Sever All Ties
Chapter Twenty Five: True Strength
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.
While the rain poured down on them, Jack and Elwen continued their battle. Though Theater Vancoor's Leader had not altered her tactics, it was clear that her former subordinate had. The younger swordsman was fighting with a great deal more strength and skill than he had previously displayed. He was fighting with more determination, and a desire to win. In short, he was fighting for another. It was a lesson that, ironically, his current opponent had taught him when he had first entered the warrior's guild. True strength came through fighting for others. As Jack had lain, defeated, on the field of battle, he had rediscovered his reason for fighting. He had always told himself he was fighting for Ridley, yet the actual meaning of that phrase had been lost to him at some point. Now, faced with the prospect of losing her, Jack realized how foolish he had been. He had been so focused on protecting Ridley that he had forgotten to be there for her. Now, as he faced Elwen, he swore to himself that such a failure would never happen again. Of course, living up to that oath meant he had to survive the battle he was in.
As the Guild Leader flew at him, Jack was forced to dive out of the way. When he came to his feet, he found himself immediately beset by a flurry of sword strokes. It was all he could do to keep Avcoor's flaming tip away from his torso. His own sword was moving faster than he had ever thought possible, yet he was barely keeping pace. When he finally found an opportunity to counterattack, Elwen instantly threw him back, ensuring that he stayed on the defensive. It seemed that, no matter what he did, he was unable to penetrate her defenses. But, while he could not land a blow on her, it seemed that she had lost her ability to hurt him. Where Elwen had previously been next to unstoppable, she was now having a much more difficult time connecting. However, if she was frustrated, it did not show. She simply continued her assault, patiently waiting for him to make a mistake.
After several long exchanges, Jack utilized a series of powerful strokes to force some distance between he and Elwen. Neither bridged the gap immediately, opting to take a moment and catch their breath. Initially, Jack was thankful that he could begin to recover slightly before the battle began again. After a moment, he realized the true importance of his current situation. The fact that Elwen was also stopping for breath meant that he had succeeded in wearing her down somewhat. This gave him a small measure of hope that he could hold his own against her. The rain falling all around them made Jack feel even better. The cool drops were a welcome relief to his sore, sweating form. Though he continued to hear the sound of rain falling on Elwen's armor, none of it seemed to be seeping in to her. Jack was certain that her armor must be hot, but she gave no outward indication of discomfort.
"Well, you seem to have found some motivation," Elwen said to Jack.
"Something like that," Jack replied. "More like remembered."
"Well, as long as it works," Elwen said simply. "I only wonder how much longer it will work."
"Long enough," Jack answered.
"Let's find out," said Elwen.
When she charged forward, Jack was ready. This time, he was prepared for her attack. A rain of sparks intermingled with the rain of water as their swords clashed. As soon as their blades touched, Jack fell back, giving ground and encouraging Elwen to charge again. While she seemed slightly surprised, she did rush forward, continuing her offensive. After defending against two of her attacks, Jack fell back once more. These short exchanges allowed Jack to stay ahead of his opponent. By dictating when movement occurred, he was able to maintain some control over the flow of battle. Equally important, she only got the chance to attack him a couple of times and only with her sword. By avoiding long exchanges, Jack was able to keep his balance, and keep from exposing himself to her fists, which had proven to be as devastating as her sword. He was even saving a surprise for her.
After his fourth short movement, while Elwen was charging forward, he attacked first. When she dodged his horizontal slash, Jack attacked again, not allowing time for a counter. Sweeping back to the right, he slammed his elbow into the side of Elwen's helm, knocking her to the ground. Briefly, Jack thought about continuing his attack while she was down, but remembered that she had not attacked him when their positions had been reversed. So, he waited patiently while she gathered herself. When the Chief got to her feet, Jack was slightly surprised to see a jagged crack in the side of her helmet. When she realized what he was looking at, she pressed her hand to the break, and realized what it was.
"A strong blow," she said. This is going to be an excellent battle after all."
"I'd hate to disappoint you, Chief," Jack said.
"Have no fear of that," the Chief answered. "Worry about disappointing Ridley. If she is truly the one you fight for."
"She is," said Jack.
"Then, show me what she means to you," Elwen said, inviting his attack.
