Hey guys! How's everyone doing today? Boy oh boy did this chapter take a while to come together. It's basically half looking into the aftermath of the search with the members and allies of Class VII and half theorizing about the Grandmaster as well as providing more hints about the lore that I've come up with for this AU. I don't know how well it'll be received by you all since I did struggle majorly on how to write this chapter but I hope you guys enjoy it all the same!
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 3: Many Questions and Some Answers
XXXXXX
12.12 S.1204
Rean woke up that morning and as he came into awareness, everything that occurred yesterday hit him with the force of a speeding orbal truck.
He lay there for a time, slowly shifting through everything. Idling, wondering, thinking, speculating, spiraling, and overall just not wanting to face the day because of how terrible he felt. He came so close to his goal. The final member of Class VII, Jusis, someone who'd become a dear friend of his, was within his reach and he let him slip away without more of a fight.
He couldn't help but feel like a failure despite his mom assuring him otherwise.
Then he remembered the scolding Alisa gave him, how he was so quick to resign himself to the outcome instead of continuing to fight. And even though he wanted to continue to wallow in self pity, he knew if he didn't get up soon, the others would get worried and he didn't want to be more of a burden than he already was and-
He sat up abruptly and slapped his cheeks to stop the spiraling of depressive thoughts.
No. He wouldn't go down that path again. He wouldn't put himself down and not acknowledge his own accomplishments. He won't place his self worth entirely on what he could do for others instead of what he could do as himself.
He promised Elise he'd care more about himself and he promised Alisa he wouldn't belittle his connections with others by assuming they didn't care about him as much as he cared about them. He promised he would be better and he was not going to break that promise now by going on another unnecessary self-deprecating spiral. That could be saved for after the Empire wasn't in the throes of a civil war.
So without further ado, he forced himself out of bed and prepared for the day ahead.
Once he walked out of his room, he realized he had no idea what he was going to do until it was time for the afternoon meeting. He pondered for a bit before deciding he'd check in on everyone just to see how they were doing and get their thoughts on everything that's happened so far.
Machias was found nursing a cup of coffee in the lounge of the Phoenix Wings Inn and brooding by the window.
"How I'm doing? Well I suppose I'm doing fairly alright all things considered. But I can't stop worrying about my dad. He's the governor and a key figure for the Reformist Faction. With the capital under Alliance control, who knows how he's doing. Is he being treated well? Under house arrest? In prison? Being tortured? The possibilities are endless!"
He sighed.
"Emma's been helping to distract me from those thoughts but she can only do so much when she's worrying about her own issues as well. At least we have each other to lean on and h-hey! What's that smirk for? You don't get to act all smug when you can't even get your own act together!"
"What do you mean what am I talking about? Gah! I can't believe how oblivious you can be sometimes and no, I'm not going to tell you what I mean. Go ask Alisa and stop bothering me about it!"
Laura was doing some light training exercises outside of the inn, looking as calm and collected as ever.
"It's nice of you to ask how I'm doing but I'm fine, surprisingly so actually. I spoke with Toval privately and he confirmed that my father was safe and considering we've yet to hear news on the Crimson Wings, it is enough to settle my concerns for now. As for where my focus currently lies, I suppose on the mystery of Duvalie and the Stahlritter. She was dressed like a knight from the old ages and the name Stahlritter is similar to Eisenritter considering both use two different metals, steel and iron."
She wiped the sweat from her brow and leaned against her great sword, looking contemplative.
"I would like to learn more about this connection and if there is any relation to my own ancestry considering the Arseid's connection to the Lance Maiden. I suppose I'll have to look through the family records and ask my father or Klaus whenever I get the chance."
Elliot was playing for Badeaux who'd settled into the red head's lap as he scratched the dog while deep in thought.
"Thanks for checking up on me, Rean. I guess I'm doing alright? I'm really worried about Fiona since no one's been able to get in touch with her. She was in the capital during the take over but I know she's capable of protecting herself since she's a Craig and all so I'm trying not to work myself up into knots over it. I've actually been talking with dad about her and apparently Instructor Neithardt is looking for her which was why he wasn't at the proving grounds at Garrelia."
