The Arbitrator of Justice or Despair

Written by: Somnion

Disclaimer: I do not own Radiata Stories, but in my fantasies…well, those are private.

Chapter 2: A Genius's memories

The Dorse region; a region of dense forests, shrouded by thick foliage that veiled the path which travelers would usually journey on. It was this very path that Jack Russell and his former superior, Ganz Rothschild were traveling on. Although the humans and nonhumans were still on bad terms with each other, it was quite safe walking through the region despite the place being goblin territory.

"Captain," called Jack as he broke the deafening silence around them.

"Yes," answered Ganz.

"You mentioned my sister a few days back," Jack started. "Did you know her well?"

"Yes, Master Jack," answered Ganz, "I have known Miss Adele for quite a long time. Although we had not met each other in sixteen years, we are rather close friends."

Ganz began to recollect the events that had occurred a few days before meeting with Jack. Visions of Solieu Village started to come to mind once again.

Ganz stood outside the familiar looking farmhouse. The same house he used to visit when he was still a child, yet it felt like it was the first time he was visiting this place. Inside, according to the villagers, was the girl from his childhood memories, his best friend Adele Russell. It had been more than sixteen years since he had met her last and wondered if she still remembered him.

Within the small, yet cozy cottage, sat Adele Russell. Her brother Jack had been very busy lately after being reinstated into the ranks of the Radiata knights. Yet, despite his busy schedule, he still took the time to visit her whenever he could. She was worried about him for he seemed very dishearten during his last visit; plagued by the guilt of taking Sir Gawain's life. Adele began to remember the times she had met Sir Gawain and how much like an uncle he seemed to her then. Then she began to recall the memories of his son, Ganz Rothschild, who had used to come to play when they were younger. It was sixteen years since their last meeting and she wondered what had become of her old friend.

Suddenly, there were a couple of knocks that were sounded on the door. Getting up, she made her way to the door. She was surprised because she was not expecting any visitors today. Opening the door, she was greeted by a cheerful mustached face.

"Greetings, Miss Adele," greeted her guest, "it has been quite sometime since we last met, hasn't it?"

Adele covered her mouth in surprise and shock as she realized who her guest was. There was only one person who would refer to her as Miss Adele, her friend from her memories.

"Ganz… Is that you?" she stuttered.

"Oh, thank goodness," sighed Ganz with relief, "I was worried that you may have forgotten who I was."

"Of course I wouldn't forget," replied Adele. "How could I forget the mastermind who taught of hiding in the vegetable wagon in our game of hide and seek?"

"Well, it seemed like good idea at the time," chuckled Ganz. "Who would have thought that the wagon would have taken us all the way to Radiata?"

"Please come in," gestured Adele. "You must be tired."

"Thank you, Miss Adele," thanked Ganz as he entered the house.

"Jack told me about you, Ganz," Adele said as she brought some tea. "I was glad that the two of you became friends. He really respects you, Ganz."

"Is that so?" asked Ganz as he sipped his tea. "Well, I respect Master Jack too. He has great enthusiasm and will."

"Really, that's hard to believe," said Adele as she recall Jack's bad morning waking habits.

Adele looked at her childhood friend as he drank his tea. He was still the same gentleman she had remembered, a man of impeccable speech and manners. Despite his lofty position as the successor of the Lion of the West, he bore himself with humility, always caring of the needs of others before his own.

"Ganz," she called.

"Yes?"

"I have to thank you," she said. "Jack told me a lot about you and how you use to advise and supported him. As his sister, I owe you my gratitude for looking after my younger brother."

"Please, Miss Adele," said Ganz, "you give me far too much credit."

"Still as modest as ever," she replied with a soft smile. "You were always a kind person. Remember when we were in the wagon."

"Yes," said Ganz as he began to recall the event, "you were crying and I tried to cheer me up."

"You were singing the Radiata national anthem," she said with a chuckle. "You were getting real desperate, weren't you?"

"It's a good thing father was there and picked us up, wasn't it?" he said with a smile.

