Sever All Ties
Chapter Nine: Repercussions
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.
When Jack's fight with the monks from Olacion began, his three companions were all watching. As soon as Jack had signaled for them to stop, Gil had taken a seat under a nearby tree to watch the inevitable conflict. The light elf even went so far as to bring forth his writing supplies, to record any major happenings. Mikey first looked as if he would join Gil, but instead contented himself with kneeling in the grass to see what would happen. Ridley stood rooted to the spot where she had stopped, staring intently at the combatants. All three strained their ears to hear the words that were exchanged. However, they were unable to hear anything due to the distance between themselves and the fighters. When the battle did start, all three became quickly focused on the combat. Each was lost in their own thoughts.
'Jack's footwork is exceptional,' Gil noted. 'He's quick, and has a good understanding of where the next attack will come from. He always keeps his balance, and stays centered. Aggressive enough to press the advantage, but smart enough not to over-commit. Fighting multiple people doesn't hinder him at all. Watch that attack formation. They're vulnerable when they cross. Excellent move. Now strike while they're…good. It's all down hill from here. I still can't believe he's going to finish them. This young human is truly impressive. There's no hesitation, and no compassion. Or is there? This conversation with the dying girl is unnecessary. So, the other one's still alive? Why does he need to speak with her too? He is still soft. Ending her misery is a kindness he shouldn't grant. Oh well, it was still an impressive display of power.'
'He's fast,' Mikey was amazed. Jack had closed the distance to his opponents with surprising speed. 'He already has them on the defensive. They won't be able to use their advantage of numbers if he keeps them apart. That's their only chance. Jack never lets his opponents have an opportunity to attack. He's ruthlessly efficient. I don't know how he can face his friends like this. I could never bring myself to fight against Coco or Franz, or any of my friends. Jack's not only fighting them. But he's also finishing them off. Why is he doing it? I know Lord Zane will need his help, and he's certainly helped us, but Jack's bringing this upon himself. Is he going to kill these girls as well? He is changing.'
'Come on Jack,' Ridley silently screamed. 'Hold on. You can do this. You have to. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're a lot different then you were when we joined the knights. Not just in terms of ability, either. You were so immature and foolhardy. But now, it's almost as if you've done a complete reversal. Even in the last few days, you've changed so much. The seriousness you fight with, the determination, it's amazing. But where did it come from? I don't even remember seeing this in you while you were at the warrior guild. You've done better than I have. I don't know how you manage to face your friends like this, that's more than I could do. Well, it looks like the fight's over. She's still alive? Those girls are tough. Jack! What is he doing?!'
Picking his sword up, Jack looked down at Miranda. Numbness overcame him, and he felt a great amount of pain building up inside of himself. Looking across the crimson stained grass, he shook his head. It was terrible, having to face them. Jack turned to where his friends were waiting, and motioned for them to come forward. Looking down at the young healer, Jack thought back to all of the times he had asked her to mend his wounds after a Vancoor mission. Eventually, she had simply decided to accompany him. Of course, she could only come when she wasn't studying under Master Godwin. She had been skilled, both as a healer and a fighter.
"If there had been any way to avoid this," Jack began. "You know I would have done so. Goodbye Miranda."
He cast one last look at Vitas. She had always had such a strong desire to be the best. He had thought well of her, and the fact that she never gave up. Monkmaster Achilles had known from the start that she would be strong. After Achilles had had Jack test them, Vitas had wanted a rematch, and joined Jack when he defeated her again.
"Achilles was right," Jack said. "You must always be prepared to lose a fight that you enter. You faced death with great courage, Vitas."
As his friends began to catch up, Jack walked ahead, stopping when he came to Alvin's body. The flattened grass behind him showed that Alvin had crawled forward after he had fallen, still trying to help his friends. That was what Master Fernando had liked about Alvin when he had first chosen him: his determination and loyalty. When he had shown the strength he had, it was only natural that he train under Achilles. His strength and determination had both been valuable assets.