"I know, it's surprising right? But also not? I mean, I know Neithardt's always treated Fiona differently and I can see the two of them being a cute couple. That is, if my dad will ever allow it. Haha! He's as overprotective of us as your parents are of you and Elise. I kinda feel bad for Jusis now that I think about it."
"Huh? What do you mean why? S-Seriously Rean? You still don't know? Well I'm not going to be the one to tell you cause then Alisa will get mad at me for ruining the plan and um, forget what I said just now. T-There's no plan or anything suspicious going on and oh would you look at the time, I need to go tune my violin now. See you later!"
Gaius was praying in the chapel, taking a moment for himself in the small sanctuary of the Goddess.
"How am I doing? I feel that should be a question I should be asking you, Rean. We all know you're the kind of person to place all the world's burden on your shoulders even though most of, if not all of those burdens have nothing to do with you."
"No, you don't need to apologize or anything. It's just the sort of person you are and as your friend, I'll make sure to do my due diligence to remind you that you are worth more than what you can bring to the table. But if you're insistent on knowing how I feel, I suppose I am both relieved and uneasy. I am relieved that we managed to resolve the situation in the Highlands so my people can live more easily even as war continues to wage outside our borders. I trust Lieutenant General Zechs to keep the nomads safe."
"However, I am uneasy because there is still the possibility something can still happen. After all, nothing is certain in life and that goes double during wartime. But I made my oath to help my friends and family in whatever path we choose to take and will continue to stand by it so rest assured, you can always come to me for support just as I know I can do the same with you all.
Millium was busy building a replica of Lammy out of snow while said combat shell was patiently posing for her like some kind of model.
"Oh come on, Reanie! Uncle Teo said we gotta relax and recover and that's what you're gonna do right now! I need another set of hands to build the bestest most awesomest snowman in all of Ymir! So stop thinking about deep stuff like that and put all your energy into having fun! The serious stuff can wait until later. After all, how are you going to think about solving problems if you don't even have the energy to do that?"
"What? You're only going to help me if I tell you at least something no matter how small? Well, alright then. I suppose I am thinking about the war a bit. Like what would Gramps want me to do and all that now that he's gone. But like I said, that can wait until later. Now come on! This snowman isn't going to build itself! See Lammy agrees with me! Haha! This snowman is going to be epic!"
Emme and Celine were taking a moment for themselves in the rest area by the cable car station.
"Oh! Um, how am I doing? I suppose I could be doing better, not that it's your fault or anything! It's just, there's a lot to think about."
"Understatement of the millennial there."
"Oh hush Celine. Anyways, to begin with, there's of course the Civil War, then the Divine Knights and their role in it, what Vita could be up to, what her stake in all this is, and then there's Ouroboros' connection to think about. There's just, so much going on that I don't even know where to start…"
"We could start with Vita. Maybe if we can figure out why she committed a taboo then that'll answer the rest of our questions."
"That would be lovely to hope so wouldn't it, Celine? Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you Rean. But yes, I've been busy thinking about all of this with Celine. Machias has been a great help though. He makes an excellent sounding board."
"And it doesn't hurt that you two are smitten with each other. Ugh."
"C-Celine! Oh don't you start laughing too Rean. You don't have any ground to stand on right now and h-huh? Why are you confused? Don't tell me you still don't know after what happened at Bareahard? Are you serious Rean?"
"I always knew you were clueless but I didn't know you were this clueless. You guys seriously have your work cut out for you."
Emma sighed heavily in exasperation.
"Indeed we do, Celine. Anyways, thanks for checking in, Rean. I'm going to go find Machias now."
Alisa was helping out at the general store, trying to keep her hands busy most likely in an attempt to distract herself from her thoughts.
"How I'm doing? I've had better days and I guess this isn't one of them. Oh don't look at me like that, Rean. I'll be fine. I promise. I'm a big girl and you know I can take care of myself but yeah, it doesn't hurt to lean on you all anyways. I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't. As for what I'm thinking about, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Sharon was an enforcer. Though I guess that explains why she's so capable and there's also my mother's well being to think about and how Roer is doing in general. But even with all that, I still can't stop thinking about Crow."
