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[Kinich really isn't looking forward to this call, but he does have to write an incident report for the higher ups. Putting himself in a father's shoes, he knows he'd much rather find out from someone he knows cares about his son rather than through a report. So... Kinich makes the call that evening.]

Buenas noches, Nephrite. If you have a moment, I need to talk to you about something regarding your son. I'm afraid it's important enough that I would rather you hear it from me.

[Getting a call like that from Kinich has all the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. There's no laughter in his tone now, and perhaps just a trace of alarm.]

...What happened? ['Is he all right?' he almost asks, and doesn't, because the first question is enough to get that answer too.]

[At least he expects that answer and he's able to react calmly.]

He's fine, don't worry. He got a bit lost in the Labyrinth trying to find Luke, who had been equally lost.

[Kinich sighs softly.]

No, it is about his conduct, I'm sorry to say.

In his hurry to locate Luke, he left behind a defenseless civilian who tried to go with him. She couldn't keep up, and he didn't notice her absence. Luckily, we found her unharmed, and I did reprimand Asch myself after making sure she was safe. I did not sugarcoat my words, either. ... I wanted to let you know myself before submitting the incident report to HQ. I'm afraid this is one of those things that I cannot keep my silence.

[It's clear that he takes no pleasure in saying this whatsoever.]

[Oh, wonderful. At least he's not hurt, but... That boy. Has Nephrite been too lenient with him? He's always been afraid of giving Asch too much discipline, both because he didn't want to subconsciously push him to become the young man Nephrite remembers from their past life, and because he doesn't want to be like the person who turned him into who he became back then. He may have gone too far in the other direction, though.]

...I see. I'm sure it's nothing I wouldn't have done myself if I'd been there. Thank you for letting me know.

[He sighs. Kinich is one of the only people he can talk to about this sort of thing anyway, so...]

I'm glad the civilian wasn't harmed. And if the consequences of your report can teach him to stop losing control of his emotions when his brother is involved, then so much the better.

[That makes Kinich relax a little. Family of this degree in The Order can be a bit touchy. He has to toe the line of overstepping into parent territory and being a senior Guardian to Asch.]

You're welcome, of course.

[It's a trust that he's careful to maintain. Tacit understanding is worth its weight in gold for people who don't bother to explain themselves in words.]

That's my hope.

[A beat. Kinich will never say that he's good at being a person to go to when there are emotional problems. He's far better at giving practical advice or anything involving deals. However, he decides that the years of knowing each other and working together deserves something.]

Forgive me if it's not my place, but you did the best you could with the resources you had, Nephrite. The Order back then wasn't known for being supportive of parents, especially single parents. You had a lot on your plate, some of which I still don't know about I'm sure, yet you still gave Asch as much of a childhood as you could give him under the circumstances.

Every parent will make mistakes in raising their kid, you're only human, but the ones made here are not sins on your soul. The foundation you gave him is one he needs to grow into on his own. As it stands now, Asch can only learn by facing what his actions cause. He's a young adult who will still need you to be his father, not his superior, and I for one still feel that you're suited to this role.

...Oh, my. Is it that obvious?

[Now a little of his usual cheer returns, but softly. Vulnerability is hard, but it's hard for both of them, and Kinich is making that effort.]

I'm...glad to have your confidence. Truth be told, I've never felt I was truly suited to the role, but... [Another slight sigh, a shrug that Kinich can't see] ...He chose me.

[There's a helplessness in that, and a faint wonder.]

What a foolish thing to have done.

Only to those who bother to pay attention.

[And Kinich does, for better or worse. It's what makes him good at his job.

Vulnerability is difficult, but maybe it's because Nephrite also struggles with this that it gives Kinich enough confidence to try.

Yet it's not enough confidence to fully open up. He's experienced firsthand a person who should've never been a husband, let alone a father. Over the years, Nephrite has never shown himself to be a bad parent. One with flaws and traumas that went unaddressed, but never anything intentionally inflicted upon Asch. And Asch never had to fear so much as a hand being raised against him.

But Kinich keeps that locked away in his heart. Nobody needs to know about that.]

He chose you, and I see no reason for him to have regretted that, either. Perhaps you both needed a bit of foolishness in your lives.

[A quiet huff of laughter.] Maybe so...

Well, that's something we've both found, this latest incident very much included. I'll talk to him about it, including the extra burden of paperwork you've had to take on due to his negligence.

[Kinich smiles a little, though nobody can see it.]

Very well. I expect he won't like that I did this, but it's nothing I can't handle.

[Berserker and Junjaw are worse than whatever Asch can dish out to him, quite frankly. And only one of those two are still alive to punish him for having the audacity to continue living.]

