rean.
"So does this mean you've made your decision?" Crow called out in question.
Jusis glared at Crow as was this really the time to be asking that? Crow simply shrugged and Jusis sighed. "No. This means nothing. I am merely helping a friend in pain."
Rean looked at Jusis as if he'd just stabbed him in the back but Jusis ignored his wounded expression in favor of continuing to heal the reckless idiot. Just then, Duvalie, Xeno, Leo, Bleublanc, Altina, Scarlet, and Vulcan appeared on deck.
"Hah! We finally caught up to you!" Duvalie triumphantly declared.
Xeno wolf whistled at Rean. "Well aren't you, Mister Popular."
"But you may have been slightly too reckless this time," Leo admonished.
Rean got up with a strained grunt, using his blade as a crutch to support himself before pointing it in challenge at the newcomers.
"Rean! You're still injured!" Jusis hissed in warning.
"You should listen to him, Rean," Crow said with an amused smirk, "You played your gamble and it's clear you-" He cut himself off, spotting something fast approaching in the distance. "Look sharp!"
That put everyone on high alert, looking around in confusion until a red airship appeared, zooming straight over them.
"The Crimson Wings?" Duvalie cried out in surprise.
As if on cue, Sara, Toval, Claire, and Sharon jumped down onto the deck of the Pantagruel with their weapons drawn. Rean and Alfin looked relieved to see them.
"Sorry for the wait, Rean," Sara called out.
"We're here to save the day!" Toval exclaimed with a smile.
"You caught us all off guard back in Ymir," Claire said with a scowl.
"So we opted to take the initiative this time," Sharon finished with a polite smile that held a sharp edge.
The Noble Alliance allies all drew their weapons in response as the Crimson Wings flew overhead again, this time with an unexpected adversary landing on the deck.
"Viscount Arseid!" Rean exclaimed in surprise when he saw the Radiant Blademaster appear.
Viscount Arseid nodded to them. "It's good to see the two of you unharmed, Rean, your highness."
Duvalie clicked her tongue in distaste. "The Radiant Blademaster is here."
McBurn smirked as he rolled his neck and cracked his knuckles. "Finally, a challenge. I've always wanted to test myself against you."
"That's quite the compliment coming from the Blazing Demon," Viscount Arseid smoothly accepted with an equal desire to fight the enforcer.
"Ready to throw down then?" McBurn asked with a feral grin.
"Don't you go forgetting us now!"
A purple teleportation circle appeared on the deck and from it came Prince Olivert and the rest of Class VII, all with their weapons drawn.
"Everyone!" Rean cried out, torn between relief and concern.
"Are you okay, Rean?" Alisa asked as she scanned her best friend for any visible signs of injury.
"Looks like we've landed in the middle of something pretty crazy," Elliot nervously remarked even as he continued to stand firm.
Gaius nodded. "And not a moment too soon."
"Olivert! You came!" Alfin exclaimed, tearing up at the sight of her older brother coming to her rescue.
Olivert smiled gently at her. "As your brother, I will always come to your rescue. I'm glad to see you're alright, Alfin. Though you certainly seem to have kept yourself busy. You aren't planning to become a home wrecker now are you?" He winked.
Alfin sniffed as she wiped away her tears. "Oh you. You know I would never do such a thing though I would be quite alright being the mistress if both agree."
The newly arrived members of Class VII couldn't help but deadpan.
"Is now really the time to be making jokes like this?" Machias asked in exasperation.
Fie immediately took that as a challenge. "There's always time to make jokes. In fact-"
"If you continue, I will convince the others to leave you here," Laura dryly interjected.
Millium waved her hand around excitedly in the air. "Oh! Oh! Can I tell one then?"
"Everyone, please…" Emma sighed in disappointment.
"Well Olivert wouldn't be who he is if he weren't making highly inappropriate commentary at the most inconvenient times," Jusis wryly remarked.
Crow chuckled. "Guess people don't call him the 'Debaucherous Prince' for nothing."
This commentary drew the attention of Class VII to their two missing members.
Alisa looked particularly shaken by the sight of Crow. "Crow…you're here," she couldn't help but softly mutter.
"You're looking pretty spiffy, Crow," Millium said in an attempt to lighten the mood.
Crow gave her a cheerful wave. "You too, short stack! Wasn't expecting you all to show up though."
"Jusis? You're here too?" Emma asked in surprise.
"Why?" Laura asked with suspicion.
Jusis sighed wearily. "That is none of your concern." He pinned Sara, Toval, and Olivert with a knowing look. "But if you must know, after much debate, I've decided to make the decision to return."
The members of Class VII were highly confused by what he meant but those who knew, knew.
"Are you sure that's what you want to do?" Sara asked with a frown.
"You can always change your mind. We won't judge," Toval added in concern.
Jusis firmly nodded. "Yes, I am sure. This is the only path I can see that will allow me to achieve my goal."
Sara and Toval looked as if they wanted to argue but decided it'd be better not to.
Olivert merely laughed and lightheartedly said, "If you're sure, then know that if you ever need help, I believe a certain traveling bard will always be free to lend you a hand."
Jusis smiled wryly. "Thank you, Olivert. I'll keep that in mind."
Crow cleared his throat pointedly. "Sorry to interrupt but fascinating discussion aside, how're we gonna settle this?" He gestured to everyone that was onboard the Pantagruel.
"That is the question, isn't it?" Claire warily remarked.
"I would estimate that both sides are of equal strength," Sharon stated matter of fact.