"Hey! Don't you go acting like a kicked puppy now, Rean! Honestly, I'm not mad at you for what happened. Everything that we learned that day, it just came out of left field so don't feel bad about something that was out of your control. Besides, we'll get him back eventually and when we do, I'm going to give him the scolding of a lifetime! Then maybe we'll finally make some progress with you and Jusis. Oh don't look at me like that. We both know you like him."
"Hey! Don't lie to me. He's more than just a friend to you and- ugh! I can't believe you sometimes, Rean."
"Fine. I'll drop it for now but don't think I'll forget. Honestly. For someone so aware of other peoples' feelings, you sure are dense about your own."
Fie was lounging at the foot bath, her usual propensity for napping under ideal circumstances replaced with deep contemplation as she swirled her feet in the water.
"Me? I'm fine honestly. Though I guess I'm also a little mad."
"What? Were you expecting me to be all down in the dumps or something? Nah. That's not how I roll."
"What am I mad about? Leo and Xeno of course, especially Xeno. He still treats me like a kid even after all this time. At least Leo was more willing to give some info up and that's what I'm still stuck on I guess. Like how does Jusis tie into all this? He was with Sara when the boss died. How can he be involved in that mess? And what did they mean by the aftermath? I already know the boss covertly reached out to Sara to get her to run across me. That's something we figured out before I even came to Thors."
She sighed and shook her head.
"So many questions and so few answers. But hey, at least the next time we run into them I can get some more anger out of my system by beating the answers out of them again. Especially since I know I've got everyone's help so don't worry about me and maybe worry a bit more about yourself. I think Alisa's this close to smacking you the longer you sail down denial river."
Sharon was helping Lucia with chores around the house and was in the middle of preparing the ingredients for lunch.
"I'm doing quite alright, Master Rean, though I appreciate you asking even though it was highly unnecessary. As for my thoughts, hmmm…I suppose I have many especially in regards to the society but most of it is mere speculation and a small amount of hearsay if anything."
"You needn't apologize. I chose to reveal my past as an enforcer as I believe the information to be both beneficial and something I can no longer hide. As for the meaning behind what I told Bleublanc, that is something I will choose to keep to myself. It's not the right time to reveal such information and who knows if what was foretold will ever truly come to pass. The world works in such mysterious ways after all. Now if you'll excuse me, I really must finish my preparations for lunch now."
Claire returned from her patrol in the nearby valley and had gathered Elise and Lucia on her way to Teo's office.
"Oh hello Rean! Your arrival was nicely timed. There is something I wish to speak with you and your family about."
"How am I doing? Quite well all things considered. Maybe a little overworked but it is wartime after all. I can rest all I want once everything is properly resolved. Anyways, as for what I wish to tell you all, it's about his Excellency. Um…how should I put this? His body is missing."
She waved her hands to try and calm the understandable outburst from the Schwarzer family.
"I know, I know, that was exactly how we all felt once we found out. Rook, Lechter, and I have been splitting our time between our duties and discovering what happened but we have yet to figure out the truth."
"Oh! You needn't thank me at all. I felt that, given you are his family, you had the right to know especially with the extraordinary circumstances that this Civil War seems to have found itself surrounded in. Anyways, thank you for listening to me. I need to get in contact with the 4th Division now. See you at the meeting later, Rean."
Sara and Toval were both enjoying a pint together at the local tavern while deep in discussion with the seriousness of the topic undermined by the many empty tankards Sara was surrounded by.
"Thanks for worrying about us kiddo but you don't need to. I'm still your teacher after all."
"Sara's right. You don't need to worry about us, Rean. We always knew this day would come. How couldn't we considering everything we know about Jusis?"
"Yeah. We've helped raise him since he was in diapers. It wasn't hard to see how torn he was about the decision he had to make when this war began though I really wish he didn't feel like he had to carry everything on his own. But I guess that's just another bad habit he got from his mother."
"You got that right. As amazing of a bracer and mentor Justitia was, she carried a lot of things by herself and she only got worse the older Jusis got. But don't tell him we said that though."
