Sever All Ties

Chapter Twenty: The Triton Squad

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.

As the walls of Radiata came into view, Jack got his first glimpse of their next opponents. Alicia and Dennis of the Triton Squad were standing on the path in front of them. Neither of the Vancoor Warriors moved as Jack and Ridley closed the distance. Their deliberate steps brought them steadily closer to their new adversaries. Only when the two members of the Triton Squad put their hands on their weapons, did Jack and Ridley stop. For several long moments, the warriors simply stared at one another, all four with hands on their weapons. None made a move. After a moment, Alicia took her hand off of the hilt of her sword. She gave Jack one of her warm, knowing smiles before speaking.

"It's been a long time Jack," said Alicia.

"That it has," Jack said. His hand, however, stayed on his sword.

"Things have been pretty dull without you at the Guild," Alicia said.

"I'm sure they have," Jack replied. "I've missed you too. I've missed all of you."

"I hate knowing what's going to come next Jack," Alicia said, trying to keep her smile in place. "You're one of the people I feel the closest to, and I would do anything to keep from facing you here. Is there any way I can convince you to come back to Radiata?"

"I don't like this any more than you do," Jack said levelly. "And no, I won't come back."

"I was afraid you'd say that," Alicia said. Her smile dissolved into an expressionless gaze. "And I was so certain you were the one who would carry on the Legacy of my ancestor Alfred."

"I'm sorry, but I can't," Jack said, hanging his head. "You've been pretty quiet over there Dennis."

"I always have been," Dennis said simply. "My blade will speak for me."

"Fair enough," Jack said. His gaze never dropped as he drew his blaze saber. Both Alicia and Dennis drew their weapons as well.

"Jack, let's end this," Ridley said calmly at his side. Her blaze axe was held firmly in her hands.

"Right," said Jack. "I'll take Alicia, and you take Dennis. He's a great swordsman, and fast, so stay on your toes. This is the Triton Squad, third best in the Guild, so don't underestimate them. This may be one of our toughest fights so far. It will certainly be mine."

"Just like old times," Alicia said, smiling and drawing her Sylph Edge. This brought Jack's focus back to their opponents. The tip of Alicia's sword was pointed at Jack.

"Yeah, old times," Jack said with a smile. His sword was held up and pointed at Alicia

"Ready," Alicia asked, poised to attack.

"Go," Jack exclaimed. As the words left his mouth, he and Alicia simultaneously lunged at one another. As their swords locked, Jack spared one glance for Ridley.

Dennis adroitly parried Ridley's first axe stroke. The small protrusions of his Psycho Edge seemed made for deflecting larger weapons. Ridley's attacks continued, but were blade was constantly deflected by the extra width of his sword. Finally, Dennis decided to take the offensive. He managed to catch the haft of Ridley's axe with his sword, and then pushed her back. While she was falling back, he rushed forward to strike. Ridley planted her feet and braced for the attack, but barely had time to get her bearings before he made contact. Dennis' sword hammered into her axe blade, and she was actually forced to give ground. Ridley was having difficulty keeping up with Dennis' probing sword strokes. An accidental misstep resulted in a neat cut on her arm, and the next gave her a slash mark on her hip. Ridley was frustrated at her inability to attack. This was compounded by the fact that she could not fend off his attacks. If she was going to win, something would have to change. As she backed up, Ridley mentally picked a stopping point. Just as her foot touched it, she pushed off and charged forward. Back on the attack, she swung her axe quickly and efficiently. Her moves forced Dennis to fall back. He could not block all of her axe strokes, and was forced to dive out of the way. As he was rising, her weapon smashed into the ground next to him. He had narrowly avoided the attack.

However, she was not going to let him get away. As Dennis rose, she ran into him, hitting him with her shoulder and knocking him to the ground. This time, when her axe came down, he could not roll out of the way fast enough. As he was moving, her blade clipped his leg, leaving a moderately deep cut near his right ankle. Dennis was shaky as he got to his feet. However, by the time he began running toward her, he was stable. Ridley knew that he had to be weakened, though, and tried to take advantage of that weakness. As overhead stroke came down, he brought his blade up to block it. Her attack altered slightly at the last moment, though. She hit his sword at an angle, and sent it flying from his hands. As he scrambled to pick up the weapon, Ridley prepared what she knew would be the final move of their fight.