Adele however couldn't return that smile. She looked away as she taught of how to tell Ganz about his father's passing.

"Miss Adele…"

"Ganz…" she said after a pause. "There's something you should know…"

Adele then told him the story of how Jack had fought and defeated Sir Gawain. Ganz tried to keep calm but Adele knew all too well that his heart was hurting with every word she said. After finishing her story, Ganz looked away, deep in thought.

"Even though he is no longer with us, I will cherish the memories we had together," said Ganz after some time.

"Ganz…"

"It's all right, Miss Adele," he said as he smiled at her. "Even though Jack had been the one who defeated my father, I am glad that he kept his word and avenged his father. He still is my dear friend after all."

"Ganz," said Adele as she took his hand in hers. "I lost a father too. There is no need to hide your feelings and put up a tough front. It's all right to grieve."

"Thank you, Miss Adele," said Ganz as he smiled at his friend, a few tears now wetting his cheeks. "I'll be all right."

Ganz got up after a while. He figured that he should be leaving since it was getting dark.

"I think I shall take my leave, Miss Adele," he said. "It is getting rather late."

"Ganz," called Adele.

"Yes, Miss Adele?"

"Jack's room is empty, so why don't you stay for the night," she said, hints of pink tinting her milky white cheeks. "It's to dark to travel, so…"

"Thank you for the offer," thanked Ganz. "But I don't wish to be trouble…"

"Please, Ganz," asked Adele. "It's no trouble at all. You're my friend and… I want to be there for you when you're in trouble."

"Are you sure it's no trouble?" asked Ganz.

"Of course not," answered Adele immediately.

"Thank You, Miss Adele," he thanked. "You are too kind."

The next day, Ganz made ready to leave. He took one last look of the house as Adele helped him pack.

"Where will you go?" she asked she walked him to the door.

"I don't know," he said as looked at his friend.

"Well, whatever the reason, I hope you find it."

"Thank you, Miss Adele," he thanked yet again. "I won't forget your kindness. I shall take my leave now."

Adele stepped closer and leaning forward paid a soft kiss on Ganz's cheek.

"That was for luck, Ganz" she said, her cheeks now a hue of deep red. "Please visit when you have time."

As Ganz returned to reality, he felt the heat rise in his cheeks, hues of red tingeing his chubby cheeks. Jack looked suspiciously at his captain as Ganz finished his story.

"Are you sure that's the whole story, Captain?" he asked.

"What… What do you mean, Master Jack?"

"You weren't pulling any moves on my sister, were you?"

"Of… Of course not," Ganz said turning his face away.

"Liar! You're blushing," Jack pointed out. "Alright hand over the details."

"Really, Master Jack, I'm telling the truth," protested Ganz.

"Yeah, you keep saying that," said Jack jokingly. "Don't make me beat the answer outta you, Captain."

"Please, Jack," said Ganz as he started to run when Jack gave chase. "I honestly didn't touch her."

"Oh, so it's touching now," he said as he playfully unsheathed his sword. "You'll answer to my sword."

"Jack, please stop it."

Suddenly, Ganz felt himself bump into someone. As he fell onto his rump, he looked up to apologize to the one he bumped into.

"I am most sorry, I…" he apologized.

"Oh, shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, SHUT UP," sounded a familiar voice. The person wore a green cloak, obviously made with great care and empowered with magical power. His head was crowned with a head of messy brown hair, and on the bridge if his nose, a pair of small glasses rimmed his serious green eyes.

"I was on the verge of discovering the complete solution to the nonhuman biophilic element resonance accumulation principle, yet again. Then you come along and knock me into the ground and shatter my concentration for the second time."

"I'm really sorry, Master Genius," apologized Ganz once again when he recognized the speaker.

"Brother," said a timid voice. "He already apologized. Please don't be so angry."

Ganz looked at the second speaker and saw a young girl, probably fifteen years of age. Her hair, a silvery blond and her eyes were rimmed with huge glasses the size of beer bottles, suggesting her poor eyesight. Judging from the uniform she wore, she was obviously a student from the Vareth institute.