"Yeah, it's just, as her students and colleagues, even though we love and respect her, we're also more aware of her flaws. A child should get to keep a positive view of their parents as long as possible. Anyways, Jusis aside, Toval here managed to get some information on the Imperial twins' whereabouts."
"It's nothing special really. It's barely anything at all actually."
"C'mon! Some info is better than no info. Give yourself more credit. Your information network would make even Michel green with jealousy."
"Haha! Thanks I guess. Anyways, from what I was able to gather the twins are safe but apparently they've been separated and placed in two different locations. I could only confirm the prince to be in Heimdallr with his parents but the princess' location is unconfirmed unfortunately."
"Hey don't look so down, Rean. I know you and the others will be able to find where she is and you all will somehow pull a miracle out of your asses and rescue the twins from the Noble Alliance. I guarantee it."
Elise and Kurt were found in the midst of an intense sparring session in the front yard of the Schwazer household.
"How am I doing? Honestly Rean, you should be worrying more about yourself than me."
"My sentiments exactly. We are both doing fine. Elise and I have each other for support after all. While we're still very concerned about Alfin and Cedric, I suppose there is some morbid relief in knowing that because they are the Imperial Prince and Princess, the Noble Alliance will do them no harm lest the nobles still loyal to the royal family turn against them."
"That is very true, Kurt. So don't worry, brother, and please focus on yourself. Don't forget to lean on your friends to help ease your troubles. You know where to find me, mother, and father as well if you wish to talk to us instead."
Once Rean finished speaking to everyone, he wandered off to the valley to do some fishing with the dual purpose of also having some peace and quiet to gather his own thoughts until it was time for the meeting.
During those quiet hours, he found himself pondering why he cared so much about failing to convince Jusis to come with them. He thought back on what his friends said about his feelings towards the other noble and how much of a blockhead he was which was a bit insulting considering he was genuinely confused about how he felt and none of his friends were being helpful with their exasperation and snickering.
He also vaguely felt as if he were missing something, not realizing that his friends basically told him how he felt in every way except with neon shining lights and he still managed to miss it. But that was a problem for future Rean to take care of.
After some time, he checked his watch and realized it was almost time for the meeting. He sighed and packed his fishing gear away before beginning the trek back to Ymir.
Hopefully the meeting would help them all figure out what their next step to take and more importantly, how to take it.
XXXXXX
Jusis stood in the middle of the Celestial Globe, the phase space in which the society members held their meetings with the Grandmaster.
The last time he was here was also the first time. It'd been a few months after McBurn found and brought him back to the society. The Demon had reported his progress to the Grandmaster who'd seen fit to grant him the rank of enforcer alongside Renne.
Now he stood alone, waiting for the Grandmaster to appear and hear whatever it was she wished to speak about. He didn't need to wait long as a platform was lowered and her projection soon appeared upon it. The symbol of Ouroboros, that of a snake eating itself in a continuous loop, loomed behind her like an ominous reminder.
"Hello Jusis," the Grandmaster greeted with a pleased smile, "I had hoped to see you again though I didn't expect it to be this soon."
Jusis bowed his head respectfully in greeting as even though there was unaddressed tension between them, the Grandmaster was still an awe-inspiring figure with more charisma and grace than all the Empire combined. "Is it truly so surprising?"
Her smile became amused. "I suppose not, especially with what Arianrhod has told me of her encounter with you just last month."
"So she told you about that then?"
"Yes," she nodded and looked upon him with regret, "It reminded me that I haven't been as forthcoming as I should have been in the beginning with you, Jusis."
He nodded curtly. "Indeed. You owe me many answers and I hope this discussion will allow me to finally receive them."
"Very well then. Ask away."
"What is the society's plan for Erebonia?"
The Grandmaster hummed. "I see you are getting straight to the point."
"I would prefer not to beat around the bush or speak in riddles unlike some others that I shall not mention."
She laughed softly before responding. "The Phantasmal Blaze Plan is one that aims to use the Hollow Phantasm of Crossbell to awaken the Blaze of the Empire which shall allow the Great Twilight to descend upon the land."