"Alvin," said Jack. "I didn't want to face you either. But there was no other way. I chose the path I'm on, and there's no turning back."
As the other three caught up, Jack began to walk on toward Radiata. None of them tried to speak to him, and Jack was not in the mood to talk. He was thankful they fulfilled his unspoken request for silence. Lost in his thoughts, Jack failed to notice the worried look on Ridley's face. When they passed through Nuevo Village, they were fortunate enough not to encounter anyone. The rest of their return journey passed without incident. When they arrived at Lupus Gate, the four warriors continued their evened stride toward the Journey Pig. As they closed on the statue, one of the guardsmen standing at the town's entrance noticed them. He quickly alerted the other men to their presence.
"The non-humans are here," one of them exclaimed.
"The traitors are with them too," another yelled. "Get them."
As the guardsmen ran toward them, Jack pushed Ridley in front of him. She quickly grabbed the statue, and flashed out of sight. Jack rushed onto the bridge, and cut down the first man who approached. The pig flashed again behind him, and Mikey was gone. Slicing down man after man, Jack pushed them all the way to the gate itself. Suddenly, elven air blades flew past his head, and cut down two men in front of him.
"Jack," said Gil. "Fall back."
Jack began stepping backward, never taking his eyes off of the men in front of him. Gil continued to throw his air blades, ensuring that the guards would not charge onto the bridge. When he reached the light elf, they both reached for the Journey Pig. As his hand stretched forth, Jack pictured the entrance to Fort Helencia. He could clearly see the tree, the wall, and even the training dummy on the ground. An instant later, he was standing at the Fort's Journey Pig. Clarence and Serva were in the middle of their daily training, practicing hand to hand fighting that was very similar to the style used by the monks of Olacion. Grigory was also doing his "training," swinging an empty liquor bottle as if it were a weapon. Ignoring these three, Jack immediately looked for Ridley and Mikey. The two were sitting under the tree, and quickly got to their feet at their comrades' appearance.
"Are you okay," Mikey asked.
"Yeah," said Jack. "We're fine."
"Good," Mikey said. "We couldn't tell how many men there were, and you were gone for a while."
"Gil and I can handle ourselves," Jack said coolly.
"As long as you don't bite off more than you can chew," Ridley responded.
"Me," Jack said with a grin. "Never."
"If we're done here, I'll take my leave and report to Lord Zane," Gil said. Jack nodded and the elf glided away.
"I should be heading back too," Mikey said. "Thanks again Jack."
"Hold on a minute," Jack called, running to catch up with the dark elf. "I should be thanking you."
"Why," Mikey asked.
"Because you helped me find the things I was looking for," Jack answered. "I found out that I have the strength to face my friends."
"You always had that," said Mikey.
"Maybe so," Jack said. "The second thing I found was far more important. I discovered a reason to fight. I've always believed in Ridley, and promised to protect her. But now, I have another reason. Finding a solution to this conflict between humans and non-humans. So, thanks for that."
"It was really nothing," Mikey said.
"Not to you maybe," Jack said. "But it means a lot to me."
"Okay," Mikey replied. "See you later."
Offering only a weak smile to Ridley, Jack walked back into the Fort. When she tried to follow, he turned and shook his head. He needed to be alone. Friends and allies greeted him cheerfully, but he ignored them. Dyvad's friendly wave went unnoticed, and Franz's enthusiastic greeting was shrugged off as Jack trudged toward his room. He felt numb to the core. The knowledge of his actions on their trip, while previously evident only in small doses, had just hit him full force. Try as he might, Jack could not seem to close it away permanently. Now, the realization that he had destroyed the lives of some of his dearest friends seemed too much to bear. Entering his room, he let his saber fall carelessly to the side.