"Wild Pitch," she cried, spinning in a circle as she did. Utilizing centrifugal force, she hurled her axe at Dennis. Just as the Corporal from Vancoor stood up, Ridley's weapon connected. The blaze axe struck a devastating blow, cutting through Dennis' sword, and burying itself in his chest. A single groan came from underneath his helm as he staggered backward.

"Miss Alicia," Dennis gasped. Jack and Alicia's duel had halted, and the Triton Squad's Sergeant was running to her subordinate. "Miss…Alicia…I've…failed you."

"No, Dennis," Alicia soothed. She gradually knelt down, laying Dennis on his back as she did. "You were fantastic. It's been an honor for me to work with you."

"The honor…was mine," Dennis said with labored breath. When Alicia stood and began to walk back toward Jack, he surprised her by lowering his weapon and walking past her. Jack knelt next to Dennis.

"I'm sorry it had to end this way, friend," Jack said, clasping Dennis' hand.

"Such is…life," Dennis said, nodding his head to Jack.

"Indeed," Jack replied. He relinquished his grip, and brought his saber up again. "I believe we have unfinished business, Alicia."

"So we do," said Alicia.

"Ridley," Jack began. "I'll be with you in a moment. As soon as this is finished."

"You hope," Alicia interjected.

"Something like that," Jack answered. With that, the two combatants rushed at each other again.

Ridley had been so engrossed in her battle with the Triton Squad's Corporal, that he hadn't watched its Sergeant. However, she soon saw just what Alicia was capable of. She wasn't entirely sure what she expected of one of Vancoor's top five swordsmen, but was amazed by what she saw. Both combatants moved so fast that they seemed to be floating, their feet barely coming to rest on the ground before they moved again. Spinning and whirling, they moved quickly, to attack and counterattack. Their swords moved like lightning as well, Jack's heavier blaze saber keeping pace with Alicia's Sylph Edge. The blades of these weapons would touch only for an instant, and their wielders were already looking for the next opening. For an instant, Jack was on the offensive. Alicia blocked three strokes before parrying the fourth and counterattacking. Suddenly, Jack found himself defending, and he managed to deflect a series of well-placed attacks. He spun a full circle and let Alicia step past him, but she recovered so quickly that he had no opportunity to take advantage of the opening. As if they were following some unseen set of signals, both warriors slowed down. Weapons at the ready, they began to circle one another and look for openings. Their eyes were locked, and they were constantly moving.

"Just like old times," Jack said with a grin that didn't touch his eyes.

"Old times indeed," Alicia replied, smiling as she caught her breath. "I've missed this. It's almost sad that I'll have to end it."

"Funny," said Jack. "You've never been able to beat me before."

"The stakes were never this high," Alicia answered. "I can't lose to you this time."

"And I can't lose to you," Jack concluded.

Still following the unobserved signals, both combatants rushed forward simultaneously. Their blades clashed, and they were instantly moving again. It seemed to Ridley that both knew exactly where the other's sword would be. When Alicia swung her sword, Jack's was always right where it needed to be; Alicia also seemed to meet Jack's blade right after he swung it. Their speed continued to astound her as their blades connected over and over. Their footwork was so intricate that the battle seemed to her an elegant dance. She gasped audibly as Alicia attempted a powerful thrust, and sighed when Jack turned it aside. The former Vancoor Sergeant began another series of attacks, while his predecessor continued to avoid and deflect his blade. The nature of the battle was obviously beginning to change. Sweat had adorned both of their brows for quite some time, but both had still seemed relaxed. Now, they were growing visibly tense. Both were growing more and more serious, their smiles fading as the corners of their mouths tightened. The force with which they attacked was becoming noticeably greater. Ridley began to grow concerned. No opponent yet had been able to read Jack in this fashion. No battle had taken this long to end. He needed to turn the tide, but Alicia's defenses seemed nearly impenetrable. As Jack attempted a particularly powerful attack, his opponent even somersaulted into the air to avoid his blade. As the Triton Squad's Sergeant came down, she launched an aerial attack. When Jack repelled this attack, Alicia barely kept her feet. Reflexively, she brought her sword up, barely managing to deflect Jack's oncoming attack. Finally finding an opening, Jack began a chain of devastating attacks. His first, a rising slash, cut into her left leg, while the second crossed her chest and also hit her right arm. As he finished his stroke, Alicia's weapon was knocked out of her hand. Jack skillfully caught it by the hilt in his left hand. His final attack was to strike her with his elbow and knock her to the ground. When Alicia tried to rise, she saw that his sword was pointed directly at her.