Jack did not hesitate, but charged forward, preparing a powerful thrust. Elwen sidestepped this attack, and brought her knee up. She was marginally surprised to find that her knee found Jack's, and not his stomach. The collision hurt Jack more, but still hurt less than a blow to his stomach would have. Turning to the right, Jack jabbed the hilt of his sword into Elwen. The Guild Leader immediately fell back several steps. Jack was finally on the offensive. By the time Elwen regained her footing, he was practically on top of her. His sword moved with unbelievable speed, and it was Elwen who had trouble keeping pace. Nevertheless, she kept his sword away, making sure that she did not present him with an opening. Finally, when their blades locked, she managed to throw the attacker back. Both took a moment to catch their breath. The rainfall had intensified while the battle had raged, and Jack was really beginning to feel the cold.
"Surely you have something better," Elwen said after a moment. "You aren't going to defeat me if you can't connect with your sword."
"We'll see what happens," Jack said stated.
Charging forward, Jack prepared to renew his assault. When their swords met, he pushed forward, attacking with relentless fury. Elwen wisely gave ground, but countered quickly. Jack ducked under her sweeping slash, and followed with an upward stroke. The Chief stepped back an instant before his blade found her. As she fell back, he charged forward and threw his shoulder into her. As the momentum carried them forward, Jack steadied himself and pushed her away. When she hit the ground, he was standing over her, sword poised to strike. While his sword came down, Elwen's came up. Their blades collided in the middle, and Jack found himself pushing closer, trying to get to his opponent. The Chief was holding her own, halting his advance from an awkward position, but unable to really attack. Finally, it was Elwen who pushed Jack away and stood up quickly. When Jack ran forward, she was already in position to defend. Once again, she turned aside every attack; he was incapable of connecting with his sword. After blocking several attacks, the Chief parried Jack's sword and punched him. While he was shaken from this blow, Elwen did not stop. She hit him again, and he fell to the ground. Lying in the mud, Jack could not understand what was happening. Even his newfound strength was not enough?
"You still don't understand, do you," Elwen asked. "Obviously not. Your little revelation didn't do anything but give you a marginal increase in strength. You still don't know what you should be doing. If you did, your face wouldn't be buried in the mud. When you fight for another, you cannot simply give up. It is a much harder path to follow, and you should know this. But, you should also have the strength to walk it. It's getting harder for you Jack; where's your strength? You still don't have it. You don't have it because you've misunderstood the entire concept you tell me you embody. You're here for Ridley? Maybe, but not in the sense that you think you are. You are fighting for her, not fighting for her. You are fighting in all of these battles because you think it is what Ridley wants, and what she needs. Yet, you've been consumed by it, and have forgotten about Ridley herself. Even when I tried to teach you this today, all you did was realize that Ridley would be saddened by your death, and then kept fighting. Your reasons for fighting didn't change."
Elwen's words tore at the corners of Jack's mind, making him wonder about everything he had done since he had left Radiata. She was right, he knew. He had decided early on what he thought the right course of action was, and had been so eager to pursue it that he forgotten the reason he was pursuing it. Pain coursed through Jack's body as he got to his feet. Lightning flashed behind him, and a soft, rolling thunder was heard moments later. He squeezed his saber as tightly as he could with both hands, trying to force the pain out of his body through his palms. Staring at Elwen, Jack let his head sink. She was absolutely right about him. He had forgotten about Ridley, about his very reason for fighting, and he was ashamed. However, Jack's head soon rose back up, and he met the Chief's gaze. A smile crept over his face as he began to speak.
"You're completely right, Chief," Jack began. "I was so determined to help Ridley that I forgot about her. And, it may very well be that things would have been completely different had I not. But, I also know that I can't change that. And, with the way things are now, I know what she would want. She would want me to win, and live. She would want me to come back to her. And, she wants me by her side when we face the challenges that lie ahead. I have her strength to help achieve this end. And I won't ever forget her again. What about you, Chief? What would the love you fight for want?"
Elwen seemed stunned by Jack's words and his question. Though he couldn't see into her helmet, he knew that she had been shaken by his insight. As the two warriors silently regarded one another, the wind picked up. Its force only caused the ever-intensifying rain to seem even worse. However he felt, Jack refused to let it outwardly affect him. After some time, Elwen spoke to him.
