Sever All Ties
Chapter Twenty Two: Complications
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.
The next hours ran together for Jack. Everything seemed to happen at once. When Ridley sank into his arms, he immediately knew that something was wrong. From the look he had seen on her face, he knew that she was not suffering from typical sickness or exhaustion. As he caught her, Jack had cried out for help. He and Gawain had gently carried her into the Fort's anteroom (which also functioned as its infirmary), and laid her on a makeshift bed. They had barely relinquished their hold on the young girl before she sprang to life. Ridley began to convulse violently. Her entire body shuddered, and she appeared as if she were being shaken by invisible hands. These spasms became worse, and began to be accompanied by soft moans, which escaped from her pursed lips. Jack felt helpless, watching as her shaking worsened steadily. It crushed him to watch her in obvious pain, and be unable to help. He called her name more than once, imploring her to be strong and best whatever she was up against. If Ridley heard his words, she gave no outward sign. Once, Jack did take a moment to look behind him, and was grateful for what he saw. Sir Gawain had ushered all of the others out of the room, so that the three humans and Lord Zane were the only ones present. Gawain had positioned himself close to the door, and was watching Ridley closely. He appeared deeply troubled by her present condition. Zane stood in the center of the room, and wore a look of fascination as he gazed at the young girl before him. Jack had seated himself beside Ridley, determined that he should be at her side to do anything he could. He continued to feel frustrated and helpless, wondering what he could do for her. Turning around, he gave Zane a questioning look.
"What's happening to her," Jack asked. His voice was full of concern.
"It's not what's happening to her," Zane said cryptically. "It's what's happening to them."
"What," Jack wondered aloud.
"Her body's response to the transpiritation ritual," Zane answered. "Transpiritation is typically performed by transferring the undying spirit of an elf into a new body. However, in this case, the body was not vacant. For the past months, both Ridley's soul and Hap's have been simultaneously contained within her body. This arrangement cannot work over any real period of time. Two souls cannot simply divide a body. One must be in control. Right now, Ridley and Hap are struggling to control Ridley's body."
"I don't understand," Jack began. "If two souls can't inhabit the same body like that, then how did any of this happen to begin with?"
"Neither of their souls were intact when they were joined," Zane explained. "Both suffered severe and life threatening injuries from the confrontation with the blood orc, and so the transpiritation functioned as a fusion of their souls, which provided enough strength that both could live. But now, both souls have healed and regained their strength. Which means that, internally, they must adapt to each other's presence. It may mean that they will work against each other for dominance, and it may be that they work together for control, I cannot say. This was inevitable. Think of it as a growing pain."
"This isn't the first time something like this has happened," Jack said.
"Really," asked Zane. "Do tell."
"When we were coming back from the mines, through the Ocho Region," Jack started. "We faced her squad. We had to fight the Argent Faucon on that bridge. Ridley broke down on that bridge. She sank to her knees, and I didn't think she would be able to fight at all. But then she destroyed them. Before she attacked her former squad, she began talking in a different language, and her eyes were definitely not hers. Later, she told me that it was Hap; that he had taken control of her body on the bridge. She said that even that wasn't the first time. Each time she lost a little bit more control, she said."
"I see," Zane said, nodding his head as he did. "So Hap tried to take control already. This might not be as simple as I had thought."
"What do you mean," Jack asked.
"Ridley and Hap's opposition is not good," Zane replied. "This sort of conflict can destroy the body from the inside out."
"Meaning…" Jack inquired.
"Meaning that this might be a growing pain that neither of them survives," Zane concluded.
Upon hearing these words, Jack seized Ridley's hand in his own and squeezed tightly. He told her once again that she had to overcome whatever she was up against. And, he was immensely pleased to see that her convulsions had diminished in frequency and severity. He continued to stay by her side, determined to be there when she came through. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, her eyelids drew back, exposing her brilliant green eyes.
"Jack," Ridley said, softly. She squeezed his hand, though her grip was not strong at all.
"Hey," Jack replied. "It's good to have you back."
"I'm…ugh…not sure I'm back," Ridley said. As she spoke, her body tensed, and her grip on Jack's hand was suddenly like iron. "I'm trying to stay in control, but I don't know how long I can hold out."
"Just hold on," Jack said confidently. "I know you can. I won't let you go."
Jack heard movement, and turned his head just in time to see Gil enter the room. The light elf's countenance was darker than usual. After glancing at Jack and Ridley, he went to Zane.
"Gil, where is Lord Parsec," Zane asked.
"Lord Zane," Gil began. "After confronting Aphelion, Lord Parsec was attacked."
"What," Zane exclaimed. Everyone listened intently as Gil explained.
"The silver dragon, Aphelion, is living as a human in Radiata Castle," said Gil. "After Lord Parsec met with him, the Radiata Knights were dispatched to attack him. Lord Parsec had to abandon his human form and become the fire dragon; even this strength was not enough. He was wounded, but managed to escape. Even now, the Radiata Knights are going to Fire Mountain to finish their task."
"I see," Zane said pensively. "We cannot allow this. Someone must go to Lord Parsec's aid. Jack Russell, you should go."
"No," Jack said flatly. "I'm staying here with Ridley. She needs me."
