Chapter Text
12.24 S.1204
Jusis felt his heart sink as he walked through Celdic and saw many buildings burnt to the ground, smashed to pieces, or riddled with bullet holes. Citizens were tending to the wounded and salvaging what they could while struggling to keep a brave face on but the despair was clear in their eyes.
He stopped in front of the entrance of the Grand Market and gasped at the sight of the stalls torn apart and burnt to ashes. His eyes began to well with tears but he wiped them away and continued on.
As he made his way to the Market Manager’s house, he could hear people talking to each other about the many who were injured. Some were lucky to only suffer from minor injuries or none at all. But many had severe wounds with an unlucky few close to death’s door as the doctors did everything they could to save them.
He arrived at the Market Manager’s house sooner than he would’ve liked and hesitated for a moment before tentatively knocking on the door. A few minutes passed before someone answered.
“May I help you?” Perm, Otto’s wife, asked as she opened the door.
Jusis faltered when answering. “I…”
Perm squinted at him in suspicion. After a moment, her eyes widened in recognition. “Jusis? Is that you?”
He offered a small smile. “Yes, it’s me. Is…is it alright for me to come in and see Mister Otto?”
“Of course, of course,” she stepped aside and ushered him in, “Come, come. You know you’re always welcome to visit even…even now. Otto will be so happy to see you again.”
“How is he?” He asked as he stepped inside.
Perm faltered in her steps and clamped a hand over her mouth to muffle the sob that broke through. Jusis could feel his blood run cold with dread. Perm wordlessly guided him upstairs to the bedroom where Otto was bedridden with Father Zirbel tending to him.
“How is he?” Perm asked.
Father Zirbel looked at her sadly and shook his head. She muffled another sob.
“I should go,” Jusis quietly said.
Perm shook her head. “No. Please stay and speak with Otto. Before…before you never have the chance again.”
She gently pushed him forward and he tentatively walked over to Otto’s bedside.
Otto weakly opened his eyes when Jusis sat down beside him. “Perm?” He turned his head and saw Jusis instead with Perm standing a few steps behind. It took a few moments before he recognized him. “Ah! Jusis! Is that-” He coughed. “Is that you?”
“Yes, it’s me, Mister Otto,” Jusis said as he did his best to fight back tears at seeing the kind and gentle man so weak.
Otto huffed. “You know you needn’t call me Mister Otto. That makes me feel like an old man!”
Jusis smiled in amusement. “I’m simply trying to be respectful, Mister Otto.”
“Well I suppose I can let it slide this time. How have you been, Jusis? It’s been so long since you’ve last visited.”
“It’s been a few years, sir, and I’ve been alright given the present circumstances,” Jusis answered.
Otto weakly nodded. “Good, good. Though I heard from Lyon that you stopped by the market for a visit not too long ago. My,” he smiled, “Look at how you’ve grown. You look more and more like your mother now.”
“Thank you and…I’m sorry,” Jusis quietly said.
Otto looked bewildered. “Whatever are you apologizing for?”
“For the Kreuzen Provincial Army’s unprovoked attack on Celdic. My father-”
“Bah! To Gehenna with that. You needn’t apologize. What your father did has no bearing on you.”
“But I’m his son and a scion of the Albarea House,” Jusis protested.
Otto managed to level an impressive unimpressed look at him. “Just because you're his son doesn’t mean you have to shoulder the responsibilities of his actions. What he did was his choice alone. This devastation, this tragedy, was not your fault.”
“But-”
“Promise me you will not blame yourself for what happened nor feel guilty for your father’s actions.”
“I-”
“Promise me, Jusis. Please.”
Jusis had no choice but to concede in the face of Otto’s heartfelt plea. “I- I promise.”
“Good, good. Perm, do you mind holding my hands? I find they’re feeling rather-” He coughed weakly, “Rather cold right now.”
Perm chuckled tearfully as she went to do just that. “Oh you and your cold hands. I remember when you used to wake me up by pressing them against my back despite sleeping the whole night with them under the covers.”
Otto laughed weakly but quickly broke down into violent coughs. Perm tightly grasped his hands as if she could somehow stop him from further deteriorating.
“I love you, Otto,” she tearfully said.
He smiled brightly at her. “I love you too, Perm. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world.”
“And thank you for making me the happiest woman. Now, it’s time to rest, dear. We’ll be okay. I promise. We’ll…we’ll be okay.”
