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[keterclass]

Nephrite Curtiss

I'm not available, but if you think it will help you can leave a message after the tone.

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Gemini Voice | UN: Malipo; during the Labyrinth event

[quit_ur_kiniching]

[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.

voice | un: thenecromancer

[keterclass]

[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.]

[quit_ur_kiniching]

[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.]

[keterclass]

[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.

[quit_ur_kiniching]

[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.

[keterclass]

...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.

action | some point

[averagejanedoe]

[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

un: ZW | Voicemail

[wilder]

[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.

un: thenecromancer

[keterclass]

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.]

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

[hoshikiri]

[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.

un: thenecromancer

[keterclass]

[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?

[hoshikiri]

[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.]

[keterclass]

[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.]

[hoshikiri]

[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.

action | post wilders season finale

[replicannot]

[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?

[keterclass]

[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?

[replicannot]

[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.

[keterclass]

[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.

[replicannot]

[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!]

voice; un: feurig

[sacredashes]

What the hell is this?

[He sends an image of an official-looking paper (Black Order letterhead?! Fancy.) titled LEAVE OF ABSENCE. It indicates that Asch is encouraged to take up temporary employment in the Fortress of Meropide for an undisclosed period of time, and even has some helpful resources on enrolling for college.

The narrative is there between the lines, if someone looks. But Asch isn't looking.]

They're getting rid of me. Why? I've participated in missions and followed orders this whole time!

It's been months since the incident in the labyrinth. I've done everything to the letter since then—and they're not even asking for an explanation!

[Is he really... that worthless?]

un: thenecromancer

[keterclass]

[He's been expecting this call, sooner or later. Of course, the Order's leadership didn't do this without consulting Asch's father, to make sure Neph wouldn't take offense, that it wouldn't do more harm than good for Asch, that Asch would be supported. If Asch had thought about it for long enough, he'd have figured that out, too.

But he also knows Asch well enough to know that he won't like it if this move is his father's decision. The hurt and confusion that lurk just underneath that anger sting, but it will be worse if he gets them directed at himself.

Still...there are things he's never said, that it might be good to get into the open. If he can figure out how to navigate the conversation. His tone is calm and even when he answers, betraying nothing yet.]

I don't believe you're being punished for your past behavior, no. They would have discussed it with you more before making this move, if that was the case.

[Let's start with trying to get him thinking, first.]

1/2

[sacredashes]

[He does tend to listen to Nephrite, even when he's mad. And Asch is mad... but he's more hurt than angry, as it turns out. Besides finding his family, this was like, the one Purpose he had for a while, his job. And it's been taken away from him.]

Then, why...?

[He reads over the paper again. At least he's not the kind of person to crumple up orders.]

... Report to the Fortress of Meropide... resources to enroll at Kaisou University...

[Okay, work as punishment would be one thing, but the college enrollment has him thrown way off.]

They want me to go to school... with Luke.

[sacredashes]

[Finally, with his hotheadedness put aside for the briefest of moments, his brain kicks back on.]

... It's a way out. A golden ticket to the outside world.

[keterclass]

That's right. We're allowed to walk away now, with no consequences. You don't need to be stuck taking orders for the rest of your years.

[Neph isn't leaving. He's been in the Order too long, he doesn't know how to be anything else. It might not be too late to learn, but...he can do more good for his family if he keeps eyes on the inside where all the information is.]

You know that if I'd had my preferences, you would never have been forced to sign up in the first place.

[sacredashes]

[Anyone else would be grateful for this opportunity, but he feels like the decision was made for him. In a way, this is just another order. And he's a soldier, yes, but...

It still feels like a betrayal.]

... You expect me to just walk right out and leave you behind?

I still chose to sign up rather than being locked away or disposed of, and it was for good reason. The Black Order had resources that we couldn't access on our own. And, also...

You may have brought me back, but you're not a healer. I thought that someone had to keep you alive. And it may as well be me.

[Call it a debt if you like, but Asch thinks they're a bit closer than that.]

Who will look after you if I can't come on missions anymore?