"Wow…," said Jack when caught up to Ganz. "They trained you good at Void… huh, Genius, Leona. What are you guys doing here?"

"Oh, Jack," said Genius. "We were doing some research until we were rudely interrupted."

Looking at Ganz, Ganz figured if looks could kill, Genius would have probably fried Ganz like an egg in the Dichett region.

"What… what are you two doing, if it's alright to ask," asked Leona shyly as she hid behind her book.

"Well, it's a long story," said Jack. "You probably won't want to hear it."

"Actually, we were just going to stop for lunch anyway," said Genius as he sat down against a tree and pulled out a book. "I think we would be quite interested to hear why you two would be in a place like this."

As the four sat down, Jack and Ganz began to relate the story of what had happened to him and Ganz. The defeat of the dragons, Aphelion's falling, the death of Ridley and Gawain, the battle with Tsukiyomi and finally the meeting with Enjela. Genius and Leona listened intently and at the end of the story Leona seemed struck with awe. Genius however seemed rather frustrated with what he heard.

"You idiot," he said as Jack finished. "Have you any idea what you have just done? You just destroyed the very guardians of the cosmic order. It's no wonder the gods are hunting for you."

"Please, brother," said Leona. "Don't be so hard on them."

"Leona, he destroyed the silver dragon who was trying to protect humanity. The amount of knowledge that has been lost with his passing is completely gone. The loss of all that knowledge resulted over the death of a single person doesn't justify the action. Put the two of those on a scale and they barely even tilt to her side."

Jack suddenly grabbed Genius by the collar, his expression nerve wrecking. "If you wish to speak with him so much, I'll just send you there," he said drawing his sword.

"Hey, let go. I didn't mean it that way."

"Please, Jack," begged Leona. "Brother says many things but he doesn't mean any harm. Please don't hurt him."

Jack released his grip on Genius. Genius got up and dusted himself while Leona rushed to his side.

"Let's go, Captain," Jack said.

"Wait," Genius called.

"What do you want?" Jack asked icily.

"Listen, I said many things earlier," Genius said. "Let me come and help you. It's the least I can do."

"I don't need your help."

Genius looked rather dishearten and Ganz felt rather sorry for him. He walked up to Jack who was walking away, a frown etched with pain on his lips.

"Master Jack…" Ganz said.

"Alright, captain," said Jack as if he had read Ganz's thoughts. He stopped and gestured to Genius and Leona to follow.

As they caught up, Genius thanked Jack. "Thank you, Jack. I promised you I'd do everything in my power to help this world. Thank you for letting me keep that promise."

"You keep that promise," Jack said. "I did wish you good luck after all."

"That's right."

Later that night, the group pitched up tent. The stars shone down upon them, taking away the eerie atmosphere of the thick forests of the Dorse region. Jack had volunteered himself to be the first watch that night. Taking his place next to the fire, he looked into the blazing flame that accompanied him on his lonely watch. The fire reminded him of Ridley's fiery insults. How he had hated them at one point but now he longed so much to hear them and Ridley's voice again. Suddenly, Jack heard someone creep up behind him. He as greeted by a familiar figure of the young Vareth professor who had chose to accompany him.

"You should get some sleep," Jack advised. "You're the next watch."

"Listen, Jack," Genius said, his face etched with an expression of guilt. "I am sorry about what I said earlier concerning Ridley. I understand how you must feel."

"Hey, it's okay," comforted Jack. "I know you didn't mean it."

"Thanks," thanked Genius, a smile spreading across his face but his expressions still showed some guilt.

"Hey, Genius, are you alright?" asked Jack.

"Jack, could I send Leona home?" he asked.

"What…"

"She's the only family I have left, Jack," he said as he gently placed his hand on his sister's head. "I don't want her to come because I don't wish her to get hurt."

"The only family you have left. But what about your parents?"

"We're orphans," he said. "Our parents passed away many years ago. My mother experienced complications while in labor and passed away while giving birth to Leona. My father and elder brother died in an accident two years ago."