Otto gave her one last smile before releasing his final exhale and becoming still. His hands fell limp in her grasp and whatever tears she held back were released as Perm sobbed from the loss of the love of her life.
Jusis looked away as tears filled his own eyes and began to fall down his face.
A sharp gasp caught his attention and he looked over to see Class VII and Sara had arrived just in time to see Otto pass away. Everyone had expressions that ranged from horror, shock, grief, and even anger.
Jusis didn’t know what to do but the moment he locked eyes with Rean and saw the horror and anger within them, he found he suddenly couldn’t breathe. His body had gone numb despite the way his heart raced and his stomach turned from the emotions he was feeling.
He had to get out of the bedroom where Otto’s body was slowly growing cold.
He had to leave the house with its suffocating atmosphere of grief and despair that reminded him too much of when his mother died.
So he did.
He fled before anyone could react. Rean managed to pull himself together enough to try and grab him before he could slip away but all he grabbed was air as Jusis rushed down the stairs and out of the house, almost slipping on the steps in his haste.
The moment he stepped outside and closed the door behind him, the impact of everything that happened hit him. He was unable to stop himself from collapsing to the ground as he quietly cried at the unnecessary loss of innocent lives at the hands of the man who he was unfortunate enough to call his father.
After enough time passed for Jusis to dry his tears and collect himself, he made his way towards the East Celdic Highway. Before he could leave town proper though-
“You’re not thinking of trying to settle things with your father alone, are you?”
Jusis closed his eyes with a sigh. Then he opened them and turned around to find Class VII and Sara behind him with Rean at the forefront.
“I will not be ‘trying’ anything,” Jusis coldly stated, “I already tried when I warned him not to overstep the last time I was in Bareahard. However, it’s become quite clear that he has no intention of keeping innocent people out of the crossfire of his ambition. I’m going to settle things with him, no matter what it takes. Even…even if it means I must kill him.”
Everyone looked startled by his declaration, as if surprised to hear he would go to such lengths. Only Fie and Sara frowned with grim understanding.
“A-Are you serious right now?” Machias asked, “I can’t believe you would even entertain such a thought! You need to take a deep breath and calm down before you really do something you’ll regret.”
Jusis scowled. “How dare you. Don’t act as if you know what I’m feeling right now. I did not say what I did because of some whim.”
“And we understand that Jusis,” Emma stepped in to placate him, “But killing your own father, that’s-”
“Well within the realm of my duty as someone with the blood of the Albarea family flowing through my veins,” Jusis sharply cut her off, “I must stop Duke Albarea. I will stop him. So you have no right to-”
“We have every right to intervene, Jusis,” Rean interrupted, “I know you could probably storm into wherever it is your father has holed himself up in by yourself and come out the other side unscathed but-”
“That’s too much of a burden to put on yourself,” Fie continued, “Machias is right. You need to calm down.”
“Yeah! This isn’t like you at all. You’re usually ice cold but now you’re like a pot boiling over!” Millium exclaimed in concern.
“As your classmates and friends, it’s not hard for us to imagine how terrible you must be feeling right now. But that’s exactly why we want to help you and I sincerely believe we can,” Gaius calmly said.
Jusis sighed harshly. “You know I can’t let you do that. Not if you wish to continue to operate independently of the two factions.”
“I agree that you all need to think very carefully about how you want to proceed,” Sara said, stepping in, “This isn’t a matter that can be taken lightly. Your actions will have a profound effect on the war from here on out if you choose to get yourselves involved. You’re going to need to be prepared for any potential consequences.” She smiled wryly. “But then again, you all already know the drill by now.”
Rean nodded. “Yeah. We fully understand what you’re both saying. So far, we’ve tried to keep our interference in the war to a minimum. But what just happened in Celdic was an act of terrorism against innocent civilians.” He looked Jusis straight in the eyes, unwaveringly. “We would still go after your father even without you, Jusis. This isn’t something we can turn a blind eye to.”
“Yeah,” Elliot nodded, “The Market Manager did a lot for us both during our field study and when we were lying low after the war broke out. He deserves justice.”
“But…” Jusis tried to protest.
“You know Rean’s right, Jusis,” Fie said, “So just suck it up and let us help you.”
“You don’t need to do this alone. At least let us discuss how to approach this matter together even if you decide to venture forth alone in the end,” Laura suggested.
