☾002☽ video

[a_civil_service]

[When Yuri appears on the network, it's clear that he's not in one of the Welcome Halls, but in an establishment of some kind, perhaps a café. It is, in fact, the Hrafn Tea Room in Odin District, where he is currently working as a manager. He felt it was necessary for him to earn money as soon as possible to purchase the cosmetics with which he

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voice;

[manskirt]

An interest in justice, you say? How about...a vested interest?

[ there's a pause. ]

No--on second thought--I hardly fit the requirements. No experience in any of those things, for starters.

[ another pause. ]

But I'm sure you'll do an excellent job of it. Heading this justice system--it might even be a good one. [ if such a thing exists. ]

video;

[a_civil_service]

As we're all residents of this city, we should all have a say in its justice system, which is a public service.

I understand wanting to abstain, but don't feel you should have to because of a lack of relevant experience. If one has strong opinions, that is qualification enough. [A smile, because it's fairly clear that Anders has strong opinions.] What is your professional experience, if I might ask?

Thank you for your faith in me. I hope I'll do as much to serve the people here as I do at home. [If his fire power increases enough in the future, he may be able to do his more necessary work at some point, but if so, he'll have to be very careful.]

voice;

[manskirt]

You have the funniest ideas. [ but he doesn't mean that personally. it's just--truly--he's never met anyone with quite so much conviction. except maybe aveline, but he never agreed with her so much--and himself, but he wouldn't want to be a part of any group that would have him for a member. ]

My...professional experience? Well, that's...a long story. Not a very cheerful one, either.

[ there's a long pause after that. he's only ever told one person--a few others by extension. but that was so many years ago. eventually, not unexpectedly, it's easy to forget the way of it.

but this stranger knows justice. it's impulsive, but anders has always operated on impulse. instinct. against injustice, trusting those who work against it. ]

You see, I...am justice. Or I was justice. In that we are--were--one. It was complicated even before I got here, so as you can imagine, it's even more convoluted now.

[ another pause. ] See? It's a terrible story, actually. Don't know why I bother telling it.

video; filtered to Anders

[a_civil_service]

Do I? [Sometimes he's not sure which ideas are truly his own and which he espouses in order to appear to be the man he's supposed to be. He is sure that what he wants, above all else, is to protect the innocent from evil. If he can't do that with his fire, he will do it by any means at his disposal. He knows that that drive sets him apart from others, isolates him. There are few who could understand his dedication, the lengths to which he goes to assure that evil is destroyed.] Perhaps I do.

[At Anders' further words, he pauses, silent for a few moments, unsure of how to respond. Yuri himself serves as a vessel for justice. It is his duty to free the world's sinners from the dark curse that torments them. He is a pillar of fire who burns through the wicked. He hesitates, because he doesn't want to give too much of himself away. He doesn't discuss these things. He hasn't been able to trust anyone in a long time, but Anders' words strike a chord in him. This isn't his world, though there are people from his world here, and it

voice; filtered

[manskirt]

[ oh. that's an option?

...if only he'd known that before he had his little confession.

but something he's learned is that people tend not to care. especially about heartfelt explanations regarding personal problems. personal justice problems. you hide something in plain sight and no one will ever even think to look twice. ]

Not a terrible story... Perhaps you're right. But it's not one with an obvious ending, either. Or--the ending is obvious, I suppose, but you can't help wondering if it shouldn't have to be.

[ when you've tried everything else--when you've eliminated every other chance--what other option is there? ]

...Still, I'm no storyteller. I always skip to the fun bits and leave out the build-up. [ as yuri can probably tell from the way he chose to explain it this time around. ]

You say...you understand. [ and he can't dare to hope there, that it really is the same, that relation means something more than sympathy. ] Or--you can relate.

Were you Justice, too? [ a pause. ] What I should really ask is--what do you

video; filtered

[a_civil_service]

What I am... [It's difficult to explain what he is, and he's reluctant to do so over the network, even when he's careful to lock his transmission to Anders.

He doesn't usually express his actual opinions. How should he go abotu doing so? Anders seems trustworthy, seems like he might understand, but how can he know for certain? For so long, everything has depended upon him keeping his secret. Rather than a poor storyteller, he is no storyteller at all, preferring silence.]

There are many ways to tell a story.

[At the mention of vengeance, his expression changes, briefly but undeniably, his eyes narrowing.]

"Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged." A man from my world said that. I think there's some truth in it. What is it you know of vengeance?