"I'm sorry," apologized Jack. "I didn't know."

Genius remained silent. As his mind drifted from reality, he began to recall the events that had happened on that fateful day.

"Alright, Leona," said Genius as he looked at his younger sister. "Do you have everything ready? This is your first day and you have to be prepared."

"I'm fine," said his sister smiling. "I got everything ready yesterday."

Genius smiled as he saw his sister decked out in her Vareth uniform for the first time. It was not often that she smiled. Genius could never understand why. It was not her fault that his mother passed away, yet she still took it as her own fault. Due to that event, Leona had become very reserved and quiet.

"Today is your first lecture as a professor, right?" she asked as they walked to the institute.

"Yes, that is correct," he answered.

"Wow, you're so smart, brother," she said. "I wish I could be like you."

"Genius is 1 inspiration and 99 perspiration, Leona," said her brother. "All you need to do is work hard and you'll get there."

"Really?"

"Geniuses don't lie," he said with a smile.

As they arrived at the doors, Leona looked at the institute with excitement. She had always dreamed to be as brilliant as her older brothers and be given the same recognition as them. She aspired to become a great and able technician that would be worth of her parent's praise.

'Mum," she whispered silently, "I'll make you proud of me, I promise."

As the siblings entered, they were greeted by the front desk's receptionist, Roche.

"Good morning, Genius," she greeted. "Are you ready for your first lecture as a professor?"

"Of course, Roche," he replied with confidence.

"Hmm, confident aren't we?" she said as she turned to Leona. "And you must be the new student, Leona. Are you nervous for your first day?"

"I'm okay," she answered timidly.

Roche smiled at the young girl's reaction. "You remind me of when Genius first joined," she said. "He was so small and cute wearing his little uniform, carrying his books and hiding behind his older brother's knees."

Roche and Leona giggled as Genius grew red at the face. "Roche," he said as he tried to change the topic of conversation, "will you be so kind as to show Leona to her classes. We don't want to be late on the first day, do we?"

"Of course," she said as she got up to help Leona. "Right this way, Leona."

Roche then gestured Leona to follow her and lead the way. Leona waved at her brother before following Roche, who at the moment was in the middle of giving Leona the guided tour of the academy. Leona had come her quite often with her father and brothers and therefore, knew the layout of the institute quite well.

"Here we are," she said finally. "This is your classroom. Do your best, Leona."

"Um…thank you," she replied as she walked in.

Looking inside, she saw a girl with red hair, tied into two buns. She wore glasses almost as thick as hers and her face was decorated with freckles.

"Um… is this seat taken?" she asked as she approached the girl.

"No, it's not," she replied with a smile. "Please feel free to sit down."

"Thank you," she thanked. "Um… My name is Leona Weissheit."

"My name is Marietta," replied the girl. "Pleased to meet you, Leona."

As the two began to talk with each other, Cecil entered the class. All that day, Leona felt that she was having the best time of her life. All the students and professors were very nice to her and everyone wanted to talk to her and get to know her. She didn't want the day to end but at the same time she couldn't wait to get home. Her father and eldest brother were coming back from the research station and promised they were going to cook a feast to celebrate her admittance into the institute and Genius's recent promotion.

"Brother's lecture starts soon," she remembered suddenly. "Maybe I'll take a look…"

Genius walked up to the board, chalk in one hand and a book in the other. "Alright, everyone lets look over the collection of formulas related to the metaphysics of…,"

He then noticed someone standing outside the classroom. Walking up to the person, he recognized it as his sister.

"Leona," he asked quite surprised. "What are you doing here? Don't you have classes?"

"I'm done for today…" she said. "I thought I'd come see you lecturing for while."

"Then in that case, why don't you sit for my class," invited Genius. "It's better than standing and looking in from the outside."