Jusis frowned and crossed his arms in thought. "I assume the Blaze you speak of is the Civil War currently being waged but what is the Great Twilight?"
"It is the phenomenon required to summon the Sept Terrions of Erebonia. One in which the Divine Knights shall play a rather important role in the grand scheme of it all as they are connected to the Sept Terrions in a rather unexpected way."
He raised an eyebrow in question. "And what way is that exactly?"
The Grandmaster simply smiled at him and didn't respond.
He sighed in frustration and continued on. "Speaking of the Sept Terrions, what do you know of my connection to them? I know Anne asked you before but you said that you didn't know. However, I find that claim to be untrue."
"I did not mean to deceive Arianrod. I simply believed it would be best for you to hear the truth from me directly."
"And what is that truth?"
The Grandmaster took a moment before she responded. "You do indeed hold a connection to the Sept Terrions, one that shall grant you the chance to play a role in the various stages of the Orpheus Final Plan. Whether that role be key, major, or minor, will be determined by the course of the Civil War, its aftermath, and your own decisions."
Jusis frowned, obviously unsatisfied by the answer that only served to raise more questions than answer them.
She smiled regretfully at him. "Understand this, Jusis, it is not that I do not wish to tell you but that you must discover the truth for yourself. However, I suppose I can offer something a little more concrete."
"The connection you hold to the Sept Terrions, it is specifically to one I consider my sister by soul. One who I love dearly but whose opinions and morals have caused our paths to unfortunately separate. It is my wish one day to be able to reunite with her with you acting as our proxy now that your mother is no longer with us."
This only made Jusis more confused and also surprised as well. "You wanted my mother to help you with this task?"
She nodded. "Yes. Because all I need is that connection and the maternal side of your family is the only one to carry it."
He frowned, processing the information for a moment before switching gears. "What exactly is your plan for the Sept Terrions? Especially with the Aurieole now out of reach."
"Please ask me again once you've discovered the truth behind your connection. Only then will you be able to comprehend the true purpose of my plans," she said with a cryptic smile.
"Is this your attempt to get me to rejoin the society?"
She shook her head. "Not exactly. But I wouldn't be opposed to you rejoining. However, unlike my truly grievous past mistakes, I will not force nor trick you into doing so. If you wish to rejoin it must be of your own volition. Though it would be remiss of me not to tell you that while you will be able to find the answers you seek eventually, doing so through the society will certainly speed up the process."
Jusis fell silent, once again processing the information she gave.
Eventually, she broke the heavy silence and asked, "Do you have any more questions you would like to ask?"
He did actually, considering his concern for Rean and Crow as Awakeners of Divine Knights. "What exact role do the Divine Knights play in all of this? You say they are key to the Phantasmal Blaze Plan but how? Why?"
"There is a prophecy that has been centuries in the making," she solemnly answered, "One that foretells of the Great Twilight that will befall the land but not of what comes after. For casualty is a fickle thing and the right amount of influence can change the course of its currents, especially when taking into account an entity that exists outside of its reach. One who's steward can help shepherd the illogical ripples humanity creates and trigger a new outcome that might save them all."
Jusis didn't understand what in the world she was saying but could feel deep within his soul that she just told him something truly significant even if he couldn't currently comprehend its meaning.
"What will you do now, Jusis?" She asked as if it were an ultimatum.
A moment of silence fell upon them as he carefully pondered his decision. However, he already knew what his choice would be before he ever stepped foot in this removed plane.
"I would like to rejoin the society and become an enforcer once more."
The Grandmaster smiled happily at him. "Of course! And I promise you shall be granted the freedom you should have had long ago. You may even leave the society again whenever you so wish as your role in both current and future plans is not contingent on your membership."
She spoke the admission as if it were a reassurance but only served to make Jusis wary.
"You are now dismissed."
He looked at her in confusion. "You're not assigning me with a task or anything?"
The Grandmaster smiled serenely at him but upon closer inspection there was a sinister, almost crazed, edge to the curve of her lips. "Do not fret, my dear Eternal Tranquility, for you will know what to do when the time finally comes."
XXXXXX
Jusis exited the phase plane, understandably lost in thought over the conversation that just took place.