"Which unfortunately means we may end up with a rather bloody stalemate," Viscount Arseid solemnly concluded.
"Well that doesn't sound like much fun at all!" Olivert cheerfully exclaimed, "What say we forgo the fighting and have a party instead?"
Bleublanc laughed jovially. "I could never turn down an invitation to party!"
"I'll bring the booze!" Xeno jokingly added.
Duvalie growled in frustration. "Can't one of you take this a little more seriously?"
Just then, an azure bird flew in, catching everyone's attention and setting Class VII and their allies on guard.
"Well look who finally decided to show up," Celine sarcastically remarked.
A projection of Vita soon appeared and she smiled down in greeting at Emma and Celine.
"Vita, Grianos," Emma said curtly.
"Welcome aboard the Pantagruel, Emma, Celine," Vita said, taking no offense to Emma's shortness, "I must say, your overall ability might still be lacking but that teleportation spell was exceptional!" Then she finally cast her gaze across the deck to take in the full extent of the crowd gathered before her and she hummed thoughtfully. "Well this is certainly a surprise. We have quite the stalemate here."
"Indeed," Olivert said, tone lighthearted but gaze sharp, "And what do you intend to do about it, Azure Witch?"
"Now now, your highness. It would be remiss of me to have our allies fight yours in a scenario that almost guarantees mutual destruction," Vita said in equal parts placating and coy, "As displeased as some of you might be by the idea, I think it's best we call a truce this one time and go our separate ways. And you needn't worry about Duke Cayenne's reaction, I have my ways to take care of him."
Her sharp smile sent shivers down everyone's spines. Most in fear but some in anticipation. Vita shot McBurn a knowing look.
"Don't even think about it, demon. We can play later when we have the time and space to do so."
McBurn clicked his tongue. "Killjoy."
"But why should we do that?" Duvalie angrily demanded, "We have them surrounded!"
Vita shot her a look. "Oh? Is that insubordination I hear? I wonder what Arianrhod will think if she hears of your behavior."
Duvalie flinched at the mention of her Lord and reluctantly stood down. The others followed her example and only once the opposition had put their weapons away did Class VII and their allies relax.
Alfin helped Rean up and supported him as they carefully made their way over to Class VI but he gently pushed her away. She looked at him in confusion only for it to change to understanding when he turned to Jusis and walked to him. Jusis tensed when Rean stopped in front of him.
"Jusis," Rean softly said, "I don't know what kind of burden you're carrying right now and I don't understand what's going on in your head. But you don't need to do it all alone." He held his hand out. "Please, come back with us."
Jusis didn't answer as Rean, instead of just letting his hand hang there, continued to reach out until he took hold of one of Jusis' hands.
The action shocked everyone and they all displayed varying degrees of surprise, outrage, and anticipation on their faces. But the one reaction that Rean cared about was Jusis' who dropped his gaze so Rean wouldn't be able to see the conflict within. He wanted to go back with Rean, he wanted to ask his friends for help, he didn't want to carry the weight of his burden alone.
"Please," Rean said, quietly, insistently, pleadingly.
Jusis looked up and could see the earnest and genuine want to help in Rean's eyes. But he could also see the naivety that still clouded Rean's view of the world. That innocent belief that there was always another way that didn't involve sacrifice of any kind, necessary or not. And he knew he needed to step back or else he'll get swept up into the storm that was Rean and once again doubt the resolve he had already affirmed.
He shook his head, watching Rean's expression fall. "I'm sorry, Rean. But I can't."
He removed his hand from Rean's hold and pushed him to where Class VII had gathered within the teleportation circle Emma began to cast. Rean looked as if he wanted to object, to race over and grab onto Jusis more securely this time. But Fie and Alisa, sending understanding looks at Jusis, took hold of him to make sure he was in the circle when they finally disappeared only a moment later.
Jusis stood there, staring at where Rean once stood, as the Noble Alliance allies slowly left one by one until only Crow remained.
"Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
Jusis clenched his hands and faced Crow with steel in his eyes. "Just as you have done, I have also chosen my path. And now, all I can do is make sure to see it through."
And scene! So a lot happened with this chapter that adds to the deviation of this alternate universe as well as sets up more of the world building and lore exploring that I'm planning to do in the series.
The first thing is obviously Rufus plays a similar role but with different motivations that drive him forward that will be explored in the Cold Steel III segment of this series. The next is the exploration of Vita's taboo. It was never explained what exactly she did in the games at all except that she did commit a taboo, so here's me just playing with what little information we'd been given since this my fic and all. Third is a hint of what's going to happen with the Jaeger King. I know some of you guys might think it's a cop out or OOC that Zephyr said what they said just to have a chat with Jusis and to that I say fair, but also not everything needs to have deeper meaning or motivation to it. Also, Xeno feels like the kinda guy to play those sort of mind tricks with Leo just along for the ride to make sure he doesn't go overboard. And fourth, Jusis learns earlier than in canon about Millium and Altina's origin which will definitely impact their character development as well as the relationships they'll establish with him which will be purely platonic and familial in nature
Also, I hope you guys liked the little push (still very slow but still there) in development between the relationship between Jusis and Rean. Jusis is still set on the path he wants to take and how he will take it, especially since now he feels a bit of solidarity with Crow, while Rean is of course understandably opposed to it. The search for another way, a third way, etc will be more prominent (I hope) in this AU rather than just only popping up whenever it's convenient to the plot like it kinda does in the games. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and will look forward to the next one! Until then!