“And if you’re worried about how either faction will look at our actions, Alfin already gave us permission to use the Imperial Family’s name and authority to apprehend Duke Albarea and have him answer for his crimes,” Rean finished.
Jusis could only look at them, stunned. “Everyone…”
“No one person alone can save everyone nor solve every problem, just as not every burden is yours alone to shoulder,” Rean said, smiling gently at him, “You told me that after what happened with Vulcan. And it’ll seem pretty hypocritical of you not to follow your own advice.”
Jusis couldn’t help but smile back in wry amusement. “Says the biggest hypocrite himself.”
Rean laughed. “Do as I say and not as I do, right? But even still, I needed to hear that and also, I just wanted to add to it.” Upon Jusis’ quizzical look, “If you still choose to shoulder those burdens you don’t need to carry, then don’t do it alone. You and everyone in Class VII helped me realize that I’m not alone and that I don’t need to struggle alone ever again. So please,” he held his hand out, “Let us help you.”
Jusis looked down at the offered hand, already feeling his resolve to continue forth alone crumbling. It was only when he looked up to meet Rean’s eyes and saw the sincerity and resolve shining within them that he finally let the last of his resistance fall.
“Alright. I will,” he said as he reached out and took his hand.
Rean beamed so brightly at him it was as if Jusis had just given him all the celestial bodies in the sky as opposed to simply accepting an offer of help. The rest of Class VII cheered at the sight.
“Alright then,” Alisa spoke up once the cheering calmed down, “All that’s left for us to do now is come up with a solid plan and pray to Aidios that the Noble Alliance doesn’t condone what Duke Albarea did and will allow us to arrest him without interfering.”
Machias groaned. “Oh right. I almost forgot about that for a moment.”
“But do we really believe the Alliance would stand with Duke Albarea?” Laura sincerely asked, “I know for sure that I wouldn’t.”
“You’ve already proven you’re the exception not the norm so I don’t know if you really count,” Fie said.
“I don’t think they would but it would be nice to get some sort of confirmation,” Elliot added.
“And how do you propose we do that? Call up the Noble Alliance and ask for permission to arrest one of their own?” Celine sarcastically asked.
As if to answer her question, Jusis’ ARCUS suddenly rang.
“Hello?” Jusis said upon answering it.
“Hello Jusis,” Rufus responded on the other end.
“R-Rufus?!” Jusis exclaimed in shock.
Everyone also looked shocked. Then they looked down at Celine in wonder.
“W-What? Why are you all looking at me like that?” Celine demanded.
“Celine, do you happen to have any hidden abilities Grandmother neglected to tell me?” Emma asked.
“No?!” Celine shouted in confusion, “What nonsense are you spouting right now?!”
Jusis turned his attention back to his brother as Rufus continued to speak. “I assume you’ve heard of what occurred in Celdic by now?”
“...yes. I- I’m currently standing in Celdic and…Mister Otto passed away.”
“...I see…” Rufus sighed tiredly. “I will be sure to take some time to stop by and give my condolences to Perm.”
“Brother, how could this happen? How could father do this?” Jusis asked with a hint of desperation.
Rufus didn’t comment on the fact that Jusis called Duke Albarea father just then and said, “I’m afraid desperate men do desperate things. I assume this is father lashing out because I’ve managed to gain complete control over the Kreuzen Provincial Army barring a small portion that remains steadfastly loyal to him. But that’s not the reason why I’m calling. I assume Class VII is also in Celdic?”
“Yes. They’re right here with me.”
“Good. Please inform them that the Noble Alliance does not condone what Duke Albarea did and that we will not interfere with your efforts to arrest him under the orders of the Imperial Family.”
Jusis was surprised. “How did you?”
“Don’t forget that I am still a board member of Thors, Jusis. I would like to think I know how my brother and his classmates operate by this point. And I also wouldn’t put it past Princess Alfin to use the Courageous and her name to conduct an arrest operation. What father did was reprehensible. I’m ashamed we have such a man as our father and believe you made the right call to renounce your blood ties to him. But I sincerely hope you’ll reconsider your renouncement of the Albarea name.”
“Rufus…I’ll think about it…”
“That’s all I ask. Oh! And before I forget, while father does still have his loyal soldiers and the jaeger outfit he hired, the Noble Alliance’s ‘other allies’ are under no obligation to follow our orders so I suspect you may encounter some of them at Aurochs Fort.”
“Understood. Thank you for the information.”