[At some point within Neph's first month in Kaisou, he'll find a plastic bag at his door.]

[When he opens it, it's a collection of movies. They're all extremely cliche romance movies, likely bought out of the bargain bin. He's All There, 28 Dresses Later, 10 Things I Find Mildly Uncomfortable About You, Easy Ao3, just to name a few.]

[But if Neph digs deep down, he'll find a few documentaries that are probably actually to his tastes. Attached is a note.]

Consider it a welcome present.

-JD

[Sometime after Luke's fainting episode and the subsequent contact to Belle and Zelos, Nephrite is getting a call from Zelos]

Nephrite, it's Zelos.

I'm calling because Luke passed out during training. He's currently in the infirmary of Cygnus Academy. He's not injured, but we think it was caused by him recalling some memories.

You can cut the distance crap, I can tell Luke means something to you from how you acted during Jumanji. Belle and I are in the dark here, so Luke needs someone who can actually help him.

Anyway, we'll be here in the infirmary for awhile then heading home.

Understood. I'll be there shortly.

[Clipped, unemotional, and to the point. If Zelos wants him to stop dancing around things, he's got that.]

[Perhaps Takame should not be so wary. Perhaps he should give more chances. He knew there were good people among the Order's ranks. Leon was his friend, he respected Jusis greatly. Even Ser Diarmuid was among them now.

... Still. He needed them to prove it. Face to face, one man to another, no family or allies around for defense or biased perspective.]

This is Nephrite Curtiss, correct? This is Takame Kesi of Cygnus Academy. Naught is amiss with Luke-kun, I assure you. I only wish to ask if you've the time to speak with me in person.

[He'd wondered, a bit, just how many of these he was likely to get after that day. Takame is the first, which is a little surprising. Maybe the others are biding their time, or maybe they just aren't as concerned about the Black Order and its representatives as they should be.]

Certainly. Should I come to the Academy, or would you be more comfortable somewhere else?

[Takame has been called reckless and impulsive on more than one occasion. What he's not called often is opportunistic.

Because he's not needed that time since being a Doman Shadow.]

If you would, may I ask that you come to the Academy? I can be found here at

[And he's given a building and number for the small classroom he uses on occasion. Simply put: he was saying "meet me on my terms before I choose anything neutral." It wasn't threat, but the shades of intent were there.]

[And it's why Nephrite offered to meet him at the Academy in the first place: a gesture of goodwill, approaching with hands empty.

Never mind that ~~Jade~~ Nephrite Curtiss is never unarmed just because his hands don't have anything in them at this very second.]

I'll meet you there this afternoon, then.

[And he will show up, punctually at that. He's looking far more relaxed than the last time Takame saw him, the bland mask of his pleasant smile firmly affixed once again as he approaches.]

[It set him even more on edge, truthfully. He's seen smiles with lies behind them many times. And comparing this to the man that came into the infirmary when Luke was troubled... well, that was a two-faced person.

Still, Takame bowed a little. Cordial and polite. He wasn't exactly starting a fight here, after all. But he stood at full attention and his impressive frame was clear to see. This was a warrior. It was no wonder he was on the Order's radar.]

I must thank you for agreeing to speak with me on such short notice.

[While walking back towards two seats laid out, Takame never once fully turned his back. In fact, he didn't even sit down.]

I may yet take a great deal of your time. There is much I want to ask you.

Not just about Luke. About you, Black Order Guardian.

[Nephrite watches his posture calmly, smile never fading although his eyes are assessing. Calculating. This is a soldier standing in front of him, a capable warrior, and one who wants him to be very aware of it.

Good. He straightens his own back and shoulders slightly, lifts his chin - he was never a military man in this life, but some things carry over. They can speak as equals.]

I'm sure you understand there are things about our work I can't divulge, and things about my past that are mine alone. ...But for Luke's sake, what I can share, I will.

[For Luke's sake is the reason he's here at all. For Luke's sake, he would do so much, and it's to his benefit if this man is at least a little bit aware of that.]

[As were Takame's eyes, though unlike Nephrite his expression turned more severe. Subtle, but with pretenses dispensed of he saw no reason to veil his disdain.

He knew the Order was full of capable fighters. Speakers. Authority figures. Soldiers. And he can see that in Nephrite's posture. An officer observing a line as they stand at attention by his command. Equals indeed.]

I would not have you divulge that which is confidential, nor personal. What I wish to know about you also pertains to Luke. Namely, how is it you know him? In this life and your last. And the other young man who came to his room. I can only presume that is his brother by blood but he, too, is in the Order.

