Sever All Ties
Chapter Ten: A New Journey
Disclaimer: I don't own Radiata Stories or any of the characters in the game; they are the property of the brilliant minds at Square Enix.
Author's Note(s): Words in '…' indicate a thought. Words in "…" indicate spoken words. This story will proceed based on the assumption that Jack has joined Ridley on the path of the non-human. This path would inevitably lead him to face his former friends and allies in combat. It is these fights I will illustrate in this story. Some creative liberties will be taken regarding who they face (i.e. Jack will face opponents in this fic that you don't get to face in the game). I hope you enjoy.
Walking out of his room, Jack began looking for Ridley, but she was nowhere to be found. He couldn't find her in the anteroom. When she wasn't in the courtyard either, he went to check the shops. Neither shop contained the girl he was looking for. Jack ran outside, and saw only Grigory. He approached the Dwarf and asked where Ridley had gone.
"The young girl used the Journey Pig," Grigory replied. "Said something about the Sediche Region."
"Thanks," Jack said, walking toward the statue. "I wonder what she's doing there."
Forming a mental picture of the Sediche Region's snow-covered mushrooms, Jack touched the Pig. Instantly, he was transported to the entrance of the Black Goblin Haven. Walking inside, he asked Drew about Ridley. The goblin informed him that he had seen a human girl talking to Marco outside. Jack thanked him and went to see the bookseller. When he got outside, he saw Ridley talking to Marco. Overjoyed, he ran to her.
"Ridley," he exclaimed.
"Jack," Ridley said, turning around.
"What are you doing here," Jack asked.
"Marco was talking to me about the Book of Angels," Ridley said.
"Do you have it with you," Marco interjected.
"No, I don't," Jack said. "Wait, did you just…"
"Speak fluently," Marco finished. "Yes I did. Just because the rest of the black goblins choose the life of ignorance they do, does not mean I have to. Nor does it mean that I should do nothing to promote their education."
"Right," Jack said. "Anyway, I need to talk to Ridley."
"In fact," Marco said, as if Jack hadn't spoken. "The goblins used to be one of the most intelligent races. Alas, one of our most treasured historical texts seems lost forever. It's such a shame that it…Wait! You two could go get if for me."
"What," Jack asked.
"The history of the goblins," said Marco. "The tome is hidden in a cemetery in the Dorse Region. It has been hidden for centuries, but my research has helped me pinpoint its location."
"I know where it is," Jack said.
"You do," exclaimed Marco. "How?"
"I've been there," Jack replied.
"You have," Ridley asked.
"Sure, back at Vancoor," Jack said.
"You got in," Marco asked.
"Sure, the password was sesame seeds," Jack answered.
"How did you learn all of this," Marco asked.
"I read it," Jack said.
"Of course," said Marco. "It only makes sense that the Castle's Library should have documentation of these things."
"No," said Jack. "Well, the Castle might have the book. I read in the library."
"What," Marco exclaimed. "The secrets of the goblin race can be accessed in a public library?"
"Yep," Jack said.
"Amazing," said Marco. "So, will you seek the book for me?"
"What do you say Ridley," Jack asked. "We can talk on the way, right?"
"I suppose so," Ridley said. "But…can we do this?"
"Oh yeah," Jack replied. "We'll get the book for you, don't worry."
"Thank you so much," Marco said.
With a nod to the goblin, Jack gestured for Ridley to precede him in reentering the Goblin Haven. Walking back through, Jack had eyes only for the girl in front of him. She looked okay. Nothing in her posture or movements suggested the sadness or pain that had been evident before. Of course, he hadn't noticed it the first time. Either way, he was determined not to miss it this time. When they reached the Journey Pig in front of the Goblin Haven, Jack began forming a picture of Shangri La. Suddenly, he turned and looked at Ridley.
"Have you ever been to Shangri La," he asked.
"No, I guess I haven't," Ridley replied.
"Well, there's only one thing to do," Jack said.