“Good luck, Jusis. And please, don’t do anything you’ll regret. I’m sure you already know the true weight of taking a life no matter how justified.”
Jusis was stunned speechless again as Rufus hung up. He lowered his ARCUS and looked at it with heavy contemplation.
“What did Rufus want to say?” Rean asked.
“It seems Alisa’s concerns are no longer necessary,” Jusis answered, “The Noble Alliance does not condone what occurred in Celdic and thus, will not interfere in the arrest of Duke Albarea.”
Everyone was shocked by his announcement.
“Really? Just like that? Not that I’m not grateful but are we sure this isn’t some sort of trap?” Machias asked with understandable suspicion.
Jusis shook his head. “No, I don’t believe it is. I know my brother and I trust he wouldn’t lie to me about something like this.”
“Alright, then we’ll believe you,” Rean said, “Let’s head back to the Courageous and come up with that plan.”
12.25 S.1204
The operation to arrest Duke Albarea commenced with the backing of the 4th Armored Division and the non-interference of the Noble Alliance. However, Class VII’s infiltration of Aurochs Fort was interrupted by the arrival of Scarlet who stayed for reasons she had no desire to explain.
Rean summoned Valimar to the fight and the battle ended quickly in his favor. But Scarlet’s soldat began to malfunction just like Vulcan’s did as she’d pushed it too hard. However, unlike with Vulcan, Rean was not ready to make the same mistake twice and managed to swiftly remove the cockpit of the soldat and prevent Scarlet from dying in the subsequent explosion.
“Go on ahead! I’ll catch up!” Rean called out to the others.
Jusis nodded. “Understood.”
And he ran into the fortress with the others rushing to follow after him only for them to be met with jaegers as soon as they got inside. Everyone immediately drew their weapons and prepared for combat. Jusis was especially tense when he recognized which unit the jaegers’ armor belonged to.
“Step aside,” He said with a slightly strained voice, “We have business with Duke Albarea.”
“Afraid that’s not gonna happen. We have orders to take out any enemies who enter and to take you into custody, Jusis Albarea,” the lead jaeger said. Jusis inhaled sharply and his hands held a faint tremble that no one but Sara noticed. “And for our homeland of North Ambria, we intend to do just that.”
Sara sighed. “Some things just don’t change, do they?”
“Who?” A heavy-set jaeger asked before he immediately recognized her, “Sara Valestein!”
“I was aware you’d made a name for yourself as a bracer but I see the rumors of you becoming an academy teacher were also true,” the lead jaeger said.
“Do you know them, Instructor?” Laura hesitantly asked.
“Yeah, afraid so. We go a long way back,” Sara said before addressing the jaegers, “I don’t intend to tell you that what you’re doing is wrong. The money you raise is vital to the people back home.”
“Then step aside, Sara,” a sword-wielding jaeger demanded, “We won’t fight you as a favor to the old man.”
“Sorry but that’s not gonna happen,” Sara said as she pulled out her weapons, “Being an instructor to these kids comes first. Erebonia is my home now, not North Ambria. So I’ll show no mercy to anyone who dares to burn my home to the ground or hurt any of the kids under my care.” She pointed her orbal gun at them. “I’ll make damn sure you can never do anything like that ever again. So let’s go. I’ll take all of you on!” She unleashed an intense aura that crackled with purple lighting.
“You can’t fight a high-ranking corps like that by yourself!” Fie protested.
“Let us help,” Alisa pleaded.
Sara shook her head. “Nuh uh. I want you all to stand back and leave this to me. It’s time for me to settle what I failed to do six years ago.”
“But…” Emma tried to object.
“Why are you so set on doing this, Instructor?” Elliot asked.
“I have my reasons,” Sara said, glancing over at Jusis who immediately knew what she meant.
“You know that wasn’t your fault,” Jusis softly said.
She smiled sadly. “Yeah but…I knew the people who did it. I grew up with them, ran with them, fought side by side with them. My dad was their boss so it falls upon me as his daughter to settle the score. It might not be my burden to shoulder but I’m still going to do it anyway and I know Toval would be right there with me if he were here too.”
“Sara…”
She turned back to face the jaegers. “Now come at me!”
The lead jaeger nodded. “Very well. We’ll make you regret turning your back on your homeland and leaving us.”
They charged forward and clashed in an epic battle of blades and guns. Class VII could only stand on the sidelines and watch in awe at the prowess their instructor was displaying.