I would know your intent with my student. Should you care at all for him, you'll speak only the truth.

[Takame would know if Nephrite intended to bring Luke into the Order's circle. He knew they were under reform but that was all the more reason to know for certain. To latch onto any sign of deception and bring it straight to the top.]

[Now, at last, his smile falters just slightly. It's a fair question, but it's such a complicated answer.]

...Asch and Luke are twin brothers in this life, that's correct. And Asch is in the Order because of me.

[When he says it like that, it really sounds damning. But it's the truth, as much as he hates it, as much as he wouldn't have chosen it if he'd had a choice.]

I knew them both in our past life. We were... I traveled alongside Luke, and supported him in his journeying. I considered him a dear companion. ...When I encountered Asch in this life as a child, I thought at first that it was Luke I had found. His brother was lost, so I promised him we would look together. [It had been the only way to get Asch to accept his help; even as young as he was, the boy would have just run off on his own, or at least entirely refused to cooperate, if Nephrite hadn't placated him.]

But Luke had been taken by Krusnik, so there was no evidence of his presence for years. And when he resurfaced, he had been adopted by another family, one too protective to allow us near even if he remembered that he had a brother looking for him, which he didn't. [He keeps his expression blank, neutral, matter-of-fact. It had been a torment for both of them when they realized, but that was years ago.]

It was only because I am a part of the Black Order that I was in a position to encounter Asch at all. But when he began to regain memories of his past life, I couldn't protect him from them, as entwined as I was.

[He'd had an escape plan. He'd known that sooner or later, their leadership would cross a line Asch couldn't condone, and the two of them would have to go on the run. He'd made a deal with Jane to that effect, so that they'd have at least a chance of getting out if and when they needed to.]

[The faltering smile was one sign of truth. Takame needed more though. To his credit, he heard the entire tale out. Mentally he was aligning it with what had been shared the other day. What Harumasa said and what Belle and Zelos confirmed.

While he was steady as stone for the tale, the mention of Krusnik made him tense up. Made the phantom pain of pricks and restraints rise in his memory again. He willed the memories and pain away, this was not the time to be lost in that experience.

Regardless of the reasoning, Takame disliked that Nephrite had brought Asch into the Order with him. But it was not the first tale he'd heard about it being an inevitability.]

A victim of circumstance, then.

[It was not strictly that he believed or trusted Nephrite, it was that evidence backed his word up.]

... Tell me of the teacher he had in his past life.

[Nephrite also dislikes that he brought Asch into the Order with him, so they're still aligned on that much.

When he's questioned about Van, his smile settles back into place, this time with an unpleasantly sharp edge.]

Ah, "Master Van". Vandesdelca Musto Fende. A charismatic and influential figure, the leader of the armed forces for the church whose prophets guided the path of all the world.

[Is that raising some red flags? It should be.]

He took Luke under his wing and pretended to take him into confidence. His parents, royals themselves, were only too happy to allow such a renowned figure to train their son in swordsmanship. [His voice hardens further.] And so he became the person who Luke trusted the most in all the world, right up until he manipulated Luke into using his hyperresonance to destroy a city.

[When he thinks about it, this is actually something Takame should know anyway, so he'll continue to elaborate:]

The why of it doesn't really matter here and now; but you should understand, if you are to be training him, the level of betrayal involved in the memories you very nearly triggered. That boy who was sickened by killing a single person in self-defense [in both lives now] was forced, used, to devastate an entire town. That's the sort of damage his power can cause if mishandled.

[That right there was a smile Takame knew. That was hatred. And it took only one sentence for Takame to completely understand. Enough that this deeply stoic and monotone man let out a sharp exhale through his nose, one tinged with a dragon's growl. A scoff from Takame Kesi of all people.

He was bloody sick of men like Archbishop Thordan believing they have the right to rule or guide a single person, let alone the world.

Besides that and a subtle broiling rage in his core, Takame once again listened quietly. Until it boiled over, his rage was always just that: subtle. Quiet. A student trusting his authority figure, his role model only to be used for mass destruction. A sheltered child.

Dare any shard of Vandesdelca's soul enter this realm, Takame will see him breathe his last and see naught but a shade of his killer.

But his anger was put to the side in the face of that warning. He was silent for a long while, as if considering. It was a heavy burden. It was a risk. There was no guarantee they'd even find Everstone let alone that Luke could agree to carry it.

A town was laid waste to. A voice overhead as Takame rushed through a city facing apocalypse came to mind. His many dances with death on his journey did.

But nevertheless, the answer was simple.]