Thoughts swirled inside his head, memories of the times he'd spent with his friends. Stretching out on his makeshift bed, he did all he could to clear his mind. Nothing helped. No matter what thoughts he entertained, Jack's mind always returned to the fact that he had destroyed his friends. Even thinking of the good times he had spent with them didn't help. It actually made the problem worse. As he reminisced about the good times, he couldn't help but realize that he was responsible for the fact that there would be no more of those good times. He had shared a special bond with all of the guild members they had killed on their trip to Algandars Castle. The worst part was that there were many more Guild members and battles to come. He could derive a certain amount of solace from the fact that his cause was the right one, but it did little to really make him feel better.
He was still sitting and thinking on this when Sir Gawain entered his room. The Lion of the West was as imposing a figure as ever. The smaller space made him seem even bigger and more prominent. After staring at Jack for a few moments, Gawain seated himself opposite the young warrior. Jack looked up from the floor, and watched Gawain, who was studying Jack. A few long moments later, Gawain spoke.
"So, what did you find in that Castle," he asked.
"Stuff," Jack answered. "A sword, some armor, a phonograph, and the Book of Angels."
"That's not what I meant," Gawain said. "What did you find in the way of an answer to your dilemma."
"The king died of Algandars," said Jack. "He married a human, and that's where the disease comes from."
"It's also where our friends the dark elves come from," Gawain said levelly. "And you haven't told me anything I didn't already know. One more time: What did YOU find in Algandars Castle."
"You don't give up do you," Jack said with a sigh. "I learned that it's possible for humans and non-humans to live together peacefully. That it would be to everyone's benefit to do so. I realized that the side I've chosen is the one who will endeavor to bring about this peace. That I made the right choice."
"It doesn't help, does it," Gawain asked.
"What," asked Jack.
"The knowledge that you've made the right choice doesn't make it any easier to face your old friends," Gawain said.
"No, it doesn't," Jack agreed. "Nor does telling myself there's no other way."
"Unfortunately," Gawain began. "It won't get any easier."
"I don't expect it to," Jack said sternly. "If anything, it'll get harder."
"The fighting," asked Gawain. "Oh, definitely. But, it doesn't have to be as hard on you."
"What do you mean," Jack asked.
"You aren't alone, you know," Gawain replied. "Should you need her, Ridley is there for you."
"No," Jack said quickly. "She has enough to worry about, without adding me to the list."
"But you assume she's not worried already," Gawain said gently. "Maybe she hasn't been oblivious to everything that's happened. Maybe she knows exactly how you're feeling."
"I still refuse to be a burden," said Jack. "I'll handle this myself."
"All right," Gawain said. "But you should at least talk to her. If you don't, you will have chosen wrong."
"What," Jack asked.
"You didn't need anything you learned in Algandars Castle," Gawain replied. "The choice you made was right, because of your motives in making it. You needed no other justification than helping Ridley. All the Castle did was help show you made a correct choice. If you shut Ridley out, you will have rejected your very reason for choosing this path. Allow that to happen, and you will have chosen wrong."
"I see," Jack said. "So, if Ridley and I help each other, we can be that much better?"
"Exactly," Gawain said. "The days ahead are going to be just as tough for you as they are for her. You've helped her shoulder her burden, now let her help you with yours."
"That sounds like a good idea," Jack said, getting to his feet.
Vegeta26: Chapter nine is done. Hope everyone's still enjoying the story. I'm having fun with this one. More action to come, so stick around. In the meantime, you could write a review and let me know what you think (just a suggestion).
MelMuff: Thanks once again for the review. Glad to hear you still like the story. I like to keep it interesting. Hope I'll hear from you again.
Sono Ketsuraku Rinku: I can't really tell you who Jack's going to face without giving away where I'm going with the story. However, I'll say this: I'm not going to kill off everyone. Also, don't worry about your questions bothering me. Ask away!
Blue Persuasion: The scene with the three monks was a tough one to write. It was meant to simultaneously show the physical and mental changes in Jack's character since leaving Radiata. The part at the end with Vitas and Miranda was meant to provoke that measure of sadness (and it sounds like it did).