“She really lives up to the moniker of the Purple Lightning, doesn’t she?” Gaius asked.
“Yeah. I’ve read the stats on her before but seeing it in real life is really out of this world!” Millennium exclaimed.
“Really makes you wonder how she can be such a drunken slacker the rest of the time,” Machias dryly remarked.
The battle soon ended as Sara made quick work of the jaegers. However, they were still standing and she was clearly exhausted.
“Unbelievable,” the heavy-set jaeger said.
“She really is the boss’ daughter, isn’t she?” The sword-wielding jaeger said.
“Looks like you’ve grown even stronger since your days in the corps,” the lead jaeger remarked.
“Yeah,” Sara said, breathing harshly, “But that’s not all I’ve got. Let’s keep going. You can try your luck as long as you want!”
The jaegers and Class VII were speechless.
“Sara…it’s okay,” Jusis said.
But Sara continued to stand at the ready against the jaegers despite her exhaustion. After a nerve-wracking moment, the jaegers lowered their weapons.
“Nah, I’ve had enough. I see no point in wasting any more time here,” the sword-wielding jaeger said.
“Yes. This battle’s dragged on long enough. I think it’s time to retreat,” the heavy-set jaeger said.
The lead jaeger nodded. “Agreed. Our contract with Duke Albarea is hereby complete.”
Sara gasped.
“Are jaegers allowed to abandon their contracts like that?” Machias asked.
Fie shrugged. “Depends but yeah, they can.”
“We’ve worked enough for the money we’ve been paid and we’re not in the business of doing unpaid overtime,” the lead jaeger said in justification, putting his weapon away.
“Farewell, Sara Valestein,” the sword-wielding jaeger said.
“We may meet again but it won’t be during this war,” the heavy-set jaeger said.
Sara nodded sharply. “I sure hope not.”
“We’re withdrawing! Disperse and make your way to the agreed location,” the lead jaeger ordered.
“JA!”
The jaegers retreated but the lead jaeger lingered behind long enough to say to Sara, “For what it’s worth, the perpetrators of that incident were long expelled before they got that cursed contract.” Then he looked to Jusis. “And the debt they owed you was rightfully paid with their blood.”
Sara and Jusis inhaled sharply at that. The lead jaeger nodded in farewell and left. Only once they were out of sight did everyone relax.
“Well that could’ve gone a whole lot worse than it did,” Fie tiredly remarked.
Machias nodded in agreement. “Yeah. And I suppose it was all thanks to the complete and utter lack of sanity of our loving Instructor.”
“Gotta keep things interesting somehow,” Millium nervously giggled.
“Ha! Kinda wish you guys hadn’t seen that,” Sara sighed, “Didn’t want any of you to know my background but not much I can do about that now.”
“So you were just like Fie,” Emma stated.
“Yeah. Once upon a time, I was a jaeger too. A member of the Northern Jaegers to be exact,” Sara explained, “Was even adopted by their boss like Fie was except I voluntarily left the group after he died. That was 12 years ago. Same time I met Jusis’ mom and she helped me become a bracer.”
“Did you know about this?” Alisa asked, directing the question to Fie and Jusis.
“Yeah, we did. But it wasn’t our place to talk about it,” Fie responded.
“Come on guys! All of this was a long time ago-” Sara tried to downplay only to fall to her knees, “Ugh!”
“Sara!” Jusis called out, rushing over to check on her.
“I’m alright,” she said, waving off his concern, “Just…pushed myself a little harder than I should’ve. Don’t know if I can keep going though.”
“That’s alright. You’ve more than completed your fair share of the work,” Jusis assured her, “Leave the rest to us.”
Sara chuckled. “Don’t have much of a choice there, do I? At least you won’t have to worry about jaegers on your way to the Duke. I’ll just sit here by the entrance and direct Rean your way once he gets here.”
Jusis nodded. “Of course, and…thank you, Sara,” he said softly, “You didn’t have to do what you did but I appreciate it.”
“Hey, you’re one of my own, kiddo. And I’ll always fight to protect and avenge those I care for,” she smiled back before waving him off, “Now go on already. Before the Duke has any more bright ideas on how to take out the intruders in his castle.”
“Alright,” Jusis said before calling out to Class VII, “Let’s go!”