... I accepted Luke as a student aware that his memories will cause him harm. I still accept him knowing the power he holds. And the risks that come with that power going awry.

Luke was betrayed by a teacher in the past and that memory has carried into his life now.

I will not make history repeat itself.

Good.

[Nephrite's smile brightens, but there's still a threat in his eyes.]

Because I have known these young men through two lives, through fates neither deserved, and their histories have repeated often enough already. Whatever power I have to break that cycle is at their disposal. And even if I can't prevent it, I can certainly ensure there are consequences for anyone who does them harm.

[Threats are familiar. Takame took comfort in the familiar. Enough to cross his arms and raise his brows.]

Such consequences would be well earned.

[If Takame makes an irreparable mistake, Nephrite can do what he will. There is a time and place for self-defense. That was one of the early topics in his classes.]

I would not ask that you place your trust in me. It would be unfair given you do not yet have mine. Only that you observe and become aware that I only wish keep Luke away from what may cause him harm.

[Like the Black Order. Or Guardian Nephrite Curtiss of the Black Order.]

Then I think we're agreed on the points that truly matter.

[Yeah if Neph ever hurts his kids (and Luke is his kid now whether he's ready to acknowledge that out loud or not), he'll have earned the consequences from Takame, too.]

Did you have any other questions, or should I let you return to your classes?

Indeed we are.

[They can proverbially shake on it. Takame wouldn't do so now, but at the very least he relaxed his posture somewhat. A soldier-off-duty now rather than one ready to enter the front line. Still tense, but less so with a natural sway in his tail.]

None that pertain to Luke. And for now, that was my primary concern.

[He gave another bow.]

My misgivings set aside, 'tis truly appreciated that you took the time to speak with me.

[Neph shrugs cheerfully.]

It's to both our benefit to clear the air, after all. And my, I don't think I've ever been threatened so politely before.

Well, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of one another sooner or later, since we're both involved in this business now.

[There's a thought in the back of Luke's mind.]

[It starts out tiny, but teenage boys by nature are curious. They might be stupid about it, but they are insatiably curious.]

[Nephrite. What is their relationship?]

[Like, obviously he's Asch's dad. But Luke doesn't come as part of that package. And yeah, he did say he had to give Asch a ride when Luke fainted, but even if that was true--he could have waited outside.]

[And why is it, that whenever Luke looks at Nephrite, he feels the urge to make him proud?]

[He can't find the answers to these questions on his own, so he goes after Nephrite himself. Sure, all the people in his family are allergic to emotions or whatever, but if he asks him directly--he'll definitely say something, right?]

[Wherever Luke finds Nephrite, he'll pull him aside:]

Hey, uh, do you have a moment?

[He was lurking around Random Play again. Aside from his and Asch's work with the Black Order, it's the most likely place that he can check on as many of his sons' relatives as possible while remaining relatively low-key about doing so.

Luke's approach catches him a little bit off-guard, only because he didn't expect the younger man to come to him.

'For you, always,' he doesn't say, because that would be too much. Instead he smiles blandly.]

I suppose I could take a few minutes out of my busy schedule. [Pretending to look through the racks for something he and Asch could watch together is hardly an urgent task.] What could you need from me, though?

[Low-key. Sir, everybody's staring at a vampire when they're in public????]

I dunno, I mean, I kinda should be asking you that, right?

[Luke hasn't thought far ahead enough to formulate a plan of attack here because thinking ahead is for cowards. And old people.]

Like, you just keep showing up where I do. And when I fainted, you were there, too, even though you could've stayed outside. If it was just because I was Asch's brother, I thought you'd try to spend time with me or something? But you don't, really.

[He will solve this mystery yet.]

Pretty suspicious, if you ask me.

[Well, this is interesting. Luke can be so careless, it's easy to forget that he's actually clever when he actually puts an effort in. He's doing pretty well at putting two and two together, here.

Nephrite wonders just how far he can take that line of thinking of his own accord, if prompted.]

My, are you accusing me of having some sort of ulterior motive? I suppose it must look a little strange. Why would someone see to your well-being but keep their distance? I'd be suspicious of me, too.

[In another world, Luke would not be so easily goaded.]

[Who am I kidding? There's no world where Luke doesn't fall for the bait (4).]

Exactly! That's it!

[He has won. Nephrite hasn't revealed anything yet, but Luke feels like he has won.]

So now you gotta tell me what's up!

[If someone asks if you're a cop, you have to tell them. Those are the rules!]

[...Ah, well. He was using his brain for a few minutes, that's something, at least.]

Or what? Do you think you have any leverage that could force me to give up any information I don't choose to?