"It's over," he said. "Those cuts may be superficial, but I'd hate to have to add any more. Admit defeat, Alicia."

"Well, I don't have a weapon," Alicia began. "So I guess I'm defeated."

"You went for too much," said Jack. "You shouldn't have tried 'Swan's Descent'."

"I had to do something," Alicia replied, grinning sheepishly. "It was the first real opening I had seen in quite some time. You have to take risks in order gain rewards, Jack. I would have thought that you, of all people, would know that."

"I do," Jack answered. "But your risk has to pay off, too."

"Too true," Alicia said. Her smile faded. "So, what now? Will you kill me, as you did the others?"

"No," he said, offering her the hilt of her sword. Alicia and Ridley both gave him looks of disbelief. "Take Dennis' body back with you and go back to Radiata. Tell the Chief to give this up. Tell everyone to give this up. Nothing good will come of fighting like this."

"I suppose that's true," Alicia said as she sheathed her weapon. "But you can't think that today will change anything."

"It probably won't," Jack replied. "But there's nothing wrong with trying."

Alicia strode over to Dennis' body and removed Ridley's axe. She tossed the weapon to its owner, who caught it by the haft. It took Alicia a moment, but she was finally able to lift Dennis' body and start toward the city. Jack and Ridley stood motionless as she walked away. The Vancoor Sergeant turned to face them just before she was out of earshot. Her infectious smile was back.

"After all this time, I still don't have any of your blood on my sword, Jack," she said.

"Better luck next time," Jack replied.

"Don't think there won't be a next time," Alicia said as she turned and continued walking toward Radiata. Jack turned to look at Ridley.

"Let's go home, shall we," he asked. Ridley's expression was unreadable, but she nodded her head.

The two young warriors strode calmly to the Journey Pig, both forming a mental picture of Fort Helencia in their minds. When they arrived, the rear lawn of the Fort was deserted, except for Gil. No one was outside training, and the light elf seemed to be composing a poem. When Jack and Ridley appeared, he carefully put down his writing supplies and came to greet them. He looked pleased to see them.

"Well, I guess I won't have to write about your deaths after all," Gil said cheerfully. "I wasn't looking forward to starting, so I'm glad you showed up."

"Funny, Gil," Jack replied.

"Yes, I would think so too," Gil answered. "Except I was serious."

"What do you mean," Ridley asked.

"Well, you two have now taken twenty-eight hours for what should have been approximately a three hour task," said Gil. "I'm referring to your scouting of Earth Valley, of course. When you hadn't returned last night, Lord Zane dispatched me to complete your task and see if I could find you. Sir Gawain was also at Earth Valley searching for you. It soon became apparent that a battle had taken place inside Earth Valley. However, when you could not be found, we feared the worst. The two of you should report to Lord Zane. He and Sir Gawain are both going over strategy as we speak."

"We'll go right away," Ridley said. With that, the two humans excused themselves and entered the Fort. Jack stopped momentarily to deliver Dyvad's ore. The dwarf blacksmith thanked the boy. Leaving Dyvad to his work, they hurried to the meeting room, where they saw both Zane and Gawain poring over a map. Neither looked pleased.

"Somebody in here wanted a scouting report, I believe," Jack announced boldly. Gawain and Zane instantly looked up.

"You're alive," Gawain exclaimed.

"Never better," Jack replied.

"A little worse for the wear," Ridley said.

"What were you thinking," Zane demanded, looking first at Jack, then at Ridley. "I asked for a simple scouting report, not a battle!"

"We snuck inside to try to get an accurate count of their numbers," Jack began. "We were discovered, and had to fight our way out; or, in. We escaped through the mines and into the Ocho Region."