Everyone voiced their affirmation and continued forth to storm the fortress. They all expected it to be a long and arduous fight the rest of the way regardless of the jaegers’ retreat. However, Jusis would not allow any further delays in the execution of justice and used his powers indiscriminately to block hallways and freeze any adversaries in their way be they soldiers, archaisms, or even the occasional soldat.
The others couldn’t help but stare wide eyed at the display of raw power and even had the feeling this wasn’t the full extent of Jusis’ capabilities.
“Boy, am I glad Jusis is on our side,” Elliot couldn’t help but say.
“Yeah. I definitely wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of all that,” Alisa wholeheartedly agreed.
It was at this point when Jusis was in the middle of encasing a soldat completely in ice that Rean finally caught up to them.
“Sorry it took me a while. Crow showed up,” he explained.
“Is everything alright? Did you have to fight him again?” Emma asked in concern.
Rean shook his head. “No. He just talked to me and the others on the Courageous and let us take Scarlet into custody before leaving. By the way, what’s with all the ice I saw on the way here…” He trailed off when he finally saw Jusis and realized where the ice came from. His jaw dropped and there was a hint of a blush on his cheeks. “Oh…”
Fie snickered. “Damn Rean. I didn’t know you were into that kind of stuff.”
“W-What?!” Rean stammered and blushed, “No! That’s not- I’m just concerned, you know. What if he’s overdoing it?”
She nodded as if in understanding but she still had a shit eating grin on her face. “Hey, it’s alright. You can be concerned and still be hot and bothered too. No judgement here.”
“FIE!” Rean shouted in embarrassment.
The shout caught Jusis’ attention. “Ah, Rean, you’re here. Shall we pick up the pace then?”
Rean eagerly nodded. “Y-Yeah! Let’s keep pushing forward.”
The group soon arrived at Duke Albarea’s office where the Duke was waiting for them with McBurn and Duvalie at his side.
“Jusis!” Duke Albarea cried out indignantly, his face growing red with rage.
“Duke Albarea,” Jusis coldly greeted.
“Looks like he’s got some company from Ouroboros too,” Celine observed.
“I did wonder if someone from the Society was here what with all the archaisms running around,” Alisa remarked.
“I’d say it was nice to see you all again but then I’d be lying,” Duvalie dryly stated.
“Yo! Long time no see,” McBurn raised a hand in greeting, “Huh? Where’d Purple Lighting go? Pretty sure I saw her with you when you entered the fortress.”
“She’s downstairs so you can forget about fighting her, McBurn,” Jusis deadpanned.
McBurn clicked his tongue. “Damn. Well, there’s always next time.”
“How did you all make it here?” Duke Albarea demanded, “What does that terrorist and those jaegers think they’re doing?”
“S was defeated and the Northern Jaegers left,” Fie said.
“The Noble Alliance has also turned their backs on you and we’ve received permission to use the Imperial Family’s name to bring you to justice,” Jusis declared, “So please surrender with good grace, father.”
“How dare you speak to me that way! Who do you think you are? I am the head of the House Albarea! The ruler of the Kreuzen Province and one of the Four Great Houses!” Duke Alabrea angrily ranted.
“Your status does nothing to excuse your actions. No amount of power can grant you the freedom to raze your own lands,” Laura viciously scolded.
“SILENCE!” Duke Albarea shouted, gesturing wildly, “The people of that pitiful town willingly sat back and accepted an enemy force squatting in my territory. This country’s future is as a nation ruled by the nobility. And those shameless fools have no place in it! How is that beyond your comprehension?”
“You bastard,” Machias sneered, “You’re the very embodiment of everything everyone hates about the nobility!”
“I truly pity you,” Emma remarked.
“We’ve talked long enough. Let’s just get this over with,” Fie said boredly.
“Indeed. Surrender now, father, or we’ll have to use force,” Jusis ordered, pointing his trident threateningly at the Duke.
“How dare you, Jusis!” Duke Albarea screamed in a rage, “I knew it was a mistake to let you into this family! You’ve done nothing but continually shame the House Albarea with your disgusting actions! I should’ve left you to die in a ditch after your whore of a mother’s death!”
Everyone gasped in shock at the Duke’s insult. Even Duvalie and McBurn seemed surprised by the words that came out of his mouth.
“Don’t you dare call my mother a whore!” Jusis angrily exclaimed, “She was a hundred times the person you’ll ever be!”
“ENOUGH!” Duke Albarea pointed at McBurn and Duvalie. “You two! Take them out already!”