Leona walked in. Eyes turned her way as she entered the class. Genius showed her to an empty seat and as she sat down, she watched her brother give his lessons. Watching him was so inspiring because unlike most professors who would major in certain fields, Genius majored in many fields which made him a master of physics, chemistry, magic, astrology and many more. He had spent his entire life reading and learning and therefore had worked hard to receive the title of the Weissheit family's prodigy. Suddenly, as Genius continued teaching an old man walked in. He wore a red hat of unusual design and a matching red robe. His had very bushy eyebrows that were only outmatched in thickness by his neatly groomed mustache and beard. However, he wore a sad expression on his face.

"Professor Genius, I am afraid I must ask you to end your class a little early today," he said, his voice low. "Something has come up."

"Huh, very well then, Professor Curtis," Genius replied, rather surprised. "Well, everyone I'll see you again tomorrow."

"Leona," the old man called.

Leona turned around quite worried. "Yes…sir," she managed.

"What I have to say," he said. "Well, it concerns the both of you."

"What's wrong, professor?" Genius asked. "Did something happen?"

The old man remained silent. Something in his face and voice hinted that he came bringing bad news. Genius and Leona braced themselves for the news as Curtis began to speak.

"I don't really know how to tell this to the two of you," Curtis started, "but as you recall, your father and brother were conducting research near Fire Mountain. Well, there was a blood orc attack on their research station."

When the mention of blood orcs came into the conversation, the two siblings began to expect the worst.

"They are all right, right?" asked Leona worriedly. "Father and brother, they are okay, aren't they?"

"We sent reinforcements to the station to help them after receiving the distress signal but… they arrived too late. It… brings me… great grief to say this but… they are no longer with us any more…"

Genius felt his entire body going numb as the fact hit. Both his brother and father were dead. Try as he might he couldn't seem to move his body at all.

He tried to open his mouth to speak but the words wouldn't come. Suddenly he heard Leona's voice, small and frail.

"No…it's not… true," she said as she fell down to the ground.

With all his effort, Genius quickly moved to stop his sister's fall.

Later that day, Genius continued to look over his sister who lay in bed in the infirmary. She had been unconscious for almost two hours. Thinking back on Curtis's words, he still couldn't believe that they were gone. His fist clenched tightly as he tried to hold back the tears that defiantly tried to escape his grief stricken eyes. Finally, Leona began to stir, alerting her worried brother.

"Brother…" she called.

"Hey…" he answered.

"Where are we?" she asked as she noticed the unfamiliar surroundings.

"We're at the Vareth's infirmary," he told his sister.

"I had the worst dream…" she said as she sat up.

Genius heart began to sink when he realized that he was going to break this heart breaking news to his dear sister.

"I dreamt that Father and Brother died in accident. I was in the class when Professor Curtis told us that they passed away. Thank goodness it was just a dream."

Genius remained silent, unable to say a word because of the grief he was experiencing and the impending grief he was going to face once Leona learned the truth.

"Come on," she said with a smile, pulling his hand. "It was just a dream; you don't have to be upset. Come on, Father and Brother are going to be cooking us a feast tonight. They said they were coming home early today."

Taking his sister's hand as she tried to walk out the door, he said grievously, "Leona, they're not going to be there."

"Why not, did something come up?"

Genius looked away, unable to look his sister in the eye. His lips couldn't bring themselves to break the news to her, especially when she seemed so happy just a few minutes ago, completely oblivious to the terrible news that awaited her. However, Genius's silence had said all the words he wanted to tell Leona and now the eyes that had shone with happiness became heavy with grief and tears.

"No… please," she said as the tears began to wet her cheeks. "Please brother… don't tell me they are…"

Genius nodded his head, confirming Leona's gravest fears.

"Liar," she muttered as the tears began to roll. "You said geniuses don't lie… they are not dead. I know it."

"Leona…" he said as he reached out to calm his sister who was weeping uncontrollably in a corner. Leona slapped his hand away, her eyes bloodshot red because of the continuous crying. Genius was taken aback by Leona's sudden reaction and drew his hand away but Leona, after seeing the tears from her brother's worried green eyes, crawled up to him, her face weeping tears on his chest. Wrapping his arms around his sister's sobbing form, Genius felt a great pain in his heart, not only due to the loss of his family but that despite his knowledge and power, he could do nothing to soothe the pain his sister was experiencing.