"Jack," Ridley said, making sure to speak before Zane could. "You have to go. I'll be all right, and Lord Parsec needs you."
"I won't leave you like this," Jack replied.
"I'll be fine," Ridley said, smiling weakly. "I don't want anyone else to die for my weakness."
"All right," Jack said resolutely. "I'll go."
Jack got to his feet, and walked out of the room. As he did, both light elves left as well. However, Jack was pleased to see that Gawain entered the room as they left. He was not leaving Ridley completely alone. When Jack entered his room, he moved with a purpose. He quickly gathered the items he would need, and prepared to leave. The sooner he left, the sooner he could get back. As he turned to depart, Gil entered the room.
"I will accompany you, if you like," Gil said simply.
"Thanks, but no thanks," Jack said. The elf gave him a quizzical look. "This is something I've got to do by myself."
"I'm afraid I never will understand humans," Gil said, shaking his head. "Just don't get yourself killed."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine," Jack replied.
"The quickest way to Fire Mountain is to use the Journey Pig to get to the goblin city of Shangri La, then travel into the Dichett Region from there."
"I know," said Jack. "But, I'm starting in the Adien Region."
"Why, that will take longer," Gil said. "Time is of the essence."
"How much time do they have on me," Jack asked. "How long has it been since was he attacked?"
"An hour, two maybe," Gil said.
"They couldn't have gotten very far," Jack replied. "It would have taken some time to get their forces together, and they would be traveling on foot. If I move fast, I can come up and attack them from behind."
"A bold move," Gil proclaimed. "But it could work. Speed and the element of surprise will be to your advantage. Good luck, Jack."
"Thanks," Jack said.
Both left the room, and Jack prepared to leave the Fort. As he walked by the room Ridley was in, he saw that she was, once again, taken by convulsions. It was all Jack could do not to run to her side, but he knew that he had a task to complete. Gawain was with her, and he had to go to Fire Mountain. As he walked through the Fort, Dyvad stopped him.
"I've finished that weapon for you, lad," the dwarf said.
"That's great," Jack replied. "It looks like I'll get a chance to use it. What did you make?"
"How are you with a spear," asked Dyvad.
"Not too bad," Jack answered.
"Good," Dyvad said with a nod. He reached down and brought forth a spear, which he offered to Jack. The dark haft led up to two small side blades, which gave way to a long, aqua colored blade. It was well balanced, and felt good in his hands.
"It's very nice," Jack said, admiring the workmanship.
"I heard you were going to Fire Mountain, so I forged the Deep Lance," said Dyvad. "Its cold blade will fend off the creatures you'll face there."
"The Deep Lance," Jack said, feeling the blade. It was, indeed, cold to the touch. "Dyvad, thank you."
"The pleasure was all mine," the dwarf replied. "There's nothing I enjoy more than working with ore of that quality. Use it well, lad."
"I will," Jack said simply. "I'm sure it'll get used. I'll have need of more than one weapon, I'm sure."
"Really," Dyvad asked.
"Yeah," Jack said. "When you're going it alone, you can't take chances. I can't afford to be caught unarmed."
"I agree," Dyvad said, with a nod of approval. "Good luck, Jack."
"Thanks," Jack said. "I'll need it."
With these sobering words hanging in the air, Jack turned and walked out of the Fort. He was certain that more than one of his comrades spoke to him as he passed by, but he didn't hear them, or comprehend. He was focused solely on the task at hand. He would have to act fast if he hoped to accomplish his objective. The fire dragon was a big prize, and not one that Radiata was going to let go easily. He was certain that they would be using every available resource to hunt down Parsec. Jack was determined to succeed, no matter what the cost. He would not allow them to succeed.
Approaching the Journey Pig, Jack began to visualize the Adien Region. As he saw the gates to Radiata, the rolling green grass, and all of the trees, he steeled himself for the difficulties he knew lay ahead of him. When he arrived just outside the city, Jack didn't see anyone around, which meant that he was either ahead of Radiata's strike force, or behind them. Hoping that the former was true, he began running down the road that led to the Dorse Region.
Vegeta26: That's all for Chapter 22. I hope everyone enjoyed it. I should warn you all that I will be taking a few creative liberties in the Fire Mountain storyline, which will (I hope) enhance the story. Nothing really radical, but still interesting. Anyway, I hope you all will tell me what you thought of this chapter. Later.
aphelion6: To beat the Ethereal Queen, you'll need a strong party (all in the 90s, if not 99). Without knowing which side you picked, it's hard to choose a party. Valkyrie is definitely a plus. Hope to hear from you again.
Light of the Demons: The Parsec rescue is going to be lots of fun to write, because it's so action-oriented. These next few chapters should be fun. Can't wait to see what you think.
Passionate-melody: I thought the Jack/Ridley moment was a nice contrast to the traditional downtime that follows the completion of a mission. Additionally, it worked pretty well into the storyline, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity. I hope you liked it, and that you'll continue to read.
reign1990: Glad you're enjoying the story. Have you played through the non-human side of the game? I'm looking forward to hearing from you again.
: I guess I did leave a little bit of a cliffhanger. Although, in all fairness, it was pretty much straight from the game. Hopefully you'll let me know what you thought.