But McBurn shook his head with an expression of bored disinterest. “Nah. I’m good. Purple Lighting’s not here so there’s no point in fighting.”
A teleportation circle opened underneath his feet. He nodded to Jusis in farewell. “See ya.”
Then he disappeared in a flash of red flames. Duke Albarea gaped at where he once was and turned to Duvalie in disbelief. “What is the meaning of this? Do something!”
Duvalie scowled harshly. “I will decidedly not. My Lord would never forgive you for your heinous crimes. You should consider yourself lucky I haven’t run you through with my sword yet!”
“But- But- Your mission is to serve me!” Duke Albarea protested.
She clicked her tongue in disgust. “I serve no one but my Lord. And my mission was not to aid you but to see this fortress fall.”
Duke Albarea jerked back as if he’d been slapped. “Fall?! You mean, you’ve already made the decision to stand back and do nothing?”
“Like Jusis said, the Noble Alliance has turned its back on you. Now I’ll be taking my leave,” Duvalie said curtly. She nodded in farewell to Jusis as a teleportation circle opened underneath her and she disappeared in a flash of blue light.
Duke Albarea stammered as he grew pale in the face. “W-What- How- Why-” He collapsed to his knees in utter defeat.
Everyone sheathed their weapons and watched in concern as Jusis approached his father.
“Your Grace, Duke Helmut Albarea, are hereby under arrest on suspicion of arson and property damage in Celdic and the assault and murder of the people of Kreuzen,” Jusis said with clinical efficiency before his expression softened as he looked upon the pathetic figure of the once proudly arrogant Duke Albarea, “Please…do not resist.”
12.26 S.1204
After Duke Albarea’s arrest and the occupation of the RMP and 4th Armored Division in Bareahard, Jusis had been running nonstop to ensure that the Kreuzen Province could make its slow but clean withdrawal from the war.
Angelica and Rufus had been kind enough to offer advice and help where they could but ultimately, as a member of House Albarea, all the work fell on Jusis to complete so complete he did. He even forewent sleep to ensure everything would be done before he left.
He’d only just managed to delegate most of the duties to the house staff and Claire’s recommended RMP members when Rean made his appearance at the Albarea mansion.
Jusis smiled to himself when he saw Rean slowly walking in and looking around the grand interior in slack jawed awe. “So you came after all then.”
Rean snapped his attention to him and smiled sheepishly. “Yeah. I was kinda hesitant to come and visit in case I got in your way though.”
Jusis shook his head. “It’s fine. Everything’s been mostly settled here now.”
He turned to Arnauld who was waiting patiently and smiling happily at the sight of the two teens. Jusis could already predict the good-natured teasing in his future. “I’ll leave the rest to you and 1st Lieutenant Engels then.”
“Of course, Lord Jusis. Leave everything to us and,” Arnauld visibly hesitated, “We’ll be sure to keep your father as comfortable as possible.”
Jusis nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Arnauld. You’re dismissed.”
Arnauld bowed before taking his leave.
“The house staff and the RMP will help in managing the household and keeping Helmut in custody until the war is over,” Jusis explained as Rean approached.
“And what’s going to happen to him after?”
“That will depend on the Imperial Family though I assume he’ll be stripped of his title and thrown into a cell,” Jusis sighed tiredly and pinched his brow, “He should be glad we didn’t slap him in handcuffs and allow the RMP to haul him off.”
“I guess that’s one way of looking at it…”
“Indeed. I assume you’re here to see Scarlet?”
“Oh, uh, yeah. She’s here, right? But no, I’m not just here to check on her. I wanted to see how you were doing, Jusis.”
“Oh…well…” Jusis thought about it for a moment before suggesting, “Would you care for a spar later when you’re done seeing Scarlet?”
Rean was surprised by the sudden turn but agreed nonetheless. “Sure.”
Jusis nodded. “Excellent. Scarlet is currently being treated in the annex which is down that way.” He pointed at a hallway to the right. “There’s an RMP guard posted outside her room so you can’t miss it.”
Rean nodded appreciatively. “Thanks Jusis.”
“Of course. I’ll be in my room taking care of some minor details. Ring me on my ARCUS when you’re done.”
Rean nodded and the two split off to their separate destinations. It wasn’t long before the pair found themselves back in a familiar clearing in Aurochs Canyon.
“Isn’t this where we had our duel before?” Rean asked as he looked around.