"What's that," asked Ridley.
"I'll form the mental picture, and you hold my hand," Jack said. Ridley blushed slightly.
"Okay," Ridley said, extending her hand.
Jack took her hand in his, and instantly felt elated. Holding her hand was bliss. Never mind the fact that it was just for practicality's sake, he was holding her hand. A second later, his other hand made contact with the statue in front of him. Then, they were standing in front the goblin city of Shangri La, in the Dorse Region. Ridley released his hand, and Jack felt as though he was incomplete once more. However, he gave no outward indication of his feelings, and began walking forward. They walked side by side in silence for a few moments, before Jack finally spoke.
"We're just going from one task to the other, huh," he said.
"No rest for the weary," Ridley responded cryptically.
"True enough," Jack said. "At least we shouldn't have to worry about knights or the guilds on this one."
"At least there's that," said Ridley. "Although I guess it wouldn't matter to you at this point."
"What do you mean," Jack asked.
"You don't hesitate at all," Ridley said. "It doesn't matter who you're facing."
"I suppose that's right," Jack responded. "But I can't afford to either. I've had to become stronger, physically and mentally."
"Yes, you have," said Ridley. "But…how did you do it?"
"I asked myself what would happen if I failed," Jack answered. "When I chose to accompany you, I knew it would come to this. I knew I would have to face them. But I also knew that if I didn't, it would be that much harder for you to succeed. I can't help but feel that you're going to need me before this is over. And if that's true, then failure isn't an option. I'll do whatever is necessary to help you through this."
"But how could you face them," asked Ridley. "When we faced the knights on the bridge I…I couldn't do it. They were my friends."
"It's hard to explain," Jack said, after a pause. "Try not to see them as your friends. That's the hardest part. Not just in the moment, but afterward as well. Don't think about the people you knew, because that's not how they see you. All they see is a traitor. By still considering them your friends, you only hurt yourself. Think instead of what they're doing by siding with Radiata."
"I don't understand," Ridley said, looking confused.
"Consider why you're standing against them," Jack said. "I think of you."
"You do," Ridley asked, blushing a little.
"Of course I do," Jack said firmly. "The one thing I am sure of is that I'm fighting to protect you. That means that anyone who would hurt you is an enemy. Don't think of who you're fighting, but why you're fighting."
"That makes some sense," Ridley said. "I still don't know if I can do it, though."
"You won't know until you're forced to fight again," Jack said. "And if you're unable to face them, know that I'll be there to help you."
Her only reply was to smile. Ridley truly was grateful for Jack's help, but helping her seemed to be taking its toll on him. The seriousness he spoke and acted with was extremely uncharacteristic. She couldn't help but feel responsible for his current situation.
'Did I do this to you,' Ridley asked herself. 'You weren't like this before you came with me to the City of Flowers. This isn't you. I'm the reason you're doing this. It was one thing for me to choose this, but I didn't think you'd follow. When you decided to follow me, I was so happy. I was terrified to do this by myself. Your presence has given me strength and courage, and I'm grateful for that. But what has this cost you? No one should have to face their friends like you have.'
"Why so serious all of a sudden," asked Jack.
"It's nothing," Ridley replied. "I just…Jack!"
Reflexively, Jack freed his saber and swung. This blow smashed into a large snake that had dropped down from the trees right in front of them. He quickly followed this initial blow with a powerful downward stroke. The snake hissed in pain, and tried to bite Jack. He used his blade to fend off the serpent's fangs, but as he turned, he saw its tail streaking toward him. Instantly, Ridley was there. Her axe cut through the snake's tail, partially immobilizing it. Jack took advantage of the opportunity and attacked again. His slash scored the side of the snake, which shuddered in pain. Ridley finished the creature off, her axe separating its head from its body. Making sure they were okay, the two opened the chest before them, and found a rainbow colored crystal. When the path dead-ended, they turned back and continued on their way to the cemetery. Ridley was thankful that the snake had seemingly distracted Jack from their conversation. They continued walking, and he said nothing. Finally, Jack broke the silence.