"You finally understand," she said. The Chief seemed relieved. "To fight for someone you love is to be united in a common desire, and to work together to achieve it. It is a journey toward a shared goal, and a mutual desire. You cannot simply fight for Ridley, without knowing why she is fighting, and what she wants. Her desires, her strengths, her fears, her doubts, they all become yours. You have to remember this. When you fight for another, things will always be harder than they would be if you fought alone, but your combined strength will see you through. Now, show me this real strength of yours, Jack Russell."
When Jack lunged toward Elwen, he felt a real difference in himself. His weariness seemed to be gone, and his body refreshed. As their swords connected, Jack knew that he would be all right. Again and again, their blades met, and Jack still could not find the opening he was looking for. The Chief's will was as strong as his own, and she was fighting for a loved one, too. But, she finally made a mistake. When Jack seemed on the edge of losing his balance, Elwen tried to push him to his right. However, Jack had not lost his balance. When he dodged her attack, he countered by swinging his saber at her head. Once again, the Chief's reflexes saved her. Pulling back at the last moment, she kept from losing her head. She did still get hit, and Jack's sword ripped her helmet off and knocked her to the ground. Watching her rise, Jack realized that he had never seen Elwen without her helmet. She made no effort to conceal her face, and did not seem to be concerned about the rain and mud. She was beautiful. For all of her years serving as the leader of Theater Vancoor, the Chief still looked very young, an observation that was not lost on Jack. Her long, blond hair, framed a face that was hardened from years of battle, yet still showcased a delicate woman. Shimmering sapphire-colored eyes accented her facial features, which momentarily stunned Jack. When she perceived his stare, her countenance hardened a little, and he looked away.
"You are the first person in many years to see my face," she stated. Without the muffling of her helmet, he could truly appreciate her melodious voice. "And the first person to ever remove my helmet in battle. You are truly exceptional."
"Thank you," Jack said, setting his feet in preparation of the next attack.
When the two swordsmen resumed their battle, Jack could feel Elwen's determination in every attack. She had finally recognized that he was a worthy opponent, and was taking him seriously. Meanwhile, his task had actually been simplified. Without her helmet on, Jack could easily see her face, and read her next move. Both had abandoned all pretense, and were fighting for their lives. The battle had become extremely offense-oriented, and injuries began to appear on both combatants. Jack, however, realized that he was not going to be able to trade blows with Elwen. She had much more strength and energy than he did. He needed some way to end the battle quickly. Jack threw a quick sword feint, and attempted to follow with a deadly slashing attack. His attack, however, was turned aside. Elwen had, in fact, attempted to block the feint; but her shorter sword still allowed her to recover and deflect the second stroke. She tried to counter, but Jack would not allow her an opening. Their swords continued to meet one another, both looking for an opportunity to strike.
As he continued to struggle, Jack was conscious of the messages his body was sending him. He was aware of the fact that he was tired and sore, and distinctly aware of the pain coursing through his body. However, while he was aware of these factors, he forced them away and ignored them. The pain was the hardest thing to disregard. Avcoor cut and burned at the same time, and he found its marks almost impossible to forget. Whenever the pain began to seem unbearable, he simply pictured Ridley, and found the strength to continue. He also knew the Chief had to be hurting. The armor he had once seen as invincible now bore impressions made by his own blade. Rent and torn, the armor looked less imposing than it had, though its wearer did not. Elwen was relentless, attacking with the utmost determination, and hardly faltering, even when Jack's sword hit home. As strong as both combatants were, fatigue was beginning to set in. After a quick exchange of blows, both warriors separated, breathing heavily.
"You never answered my question," Jack said, gasping for air as he spoke.
"What was that," Elwen asked.
"The love you fight for," Jack began. "What would he want?"
"The same thing he always wanted," Elwen replied. "My happiness and strength; and, for me to share those qualities with those around me."
"Will you be with him again soon," asked Jack.
"I doubt it," Elwen answered. "He and I have not seen each other in a long time."
"I'm sorry to hear that, Chief," Jack said solemnly.
"I'm sorry it has to be this way," Elwen said. There was sorrow in her voice, an anguish written on her face. However, it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. She looked determined once more. "It's time to finish this battle, Jack. If you want to have any chance of stopping the knights, you're going to have to defeat me and catch up. You're running out of time."
Lightning and thunder crashed all around them, driving the Chief's words home. The rain showed no signs of slowing down as Jack raised his sword once more. Wordlessly, he stared at Elwen, and she stared back. Neither moved, and both were lost in their thoughts.