While he was grateful that the Grandmaster was willing to spare some answers for his questions, none of those answers were concrete enough to give him a solid idea on where to begin his search for the truth she spoke of. Only his mother would have had any clues and she left not even a single hint behind after she passed.
Then there was the admission that the Divine Knights would play an important role in the Civil War and its aftermath. He couldn't help the concern he felt for Rean and Crow who'd be at the center of it all whether intentionally or not. But how could he help when he had yet to uncover what sort of role they would play?
He was so lost in his thoughts as he walked through the hallway of one of the society's many hidden locations that he didn't notice McBurn waiting nearby.
"Took you long enough," the Demon said.
Jusis startled at the sudden interruption. "Ah. You're here."
"So you get what you came for?" McBurn asked curiously.
Jusis shook his head with a frustrated sigh. "Not as much as I had hoped. The Grandmaster was especially cryptic in her answers."
McBurn snorted in amusement. "I'll bet. I don't think she has it in her to get to the point. Gotta be all mysterious and crap."
"I don't believe you have much ground to stand on in regards to that," Jusis dryly retorted.
McBurn looked at him incredulously. "Me, mysterious? You're joking."
Jusis shrugged. "Many of our compatriots in the society have questioned the concern you show over my well being. I too have also questioned it as well."
"What? Can't I be able to care about someone?" McBurn said almost defensively.
Jusis gave him a disbelieving look.
He snorted. "Whatever." Then he realized something Jusis had said. "So, compatriot huh? I see you've scrapped the 'ex' off of it."
Jusis nodded curtly. "Yes. I have made my decision to return."
"Whelp, can't say I'm surprised. Gotta be a part of us to get back into the information pipeline and all."
"Indeed…"
McBurn pushed himself off the wall he was leaning against and stretched his arms out with a groan. "Anyways, what say we have ourselves a little spar?"
"Really? Now?" Jusis asked, surprised.
"When else? Or really, where else? At least here I can go as nuts as I want," McBurn said with a feral grin.
Jusis sighed and shook his head. "Ever the battle maniac."
McBurn smirked. "You know it."
"Very well then," Jusis easily agreed, "Let us spar if only so I can finally wipe that insufferable expression off your face."
The two walked through the hallways and entered a large room reserved for sparring that had seen some action if the gouges on the floor and dents and burns on the walls were any indication.
Without speaking further, Jusis drew his weapon while McBurn summoned his demonic flames.
The fight between the two was quick and decidedly one sided, just as it had been the last time they'd fought.
Jusis panted heavily as he sat on the floor, limbs trembling from overexertion. The heat of McBurn's flames made him sweat enough to fill buckets. As for McBurn, the man still looked spry and fresh as if he'd simply gone on a walk instead of participating in an all out spar.
"Seems you got a little bit stronger. You lasted a whole five minutes against me this time," McBurn complimented, only slightly impressed. He shook his head in disappointment shortly after. "Still ain't nowhere close to strong enough to beat me yet though."
Jusis glared at him. "What is with your obsession with me becoming strong enough to beat you? I've never seen you act in such a way with Loewe or Anne."
McBurn shrugged. "Who knows," he nonchalantly said but it was clear to see that he knew exactly what that reason was and was simply choosing not to reveal it.
Jusis growled and pushed himself up with shaking legs. "I will get an answer from you someday, you know.
McBrun smirked and said, "Sure you will," even though what he wanted to say was "I hope you will." Not that Jusis was able to tell, no longer paying attention to the other as he stretched himself out, groaning from the aches and pains.
McBurn rolled his neck and cracked his shoulders in turn. "Alright. Let's head back to the ship before Swift gets on my ass about playing hooky again."
"You mean you didn't tell her that you were escorting me to see the Grandmaster?" Jusis asked, surprised yet not surprised.
McBurn barked out a harsh laugh. "No. Who does she think she is? My babysitter?"
Jusis deadpanned at him since that was essentially Duvalie's role from what he'd gathered so far. Then he shook his head with a sigh and followed McBurn as the man left the room.
XXXXXX
Jusis blinked as he and McBurn appeared in the overly extravagant guest hall of the Pantagruel with its ornate silk carpeting, the extravagant oak staircase, and the tasteless crystal chandelier hanging above.