"This cemetery is a crazy place," Jack said with a grin. "We had to face goblin skeletons and phantoms. They were a little tougher then, but they shouldn't be any problem now. I wonder if we'll have to face the old goblin king again."
"What," Ridley asked.
"His ghost is in the cemetery," Jack said. "He tried to stop us from taking the recruitment suit."
"I see," Ridley said.
"When we get inside, it'll be important to stay close together," said Jack. "These bone goblins literally pop out of the ground."
"Right," Ridley said.
As they approached the goblin cemetery, Ridley was suddenly knocked off her feet. A zerotone that had not been visible a moment before suddenly materialized. Another one appeared behind Jack. Rushing ahead, Jack thought only of Ridley. He swung his sword wildly, cutting into the chameleon and knocking it backward. Turning around, he reached down and grabbed Ridley's hand. He pulled her to her feet, and continued to fight. His sword struck the creature, pushing it to the side. He rushed toward the fallen reptile, and was suddenly confronted by a pointura. The giant spider launched its web at Jack, who sidestepped. Charging ahead, he swung his sword furiously. His low, angled strokes were aimed at cutting off the spider's legs. Slashing and twisting, he cut into the spider and turned to face the chameleon, who was reentering the fight. Jack's sword flashed quickly, cutting into the reptile. He attacked viciously, and he forced both creatures to keep their distance. With the spare moment he had, Jack looked to Ridley.
The single zerotone Ridley was fighting looked ready to fall. Her repeated axe blows were doing a great deal of damage, and the chameleon was unable to do anything but attempt to avoid these attacks. Just as it seemed Ridley was assured victory, the creature disappeared. Jack knew that when a zerotone concealed itself, a small outline was still visible. He had to help Ridley. As he turned to rush toward her, Jack felt a sudden, stinging pain in his leg. The pointura had bitten him as he moved. Reflexively, he swung his saber and cut into the spider. The creature hissed in pain and fell to the ground. Jack continued to run forward. After his first step, Jack was his from the side. The zerotone he had been facing had swung its tail and smashed into Jack's ribs. He was knocked off balance, and the second blow knocked him to the ground. Rolling across the ground, he swung his sword wildly, trying to keep the lizard off of him. When he tried to rise, Jack sank back to the ground. He winced in pain as he felt the pointura's poison working through his veins. Steadying himself with his sword, Jack staggered toward Ridley, who was now fighting both lizards by herself. The reptiles were moving around, fading in and out of visibility, and Ridley was having trouble watching them both. Finally, she committed to attacking.
Lunging forward, she smashed into one of the zerotones with her axe. This exposed the creature, who had previously been invisible. She followed this attack with another, and then a third. Finally, she brought down a crushing blow, which finished off the lizard. She turned quickly, ready to face the second one. This creature, already wounded from facing Jack, posed little problem. Ridley hammered into him, easily defeating him with two axe strokes. As she eliminated the final creature, Jack arrived. The poison was now coursing through his blood, and he was barely able to stand. He opened his mouth to speak, and fell. Ridley rushed forward and grabbed him.
"Jack," she exclaimed. "Jack, are you all right?"
"Fine," he gasped. "As long…as you're okay."
"You've been poisoned," Ridley said when she saw his leg.
"I'll be…" Jack began. A moment later, his eyes closed and he lost consciousness.
Vegeta26: Ten chapters. That's cool. It just keeps getting better and better. Right? I hope that's the case. Let me know, one way or the other, by reviewing.
Blue Persuasion: All three humans on the non-humans' side are facing tough times, Jack and Ridley especially. Gawain provides a sort-of stabilizing effect for them. The important realization for both is that they can depend on one another. That connection is especially hard for Jack to make. Anyway, thanks again for reviewing, and I hope to hear from you again.