"Are you ready, Chief," Jack asked.
"I am," she replied. "Are you?"
"Yeah," Jack said.
"Good," Elwen said. "Don't hold back, because I won't. This is it, Jack. Show me how strong you are."
"No," Jack said, smiling as he did so. "I'll show you how strong Ridley makes me."
"One final exchange," Elwen stated. "To see whose love is the strongest. Let's go."
Simultaneously, the two warriors lunged at each other. Mirror images of each other, they prepared their attacks. With determination written on their faces, they collided. The force of their impact caused a shock to reverberate through the ground. The force was so great that it scattered the rain that was falling all around. Blades locked, Jack and Elwen pushed against one another, each trying to force the other to buckle. While their swords were locked, the two had also locked eyes, each showing just how unwavering their resolve was. When the pressure finally caused both combatants to fall back, they immediately charged forward again. However, Jack had recovered an instant before, and was a step ahead of his opponent. As they came together once more, Jack's blade found its mark. His blaze saber cut horizontally across Elwen's abdomen, tearing through her armor and finding flesh. As she faltered, he felt her own sword hit him, cutting across his left shoulder.
Unlike his previous duel, both warriors kept their feet after the exchange. The rain that fell had lost its fury and been reduced to a light shower, and the lightning had ceased. Jack's arm was limp, his left hand barely holding onto his sword. With his right, he was clutching at his shoulder, trying to fight down the pain caused by the Chief's sword. Elwen, too, was feeling the pain of injury. Her left arm was covering the wound on her stomach, and she was nearly doubled over. After a moment, the two turned to face one another. With a weak smile, Elwen put away her sword and began to walk toward Jack. Seeing her movements as friendly, Jack secured his own weapon and started toward her. When they got close, Elwen held out her right hand, which Jack accepted. Her grip was still very firm, while Jack's was a little soft.
"Your strength is truly incredible, Jack Russell," Elwen said, pressing something into his hand. Jack looked down and saw a shimmering, crescent shaped stone. "The most sought after of healing items: the revival stone. This should help your wounds. We wouldn't want you to be at a disadvantage when you face the Radiata Knights. Now, go to Fire Mountain."
With these words, she stood aside so that Jack could get to the bridge that led to his destination. He walked wordlessly past her, but turned around before crossing the bridge. Leaving with the same formality he had arrived with, Jack bowed low.
"Thanks, Chief," Jack said. "Not just for the stone, but for what you've taught me."
"Of course," said Elwen. "I owe you thanks as well, Jack. You reminded me of my love as well. Alfred would be proud of you."
"Alfred," Jack wondered aloud. "Chief?"
"Go," Elwen said firmly.
Though he still seemed amazed, Jack did as he was instructed. When she saw that he had made it across the bridge, the Guild Leader went to retrieve her damaged helmet. She would have to have it, and her armor, replaced as soon as she returned to Radiata. As the rain finally stopped falling, she began to ponder everything that had just transpired. She thought of the battles that were ahead of Jack, and hoped that he had the strength to succeed. Strength that she herself did not possess.
"For the second time in my life, my love has not been enough," Elwen said. Sorrow threatened to engulf her. The words she spoke as she turned to go home were only for her ears. "Alfred…my love."
Vegeta26: Onward and upward. I tried to do a lot with this fight, and I hope you all like the way it came out. Elwen was always one of my favorite characters, and these chapters were exceedingly fun and challenging to write. I hope everyone who's reading liked the battle, and will continue reading as Jack makes his way to Fire Mountain. Also, don't forget about that review button. Thanks.
Light of the Demons: Jack has finally realized the true reason he is fighting, which makes him capable of continuing to fight through his injuries. Elwen's lessons have made him an even more formidable opponent than he previously was, and given him strength that he'll need in the battles to come. I hope you liked this chapter, and that I'll hear from you again.
Oghma-Marduk: I agree with your character choice in favorite characters. Caesar and Elwen are both awesome, and their chapters were fun to write. They gave me an opportunity to write real, close, blow-for-blow battles. I tried to throw in some more of Elwen's story in this chapter, but she really does deserve her own story (something I might have to look into in the near future). Thanks again for reviewing, and I look forward to your next review.
Cisqua: Thanks for reviewing. These most recent chapters have been a lot of fun to write, and I've been updating pretty frequently. I hope to hear from you again.