"Well look who the demon dragged in."
Jusis turned to see Crow leaning against a nearby wall with a smirk.
"Well I'm gonna bounce now. See ya," McBurn said, walking away with a careless wave.
Crow pushed himself off the wall to walk over and throw an arm around Jusis to pull him in for a side hug. "Great seeing ya again, buddy! How've you been since our little trip to Jurai?"
'Ah,' Jusis thought, 'So he's going to act like that then.'
He was of course referring to how the two childhood friends would meet up during the past month and pretend as if the Empire wasn't in the midst of a Civil War. It seemed Crow wanted to keep the charade going even while they were standing in the middle of the Noble Alliance's flagship.
The charade that he wasn't a terrorist who helped kick start a war by assassinating the Chancellor but the same old sly, goofy Crow who couldn't gamble for shit. That Jusis wasn't a son of the Four Great Houses or a bracer or an enforcer but just plain old, snarky and nothing special about him Jusis.
However, as much as Jusis wished to play along, he couldn't. But even still…
"It is good seeing you as well despite the…unique circumstances," Jusis settled upon in greeting.
Crow eyed him carefully. "Unique, eh? You'll have to tell me about it later. How about over lunch? My treat," he said, unwilling to drop the act just yet.
"And what makes you think I'll be staying here long enough to do such a thing?" Jusis asked flatly.
Crow snorted in amusement. "You're kidding right? You look like you just had a drinking contest with Sara and lost, horrifically."
"I wasn't aware you knew how to use words such as horrifically," Jusis jokingly remarked, "My oh my, look how far you've come, using such big words now."
Crow scowled and playfully shook him in his one armed grasp. "If you weren't my buddy, I'd leave you right here and now to go crawl to your room by yourself but because I'm such a great guy, I won't."
"Right, because you're a chivalrous knight now," Jusis said, unable to hide his displeasure towards Crow's current status. They may be childhood friends but that didn't mean he couldn't despise the actions Crow had taken to get to where he currently was. "What is it they're calling you these days? The Azure Chevalier I believe it was?"
Crow frowned but didn't respond as the two walked to Jusis' designated guest room with Crow acting as Jusis' support. When they arrived in front of the door, Crow carefully let go of Jusis, making sure he was able to stand without support.
"Thank you, Crow," Jusis said gratefully.
Crow waved him off. "Don't mention it. It really is good to see you again, Jusis, despite the 'unique' circumstances."
"Yes…" Jusis put a hand on the handle of the door before turning to face the other, "Crow-"
But Crow held a hand up to stop him. "Let's not ruin the moment, yeah? Anyways, just thought you'd like to know we've got a special guest on board. Besides yourself of course."
Jusis was almost afraid to ask but still did. "Who?"
Crow smiled but it was not happy or mocking, just bitter and resigned. "Who else? Our dear Supreme Commander thought this was a good chance to have a talk with the awakener of the Ashen Knight."
Jusis was stunned. "Rean is here? How? What happened? Are the others alright?"
Crow shrugged. "Looked like they were the last time I checked but don't quote me on that. Anyways, come morning, Rean'll know your on board so have fun with that!"
Off that reveal, Crow pat him on the shoulder, leaving him to stand there in front of his door, still stunned as the other walked away with a wave.
"Hope to see you tomorrow, 'buddy'!"
And scene! Yeah so this chapter was basically half partially looking into how Class VII is doing after getting together and half my own theories and speculations for certain aspects of the canon game lore officially being put down into story format. I didn't put in too much because I didn't want to reveal everything all at once but wanted to at least start putting more of the ground work down for the reveal so it doesn't feel like a Cold Steel 4 repeat of that freaking absurd lore dump near the end of the final act like what the hell Falcom? You're seriously just going to dump all that out of left field and make everyone questions their opinions about Ouroboros after setting them up a certain way for almost 9 games?
Anyways, my opinion of how Falcom reveals Trails lore aside, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. The next one is gonna focus on the Pantagruel interlude of the game so I hope you'll look forward to it. Until then!