"Leona," he promised silently that day, "never again, if it is my power, will I let you cry like this again. I will get stronger and protect you. I promise you…"

"It was the day I became a professor at Vareth and Leona's first day as a student at Vareth," he said as he returned from his past memories. "They were attacked by blood orcs at the research station they used to work at."

"Genius…"

"Leona had always blamed herself for Mother's death. That was why she became so reserved and timid. When she enrolled into Vareth, I was happy because she was so excited and happy that day, beaming so joyfully that morning…"

Jack remained silent. He didn't realize that those two siblings had been hurting so much.

"Then, later that day, Curtis came to see us. He told us what had happened and I couldn't believe it at first. I couldn't believe it that tit resulted in me being completely unable to move or say anything. That great was my shock. But Leona… when she heard the news, she fainted and fell to her feet. When we brought her to the infirmary, she woke up and had forgotten all what she had heard and thought it was just a bad dream. I felt my heart sink when I saw her smile, oblivious to our family's death. When I did tell, she cried so much that the tears wouldn't come out anymore. As I held her in my arms, I began to blame myself for my inability to do anything to help her. It was that fateful day that I promised myself I would never let her cry like that again."

After Genius had finished his story, Jack started to think. Genius had good reason to send his sister back to Radiata, yet something about that choice of action didn't sit well with Jack. Had roles been changed and the roles were played by him and Adele, if he knew his sister was going somewhere that might invite trouble, he would have followed her. Adele would probably have to tie him up with chains if she wanted to go alone.

"You know, Genius," Jack said as he began to voice his opinion. "I am an orphan as well. I never met my father and my mother died when I was still young. My older sister took care of me and just like Leona; my sister is the only family I have. I guess, maybe that's why I can understand what you're saying. But, as a younger sibling, if I knew my sister was in trouble I would do everything to help her."

"That is exactly what I am doing," said Genius.

"You said you didn't want to make Leona cry, Genius. But what if you died, Genius?" he asked. "Don't you think she would be sad? If my sister died and I knew I could have been there for her, I would never forgive myself."

Genius took in Jack's words, drinking in the advice held within the words. It was true what he had said and Genius would not have his sister experience the same grief twice.

"I have decided, Jack," he said after a lengthy pause. Jack looked up to hear what he had to say.

"I am sorry, Jack. I can't keep my promise to you. Although I want to see you all the way through, my promise to my sister is more important. We will go our separate ways tomorrow."

His hand fell on his slumbering sister's head, but then he realized that Leona was trembling. His fingers felt warm water wetting her cheeks.

"Leona…" called Genius with surprise when he realized his sister was awake. Jack got up and walked away, signaling to Genius that he was going to give them some privacy.

"Hey, what's wrong, Leona?" asked Genius.

"I'm sorry, brother," she apologized in between her tears. "I know I am just a burden to you but please don't let me be the reason to stop you from going."

"Leona…"

"I heard… all you said, earlier and it's not… your fault," she stuttered. "I always… depend on you, so…please let me come so I can help you. I don't care if I get hurt or die… I just want to help you."

Leona then felt her brother's arm sling over her shoulder. She looked up and saw her brother's caring eyes, the same ones he wore whenever she was in trouble or experiencing problems.

"First of all," he said. "You're not a burden. You're my sister and we are partners, okay?"

Leona nodded her head in response to her brother's question.

"Secondly, don't ever say you want to die. I'd feel very sad if you did, do you understand?"

Leona nodded her head again, wiping away her tears with her hands. Genius then brought his right hand, his pinky finger extended.

"Promise me, Leona," he said. "When we go to the Dragon Lair Cave, we won't let each other die, okay?"

Leona smiled as she entwined her pinky over her brother's. "Alright, "she said, still sniffling. "It's a Pinky swear."

Chapter 2 End