“Yes. I thought it was a quiet enough spot to have our spar,” Jusis explained.
“Is it a spar? Or is it a rematch to test my resolve?” Rean teasingly asked.
Jusis smiled. “Why not both?” He took out his trident and held it at the ready.
“Alright then.” Rean unsheathed his tachi. “I’ll show you how far I’ve come then.”
Jusis smirked. “Then come at me with all you’ve got!”
The two began their duel, putting all their strength into the battle. Their heads were cleared of all distractions. Their focus purely on trying to be the victor. The fight continued on for a long time until finally, they both collapsed in exhaustion and laid flat on the ground.
Rean panted heavily. “I don’t think I can move another muscle.”
“Neither can I,” Jusis tiredly said, “I don’t think I’ve felt this exhausted in years.”
Rean slowly pushed himself up into a seated position once he’d caught his breath. “Are you feeling better now?”
Jusis also pushed himself up. “Yes. More than I was before.”
“But?”
Jusis sighed. “But I still can’t help feeling conflicted when it comes to my father.”
“I think that’s understandable. You just arrested him after all.”
“Yes but, despite being my father in blood, he’s never acted like much of father to me at all. He only took me in because Rufus convinced him to and ever since, he’s viewed me as some shameful secret. I spent most of my life trying to prove myself to him and make up for the ‘sin of being born’.”
“That’s- That’s horrible,” Rean said in wide-eyed horror.
“I hate my father,” Jusis declared with great vitriol, “So much so that I even denounced my claim to the Albarea name but…” He closed his eyes and sighed as he mourned a relationship that never was, “Even now, I still feel like that little boy who simply wanted his father’s love.” He chuckled sardonically. “Pathetic, isn’t it?”
Rean shook his head. “I don’t think it’s pathetic. It’s only natural for a child to want their parents’ love. And while we can’t help who we have for parents, we should also remember that the sins they commit are not ours to bear or resolve. Your dad made his bed and only he can lay in it, not you. It shouldn’t fall on you or Rufus to make up for all the terrible things your dad did. And for what it’s worth, I don’t think it was a sin you were born. If anything, It’s a blessing. Cause if you weren’t born, we never would’ve met and I think that would be the greatest sin of all.”
Jusis opened his eyes and looked at him wryly. “You exaggerate.”
“But it was helpful to hear, wasn’t it?”
Jusis smiled. “I suppose so…Thank you, Rean.”
“No problem, Jusis.”
A comfortable silence settled between them as they watched the sun begin to set for the afternoon and felt a gentle breeze caress their skin.
“Hey Jusis…”
“Yes, Rean?”
“I know I probably sound like a broken record by now but, will you come back? To us? To Class VII?”
Jusis hesitated, unsure. “...I…”
Rean looked at him pleadingly. “We’re stronger together than we are apart. Whatever burden you’re carrying, let us help you carry it. Let me help you carry it, just like yesterday. I know we might never become as strong as you or the people in Ouroboros but that doesn’t mean we can’t still be there for you and help you when you’re struggling. Just give us a chance.”
He held his hand out in offering. “Please, come back.”
Jusis looked down at his hand, suddenly reminded of the vision he saw of the man and the woman on the war-torn field. He remembered how the woman, who seemed to exude ancient power, sounded so small and defeated when she asked if things wouldn’t have turned out differently if only they hadn’t pushed each other away.
He looked back up to Rean’s still pleading expression.
“Do you know the path you want to travel?” He asked.
If Rean was surprised by the question, he didn’t show it. “No, I don’t. But that’s because it’s going to be one that I carve out for myself. Because there has to be another way, a third way, to continue forward without any more sacrifices. And while I may not know the how, I do know that I want you and the rest of Class VII by my side when I finally figure it out.”
Jusis was then reminded of another vision, one where Dreichels also declared his intent to find another path without accepting further sacrifices, and he was struck by how similar Rean and Dreichels seemed despite the centuries that separated them.
And it was at that moment, Jusis couldn’t help but finally relent. He had been traveling alone long enough and it was time to return.
He took Rean’s hand and Rean looked at him with such hope that he couldn’t help but smile. “Alright. I’ll come back.”
Rean beamed. “Welcome back, Jusis.”
And he pulled him in for a hug. Jusis was startled for a moment and hesitatingly raised his arm before wholeheartedly returning the hug as a warm feeling spread throughout his body.
The warm feeling of finally coming home.