"So you're responsible for that too," Zane looked dumbfounded. "You two have overstepped your prerogative. If we are going to win this war, we must be concise. We must communicate, and be sure of ourselves before we attack. You have no idea what you did to our plans."

"Helped them," Jack said simply. Zane glared at him. "We accomplished more in a single night than you have in a month."

"You insolent human," Zane roared. "I am in command here, and I will not tolerate insubordination from you."

"Enough," Gawain said firmly, stepping in between the two of them. "They did what they had to do to survive, Zane. I they were caught inside Earth Valley, than they didn't have much choice. What's done is done, and while our plan will certainly need reworking, we are still in a strong position. As for why they were inside Earth Valley to begin with, that certainly needs to be addressed. And, Jack knows better now. I'm sure this will be the last problem like this, won't it Jack?"

"Yes, it will," Jack said, showing some deference. He was grateful that Gawain had stuck up for him.

"Let us hope so," Zane said. "Though, their loss of forces may prove beneficial. You two may go now."

Thankful that they were free to leave, Jack and Ridley quickly left the room. They broke apart in the hallway, Ridley retiring to her room, and Jack to his. He deposited his sword by the foot of his makeshift bed, and stretched out on his back. The events of the last couple of days swirled in his head. After Zane's tirade, Jack's confidence was slightly shaken, and he was wondering if he had made the right choice. He was still lost in thought when Gawain knocked on the frame of his door, indicating that he wished to come in. Jack motioned the older man in, and sat up to face him. Gawain pulled up a wooden crate (one of Jack's makeshift chairs) and seated himself beside Jack's bed. The Lion of the West wore a concerned, thoughtful expression. They sat for a while, neither saying a thing. Then, Gawain spoke.

"So, what happened boy," he asked.

"I screwed up," Jack said with a sigh. "Ridley thought the scouting report from the outside good enough, and I wanted more detailed information from inside. I knew they wouldn't be expecting it, so I thought we'd be fine. I sort of also told Dyvad we'd get him some ore."

"So that's what that was about," Gawain said with a laugh. "He was all excited about something. You tried to complete two tasks at once?"

"Exactly," Jack said. "And it obviously didn't work out."

"I don't know about that," Gawain said enigmatically. "You did Zane more of a favor than he let on. It'll all work out for the best, I think. What troubles him, and what troubles me, is that you don't seem to consider how much is on the line before you act. You've got to start to use your head a little more. Not after the fight has already begun, but before it begins. Understand?"

"I do," Jack answered. "I'll do my best."

"Good," Gawain replied, rising to his feet and starting for the door.

"Hey, Sir Gawain," Jack said, holding out his hand to stop the older man. Gawain stopped and turned to face Jack. "I don't know exactly what they're up to, but we ran into way more Vareth Mages in Earth Valley than we should have. I think they're up to something."

"I see. I'll make sure Lord Zane is informed," Gawain said, nodding his head. "Now, before I forget, we're having a big dinner tonight. Everyone in the Fort. Lord Parsec is returning."

"I'll be there," Jack said. "What news do you think he'll bring? Will we have to continue fighting?

"I'm not sure," said Gawain. "But it doesn't change what you have to do. Stay alive, boy. You and Ridley both. I won't have either of you dying."

The elder man smirked as he walked out of the room, leaving Jack alone with his thoughts. The young swordsman laid down again, and continued thinking about the conflict he was engulfed in, and how his actions had helped and hindered progress. He was still mulling these thoughts over when he heard a second knock on his doorframe. When he looked up, Ridley was standing in the space Gawain had occupied only minutes before. He motioned for her to enter, pointing to the chair Gawain had taken. Jack sat up once again, looking at Ridley, whose face seemed troubled.

Vegeta26: Well, this one came up pretty quick. That's what happens when I get a three-day weekend. Thanks again to all of the people who continue to read and review. Be sure to let me know what you think of this chapter. Goodbye until next time.

Light of the Demons: Not exactly. Ridley knew that she could not control her body, and was aware that Hap had control of it. What she didn't remember is what Hap did while he had control over it. Great to hear from you again, and I hope you're enjoying the story.