[He does. All he actually has to do is make a sad face and Nephrite will crumble and tell him whatever he wants to know. But as usual Luke is stumbling around saying things to dangerous people when he has no idea who he's talking to, and that just won't do. He should at least try to present a threatening side, for the sake of Luke's future interactions.]

[Does Luke catch on that Neph is trying to teach him a lesson?]

[Absolutely not!]

[But Luke has seen enough movies to see where this is going. If Neph wants leverage, Luke has leverage (13).]

Of course. I have your purchase history from Random Play.

[He has-

That confident declaration actually manages to startle a genuine laugh out of Nephrite. He couldn't possibly have expected that direction, but...oh it's actually cute that Luke thinks he could be blackmailed that simply.]

...Oh, well, in that case I suppose I have no choice but to give up all of my secrets.

[The cheer fades into something like fondness, a little bit melancholy, as he looks back at Luke.]

...It's true that I've been concerned for your well-being, given...the unusual circumstances. And it's out of that same concern that I've kept my distance as well.

[He pauses, hesitating, but...why draw it out any longer?]

After all, reminding you of that other life only seems to cause you pain.

[To his credit, Luke actually does listen. And take time to process.]

Oh, that makes sense, I guess.

[But it does make Luke feel bad? Guilty?]

[Man, why does he always feel guilty around this guy?]

But, I mean, I don’t think that means you need to stay away. I’m gonna remember either way, right? I don’t think Takame-sensei was in my past life, but he still set one off.

[After a beat:]

Did our past life have dragon people?

Edited 2025-09-09 04:59 (UTC)

No, I'm sorry to say it was a world of regular human beings.

[It is true that Luke is going to remember no matter what. The last time he started to remember, he was with someone who had no idea what his student might be recovering. Luke himself has no idea what he might be recovering.

Nephrite knows. He's been keeping these truths from Luke in order to allow him to be happy and normal for as long as he possibly can. But...that time is coming to an end, one way or another. Maybe it's better that Luke should be prepared, even if that comes at the risk of frightening him.]

...It isn't just the pain of the headaches that I was worried for, I'm afraid. That other life...was a difficult one for you at times. The memories you recover won't all be pleasant ones. And if someone who wasn't there in our world at all could trigger them, imagine how much more likely my presence is to do so.

That’s lame.

[C’mon, he can understand no dragon people, but why aren’t there at least cat girls?]

[Still, he listens. He listens for once in his short and sheltered life.]

Yeah, I mean I kinda guessed that? I don’t think happy memories leave people passing out.

[At least, not from pain.]

Plus, you seem like you know what you’re doing. If they get triggered, you could probably help out, right? If you leave it to Asch, we’ll just end up fighting.

I dunno, it just seems like it’d be cool if you were around. You’re weird, but you’re nice.

[Nephrite Curtiss can count on a single hand the number of times in his life that he's been called 'nice'. All of the others were sarcastic. No one called Jade Curtiss nice, either, even when he very occasionally tried to be kind. He hasn't been nice for most of either of his lives, and he goes out of his way to be a difficult person to know so that people keep their distance from him.

But he can't do that with Luke, not wholeheartedly, and this is the result.]

You have no idea what you're saying.

[He meant that to sound dark and vaguely threatening, but he can hear the softness and melancholy in his own voice when the words pass his lips. He's better at the cheerful deflection if he wants to scare people away.

But Luke isn't wrong about the result of his interactions with Asch, even though Neph is pretty sure they'd end up working through it in a way that was beneficial to both of them. And...much like his brother, he's choosing to pursue this connection.

He remembers the first time, so many years ago now, that Asch's little hand had reached out to grab his for security, as if he was someone safe. The trust these brothers put in him is something he never feels he's earned, and something he would die rather than betray.]

[He shields that softness again behind a smile, but it's much less sharp now and more playful. Luke just doesn't need to carry the weight of Neph's emotions when he's dealing with his own; he'll process later on his own time.]

Well, when you put it like that, I can't claim you're wrong. The two of you get along much better in this life, but you probably could stand a little supervision even so.

Yeah, yeah. I don't really ever know what I'm saying, so it doesn't matter.

[Checkmate! He's a stupid teenager. Take that, Jade.]

I should probably get back to the shop, but I'm looking forward to seeing you around, old man.

IC Inbox

Gemini Voice | UN: Malipo; during the Labyrinth event

voice | un: thenecromancer

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TW: some brief mentions of past child abuse

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action | some point

un: ZW | Voicemail

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a few days after the luke mess. text; un: kesitakame

un: thenecromancer

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action | post wilders season finale

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1/2

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